Local Development Framework

Central Lancashire Core Strategy

Revised Sustainability Appraisal Evidence Gathering

November 2011

Contents

Appendix 1: Review of Relevant Policies, Plans and 1 Programmes and Sustainability Objectives

Appendix 2: Baseline Information 45

Appendix 3: Sustainability Issues and Problems 79

APPENDIX 1 - REVIEW OF RELEVANT POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES

International Plans and Programmes

Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Johannesburg Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Ensure that the Declaration on manage, protect improve health reduce the risks of eradicate poverty improve identified. promote economic identified. principles of Sustainable and enhance care and facilities climate change and equitable transportation and development, Commitment to sustainable Development ecological for all. and improve air society. Achieving access to education and renewable energy development are (2002) resources and quality by a balance services. training in new and energy inherent biodiversity. changing patterns between social, technologies. efficiency. throughout the of lifestyle. environmental and LDF and economic highlighted in objectives. Core Strategy. • Generate Resource Efficiency Key Targets & • New Technology for Renewable Energy Indicators • Increase Energy Efficiency Aarhus Objective to Objective to Objective to Objectives to No specific issues Objective to No key issues No key issues The LDF will Convention ensure ensure that ensure that ensure that identified, ensure information identified, identified. achieve this environmental information is information is information is although linked to is available although refers to through the SCI Directive information is available on available re air available to all and air quality, regarding the built economic and corporately 2003/4/EC available on human health and quality, pollution people are given emissions and and cultural information and through the 2003 issues such as safety. and the opportunities to pollutants. heritage. trends being Sustainable biodiversity, atmosphere. participate. available. Community marine life, Strategy and wetlands, coastal Corporate Plan. areas, etc. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators SEA Directive Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Ensure the 2001/42/EC afford a high level collect baseline collect baseline collect baseline collect information afford a high level collect baseline encourage principle of (Effects of of protection to the information on information on information on on accessibility of protection to the information on sustainable sustainable Certain Plans natural social indicators. environmental social indicators. and measure to built environment. economic regeneration and development is and environment. indicators. encourage more indicators and encourage the re- reflected Programmes on sustainable employment data. use of buildings, throughout the the modes of conversions and LDF and that all Environment) transport. building on plans and previously policies aspire to developed land. protect and conserve the environment from the adverse effects of development. Key Targets & • The Directive must be applied to all plans and programmes that fall within the scope of the Directive. Indicators

1 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Directive Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure 92/43/EEC on conserve and identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. objectives are the protect reflected in the Conservation of biodiversity, Core Strategy to Natural Habitats habitats, protect habitats and of Wild landscapes and and wildlife. Fauna and Flora support (1994) countryside conservation. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Directive Objectives and No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure 79/409/EEC on duty to sustain identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. objectives of the the populations of Directive are Conservation of naturally occurring reflected in the Wild Birds wild birds by Core Strategy to sustaining areas protect birds and of habitats. their habitats. This will help maintain bird populations at ecologically and scientifically sound levels. Key Targets & • Create and maintain protected areas Indicators Ramsar Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure Convention on conserve wetlands identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. objectives are Wetlands of emphasising the reflected in the International provision of Core Strategy to Importance habitats for water protect wetlands. (1971) birds. Key Targets & • Emphasises using instruments and measures to ensure the wise use of wetlands Indicators Directive Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that the 2000/60/EC protect aquatic protect bodies of ensure that identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. principles of the Establishing a biodiversity and water for pollutants don’t Directive are framework for biodiversity which recreational get into reflected Community relies on aquatic purposes. Ensure groundwater throughout the Action in the environments. that human activity resources. LDF. Field of Water This includes is not detrimental Policy inland water, to water transitional waters, resources. coastal waters and ground waters. Key Targets & • No targets or Indicators Indicators 2 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Directive Objective to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objective to No key issues Objective to Objectives to Ensure that the 91/156/EEC on ensure waste prevent/reduce prevent pollutants identified. provide the identified. develop clean achieve the principles of the Waste disposal or the production of as a result of sustainable and technology. recovery of waste Directive are recovery does not waste and its waste disposal. safe transportation by means of noted and have a detrimental harmfulness. of waste. recycling, re-use reflected in the effect upon the or reclamation. LDF, particularly environment. in relation to the safe transportation of waste, its disposal and encouragement to recycle. Key Targets & • Development of clean technology to process waste and promote recycling Indicators Directive Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objective to Ensure that there 99/31/EC on the prevent or reduce prevent or reduce prevent or reduce identified. identified. identified. identified. ensure aftercare is adequate Landfill of Waste the effects on the the effects on the effects on the of sites and protection for the environment from human health environment, i.e. adequate environment and the landfilling of from the landfilling atmospheric maintenance. humans from waste. of waste. pollution, from the landfill and its landfilling of potential waste. hazards. Key Targets & • Reduce the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill to 75% to the 1995 level by 2010 Indicators • Reduce this to 50% in 2013 and 35% by 2020 Directive Objective to Objective to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Ensure that the 96/62/EC on reduce the effect maintain, protect improve air quality identified. reduce the impact identified. ensure business identified. objectives of the Ambient Air of ambient air and reduce the through of traffic on the and industry Directive are Quality pollution on impact on human implementation of environment by benefit from the inherent Assessment and ecology, health resulting Local Air Quality traffic objectives of air throughout the Management ecosystems and from ambient air Management management quality strategies LDF and the wildlife and the pollution. objectives and measures, traffic and that there will Core Strategy natural Strategies to restrictions and be no compliance supports the environment. reduce noxious eliminating lead cost to meet with reduction of emissions into the from petrol. the objectives of climate change. atmosphere. the Directive. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators The Kyoto Objective to Objectives to Objectives to halt Objective to Encourages the No key issues Objective to No key issues Consider how the Protocol (United protect natural improve the climatic change by eradicate poverty. use of more identified. change identified. Core Strategy Nations 2005) resources. quality of life for reducing sustainable unsustainable can contribute to people and future greenhouse gas modes of patterns of the objectives generations emissions and transport. production. and key through cleaner improve air commitments of air. quality. the Declaration. Key Targets & • Sustainable production and consumption Indicators • Production of chemicals in ways that do not lead to significant adverse effects on human health and the environment • Develop integrated water resource management and water efficiency plans by 2005 3 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment European Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Consider how the Spatial ensure the address threats to support more combat poverty improve ensure the promote economic promote Core Strategy Development prudent human health. sustainable and social accessibility and prudent and social renewable energy can contribute to Perspective management of modes of travel, inclusion. efficiency and management of cohesion across resources. the objectives (2001) our natural thereby helping to better public the cultural the European and key resources and reduce the transport systems heritage and nations. commitments of creation of amount of and the usage of landscapes. the Declaration. ecological atmospheric them. networks. pollutants. Key Targets & • There are several indicators and targets relating to various issues concerning the above objectives. Indicators European No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Demonstrate that Directive on identified. reduce the identified. inform and consult identified. identified. identified. identified. the Core Environmental harmful and the public about Strategy will Noise annoying effects noise exposure, assist in 2002/49/EC from the exposure its effects and the addressing the to noise. measures used to activities that address noise. have the potential to generate adverse noise impacts within the Borough. Key Targets & • Plan Objectives should seek to reduce the impact of environmental noise and maintain areas of low noise level, especially within natural open space environments and residential Indicators areas. EU Sixth Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Develop policies Environmental protect nature protect the most improve air quality protect the most identified. identified. identified. ensure the that take account Action Plan conservation and vulnerable in through setting vulnerable in sustainable use of of the Directive Environment biodiversity. society in terms of standards. society. natural resources and sustainability 2010 health and and management objectives that environment. of waste. protect and enhance biodiversity and promote energy efficiency. Key Targets & • An EU wide strategy on waste recycling with a specific target is to reduce the quantity going to final disposal by 20% by 2010 and 50% by 2050. Indicators • Application of air quality standards, with a defined strategy on air pollution. • Set standards for human and environmental health. The Council of No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Develop policies Europe’s identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. protect, conserve identified. identified. that protect ‘Valetta and enhance the architectural Convention’ archaeological heritage. (1992) heritage. Key Targets & • No specific relevant targets or indicators. Indicators

4 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment -The Council of Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Encourage Develop policies Europe’s enhance the identified. identified. increase identified. protect promote training adaptation of that protect ‘Granada environment awareness of architectural for craft skills. buildings for new architectural Convention’ surrounding architectural heritage and uses. heritage. protected heritage in the historic monuments. wider culture. monuments and protect buildings under threat. Key Targets & • No specific relevant targets or indicators. Indicators

5 National Guidance

Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment PPS1: No key issues No key issues No key issues Includes Includes Includes Objectives to Objectives to Ensure the Core Sustainable identified. identified identified objectives on objectives on objectives to provide for promote urban Strategy incorporates Development accessibility & providing an conserve cultural commercial & regeneration and the guiding principles (ODPM 2005) land-use integrated heritage, industrial re-use of included in PPS1. requirements for transport system landscape and development, food previously social and & more promote good production, developed land. affordable housing sustainable design. mineral extraction, provision modes of new homes & transport. other buildings in the UK. Objectives to enhance the vitality and viability of town centres. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPS1 Objective to No key issues Objective for Objective to Objective to No key issues Objective to No key issues Ensure that LDF Supplement: conserve and identified. spatial strategies secure new deliver patterns of identified. respond to the identified. policies make a full Planning and enhance to make a full development and urban growth and concerns of contribution to Climate Change biodiversity, contribution to shape places that sustainable rural business and delivering the recognising that delivering the minimise development that encourage Government’s Climate the distribution of Government’s vulnerability and help secure the competitiveness Change Programme habitats and Climate Change provide resilience fullest possible and technological and energy policies. species will be Programme and to climate change use of sustainable innovation in affected by energy policies by and in ways that transport, public mitigating and climate change. ensuring new are consistent transport, cycling adapting to development is with social and walking and climate change. planned to make cohesion and which overall good use of inclusion. reduce the need opportunities for to travel, decentralised and especially by car. renewable or low carbon energy. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPG2: Green Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Ensure the objectives Belts (ODPM protect wildlife, provide for sport identified. identified. identified. preserve the retain land in support re-use of and principles of the 2002) habitats, the and recreation in character and forestry and buildings and Green Belt are countryside and the Green Belt setting of historic agriculture. development on reflected throughout landscape from towns and brownfield sites, the LDF. inappropriate villages. i.e. recycling and development. re-using derelict land.

6 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPS3: Housing Objectives to Objective to No key issues Objectives to Objective to Objective to No key issues Objective to Ensure the housing (DCLG 2010) ensure that ensure housing is identified. ensure everyone deliver housing ensure good identified. manage housing objectives are housing policies well designed and (both in rural and developments in design and quality supply in a way reflected in the LDF help to deliver enables good urban areas) has suitable locations of build for that makes and a flexible supply sustainable access to amenity the opportunity of which offer a good housing efficient and of housing land is development and recreational a decent home by range of developments. effective use of delivered. objectives, in open space. providing community land including the particular seeking affordable housing facilities with good re-use of to minimise and providing a access to jobs, previously environmental suitable housing key services and developed land. impact. mix. infrastructure. Key Targets & • Sets a national target of 60% of additional housing to be built on previously developed land and through conversions of existing buildings. Indicators PPS4: Planning Objective to raise Objectives to Objective to Objective to Objective to Objective to Overarching Objective to focus Ensure the objectives for Sustainable the quality of life deliver more deliver more enhance deliver more conserve the objective for new economic for sustainable Economic and the sustainable sustainable competition sustainable historic, sustainable growth and economic growth are Growth (DCLG environment in patterns of patterns of between retailers patterns of archaeological economic growth development in reflected in the LDF. 2009) rural areas whilst development and development, in order to development, and architectural to be achieved existing centres. continuing to improve consumer reduce the need improve consumer reduce the need heritage of through a number protect the open choice will to travel, choice to meet the to travel, centres and where of objectives. countryside. improve access to especially by car needs of the especially by car appropriate facilities. and respond to entire community and respond to enhanced to climate change particularly climate change. provide a sense of which will improve socially excluded place and a focus air quality. groups. for the community and civic activity. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators PPS5: Planning No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives for the No key issues No key issues Ensure LDF policies for the Historic identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. protection of the identified. identified. reflect the guidance Environment natural and relating to historic (DCLG 2010) historic buildings and environment. conservation areas. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

7 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment PPS7: Objective to Objective to No key issues Objective to Objective to Objective to Includes Objective to Ensure the objectives Sustainable protect our most improve the identified. improve local promote more encourage good objectives to support the use of for sustainable Development in valued quality of life and environments and sustainable quality design make previously development in rural Rural Areas landscapes and the environment in neighbourhoods in patterns of throughout rural improvements in developed sites. areas are reflected in (ODPM 2004) environmental rural areas. order to raise the development. areas and economic the LDF. resources. quality of life in villages. performance and rural areas and sustainable, establish diverse and sustainable adaptable communities. agricultural sectors, supporting rural diversification. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPG8: Tele- Objectives to Objectives to Modern No key issues Modern Objectives to No key issues No key issues Ensure LDF reflects communications ensure that tele- ensure telecommunicatio identified. telecommunicatio ensure that identified. identified. guidance on (DETR 1996) communications telecommunicatio ns can benefit the ns can benefit the telecommunicatio telecommunications equipment does ns equipment do environment environment ns equipment development. not harm the not pose a threat through reducing through reducing does not harm environment or to human health the need to travel, the need to travel, buildings of landscape through and hence and hence architectural or careful and good reducing vehicle reducing vehicle historic design. emissions of emissions of importance. carbon dioxide carbon dioxide and other and other pollutants pollutants Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPS9: Objective to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure LDF policies Biodiversity and conserve Wildlife identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. are in line with Geological Habitats, requirements of the Conservation biodiversity and PPS. (ODPM 2005) geological resources. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators Planning for Objective to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure LDF policies Biodiversity and provide good identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. follow good practice Geological practice guidance approach to Conservation: A on the approach implementing Good Practice to conserving requirements of PPS9. Guide Wildlife, Habitats, biodiversity and geological resources. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators 8 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment PPS10: Planning Objectives to Objectives to No specific Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Priority given to Ensure LDF takes on for Sustainable protect those ensure that waste objectives secure support the protect those locate waste the re-use of board the Waste areas important management identified although sustainable waste sustainable areas important management previously requirements and Management for nature facilities are objectives to management by transportation of for their historic facilities on developed sites principles of the (ODPM 2005) conservation, appropriately reduce pollution encouraging waste, wherever and landscape industrial sites for the location of guidance, particularly surface and located, well-run, and utilise more kerbside collection practical, rather value from and co-locate waste with developing underground well-regulated, sustainable and community than using road installation of facilities together management policies that enable water from the operated in line modes of recycling. transport. waste and with facilities. adequate provision to installation of with current transportation to management complimentary be made for waste waste pollution control transport waste facilities. activities. management facilities management techniques and material. in appropriate facilities. standards and locations, without should pose little undue adverse risk to human environmental effects health. or nuisance. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPS12: Local The requirement The requirement Objective to The requirement The requirement The requirement The requirement Objectives Ensure the principles Spatial Planning to undertake a to undertake a encourage more to prepare a to undertake a to undertake a to undertake a through Action of spatial planning and (DCLG 2008) Sustainability Sustainability sustainable Statement of Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability Plans to stimulate guidance on the Appraisal of DPDs Appraisal of DPDs modes of Community Appraisal of DPDs Appraisal of DPDs Appraisal of DPDs regeneration and preparation of Core will ensure the will ensure that transport, Involvement sets will ensure that will ensure the will ensure that identify area Strategies and other effective the promotion of reducing out the LPA’s the promotion of effective there is continued based DPDs are reflected in protection of the healthy lifestyles congestion and objectives to healthy lifestyles protection of the maintenance of regeneration the LDF. natural is addressed. thereby reducing involve the is addressed. built environment high and stable initiatives. environment and atmospheric community in the and its resources. levels of economic its resources. pollutants. LDD and planning growth and application employment. process right from the outset. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators

9 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment PPG13: No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objective to locate Objective to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Ensure objectives for Transport identified. encourage encourage more educational promote identified. locate new identified. transport are reflected (ODPM 2002) walking and sustainable establishments, accessibility to development in in LDF. cycling rather than modes of hospitals and jobs, shopping, locations/sites using motorised transport, health facilities in leisure facilities which are well transport, reducing locations that are and services by served by public especially for congestion and well served by public transport, transport. short journeys. thereby reducing public transport walking and atmospheric and are cycling, i.e. more pollutants. accessible by sustainable walking and modes of travel. cycling. Objective to ensure that jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services are primarily sited at the most accessible location in rural areas. Objective to promote public transport that is accessible and meets the needs of disabled people. Key Targets & • Sets national maximum parking standards for different types of development Indicators

PPG14: No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that the LDF is Development on identified. ensure the public identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. aware of the location Unstable Land are aware where of unstable land. (DOE 1990) unstable land exists and construction would be a danger to the public. Key Targets & • No targets or Indicators Indicators

10 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment PPG17: Planning Green areas are Includes Open spaces that Sport facilities can Objective to No key issues Opportunities for Open spaces help Undertake an audit for Open Space, important for objectives on act as ‘Green provide meeting promote walking identified. recreation and create urban and and assessment of the Sport and nature promoting healthy Lungs’ can assist places and a focal and cycling and visitor rural open space provision Recreation conservation and living, and in meeting point for the use of public attractions/tourism environments that and update policies (ODPM 2002) biodiversity. providing leisure objectives to community transport when opportunities in are attractive, accordingly setting out and recreation improve air activities and well locating sports the open clean and safe. new standards for opportunities. quality. maintained open facilities. countryside play open space provision. spaces and good an important role quality sports and in the recreation regeneration of facilities can play the economies of a major part in rural areas. people’s sense of well being and social interaction. Key Targets & • Set local standards for open space provision based on an audit of existing provision and an assessment of need. Indicators PPS22: No key issues No key issues Objective to Objective to No key issues No key issues Objective to No key issues Develop LDF policies Renewable identified. identified. reduce the contribute to the identified. identified. create jobs in identified. that promote and Energy emissions of nation’s energy relation to encourage the (ODPM 2004) greenhouse needs, ensuring renewable energy development of gases. all homes are developments and renewable energy adequately and new technologies. sources and set out affordably heated criteria to be applied in and providing new assessing applications sources of energy for renewable energy in remote areas. projects. Key Targets & • Generate 10% of UK electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010 and 20% by 2020. Indicators • Cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 60% by 2050. PPS23: Planning Aim to negate the Aim to negate the Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objective to steer Ensure LDF policies and Pollution potentially harmful potentially harmful ensure good air identified. identified. identified. identified. development onto are in line with the Control impacts of impacts on health quality and previously PPS. (ODPM 2004) pollution on caused by prevent potentially developed land. biodiversity and polluting sources. polluting the environment. developments. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPG24: Planning Objective to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objective to No key issues No key issues Ensure LDF policies and Noise protect reduce or mitigate identified. reduce noise reduce the impact protect the historic identified. identified. reflect the principles (DETR 1994) biodiversity and the impact of pollution for all, of traffic noise environment from set out in the habitats from noise upon especially in from surrounding noise and guidance. harmful noise. people. residential areas. sensitive people’s The effect of noise developments, enjoyment of it on people’s such as from potential enjoyment of the residential areas. noise disturbance. landscape should be taken into account 11 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators PPS25: No key issues Objective to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that the LDF Development and identified. reduce the risks to identified. identified identified identified identified. identified reflects the guidance Flood Risk people and the relating to flood risk. (DCLG 2006) environment from flooding. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators A Better Quality Includes objective No key issues No key issues Objective on No key issues Objective on the Includes Prudent use of Ensure the LDF of Life Strategy, a on the prudent identified. identified. social progress identified protection of the objectives on natural resources. reflects the principles strategy for use of natural that recognises environment. maintenance of of sustainable sustainable resources. the needs of high and stable development. development for everyone. levels of economic the UK (DETR growth and 1999) employment. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators Indicators An Air Quality Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Ensure the LDS Strategy for the protect vegetation reduce risks to reduce reduce the encourage people identified ensure that identified reflects the principles UK and ecosystems. human health and atmospheric pollution in the to travel more business of the Air Quality (DETR 2001) the environment. pollution and set most deprived sustainably. Opt operations do not Strategy and develops air quality areas and for walking and result in an policies that aim to standards. associated cycling, rather increase in air meet the standards. illnesses. than the private pollution and car. Encourage encourage car sharing. sustainable modes of travel to work, car sharing & parking charges, etc through Green Travel Plans Key Targets & • Sets air quality standard for 8 air pollutants. Indicators Working with the Objectives on No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that the LDS grain of nature – biodiversity, identified identified identified identified identified identified identified reflects the principles A Biodiversity improving habitats of the national Strategy for and protecting Biodiversity Strategy. England (DEFRA species, and 2002) public access. Key Targets & ƒ To care for our natural heritage, making the countryside attractive and enjoyable for all and preserve biological diversity by: reversing long-term decline in the no. of farmland birds by Indicators 2020 and bringing into favourable condition by 2020 95% of all nationally important wildlife sites.

