County Durham Plan Rural Proofing Report June 2018
Rural Proofing Report
Purpose of this document County Durham is an extensive county extending over 862 square miles and home to around half a million people. It extends from the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty in the west to the Durham Heritage Coast in the east. Around 43% of the population are based in rural areas, from remote and sparsely populated rural areas in the Pennine Dales to larger villages located in the former coalfield communities in the centre and the east. This document sets out the context to rural proofing as a tool to ensure that the appropriate policy response is directed to our rural areas. It explains what the issues are that are facing rural parts of the county, why rural proofing is important to County Durham and how we have embedded it within the development of the County Durham Plan so far. It also provides a summary of how, as a tool, it has influenced the preferred options policy formulation. We will continue to undertake rural proofing as the plan advances through the remainder of the plan making process and update this document as appropriate. Role of rural proofing in plan making Rural proofing aims to make certain that the needs of, and issues affecting, those living and working in rural areas are considered as all new planning policies are developed. We need to consider the impact a planning policy option might have in rural areas and how to assess whether or not a planning option will have a positive or negative impact on rural parts of the county. This in turn informs the adjustment of the proposed planning response to the needs of rural communities. Rural proofing is not about special treatment for rural areas, but about understanding the fact that policies with urban solutions will not necessarily work in rural areas with their dispersed population, settlements and economic markets. We are aware that rural proofing and the credentials of sustainable development need to be considered together and in this context it is important to consider economic sustainability and social sustainability, as well as environmental sustainability. We are also conscious that there is a danger that sustainability is interpreted in practice as focusing on the availability of services, and especially public transport resulting in focusing development in market towns and a few larger villages sometimes to the disadvantage of more rural areas. Therefore we acknowledge that in County Durham, due to the dispersed settlement patterns in our rural areas, that there will be more of a reliance on the car as a means of transport. While the issues of access to services and public transport are important in the development of local plans they are by no means the only issues. This is reinforced by the Town & Country Planning Association1 who have stated that “Opportunities to generate local employment, develop decent homes in attractive settings, and even provide local services such as shops and community centres based on local voluntary efforts should all be added into the ‘sustainability’ equation…” In practice rural proofing seeks to highlight and moderate any overly restrictive planning policies or use of narrow definitions of what constitutes sustainable development all of which can have adverse impacts on smaller settlements in rural areas. Unless the social and
1 A Vision for Rural England – January 2012
RP Report Final JUNE 2018 (CDPPO) Page 1 of 32 economic dimensions of sustainability referred to above are better balanced with the environmental dimension, proposals for rural development may automatically be classed as inherently unsustainable. That is, if the approach to sustainable development is narrowly regarded as development that reduces the need for the private car by concentrating development in larger settlements and limiting development in smaller settlements then this can lead to what is known as the ‘Sustainability Trap’2, referring to the situation whereby a settlement is not considered to be a sustainable location, thus preventing small scale developments for housing or employment that are vital in maintaining thriving communities in rural areas. In reality we need to recognise that remote villages may have specific development needs but at the same time cannot be expected to have a full range of services including public transport. Policy Context This section sets out the policy context within which we must operate. Rural issues in County Durham need to be assessed in the context of European (which is embodied in national legislation), national, and local policy. It is important that the approach of the County Durham Plan to help address the county’s rural issues is in conformity with the approaches contained within policy documents at a more strategic level. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in March 2012 and is currently under review. This new draft document further strengthens the previous focus with regard to the rural agenda. The NPPF seeks to ensure that the planning system contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development in a positive way and at the heart of the framework is a presumption in favour of sustainable development (paragraph 11) The NPPF sets out three overarching objectives:
a) An economic objective to help build a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right types is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth, innovation and improved productivity; and by identifying and coordinating the provision of infrastructure;
b) A social objective to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by ensuring that a sufficient number and range of homes can be provided to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by fostering a well-designed and safe built environment, with accessible services and open spaces that reflect current and future needs and support communities’ health, social and cultural well-being; and
c) An environmental objective to contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; including making effective use of land, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy.
2 ‘Living Working Countryside: The Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing’ July 2008
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Rural Economy
The current and proposed NPPF sets out the approach to supporting a prosperous rural economy. They state that ‘Planning policies and decisions should enable:
the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business in rural areas both through the conversion of existing and well-designed new buildings.
the development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses;
sustainable rural tourism and leisure developments which respect the character of the countryside; and the retention and development of accessible local services and community facilities, such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, open space, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship.’
Rural Housing In planning for housing, the NPPF advises that in rural areas, local planning authorities should be responsive to local circumstances and plan housing development to reflect local needs, particularly for affordable housing, including through rural exception sites where appropriate. They should in particular consider whether allowing some market housing would facilitate the provision of significant additional affordable housing to meet local needs. To promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. For example, where there are groups of smaller settlements, development in one village may support services in a village nearby. New isolated homes in the countryside should be avoided unless there are special circumstances. Rural Transport In promoting sustainable transport, the Framework recognises that different policies and measures will be required in different communities and opportunities to maximise sustainable transport solutions will vary from urban to rural areas.
Overview of Rural County Durham We recognise that rural settlements of County Durham need to be able to evolve and sustain themselves. Providing balanced opportunities will enable people to live and work in their own rural town or villages and the support of local services is a crucial factor to securing sustainable rural communities. Our planning policies should strive to achieve the balance of encouraging communities to thrive whilst retaining the qualities of an attractive environment that defines the character of the rural settlements in County Durham. Planning policies are required to be flexible. Ideally they should be looking to ensure that businesses are located within or adjacent to existing settlements or clusters of settlements balancing this with a desire to promote sustainability whilst accepting that travel patterns and distances may be greater than in the urban areas of the County. This is further emphasised within the proposed paragraph 85 of the March 2018 consultation draft. Rural settlements across the county are diverse, differing in their scale and their ability to sustain growth. Larger settlements generally offer more service provision as they incorporate more houses, jobs, existing infrastructure, better public transport provision and community facilities. These settlements can provide a critical service centre role for a wider surrounding area and have the ability to accommodate and sustain proportionally higher levels of allocated
RP Report Final JUNE 2018 (CDPPO) Page 3 of 32 growth, allowing them to build on their key service centre role, typical to the function of a traditional market town It is important to recognise that some smaller settlements also have an important role to play as localised service centres for their immediate surrounding area, particularly if they are relatively remote from one of these larger settlements. Rural businesses provide many local jobs and services in villages and the rural area. The rural economy needs to be encouraged and stimulated to enable diversification, whilst also protecting the landscape and character of rural settlements, the best agricultural land and the conservation value of the countryside by taking into account the scale of the proposed development, the quality of the surrounding landscape and the extent to which any serious impacts could be mitigated. We also recognise that rural economic development can help revitalise the wider local economy – providing resources and a daytime presence to benefit local communities by supporting other local businesses, shops and services such as post offices. The landscape, itself a valuable economic resource for tourism and an incentive for economic investment, local people are required to manage the land and contribute to the upkeep of the environment.
