Appendices a - J

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Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council

Sustainability Appraisal of the Doncaster Local Plan Volume 2: Appendices A - J

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Appendix A Consultation Responses on the SA work to Date

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Consultation Responses on the 2015 Scoping Report

Question / Comments How it has been addressed issue Consultation on the scope of the sustainability appraisal (July –August 2015) Natural England Plans & Natural England welcome the range of international, national and local natural Comment noted programmes environmental directives, plans, strategies and other literature set out in this (appendix 1) section. Biodiversity We welcome the inclusion of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 but Both acts have been added to the (appendix 1) would also welcome reference to both the Natural Environment and Rural list in appendix 1. Communities Act 2006 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Landscape Natural England note the inclusion of the European Landscape Convention but we Information from the NVA profiles suggest that you also refer to the National Character Area (NCA) profiles in the has been incorporated within the Doncaster area: baseline assessment where relevant. • NCA Profile 39 Humberhead Levels • NCA Profile 38 Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield The Doncaster Landscape Character • NCA Profile 30 Southern Magnesium Limestone Assessment and Capacity Study is a key piece of evidence and will help inform NCA profiles are guidance documents which can help communities to inform proposals which affect the setting and their decision-making about the places that they live in and care for. The character of the landscape at the urban information they contain will support the planning of conservation initiatives at fringe. For this reason, it has not been a landscape scale, inform the delivery of Nature Improvement Areas and included within the list of relevant plans encourage broader partnership working through Local Nature Partnerships. The and programmes. profiles will also help to inform choices about how land is managed and can change. Evidence base documents can be found from our website at At a local level we suggest that you include the Doncaster Landscape Character www.doncaster.gov.uk/ldf. Assessment and Capacity Study. Access We welcome the reference and commentary on the Doncaster Rights of Way Acknowledged. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan and advise that you also consider the Defra Rights of Way Circular 01/09 has been added to Circular 01/09. appendix 1. Climate The report “Conserving biodiversity in a changing climate: guidance on building The report has been added to the Change capacity to adapt” (Defra, 2008) sets out six key principles to help wildlife and list of relevant plans and habitats adapt to climate change: programmes.

7. Conserve existing biodiversity (including protected areas and other high quality habitats, and the range and ecological variability of habitats and species). 8. Reduce sources of harm not linked to climate. 9. Develop ecologically resilient and varied landscapes (including conservation and enhancement of local variation within sites and habitats and making space for the natural development of rivers and coasts). 10. Establish ecological networks through habitat protection, restoration and creation. 11. Make sound decisions based on analysis (including thorough analysis of the causes of change, and responding to changing conservation priorities. 12. Integrate adaptation and mitigation measures into conservation management, planning and practice.

Adaptation proposals should be sustainable, avoiding measures which would either exacerbate climate change (e.g. through producing more GHG) or damage the resilience of the natural environment, reducing its ability to withstand growing climate change pressures (e.g. by increasing water stress, pollution, Water quality Whaebi wtaelt cfomeragm tehneta rteiocongni, lotsison o fo bf itohdiev peorsitetny,t ibaloth for in e ctoelrmsogic oalf dspamaeciegse a fnromd h aobivetar-t Comment noted & quantity atybpsetr).act ion and particularly the link made with climate change and weather fluctuations. However we advise that ecological receptors, such as wetland and riparian habitats, should be considered with regards to water quality and pollution as well. Biodiversity & Natural England welcome the review of biodiversity and geodiversity NIAs are identified in the baseline

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geodiversity characteristics, particularly the mapping of nature conservation designations in review and consideration is given to figure 12 and the identification of climate change as a threat to local biodiversity the potential impact of the plan on under key issues, problems and opportunities. With regards to biodiversity and conservation activities in these geodiversity opportunities it might be helpful to the relevant NCA Profiles which areas. The baseline review lists include chapters on opportunities and ecosystem services. We also suggest that some of the key priority species you include further baseline data about priority and protected species which from the Doncaster Biodiversity should include, where relevant, both European and nationally protected species Action Plan. and priority species including NERC 2006 Annex 1 birds and regularly occurring migratory birds as set out in the EC Birds Directive 2009/147.

In addition, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species.