12 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment The Future of Objective to Objectives to Objectives to Improving public Objectives to No key issues Objective to Objective to Ensure that the LDS Transport White create a transport tackle congestion tackle pollution transport will be create an identified. provide easier improve transport reflects the principles Paper: system that has and pollution, arising from road vital in reducing integrated access to services links to of sustainable Transport 2004: less impact on the particularly in traffic ad reduction social exclusion, transport system and jobs and regeneration transport and A network for environment. urban areas. in CO2 emissions. particularly for and safer cycling boost economic areas and help accessibility. 2030 people who do not and walking development. the renaissance of have access to a routes. towns and cities. car. Objective to include a better choice of transport modes for everyone Key Targets & ƒ 20% reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions by 2010 and 60% reduction by 2050. Transport is currently responsible for about a quarter of total emissions. Indicators Rural White Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objective to Objective to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Ensure that the Paper 2000 encourage identified. identified. provide affordable improve transport identified. promote a working rejuvenate market principles of the White stronger homes in town connections in countryside, with towns and create Paper are taken on Our Countryside: protection for our and villages for rural areas. a prosperous and a thriving modern board throughout the The Future. A most valued local people and Better access to diverse economy, economy. LDF. Fair Deal for landscapes, and involve people in the Rights of Way giving high and Rural England for wildlife and community network stable levels of habitats. planning. employment. Encouraging Support Countryside diversification. Stewardship Schemes. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators Countryside and Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives for No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Ensure the principles Rights of Way protect SSSIs, encourage people identified. access to the identified. protect identified. identified. of the Act are taken Act 2000 AONBs and to pursue outdoor countryside for all. landscapes of into account strengthen wildlife recreation. historic particularly in relation enforcement importance. to outdoor recreation legislation. and accessibility.

Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators Natural Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues Ensure the principles Environment and conserve, identified. identified. represent the rural identified. identified. improve economic identified. of the Act are taken Rural enhance and population performance in into account, Communities Act manage the especially for rural areas. particularly 2006 natural people suffering conservation of the environment. social natural environment. disadvantage. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators

13 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Guidance for Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues Ensure that the Local Authorities protect and secure secure promote identified. identified. promote tourism identified. principles of the on Implementing conserve improvements in improvements in accessibility for all through protection guidance are taken the Biodiversity biodiversity, quality of life, air quality through to biodiversity and conservation into account, Duty (Defra, including all ensuring conservation of resources. of biodiversity. particularly the need to 2007) species of plants, biodiversity biodiversity. protect and conserve animals and enhances the biodiversity. supporting natural local ‘sense of systems. place’. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators Biodiversity Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that the range Indicators in Your monitor the long identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. of performance Pocket (Defra, term trends, indicators used to 2010) change and monitor biodiversity overall change is taken into performance account. across all areas of biodiversity. Key Targets & ƒ Contains a range of indicators monitoring long term trends and change in all areas of biodiversity. Indicators Wildlife and Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives for No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Ensure that the Countryside Act protect wildlife identified. identified. access to the identified. protect identified. identified. principles of act are (as amended) including birds, countryside for all. countryside, rights taken into account, 1981 wild animals, of access and particularly in relation mammals and areas of special to the protection of wild plants, the environmental wildlife. countryside, protection. national parks, special areas of protection and public rights of way. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators Badger Objective to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that Badgers Protection Act protect badgers identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. and their habitats are 1992 and their setts protected. from destruction. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators ‘Nature Nearby’ No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that access to Accessible identified. ensure access to identified. ensure access to ensure access to identified. identified. identified. natural space for Natural natural space for natural space for natural space for people in towns and Greenspace people in towns people in towns people in towns cities is taken into Guidance (2010) and cities. and cities. and cities account. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators 14 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Hedgerow Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Ensure that important Regulations 1997 protect important identified. identified. identified. identified. protect the natural identified. identified. countryside countryside landscape and hedgerows are hedges from landscape protected and destruction or features, e.g. retained. damage by hedgerows. controlling their removal. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators Tree Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Ensure that trees and Preservation protect important identified. identified. identified. identified. protect trees and identified. identified. woodlands continue to Orders trees and woodlands of be protected through woodland from amenity value and the LDS. destruction or trees in damage by Conservation controlling their Areas. removal. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators Indicators Urban White Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objective to Objectives that Objectives to Objective to Objective to Ensure that the Paper 2000 protect the protect and reduce noise, provide education support support good provide training deliver an urban objectives and Our Towns and environment and maintain urban pollution and and training for all. sustainable design and for people and renaissance and principles of the paper Cities: The wildlife. greenspaces and traffic congestion Promote modes of travel restore the historic create more agree long term are incorporated into Future areas of open enterprise in the other than the environment in employment vision for areas, the LDS. space. Access to inner city areas private car and our city. opportunities for producing parks and open with least create public people through strategic action spaces reduces investment. transport the New Deal plans. Bringing stress and helps Community interchanges. Programme. brownfield land well-being Strategies will and empty involve local properties back people. into use. Key Targets & ƒ 3.8 million more homes needed by 2021 Indicators ƒ Local strategies needed to meet the needs of local people developed through partnerships ƒ 60% of new homes on brownfield sites or through conversions of existing buildings.

15 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Sustainable Objectives to Objectives to Objective for Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Ensure the principles Communities: protect the protect green belt, clean, safe and invest in the provide good create a diverse, provide a invest in deprived of sustainable Building for the environment. parks and open green availability of public transport vibrant and flourishing local areas and development and the future spaces. Good environment. affordable housing and other creative local economy to regenerate them. creation of sustainable quality local public and make more transport culture. provide jobs and communities are services, including decent homes infrastructure both wealth. achieved. education and available. A well- within the training integrated mix of community and opportunities, decent homes of linking it to urban, health care and different types and rural and regional community tenures to support centres. facilities, a range of especially for household sizes, leisure; ages and incomes. Key Targets & ƒ By March 2004 at least 80% of Secretary of State planning decisions will be decided within 16 weeks, an improvement of 50% in two years Indicators ƒ By 2005: New form of regional plans (Regional Spatial Strategies) in place to realise the visions for both growth and low demand areas. ƒ By 2005: Regional housing strategies produced to inform housing investment decisions. Sustainable Objective to Objective to No key issues Objectives to Objective to Objective to Objectives to Objectives to Ensure the LDS takes Communities: protect the deliver decent identified. provide homes provide good protect and provide create on board the principles Homes for all countryside and homes for all. where they are infrastructure to enhance the employment in sustainable, set out in the (2005) the natural needed most. housing sites. historic both rural and mixed guidance. environment. environment. urban areas. communities in both rural and urban areas, with the jobs, services and infrastructure they need to thrive Key Targets & ƒ Broad national targets are set relating to the delivery and improvement of housing Indicators ƒ The target that 60% of all new housing development should be on brownfield land is maintained. Sustainable Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Ensure the LDS takes Communities: protect the attract investment identified. provide decent provide well- provide a quality ensure a thriving increase on board the principles People, Places environment. into deprived affordable housing served built environment. and prosperous development on set out in the and Prosperity areas and for all. communities and economy and Brownfield land. guidance. 2005 improving public good access to develop people’s services. jobs. skills. Key Targets & ƒ Set targets for creating sustainable communities Indicators Housing Act No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that LDS 2004 identified. provide for the identified. protect the most identified identified. identified identified encompasses the most vulnerable in vulnerable in principles of the Act. society. society and create a better and fairer housing market. Key Targets & ƒ No indicators or targets Indicators

16 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Circular 01/2006 Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues Ensure that the LDS Planning for protect sites and identified. identified. provide land to ensure there are protect identified. identified. identifies suitable Gypsy and areas of accommodate no unnecessary archaeological site/sites for gypsies. Traveller ecological Gypsies vehicular sites and buildings Caravan Sites important from movements that of historic inappropriate cause disturbance important from development. to other residents inappropriate in the area. development. Key Targets & ƒ To increase the no. of gypsy and traveller sites in appropriate locations with planning permission in order to assess under-provision in the next 3-5 years Indicators ƒ Set out criteria for the location of gypsy and traveller sites to guide allocation of specific sites within the relevant DPD. National Cycling No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues LDS to support Strategy (1996- identified. encourage cycling encourage cycle create more improve the identified. encourage people identified. Strategy and 2012) as a healthy form use which will opportunities for convenience and to cycle to work by encourage the use of of sustainable help to reduce people to cycle. accessibility by developing cycling and improving transport. congestion and cycle to various commuter plans cycling facilities. improve air destinations. and creating quality. secure cycle spaces in office car parks. Key Targets & ƒ Double bicycle use by 2002 (based on 1996 figures) and double it again by 2012 Indicators ƒ For each Local Authority to produce a Cycling Strategy The Historic No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues LDS to continue to Environment: A identified. identified. identified. ensure education ensure that the continue to protect identified. identified. protect and enhance Force for Our and lifelong historic and preserve the the historic Future (DCMS learning. environment is historic environment. 2001) accessible to all. environment. Key Targets & ƒ No targets or indicators. Indicators UK Climate The effects of The effects of Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues Core Strategy to Change climatic change climatic change improve air quality identified promote more identified identified identified reflect the objectives Programme can cause can cause and reduce sustainable of the programme and (2000) widespread global widespread global greenhouse gas modes of travel. to work towards damage to the damage, e.g. emissions and improving air quality natural increase in better fuel through encouraging environment flooding efficiency. the use of more sustainable modes of travel. Key Targets & ƒ Policies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases Indicators ƒ Cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010 ƒ Recycle or compost at least 30% of household waste by 2010 ƒ Reduce the amount of industrial and commercial waste landfilled to 85% of 1998 levels by 2005

17 Regional Plans and Documents

Sustainability Appraisal Topic Regional Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment North West Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to To bring about a Ensure core of England ensure active improve the create an efficient provide affordable create multi- ensure active achieve greater renaissance of strategy objectives Plan: management of quality of life of transport system housing and modal transport management of economic towns and cities in reflect the Regional environmental residents in the that is housing needs of networks; rail environmental competitiveness, the North West objectives of RSS. Spatial assets. Region. environmentally the region. network; road and cultural growth and Focusing on: Strategy to friendly and safety; airports, assets and high encourage social health; education; 2021 sustainable. ports and inland design quality. progress. social waterways; freight Focusing on: infrastructure; transport; cycle employment; public transport; network; car investment; previously parking; transport economic developed land; investment and opportunity; local use of existing management. An needs; town housing; integrated centres; tourism; affordable transport system. recreation/sport. housing; urban Also protect and greenspace; regenerate the Green Belt region's rural economy and communities. Focusing on: viability of agricultural holdings; diversification of economy; housing needs; local services; accessibility. Key Targets • Several indicators and targets proposed to be monitored on an annual basis e.g. in relation to housing and employment land provision. & Indicators

18 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Regional Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Regional Objectives to Objective to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Ensure that Economic realise and improve the identified but support cleaner, improve and realise and stimulate deliver high employment and Strategy nurture the natural health of objectives for safer, greener better manage the nurture built economic activity quality economic (2006) assets and (potential) sustainable communities, road and heritage assets, and develop local employment sites development improve the workers economic growth develop rail infrastructure, promote the employment and policies in the LDF physical and reduce the will reduce the community develop airports image of the opportunities in Premises and reflect the RES. environment. number of need to travel and cohesion, and ports and region, areas secure new uses incapacity therefore reduce develop high link areas of maximise cultural remote from for brownfield benefit claimants. air pollution. quality local opportunity and and major event growth land. services and need. opportunities and and with low reduce health develop the employment inequalities and quality of the rates and social visitor support and exclusion. experience. sustain conditions Community for growth in areas with strong economic drivers. Key Targets • To achieve a regional employment rate of 80% by 2020, and eliminate major sub-regional variations and variations between key groups & Indicators • To have less than 20% of people with a household income of less than 60% of the GB median by 2020. • To meet Kyoto targets by 2012, to reduce CO2 emissions to 12.5% below 1990 levels. Regional No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Ensure that the Freight identified. identified. maximise the use identified. provide a vibrant, identified. attract and retain identified. principles of Strategy of existing efficient and safe inward efficient (2004) transport regional freight investment. transportation and infrastructure, industry by safe movement of implementing encouraging a freight materials are selective range of high supported through enhancements quality transport LDS policies. and minimising modes and environmental services. impact of freight Improving transport. accessibility to, Objectives to from and within improve air quality the region for by improving the those who use or efficiency of operate freight freight transport. transport Key Targets • No targets or indicators & Indicator

19 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Regional Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment North West No key issues Objective to raise No key issues Objective to No key issues No key issues No key issues Objective to raise Ensure LDF Regional identified. the quality of the identified. create identified. identified. identified. the quality of the supports the Housing existing housing greater existing housing objectives of the Strategy stock. opportunity to stock. strategy. 2009 access wider housing choices.

Key Targets • Delivering decent homes & Indicators • Delivering adequate affordable housing to meets needs Regional Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Targets to be set to Sustainable ensure that create warmer, enable the NW to ensure that the encourage less identified. contribute to the identified. reduce Energy renewable energy healthier homes, minimise its NW eliminates reliance on the economy of the consumption of Strategy sources and with decreased contribution to fuel poverty by private car and region, increasing energy from non- (2006) development do incidences of climatic change ensuring that all increased use of business renewable sources. not harm health issues, and set the region householders public transport opportunities and ecological such as damp on a course to have access to and more employment frameworks and which can lead to reduce affordable warmth sustainable potential in habitats. respiratory greenhouse and decent quality modes of travel. delivering problems, gases emissions housing. sustainable particularly with by 60% by 2050. energy systems. vulnerable people such as the elderly and the young or the ill. Key Targets • Reduce greenhouse gases by 60% by 2050 & Indicators • 10% of the Regions electricity supply to come from renewable sources by 2010 The Northern No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Core Strategy will Way – 1st identified. improve the identified. improve the promote small- identified. boost the support rural need to take Growth quality of life quality of life and scale but economy and renewal. account of Strategy bring more people significant provide proposals that arise Report into employment transport employment as a result of the improvements opportunities. Northern Way which might impact upon the Borough. Key Targets • Increase the rate of new business start-ups from 30 per 10,000 to 33 per 10,000 by 2008 & Indicators • Bring a further 100,000 people currently on incapacity benefit into work by 2014 • Endeavour to ensure that the companies in the key manufacturing and services clusters across the North continue to employ at least 1,750,000 people in 2025 • Reduce congestion to below the national average by 2010 and therefore increase reliability on key strategic routes (M62, M60, A1(M) Gateshead Bypass, A19, A5063, A63 and A160 • Make provision for an additional 200,000 employer specified learner places by 2008

20 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Regional Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Action for Objectives to. Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Ensure that the Sustainability protect and improve health reduce the need reduce poverty develop the protect, enhance improve: the deliver both rural principles of NWRA enhance and create to travel by and build social strategic and manage the competitiveness and urban sustainability are (2005) biodiversity, healthy encouraging and economic transport, region’s rich and productivity of renaissance, inherent throughout endangered communities developing more inclusion, i.e. communications diversity of businesses, developing and the LDF. species and where people take sustainable social equity and economic cultural and built exploit the growth marketing the geological sites an interest in modes of travel .Improve access infrastructure. environment and of the business region’s image. and, trees and leisure and a and improving air to good quality archaeological sector and ensure Active Landscape. healthy lifestyle. quality. affordable assets. the availability of management of housing. Promote a balanced mineral equity and portfolio of resources. improve equality employment sites. of opportunity for all. Key Targets • Non-car trips as a % of total car trips & Indicators • Air Quality Days – days when air quality is poor • Proportion of new development on previously developed land • % of recycled household waste • Affordability of housing • Wild bird population index • % of land classified as SSSI that is maintained The Agenda Proposed Objectives to The creation of Objectives for Objectives for No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Ensure that the for Growth: extension of integrate trees new woodlands utilising developing and identified. provide specialist improve the importance of trees the Regional woodland areas to and woodlands and woodland woodlands as a promoting training and image of the and woodlands are Forestry provide more into development planting will help setting for lifelong accessible advice for the region. recognised Framework benefit to the schemes. improve air learning. woodlands. forestry and Objectives to use throughout the LDS for England’s environment, Objectives linking quality. woodland sector. woodlands as a and should North West together with woodlands to Objectives to tool in the continue to be (2005) managing and health. develop woodland regeneration and protected as protecting key areas as tourist reclamation of valuable woodlands, trees activities. derelict land. environmental and biodiversity. resources. Key Targets • No indicators or targets & Indicators The Strategy Promoting high No key objectives No key objectives Objectives of Objectives to Objectives to build Objectives to Objectives to Balance tourism for Tourism quality identified. identified. strategy to be improve access on existing culture boost the regenerate and development with in England’s countryside customer and transport and traditions performance of invest in the the need to protect North West emphasising the focussed and infrastructure for creating a rich tourism north-west the environment (2007) quality of the the region’s cultural landscape businesses and through promoting and promote the environment. consumers. and heritage. attract tourism tourism assets. economy within the related LDF. investment.

Key Targets • No indicators or targets & Indicators

21 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Regional Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment The North Not specifically Aims to improve No key issues Aims to include Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Aims to improve West biodiversity aims the quality of life of identified. everyone in the ensure the improve and build attract new the image of our Regional but objectives to all who live in the mainstream of region’s cultural on the region’s investment region and Cultural promote the NW NW. community life. assets are fully cultural strengths through culture develop Strategy landscape Development of accessible to all and assets. and develop a programmes to (2001) lifelong learning and particularly Objective to sustainable support urban and and the growth of those with develop high cultural economy rural regeneration. informal education, impaired mobility standards of and build on the aiming to develop – in respect of design and existing clusters new interests and transport, supporting public of businesses in skills. language and art. all parts of the cost. region. Key Targets • No specific targets or indicators. However, the Strategy’s objectives are to raise the profile of culture and creativity throughout the north-west. & Indicators Regional No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to LDF policies must Waste identified. ensure people identified. identified. identified. identified. encourage encourage recognise the Strategy for are aware of the industries and recycling and importance of the NW implications of firms to create waste sustainable waste (2004) waste and the less waste. management. management and importance of seek to protect recycling. environmental resources through recycling and more sustainable forms of energy (i.e. renewable energy sources) Key Targets • Reduce annual increases in waste production per household by 2% by 2008/2009. & Indicators • Achieve statutory targets for recycling and composting household waste and delivering bio-degradable municipal waste from landfill. North West Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to improve Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Ensure that the Green protect, promote the use protect and access to green improve identified. promote green secure urban principles of green Infrastructure conserve and of green spaces create new spaces for all. accessibility, for spaces and regeneration and infrastructure are Guide (2007) utilise for leisure and green spaces in pedestrians and infrastructure as renaissance inherent throughout biodiversity. recreation. towns and cities cyclists for part of the tourism through the LDF. which will example, in towns economy. improvements to improve air and cities. green spaces. quality. Key Targets • No indicators or targets. & Indicators

22 Sub Regional and County Level Plans and Strategies

Sustainability Appraisal Topic County Plans Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives & Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment The Minerals Objectives to Proposals for Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to use Objectives to Indirectly by Objectives to Core objectives and Waste Plan prevent waste mineral and waste prevent pollution include the more sustainable prevent waste providing minimise waste in and policies to (2006) & development developments will and minimise the community in the forms of transport development from employment in the new reflect principles Lancashire adversely not be permitted adverse impacts MWDF process to transport adversely minerals and developments and of the LWMLP. Minerals and affecting areas where they would from the transport through minerals and affecting areas of waste industry. to restore sites to Waste Local important for have an of minerals and consultation. waste and archaeological a high Development their nature unacceptable waste proposals to importance, listed environmental Framework conservation adverse impact on developments provide new and buildings, standard in value. recreational through using improved conservation accordance with routes, country more sustainable connections. areas and historic approved parks, etc. modes of parks and restoration transport. gardens. proposals. Key Targets & • A variety of targets and indicators are referred to relating to minerals production, waste minimisation and recycling rates. Indicators A Landscape Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues LDF to reflect Strategy for protect, identified. identified. identified. identified. acknowledge the identified. identified. objectives of the Lancashire conserve and historic character strategy through (Landscape enhance of the landscape policies to protect Character landscapes, and civilisations and conserve the Assessment) natural assets who helped carve built heritage and (2000) and biodiversity. and characterise natural landscape. the landscape. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Lancashire Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to LDF to reflect Climate Change make the most reduce risks to reduce encourage strong develop and protect encourage a provide good objectives of Strategy 2009- of Lancashire’s public health greenhouse gas community maintain a Lancashire’s sustainable and access to key Climate Change 2020 environmental associated with emissions by participation in sustainable wealth of built competitive regeneration Strategy. assets and climate change. improving energy climate change transport system assets. economy areas. support practical efficiency. solutions. and increase the supporting the measures to use of public growth of the allow transport and emerging biodiversity to walking and environmental adapt to climate cycling. Also to technology sector. change. promote the use of more efficient vehicles. Key Targets & • The Strategy includes a target of a 30% reduction on 1990 carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. Indicators