Rural Proofing Approach for County Durham The rural proofing process which has been developed has been agreed by the County Durham Economic Partnership’s, Rural Working Group. This group is responsible for identifying economic opportunities in the rural areas of the county and is made up with internal and external rural practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The process and associated forms were adapted from the DEFRA rural proofing toolkit. Future policies or amendments following the consultation period will also be taken to this group for comment prior to publication. The rural proofing process has been integral to the development of the CDP and associated policies. Prior to the initial drafting of policies a workshop was held for officers responsible for writing the Plan, within the Spatial Policy Team where collectively rural matters were considered across all policy areas. The aim of this workshop was to emphasise possible issues that could affect the rural areas of County Durham as a consequence of policy creation. Consideration was also given to the relevant evidence base. Following on from the workshop a template was created to act as an aid memoire (attached at appendix 1). This suggests prompts around aspects of policy creation such as local services, housing provision, rural economy, landscape, connectivity and infrastructure provision. In addition to this, each individual policy contained within the preferred options version of the Plan has been subject to a detailed assessment contained in appendix 2, this overall summary has informed the policy formulation stage. Figure 1 summarises the rural proofing process that is being undertaken.
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Figure 1: Rural Proofing the County Durham Plan
EVIDENCE BASE
Planning Policy Officer Workshop
Rural Proofing Report and Guidance
Policy Creation
Additional Rural Working ISSUE Group Review by: S Rural Policy Officers
THE COUNTY DURHAM PLAN
This process is ongoing and as new policies or supplementary planning documents are produced or amended as part of the consultation process they will be subject to this rural proofing process. What Rural Durham Classification is telling us Although commonly regarded as a predominantly rural area, the county does not conform to usual pattern of a single large town surrounded by a network of agricultural villages such as is found at Hexham and Morpeth in Northumberland. It varies in character from remote and sparsely populated rural areas in the Pennine Dales, to the larger villages located within the former coalfield communities in the centre and east. Ninety per cent of the population lives east of the A68 road in forty percent of the County area3, hence the term “rural” is often associated with the western part of the County. County Durham is a large and diverse county and different parts of the area have distinct characteristics, functions and needs. Some areas however, do have similar characteristics and issues and can be grouped into functional delivery areas. It is likely that different rural areas may require different delivery mechanisms and resources. This diversity presents both different opportunities and challenges. Before rural policy can be properly addressed and
3 Census 2011
RP Report Final JUNE 2018 (CDPPO) Page 5 of 32 developed it is imperative to be clear about what the term ‘rural’ means with regard to County Durham. Before 2009 the 7 local authorities in County Durham were categorised by the proportion of their population living in urban centres, rural settlements and large market towns. This translated into the following definitions: Major urban: Chester-Le-Street Rural 50: Durham City, Easington, Sedgefield Rural 80: Derwentside, Teesdale, Wear Valley As a result of local government re-organisation (LGR), a single unitary authority was created for County Durham in April 2009, replacing the former structure of 7 local authorities plus the County Council. The rural classification was updated to reflect the new unitary authority structure of the county and minor changes to the methodology were made by DEFRA. Figure 2 shows the current classification, for the North East, under which the whole of County Durham is classified as “Rural 50”, meaning that at least 50% but less than 80% of their population live in rural settlements and larger market towns. Figure 3 shows the classification in more detail for County Durham. In County Durham’s case, 89% of the County (area) is classed as rural with 45% of Durham’s population designated as living in rural areas. This accounts for 231,417 people (103,535 households) compared to 281,825 (54.9%) living in urban conurbations.
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Figure 2: DEFRA rural classification
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Figure 3: County Durham Urban / rural classification by LSOA
Population The County covers an area of 862 square miles and is the 19th largest County in the United Kingdom; 90% of the total area of County Durham (222,600ha) is rural. The total population of County Durham is 513,242; 45.1% of the population (231,417 people) live in rural Durham. This means that large areas of the county are sparsely populated due to this it follows that access to services will be more limited than in the rural areas. As such there will be a greater reliance on the private car to be able to access theses services as and when required.
Table 1: The proportion of people in Rural Durham by age gender and household composition4
Rural Durham Rural North East Rural England No. % No. % No. % All People 231,417 477,673 9,343,856 Males 113,648 49.1 234,306 4,603,314 Females 117,769 50.9 243,367 4,740,542 Aged 0-15 39,704 17.2 80,077 16.8 1,630,114 17.4 Working age 148,192 64.0 307,363 64.3 5,748,634 61.5 Pensionable age 43,521 18.8 95,753 20.0 1,965,108 21.0
4 Source: Census 2011
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Table 1 highlights that of the total population there are groups particularly vulnerable to exclusion such as the 39,704 (17.2%) children, The greater proportion of working age people in rural Durham also could mean that there is a greater than average need for employment. However anecdotally the rural areas of County Durham have been popular for retirees to relocate to and therefore could explain the low numbers of the working age in employment.
Employment Table 2 confirms that there are 9,831 people employed in senior occupations, 9.4% of all such occupations in Rural Durham. In comparison, 12,441 people are employed in elementary occupations, 11.9% of all such occupations in Rural Durham. Traditionally these occupations can be lowly paid and often seasonal. This provides a challenge for those wanting to access funds to enter into home ownership and suggests a requirement for affordable housing.
Table 2: The proportion of people by economic activity and occupation that live in rural areas in Durham (rural share)5
Rural Durham Rural North East Rural England No. % No. % No. % All People aged 16-74 148,192 307,363 5,748,634 Economically Active 113,363 65.6 235,952 66.4 4,770,759 69.8
Economically Inactive 59,323 34.4 119,366 33.6 2,059,757 30.2 Managers and senior officials 9,831 9.4 22,829 10.4 639,591 14.0 Professional occupations 8,440 44.9 21,155 21.4 517,915 20.6 Elementary occupations 12,441 11.9 24,333 11.1 427,214 18.2
A lower proportion of people in rural areas in Durham are economically active (65.6%) compared with rural areas across England as a whole (69.8%). It is not possible to identify the number of people that are not participating in the labour market by choice or by having retired early, choosing to live in a rural location. This could lead to hidden issues around rural isolation as this population ages with the requirement for additional healthcare services. The employment domain measures the percentage of the working age population who want to work but are unable to do so due to unemployment, sickness or disability. Figure 3 demonstrates that most of the employment deprivation occurs toward the rural east of the county mainly situated around the former coalfield areas with pockets around Ferryhill and Coundon. It is important to recognise the different characteristics of our rural areas and look to address imbalances where possible by policy.