We note the identification of shortages of certain types of open space including Open spaces standards will be set greenspace, public parks, nature conservation sites and allotments and advise that according to local needs. These you consider the Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) which is a are based on the findings of the powerful tool in assessing current levels of accessible natural greenspace, and Doncaster Greenspace Audit. planning for better provision. The Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard has been included as a specific target within the sustainability framework. Green We welcome the identified opportunity under leisure, recreation, open space and Additional information has been infrastructure other community assets to improve links between open spaces and the wider provided in appendix 1 on the wider green infrastructure network and open countryside. However we advise that green infrastructure network, further information on the wider green infrastructure network should be set out in including the hierarchy of green the baseline in order to inform the assessment with regards to impacts on and infrastructure corridors and nature opportunities for the green infrastructure network. conservation sites (see the “Leisure, recreation, open space & other community assets” sub- section).

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Sustainability Natural England support the sustainability objectives set out in the report and A new sub-criterion relating to links objectives welcome the table set out in appendix 3 which sets out the sustainability between rural and urban areas has framework in a clear and detailed manner. We welcome the inclusion of criteria for been added under objective 4. assessing how to achieve the objectives and have a number of suggestions for how to improve these to ensure that the assessment takes account of the full range of The framework now includes natural environmental considerations as regard our statutory remit. the “Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard” as a 4 Improve accessibility to place and services, both within and outside of the specific target. borough Objective 13 also includes a sub- We would like to see a criterion regarding providing links between open spaces and criterion concerning the the wider green infrastructure network and open countryside under this objective, protection of protected and as identified in the baseline for this topic. priority species

8. Make places that are safe, attractive, culturally interesting and distinctive to live, New sub-criteria have been work and travel in added under objective 15 concerning the impacts on We suggest you consider including a specific standard for greenspace provision in ecosystems (e.g. wetland and the criteria such as ANGSt as discussed above. riparian habitats) and ecological receptors in relation to air and 12. Manage and adapt to climate change water quality.

Natural England would welcome a criterion for achieving the objective regarding

climate change adaptation and mitigation for vulnerable habitats and species as discussed above. We note and welcome the identification of the issue of protecting and enhancing biodiversity at threat from climate change in table 1 (Summary of key sustainability issues) and suggest that this should be made more explicit under the objective.

13. Protect, increase and enhance the natural environment, including the landscape, its underlying geology and wildlife habitat

We would like to see a criterion for achieving this objective concerning the protection of protected and priority species.

15. Protect, increase and enhance the natural environment, including the landscape, its underlying geology and wildlife habitat

We welcome the recognition of the relevance of ecological receptors as well as human ones, with regards to impacts on water quantity in the commentary for this objective as well as the reference to air pollution risks to ecosystems. However we advise that water quality can also impact on ecosystems, such as wetland and riparian habitats while air quality should be considered with regards to impacts on ecological receptors. Environment Agency

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Appendix 1: We would like to see the inclusion of the following items in the list of plans and The following have now been added Review of programmes detailed in appendix 1: to the list of plans and programmes relevant plans in appendix 1. and Humber River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). Although you have correctly programmes identified the Water Framework Directive, the RBMP provides a delivery • Groundwater Protection: mechanism to achieve the aims of the WFD and identifies specific areas where Principles and Practice action is required to improve the ecological status of waterbodies. The majority of waterbodies within the Doncaster borough are currently failing to achieve good • Humber River Basin ecological status. Management Plan

The Environment Agency’s publication “Groundwater Protection: Principles and • North and North East Practice” describes how we manage and protect groundwater, both now and for Lincolnshire Strategic Flood the future; it highlights the importance of groundwater and encourages industry Risk Assessment and other organisations to act responsibly and improve their practices. A large proportion of Doncaster borough (predominantly to the east) is situated within groundwater source protection zone 3. This document contains position statements which identify our stance on different activities and how we will respond to proposals for such activities to protect groundwater.

The North and North East Lincolnshire SFRA should be considered in relation to flood risk in the Isle of Axholme area. Appendix 2: The flooding and drainage section should include some discussion of the Further discussion on the Review of implications of the vulnerability of the Isle of Axholme area. This area is drained by implications of flooding in the Isle of characteristics a managed pumping system which, in the event of a failure of the system, could Axholme area has been included of the lead to significant impacts from flooding. within the baseline review. borough Water quality and quantity – there is a minor typing error in the final sentience of Sub-criterion has been amended the second paragraph – “special protection zones” should read “source protection accordingly zones”. Appendix 3: Objective 12 - sub-objective – flood risk. Sub-criterion has been amended Sustainability accordingly appraisal We suggest the first bullet point in the “How to achieve the objective” column framework should be reworded to ‘avoid inappropriate development’ rather than ‘avoid unnecessary development’ so that it is in line with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework Heritage England All In terms of the historic environment, we consider that the report has identified the Comments noted. majority of plans and programmes and the key sustainability issues which are likely to be of relevance to the development of the Local Plan. We believe that it has established an appropriate baseline together with a reasonable set of objectives against which to monitor the likely significant effects of the Plan. Therefore, we consider that it sets out the basis for an appropriate framework against which to assess the potential impacts which the Policies and proposals of the plan might have upon the historic environment. English Heritage strongly advises that the council’s conservation section and the archaeological staff at SYAS (South Yorkshire Archaeology Service) are closely involved throughout the preparation of the SA of the plan.