23 Sustainability Appraisal Topic County Plans Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives & Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Lancashire Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to LDF to reflect the Environmental protect and improve healthy improve air quality encourage improve protect and create strong local reclaim 600ha of objectives of the Strategy 2005- enhance wildlife living and local and reduce community accessibility, enhance the built economies and Lancashire’s LES through Core 2010 and landscape. environments. climatic change involvement and connection and environment. employment derelict, strategy and through more participation. transport opportunities. underused and policies. environmentally infrastructure. neglected land by friendly modes of 2010. travel. Key Targets & • Achieve 30% improvement in domestic energy efficiency by 2007. Indicators • Achieve 10% increase in energy efficiency in the business sector by 2010. • Traffic growth to be kept below 5%. • Reclaim 600ha of derelict, underused and neglected land by 2010. Local Transport Objectives to Objective to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to LDF to reflect Plan for protect promote healthy improve air ensure people improve access to protect provide and provide good objectives of LTP Lancashire Lancashire’s lifestyles by quality. have a safe and jobs and services Lancashire’s maintain a good access to key and encourage 2006/7-2010/11 wealth of natural encouraging easy means of and encouraging wealth of built strategic transport regeneration more sustainable (2005) assets when people to cycle travel throughout the use of public assets when network to urban areas. modes of travel considering and walk by Lancashire. transport. considering centres and rural throughout the improvements to creating safer improvements to areas. Borough. the transport routes and the transport infrastructure. maintenance of infrastructure. pavements. Key Targets & • The Plan includes a wide range of indicators and targets relating to topics such as traffic growth, air quality, public transport use, cycling, walking rates, congestion, demand Indicators management (parking) and accessibility. Walking Increased levels Walking has a Walking is the Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Walking is No key issues LDF to recognise Strategy Policy of sustainable significant impact most sustainable ensure that every improve promote important for the identified, the importance of and Procedure travel will help on health and is mode of travel walking trip is accessibility and development that local economy as although walking as a 2009 protect regarded as a and has no safe, convenient an integrated focuses on the almost a quarter improvements in mode of transport biodiversity, major activity detrimental effect and enjoyable and transport system – quality of the of walking accessibility and a for its health landscape and reducing the risk upon air quality everyone should cycling, public places and living journeys are for safer environment benefits, the of coronary heart nor does it cause be able to reach transport and environments shopping will help towards enjoyment and environment. disease. Rural congestion. More their destination other related being created and purposes. providing a more sustainability. and recreational walking journeys irrespective of policy initiatives. give priority to the Objectives to attractive location walking is will help reduce age, gender or Walking provides needs of locate new through which to encouraged. global warming. ability. Addresses a more accessible pedestrians and developments attract inward needs of specific transport network. other vulnerable close to public investment and mobility groups, road users. transport networks other especially and apply improvements. disabled people. planning agreements to ensure developers provide for pedestrians and cyclists, including Green Transport Plans. Key Targets & • Several targets set to encourage walking, making it a safe mode of travel and pedestrianisation in urban areas. Indicators 24 Sustainability Appraisal Topic County Plans Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives & Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Ambition Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to LDF to reflect Lancashire protect and reduce health protect and improve housing support an promote and broaden provide an objectives of the 2005-2025 enhance the inequalities and improve air quality and provide for integrated and conserve the built Lancashire’s infrastructure to Strategy through (Lancashire natural provide and use resources affordable housing effective transport heritage. agricultural base deliver a South Ribble’s County Council environment, opportunities for wisely. needs. Objectives system that and support renaissance of own Community Community species and Lancashire people to ensure that reduces the need diversification. cities, towns and Strategy. Strategy) assets. to lead healthier people are not to travel by un- Improve business rural areas. lives. Improve excluded because sustainable performances and Support the access to health of their personal modes by encourage Regeneration services. circumstances. investing in the development in Priority Areas by transport system. key locations to supporting their secure economic base Lancashire’s and town and city economic growth. regeneration. Key Targets & • To ensure that Lancashire achieves financial, social and environmental sustainability by 2025. Indicators Waste No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Indirectly by No key issues The strategy could Management identified. identified. identified. develop strong identified. identified. providing identified. lead to new Strategy for partnerships employment in the applications for Lancashire between local minerals and new waste 2008-2020 authorities, waste industry. treatment and community groups disposal facilities and the private in the Borough sector. including waste transfer stations, material reclamation facilities and centralising composting facilities. Key Targets & • To reduce and stabilise waste to 0% growth each year. Indicators • To recycle and compost 56% of all waste by 2015 and 61% by 2020. • From 2010 to reuse, recycle or compost 70% of all waste delivered to each HWRC. • Recover 81% of all municipal waste by 2015 and 88% by 2020. • Achieve an average saving of 16,000 tonnes of CO2 each year at 2020. • Divert 80% of municipal waste away from landfill by 2010 and 88% by 2020. A Landscape No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Classifies the No key issues No key issues LDF to take Strategy for identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. different identified. identified. account of the Lancashire - landscapes and landscape Landscape identifies key character Character characteristics, assessment when Assessment sensitivities and developing 2000 principles to guide policies. landscape change.

25 Sustainability Appraisal Topic County Plans Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives & Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

A Landscape No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Highlights key No key issues No key issues To take account of Strategy for identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. issues and identified. identified. the information Lancashire - implications of identified when Landscape different forms of developing Strategy 2000 development and policies. land use change. Also objectives to identify appropriate strategies and actions to manage and guide landscape change in a positive way. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Landscape No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Provides strategic No key issues No key issues To identify Sensitivity to identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. guidance on the identified. identified. suitable locations Wind Energy development and for renewable Development in implementation of energy schemes Lancashire wind energy which should be 2005 projects and taken into account identifies broad when areas where development development may policies relating to be appropriate renewable energy. taking into account landscape parameters. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Lancashire No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues To develop Economic identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. improve the identified. policies in the LDF Strategy economic that support the competitiveness objectives of the and performance strategy. of the economy by developing its key economic assets and opportunities. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

26 Sustainability Appraisal Topic County Plans Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives & Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Lancashire No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to try No key issues Objectives to No key issues The LDF should Town Centres identified. identified. identified. identified. and identify why identified. provide a baseline identified. consider the Office Study office of office stock in findings of the 2008 developments Lancashire’s town study when over 500 sq m are centres in order to developing not being provided better understand policies for office in town centres in the office market developments, accordance with and identify why when allocating PPS6. The large office sites for future majority are being developments are office built in out of not being provided development and centre locations, in town centres. when defining which are less town centre accessible. boundaries. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Lancashire No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues To take account of County Council identified. improve health identified. reduce identified. identified. identified. identified. the key priorities Health and and wellbeing in inequalities in of the strategy in Wellbeing Lancashire. health outcomes the LDF. Strategy 2008 for specific groups and in specific geographical locations across Lancashire. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to raise To take account of Lancashire City identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. understand the the profile of the the strategy when Sub Regional economic drivers Core Area within developing LDF Strategy 2005 that will influence the City Region policies. the future and explore development of stakeholder the Core Area. aspirations for the Core Area. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Central No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues Take account of Lancashire identified. develop a walking identified. identified. outline proposals identified. identified. identified. the Transport and cycling for the future recommendations Strategy network and development of a of the study in the measures to public transport LDF Infrastructure deliver an network and to Plan and increase in active identify pressures Community travel. on the transport Infrastructure network and Levy. improve capacity. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. 27 Sustainability Appraisal Topic County Plans Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives & Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Indicators Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues Develop LDF Lancashire identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identify identified. policies that Employment employment sites ensure that those Land Review and buildings to sites 2008 be retained for recommended to employment uses be retained are and those, which protected from could be released redevelopment to to other uses. another use. Also to identify the quantity, location and type of sites needed to meet future employment land requirements. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objective to No key issues Inform decisions Lancashire identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identify the role identified. in the LDF on the Community and function of distribution of Profile Study different further growth and 2009 settlements in investment in Central Central Lancashire and Lancashire. identify how suitable they are to accommodate further growth and investment. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Use the Lancashire identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. information Phase 1 provided on flood Strategic Flood risk in the area Risk when allocating Assessment sites and 2007 determining planning applications. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

28 Sustainability Appraisal Topic County Plans Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives & Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Use the findings Lancashire identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. of the study to Office Needs decide how much Study 2006 land needs to be allocated for office development. The study will also inform policies relating to employment. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Will be used as a Lancashire identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. key piece of Strategic evidence to inform Housing Land the Core Strategy Availability and Site Assessment Allocations Development Plan Document work on housing provision. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Will be used as a Lancashire identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. key piece of Strategic evidence to inform Housing Market the Core Strategy Assessment and Site (2009) Allocations Development Plan Document work on housing provision. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Central No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Will be used as a Lancashire identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. key piece of Retail and evidence to inform Leisure Review the Core Strategy 2010 and Site Allocations Development Plan Document work on retail and leisure provision. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators 29 Preston Plans and Strategies

Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Preston Local Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to The priorities will Plan 1996-2006 protect, provide leisure reduce air provide decent improve protect and maintain an encourage need to be (April 2004) safeguard and and recreational pollution via and an affordable accessibility and enhance historic adequate supply brownfield reflected in the enhance sites of opportunities encouraging mix of housing for encourage more buildings, of employment development and LDS and Core nature through the more sustainable all. sustainable conservation land. Objectives safeguard Strategy. They conservation, provision of modes of travel. modes of travel areas, to encourage Greenfield sites have implications wildlife and parks, through locating archaeological diversification and from for a wide range landscape value. recreational development and geological develop a skilled, development. of policy areas routes and open close to existing sites and historic adaptable and Objectives to including spaces. public transport parks and inclusive encourage economic interchanges and gardens in the workforce. tourism where it development, locations well- Borough. will contribute to housing, served by public rural transport, retail, transport. diversification and leisure and urban environmental regeneration. policies. Key Targets & • A range of key targets and indicators are referred to relating to all of the Local Plan objectives. Indicators • Ensure delivery of the Tithebarn scheme.

Preston Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives for the Objectives to give Priorities will Sustainable increase improve health create a cleaner enhance reduce some of ensure city to become priority to reuse need to be Community awareness of the and social city environment, community the barriers that international economically previously reflected in the Strategy 2009- need to protect wellbeing and and to improve air cohesion and impede effective standard competitive on a developed land Core Strategy. 2012 biodiversity and reduce health quality in line with community transport within architecture and European scale, within urban They have the benefits that a inequalities national targets. participation. Also the city. preserved and for prosperity areas and bring implications for a diverse biological between different to address heritage with to reach the empty homes wide range of environment parts of the city. affordable cultural facilities poorer areas of back into use. policy areas brings to the city. housing issues accessible to all. the city breaking including and improve the cycle of economic access to housing deprivation. development, services for all housing, vulnerable transport, retail, groups. leisure and environmental policies. Key Targets & • Improved local biodiversity. Indicators • Per capita carbon dioxide emissions in the area.

30 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Forest of Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives for all No key issues Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Support and take Bowland AONB conserve, protect promote leisure identified. members of the identified. protect the promote identified. account of the Management and enhance the activities and community to historic and economic information Plan 2009-2014 natural informal enjoy the cultural heritage opportunity and contained when environment and recreation. resource and of the Forest of tourism. developing species contained promote social Bowland AONB. policies. within it. equity.

Key Targets & • Several objectives based on the continuing conservation and protection of the area and building on exiting strengths and achievements and continue to develop an active, Indicators effective and co-ordinated partnership in the AONB.

Preston Parks No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure standards and Open Space identified. meet demands identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. are Strategy (2008) for sports pitches acknowledged in & encourage the LDF. healthy lifestyles through participation in sports. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators A Strategy for No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues Recognise the Children’s and identified. realise the identified. contribute to the identified. identified. encourage inward identified. importance of Young People’s positive impacts mental, physical economic provision of Playspace in on health and creative investment and playspace for Preston (2004) provided by development of economic benefit children and recreational children through by providing a young people in activities. the provision of more attractive the Core recreational place to live, work Strategy. playspace. and play. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Corporate Plan No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objective to The objective of 2010-2013 identified. tackle deprivation identified. build the identified. encourage city support the supoort the the Corporate by reducing confidence and building and growth of the physical Plan should be inequalities in capacity of place making. economy and regeneration of reflected in the health and communities to opportunity for the city centre. Core Strategy. wellbeing. improve people. neighbourhoods and their environment. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

31 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Community No Key issues Objectives to No Key issues Objectives to No Key issues Objectives to Objectives to No Key issues Core Strategy to Cohesion identified. promote identified. focus on services identified. develop the provide identified. reflect the issues Strategy community for young people, cultural economy. employment and objectives of safety. celebrating Create a opportunities for the Community diversity and distinctive culture young people. Cohesion culture and older and image as Strategy. people. England’s newest city. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

Safer Preston: No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Core Strategy to Preston identified. improve the identified. improve the identified. identified. identified. identified. reflect the issues Community quality of life in quality of life in and objectives of Safety Preston by Preston by the Community Partnership Plan addressing addressing Safety Strategy. 2008-2011 community community concerns and concerns and reducing crime reducing crime and disorder in and disorder in order to develop order to develop a safer a safer community. community. Key Targets & • Multiple targets and indicators relating to reducing crime and disorder, improving road safety and environmental quality (fly-tipping). Indicators Statement of No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Production of the Community identified. identified. identified. ensure that all identified. identified. identified. identified. Core Strategy Involvement (April members of the and future 2006) community have planning equal documents will opportunities to need to adhere to be involved in the the requirements preparation of of the SCI. planning documents. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Tithebarn No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Core Strategy to Regeneration identified. identified. identified. identified. improve traffic protect and encourage the secure the reflect the Area flow within the incorporate economic physical and aspirations of the Supplementary city centre and to features of competitiveness economic Tithebarn Planning facilitate the use special interest of the city and to regeneration of Regeneration Document of non-car modes into the future secure job the city centre. Area SPD. (January 2008) of transport. development of opportunities. the city. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

32 Local Level Sustainability Appraisal Topic Plans & Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Strategies Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & (healthy lifestyles) Employment City of Preston No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Core Strategy to Housing Strategy identified. provide decent identified. provide sufficient identified. identified. identified. identified. ensure that 2003-2006 homes. affordable homes adequate in good condition. provision is made To meet the for improving accommodation housing needs of standards. vulnerable groups and individuals. Key Targets & • All social housing to be of a decent standard by 2010. Indicators Empty Homes No key issues To improve and No key issues Objective to No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Core Strategy to Strategy 2009- identified. increase the identified. maximise the identified. identified. decrease the target empty ensure that 2013 supply of housing provision of number of homes in Inner provision is made and reduce affordable properties East Preston for to encourage the homelessness. housing. classified as future reoccupation of empty and improvement. empty homes. therefore increasing the number of properties contributing to the economy. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators Preston No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Core Strategy to Economic identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. create a city with deliver the reflect the Regeneration European status physical aspirations for Strategy and and a 21st century regeneration city growth and Action Plan economy. required to other economic (2005) achieve economic objectives. competitiveness. Key Targets & • No targets or indicators. Indicators

33 South Ribble Plans and Strategies

Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment South Ribble Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Update according Local Plan (2002) protect and provide leisure reduce air provide decent improve protect and maintain an encourage to new national To be enhance sites of and recreational pollution via and an affordable accessibility and enhance historic adequate supply brownfield guidance, sub- superseded by nature opportunities encouraging mix of housing for encourage more buildings, of employment development and regional strategy, the LDF conservation, through the more sustainable all. Objective to sustainable conservation land. Objective to safeguard etc wildlife and provision of modes of travel. provide a modes of travel areas, increase the Greenfield sites landscape value. parks, sustainable through locating archaeological vitality and from recreational portfolio of open development and geological viability of town, development. routes and open spaces close to existing sites and historic district and local Objectives to spaces. accessible to all. public transport parks and centres encourage interchanges and gardens in the throughout the tourism where it locations well- Borough. Borough. will contribute to served by public rural transport. diversification and urban regeneration. Key Targets & • A range of key targets and indicators are referred to relating to all of the Local Plan objectives. Indicators

South Ribble No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objective to No key issue Objective to work Objective to drive Ensure the Core Corporate Plan identified, create healthy identified, achieve stronger, identify and identified, with partners to forward the Strategy reflects (2009-2011) although could be communities and although more active address local although could be develop and Leyland Town the Council’s encompassed in work with other improving air sustainable transport issues, encompassed in deliver a vision Centre corporate the ‘clean, green agencies such as quality could be communities. and implement Clean, Green and for Central Masterplan. priorities. and safe’ the PCT to encompassed in Also to improve actions to Safe Lancashire, environment. improve health the ‘clean, green the standard and maximise Environment. ensuring that and wellbeing of and safe’ availability of sustainable growth is people and environment. housing in the transport and managed in a address health Borough to meet reduce way that benefits inequalities. Local needs. congestion. local communities and maintains the Borough’s identity. Key Targets & • To increase public satisfaction with cleanliness of the Borough to 63% in 2009/10 and 66% in 2010/2011 Indicators • Continuous public satisfaction with the maintenance of public open space, improving to 74% in 2009/2010 and 75% in 2010/2011 • Increase the percentage of household waste recycled and composted to 46% in 2009/2010 and 46.25% in 2010/2011. • To achieve a shift in mode of transport of all journeys away from car usage by 10% in 2011 • To deliver 30 affordable dwellings per year in 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 • Increase the footfall on Hough Lane by 2% per annum

34 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment South Ribble Priority to protect Priorities to take No key priority Priority to create Priority to No key priority Priority to support No key priority Ensure the Core Sustainable the Borough’s health but could be a sense of pride encourage and regeneration and Strategy reflects Community natural inequalities. Also encompassed in in communities support the economic growth the objectives of Strategy 2009- environment and to promote the Environment, and to reduce development of the Council’s 2020 its inhabitants healthy lifestyle Climate Change inequalities in green transport Community choices and and Sustainability communities. initiatives Strategy. tackle other Theme. issues that affect health. Key Targets & • Local people get on well together and feel part of their communities. Inequality is not tolerated and local people work together to eradicate it Indicators • South Ribble should be recognised as a great place to live, visit, work and play • South Ribble should be at the heart of a thriving, prosperous and diverse Central Lancashire • People in the Borough are healthier, feel better and are empowered to take responsibility for their own health. Health inequalities are reduced • People feel safe in the Borough. Crime and disorder is at very low levels, and communities work in partnership to free communities of crime and disorder • South Ribble is a beautiful, clean, green sustainable place that has well designed and well maintained buildings, streets and open spaces South Ribble No key issues Objective to Not specifically Objective to meet No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objective to Core Strategy to Housing Strategy identified. develop the role mentioned, the housing identified identified create vibrant improve the support the (2005) housing has on although links needs of all and town and district housing stock principles of the improving the with sustainable provide affordable centres, quality and support Housing Strategy, health and well- location for housing and jobs and decent regeneration. particularly with being of our housing reduce incomes for all. regards to community. development will homelessness in affordable seeks to reduce the Borough. housing provision the need to travel and providing and therefore, decent homes for help to reduce everyone. road congestion and improve air quality. Key Targets & • Several targets: improving quality and choice in housing, better services to people, improve knowledge of housing needs of the Borough, improve services for the elderly, better Indicators services for young people, a decent home for all, a safer place to live, etc.

35 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment South Ribble Recognises the No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objective to Objective to No key issues Core Strategy to Tourism Strategy value of the identified. identified. identified. further develop promote, protect maximise the identified. support the (2003) countryside walks and cycle and increase development of principle and particularly in the routes in the visitor attractions tourism in rural growth of NE of the borough and with within the areas to gain the sustainable Borough. adjoining areas. Borough. maximum tourism. The Borough is benefits for the accessible by communities of road and rail these areas. links. Objective To maximise the potential of the region’s urban areas to continue growth in the important short break market. Key Targets & • There are several proposed actions to encourage and promote tourism in the Borough (e.g. new walks/cycle routes, improving/marketing image, etc), although no specific dates Indicators set when these are to be achieved. South Ribble Objectives to Objective to No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objective to Objectives to LDS to be aware Contaminated ensure that any ensure no harm identified. identified. identified. ensure that ensure that no ensure that of land which is Land Strategy areas of nature comes to protected harm comes to derelict or under- contaminated and (2003) conservation residents of the buildings and agricultural use sites are free its implications for importance are Borough with ancient holdings or crops from the environment. protected from regards to monuments are from the contamination the likelihood of contaminated not adversely likelihood of prior to contamination, sites and waters. affected by contamination. development. together with contamination. agricultural land, Remediation crops and measures are in groundwater place. resources. Key Targets & • Record and investigate all sites which are contaminated. Indicators

36 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment South Ribble Objective to No key issues No key issues Objectives to Objective to Objectives to Objectives to Objective to Core Strategy Economic develop identified. identified. create local improve transport develop visitor support the continue the Objectives to Regeneration environmental measures to get and infrastructure economy and economy of the regeneration of create Strategy regeneration businesses for businesses, tourism. Also Borough, Leyland. employment (2008-2018) projects. involved with especially increase public maintaining low opportunities and communities. sustainable art and culture. levels of investment in Develop new transport, and to unemployment South Ribble and partnerships to help people and ensure seek to improve skills of access these quality jobs and regenerate the local people. businesses. training. Providing more deprived Assistance for employment for areas. young and old local people. people. Key Targets & • Improve weekly earnings Indicators • Reduce unemployment • Reduce people of working age people on out of work benefits in the worst performing neighbourhoods • Increase in new businesses, and increase in the survival rate of businesses • More qualified people of working age • Deliver the Leyland masterplan • Increase areas of amenity • Increase visitor expenditure Empty Properties No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Empty properties Objectives to Continue to Strategy identified, reduce empty identified. provide good identified. improve the can be minimise the promote (2005) although general properties quality affordable existing built detrimental to the need to use new sustainable objectives to because they can and social environment. economy sites development protect the cause a health housing. because they unnecessarily, i.e. through the re- environment. hazard and make the area support the use of use of buildings nuisance through unattractive to previously and building on tipping, vermin, investors. developed sites previously arson, vandalism, and re-use developed land. etc buildings and conversions. Encourage sustainable regeneration of empty properties. Key Targets & • Over 3 year period triple the no. of empty properties taken on by New Progress Housing from 5-15 Indicators • 15 further properties to be brought back into use by other means, i.e. to bring back 30 properties in need of repair.

37 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Health No key issues Objective to Objective to Objectives to Objective to Objectives to Objective to No Key issues LDS to support Improvement identified. improve the reduce provide services promote make historic maintain and identified. strategy and the Strategy (2003) quality of life congestion and for all, including sustainable buildings safe and create importance of within the improve air leisure, transport and at low risk from employment social well-being community and to quality by recreation, accessibility. fire, flooding, etc opportunities and throughout the continue to encouraging educational and Creation of new reduce community. emphasise health cycling and play scheme routes to unemployment as a total concept walking. The groups. encourage such levels. of physical and Council monitors modes (i.e. Unemployment mental well-being air quality and walking and increases the risk for all who live, vehicle exhaust cycling) of of ill-health and work and visit the emissions. sustainable premature death. borough. Areas transport. of open space to be incorporated within housing developments.