5 Source: Census 2011
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Figure 4: Rural areas suffering employment deprivation
Qualifications Skill levels in the local population are an important economic indicator with people with low or no skills most likely to experience exclusion. They will also be vulnerable to changes to the economy such as an increased demand for higher skilled workers. Table 3: Qualification levels in rural areas6 Rural Durham Rural North East Rural England
No. % No. % No. % People aged 16 - 74 191,713 397,596 7,713,742 No qualifications 54,343 28.3 102,777 25.8 1,620,676 21.0 Highest qualification attained level 1 25,993 13.6 52,554 13.2 994,444 12.9 Highest qualification attained level 2 30,746 16.0 63,526 16.0 1,250,524 16.2 Highest qualification attained level 3 22,750 11.9 47,160 11.9 920,792 11.9 Highest qualification attained level 4/5 42,012 21.9 97,868 24.6 2,289,691 29.7
Apprenticeships 8,288 4.3 18,173 4.6 324,648 4.2
6 Source: Census 2011. 'Share' refers to the proportion of the total population (on an indicator) that live in rural areas.
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Figure 5: Indices of Deprivation Education Domain
Table 3 shows that 54,343 adults in rural areas have no qualifications, 46.5% of the total number of adults with no qualifications across Durham. By comparison, 42,012 adults in rural areas have degree level qualifications, 21.9% of the working age population. This compares to 24.6% of adults in rural areas in the North East having degree level qualifications, lower than across rural England (29.7%). 28.3% of adults in rural areas in Durham have no qualifications, higher than across rural areas in England as a whole (21%).
Access to Services A major factor for people in rural communities is access to services. People should be able to access necessary services such as hospitals, education, employment and training centres, or food stores. This presents more of an issue for people without cars or those unable to drive, whose mobility is limited, and in areas where public transportation is poor. A lack of transport can be a primary cause of social exclusion. Table 4: Travel to work and access amenities in rural areas7
Rural Durham Rural North East Rural England No. % No. % No. % Households with no car or van 25,785 25 211,964 11.0 3,900,333 5.9 Working at home 5,531 3.2 14,203 4.0 431,881 6.3
7 Census 2011.
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Table 4 shows that 25,785 rural households have no car or van, 25% of the total across Rural Durham. By comparison, there are 5,531 people working from home in rural areas (3.2% of the total). The large car ownership required in rural areas due to the distance from services and main employment centres requires a balancing act between need and sustainability when creating policy.
Rural Proofing and the County Durham Plan (CDP)
Key challenges and opportunities for plan making The overall challenge for the plan making process is to develop a planning policy context which is appropriate to the current and future economic and social needs of people living and working in our rural areas alongside protecting the natural environment. It is important that the CDP is developed in a way that ensures rural communities can thrive and have the best opportunities possible to access services. There are a number of key issues affecting the county’s rural communities that currently present themselves as challenges and opportunities. These issues include:
Social Ageing Population o The population is ageing; government aims to enable people to live in their own homes for longer but the health care requirements associated with this delivered in partnership with Primary Care Trusts will require increased funding and will place a greater demand on the service provision. Affordable Housing o In certain parts of the county in-migration has raised house prices, pushing younger people away from rural areas and accentuated the population imbalance. o Rural areas are attractive as primary homes for commuters and retirees, or for second homes, but we need to ensure that local people (including young people) are not excluded from the housing market. o People who work in rural areas may be unable to afford to live in these areas. This situation is sometimes exacerbated by the existence of second homes. o The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) has recognised a shortfall of affordable housing of 378 dwellings across the county including our rural areas. Accessibility
o The county’s dispersed settlement pattern, an increasing population, low levels of car ownership and high levels of incapacity and health needs all create major challenges to accessing essential services, leading to poor quality of life and social exclusion for many local residents.
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o In retail terms there is a need to strengthen the role of the rural service centres of Barnard Castle, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Stanhope without compromising the vitality and viability of other town centres.
o Residents, particularly the elderly, living in rural areas are dependent on the car, with rural transport deprivation linked to difficulties in accessing key services.
o The rural character of the county creates issues and challenges relating to the provision of and access to facilities and services. Some rural facilities such as post offices, shops and public houses in smaller settlements are also under threat. o Rural areas are more likely to be located off the gas network and therefore rely more on expensive and carbon intensive fuel sources for their energy needs. There are opportunities to reduce this dependency through developing new forms of renewable and low carbon energy in rural areas, particularly on a small/micro scale. o A distinction can be made between the rural coalfield communities closer to the A19 and A1 corridors, and the more isolated rural areas in Teesdale and Weardale. For example areas in the east are closer to larger urban areas but have more concentrated pockets of population suffering deprivation.
Economic European and national policies o These can change regularly (e.g. reform of the Common Agricultural Policy) and the upcoming transitional funding period post Brexit. Employment / Education o County Durham has a narrow economic base as well as a lack of well-paid employment. Rural productivity (measured by Gross Value Added) is relatively low. o In terms of employment, education and skills the most significant consideration is a need to provide for improvements in the county’s low skills base – which impacts upon the number and range of employment opportunities. o The transition from manufacturing and primary industries such as mining, quarrying and agriculture has not been smooth and Durham is still playing ‘catch up’ with other areas of the country, while dealing with the social and environmental legacy of the loss of traditional industries.
Tourism o Embracing tourism opportunities linking in with wider regional tourism, while ensuring that infrastructure can satisfy supply and provide access to the wider county. o Tourism can have a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy. However, the number of staying visitors and the length of time they stay needs to be increased and the need for high quality attractions, destinations and accommodation needs to be addressed.