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Consultation of the issues and options (August – September 2015) South Yorkshire Archaeological Service General The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report is weak generally with regard to Under the “How the objective will consideration of archaeological heritage assets, particularly undesignated assets. be achieved” column, the following has been added under objective 13: The only relevant issue I could find for these was a target to ‘increase’ the ‘Number of archaeological sites recorded on the South Yorkshire Sites and Monuments “Protect, maintain and enhance Record’ in appendix 2 – and this aspect really doesn’t seem to have been archaeological assets”. considered in the ‘SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK’ shown in appendix 3, under objective 13: ‘Protect, conserve and enhance the historic and cultural heritage’. This is an omission.

It is important that any sustainability appraisal includes consideration of non- designated, as well as designated heritage assets – and for non-designated archaeological assets that means it is vital that the sustainability appraisal will set out:

• the need for a robust policy framework in the Local Plan; and • the need for sites proposed for allocation to be archaeologically scoped, to limit the likelihood of conflict between allocation and conservation of such heritage assets and their settings.

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Comments on the 2015 SA Report

Organisation Comments How it has been addressed Royal Society for the Little evidence that biodiversity and the natural environment have been given sufficient Yes – see chapter 5 and Preservation of Birds consideration or weighting in the current documents. appendix 3 of this report (RSPB) No attempt is made to distinguish the various options in terms of biodiversity, agricultural and water resources and the character and appearance of the landscape. No details are given on the type or levels of adverse impacts. In addition, it is premature to select or dismiss options before the appraisal has been carried out.

English Heritage Given the strategic nature of the options and the scarcity of detailed information, we The score under option 1 has broadly agree with the conclusions about potential impacts which each of the potential been amended accordingly to options for accommodating the borough’s growth might have upon the heritage assets reflect this advice (see of the plan area. appendix 3).

Under option 1, the adopted plans strategy did seek to limit the scale of development around the conservation towns of Tickhill and Bawtry in order to protect their historic character. Consequently, a continuation of this approach would, on balance, have a positive impact upon the historic environment (at least for two particular settlements). As a result, it would be more appropriate to record the likely impact as +/?.

DLP Consultants The sustainability appraisal cannot be considered to be much assistance in determining The growth options have been re- future policy directions. There is no indication as to the overall level of housing provision appraised in the light of the new and as such the impact of the various options will change depending upon the overall housing and employment level of provision required to be made. At present, no conclusions can be drawn from requirements. the impact of the policy choices without an indication as to the level of housing and employment land being proposed. The degree of conjecture that has been employed is simply too great for the council to draw any meaningful conclusions from this work besides the generality that accommodating new development close to good transport links and a range of employment opportunities and other services is likely to be more sustainable.

JVH Planning The growth options that are being appraised have not yet been the subject of The growth options have been re- Consultants consultation and the growth options are not informed by any quantum of housing or appraised in the light of emerging employment requirements, which is fundamental to any realistic sustainability appraisal. housing and employment It is not accepted that the 6 options which are tested are all the realistic options requirements. However, only three available. of the six options are considered to be realistic and deliverable.

Gladmans In accordance with Section 19 of the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, Comment noted. policies set out in Local Plans must be subject to sustainability appraisal (SA). Incorporating the requirements of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, SA is a systematic process that should be undertaken at each stage of the plan’s preparation, assessing the effects of the plan’s proposals on sustainable development when judged against all reasonable alternatives.

The council should ensure that the results of the SA process clearly justify its policy choices. In meeting the development needs of the area, it should be clear from the results of the assessment why some policy options have been progressed, and others have been rejected.

Undertaking a comparative and equal assessment of each reasonable alternative, in the same level of detail for both chosen and rejected alternatives, the council’s decision making and scoring should be robust, justified and transparent.