Key Targets & • Target problem areas in partnership with the NHS such as coronary heart disease, strokes, cancer, mental health, sexual health, inequalities, homelessness, accidents, substance Indicators misuse, promoting independence, children’s welfare, primary care and diabetes. Parks and Open Objectives to Objectives to Parks and open Parks and open Parks and Open Objectives to Good quality Objectives to Update in respect Spaces Strategy protect and promote spaces have the spaces are by spaces provide a ensure that parks parks and open promote urban of guidance in 2002-2012 enhance recreation and ability to and large free green network for and open spaces spaces contribute regeneration PPG17 and the (2002) biodiversity as exercise moderate the and accessible to people to walk are protected and towards a positive through providing Open Space and parks are an opportunities effects of the a large and cycle. enhanced for their image of the good quality Recreation Study important through providing weather, absorb percentage of the cultural and borough and urban parks. prepared by PMP. sanctuary for and improving pollution, reduce population. historic provide tourist wildlife and green spaces. noise levels and importance. attractions and nature. mitigate flooding. help boost the economy and encourage employment and investment in the area. Key Targets & • Adopt a standard of provision for all open space typologies Indicators • Reasonable distribution of facilities across the Borough • Improve areas deficit in provision

38 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Heritage Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment People Action No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No amendments. Plan (2009-2011) identified. achieve the right identified. include all and identified. identified. identified. identified. People Strategy quality of life/work make people feel is an internal balance. valued and document aimed provide training at employees. and develop skills and provide new training opportunities for everyone. This will include balancing needs of all groups and ensure fair treatment across the Council. Key Targets & • Sets out vision to deliver the best for South Ribble through the Council’s employees. Indicators • Training and development for everyone Homelessness No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues LDS to support Strategy (2003- identified. identified. identified. provide quality, identified. identified. identified. identified. strategy and the 2006) support, choice importance of and decent providing decent homes to prevent homes for all. homelessness in South Ribble. Key Targets & • 100% homelessness applications decided within 33 days 2005/6 Indicators • 100% interviews carried out within 3 days of approach • stays in interim accommodation not to last more than 12 months Sustainability and Seeks to protect No key issues Seeks to improve No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to Climate Change and enhance identified air quality in the identified identified identified identified identified support and Strategy (2009- wildlife and Borough. develop the report 2012) natural habitats in to reflect the the Borough. importance of biodiversity in the Borough. Key Targets & • To reduce CO2 from local authority operations. 2008/2009 will be the baseline year Indicators • Reduce per capita emissions in the district ant contribute to county wide reductions of 9.75% in 09/10 and 12.5% in 10/11 • Implement the development of flood plans for the 5 areas in the Borough most susceptible to flooding • 30% reduction in CO2 from domestic emissions by 2011 from 1996 levels • Identification of areas of suitable for management to encourage development of specific habitats by March 2010

39 Chorley Plans and Strategies

Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Chorley Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Include Borough’s protect and improve identified. involve people in improve transport develop arts and develop a strong identified. sustainability Community enhance the community safety decision-making infrastructure and heritage within the economy and objectives relating Strategy environment. bridging gaps for their area and choice and access Borough. promote economic to developing a 2005-2025 between social, be aware of local to and take up of development. strong economy health and needs. Achieving public services. and improving economic a balanced Develop better transport inequalities. housing market. and more infrastructure, Encourage affordable public reducing pockets participation in transport. of inequality, leisure activities. getting people involved in their communities, improving access and take-up of public services, and developing the character of the Borough. Key Targets • % growth in GVA & Indicators • Affordability of houses • No. of people in housing need • Crime levels • % of people with access to green services Parish Plans Objectives to Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Include (Adlington, preserve valued safeguard identified. provide for all the identified. preserve and identified. identified. sustainability Croston, local features. community needs of the protect the objectives that Eccleston, facilities and community. distinctive aim to maintain Mawdsley, services. character and local features and Ulnes Walton, features of an services. Whittle-le- area. Woods Key Targets • No specific indicators or targets. & Indicators

40 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Chorley No key issues Objectives to No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Include Borough identified. reduce identified. support vulnerable identified. identified. identified. identified. sustainability Council homelessness in people and enable objectives relating Housing the Borough and customers to live to the delivery of Strategy improve housing in an environment affordable and 2005-2010 standards and the of their choice. special needs living environment housing. And throughout all improving housing neighbourhoods. quality and the living environment.

Key Targets • % of households living in un affordable housing & Indicators • Affordable housing completions • % of unfit dwellings • No. of homeless households Chorley No key issues No key issues No key issues Sets out No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Include objectives Partnership identified. identified. identified. challenges and an identified. identified. identified. identified. relating to creating Community action plan for community Cohesion achieving cohesion. Strategy community 2008-2011 cohesion. Key Targets • A list of challenges are listed along with an action plan to tackle to these challenges. & Indicators Contaminated Objectives to Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Include Land Strategy protect prevent identified. identified. identified. prevent the risk of identified. identified. sustainability 2001 ecosystems from development on contamination to objectives that potentially contaminated land protected historic aim to restore and polluting sources. until remediation sites and the protect land and has taken place historic soil. and identify and environment. deal with risks to human health. Key Targets • Sets out targets for dealing with information and complaints concerning contaminated land and water & Indicators

41 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Heritage and No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues Include Conservation identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. preserve and identified. identified. sustainability Strategy enhance the objectives relating 1999-2009 Borough’s Listed to the protection and other historic and enhancement buildings, of the historic Conservation environment and Areas and other the built heritage. elements of its historic environment including registered parks and gardens. Key Targets • No specific relevant targets & Indicators Chorley into No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Ensure that the 2016: identified. identified. promote the identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. objectives are Sustainable reduction of reflected Resources energy throughout the DPD and requirements in LDF and SPD new highlighted in the developments and Core Strategy. promote the prudent use of natural resources. Key Targets • Reduce carbon emissions of new developments by at least 10% (15% from 2010 and 20% from 2015). & Indicators Chorley Town Centre Retail and Leisure Study 2005 Key Targets • No targets or indicators. & Indicators Chorley Town No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Objectives to No key issues Develop policies Centre identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. create a identified. in the LDF that Strategy contemporary achieve the market town and objectives of the Make Chorley the Strategy. obvious choice over neighbouring shopping centres, towns and cities. Key Targets • No targets or indicators. & Indicators

42 Sustainability Appraisal Topic Local Level Biodiversity Population & Air Quality Social Accessibility & Culture & Heritage Economic Regeneration Core objectives Plans & Human Health Inclusiveness Transport links Development & Strategies (healthy lifestyles) Employment Chorley No key issues Objectives to No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Use the findings Greenspace identified. realise the full identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. of the strategy to Strategy 2005 potential of the develop open parks and green space policies in spaces across the the Core Strategy. Borough and contribute to the quality of lives of the community. Key Targets • No targets or indicators. & Indicators Chorley No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues No key issues Provides a wide Profile - A identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. identified. range of State of the environmental, Borough social and Report 2008 economic characteristics relating to the Borough that should be taken into account when developing policies in the LDF. Key Targets • No targets or indicators. & Indicators

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APPENDIX 2 - BASELINE INFORMATION

PRESTON BASELINE INFORMATION

General

Preston, England’s newest City, lies at the heart of Lancashire and covers an administrative area of 14,239 hectares. The City plays a dominant role as a sub-regional retail, administrative and transportation centre. Together with the boroughs of Chorley and South Ribble, Preston forms the core central area of Lancashire at the sub-regional level. Strong economic and social links are reflected in housing markets, travel-to-work and shopping patterns. The City acts as the main commercial and retail centre in the area, and has a large and successful university.

Preston has a population of 132,000 (mid 2008 estimate) and this is expected to increase to 148,000 by 2031. The City is located at the lowest bridging point of the River Ribble at cross- roads of the North-West’s major motorway networks with easy access to the M6, M61, M55 and the extended M65. Preston Railway Station serves both local and national routes on the West Coast mainline from London to Glasgow.

Preston contains a large rural area which is of great importance to the quality of life of both residents of the City and people who work there. Two thirds of the City’s administrative area is rural in nature, with small villages, good quality agricultural land and Beacon Fell Country Park (which is at the southern end of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Areas of open countryside are within 10 minutes drive of the City Centre.

Social Baseline Data

Housing

The average house prices in the City rose considerably in the second quarter of 2006 from £129,924 to £144,669. The average house price remained fairly constant until the fourth quarter of 2007 where it reached £156,673. Since 2007 the average prices have fallen down to £130,962 by the first quarter of 2009.

The proportion of dwelling stock deemed unfit had reduced from 12.3% in 2002 to 5.2% in 2004. The proportion of dwellings vacant is considerably below the amount across Lancashire and the North-West.

Health and Wellbeing

In 2001, 10.33% of the City’s population rated their health as not good, this was below the amount across Lancashire and the North-West.

The 2007 Indices of Multiple Deprivation showed that 38% of Lower Layer Super Output Areas in the City are within the 20% most deprived nationally. In health terms alone, 52.4% are within the 20% most deprived nationally. These levels of deprivation are much higher than those across Lancashire and the North-West.

Life expectancy has increased in the City since 2001 and is continuing to improve, however sill lies behind the national average.

Travel

In 2001 the percentage of people who travelled to work by foot or bicycle was 15.5%, the percentage using public transport was 12%. This is higher than the average across both Lancashire and North West. In addition, the percentage of households in 2001 without access to a car was 31.4%, this was higher than the average across Lancashire and the North West.

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Environmental Baseline Data

Biodiversity and the Natural Environment

For the most part, the attractive countryside around Preston requires long term protection, because of either the function for which the land is used or its existing natural qualities. The main use of land in rural areas is agriculture. Good quality agricultural land is a national asset which must be conserved. Land which is within the Greenbelt also performs an important function in checking urban sprawl, so it must also be protected. Greenbelt land in Preston covers approximately 4.6% of the City’s area.

Perhaps the most attractive semi-natural countryside in the City is that within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), but there are other areas of high environmental quality.

There is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Red Scar and Tun Brook Woods; a 2009 Condition Survey found that 87.68% of this SSSI was in favourable condition. There are also 4 Regionally Important Geological Sites in Preston.

An important part of Preston’s heritage is the quality of the built environment as well as the natural environment. Preston has approximately 770 Listed Buildings and Structures, and 12 Conservation Areas. There are 6 parks and gardens of special historic interest as well as 3 Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Climate Change, Energy and Resource Use

A fundamental part of preserving the land resource, especially greenfield land is the re-use of previously developed, underused land. The proportion of new houses built on previously developed land in 2009/10 was 94%, in addition 91% of new houses were built at densities over 30 dwellings per hectare.

There are two designated Air Quality Management Areas in the City, one at Church Street/Ringway/Percy Street, and the second at Blackpool Road/Plungington Road.

Economic Baseline Data

Economic Growth and Employment

In December 2007, 2,159 people, or 2.6% of the working age population were claiming unemployment related benefits. This was the same as the average across the region. However the 2007 Indices of Deprivation showed that 35.7% of the City’s Lower Layer Super Output Areas were within the top 20% most employment deprived nationally - 31% were also within the top 20% most income deprived nationally. Across Lancashire in 2007, 24.8% of Lower Layer Super Output Areas were within the top 20% most employment deprived nationally – 18.3% were within the top 20% most income deprived nationally. Clearly this is an issue in the City since performance is much worse than the average across Lancashire. However, trend data shows that performance in employment and income deprivation has improved since the 2004 Indices of Deprivation.

In 2007, 93.3% of the new businesses set up survived for longer than 12 months, trend data shows that in the years previous to 2007 performance remained consistently high and fluctuated between 93% and 97%.

Skills and Economic Inclusion

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation showed that 33.3% of the City’s Lower Layer Super Output Areas were within the top 20% most education, skills and training deprived nationally. This was

46 much higher than the average across Lancashire (24.9%). In addition, trend data shows that 27.4% of the City’s Lower Layer Super Output Areas were within the top 20% most education, skills and training deprived nationally in 2004, therefore the situation has worsened and remains a significant issue in the City.

In 2001, 31.1% of Preston’s residents aged 16-74 had no qualifications, this compared unfavourably with the average across Lancashire (30.1%). However, despite this, 18.6% of Preston’s residents in 2001 had the highest levels of qualifications, outperforming the average across Lancashire and the North West.

Retail, Tourism and Leisure

Preston is the main retail and service centre in Central Lancashire and is ranked first in the sub- region for its non-food (comparison) shopping. It is the centre for commercial and administrative activity.

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Preston Baseline Data

SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets To improve access to good % of Unfit Dwellings 5.2% of the dwelling stock was 4.2% of dwellings in England 12.3% of the dwelling stock was No issue identified quality and resource efficient unfit in 2004 and 5.2% of dwellings in the unfit in both 2002 housing including affordable North West were unfit in 2006 housing % of Vacant Dwellings In 2009, 1411 dwellings had In Lancashire, 4.3% of dwellings No trend data available. The % of vacant dwellings in the been vacant for more than 12 were vacant in 2009, and 4.2% Borough is well below both the county months, representing of the dwelling stock was vacant wide and regional levels. approximately 2.4% of the in the North West dwelling stock. Energy Efficiency of No data available at present. No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified Homes Affordability The average price of a dwelling The average price of a dwelling The 2006 quarter 2 average Average house prices in the City in the City during April – June in Lancashire during July – was £144,669; in quarter 4 of dropped significantly since 2007, (Quarter 1) 2009 was £130,962. September 2009 was £153,350. 2007 was £156,673. although they now seem to have The average price for England stabilised. during the same quarter was £226,648

Affordable Housing From 1st April 2008 – 31st March The current target is to complete From April 2007 – March 2008, The target for affordable housing completions 2009, there were 45 affordable 44 affordable dwellings in there were 35 affordable completions is on course to be housing completions in the City. 2009/10 and 45 in 2010/11. housing completions, 2006- achieved. 2007 there were 33, 2005-2006 – 0, and 2004-2005 – 58. Housing Completions In 2009/2010, there were 5 net No relevant targets. Annual completion rates are as No issue identified housing completions in the City. follows: 2003/2004 – 308 dwellings 2004/2005 – 544 dwellings 2005/2006 – 627 dwellings 2006/2007 – 565 dwellings 2007/2008 – 609 dwellings 2008/2009 – 468 dwellings To improve health and Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices of Deprivation 20.7% of Lower Layer SOAs in Out of the 84 lower layer SOA’s The number of SOAs in the top 20% of wellbeing and/or improve Super Output Areas in the showed that 32 of the 84 lower Lancashire fall within the 20% in the City 58 have become most deprived represents 38% of total access to health care, sport 20% most deprived layer SOA’s in the City fall within most deprived nationally. The more deprived in relation to the lower layer SOA’s, these are focussed and recreation, culture, nationally the 20% most deprived figure for the North West is rest of England since the 2004 in particular neighbourhoods. community and education nationally. This amounts to 38% 31.8%. Indices of Deprivation. facilities and services of lower layer SOAs in the City. particularly in deprived areas 20 are within the top 10%. Increase/decrease in In 2009, the estimated mid year No comparative data or target. The population at Census day, The population of the City is steadily Borough population. population of the Borough was 2001 was 129,633. increasing. 134,600. % of population describing In 2001, 10.33% of the 10.8% of people in Lancashire No trend data available. The percentage of residents of the City their health as not good population described their described their health as not describing their health as not good is health as not good. good in 2001. The figure was lower than both the figure for the 11% for the North West. County and the North West.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets % of population with a In 2001, 36.3% of Preston In 2001, 20.7% of the No trend data available. The percentage of the City population limiting long-term illness residents had a limiting long population of both Lancashire with a limiting long term illness is higher term illness. and the North West had a than the county wide and north west limiting long term illness figure. Life expectancy In 2008, males in the City had a In 2008, the average life In 2001, the average life The average life expectancy of both life expectancy of 75.16 years, expectancy for males in the expectancy for males in the City males and females has increased since whilst women had a life North West was 76.33 years, was 74.40 years, and for 2001, however is lower than the North expectancy of 80.01 years. and for women it was 80.59 women 78.60 years. West average. years. Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices of Deprivation The 2007 Indices of Deprivation No trend data available. The proportion of lower later SOA’s in Super Output Areas in the showed that 44 of the 84 lower showed that 31.1% of Lower the City that are amongst the 20% most 20% most deprived in layer SOAs were amongst the Layer SOAs in Lancashire are in deprived nationally is much higher than terms of health and 20% most deprived in terms of the 20% most deprived the average across Lancashire. disability nationally health and disability nationally. nationally in terms of health and This amounts to 52.4% of the disability. City’s lower layer SOAs. To reduce crime, disorder Fear of crime - % of No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified and the fear of crime residents feeling unsafe during the day

Fear of crime - % of No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified residents feeling unsafe at night Number of lower layer In the 2007 Indices of The 2007 Indices of Deprivation The 2004 Indices of Deprivation The number of SOAs in the top 20% Super Output Areas in Deprivation, 29 lower layer showed that 13.6% of showed that there were 24 most deprived in terms of crime and 20% most deprived in SOAs, or 34.5%, were in the top Lancashire’s Lower Layer SOAs (28.6%) lower layer SOAs in the disorder has increased from 24 to 29. terms of crime and 20% of most deprived ward in were in the top 20% of most top 20% most deprived This is something that will need to be disorder nationally terms of crime and disorder deprived nationally. nationally for crime and addressed through the LDF. nationally. disorder. To reduce the need to travel Settlements not within 1km No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified and improve transport of 5 basic services (post accessibility in sustainable offices, doctor’s practices, ways primary schools, food shops and bus stops) % of residents aged 16-74 In 2001, 15.5% of residents In 2001, 13.9% of people In No trend data available. The figure is above the County and who travel to work by foot travelled to work either on foot Lancashire travelled to work North West average. or bicycle or by bicycle. either on foot or by bicycle. The percentage was 12.6% for the North West. % of residents aged 16-74 In 2001, 12% of people travelled In Lancashire, 7.4% of people No trend data available. The number of people travelling to work who travel to work by to work on public transport. travelled to work on public on public transport is above the County public transport transport in 2001. average. % of housing provided No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified within 400 metres of a bus route or railway station

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets % households without a In 2001, 31.4% of households in In 2001, 27.2% of households in No trend data available. The proportion of households in the City car the City did not have a car. Lancashire did not have a car. with no car was above the proportion The figure was 30.2% for the across Lancashire and the North West. North West. To protect, enhance and Number of Sites of Special There is 1 Site of Special No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. manage biological and Scientific Interest (SSSIs) Scientific Interest in Preston at geological assets Red Scar and Tun Brook Woods. The site is split into 4 units and covers an area of 63.63ha. % Area of SSSIs which is A 2009 Condition Survey found No comparative data available. In 2005, 20% of the SSSI was in The % of the SSSI in a favourable in a favourable condition that 87.68% of the SSSI is in unfavourable condition. condition is high. favourable condition. Number of Regionally There are currently 4 Regionally Not relevant to compare other No trend identified. No issue identified. Important Geological Sites Important Geological Sites in areas. Preston – Bradleys Sand Pit (Broughton), River Brock, Brock Bottom, Penwortham Bridge and Higher Brockholes. Habitats in the Borough No data available. Not relevant to compare other No trend identified. No issue identified. with Habitat Action Plans areas. included in Lancashire’s Biodiversity Action Plan % of the Borough Approximately 4.6% of the City 25.9% of the area of Lancashire No trend data available. No issue identified, whilst only a small designated as Green Belt is designated as Greenbelt. is Greenbelt. 18.5% of the North proportion of the City is designated West is designated as Greenbelt, a good proportion is open Greenbelt. countryside. Number of advertised No data available. No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. departures approved as a percentage of total permissions in the Green Belt To protect, conserve and Number of Listed Buildings There are approximately 770 No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. enhance landscape (2005) individual listed buildings and character, places of structures in Preston. architectural, historic, Number of Parks and There are 6 parks and gardens Not relevant to compare other No trend identified. No issue identified. cultural and archaeological Gardens of Special Historic of special historic interest areas. value Interest including Avenham Park, Miller Park, Moor Park and Haslem Park. Number and degree of risk Currently (2009) there is one Not relevant to compare other No trend identified. No issue identified. of Grade 1 and Grade 2* Listed Building on the Buildings areas. Listed Buildings on the At Risk Register in Preston – English Heritage “Buildings Harris Institute, Avenham Lane at Risk” Register listed at Grade 2*. Number of Scheduled There are 3 Scheduled Ancient Not relevant to compare other No trend identified. No issue identified. Ancient Monuments Monuments in Preston – areas. Cromwell’s Mound, Penwortham Old Bridge and Chingle Hall. 50

SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets Number of Conservation There are 12 Conservation Not relevant to compare other No trend identified. No issue identified. Areas Areas in Preston. areas. To tackle climate change and Carbon Dioxide Emissions No data available. No data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. make the most sustainable use of the earth’s resources Nitrogen Dioxide levels No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified Sulphur Dioxide levels No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified Proportion of housing built Between April 2009 and March The RSS sets a target of 70% of From April 2008 – March 2009, The proportion of housing built on PDL on previously developed 2010, 94% of completions were new housing to be developed 98% of completions were on is consistently above RSS targets. It is land on previously developed land. on previously developed land. previously developed land. important to maintain this throughout Earlier years data is as follows: the LDF period. 75% between April 2007 – March 2008, 78% April 2006 – March 2007, 75% In 2005/2006. House building densities Between April 2008 and March PPS3 indicates that all new Between April 2007 – March House building at rates below 30 on sites over 0.4 ha 2009, 91% of dwellings were dwellings should be constructed 2008, 97% of dwellings were dwellings per hectare suggests an constructed at a density of over at densities of over 30 dwellings constructed at a density of over inefficient use of land. 30 dwellings per hectare. per hectare. 30 dwellings a hectare. From April 2006 to March 2007 the figure was 82%. To manage flood risk and the Number of Flood Warning There are currently no flood Not relevant to compare other No trend identified. No issue identified. impacts of flooding Areas warning areas in the Borough. areas. To protect and enhance Compliance with river No data available. No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. water resources and quality targets minimise pollution of water, Number of Air Quality The City has two Air Quality No comparative data. No trend data available. It is important that air quality in these air and soil Management Areas Management Areas at Church areas is improved. Street/Ringway/Percy Street and Blackpool Road/ Plungington Road. To encourage sustainable % of working age In December 2007, 2,159 In the North West, there were No trend data available. Number of people claiming economic growth and population claiming people, or 2.6% of the working 111,168 people, or 2.6% of the unemployment related benefits is the employment unemployment related age population, were claiming working age population, same as the regional average. benefits unemployment related benefits. claiming unemployment related benefits during December 2007. Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices showed that The 2007 Indices showed that The 2004 Indices showed that The number has decreased since 2004. Super Output Area’s in the there were 30 lower layer SOAs 24.8% of Lancashire’s lower there were 32 lower layer SOAs However, the percentage remains much 20% most employment within the City that fall within the layer SOAs were within the top in the most 20% deprived higher than the Lancashire average. deprived nationally 20% most employment deprived 20% of most deprived nationally nationally. This amounts to nationally. This amounts to in terms of employment. 38.1%. 35.7%. Average Earnings No data available. No data available. No data available. No issue identified.

Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices showed there 18.3% of Lancashire lower layer The 2004 Indices showed there The number has decreased since 2004. Super Output Area’s were 26 lower layer SOAs in the SOAs were within the most 20% were 29, or 34.5% of lower layer However, the percentage remains much (SOAs) in the 20% most Borough that were within the deprived nationally in terms of SOAs in the top 20% of most higher than the Lancashire average. income deprived nationally 20% most income deprived income deprivation, according to deprived nationally. nationally. This amounts to the 2007 Indices. 31%.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets Number of businesses In 2007, there were 4,110 In 2007, there were 194,695 In 2004, there were 3,980 The number of businesses registered registered for VAT businesses registered for VAT. businesses registered for VAT businesses registered for VAT, for VAT has gradually increased year in the North West, therefore 2% in 2005 there were 4,005, in on year. of North West businesses are 2006 there were 4,055. based in Preston. Registered business stock No data available. No data available. No data available. No issue identified. by sector Business survival rates Of all active enterprises started In 2006, 96.7% of all new active Of all businesses started in The Borough has a high business in 2007, 93.3% survived for enterprises survived for 12 2005, 94.3% survived for 12 survival rate despite current economic longer than 12 months. months. months. 94.9% of all businesses conditions. started in 2004 survived 1 year, and in 2003 93.2% survived 1 year. Take up of additional There was 7,090m2 employment No comparative data. There was 16,535m2 Take up of employment floorspace has employment land floorspace taken up in the employment floorspace taken fluctuated in recent years. This is likely 2008/2009 financial year. up in 2007/08, 13,100m2 in due to the current economic conditions. 2006/07, and 7,380m2 in 2005/06. % of residents working No data available. No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. within the Borough To improve the skills of both % of population aged 16- In 2001, 31.1% of Preston’s In 2001, 30.1% of Lancashire No trend data available. The proportion of the City’s residents the current and future 74 with no qualifications residents aged 16-74 had no residents aged 16-74 had no without qualifications is above the workforce and to develop the qualifications. qualifications. The North West county average. skills required to ensure that figure was 31.9%. local people have access to % of population aged 16- In 2001, 18.6% of the City’s In 2001, 17.6% of Lancashire No trend data available. The proportion of residents qualified to and are able to meet the 74 with highest level residents aged 16-74 had residents aged 16-74 were level 4 or 5 is above the County and demands of modern and qualifications qualifications at Level 4 or 5. qualified to level 4 or 5. The North West average. changing job markets North West figure was 17.2%. Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices showed there The 2007 Indices showed that The 2004 Indices showed there The number of SOAs in the top 20% Super Output Areas in the were 28 Lower Layer SOAs in 24.9% of SOAs in Lancashire were 23 Lower Layer SOAs (or has increased since 2004. 20% most deprived in the top 20% most deprived in are in the top 20% most 27.4%) in the top 20% most terms of education, training terms of education, training and deprived in terms of education, deprived in terms of education, and skills nationally skills nationally. This amounted training and skills nationally. training and skills nationally. to 33.3% of the City’s SOAs. To sustain and encourage Number of lower layer In the 2007 Indices of The 2007 Indices showed that The 2004 Indices of Deprivation The number of SOAs in the top 20% appropriate growth of rural Super Output Areas in the Deprivation showed that there 5.5% of Lancashire SOAs were showed that there were 4 lower has increased since 2004. businesses 20% most deprived in were 6 lower layer SOAs in the in the top 20% of most deprived layer SOAs (or 4.8%) in the top terms of barriers to top 20% of most deprived in nationally deprived in terms of 20% of most deprived in terms housing and services terms of barriers and housing barriers and housing and of barriers and housing and nationally and services nationally. This services nationally. services nationally. amounted to 7% of the City’s SOAs. Proportion of rural No data at present. No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. buildings outside inset settlements approved for non-housing uses compared to all uses permitted

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets To maintain and improve Number of major retail No data available. No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. retail and related services, proposals permitted away as well as provide for from Town Centre and tourism and leisure edge of Centre Locations (over 1500m2 floor area) Proportion of vacant No data available. No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. ground floor units in Preston City Centre Proportion of vacant No data available. No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. ground floor units in District, Neighbourhood and Local Centres

Summary of Likely Evolution of Key Trends without Implementation of the Plan

SA Framework Indicator Trend Likely Evolution without Implementation of the Plan Objective From April 2007 – March 2008, The trend in affordable housing completions since 2004 has been variable; continuing without implementation there were 35 affordable Affordable Housing of statutory planning policy through the LDF would in all likelihood continue this trend. This may result in the housing completions, 2006- completions provision of affordable housing not meeting needs. Implementation of the plan will ensure a consistent and fair 2007 there were 33, 2005-2006 approach to affordable housing provision, meeting the needs of the population. – 0, and 2004-2005 – 58. To improve access to good Annual completion rates are as quality and resource efficient follows: The trend in housing completions between 2003 and 2008 has been reasonable consistent, however in recent housing including affordable 2003/2004 – 308 dwellings years the overall provision of new housing has reduced. Choosing to not implement the plan would result in the housing 2004/2005 – 544 dwellings lack of identified land to meet housing needs and reducing housing provision. This may result in people moving Housing Completions 2005/2006 – 627 dwellings out of the area to find a home. Also, it may lead to the development of inappropriate sites for housing. 2006/2007 – 565 dwellings Implementation of plan will ensure sufficient land, in suitable locations is identified to deliver enough housing to 2007/2008 – 609 dwellings meet the needs of the population over the plan period. 2008/2009 – 468 dwellings From April 2008 – March 2009, The trend in the proportion of housing built on previously developed land is not at this stage an issue. However, 98% of completions were on to continue without implementation of the plan would in all likelihood reduce the level of housing built on To tackle climate change and Proportion of housing built previously developed land. previously developed land, which would result in the release of more developable greenfield sites, not making make the most sustainable on previously developed Earlier years data is as follows: the best use of natural resources. Implementation of the plan will result in the identification and prioritisation of use of the earth’s resources land 75% between April 2007 – previously developed land for development, lessening the impact on climate change and making better use of March 2008, 78% April 2006 – natural resources. March 2007, 75% In 2005/2006. The 2004 Indices showed that Whilst the trend in employment deprivation has reduced between 2004 and 2007, it remains worse than Number of lower layer To encourage sustainable there were 32 lower layer SOAs county-wide averages. Without implementation of the plan this situation would be likely to continue, meaning a Super Output Area’s in the economic growth and in the most 20% deprived lack of provision of employment possibilities and worsening deprivation. Implementation of the plan will ensure 20% most employment employment nationally. This amounts to adequate allocation of land to meet employment needs of the population over the plan period, helping to deprived nationally 38.1%. decrease the levels of employment deprivation.

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SOUTH RIBBLE BASELINE INFORMATION

General

The Borough of South Ribble is at the heart of central Lancashire and south of the River Ribble. South Ribble covers an area of 43 square miles and has a population of approximately 107,200 (mid 2008 estimate). Population is likely to continue to increase and is forecast to be 119,000 in 2024.

South Ribble is situated within the central lowland of Lancashire and is the geographical centre of the former Central Lancashire New Town. Whilst the central core of the Borough is urban, over two thirds of the Borough is rural in character. 80% of the population live within the main centres for employment and shopping. The main urban communities are Leyland, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham, Lostock Hall and Walton-Le-Dale. There are also smaller settlements away from the main urban areas, such as Longton, Much Hoole, Walmer Bridge, Hutton, Higher Walton and Gregson Lane, Coupe Green and New Longton and the much smaller villages of Samlesbury and Cuerdale and Little Hoole.

Agricultural land in the rural western parts of the Borough is extremely fertile and there are many market gardens and nurseries engaged in intensive horticulture. The principle settlements here are Longton and Hutton. The eastern parts are more undulating with an attractive and varied landscape of high quality and are more sparsely populated. Most of the rural area is designated as Green Belt.

South Ribble is located astride the north-south M6 motorway and the main London-Glasgow railway. The M65, giving access to East Lancashire and beyond, starts in the Borough. Connections are available to the M55, M61 giving access to the Fylde coast, Manchester and Yorkshire.

Social Baseline Data

Housing

The average house prices in the Borough have increased considerably since the start of 2003, from £99,116, to £157,773 at the end of 2009. The average price did decrease during the second half of 2008, and the beginning of 2009, but they have since started to increase again. The average price of a house in South Ribble is above that of the Lancashire average, but below the national average.

83.9% of dwellings in the Borough are owner occupied, which is above the Lancashire average of 75.1%, the North West average of 69.3%, and the national average of 68.9%.

In 2006, 3.6% of the dwelling stock in the Borough was considered to be unfit. This is below the Lancashire average of 4.2% and the North West average of 5.2%. The figure has decreased slightly from 3.7% in both 2004 and 2005.

Health and Wellbeing

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation show that South Ribble is one of the least deprived in Lancashire, with only Ribble Valley and Fylde being less deprived. Nationally, the Borough is ranked 233 out of 354 districts. There are small pockets of deprivation, with 3 lower layer SOAs, one in Golden Hill and 2 in Lowerhouse, being within the worst 20% nationally.

The 2001 Census indicates that 9.2% of the population of the Borough considers their health as not good. This is below both the Lancashire and Northwest average. The Census also indicated that 18.1% of the residents of the Borough suffered with a limiting long term illness, again below the Lancashire and North West average.

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Life expectancy in the Borough has increased since 2001. Current estimates suggest that life expectancy for males is 77.87 years, and women 81.72 years. These are both above the estimates for the North West.

Travel

The percentage of residents who travel to work either on foot is lower than both the Lancashire and North West average. The 2001 Census showed that 11.1% of the Borough’s residents traveled to work in this way, whilst the figure was 13.9% for Lancashire and 12.6% for the North West.

The percentage of residents who traveled to work using public transport has decreased since the 1991 Census, which showed 8.5% of people traveled to work on public transport. The 2001 Census indicated that the number had decreased to 6.8%. Again, this is below the Lancashire average of 7.4%.

The 2001 Census also showed that 17.9% of households in the Borough do not have a car. This is below the Lancashire average of 27.2% and the North West figure of 30.2%.

Environmental Baseline Data

Biodiversity and the Natural Environment

The natural and built environment is an important part of the area’s heritage and the Council recognises the importance of safeguarding, conserving and improving the quality of the environment for its social, educational and economic benefits. The environment of South Ribble is characterised by a wide variety of features, including landscape, trees and woodlands, parks and gardens, wildlife habitats and water features in both the urban and rural areas of the Borough. Much of South Ribble’s landscape has been shaped by intensive agriculture to the west and contrasting undulating river valleys to the east.

The Borough contains significant areas of high quality agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3) that requires continued protection through policies in the Local Development Framework.

The landscape of South Ribble away from the urban areas has been shaped by agriculture. The low-lying landscape of the west contrasts with the gently undulating river valley landscape of the east. The semi-natural landscapes that remain are a result of positive measures to conserve them or their unsuitability to modern agricultural techniques. They include the ancient woodlands along the river valleys in the east of the Borough and the Ribble Estuary in the west.

The Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan was published in April 2001. It contains detailed action plans for a first tranch of habitats and species. The information on habitats in South Ribble Borough is taken from this document.

The documents indicate there are 7 types of habitat in the Borough with Habitat Action Plans. These are:

• Arable Farmland; • Broadleaved and Mixed Woodland; • Calcareous Grassland; • Mossland; • Rivers and Streams; • Salt Marsh and Estuarine Rivers; and • Species Rich Grassland.

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South Ribble’s natural environment is an important part of the area’s heritage. The Council recognises the importance of safeguarding and improving the quality of the environment, both as a desirable objective in its own right and for its social, educational and economic benefits. The Borough has three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Ribble Estuary SSSI, the River Darwen SSSI and Beeston Brook Pasture. The combined land coverage of SSSIs is 448.08 hectares. This represents approximately 4% of the Borough's area.

The Ribble Estuary includes the Longton and Hutton Salt Marshes, the most abundant semi- natural habitat in the Borough. The SSSI is of international importance for birdlife and is of regional importance for plant life. It is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and Special Protection Area (SPA) under the terms of the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds.

The bed and banks of the stretch of the River Darwen designated as a SSSI provide one of the finest sections of rocks of Middle Namurian age originally laid down about 320 million years ago. It is an important area for geological study.

Beeston Brook Pasture consists of unimproved, herb-rich pasture with flushes on a north-east facing slope and is one of the few remaining unimproved herb-rich pastures present in this part of Lancashire. Much of this type of habitat in Lancashire has become increasingly destroyed by intensive agricultural practices.

The Borough has two statutory Local Nature Reserve sites (LNRs) at Preston Junction and Longton Brickcroft, which have a combined total area of 30.71 hectares.

Dog Kennel Wood is managed by the Woodland Trust and Cop Lane Sidings by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust for Nature Conservation and Priory Meadows is managed by the Penwortham Nature Conservation Group.

There are approximately 66 Biological Heritage Sites in the Borough, over half of which are woodlands and the majority of these being ancient woodlands. The list also includes nature reserves and coastal habitats. The Borough also contains three County Geological Heritage Sites at Longton Brickcroft, Roach Bridge and Hennel End, Walton-Le-Dale.

There are two historic parks which are within the Borough, the majority of Worden Park, a Grade II Historic Park and Gardens and a small part of Woodfold Park in Samlesbury, also a Grade II Historic Park and Gardens.

Worden Park has been a Green Flag park since 1998 and comprises a total land area of 63 hectares and is situated on the southern edge of Leyland. It provides a combination of historic natural landscape and varied wildlife, together with an impressive and attractive range of facilities.

There are 4 sites in South Ribble scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act, 1979: Castle Motte, Penwortham, Penwortham Old Bridge, Roman Settlement and Industrial Area at Walton-Le-Dale; and Manor House Farm, Much Hoole.

There are 147 Listed Buildings in South Ribble (the actual number of listed properties is higher as terraces count as one building) because of their special architectural or historic interest. South Ribble has two Grade I buildings of national interest, Samlesbury Hall and the Church of Leonard-the-Less, and nine Grade II* buildings, the remainder being Grade II.

The distinctive character and interest of townscapes, villages, historic gardens and parklands can be recognised and protected through the designation of conservation areas. There are six Conservation Areas in South Ribble at present, at Leyland Cross, Walton Green, Church Brow, Walton-Le-Dale, Penwortham, St. Mary’s, Penwortham and Church Road, Bamber Bridge.

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Climate Change, Energy and Resource Use

Government policy aims to ensure that rivers, lakes and coastal waters are well-managed in the interests of public health and the environment. The coast is an important national resource and concerns about rising sea levels and the need for development to be sustainable are increasing the attention being paid to water resources. The coastal zone includes all land below the 8 meter contour line outside the urban areas and is co-extensive with the tidal stretch of the River Ribble. The character of the coast is estuary marshes to the west and flat, low lying agricultural land, to the north-west. In South Ribble, the coastal zone is conserved for its international nature conservation importance, agricultural, amenity and recreation value of the Green Belt. The coastal zone is an important recreation feature and includes the Ribble Way middle distance footpath, which forms part of the Lancashire Coastal Way.

The Council has been involved in the preparation of the ‘Ribble Estuary Strategy’, which aims to integrate the many uses of the estuary with one another and harmonise those uses with the natural landscape. The Council recognises the importance of the Coastal Zone and seeks to protect the landscape, ecology and amenity from harmful and intrusive development.

Groundwater resources are a vital component of the potable water supplies but, if polluted, the damage is irrevocable in most cases. The Borough is divided into three units with major, minor and non-aquifers. Whilst there are no public water supply sources in the Borough, licensed private sources are present. It is likely that the issue of development and flood risk will become increasingly important given expected rises in sea level, possible increases in storm severity and changes in weather patterns arising from predicted global climatic changes. Such changes could result in an increased incidence of inland flooding.

The Council guides development away from areas at risk of flooding and restricts development that would increase the risk of flooding elsewhere or would interfere with the ability of the Environment Agency or other bodies to carry out flood control works and maintenance.

In order to prevent flooding it is essential that the Council ensures that the integrity and continuity of tidal and fluvial defences is maintained. In order to prevent flood risk to people and assets, the Council will resist development which may increase these risks.and their undisturbed soil and drainage patterns. It is essential that Ancient Woodlands remain protected from the adverse effects of development as they are an irreplaceable asset.

Good air quality is essential to human health and the health of the environment as a whole. It is a statutory requirement for Local Authorities under the Environment Act (1995) and subsequent Air Quality Regulations to continually review and assess the air quality in their areas. There are four road locations identified in South Ribble, which slightly exceeded the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective. This has been identified through standing traffic at traffic lights. As a result of this, Air Quality Management Areas have been designated at these sites, with the aim to introduce measures to improve the air quality, such as walking to school and car sharing initiatives.

The 4 AQMA’s are located at:

• Junction of Priory Lane and A59 Liverpool Road, Penwortham; • Victoria Road (A675/A6) Walton Le Dale; • Junction of Leyland Road and Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall; and • Station Road, Bamber Bridge

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Economic Baseline Data

Economic Growth and Employment

The percentage of working age residents claiming unemployment related benefits is significantly lower than the Lancashire average. In February 2010, 2.8% of the working age popultation in the Borough were claiming unemployment related benefits, whilst the figure was 3.9% for Lancashire. The percentage of residents claiming unemployment related benefits has decreased since February 2009, where the figure was 2.9% in South Ribble.

In 2009, the median average earnings in the Borough were £19,578 annually. This has decreased from £22,192 annually in 2008. The 2009 figure is above that of Lancashire, which is £19,344, but below the North West and National figure.

In 2009 in the Borough, there were 3,680 businesses registered for VAT. This represents a small decrease from 2008, when there were 3,720 businesses registered for for VAT. In previous years, the number of businesses registered for VAT has steadily increased. During the last 2 financial year, there has been no land talen up for employment purposes. There has been a relatively high takeup of employment land in the years previous to this.

In 2009, the highest proportion of registered businesses in the Borough fell within the following 4 sectors:

• Construction Sector (15.9%); • Professional, Scientific and Technical Sector (12.9%); • Retail Sector (9.8%); and • Business Administration and Support Services Sector (8.3%)

At the time of the 2001 Census, only 44.6% of residents of the Borough worked within the Borough. 28.2% of residents commute to Preston, with a further 6.9% commuting to Chorley.

Skills and Economic Inclusion

There are 40 primary schools within South Ribble, and 11 high schools. Not all of the pupils at these schools are necessarily resident in the Borough, and, similarly, pupils who reside in the Borough may travel to schools outside of the Borough.

In 2001, 27.2% of the Borough’s residents aged 16-74 had no qualifications. This is below the Lancashire and North West average of 30.1% and 31.9% respectively. At the same time, 17.5% of residents of the Borough aged 16-74 had qualifications at Level 4 or 5. This is slightly below the Lancashire average of 17.6% and above the North West average of 17.2%.

Retail, Tourism and Leisure

Leyland is the main shopping centre in the Borough, offering a range of goods and services. It is also a focal point for journeys by public transport. The local plan includes a goal to maintain and enhance the viability and vitality of this and the Borough’s district centres. The adopted local plan also identifies 10 district centres, which vary significantly in size and composition, but all play an essential local role. The district centres are Bamber Bridge, Tardy Gate, Penwortham, Longton, Kingsfold, Seven Stars, Farington, Earnshaw Bridge, Higher Walton, and Walton le Dale.

There are also a number of freestanding retail developments such as the Capitol Centre at Walton-Le-Dale, B&Q warehouse, Cuerden, Sainsburys at Bamber Bridge and Booths at Millbrook Way, Penwortham.

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Retailing in the Borough is challenged by its close proximity to Preston, which is a much larger centre offering a wide range of goods and services, particularly comparison goods, to a wide catchment area.

Vacancy rates at the time of the April 2010 survey in Leyland was 6.5%. This has increased from 5.23% in September 2009. Vacancy rates have also increased in all but one of the district centres, where the surveys are done annually every September.