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o Development needs to reflect local distinctiveness and developers encouraged to achieve high quality developments that reflect the built and rural context of County Durham support a high quality and attractive tourism offer
Environmental Protecting and maintaining our natural landscape
o As well as being important to protect for its own sake, County Durham’s rural landscapes are economic assets, which are critical to Durham’s growing tourism industry. The distinctive rural landscape and market towns make a big contribution to the county’s attractiveness and can be leveraged further to drive the economy.
o County Durham is an important mineral producing area. The county contains nationally and regionally important minerals resources. Mineral working also provides a small but important source of employment particularly in rural areas, when balanced against the impact upon the environment. The Minerals and Waste Technical Paper provides a detailed overview of what is a key rural industry.
o In considering the re-use or replacement of buildings in the countryside should preserve buildings of historical or archaeological importance or interest. o Issues relating to Biodiversity and Geodiversity include: o Changing agriculture and forestry practices which can result in: . Increased risk of soil erosion and forest fires; and . An increased risk of flooding, erosion of river banks and the construction and maintenance of sea defences o The low rates of woodland cover in the county and the potential loss of semi-natural ancient woodland – and the effects this has on habitat provision o Rural areas face the same problems as urban areas in regard to flooding; however their very nature means that they often have to cope with greater scales of difficulty. Flooding comes in the form of fluvial, marine/ tidal, surface water, sewer, groundwater and a legacy from deep coal mining.
Conclusion The Plan provides an opportunity to address some of the issues set out above. In particular the plan has a significant role in meeting the county’s additional housing and employment requirements. As such we are using Rural Proofing as a process to highlight opportunities for sustainable development in rural areas. We also recognise the potential contribution of the rural economy in delivering prosperity to the county as a whole. Therefore, one of the roles of Rural Proofing is to ensure that planning policies have enough flexibility to address rural issues such as in the provision of small scale workspace that is often required for rural businesses.
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In regards to employment, planning policies in the plan recognise and facilitate the potential for the rural economy to change and grow while at the same time continuing to recognise the importance of agriculture and farm diversification. We are conscious that the process of Rural Proofing the plan needs to be considered in the context of Localism and the emergence of neighbourhood planning through which community led planning initiatives can provide opportunities in helping to deliver local needs. A checklist adapted form DEFRA’s Rural Proofing Toolkit is included at Appendix 1 and set out at Appendix 2 are summaries that can be cross referenced to the challenges on all of the individual policies within the Plan. It is considered that the proposed policies within the Plan provide the required flexibility to address our rural issues taken together with the aspirations of the NPPF and the new draft NPPF. The council recognises the needs of its rural communities and their contribution to the economy of County Durham and where policy allows have looked to strengthen these opportunities.
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Appendix 1
County Durham Plan Preferred Options Impact Consideration - does Plan… Yes No Comments Local Services Support existing provision Provide additional provision Encourage alternative service provision Consider capacity of local community Housing Enable affordability of Provision housing delivery Encourage appropriate offer for the market and the County Provide housing development in location where communities desire Address demographic differences Rural Encourage rural Economy diversification Encourage homeworking and opportunity for live work units
Restrict reskilling and training opportunities Encourage tourism Increase job provision and earning potential
Landscape Protect the rural landscape Increase access to public realm Address design quality Provide better access to transport hubs and services Increase opportunity for access to public transport Increase reliance on car Infrastructure Provide utilities provision Presume access to high speed broadband Options for renewable/ alternative energy solutions
CDPPO Qs 2018 16
Appendix 2
Policy No Name Objectives Proposed outcome Summary Comments General 1 General The National Planning Policy Promote sustainable communities and better The Plan recognises the difficulties of accessibility to Development Development Framework carries a presumption neighbourhoods, recognising the particular jobs and services, and the constraints on public Principles Principles in favour of sustainable development requirements of rural areas by transport, particularly in rural areas of the county and development. In accordance with allowing small scale development to meet local provide sufficient flexibility to respond to particular this, the County Durham Plan needs, supporting diversification, protecting and issues in each area of the county, rather than attempting encourages sustainable enhancing jobs, local services and facilities and to establish a uniform solution. development as a means of supporting opportunities for faster and more growing the County's economy, reliable broadband; Support the local economy Reduce the need to travel and minimise car use is not supporting the wellbeing of and businesses by enabling a mix of uses that really an option in our more remote rural areas communities across the County, provide employment opportunities suitable for especially with limited rural public transport. and protecting and enhancing the local key development; sectors, and providing for environment. lifelong learning and skills people, contributing towards business expansion and growth in development.
How Much 2 Quantity of New To provide levels of development At least 25,992 new homes of mixed type, size The Plan recognises that appropriate development to Development Development that will meet the needs and and tenure; 305 hectares of general employment meet the needs of the local community will be permitted. and Where aspirations enable the County’s land for office, industrial and warehousing Bringing empty homes back in to use is a key priority for economic performance to improve. purposes across the county. the council and will be pursued through a number of different approaches. 3 General Main objective is to distribute Provision of employment land to reflect the Allocations at Harmire Industrial Estate and Stainton Employment development in a way to maximise identified economic market areas across the Grove, together with the allocation at Shaw Bank Allocations the benefit to the County’s county. recognises capacities in lower Teesdale and specifically economy as well as meeting Barnard Castle as a Service Centre. existing plus future retail needs. Other allocations identified at locations including Evenwood, Willington and Tow Law. 4 Aykley Heads In order to provide a high quality Deliver approximately 47,500 sqm of new high Durham City is a central transport hub more emphasis employment location to contribute quality, flexible office (use class B1a) floor space required on enabling the role of Durham for the outlying to the delivery of the new and better on 9 hectares. This includes the existing plot of 'spokes' for other residents of County Durham. jobs Durham City and County County Hall. of land to attract national and Durham need, land at Aykley international employers; Heads, as shown on the policies map, is allocated as a Strategic An area of 1.2 ha, currently occupied by the Employment Site. The County Hall car park to the south east of County development of this site will have Hall., will be released from the Green Belt in order regard to the provision and timing to provide office floor space, providing a key of the infrastructure necessary to gateway frontage into the site. support it.