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Question / Comments How it has been addressed issue Consultation on the scope of the sustainability appraisal (July –August 2015) Natural England Plans & Natural England welcome the range of international, national and local natural Comment noted programmes environmental directives, plans, strategies and other literature set out in this (appendix 1) section. Biodiversity We welcome the inclusion of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 but Both acts have been added to the (appendix 1) would also welcome reference to both the Natural Environment and Rural list in appendix 1. Communities Act 2006 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Landscape Natural England note the inclusion of the European Landscape Convention but we Information from the NVA profiles suggest that you also refer to the National Character Area (NCA) profiles in the has been incorporated within the Doncaster area: baseline assessment where relevant. • NCA Profile 39 Humberhead Levels • NCA Profile 38 Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield The Doncaster Landscape Character • NCA Profile 30 Southern Magnesium Limestone Assessment and Capacity Study is a key piece of evidence and will help inform NCA profiles are guidance documents which can help communities to inform their proposals which affect the setting and decision-making about the places that they live in and care for. The information character of the landscape at the urban they contain will support the planning of conservation initiatives at a landscape fringe. For this reason, it has not been scale, inform the delivery of Nature Improvement Areas and encourage broader included within the list of relevant plans partnership working through Local Nature Partnerships. The profiles will also help and programmes. to inform choices about how land is managed and can change. Evidence base documents can be found At a local level we suggest that you include the Doncaster Landscape Character from our website at Assessment and Capacity Study. www.doncaster.gov.uk/ldf.

Access We welcome the reference and commentary on the Doncaster Rights of Way Acknowledged. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan and advise that you also consider the Defra Rights of Way Circular 01/09 has been added to Circular 01/09. appendix 1. Climate The report “Conserving biodiversity in a changing climate: guidance on building The report has been added to the Change capacity to adapt” (Defra, 2008) sets out six key principles to help wildlife and list of relevant plans and habitats adapt to climate change: programmes.

7. Conserve existing biodiversity (including protected areas and other high quality habitats, and the range and ecological variability of habitats and species). 8. Reduce sources of harm not linked to climate. 9. Develop ecologically resilient and varied landscapes (including conservation and enhancement of local variation within sites and habitats and making space for the natural development of rivers and coasts). 10. Establish ecological networks through habitat protection, restoration and creation. 11. Make sound decisions based on analysis (including thorough analysis of the causes of change and responding to changing conservation priorities. 12. Integrate adaptation and mitigation measures into conservation management, planning and practice.

Adaptation proposals should be sustainable, avoiding measures which would either exacerbate climate change (e.g. through producing more GHG) or damage the resilience of the natural environment, reducing its ability to withstand growing climate change pressures (e.g. by increasing water stress, pollution, habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, both in terms of species and habitat type). Water quality We welcome the recognition of the potential for ecological damage from over- Comment noted & quantity abstraction and particularly the link made with climate change and weather fluctuations. However, we advise that ecological receptors, such as wetland and riparian habitats, should be considered with regards to water quality and pollution as well. Biodiversity & Natural England welcome the review of biodiversity and geodiversity NIAs are identified in the baseline

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geodiversity characteristics, particularly the mapping of nature conservation designations in review and consideration is given to figure 12 and the identification of climate change as a threat to local biodiversity the potential impact of the plan on under key issues, problems and opportunities. With regards to biodiversity and conservation activities in these geodiversity opportunities it might be helpful to the relevant NCA Profiles which areas. The baseline review lists some include chapters on opportunities and ecosystem services. We also suggest that of the key priority species from the you include further baseline data about priority and protected species which Doncaster Biodiversity Action Plan. should include, where relevant, both European and nationally protected species and priority species including NERC 2006 Annex 1 birds and regularly occurring migratory birds as set out in the EC Birds Directive 2009/147.

In addition, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species.

While we welcome the identification of international and nationally designated sites within Doncaster we advise that the assessment should also consider the impact of the plan on sites outside the local authority boundary both alone and in combination with neighbouring plans and proposals, including consideration of both the Dearne Valley Green Heart and Humberhead Levels Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) which both overlap the Doncaster local authority area. Air & noise Natural England advise that you consider ecological receptors of air and noise Commentary on the sensitivity of pollution pollution as well as human receptors. For instance heathland and bog habitats are healthland/bog habitats and breeding sensitive to air pollution from transport and industry while breeding birds can be birds to pollution has been added. sensitive to noise disturbance. Open spaces standards will be set We note the identification of shortages of certain types of open space including according to local needs. These are greenspace, public parks, nature conservation sites and allotments and advise that based on the findings of the Doncaster you consider the Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) which is a Greenspace Audit. powerful tool in assessing current levels of accessible natural greenspace, and planning for better provision. The Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard has been included as a specific target within the sustainability framework.