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South Ribble Baseline Data

SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets To improve access to good % of Unfit Dwellings 3.6% of the dwelling stock was 4.2% of dwellings in England 3.7% of the dwelling stock was No issue identified quality and resource efficient unfit in 2006 and 5.2% of dwellings in the unfit in both 2004 and 2005 housing including affordable North West were unfit in 2006 housing % of Vacant Dwellings In2009, 2.7% of the dwelling In Lancashire, 4.3% of dwellings In 2006, 0.9% of the dwelling The % of vacant dwellings in the stock was vacant. were vacant in 2009, and 4.2% stock was vacant. This Borough is well below both the county of the dwelling stock was vacant increased to 2.5% in 2007 and wide and regional levels. in the North West 2.6% in 2008. Energy Efficiency of No data available at present. No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified Homes Affordability The average price of a dwelling The average price of a dwelling The 2009 quarter 2 average Average house prices in the Borough in the Borough during July – in Lancashire during July – was £151,163, and quarter 1 dropped significantly at the end of 2008 September (Quarter 3) 2009 September 2009 was £153,350. was £142,314. The 2008 prices and beginning of 2009, although they was £160,489 The average price for England were: Quarter 1 - £158,712, now are increasing again. during the same quarter was Quarter 2 - £166,634, Quarter 3 £226,648 - £153,383 and Quarter 4 - £154,517 Affordable Housing From 1st April 2009 – 31st March The Current South Ribble Local From April 2008 – March 2009, The Local Plan target for affordable completions 2010, there were no affordable Plan has a minimum target of there were 10 affordable housing completions has been housing completions in the 750 affordable dwellings housing completions, 2007- exceeded. Borough. throughout the life of the plan. 2008 there were 8, 2006-2007 – 27, 2005-2006 – 36, 2004-2005 – 53, 2003 – 2004 – 21. Housing Completions In 2009/2010, there were 171 The RSS target is 417 Annual completion rates are as Housing completions are currently well housing completions in the completions per annum. follows: below the target set in the RSS. Borough. 2003/2004 – 538 dwellings 2004/2005 – 657 dwellings 2005/2006 – 520 dwellings 2006/2007 – 284 dwellings 2007/2008 – 320 dwellings 2008/2009 – 312 dwellings To improve health and Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices of Deprivation 20.7% of Lower Layer SOAs in The 2004 Indices of Deprivation The number of SOAs in the top 10% of wellbeing and/or improve Super Output Areas in the showed that 3 of the 69 lower Lancashire fall within the 20% showed that 4.3% of lower layer most deprived has increased from 2004 access to health care, sport 20% most deprived layer SOA’s in the Borough fall most deprived nationally. The SOAs were within the top 20% – 2007. however, the percentage is still and recreation, culture, nationally within the 20% most deprived figure for the North West is nationally. Of this, 1.4% were in relatively low. community and education nationally. This amounts to 31.8%. the top 10% of most deprived facilities and services 4.3% of lower layer SOAs in the nationally. particularly in deprived areas Borough. None are within the top 10%. Increase/decrease in In 2008, the estimated mid year No comparative data or target. The population at Census day, The population of the Borough is Borough population. population of the Borough was 2001 was 103.867. steadily increasing. 107,200. % of population describing In 2001, 9.2% of the population 10.8% of people in Lancashire No trend data available. The percentage of residents of the their health as not good described their health as not described their health as not Borough describing their health as not good. good in 2001. The figure was good is lower than both the figure for 11% for the North West. the County and the North West.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets % of population with a In 2001, 18.1% of South Ribble In 2001, 20.7% of the No trend data available. The percentage of the Borough limiting long-term illness residents had a limiting long population of both Lancashire population with a limiting long term term illness. and the North West had a illness is lower than the county wide limiting long term illness and north west figure. Life expectancy In 2008, males in the Borough In 2008, the average life In 2001, the average life The average life expectancy of both had a life expectancy of 77.84 expectancy for males in the expectancy for males in the males and females has increased since years, whilst women had a life North West was 76.33 years, Borough was 76.50 years, and 2001, and is also higher than the North expectancy of 81.72 years. and for women it was 80.59 for women 80.60 years. West average. years. Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices of Deprivation The 2007 Indices of Deprivation The 2004 Indices of Deprivation The percentage has decreased Super Output Areas in the showed that 6 of the 69 lower showed that 31.1% of Lower showed that 13% of the lower between 2004 – 2007. 20% most deprived in layer SOAs were amongst the Layer SOAs in Lancashire are in layer SOAs in the Borough were terms of health and 20% most deprived in terms of the 20% most deprived in the top 20% of most deprived disability nationally health and disability nationally. nationally in terms of health and nationally. This amounts to 8.7% of the disability. Boroughs lower layer SOAs. To reduce crime, disorder Fear of crime - % of No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified and the fear of crime residents feeling unsafe during the day

Fear of crime - % of No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified residents feeling unsafe at night Number of lower layer In the 2007 Indices of The 2007 Indices of Deprivation The 2004 Indices of Deprivation The number of SOAs has increased Super Output Areas in Deprivation, 5 lower layer showed that 13.6% of showed that there were no from none to five. This is something that 20% most deprived in SOAs, or 5.8%, were in the top Lancashire’s Lower Layer SOAs lower layer SOAs in the top 20% will need to be addressed through the terms of crime and 20% of most deprived ward in were in the top 20% of most most deprived nationally for LDF. disorder nationally terms of crime and disorder deprived nationally. crime and disorder. nationally. To reduce the need to travel Settlements not within 1km No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified and improve transport of 5 basic services (post accessibility in sustainable offices, doctor’s practices, ways primary schools, food shops and bus stops) % of residents aged 16-74 In 2001, 11.1% of residents In 2001, 13.9% of people In No trend data available. The figure is below the County and who travel to work by foot travelled to work either on foot Lancashire travelled to work North West average. or bicycle or by bicycle. either on foot or by bicycle. The percentage was 12.6% for the North West. % of residents aged 16-74 In 2001, 6.8% of people In Lancashire, 7.4% of people In 1991, 8.5% of people in the The number of people travelling to work who travel to work by travelled to work on public travelled to work on public Borough travelled to work by on public transport has decreased since public transport transport. transport in 2001. public transport. 2001. the figure is also below the County average. % of housing provided No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified within 400 metres of a bus route or railway station

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets % households without a In 2001, 17.9% of households in In 2001, 27.2% of households in No trend data available. No issue identified car the Borough did not have a car. Lancashire did not have a car. The figure was 30.2% for the North West. To protect, enhance and Number of Sites of Special There are 3 Sites Of Special No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified manage biological and Scientific Interest (SSSIs) Scientific Interest in the Borough geological assets – Beeston Brook Pasture, Darwen River Section and The Ribble Estuary. % Area of SSSIs which is 2 of the Boroughs 3 SSSIs are No comparative data available No trend data available The % of SSIs not in a favourable in a favourable condition in a favourable condition. This condition is low. amounts to 99.61% of the total area of SSSIs in the Borough. Number of Regionally There are currently 3 Regionally Not relevant to compare other No trend identified No issue identified Important Geological Sites Important Geological Sites in areas the Borough. Habitats in the Borough 7 Habitats in the Borough have Not relevant to compare other No trend identified No issue identified with Habitat Action Plans Habitat Action plans. The areas included in Lancashire’s Habitats are: Biodiversity Action Plan Arable Farmland, Broadleaved and Mixed Woodland, Calcareous Grassland, Mossland, Rivers and Streams, Salt Marsh and Estuarine Rivers, and Species Rich Neutral Grassland. % of the Borough 69.1% of the Borough is 25.9% of the area of Lancashire No trend data available. No issue identified designated as Green Belt designated as Greenbelt. is Greenbelt. 18.5% of the North West is designated as Greenbelt. Number of advertised No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified departures approved as a percentage of total permissions in the Green Belt To protect, conserve and Number of Listed Buildings 147 Listed Buildings, although No issue identified enhance landscape (2005) this includes some group listings character, places of – i.e. blocks of terraces. architectural, historic, Number of Parks and There are 2 Historic Parks with Not relevant to compare other No trend identified No issue identified cultural and archaeological Gardens of Special Historic the Borough, Worden Park and areas value Interest part of Woodfold Park. Number and degree of risk Currently (2010) there are no Not relevant to compare other Worden Old Hall, Central Favourable situation – no buildings on of Grade 1 and Grade 2* buildings on the Buildings At areas Avenue, Buckshaw Village was the register. Listed Buildings on the Risk Register. previously on the Buildings at English Heritage “Buildings Risk Register. Following at Risk” Register renovation work as part of the Buckshaw development, it was removed from the register and is now a dwelling.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets Number of Scheduled There are 4 Scheduled Ancient Not relevant to compare other No trend identified No issue identified Ancient Monuments Monuments – Castle Motte, areas Penwortham, Penwortham Old Bridge, Roman Settlement and Industrial Area, Walton Le Dale and Manor House Farm, Much Hoole Number of Conservation There are 8 Conservation Areas Not relevant to compare other No trend identified No issue identified Areas in the borough. areas To tackle climate change and Carbon Dioxide Emissions In 2006, there were 892 In 2006, there were 12,201 No trend data available. No issue identified make the most sustainable kilotonnes in the Borough. The kilotonnes of carbon dioxide use of the earth’s resources biggest sources of Carbon emissions in Lancashire. There Dioxide are road travel (323 were 59,455 kilotonnes of kilotonnes) and industry and emissions in the North West. commerce (321 kilotonnes). Nitrogen Dioxide levels No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified Sulphur Dioxide levels No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified Proportion of housing built Between October 2009 and The RSS sets a target of 70% of From April 2009 – October The proportion of housing built on PDL on previously developed April 2010, 95% of completions new housing to be developed 2009, 92% of completions were is consistently above RSS targets. It is land were on previously developed on previously developed land. on previously developed land. important to maintain this throughout land Earlier years data is as follows: the LDF period. 85% between October 2008 – March 2009, 82% April 2008 – October 2008, 82% In 2007/2008. House building densities Between October 2009 and PPS3 indicates that all new Between April – October 2009, House building at rates below 30 on sites over 0.4 ha April 2010, 95.5% of dwellings dwellings should be constructed 57.6% of dwellings were dwellings per hectare suggests an were constructed at a density of at densities of over 30 dwellings constructed at a density of over inefficient use of land. over 30 dwellings per hectare. per hectare. 30 dwellings a hectare. From October 08 to April 09 the figure was 72.6% To manage flood risk and the Number of Flood Warning There are currently no flood Not relevant to compare other No trend identified No issue identified impacts of flooding Areas warning areas in the Borough. areas To protect and enhance Compliance with river No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified water resources and quality targets minimise pollution of water, Number of Air Quality The Borough has 4 Air Quality No comparative data. No trend data. It is important that air quality in these air and soil Management Areas Management Areas at the areas is improved. Junction of Priory Lane and Liverpool Road, Penwortham, Victoria Road, Walton Le Dale, Junction of Leyland Road and Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, and Station Road, Bamber Bridge.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets To encourage sustainable % of working age In February 2010, 1,823 people, In Lancashire, there were Since February 2009, the Number of people claiming economic growth and population claiming or 2.8% of the working age 34,331 people, or 3.9% of the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits has employment unemployment related population, were claiming working age population, unemployment related benefits started to decrease. The figure is below benefits unemployment related benefits. claiming unemployment related has decreased by 55 people, or the County average. benefits during February 2010. 2.9% of all people claiming unemployment related benefits. Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices showed that The 2007 Indices showed that The 2004 Indices showed that The number has decreased since 2004. Super Output Area’s in the there were 4 lower layer SOAs 24.8% of Lancashire’s lower there were 6 lower layer SOAs however, the same SOAs tend to be in 20% most employment within the Borough that fall layer SOAs were within the top in the most 20% deprived the top 20% for most categories. deprived nationally within the 20% most 20% of most deprived nationally nationally. This amounts to employment deprived nationally. in terms of employment. 8.6%. This amounts to 5.8%. Average Earnings In 2009, the median annual In 2009, the median annual In 2005, the median annual Median annual pay has decreased earnings in the Borough were earnings in Lancashire were earnings in the Borough were since 2008. the figure is slightly above £19,578 £19,344. The North West figure £19,496. It was £19,595 in the County average but below both the was £20,000, and Great Britain 2006, £22,398 in 2007 and regional and national average. was £21,418 £22,192 in 2008. Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices showed there 18.3% of Lancashire lower layer The 2004 Indices showed there The number has decreased since 2004. Super Output Area’s were 3 lower layer SOAs in the SOAs were within the most 20% were 4, or 5.7% of lower layer however, the same SOAs tend to be in (SOAs) in the 20% most Borough that were within the deprived nationally in terms of SOAs in the top 20% of most the top 20% for most categories. income deprived nationally 20% most income deprived income deprivation, according to deprived nationally. nationally. This amounts to the 2007 Indices. 4.3%. Number of businesses In 2009, there were 3,680 were In Lancashire in 2009, there In 2005, there were 2,535 The number decreased between 2008 registered for VAT registered for VAT. were 40,100 businesses businesses registered for VAT, and 2009. This is likely due to the registered for VAT, therefore in 2006 there were 2,560, in problems in the economy. Before this, 9.2% of all registered 2007 there were 2,655 and in the figure was increasing steadily each businesses in Lancashire were 2008 there were 3,720. year. in South Ribble. Registered business stock In 2009, the highest proportion In 2009, the highest proportion In 2008, the highest proportion The number of businesses within the by sector of registered businesses fall of registered businesses in of registered businesses fell property and business services sector within the construction sector Lancashire were within the within the property and business has decreased significantly since 2008. (15.9%), the professional, construction sector (13.5%), the services sector (28.6%), scientific and technical sector professional, scientific and construction (14.5%), and retail (12.9%), the retail sector (9.8%) technical sector (11.6%), the (9.8%) and the production and the business administration retail sector (11.4%) and the sector (7.5%). and support services sector production sector (8%). (8.3%) Business survival rates Of all active enterprises started In 2006, 95.3% of all new active Of all businesses started in The Borough has a high business in 2007, 96.2% survived for enterprises survived for 12 2006, 97.7% survived for 12 survival rate despite current economic longer than 12 months. months. months, and 84.9% survived for conditions 2 years. 95.7% of all businesses started in 2005 survived 1 year, 82.8% survived 2 years and 66.7% survived 3 years.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets Take up of additional There was no employment land No comparative data There was no employment land There has been no employment land employment land taken up in the 2009/2010 taken up in 08/09, 4.245ha in takeup in the Borough over the last 2 financial year 2007/2008, 7.695 in 2006/2007, years. This is likely due to the current 2005/2006 – 9.97ha, 2004/2005 economic conditions. – 11.243ha and 2003/2004 – 3.7013ha % of residents working 44.6% of the Boroughs No comparative data available. No trend data available The majority of residents in employment within the Borough residents work in the Borough. work outside of the Borough. To improve the skills of both % of population aged 16- In 2001, 27.2% of South In 2001, 30.1% of Lancashire No trend data available. The proportion of the Boroughs the current and future 74 with no qualifications Ribble’s residents aged 16-74 residents aged 16-74 had no residents without qualifications is below workforce and to develop the had no qualifications. qualifications. The North West the county and regional average. skills required to ensure that figure was 31.9%. local people have access to % of population aged 16- In 2001, 17.5% of the Borough’s In 2001, 17.6% of Lancashire No trend data available. The proportion of residents qualified to and are able to meet the 74 with highest level residents aged 16-74 had residents aged 16-74 were level 4 or 5 is above the North West demands of modern and qualifications qualifications at Level 4 or 5. qualified to level 4 or 5. The average but below the County average. changing job markets North West figure was 17.2% Number of lower layer The 2007 Indices showed there The 2007 Indices showed that The 2004 Indices showed there The number of SOAs in the top 20% Super Output Areas in the were 5 Lower Layer SOAs in the 24.9% of SOAs in Lancashire were 4 Lower Layer SOAs (or has increased since 2004. The SOAs 20% most deprived in top 20% most deprived in terms are in the top 20% most 5.8%) in the top 20% most are also those which are in the top 20% terms of education, training of education, training and skills deprived in terms of education, deprived in terms of education, for other categories, indicating there are and skills nationally nationally. This amounted to training and skills nationally. training and skills nationally. small pockets of deprivation in the 7.2% of the Borough’s SOAs. Borough. To sustain and encourage Number of lower layer In the 2007 Indices of The 2007 Indices showed that In the 2004 Indices of The figure is the same as the 2004 appropriate growth of rural Super Output Areas in the Deprivation showed that there 5.5% of Lancashire SOAs were Deprivation showed that there level. businesses 20% most deprived in was only 1 lower layer SOA in in the top 20% of most deprived was only 1 lower layer SOA in terms of barriers to the top 20% of most deprived in nationally deprived in terms of the top 20% of most deprived in housing and services terms of barriers and housing barriers and housing and terms of barriers and housing nationally and services nationally. services nationally. and services nationally. Proportion of rural No data at present No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified buildings outside inset settlements approved for non-housing uses compared to all uses permitted To maintain and improve Number of major retail No data available No comparative data available No trend data available No issue identified retail and related services, proposals permitted away as well as provide for from Town Centre and tourism and leisure edge of Centre Locations (over 1500m2 floor area) Proportion of vacant The April 2010 survey showed no comparative data or target In September 2009, 5.23% of There may be a higher figure than ground floor units in that 6.5% of units in Leyland units were vacant. 5.76% of normal due to current market Leyland Town Centre. town centre were vacant. units were vacant in April 2009. conditions.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets Proportion of vacant The September 2009 survey No comparative data In 2008, 3.4% of ground floor The number of vacant units has ground floor units in showed that 5.5% of ground units vacant in Penwortham, 3% increased in all of the district centres District, Neighbourhood floor units were vacant in in Bamber Bridge, 7.7% in since the last survey. and Local Centres Penwortham, 3.2% in Bamber Tardy Gate, 2.9% in Seven Bridge, 8% in Tardy Gate, 8.8% Stars, 5.6% in Earnshaw Bridge, in Seven Stars, 5.6% in 2.6% in Kingsfold, 0% In Earnshaw Bridge, 2.4% in Longton, 0% in Walton Le Dale Kingsfold, 2.9% in Longton, 4.3% in Walton Le Dale and 9.1% in Farington.

Summary of Likely Evolution of Key Trends without Implementation of the Plan

SA Framework Indicator Trend Likely Evolution without Implementation of the Plan Objective Annual completion rates are as follows: There has been a downward trend in housing completions between 2003 and 2009. Choosing to not implement To improve access to good 2003/2004 – 538 dwellings the plan would result in the lack of identified land to meet housing needs, further reducing housing provision. quality and resource efficient 2004/2005 – 657 dwellings Housing Completions This may result in people moving out of the area to find a home. Also, it may lead to the development of housing including affordable 2005/2006 – 520 dwellings inappropriate sites for housing. Implementation of plan will ensure sufficient land, in suitable locations is housing 2006/2007 – 284 dwellings identified to deliver enough housing to meet the needs of the population over the plan period. 2007/2008 – 320 dwellings 2008/2009 – 312 dwellings Although no trend data is available to monitor this indicator, it is known that a significant amount of residents work outside the Borough. Choosing to not implement the plan would fail to deal with this issue, and may To encourage sustainable % of residents working contribute to increasing numbers of residents travelling outside the Borough to work. This will further decrease economic growth and No trend data available. within the Borough contributions to the economy and will lead to increased commuting, traffic congestion and pollution. employment Implementation of the plan will help to provide employment opportunities in appropriate locations within the Borough to help reduce the number of residents travelling outside the Borough to work. In 2008, 3.4% of ground floor units vacant in Penwortham, 3% In recent years the proportion of vacant units in identified shopping centres has increased. Failure to implement To maintain and improve Proportion of vacant in Bamber Bridge, 7.7% in the plan may lead to further vacancies in identified shopping centres. This would detract from environmental retail and related services, ground floor units in Tardy Gate, 2.9% in Seven quality in the centres and would mean that the population would need to travel further to meet their shopping as well as provide for District, Neighbourhood Stars, 5.6% in Earnshaw Bridge, needs, increasing road congestion and pollution. Implementing the plan would ensure that defined shopping tourism and leisure and Local Centres 2.6% in Kingsfold, 0% In centres are appropriately allocated and managed to ensure continued local shopping provision. Longton, 0% in Walton Le Dale

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CHORLEY BASELINE INFORMATION

General

Chorley Borough is located in the part of northwest England where southern Lancashire adjoins Greater Manchester. It is approximately 25 miles to the centre of Manchester and the large urban centres of Blackburn, Bolton, Wigan and Preston are all within a 12-mile radius.

The Borough extends to about 205 km2 (approximately 80 square miles). In area terms it is the fifth largest shire district of 12 in Lancashire. In the east of the Borough are sparsely populated upland areas forming part of the West Pennine Moors. On the lower slopes are stone built villages. The central part of the District between the M6 and M61 motorways is more built up, with the principal market and former mill town of Chorley and to the south the industrial/former mining townships of Adlington and Coppull. To the north and west of Chorley town are the settlements of Clayton-le-Woods, Whittle-le-Woods and Euxton, which have expanded considerably through suburban developments since the 1960s. The west of the Borough is typically lowland countryside, which becomes flatter further to the west as it becomes part of the Lancashire Plain. Here, red brick built villages are characteristic, the largest being Eccleston and Croston, which each experienced some suburban growth in the second half of the 20th century.

The total population of the Borough was estimated to be 104,100 in mid-2007. During the 1980s Chorley Borough was one of the fastest growing districts in the country as it accommodated New Town expansion. The level of growth was still significant during the 1990s (the population grew by 4.1% between the 1991 and 2001 census). Much of this expansion has been through net in-migration of people, particularly in the childbearing age groups, thus adding to population growth. However, now in common with many parts of the country, the Borough’s population is ageing as people live longer. By 2020, it is projected that Chorley will have experienced a 50% increase in people over 65 years old, compared with 2006.