17 Appendix 2
5 Housing The housing allocations represent Provides certainty of the delivery of housing Appropriate residential allocations across county, Allocations suitable deliverable land capable of across the county in accordance with the OAN however plan recognises that the majority of providing a range and choice of and preferred spatial approach. Policy development would be expected to be windfall and infill sites to meet future requirements recognises that there are a number of sites that in our rural areas given the character and form of and delivering the preferred spatial already benefit from planning consent which have settlements and environmental constraints associated approach development of County been taken into account in the site selection with rural areas. Other policies have been developed to Durham. process, including land within rural parts of the assess such proposals in order that rural areas are not county. disadvantaged but at the same time are safeguarded from inappropriate development. The site selection process has given priority to previously developed land for a number of reasons including to minimise the loss of agricultural land. 6 Durham City’s In order to meet housing need and The sites will incorporate an appropriate mix of Appropriate residential allocations on the edge of the Sustainable to promote sustainable patterns of house types and tenures to reflect housing need City, however plan recognises that the majority of Urban development, land at Sniperley including housing for older people and affordable development would be expected to be windfall and infill Extensions Park and Sherburn Road, as shown in our rural areas given the character and form of housing in accordance with Policy 16 (Addressing on the policies map, are allocated settlements and environmental constraints associated for planned urban extensions. Housing Need). Development will comprise of with rural areas. approximately: Development is required to be Other policies have been developed to assess such comprehensively master planned 1900 houses at Sniperley Park; and proposals in order that rural areas are not and to demonstrate how the disadvantaged but at the same time are safeguarded phasing of development on these 450 houses at Sherburn Road. from inappropriate development. site/s will have regard to the provision and timing of the infrastructure and services necessary to support them.
18
Appendix 2
7 Development on The development of sites within the Sets out circumstances where regardless of Positive policy, it is important that our rural settlements Unallocated built up area that are not allocated rurality: are able to grow appropriately within these built up areas Sites in Built Up in the Plan or in a Neighbourhood and remain sustainable. This policy has been refined Areas through rural proofing to ensure that it does not prejudice Plan will be permitted provided the housing units will be permitted on unallocated sites rural settlements from securing sustainable growth proposal accords with all relevant across a broad spectrum of uses. Furthermore the development plan policies. employment space permitted and policy does not prejudice rural communities from completed on unallocated sites defining the extent of their built up area and countryside Is compatible with and is not through the neighbourhood planning process. prejudicial to any existing, allocated retail floor space will be permitted or permitted use of adjacent land; beyond a defined town centre.
Does not contribute to coalescence community facilities will be safeguarded with neighbouring settlements or so as to prevent the loss of the last such result in an unacceptable facility in the settlement
encroachment into the countryside;
Does not result in the loss of land within an otherwise built up frontage that has recreational, historical, ecological or visual amenity value which cannot be adequately mitigated or compensated for;
Is appropriate in terms of scale, design, layout and location to the character, function, form and setting of the settlement to which it relates;
Will not be prejudicial to highway safety or network capacity;
Has good access by sustainable modes of transport to relevant services and facilities both within the settlement to which it relates and beyond; and
Does not result in the loss of a settlement's last community building, service or facility unless it 19
Appendix 2
Core 8 Visitor Planning for tourism in rural areas Raises the quality of the visitor experience Clear acceptance of rural tourism opportunities, Principles Attractions should make the most of our rural acknowledges that the rural areas provide the assets, enriching them rather than opportunity to increase quality of the visitor experience. Looks to encourage growth and develop further tourism harming the very character, quality opportunities. and beauty that makes them attractive to residents and visitors. 9 Visitor To provide visitor accommodation Provides places for people to extend their stay in Guidance provided for rural locations and acknowledges Accommodation in rural areas, in suitable locations, County Durham that an increase in rural tourism provides opportunities in order to have a positive impact for diversification, including the provision of on the local economy. accommodation. 10 Retail Hierarchy Setting out a strategic framework Please refer to summary comments Local centres identified in terms of significant service and Town Centre for the retail centres is an important providers for rural areas Development factor in improving the overall performance of County Durham's economy. 11 Development in This Policy sets out to assess the Balances and integrates the requirement to Provides options for agricultural diversification and the Countryside sustainability of new development, protect the countryside with the need to sustain expansion of land based businesses. This policy has based on the performance of and encourage the vitality and viability of the rural been refined through rural proofing to ensure that it does proposals against identified criteria, economy not prejudice the needs of rural areas and striking a which does not rely on settlement balance between these needs and safeguarding the boundaries. Allowing proposals that demonstrate they support important environmental credentials of rural areas. the enhancement of local services. Furthermore the policy does not prejudice rural Supports viable uses that help sustain and communities from defining the extent of their built up enhance the local economy. area and countryside through the neighbourhood Recognises that a varied range of buildings are planning process. not suitable for their original uses however may be for alternative uses. 12 Rural Housing To permit affordable housing and Enables people on lower incomes especially Recognises the importance of exception sites in rural and Employment employment related development those with local connections, to find homes. areas for both residential and employment. This policy Exception Sites next to settlements, in the has been refined through rural proofing to ensure that it countryside, when it is Provides employment related development does not prejudice the needs of rural areas and striking demonstrated that this is the only opportunities taking into account the modest a balance between these needs and safeguarding the way they can be delivered on an demand in rural areas. important environmental credentials of rural areas. appropriate scale.
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13 Permanent Rural The National Planning Policy Permits proposals for new permanent Policy recognises the importance that financially sound Workers’ framework (NPPF) makes it clear agricultural, forestry and other rural workers’ rural businesses are supported based on the needs of Dwellings that isolated new houses in the dwellings outside the built up area. the enterprise. countryside require special justification for planning permission to be granted. One of the few circumstances in which isolated residential development may be justified is when there is an essential need for agricultural, forestry and other full-time rural workers to live permanently at, or in the immediate vicinity of, their place of work.
14 Equestrian Recognise Equestrian Countywide issue not just in our rural areas. Provides options for agricultural diversification and Development Development as an appropriate expansion of land based businesses. countryside use.
15 Best and Most Development of the best and most Requires that the quality of agricultural land and While agricultural land quality varies throughout the Versatile versatile agricultural land will only soil is taken into account in decisions on planning county this is still a countywide issue. The site selection Agricultural Land be permitted where it can be applications. process has given priority to previously developed land and Soil demonstrated that the need for the for a number of reasons including to minimise the loss development, its benefits and/or of agricultural land Resources sustainability considerations outweigh the need to protect such land taking into account the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land.