Green We welcome the identified opportunity under leisure, recreation, open space and Additional information has been infrastructure other community assets to improve links between open spaces and the wider provided in appendix 1 on the wider green infrastructure network and open countryside. However we advise that green infrastructure network, further information on the wider green infrastructure network should be set out in including the hierarchy of green the baseline in order to inform the assessment with regards to impacts on and infrastructure corridors and nature opportunities for the green infrastructure network. conservation sites (see the “Leisure, recreation, open space & other community assets” sub-section).

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Sustainability Natural England support the sustainability objectives set out in the report and A new sub-criterion relating to links objectives welcome the table set out in appendix 3 which sets out the sustainability between rural and urban areas has framework in a clear and detailed manner. We welcome the inclusion of criteria for been added under objective 4. assessing how to achieve the objectives and have a number of suggestions for how to improve these to ensure that the assessment takes account of the full range of The framework now includes the natural environmental considerations as regard our statutory remit. “Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard” as a specific target. 4 Improve accessibility to place and services, both within and outside of the borough Objective 13 also includes a sub- criterion concerning the protection of We would like to see a criterion regarding providing links between open spaces and protected and priority species the wider green infrastructure network and open countryside under this objective, as identified in the baseline for this topic. New sub-criteria have been added under objective 15 concerning the 8. Make places that are safe, attractive, culturally interesting and distinctive to live, impacts on ecosystems (e.g. wetland work and travel in and riparian habitats) and ecological receptors in relation to air and water We suggest you consider including a specific standard for greenspace provision in quality. the criteria such as ANGSt as discussed above.

12. Manage and adapt to climate change

Natural England would welcome a criterion for achieving the objective regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation for vulnerable habitats and species as discussed above. We note and welcome the identification of the issue of protecting and enhancing biodiversity at threat from climate change in table 1 (Summary of key sustainability issues) and suggest that this should be made more explicit under the objective.

13. Protect, increase and enhance the natural environment, including the landscape, its underlying geology and wildlife habitat

We would like to see a criterion for achieving this objective concerning the protection of protected and priority species.

15. Protect, increase and enhance the natural environment, including the landscape, its underlying geology and wildlife habitat

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The Environment Agency’s publication “Groundwater Protection: Principles and • North and North East Lincolnshire Practice” describes how we manage and protect groundwater, both now and for Strategic Flood Risk Assessment the future; it highlights the importance of groundwater and encourages industry and other organisations to act responsibly and improve their practices. A large proportion of Doncaster borough (predominantly to the east) is situated within groundwater source protection zone 3. This document contains position statements which identify our stance on different activities and how we will respond to proposals for such activities to protect groundwater.

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assess the potential impacts which the Policies and proposals of the plan might have upon the historic environment. English Heritage strongly advises that the council’s conservation section and the archaeological staff at SYAS (South Yorkshire Consultation of tAhrec hissuaeoelso gandy Se oprvictione) sa r(eA uclgouselst y– iSnevpotlvemedb terhr o2015)ugho ut the preparation of South Yorkshire tAhrech SaeA oolof thgeic alpl aSne.r vice General The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report is weak generally with regard to Under the “How the objective will consideration of archaeological heritage assets, particularly undesignated be achieved” column, the assets. following has been added under objective The only relevant issue I could find for these was a target to ‘increase’ the 13: ‘Number of archaeological sites recorded on the South Yorkshire Sites and Monuments Record’ in appendix 2 – and this aspect really doesn’t seem to “Protect, maintain and have been considered in the ‘SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK’ enhance archaeological shown in appendix 3, under objective 13: ‘Protect, conserve and enhance assets”. the historic and cultural heritage’. This is an omission.

It is important that any sustainability appraisal includes consideration of non- designated, as well as designated heritage assets – and for non- designated archaeological assets that means it is vital that the sustainability appraisal will set out:

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Comments on the 2016 SA Report

Organisation Summary of Comments (any numbering refers to the relevant part of the SA as Council’s response quoted in the comment)

Barton We note the Council have decided not to pursue option 4 and have instead chosen to run Noted Willmore on with option 2. This stance is supported by our Client and in their opinion represents the behalf of most sustainable option given the primary focus will be on Doncaster and then the most David Wilson sustainable Town and Villages which require additional growth. Homes and Barratt Homes.