Chorley town has a population of approximately 33,000. Clayton-le-Woods and Cuerden has some 10,500 residents, while Euxton’s population is approximately 8,500. The population of the settlements of Clayton Brook, Adlington, Coppull, Eccleston and Whittle-le-Woods range from 3,500 to 8,000. Buckshaw Village is the major growth area in the Borough, and whilst the current population is relatively low, it is predicted to reach 8,000, when all development is completed.

Social Baseline Data

Housing

Average house prices in the Borough have risen substantially over the past few years from £100,984 in early 2003 to £177.276 in 2009. Prices have consistently been higher than the Lancashire average (£141,242 at the start of 2009), but remain lower than the average for England and Wales (£198,495 at the start of 2009).

The Interim estimates of affordable housing requirements in Central Lancashire Report 2008 identified an annual net affordable need of 566 throughout the borough including 178 in Chorley town, 101 in Clayton and 82 in Lostock/Eccleston. The report also identified an annual net need of 741 in South Ribble and 256 in Preston.

A greater proportion of the housing stock in the Borough is owner occupied than both the North West and national averages. 79.2% of housing stock in the Borough is owner occupied, whilst the North West figure is 69.3% and nationally the figure is 68.9%. 14.4% of households in the Borough (6,643 homes) are located in the social rented sector (nationally the figure is 19.2%).

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Health & Wellbeing

Chorley Borough is one of the least deprived boroughs in Lancashire. Only Ribble Valley, Fylde and South Ribble are less deprived according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (ODPM). Nationwide the borough is ranked 188 out of 354 districts, 1 being the most deprived.

However, there are pockets of deprivation within the Borough. The Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 indicates that 8 lower layer SOAs in the Borough fall within the 20% most deprived nationally. They are located in Chorley Town, mainly in the central, south-western and eastern parts, and Clayton Brook/Green. Chorley’s Sustainable Community Strategy 2007-2025 has a priority to reduce pockets of inequality in the Borough, with a target to reduce the number of lower layer SOAs within the 20% most deprived nationally to 7 by 2010.

In the 2001 Census 9.6% of the Borough population said their general health was ‘not good’. The figure for England and Wales was 9.2%. Rates of over 11% were seen in parts of Chorley Town. 18.5% of people in the Borough said that they had a long term limiting illness, which was similar to the national figure of 18.2%.

Current estimates of life expectancy for those born between 2005 and 2007 in the Borough are 77.4 years for males and 81.4 years for females.

Chorley Borough has relatively low crime levels. The number of domestic burglaries in the Borough has reduced in recent years and the rate is lower than the Lancashire average. The amount of vehicle crime in the Borough has also been decreasing in recent years and the rate has been consistently lower than the Lancashire average.

However, despite relatively low crime levels, fear of crime, particularly at night, is an issue in the Borough. On average only 69% of Borough residents feel safe at night.

Travel

The Borough has a higher rate of households with access to a car/van than the national and Lancashire averages. The 2001 Census indicated that 80.4% of Chorley households had access to a car/van, which was considerably higher than the figure for England and Wales (73.2%) and Lancashire (74.9%).

Sustainable travel to work is an issue in the Borough because the percentage of residents travelling to work by public transport or foot or bicycle has decreased in recent years and the figures are lower than the county and national figures.

Accessibility to basic services is a problem for some residents. Those in the majority of the Borough’s smaller villages do not have convenient access to all five basic services (post offices, doctor’s practices, primary schools, food shops and bus stops)

Environmental Baseline Data

Biodiversity and the Natural & Built Environment

Lancashire County Council produced a Landscape Character Assessment in 2000, which classifies the landscape of Lancashire and the historic evolution of the landscape. The information on the landscape of Chorley Borough below is taken from this document.

The document identifies that Chorley has two natural areas, which are mainly Lancashire plains and valleys and also the Southern Pennines to the south east of the Borough. The key characteristic habitats of the two are:

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Lancashire Plains and Valleys: ƒ Arable field margins, ditches and boundary hedgerows. ƒ Lowland wet grasslands. ƒ Isolated fragments of species-rich neutral grasslands. ƒ Fragments of lowland raised bogs. ƒ Small pockets of lowland heathland and acid grassland. ƒ Large numbers of small field ponds throughout the coastal plain.

Southern Pennines: ƒ Extensive areas of blanket bog on moorland tops. ƒ Impoverished areas of wet and dry upland heathland. ƒ Large areas of upland acid grassland. ƒ Frequent springs and flushes. ƒ Fast flowing streams and rivers, and reservoirs. ƒ Some upland hay meadows in valleys. ƒ Grasslands, upland oak and mixed ash woodlands in valleys.

Chorley is also made up of seven landscape character areas. These are identified below along with their characteristics.

ƒ Moorland Hills - found in the West Pennine Moors to the south east of the Borough. The area is of considerable archaeological importance reflecting past land use and settlement history and has been the subject of some detailed archaeological research. ƒ Moorland Fringe – found in the West Pennine Fringes to the south east of the Borough. The area is a transitional landscape between the West Pennine Moors and the industrial foothills below. The underlying millstone grit is close to the surface and the landscape is characterised by marginal pastures with scattered farmsteads. The character is influenced by industrial activity with reservoirs, mines and quarries scattered across the upper hillsides. ƒ Undulating Lowland Farmland – found in the Cuerden/Euxton area of the Borough. The rural character of this landscape is largely obscured by built development which has taken place since the late 1970’s. Motorways and motorway junctions dominate the northern sector. The principal landscape feature is Cuerden Valley Park. ƒ Industrial Foothills and Valleys – found in the Adlington/Coppull area of the Borough. This area has been extensively mined in the past mainly at Chisnall, Birkacre and Duxbury. Much of the land has been reclaimed and re-vegetated naturally. The area contains important semi-natural woodland within the Yarrow Valley and plantations associated with large reclamation schemes. ƒ Reservoir Valleys – found in the Rivington area. The wide shallow valley is almost entirely water filled containing the three large reservoirs of Anglezarke, Upper and Lower Rivington and Yarrow. Much of the character of the lower part of the valley is owed to the influence of Lord Leverhulme who lived at Rivington Hall. The landscape of the upper part of the valley is dominated by the engineering structures associated with the reservoirs. ƒ Coastal Plain – found around Bretherton, Croston and Mawdesley. It is a gently undulating agricultural landscape with steep sided shallow valleys and hedged fields, which support rich pasture or arable crops. The landscape is well wooded. Red brick is used throughout the area. Villages are traditionally clustered but show signs of rapid expansion with ribbon development. ƒ Mosslands – a small area is located in the Borough north of Bretherton, which lies on a ridge of higher ground. The moss is largely cultivated and is drained into the Carr and Wymott Brooks.

There are two designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the Borough, at Charnock Richard and White Coppice. Charnock Richard Pasture covers an area of 1.2 ha and is important as one of the few species-rich unimproved grasslands remaining in Lancashire, a habitat which is becoming increasingly scarce nationally due to agricultural intensification. White Coppice Flush covers an area of 0.46ha and includes two plant communities that are rare nationally and several plant species that have very restricted distributions in Lancashire.

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There are also a significant number of Biological Heritage Sites (some of which incorporate Ancient Woodland) and Local Nature Reserves in the Borough, which are important for nature conservation. There are also 11 Regionally Important Geological Sites. Organisations such as Chorley Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, United Utilities, The Woodland Trust and Groundwork are responsible for the management of these nature and geological heritage sites.

Chorley Borough has 475 Listed Buildings, 9 Conservation Areas and 4 Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. However, 4 Listed Buildings are included on the English Heritage “Buildings at Risk” Register.

Climate Change, Energy & Resource Use

The levels of both Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide are now both well within the National Air Quality Standard and there are no significant problems or sources of air pollution within the Borough. Despite some fluctuations, the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide have remained fairly constant in most locations across Lancashire, including Chorley.

The quality of the Borough’s rivers has improved in recent years due to less industrial and sewage pollution, allowing fish populations to increase. Most of the rivers are classed as good or fair.

The River Lostock is tidal upstream as far as Littlewood Bridge to the north-east of Croston and the River Yarrow is tidal as far as Croston. Flood defences on the River Yarrow are being improved and may need further upgrading in the future if global warming causes a rise in sea levels. Other rivers in the Borough are prone to flooding during storm conditions but most problems in built up areas arise through localized blockages in urban drainage systems. The Environment Agency has prepared maps showing areas of flood risk in the Borough. They have also designated two areas as Flood Warning Areas. These relate to the area adjacent to the River Yarrow including Grape Lane in Croston and an area to the west of Croston village in the River Douglas catchment. Within Flood Warning Areas the Environment Agency aim to warn residents in advance when flooding may be likely and to inform them of the potential severity of the flooding.

Economic Baseline Data

Economic Growth & Employment

The percentage of working age residents claiming JSA has risen dramatically in the past year from June 2008 in line with regional and national trends. The unemployment rate in the Borough is low compared to the regional and national figures with 3.1% of the resident working age population claiming JSA.

Chorley Borough has higher average household income levels than both Lancashire and the UK as a whole. 2008 CACI data indicated that the average gross household income in the Borough was approximately £35,800, which was almost 14% above the Lancashire average and 4% above the national average.

Since 2000 the number of business registered for VAT in the Borough has increased significantly, which suggest that the Borough economy is improving. However, the take-up of additional employment land has been low. 14.4ha of land has been developed for employment use since 2000, approximately 2ha per year.

Only 48% of residents work within the Borough, with considerable numbers commuting to South Ribble (12%) and Preston (10%).

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Skills & Economic Inclusion

There are 49 primary schools in the Borough. The number of unfilled primary school places in Chorley in 2008 was 1,231; which was 13.5% of the total capacity of 9,151.

There are six secondary schools in the Borough and the total number of pupils on roll in January 2008 at these schools was 5,534. Borough secondary schools achieved high levels of GCSE success. Of the six schools, five have higher GCSE pass rates than the national average of 46.8 (A*-C including English and Maths), with the best performing school in the Borough at a level of 75% (2007).

The 2001 Census identified that the proportion of the population in the Borough with no qualifications was 28.1 %, which was a lower proportion than in Lancashire County as a whole and nationally.

Sustaining the Rural Economy

Most building conversions in the countryside are now for employment rather than housing uses, which ensures that local employment opportunities remain in the rural areas of the Borough. However, deprivation in terms of barriers to housing and services is an issue in some of the rural areas.

Retail, Tourism & Leisure

Chorley Town Centre is home to a wide range of shops and services and a significant number of the national chains are represented, complemented by a large number of independent stores. The Chorley Town Centre Retail and Leisure Study (White Young Green Planning) highlights that Chorley Town Centre has improved its position between 2001 and 2004 in the national ranking of Town Centres (Management Horizon Europe’s UK Shopping Index, 2003/2004).

The Lancashire Shopping Study 2003 also indicates that Chorley appears to be trading well, particularly in comparison to other smaller towns within Lancashire, which have a far lesser role in serving the non-food shopping needs of the County’s residents. The study indicates that Chorley Town Centre has the seventh highest non-food turnover in Lancashire at £79.7 million. It states that the town’s average sales density is calculated at £4,295/sqm, which is greater than some of the larger centres and which ranks it third overall in the County.

The ground floor vacancy rate in Chorley town centre was 7.6% in June 2009, which is an improvement on the 2007/08 figure of 8%. Vacant and/or poorly maintained premises detract from the street scene in some parts of the town centre.

There is a variety of shopping provision serving local needs in the Borough with small individual stores in virtually all-urban and rural locations. Chorley Town has a variety of local shopping areas, spread throughout the town and the surrounding towns and villages such as Adlington, Coppull, Eccleston, and Euxton have a fair range of shops. Elsewhere there are isolated shops or groups of shops. These local shopping areas and individual shops have to compete with larger centres and larger stores, and in some of the centres there are vacant units, which are sometimes in a poor state of repair. The ground floor vacancy rate was 13.8 % in 2008/09 in local shopping areas, which is an decrease on the 2007/08 figure of 10.6%. There is often pressure to convert these units to housing, or other uses, which can further erode local service provision.

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Chorley Baseline Data

SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets To improve access to good % of Unfit Dwellings In 2005 3.8 % of the housing stock In Lancashire 7% of the The percentage of unfit The % of unfit dwellings compares well with quality and resource efficient was unfit. housing stock was unfit. 5.4% dwellings has gone down most other Lancashire districts, and the housing including affordable of the stock was unfit in the slightly from the 2004 North West as a whole, but there is scope for housing North West figure of 3.9%. further improvements. % of Vacant Dwelling In 2008 approximately 3.6% of Regional Spatial Strategy for The figure was 1.6% in The % of vacant housing in the Borough is dwellings in the Borough were the North West sets a target of 2004. slightly above the regional target. vacant. 3%. Energy Efficiency of In 2006 Local Authority Housing In terms of private housing The Local Authority The private sector energy efficiency figure is Homes had a Standard Assessment sector energy efficiency Housing figure has significantly worse than the English average. Procedure (SAP) energy rating of Chorley is ranked 217 out of improved slightly from 71.8 and the private sector rating 329 Local Housing Authorities the 04/05 figure of 69 was 49. in England. and the private sector figure has remained constant. Affordability At the start of 2009 the average The average house price in The average house price There has been a very significant increase in house price in the Borough was Lancashire at the start of 2009 was £170,177 at the start house prices in Chorley over recent years, £177.276. was £141,242 and the average of 2008 and just £77,803 which means that affordability is a major price in England and Wales at the end of 2001. issue in the Borough. was £198,495. Affordable Housing 39 affordable units were The Local Area Agreement 17 affordable units were The number of affordable units completed completions build/acquired during 08/09. target is 50 completions per completed during 06/07. has increased slightly, but is below target year until March 2011. and action is required to improve the situation. Housing Completions 355 units (net) were completed The target in the Regional 288 units (net) were House completions fluctuate from year to during 08/09. Spatial Strategy is 417 units per completed during 07/08. year. The Council is currentlydelivering year. slightly less than targets in the Regional Spatial Strategy. To improve health and Number of lower layer The Indices of Deprivation (2007) The Sustainable Community No trend data available. Chorley is a relatively affluent Borough, but wellbeing and/or improve Super Output Areas in the identified that 8 of the 66 lower Strategy target is to reduce the deprivation is a significant problem in a few access to health care, sport 20% most deprived layer SOAs in the Borough fall no. of lower layer SOAs from 8 areas. and recreation, culture, nationally within the 20% most deprived to 7 by 2010. community and education nationally. facilities and services Increase/decrease in The population of the Borough in Population of England The Borough population Services and facilities need to cater for an particularly in deprived areas Borough population. 2001 was 100,449 and in 1991 increased by 3.3% in the past is increasing. increasing population. was 96,504, which is an increase year compared to 3.5% in of 4.1%. The latest population mid- Chorley. year estimate for the Borough is 104,100 (2006) % of population describing The 2001 Census identified that In Lancashire in 2001 10.4% of The question on general The proportion of residents in the Borough their health as not good 9.6% of the population described the population described their health was new to the describing their health as not good is below their health as not good. health as not good. In England 2001 Census and the proportion in Lancashire but slightly 9.0% of the population therefore cannot be higher than the proportion in England, so described their health as not compared to the 1991 action need to be taken to improve this good Census. situation.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets % of population with a The 2001 Census identified that In Lancashire in 2001 20.2% of The 1991 Census The proportion of residents with a limiting limiting long-term illness 18.5% of the population had a the population had a limiting identified that 12.6% of long term illness in 2001 was below the limiting long-term illness. long-term illness. In England the population had a proportion for Lancashire but higher than the 17.9% of the population had a limiting long-term illness. figure for England. There has been a limiting long-term illness. significant increase since the 1991 Census Therefore, action needs to be taken to try to address this issue. Life expectancy Life expectancy for those born The national target by 2010 is a Life expectancy for Life expectancy has increased over the years between 2005 and 2007 in the life expectancy of 78.6 for Borough residents born with females living longer than males. The Borough are 77.4 years for males males and 82.5 for females. in 2002 – 2004 was 76.1 ageing population has implications for and 81.4 years for females. for males and 80 for service provision. females. Number of lower layer The Indices of Deprivation 2007 No comparative data available. Indices of Deprivation The majority of SOAs in the Borough fall Super Output Areas in the identified that 14 of the 66 lower 2004 identified that 15 within the 50% most health and disability 20% most deprived in layer SOAs in the Borough fall SOAs deprived nationally (36 out of 66) and over a terms of health and within the 20% most deprived in fifth fall within the bottom 20% nationally, disability nationally terms of health and disability indicating that there are significant health nationally. issues in the Borough, which need attention. To reduce crime, disorder and Fear of crime - % of On average 15.5% of residents No comparative data available. No trend data available. Fear of crime during the day is not a the fear of crime residents feeling unsafe feel unsafe during the day. significant problem in the Borough. Most during the day people feel unsafe visiting a pub or club in the nearest town centre.