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16 Addressing To contribute towards meeting the Many households in County Durham who lack In accordance with Strategic Housing Market Housing Need needs of the county’s existing and their own housing or live in unsuitable housing Assessment. Monitoring framework identifies a means future residents we will require all cannot afford to buy or rent suitable houses at to identify trends in rural areas. qualifying new housing proposals market rates. These households need affordable to provide a percentage of Affordable Housing. Which is housing. The Strategic Housing Market accessible and meets the needs of Assessment update (SHMA) has undertaken an those residents unable to access assessment of the need for affordable housing the housing market. within County Durham and determined that there will be a net shortfall of 378 affordable dwellings per annum. This is the extent to which the need for affordable homes is greater than the supply. 17 Durham To enable Durham University to The policy includes a series of criteria to assess The University is based in Durham City so this policy is University continue to evolve and compete as the impact of University Development, purpose likely to have localised impacts confined to Durham City Development, a high quality education-led mixed- built student accommodation and houses in and therefore not really relevant to rural proofing multiple occupation. Purpose Built use establishment, including arts Student and cultural uses, managed Accommodation workspace for start-up businesses and Houses in and other complementary uses, Multiple this policy looks to facilitate this Occupation growth subject to certain conditions and to manage the impact of future student accommodation on residential amenity.
18 Sites for To provide, where needed, sites for The policy sets out circumstances for supporting Countywide policy, although temporary stop off sites are Travellers gypsies and travellers as well as such sites which may fall within rural areas. predominantly in our rural areas. sites for show people. In addition the council also provides six temporary Countywide policy applicable in rural and urban areas County Durham has significant 'stop over' areas in the county which are made where need is identified, requiring no differential regardless of rurality. numbers of gypsies and travellers. available for 28 days or less each year for Most live in housing but a sizable seasonal use, also enabling gypsies and population live on six council sites travellers to travel to popular events like Appleby and a number of authorised private Fair. The council takes responsibility for sites across the county. County maintaining gates, fencing, grass cutting, and the Durham has the second highest access points to these areas. Refuse collection number of social pitches for and temporary toilets are also provided to gypsies gypsies and travellers of all English and travellers using other areas, to enable them authorities and over a third of all to travel and maintain their cultural lifestyle.
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pitches for gypsies and travellers in the North East.
19 Children's In order to promote the creation of Sets out criteria for assessing such proposals Countywide policy applicable in rural and urban areas Homes sustainable, inclusive and mixed regardless of location. where need is identified, requiring no differential communities, applications for regardless of rurality. children’s care homes, will only be In all instances, a planning application must be permitted where: supported by a management plan, and incorporates the requirements of a locality risk Sites offer a positive and safe assessment, which has been prepared in environment for the occupants of consultation with Durham Constabulary, the premises ensuring that there is Children's Services and any other appropriate appropriate access to services and agencies. facilities;
The occupants would not be placed at any risk owing to the latest crime and safety statistics in the area and this has been agreed in advance through liaison with Durham Constabulary, Children's Services and any other appropriate agencies;
There is no unacceptable, cumulative impact relating from concentrations of similar establishments within the locality through liaison with Durham Constabulary, Children's Services and any other appropriate agencies;
It is unlikely to cause unacceptable impact on the residential amenity;
Appropriate measures will be in place to ensure access for emergency vehicles and safety measures such as fire escapes; and
Satisfactory outside space, highway access, parking and servicing can be achieved.
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20 Type and Mix of On all new housing developments The government also requires council’s to Countywide policy applicable in rural and urban areas Housing the council will seek to secure an establish demand for self and custom build and to requiring no specific differential regardless of rurality appropriate mix of dwelling types ensure that there is the opportunity for this given flexibility of policy wording which acknowledges and sizes, taking account of local distinctiveness and areas characteristics with demand to be met. As part of our statutory existing imbalances in the housing regard to design and landscape. stock, site characteristics, viability obligations The Self Build and Custom and market considerations, and, Housebuilding Act 2015; The Self-build and the opportunity to facilitate self- Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016; The build or custom build schemes. Self-build and Custom Build (Time for Compliance and Fees Regulations 2016 we have established a register for those with an interest in purchasing a serviced plot http://www.durham.gov.uk/article/7578/Building- your-own-home. We will have regard to the register when carrying out our functions in relation to housing, planning, land disposal and regeneration.
21 Green Belt Most of the Green Belt will continue The areas which will no longer be defined as Acknowledgment of the importance of enabling to be protected. However, in this Green Belt are those locations in the vicinity of agriculture to be flexible to adapt to changing markets Plan Green Belt boundaries have Durham where development would have the least also taking into account Policy 15. Rural Exception been amended around the City of environmental impacts, where development is policies apply in the Green Belt. Durham. This is necessary to practically feasible, and where development deliver and fulfil Durham City’s would be most likely to lead to the creation of economic potential as a regional sustainable communities. economic asset for the benefit of the whole County.
22 Non-Strategic The following sites are proposed to be removed: Very site specific and does not have an impact on our Green Belt rural areas Amendments Skid Pan Durham City Former Lumley Boy’s School, Great Lumley Fernhill Durham City
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23 Delivering County Durham's dispersed To promote sustainable transport modes such as In addition to these traditional sustainable modes the Sustainable settlement pattern creates specific public transport, walking and cycling where policy recognises the rurality within the county and Transport transport issues. The majority of appropriate regardless of location. seeks to widen the availability to more sustainable private car use. residents do not live, work, shop or This includes more parking for electric vehicles and spend recreational time all in one those that car share. place. There are also parts of the county where there is little or no alternative to using the private car or access to work and facilities is difficult.
24 Durham City To reduce the dominance of car In order to create a more sustainable transport Mainly a Durham City focussed policy however rural Sustainable traffic, relieve existing highway network in Durham City there is a need for a areas will benefit as there will be better connectivity and Transport network problems, facilitate growth, positive strategy that manages the demand for improved traffic flow for trips to, through and around the city. address air quality and improve the car use by re-allocating, sharing and creating The Northern Relief Road will enhance East/ West historic environment, the council highway space for sustainable transport modes strategic connectivity including access to the A1M. proposes to deliver sustainable and correcting the faults in the current highway transport interventions Durham network. City:
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25 Allocating and In order to protect opportunities to The Plan seeks to safeguard and allocate specific At a more local level, the protection of super and primary Safeguarding improve County Durham's wider infrastructure where it is felt a strong business and secondary cycle routes will maintain and enhance Transport transport network and alleviate case can be made that will deem the access to employment by means other than the private infrastructure necessary and will not result in car. At a County wide level, new strategic infrastructure Routes and congestion it is necessary for significant environmental harm. In relation to including new roads and rail infrastructure can help with Facilities certain transport projects and social effects, transport infrastructure is needed connectivity across the County and can ensure better routes to either be allocated in the to promote social inclusion, allow access to key strategic connectivity for those traveling long distances, Plan where there is greater services and is a fundamental factor in delivering often from more rural areas in the County. certainty around their delivery, or sustainable communities. The allocation of safeguarded from development Horden Rail Station for example (which is which could prevent their future anticipated to be delivered in the short to medium term) , will contribute to alleviating access delivery. The safeguarding and constraints and inequalities in East Durham to allocating of such contributes to wider community services and facilities within meeting Plan objective 4: County Durham and the Tyne and Wear and Tees Infrastructure. Valley conurbations. East Durham and Horden in particular have high levels of youth unemployment and low levels of car ownership.