Turley on The SA was undertaken in 2014 and does not take into account recent investment and The Council is behalf of the future planned development in and around the Airport, nor the SEP spatial area of growth consulting on Peel Group and change. proposals for 1,200 The draft SA and spatial options should be updated to include the identification of homes at the Airport Doncaster Sheffield Airport as a specific growth location to deliver a sustainable mixed- to support growth in use community including the delivery of additional housing. the Sheffield City Regional Growth Plan.

Nathaniel Potential residential development sites across Doncaster should be directed towards The Council will need Lichfield and areas of lowest flood risk, i.e. Flood Zone 1. Only once the sequential test has been to demonstrate that a Partners on applied, and there are no reasonable alternative sites in areas with a lower probability of sequential approach behalf of flooding risk, should the exceptions test be applied. to avoidance of flood Theakston risk has been Estates Ltd undertaken. Firstly through the spatial strategy, and then secondly through site specific testing in line with national policy. Only then can the Council move on to apply the exceptions test (if/where necessary).

Selby District SDC officers support the new and revised Aims and Objectives and raise no concerns with Noted Council the SA overall conclusions (although detailed matrices have not been reviewed). However, we would raise the same point as we did at Issues and Options stage that it would be helpful to identify support for indigenous businesses as well as attracting new businesses under Aim 1 - jobs and growth.

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Highways The detailed sustainability appraisal analysis acknowledges that air quality is likely Noted and England to deteriorate as a result of all future growth options. The report highlights that the welcomed. proposed approach focuses employment and housing development along part of the SRN and Doncaster town centre where air quality is already deteriorating. We therefore highlight the need to work in partnership to develop appropriate mitigation to offset the impact.

Historic Overall, we would agree with the conclusions regarding the compatibility of the Plan’s Amended when England Aims with SA Objective 13 (historic environment). Suggested amendments: Aims 2 and 4 Visions and are considered to potentially support SA Objective 13. Aims 5 and 6 may potentially Objectives updated conflict with objective 13. for Informal Consultation Version.

It would have been helpful, if the Sustainability Appraisal examined in a slightly more The level of detail meaningful way what the levels of growth being proposed under the Hybrid approach entered into to assess might mean for each of the settlements. the Growth Options is considered appropriate.

In terms of the preferred Growth Option, we would endorse the conclusions in Appendix Later stages of the SA 3 about the potential for this option to harm the Borough’s heritage assets and the will consider policy statement, in Paragraph 5.5, that the scale and magnitude of the potential impacts of the relating to heritage chosen option upon Doncaster’s heritage assets will depend on the quality of the assets. development and the precise locations of the sites which are allocated. This underlines the need for:- The Plan to include within it a robust Policy framework against which to assess the appropriateness of potential development sites. This should include a commitment that sites for development would not be supported if they were not well-related to the form, character and landscape setting of the settlement in which they are proposed or where they would be likely to harm the environmental assets of the Borough.

As part of the Evidence Base and/or SEA, an assessment of the potential impact which all The Council has the sites which are proposed as allocations might have upon any heritage assets in their undertaken Heritage vicinity (along the lines set out in Historic England’s Guidance “The Historic Environment Impact Assessments and Site Allocations in Local Plans”). for potential housing and employment sites, consistent with the guidance.

English Heritage strongly advises that the Council’s Conservation Section and the Both the Council’s archaeological staff at SYAS are closely involved throughout the preparation of the SA of Conservation Section the plan. and SYAS have been involved in the evaluation of sites.

Barnburgh In the Summer 2015 consultation exercise, the Parish Council’s preference was for Option Noted and 2 followed by Option 1. Accordingly the now preferred approach for a hybrid Option, Harlington based on a combination of Options 1 and 2 highlighting the benefits of concentrating Parish Council growth within the main urban area, main towns and existing service centres is in line with the Parish Council’s thinking and therefor has our support.

Pegasus Revised site boundary provided for site 084 The site boundary has Group on been amended in line behalf of R with this as part of and G the update to the Thompson HELAA to exclude the and Son site area that is at risk of flooding

In terms of the appraisal of Strategic Growth Options, it is considered that Option 3 Noted, all the options represents the most sustainable approach for development in the Doncaster Local Plan presented are area. considered as being reasonable options

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with varying sustainability pros and cons as identified through the appraisal

Concerns regarding Growth Options 1, 2 and 4 against the Sustainability Appraisal, relate Noted – see response to SA Objectives 2 and 11. Options 1, 2 and 4 do not reinforce national Policy within the above NPPF in relation to rural communities.

