Science Park Development Plan Document Preferred Option
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CHARNWOOD 2021 Local Development Framework for Charnwood SCIENCE PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENT PREFERRED OPTION SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL REPORT February 2006 The Council provides a written and audio tape translation facility for translation of all of it publications. To obtain a Council document in an alternative language please telephone 01509 634560. Punjabi Bengali Cantonese Gujarati Hindi Kurdish If you require a copy of this document in Braille, audio tape or large print please telephone 01509 634603. Contents Science Park Development Plan Document Preferred Option Sustainability Appraisal Report February 2006 CONTENTS 1. Summary and outcomes 1 1.1 Non-technical summary 1 1.2 A Statement of the likely significant effects of the plan 3 1.3 Statement on the difference the process has made 6 1.4 How to comment on the report 9 2. Appraisal Methodology 10 2.1 Approach adopted to the SA 10 2.2 When was the Sustainability Appraisal carried out 11 2.3 Who carried out the Sustainability Appraisal 11 2.4 Who was consulted, when and how 11 2.5 Difficulties encountered in compiling information or carrying out the assessment 12 3. Background 12 3.1 Purpose of the SA and the SA Report 12 3.2 Plan objectives and outline of contents 12 3.3 Compliance with the SEA Directive/Regulations 12 4. Sustainability objectives, baseline and context 13 4.1 Links to other strategies, plans and programmes and sustainability objectives 13 4.2 Description of the social, environmental and economic baseline characteristics and the predicted future baseline 17 4.3 Main Social, environmental and economic issues and problems identified 19 4.4 Difficulties in collecting data and limitations of the data 19 4.5 The SA framework, including objectives, targets and indicators 20 5. Plan issues and options 28 5.1 Main strategic options considered and how they were identified 28 5.2 Comparison of the social, environmental and economic effects of the options 28 5.3 How social, environmental and economic issues were considered in choosing the preferred option 39 5.4 Other Options Considered, and why these were rejected 39 5.5 Any Proposed mitigation measures 40 6. Plan policies 40 6.1 Significant social, environmental and economic effects of the preferred policies 40 6.2 How social, environmental and economic problems were considered in developing policies and proposals 51 6.3 Proposed mitigation measures 51 6.4 Uncertainties and risks 51 7. Implementation 52 7.1 Links to other tiers of plans and programmes and the project level (environmental impact assessment, design guidance etc) 52 7.2 Proposals for monitoring 52 Contents Science Park Development Plan Document Preferred Option Sustainability Appraisal Report February 2006 SCIENCE PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENT PREFERRED OPTION SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL REPORT 1 Summary and outcomes 1.1 Non-technical summary Appraisal Methodology 1.1.1 A sustainability appraisal is a way of ensuring the potential economic, social and environmental effects of the proposed Science Park DPD are identified and measures are taken to remedy any detrimental effects. 1.1.2 This Sustainability Appraisal is undertaken in line with the guidelines set out in the Consultation Draft ‘Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks’ (ODPM, 2004). It also includes an environmental report as required by the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC) relating to the environmental assessment of plans. Using the method set out in the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report the site options and policy of the Science Park DPD have been assessed against the 27 sustainability objectives which comprise of a range of environmental, material assets (natural resources), social and environmental topics. The sustainability objectives are set out in Table 1. This assessment took place between July and November 2005. This was at the same time as the Science Park DPD policy was being formed so that the assessment could influence the forming of the policy. The Planning Policy team carried out the assessment. Background 1.1.3 The sustainability appraisal is one way of ensuring that the Science Park DPD contributes to the aim of sustainable development, which is central to the reformed planning system. Sustainable development is about the integration of economic, social and environmental considerations in planning new growth and protecting assets. 1.1.4 The Science Park DPD is one of the documents that will form part of Charnwood’s Local Development Framework. It will identify land for the provision of a second Science Park in Loughborough. Where appropriate it will also consider the needs of Loughborough University for additional educational and student accommodation space. The Science Park DPD has been guided by the Core Strategy DPD, which is being produced, to the same timescale. Sustainability Objectives, Baseline and Context 1.1.5 The Sustainability Appraisal Framework is the matrix against which all options and policies will be assessed. It also includes targets and indicators for each objective so that progress can be measured to ensure that the DPD continues to positively influence the sustainability objectives. Further details are set out in Table 6 of the Main Report. The Framework was drawn up by taking account of: Relevant policy documents and their key objectives, targets and indicators at the national, regional and local level on economic, social and environmental subjects Social, environmental and economic baseline characteristics of the Borough Main social, environmental and economic issues and problems identified 1 Science Park Development Plan Document Preferred Option Sustainability Appraisal Report - February 2006 Table 1: Sustainability Objectives Environmental Objectives Social Objectives To maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna To increase the population’s access to a full range of To maintain and enhance landscape and townscape public, private, community and voluntary services character To increase access to the countryside, public open To protect and improve surface and groundwater spaces and semi urban environments (eg parks) quality To promote a strong community where people feel To minimise water consumption they have a say in the future To improve air quality To reduce crime, anti social behaviour and increase To conserve soil resources and quality community safety To reduce contributions to climate change To increase the population’s access and opportunity To reduce vulnerability to climate change to participate in culture, media and sport in To conserve and enhance the historic and cultural Charnwood environment To ensure that the housing stock meets the housing needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and social exclusion To increase learning, skills and employability for all sectors of the community To increase the vibrancy and viability of settlements To increase sustainable design and construction To increase healthy life styles Material Assets Objectives Economic Objectives To increase the re-use of previously developed land To encourage a sustainable economy and buildings To increase efficient patterns of movement to To minimise the extraction of new and increase the support a sustainable economy re-use of recycled minerals and aggregates resources To reduce disparities in economic performance To manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of energy and optimise the use of renewable resources Plan Issues and Options 1.1.6 The Council published an ‘Issues and Options’ Paper on the Core Strategy and Science Park in June 2005 for consultation with key stakeholders. This invited comments on 5 possible sites for the science park. The location and size of the science park is guided by the Structure Plan which indicates that a substantial science park of up to 50 hectares should be found in Loughborough close to the university. The result of the consultation was to add an extra site for the Council to consider on the southern edge of Loughborough. 1.1.7 Before carrying out the sustainability appraisal of the site options, 2 of the site options were considered unsuitable to take forward. Brownfield sites in Loughborough have not been taken forward as there is not a large enough site or group of sites likely to be available. Land at Sileby has not been taken forward as no detailed information was given for the site and it is likely to score poorly in terms of its location. 1.1.8 So, the Sustainability Appraisal of sites compares 4 options. The reasons for choosing the preferred site option are set out below. Further details are set out in Section 5 of the Main Report. Option 1: Land West of Loughborough, South of the A512 Presents the best option for the development of a Science Park. The appraisal indicates that there are potential environmental effects but the site has advantages that will be attractive in terms of business investment: 2 areas of ancient woodland fall within the site; 2 Science Park Development Plan Document Preferred Option Sustainability Appraisal Report - February 2006 Part of the site falls within the northernmost edge of the sensitive landscape of the Charnwood Forest and the National Forest but the landscape in this area is already affected by existing urban influences; Falls within Green Wedge but there is scope to remodel this and retain an effective area of separation; The character of the area gives the opportunity to secure a high quality development, reflecting its location on the edge of Charnwood Forest and the National Forest; Close to the two largest urban settlements, Loughborough and Shepshed Located in close proximity to the University where there is scope for the involvement of the University in the development of the Science Park as it has a direct interest in it; Excellent access to the motorway via Junction 23 of the M1; High frequency bus service between Loughborough and Shepshed gives significant scope to reduce car use.