In the event that funding becomes available, the reopening of the Leamside Line will also contribute to improving cross boundary links, access to leisure, employment and associated training/qualifications, including the provision of new commuting possibilities to the International Advanced Manufacturing Park development.
26 Provision of Transport infrastructure Policy supports the safe efficient and free flowing New roads must be justified in accordance with the Transport improvements can be critical to the movement of vehicles and people across the criteria set out in the policy and should be routed and/or Infrastructure delivery of development. They can entire highway network as crucial to achieving the designed in such a way that they are assimilated into support economic growth, their surroundings with minimum disturbance to the council’s ambition of improving the economy as sustainable transport and environment including the cultural heritage of an area. regeneration, whilst helping to well as being essential in the move towards improve connectivity between the sustainable local communities. county and adjoining areas within the North East and beyond. 27 Developer A mechanism through which Improvement, of physical, social and The level of contribution varies across the County Contributions developer contributions can be environmental infrastructure. depending on viability enabling improvements to be collected such as Community countywide. Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 Agreements.
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28 Green Require new housing and other Development will be expected to conserve the Green infrastructure is in abundance in the rural areas Infrastructure developments to incorporate green county's green infrastructure network. but mechanisms through planning need to be infrastructure as part of their design maintained to ensure that it strengthens networks of and layout. habitats and green infrastructure from and to urban areas. ZT 29 Utilities, The objective of the policy is to Supports the provision of infrastructure Unlikely that provision will be viable in less populated Telecommunicati support the provision of new regardless of rurality and strikes a balance to and inaccessible rural areas of the County, would ons and Other Infrastructure required to enable ensure that the environmental impacts are encourage developers to provide infrastructure during Broadcast the growth proposed in the Plan. balanced against the benefits. new builds. Where the benefits outweigh any Infrastructure negative impacts.
JM 30 Safeguarded Policy seeks to ensure that Development will permitted in the vicinity of these Policy applies to specific areas of the County. Some of Areas appropriate regard is given to the sites regardless of rurality where certain which are urban and some of which are rural. importance of Major Hazard Sites conditions can be met i.e. within the defined and Pipelines, Durham Tees Valley consultation zones of the Major Hazard Sites and Airport, Newcastle Airport, Major Hazard Pipelines, where it can be Fishburn Airfield and the Shotton demonstrated that it would not prejudice current Airfield and Peterlee Parachute or future public safety Drop Zone. 31 Sustainable Aims to ensure that all new New development in County Durham will be Rural character and local distinctiveness to be Design in the development achieves high expected to be of high sustainable design quality preserved. Good design has potential to address issues Built standards of sustainable design. that respects the context of the area and its around accessibility and transport. Environment distinctiveness and enhances the character and appearance of the area.
JC 32 Hot Food Aims to restrict opportunities for Proposals for new A5 uses within 400m of a County wide policy and not just specific to rural areas Takeaways (A5 young people to access unhealthy school will be resisted. Proposed A5 uses in town Uses) food within proximity to education centres will be resisted where this would result in establishments (400m) and prevent more than 5% of the centre being within A5 use. an over concentration of such uses within defined town centres. 33 Amenity and New and existing development Protection of amenity by way of noise, County wide and not specific to rural areas. Criteria Pollution should not contribute to, or be put overlooking, privacy, vibration, odour, dust, strikes a balance to ensure that the environmental at risk from, pollution or other fumes/emissions, light pollution and loss of light impacts are balanced against the benefits regardless of sources of nuisance or intrusion and visual intrusion. rurality. which could adversely affect amenity. 34 Despoiled, Policy requires investigations and Remit of policy is to ensure that development This is a county wide issue and is not specific to rural Degraded, assessments to ensure that sites are suitable for the proposed after use and areas. Coal mining legacy issues are however, largely Derelict, matters are addressed to ensure are safe and stable regardless of rurality. concentrated to the area of the exposed coalfield. These Contaminated that sites are suitable for the issues will only be considered at the planning application proposed use and does not result in stage
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and Unstable unacceptable risk to human health Land and the built and natural environment.
35 Renewable and Renewable energy development The development of renewable sources of energy County wide and not specific to rural areas County Low Carbon will be supported in order to can make a valuable contribution to tackling the Durham has opportunities for renewable energy, but the Energy achieve targets for new electricity rate of climate change and enable us to live in a exploitation of these must be carefully weighed against generating capacity and CO2 more sustainable manner. the need to protect our unique natural environment and reduction. heritage 36 Wind Turbine Renewable energy development The development of renewable sources of energy County wide and not specific to rural areas County Development will be supported in order to can make a valuable contribution to tackling the Durham has opportunities for renewable energy, but the achieve targets for new electricity rate of climate change and enable us to live in a exploitation of these must be carefully weighed against generating capacity and CO2 more sustainable manner. the need to protect our unique natural environment and reduction. heritage. 37 Water The objective of this policy is to Please refer to summary comments Criteria strikes a balance to ensure that the Management minimise vulnerability and provide environmental impacts are taken into account and resilience to impacts arising from inappropriate development is resisted regardless of climate change avoiding rurality. inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding. Addressing issues of Water Quality, Sewage and Waste Water Infrastructure. 38 Water To ensure there is adequate Please refer to summary comments Supports the provision of infrastructure regardless of Infrastructure infrastructure to support rurality and strikes a balance to ensure that the development. environmental impacts are balanced against the benefits. 39 Durham Coast Not applicable Please refer to summary comments NPPF recognises the protection of Heritage Coast and Heritage Coast
40 North Pennines The policy seeks to support the Policy supports Conservation and improvement NPPF recognises now that AONB's have same AONB. primary purpose of designation is to of County's diverse landscapes as well as lending protection afforded to National Parks, development not conserve and enhance natural support to AONB Management Plan. ruled out but tighter control. Policy considered to be beauty while having regard to the Criteria strikes a balance to ensure that the sufficiently flexible given the need to safeguard the economic and social needs of local environmental impacts are balanced against the AONB characteristics that have led to its designation. communities the promotion of benefits. sustainable forms of development. 41 Landscape The Durham landscape is one of Please refer to summary comments County wide and not specific to rural areas addressed Character. enormous contrast and diversity through County Durham Landscape Strategy the aim of the policy is to seek where possible the conservation or
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enhancement of the local landscape.