Options 1, 2 and 4 rely heavily upon allocating sites for development within Flood Zones The Council will need 2 and 3. The Council’s approach regarding future Sequential Tests fundamentally to demonstrate that a undermines the Sequential Test as a result of promoting towns and villages for growth sequential approach that are within the zones at highest risk of flooding. The NPPF clearly states that to avoidance of flood inappropriate development in zones at risk of flooding should be avoided. risk has been undertaken; firstly through the spatial strategy, and then secondly through site specific testing in line with national policy.

Option 3 supports Objective 11 by dispersing settlement growth to allowing the council See response above to meet the requirements of Paragraphs 100 and 101 of the NPPF to avoid vulnerable development in flood risk areas whilst also meeting other sustainable development criteria and objectives of the plan for instance Objective 9 improving the health and wellbeing of the Borough’s population, Objective 2 to reinforce and support community identity and pride and Paragraphs 28 and 55 of the NPPF.

Environment Generally speaking we consider the methodology used to assess the identified growth Noted Agency options to be reasonable.

In relation to Appendix 2: Compatibility Table: We would wish to highlight as a reminder Comment noted and that where it is demonstrated that development is necessary in areas at higher risk of agree flooding, after application of the sequential test, it is necessary to demonstrate that the development it will be safe for its occupiers for the life time of the development, without increasing flood risk elsewhere and where the Exception Test is required, that it will result in wider sustainability benefits for the community that outweigh flood risks.

In relation to row 8 – column 4 makes the statement that the sequential and exception Comment noted. This tests allow for development to come forward in flood risk areas. We would like to section will be highlight that this is an oversimplification of the tests. The sequential test in itself does amended to more not allow development to come forward in flood risk areas. The intention is that through closely reflect the the application of the sequential test, development will only come forward in flood risk requirements of the areas where it is demonstrated that it is necessary and cannot be accommodated in areas NPPF. at lowest risk.

We consider the way in which the appraisal has been carried out to be generally Noted – see reasonable however we have noticed some inconsistencies in the individual responses ‘Commentary/explanation’ column between Options even though issues are the same below to the between options. subsequent points raised

References to the sequential and exception test and flood risk elsewhere in series of For consistency, bullet points can be found in Options 1, 2 and 4 but not under option 3. references to sequential and exception tests will be included under option 3.

Option 2 –the text refers to district heating and solar photovoltaics and retrofitting of a Noted and agree - range of energy technologies. It is unclear why this is included in this section. District heating and retrofitting measures are not strictly

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relevant and will be deleted.

It is not clear why options 2 and 4 do not consider the need for improvements to Noted and agree - reinforce existing flood defences and pumping stations in the same way that options 1 The appraisal (options and 3 do. 2 and 4) will be amended to cover improvements to flood defences and pumping stations

Aim 1: The table in Appendix Biii does not make reference to our comments from our Noted – since this response of 25th September 2015 or clarify the council’s response. Our comments were iteration of the SA, and remain as follows: further work has been Aim 1 – Jobs and Growth We support the recognition that the provision of necessary undertaken on the infrastructure is needed to help promote business opportunities and reduce social local plans’ objectives inclusion. We consider that it is important to recognise the contribution that (aims have now been environmental infrastructure, such as green and blue infrastructure and flood defences removed) and it is will contribute to the achievement of this aim. considered that, collectively, they cover this.

Aim 2: Our comments from the 25th September are referenced in the second column of See response above the table, however the council’s response is not clear; there appears to be no reference in column 4. Therefore we repeat our support for an objective that recognises the need to re-use sites and buildings, as this should lead to an improved environment through the remediation of sites which may have suffered from land contamination issues. Recognition should be given to the need for this aim to be balanced against the need to mitigate the impacts of climate change, ie flood risk.

Aim 4: We welcome and strongly support the inclusion of the final bullet point within this Noted aim: ‘maintain and improve the quality of Doncaster’s water environment, including its rivers, canals, lakes and ground water aquifers, particularly within the Don and Trent catchment areas’.

Aim 5: We note the amendments and confirm that we continue to support the objectives Noted set out to achieve this aim.

Within SA Objective 8 (Renew and re-use existing buildings, land and infrastructure) three Agreed infrastructure types are mentioned (highways and education capacity and Fibre broadband coverage). Growth within Doncaster is likely to be dependent on other key infrastructure provision, potentially including flood defence infrastructure.