Fear of crime - % of On average 38.6% of residents No comparative data available. No trend data available. Fear of crime at night is considerably greater residents feeling unsafe at feel unsafe at night. than during the day. People feel especially night unsafe out and about and visiting pubs/clubs in the nearest town centre. Number of lower layer The Indices of Deprivation 2007 No comparative data available. Indices of Deprivation Two fifths of lower layer SOAs in the Super Output Areas in identified that 5 of the 66 lower 2004 identified that 1 Borough fall within the 50% most deprived 20% most deprived in layer SOAs in the Borough fall SOAs nationally. The five that fall within the 20% terms of crime and within the 20% most deprived in most deprived nationally cover Chorley town disorder nationally terms of crime and disorder centre. nationally. To reduce the need to travel Settlements not within 1km Residents living in the following No target identified. No trend identified, but Residents in the majority of the Borough’s and improve transport of 5 basic services (post rural settlements are not within some basic services smaller villages do not have convenient accessibility in sustainable offices, doctor’s practices, 1km of five basic services: have been lost in recent access to all five basic services. ways primary schools, food years, such as the Post shops and bus stops) Bretherton, Brindle, Charnock Office in Bretherton. Richard, Gregson Lane, Gib Lane, Higher Wheelton, Hoghton, Mawdesley, Wheelton % of residents aged 16-74 The 2001 Census identified that 13.5% of residents in The 1991 Census % of residents travelling to work by foot or who travel to work by foot 11% of residents travelled to work Lancashire and 12.8% of identified that 12.4% of bicycle has decreased slightly over the years or bicycle by foot or bicycle. residents in England travelled residents travelled to and the % in the Borough is less than the to work by foot or bicycle. work by foot or bicycle. county and national figures.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets % of residents aged 16-74 The 2001 Census identified that 6.9% of residents in Lancashire The 1991 Census % of residents travelling to work by public who travel to work by 5.2% of residents travelled to work and 14.9% of residents in identified that 6.2% of transport has decreased slightly over the public transport by public transport. England travelled to work by residents travelled to years and the % in the Borough is lower than public transport. work by public transport. the county figure and significantly lower than the national figure. % of housing provided In 2006/07 99% of housing The annual target is 50%. Since 2003 the figure has The vast majority of new housing is being within 400 metres of a bus completions were within 400 consistently been greater developed in sustainable locations. route or railway station metres of a bus route or railway than 96%. station. % households without a The 2001 Census identified that 25.1% of households in The 1991 Census % of households without a car is decreasing car 19.6% of households in the Lancashire and 26.8% of identified that 25.2% of as people are becoming increasingly more Borough did not have a car. households in England did not households did not have dependant on cars rather than public have a car. a car. transport. Fewer households do not have a car in the Borough compared to the county and national figures. To protect, enhance and Number of Sites of Special There are 2 SSSIs in the Borough. The total area of land No trend identified. No issue identified. manage biological and Scientific Interest (SSSIs) They are located at designated as a SSSI is lower geological assets White Coppice and Charnock in Chorley than any other Richard. They cover 1.7 ha. Lancashire District. % Area of SSSIs which is 30% of SSSI land in the Borough The % of SSSI land in Chorley No change in condition The percentage of SSSI land in favourable or in a favourable condition is in favourable or recovering that is in favourable or has been recorded since recovering condition is low. There are condition, which amounts to an recovering condition is lower 2003. however only two small areas of land that area of 0.51 ha. than that in the UK as a whole make up the SSSIs in the Borough, so the (72%). situation is highly localised. Number of Regionally In 2008 there were 11 designated Not relevant to compare to No trend identified No issue identified. Important Geological Sites Regionally Important Geological other areas. Sites. Habitats in the Borough 6 Habitats in the Borough have Not relevant to compare to No trend identified. No issue identified. with Habitat Action Plans Habitat Action Plans. The habitats other areas. included in Lancashire’s are: Biodiversity Action Plan Arable farmland Broadleaved/mixed woodland Moorland/fell Rivers and streams Reedbeds Species rich neutral grassland % of the Borough Current figure is 71.8% No comparative data available. No trend data available. No issue identified. designated as Green Belt Number of advertised 1% of total granted planning The Local Plan Review target is No trend identified. The rate of approved departures from policy departures approved as a permissions in the Green Belt 1% over the period 2000 – was similar to the 1% target.. percentage of total were advertised departures from 2006. permissions in the Green the development plan during 2007 Belt – 2008.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets To protect, conserve and Number of Listed Buildings In 2008 there were 417 Listed Not relevant to compare to In 2002 there were 413 Chorley Borough has a significant number of enhance landscape character, (2008) Buildings in the Borough. Five other areas. Listed Buildings in the Listed Buildings and Listed Building places of architectural, were Grade 1 and 24 Grade II* Borough, which was the protection is now afforded to more buildings historic, cultural and fifth highest amount in than in 2002. archaeological value Lancashire and 8.1% of the Lancashire total. Number of Parks and There are 4 Parks and Gardens on Not relevant to compare to No trend identified. No issue identified. Gardens of Special the English Heritage Register. other areas. Historic Interest They are: Lever Park Rivington Gardens The grounds associated with Astley Hall The grounds associated with Hoghton Tower Number and degree of risk 4 buildings are included on the Target: A reduction in the No trend identified. Unfavourable situation. No buildings should of Grade 1 and Grade 2* Register. number of buildings on the be on the Register. Listed Buildings on the Register and a reduction in the English Heritage “Buildings degree of risk through repair. at Risk” Register Number of Scheduled There are 10 Scheduled Ancient Not relevant to compare to No trend identified. No issue identified. Ancient Monuments Monuments in the Borough. other areas. Number of Conservation The Borough has 9 Conservation Not relevant to compare to No trend identified. No issue identified. Areas Areas other areas. To tackle climate change and Carbon Dioxide Emissions 8.97 tonnes of CO2 were emitted In the North West in 2006 CO2 No trend data identified. The Borough emits more CO2 per capita make the most sustainable per capita in Chorley Borough in emissions were 8.86 tonnes per than the North West and the UK use of the earth’s resources 2006. capita. Nitrogen Dioxide levels Nitrogen Dioxide levels: The National Air Quality Nitrogen Dioxide levels in Air quality in Chorley meets the Standards Strategy Standard for annual Chorley fluctuate from set out in the National Air Quality Strategy 34.3 µg/m3 per year (2005) mean Nitrogen Dioxide levels is year to year but have (2005). 40 µg/m3 per year. consistently bettered the National Air Quality Standard. Sulphur Dioxide levels Sulphur Dioxide levels: The National Air Quality Sulphur dioxide levels in Air quality in Chorley meets the standards Strategy Standard for annual Chorley fluctuate from set out in the National Air Quality Strategy 13 µg/m3 per year (2005) mean Sulphur Dioxide levels is year to year but have (2005). 20 µg/m3 per year consistently bettered the National Air Quality Standard since 1996. Proportion of housing built During 2008/09 79% of housing The target in the Regional Housing completion rates The rate of housing completions on on previously developed completions were on previously Spatial Strategy is 70%. on previously developed previously developed land now exceeds the land developed land. land have increased target of 70% that is set in the Regional significantly in recent Spatial Strategy, indicating a more years. sustainable use of land. House building densities During 2007/08 the average Target: 30 – 50 per ha. Dwelling densities have House building densities now accord with on sites over 0.4 ha dwelling density was 32.03 per ha. risen in recent years and Planning Policy Statement 3 targets and have now reached the indicate a more sustainable use of land. target level.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets To manage flood risk and the Number of Flood Warning 2 areas are designated as Flood Not relevant to compare to No trend identified. The greatest risk of flooding occurs in the impacts of flooding Areas Warning Areas by the other areas western part of the Borough. A Flood Environment Agency. Warning Area has been designated adjacent to the River Yarrow including Grape Lane in There is a risk of flooding in some Croston and also in the area to the west of other parts of the Borough around Croston in the River Douglas catchment. the rivers and reservoirs, but the risk tends to be low or moderate and generally unlikely except in extreme circumstances. To protect and enhance water Compliance with river In 2006 the general quality River quality should comply No trend identified. The water quality in most rivers and other resources and minimise quality targets assessment of river chemistry with Environment Agency waterways in the Borough complies with pollution of water, air and soil found 98.5% of rivers to be in targets. Environment Agency river quality targets. good or fair condition. The general quality assessment of river biology found 99.4% of rivers to be in good or fair condition. Number of Air Quality No Air Quality Management Areas The neighbouring authorities of No trend identified. Favourable situation – Some other Management Areas have been designated in the Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, authorities have designated Air Quality Borough. South Ribble and Wigan have Management Areas due to poor air quality. designated AQMAs. To encourage sustainable % of working age In February 2009, 2,083 people in The proportion of people Unemployment Benefit The proportion of people claiming economic growth and population claiming the Borough (3.2% of the working claiming unemployment related Claimants in previous unemployment benefits has increased employment unemployment related age population) were claiming benefits in February 2009 in years: dramatically in the past year due to the benefits unemployment related benefits. Lancashire was 3.3%, it was Feb 2004 – 946 (1.5%) global recession. 4.3% in the North West and Feb 2005 – 912 (1.4%) 3.9% in the UK. Feb 2006 – 1093 (1.7%) Feb 2007 – 1,121 (1.7%) Feb 2008 – 1,071 (1.7%) Number of lower layer The Indices of Deprivation 2007 At the district level Chorley 50 lower layer SOAs The majority of SOAs in the Borough fall Super Output Area’s in the identified that 10 of the 66 lower Borough is ranked in the 21- have improved their within the 50% least employment deprived 20% most employment layer SOAs in the Borough fall 50% most deprived districts in ranking since 2004. nationally however there are pockets of deprived nationally within the 20% most employment terms of employment severe deprivation, which are generally deprived nationally. deprivation. It is fourth least centred on areas containing high proportions employment deprived out of the of socially rented properties. 12 districts in Lancashire. Average Earnings Average earnings for people The comparable figures are Chorley Borough: Median gross annual pay in the Borough is working in the Borough were £23,480 for Lancashire and 2004/05 - £18,699 increasing but is still below the national and £22,934 (median gross annual pay £25,123 for the UK. 2005/06 - £18,595 Lancashire figures. Higher paid jobs are for full time employees) 2007/08 - £23,311 needed in the Borough. Number of lower layer The Indices of Deprivation 2007 At the district level Chorley The Indices of The majority of SOAs in the Borough fall Super Output Area’s identified that 7 of the 66 lower Borough is ranked in the 21- Deprivation 2004 within the 50% least income deprived (SOAs) in the 20% most layer SOAs in the Borough fall 50% least deprived districts in identified that 8 of the 66 nationally however there are pockets of income deprived nationally within the 20% most income terms of income deprivation. It lower layer SOAs in the deprivation. deprived nationally. is the fourth least income Borough fall within the deprived out of the 12 districts 20% most income in Lancashire. deprived nationally.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets Number of businesses In 2007 2,740 businesses were In Lancashire in 2007 29,300 Chorley Borough Since 2000 the number of businesses registered for VAT registered for VAT in the Borough. businesses were registered for 2005 – 2,670 registered for VAT in the Borough increased VAT. Therefore 9.4% of all 2006 – 2,705 which suggests that the economy has been registered businesses in improving over this period. Lancashire were in Chorley. Registered business stock The highest proportion of The proportion of businesses Over the last 10 years There has been no major change in the by sector registered businesses fall within for each sector reflects the the proportion of proportion of businesses in each sector in the property & business services same pattern as that seen at businesses has remained the Borough. sector (26.5%) the retail sector the county, regional and constant in the majority (10.9%) and the construction national level. of sectors. sector (12.4%) Business survival rates Between October 2005 and In the North West 80.3% of new Chorley Borough: The figures show that the Borough has a October 2007 78.6% of new businesses registered survived 2002/04 – 79% high business survival rate, although over the businesses registered in Chorley and 79.8% for the UK as a 2003/05 – 80% period 2005-07 it was slightly below the Borough at the start of the period whole. 2004/06 – 77% Lancashire and national rates. were still trading. Take up of additional 6.6 ha of additional employment The Local Plan Review annual Overall take-up of The figures show that since 2001 less employment land land was taken up during 2007 – target is at least 3ha per year. employment land employment land is being taken up than 2008. fluctuates from year to expected. year. % of residents working The 2001 Census identified that No comparative data available. No trend data available. The majority of residents in employment work within the Borough 48% of residents in employment outside the Borough, which puts pressure on worked within the Borough. transport networks and results in expenditure leakage. To improve the skills of both % of population aged 16- The 2001 Census identified that % of population with no The 1991 Census only Proportion of population in Borough with no the current and future 74 with no qualifications 28.1% of the population had no qualifications in 2001 was identified those people qualifications is lower than proportion at workforce and to develop the qualifications. 30.1% in Lancashire, 31.9% in aged 18 and over with county, regional and national levels. skills required to ensure that the North West and 29.1% in higher level local people have access to England and Wales. qualifications. and are able to meet the % of population aged 16- The 2001 Census identified that % of population with highest- The 1991 Census Proportion of population with highest-level demands of modern and 74 with highest level 19% of the population had the level qualifications was 17.6% identified that 14.8% of qualifications is greater than the proportion at changing job markets qualifications highest-level qualifications. in Lancashire, 17.2% in the the population had the the county and regional levels but is lower North West and 19.8% in highest-level than the proportion at the national level. England and Wales. qualifications. Number of lower layer The Indices of Deprivation 2007 No comparative data available. The Indices of The majority of SOAs in the Borough fall Super Output Areas in the identified that 11 of the 66 lower Deprivation 2004 within the 50% least education; skills and 20% most deprived in layer SOAs in the Borough fall identified that 7 of the 66 training deprived nationally however there terms of education, within the 20% most deprived in lower layer SOAs in the are pockets of deprivation. training and skills terms of education, training and Borough. nationally skills nationally. To sustain and encourage Number of lower layer The Indices of Deprivation 2007 No comparative data available. The Indices of Both lower layer SOAs in the 20% most appropriate growth of rural Super Output Areas in the identified that 2 of the 66 lower Deprivation 2004 deprived are found within the rural parts of businesses 20% most deprived in layer SOAs in the Borough fall identified that 4 of the 66 the Borough. The majority of the remaining terms of barriers to within the 20% most deprived in lower layer SOAs in the rural areas of the Borough also fall within the housing and services terms of barriers to housing and Borough fall within the 50% most deprived nationally as rural areas nationally services nationally. 20% most deprived have fewer services and less housing choice.

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SA Framework Comparators and Indicator Quantified data Trends Issues/Constraints Objective targets Proportion of rural Of planning applications granted The Local Plan Review annual The comparable figure The majority of rural buildings are converted buildings outside inset for the change-of use of rural target is at least 60%. for 2006 – 2007 was 60% for employment and other non-housing uses settlements approved for buildings during 2007 – 2008 so there has been an rather than housing. non-housing uses 62.5% were for non-housing uses. decrease in approval of compared to all uses housing uses. permitted To maintain and improve retail Number of major retail No proposals were approved Target: 0. No trend identified. No issue identified and related services, as well proposals permitted away during 2007 - 2008 as provide for tourism and from Town Centre and leisure edge of Centre Locations (over 1500m2 floor area) Proportion of vacant 8% of units were vacant in the The Local Plan Review target is In 2006/07 8% of units Town Centre Vacancy rates have improved ground floor units in Primary and Secondary shopping 10%. were vacant so vacancy in recent years. Chorley Town Centre areas in 2007/08. rates have remained the Shopping Centre same. Proportion of vacant 12.5% of units were vacant in The Local Plan Review target Vacancy rates have Vacancy rates in District, Neighbourhood and ground floor units in 2006/07. was 12.5%. fallen since the late Local Centres have increased over the past District, Neighbourhood 1990s, but the 2007/08 year. and Local Centres figure is an increase on the 2006/07 figure of 11.9%.

Summary of Likely Evolution of Key Trends without Implementation of the Plan

SA Framework Indicator Trend Likely Evolution without Implementation of the Plan Objective To improve access to good Affordable housing completions have increased slightly in recent years; however remain significantly lower than quality and resource efficient Affordable Housing 17 affordable units were relevant targets. Continuing without implementation of statutory planning policy through the LDF may result in housing including affordable completions completed during 06/07. the provision of affordable housing continuing to not meet needs. Implementation of the plan will ensure a housing consistent and fair approach to affordable housing provision, meeting the needs of the population. Although no trend data is available to monitor this indicator, it is known that a significant amount of residents work outside the Borough. Choosing to not implement the plan would fail to deal with this issue, and may To encourage sustainable % of residents working contribute to increasing numbers of residents travelling outside the Borough to work. This will further decrease economic growth and No trend data available. within the Borough contributions to the economy and will lead to increased commuting, traffic congestion and pollution. employment Implementation of the plan will help to provide employment opportunities in appropriate locations within the Borough to help reduce the number of residents travelling outside the Borough to work. In recent years the proportion of vacant units in identified shopping centres has increased, and now matches To maintain and improve Proportion of vacant Vacancy rates have fallen since the maximum level set out in the Local Plan. Failure to implement the plan may lead to further vacancies in retail and related services, ground floor units in the late 1990s, but the 2007/08 identified shopping centres. This would detract from environmental quality in the centres and would mean that as well as provide for District, Neighbourhood figure is an increase on the the population would need to travel further to meet their shopping needs, increasing road congestion and tourism and leisure and Local Centres 2006/07 figure of 11.9%. pollution. Implementing the plan would ensure that defined shopping centres are appropriately allocated and managed to ensure continued local shopping provision.

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APPENDIX 3 - SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES AND PROBLEMS

Preston – Sustainability Issues

Preston Key Issues and Problems. Source Social Issues Preston still has a significantly high dependence on private Audit Commission motor vehicles and there is concern over traffic congestion in the City centre. Emphasis on a good sustainable transport system is required A high proportion of households have one or more members Audit Commission that suffer from a limiting long-term illness and on average the population's life expectancy is below the national average. Measures need to be taken to improve the population's health. Preston ranks 97th out of 344 in the country for the level of ODPM: Dwelling stock by tenure unfit dwellings and there is a lack of affordable homes available. Good standard homes and affordable units must be a priority for the City, and there is a need to tackle homelessness. Crime levels, on the whole, in Preston are on the increase Audit Commission and racially motivated crimes are becoming more frequent. Land Registry Measures need to be taken to reduce crime and fear of crime Decent Homes Standard especially in those areas of the City that are affected the worst. Despite crime figures, the community as a whole is satisfied Crime Survey 2001 with the feeling of cohesion. This needs to be maintained and Home Office: Crime in England involvement in decision making made a priority. and Wales Crime Audit Audit Commission Community Strategy Preston's population has good access to services on the Audit Commission whole. However, this is not the case in the more rural areas. Lancashire Structure Plan Measures should be taken to improve access for them and Accessibility Technical Report maintain it elsewhere. Sports and leisure facilities are 2005 especially a problem. Environmental Issues Preston enjoys a good quality built environment and English Heritage landscape. This needs to be maintained and improved upon Local Plan for future generations. Audit Commission National Monument Record Environmental Health figures Cleansing Department figures Estates Department figures Preston has a number of regionally important geological English Nature sites, important habitats and SSSI's, which need to be Audit Commission protected and enhanced. Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan

Preston's water is quite poor quality. Measures need to be Audit Commission put in place to improve this. Preston does suffer slightly when it comes to Air quality. There are two Air Quality Management Areas currently in Preston; one suffers from Sulphur Dioxide levels and one from Nitrogen Dioxide. Preston has more developed land that is derelict than the Audit Commission national average. This needs to be reduced by concentrating on developing Brownfield rather than Greenfield land. Preston needs to deal with the impacts of climate change Environment Agency before it is too late, especially with regard to flooding. Preston needs to ensure that its population understand the Preston City Council Housing data need to use natural resources prudently and encourage the Audit Commission use of renewable energy.

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Preston Key Issues and Problems. Source Preston has set itself ambitious targets on waste recycling Audit commission and so measures need to be in place to deliver this. Environmental Services

Economic Issues Poor unemployment levels need to be tackled, especially in Lancashire County Council the poor performing areas of the City. Lancashire Profile Audit Commission Census 2001 Need to improve business performance in Preston and in turn Census 2001 this will improve the economic performance of the borough. Audit Commission Lancashire County Council Lancashire Profile There is a need to concentrate on developing Preston's image and delivering an urban and rural renaissance. Approximately one third of Preston's population had no Audit commission qualifications in 2001. Measures need to be undertaken to Census 2001 improve education and training in the borough to develop a healthy labour market.

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South Ribble – Sustainability Issues

South Ribble Key Issues and Problems Source Social Issues Pressure for housing development, increasing Audit Commission house prices and affordability as less new housing Land Registry is delivered through the planning system. Decent Homes Standard ODPM: Dwelling stock by tenure Housing Land Monitoring Housing Strategy 2005 Housing Needs Study 2004 Local Plan Interim Housing Policy 2004

New services and facilities will need to be provided Lancashire Profile in areas of growth. Tourism Strategy 2003 Census 2001

Car ownership and use is high, contributing to Census 2001 increased congestion and climate change. Fear of crime. Crime Survey 2001 Home Office: Crime in England and Wales Crime Audit Audit Commission Community Strategy Environmental Issues Development pressure is threatening the character, English Heritage biodiversity and historical features in the Borough. Local Plan Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan Audit Commission National Monument Record Environmental Health figures Grounds Maintenance figures Estates Department figures Development in the Borough can contribute to and Environment Agency be affected by climate change. The potential for increased flooding is a concern. Increasing demand for raw resources, including fuel Environment Agency and water. Contaminated Land Strategy 2003 Air Quality Review and Assessment 2000 The need to continue to recycle, and investigate Environment Agency sources of renewable energy Contaminated Land Strategy 2003 Economic Issues The need to maintain the high diverse and stable Lancashire County Council economy. Lancashire Profile Audit Commission Census 2001 The need to enhance the economy in both urban Lancashire County Council and rural areas. Lancashire Profile Audit Commission Census 2001 Joint Lancashire Structure Plan 2001 – 2016 Accessibility Technical Report 2005 The need to maintain and enhance town, district Local Plan and village centres. Audit Commission Town and District Centre Monitoring (annual surveys)

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Chorley Sustainability Issues

Chorley Key Issues and Problems Source Social Issues The Borough falls within the 21-50% most deprived Indices of Deprivation 2004, ODPM districts in the country. There are clusters of lower layer Super Output Areas (SOAs) in the 20% most deprived. They fall within the Clayton Brook area and in the town centre, Moor Road, Eaves Lane and Lyons Lane areas of Chorley town. 8 of the 66 lower layer SOAs in the Borough fall Indices of Deprivation 2004, ODPM within the 20% most income deprived nationally, which indicates that income deprivation is a significant problem in a few pockets of the Borough. 13 of the 66 lower layer SOAs in the Borough fall Indices of Deprivation 2004, ODPM within the 20% most employment deprived nationally, which indicates that employment deprivation is a significant problem in some areas of the Borough. The Borough has a higher proportion of residents 2001 Census describing their health as not good than the national figure. In 2001 9.6% of the Borough population described their health as not good, compared to 9.0% in England as a whole. The Borough has a higher proportion of residents 2001 Census with a limiting long-term illness than nationally. In 2001 18.5% of the Borough Population had a limiting long-term illness, whilst the figure for England was 17.9%. The majority of SOAs in the Borough (52 out of 66) Indices of Deprivation 2004, ODPM fall within the 50% most health and disability deprived nationally. 15 of the 66 lower layer SOAs in the Borough fall within the 20% most deprived. None are in the top 20% least deprived. The proportion of the population with the highest 2001 Census level qualifications is greater than the proportion at the county and regional levels, but is lower than the proportion at national level. In 2001 19% of the Borough population had the highest level qualifications, but the national figure was 19.8%. The price of the average house in the Borough Land Registry www.landreg.gov.uk (end of 2006) was £169,184, which was greater than both the county and north-west averages, indicating that affordability is an issue in the Borough. 17 affordable housing units were completed during Housing land monitoring 07/08, which is significantly below target. 38.6% of Chorley residents feel unsafe at night. Chorley Community Safety Partnership: People feel especially unsafe out and about and Chorley Citizens Panel Research Report – visiting pubs/clubs in the town centre. Community Safety Survey, September 2004 The percentage of residents that travel to work by Census information foot or bicycle was 11% in 2001, down from 12.4% in 1991. The 2001 Borough figure is lower than the county and national figures (13.5% and 12.8%). The percentage of residents travelling to work by Census information public transport was 5.2% in 2001, down from 6.2% in 1991. The 2001 Borough figure is lower than the county figure (6.9%) and significantly lower than the national figure (14.9%).

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Chorley Key Issues and Problems Source Residents in the majority of the Borough’s smaller Joint Lancashire Structure Plan 2001 – villages do not have convenient access to all five 2016 Accessibility Technical Report 2005 basic services (post offices, doctor’s practices, primary schools, food shops and bus stops). Residents of Bretherton, Brindle, Charnock Richard, Gregson Lane, Gib Lane, Higher Wheelton, Hoghton, Mawdesley and Wheelton do not live within 1km of all of these basic services. The Borough has four lower layer SOAs in the 20% Indices of Deprivation 2004, ODPM most deprived in terms of barriers to housing and services nationally. They are all rural areas. The majority of the remaining rural areas also fall within the 50% most deprived nationally as rural areas have fewer services and housing choice. Environmental Issues The percentage of SSSI land in favourable or English Nature figures recovering condition is low in the Borough at only 30%. 1 Grade I and 3 Grade II* Listed Buildings are www.english-heritage.org.uk included on the English Heritage “Buildings at Risk” Register. The greatest risk of flooding occurs in the western Environment Agency www.environment- part of the Borough. Two Flood Warning Areas agency.gov.uk have been designated in this area by the Environment Agency. The catchment areas of the rivers Chor and Yarrow are also highly sensitive to increased surface water run-off related to development. Risk of flooding downstream in the west therefore needs to be prevented by including attenuation such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in new developments. Economic Issues Take-up rates of additional employment land in the Employment land monitoring Borough are lower than expected. 1.05 ha of additional employment land was taken up during 2004 – 2005, which was lower than the 3ha annual target. In 2001 only 48% of residents in employment Census Information worked within the Borough indicating that the majority of residents worked outside the Borough.

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