42 Trees, Seeks the protection of trees, Please refer to summary comments Character of rural Durham is well protected with the Woodlands and woodlands and hedges where protection of irreplaceable habitats Hedges possible given the contribution they make to the environment and their impact on the Durham landscape
43 Biodiversity and Policy seeks the retention and Proposals for development will be expected to Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and NERC Geodiversity enhancement of biodiversity. minimise adverse impacts on and actively 2000 place duty on local authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity within or around the site. enhance biodiversity. Linkage with Biodiversity Action Criteria strikes a balance to ensure that the Plan. environmental impacts are balanced against the benefits. 44 Internationally Policy seeks to implement the need Development that is likely to have significant Habitat Regulations Assessment: Developer Guidance Designated Sites for an Appropriate Assessment effects upon internationally designated sites and Requirements in County Durham October 2017 when required to demonstrate that (SPAs, SACs and Ramsar sites) will not be document will need to be complied with. any development will not have a permitted where it cannot be ascertained, significant adverse effect on these following Appropriate Assessment, that there sites. would be no adverse effects on its integrity. Policy considered to be sufficiently flexible given the need to safeguard the important assets that have led to its designation. 45 Protected Policy seeks to weigh the Ensure protection and enhancement of National Character of rural Durham well protected with the Species and protection of designated sites and local sites such as SSSIs and local and protection of irreplaceable habitats Nationally and against the benefits of national nature reserves. Locally development. Policy considered to be sufficiently flexible given Protected Sites the need to safeguard the important assets that have led to its designation.
46 Historic The policy seeks a positive strategy Please refer to summary comments Opportunity to enhance and sensitively manage Environment for the conservation and enjoyment heritage assets. of the historic environment in line with national guidance.
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47 Durham Seeks to protect the setting of the Please refer to summary comments Durham City specific, although beneficial to all of County Cathedral and world heritage site by ensuring Durham Castle World development will not substantially harm the character and setting of Heritage Site the site. 48 Stockton & Recognises and seeks to protect Please refer to summary comments Specific to the railway area but beneficial to all of County Darlington the historic importance of the route Durham. Railway of Stockton and Darlington Opportunities as part of a wider rail tourism offer ie Railway. Improve the profile of the Weardale Railway, Locomotion Museum and potential former railway links to national network via Bishop Auckland.
Minerals and 49 Sustainable Policy seeks to encourage and Policy seeks to ensure that unacceptable adverse The County Durham Plan recognises the contribution of Waste Minerals and facilitate the development of a impacts on the environment or the amenity of mineral extraction and waste development to the rural Waste Resource sustainable resource economy in local communities are avoided. economy and aims to balance this with the County Durham. environmental impact at all times. Management
50 Safeguarding Policy seeks to safeguard both Minerals Sites, existing and allocated sites and Existing facilities are protected from loss and from Safeguarded minerals and waste sites occur throughout Minerals Related requires the compatibility of new encroaching proximal development. the County. Infrastructure development with existing minerals and waste sites. and Waste Management Sites
51 Meeting the Need Policy sets the framework for the for Primary determination of all planning Policy seeks the steady and adequate supply of Aggregates extraction occurs throughout the County. Aggregates applications for aggregates aggregates whilst ensuring that unacceptable extraction. adverse impacts on the environment or the amenity of local communities are avoided. 52 Brickmaking Proposals for new workings to meet Policy seeks to ensure that the needs of the Over the life of the plan the extraction of brickmaking raw Raw Materials the raw material needs of County’s only remaining brickworks is met whilst materials is expected to occur at two locations, at Birtley brickworks in County Durham will setting out how unacceptable adverse impacts on Quarry and at Long Lane Quarry, Newfield and within an be permitted. the environment or the amenity of local area to the south of Todhills Brickworks, near Newfield. communities are avoided.
53 Surface Mined Policy sets the framework for the Policy tests reflect national guidance. National, Potentially surface mined coal and fireclay can be Coal and Fireclay determination of planning local and community benefits can outweigh extracted in the central part of County Durham. applications for surface mined coal adverse impacts on the environment and the and fireclay. amenity of local communities.
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54 Natural Building Policy sets the framework for the Policy seeks to ensure that a steady and Natural building and roofing stone is now quarried in the and Roofing determination of planning adequate supply of natural building and roofing west of County Durham. Stone applications for natural building and stone is maintained whilst avoiding unacceptable roofing stone. adverse impacts on the environment or the amenity of local communities are avoided.
55 Reopening of Policy sets the framework for That stone can be extracted where proposals Proposed safeguarded relic quarries occur throughout Relic Natural reopening of relic quarries. meet exacting tests whilst ensuring that the County. Building and unacceptable adverse impacts on the Roofing Stone environment or the amenity of local communities are avoided Quarries
56 Safeguarding Policy seeks to safeguard This policy will ensure that all economically Safeguarded mineral resources occur throughout the Minerals economically important mineral important mineral resources are protected for County. Resources resources from sterilisation and future use and are not needlessly sterilised. also encourages prior extraction.
57 The Policy seeks to protect the County’s This policy will ensure that high grade resources High grade mineral resources occur in specific areas of Conservation high grade mineral resources. are specifically protected until they are needed for the County including those at Thrislington East Quarry, and Use of High high grade purposes. additional areas to the east of Thrislington East Quarry Grade Mineral and at Hawthorn Quarry which is located to the south of Seaham. Resources
58 Preferred Area Policy allocates land for mineral The extension to Hulands Quarry will ensure that This policy relates only to an area to the west of Hulands for Future working via an extension to this quarry will be able to continue to produce Quarry in Teesdale. Carboniferous Hulands Quarry in Teesdale. carboniferous limestone over the life of the Plan, Limestone contributing to meeting identified need for this mineral and will safeguard existing jobs. Working
59 Strategic Area of Policy allocates land south of This allocation will enable Todhills brickworks to This policy only relates to an area to the south of the Search to the Todhills brickworks. continue production in the long term and will brickworks and west of Byers Green. South of Todhills safeguard jobs. Brickworks
60 Waste Please refer to summary comments Please refer to summary comments County wide and not specific to rural areas covered Management within Minerals and Waste Policies and Allocations DPD Provision
61 Location of New Please refer to summary comments Please refer to summary comments County wide and not specific to rural areas covered Waste Facilities within Minerals and Waste Policies and Allocations DPD
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