The proposed SA criteria for assessing options under SA objective 14 (Protect and The SA Framework for enhance soil, air and water quality (watercourses and ground water) B) Water discusses sites includes only the protection of groundwater, what consideration will be given to surface consideration of waterbodies? proximity to surface water bodies.

Aggregate Mineral Requirements: Within the section ‘Manage and adapt to climate Proximity to the change’ no indicators are identified in the category ‘water supply and drainage’. Groundwater Consideration could be given to potential impacts on the aquifer. Protection Zone has been taken into account in the evaluation of sites.

Within the section ‘Protect and enhance soil, air and water quality (watercourses and The report has been groundwater)’, option considerations could include proximity to surface watercourses amended accordingly. also. The indicator here could be updated to reflect the measure required by the Water Framework Directive /Humber River Basin Management Plan, and could read ‘Rivers of good chemical and biological water quality (according to WFD status).

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Royal Society 4.19: The exception test should only be used where it is not possible, consistent with The Council will need for the wider sustainability objectives, for the development to be located in zones with a lower to demonstrate that a Protection of probability of flooding. According to figures quoted in Local Plan Documents almost sequential approach Birds three fifths of the borough is outside of high or medium flood risk areas, which would to avoidance of flood suggest that other options to locate housing growth are likely to be available and should risk has been be considered in the context of flood risk and its implications. undertaken; firstly through the spatial strategy, and then secondly through site specific testing in line with national policy. Only then can the Council move on to apply the exceptions test (if/where necessary).

5.21: Moorends is directly adjacent to the Thorne Moors Natura 2000 Site, and so The Draft Local Plan significant new development here would also need to assessed under and comply with will be screened the Habitat Regulations. against the Habitats Directive once the full draft Local Plan has been prepared.

5.28: Agree with the finding here that Doncaster’s biodiversity assets are under threat Noted. from a wide range of pressures and that a development strategy for growth is likely to exacerbate them. Negative impacts arising through the Local Plan should be addressed and avoided as far as possible at the plan stage through effective decision making and policies. The draft Plan will need to demonstrate that this has been effectively achieved through the identification and consideration of impacts for individual options and allocations, and use of the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimise, reduce, mitigate and compensate).

7.4: We would support in principle the decision to discount Option 1 on the basis that it Agreed. steers too much growth to medium and high flood risk areas. We would also support the rejection of Option 3 on the basis that it would give rise to more adverse impacts on the environment. However, we remain concerned that Sustainability Appraisal indicates that the preferred option (Option 4) has significant negative impacts from potential flooding, climate change and biodiversity sometimes in comparison to other options. These will need to be effectively addressed by the plan through the identification and consideration of impacts for individual policies and allocations, and use of the impacts mitigation hierarchy.

Welcomes and supports Aim 4 (Natural environment and countryside: Maintain and Noted. enhance the character and appearance of the countryside and the natural environment, including areas of landscape and biodiversity value) and its associated objectives.

Welcome and support Aim 5: Energy and climate change and its associated objectives. Noted.

We also welcome and support, and point c) of Aim 3: reinforce the distinctive character of Noted. locally important landscapes and ecological features such as tree-lined verges, historic field patterns, rich species(sic)* meadows, lowland moors and woodlands;

Appendix 3, Pages 52, 82 and 94: Objective 12 protect, increase and enhance the natural Opportunity to environment, including its underlying geology and wildlife habitat. address during the The Overall score has been omitted for this objective for Options 1,3 and 4. This means it appraisal of options. is difficult to see how the assessment has contributed to the comparison of options. We note that the table for Option 4, the preferred option, on page 94 states that “Whilst the effects remain uncertain at this stage and depend on the location and scale of new development, it is anticipated that the overall cumulative impact will be negative.” It is not clear from the appraisal in Appendix 3 how the different options compare for Objective 12, as they all appear to conclude with the above sentence. Further clarity and information is needed on how the options compare with each other in relation to this objective.

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Page 92-93: We note that the preferred option (Option 4) has an overall negative score Noted. (+/--) for objective and the appraisal reports a range of potential impacts which will need to be addressed by the Plan.

Hickling Gray The hybrid option appears justified in terms of allowing minor growth in some of the Noted. Associates on more sustainable smaller settlements. behalf of A. Hackford

Why does the document not include a diagram for the hybrid option as it does for This will be addressed options 1 to 3? in subsequent iterations of the SA Report.

Agree that options 4 to 6 are not appropriate. Noted.

The hybrid option is supported in principle. Noted.

Representing a client with available land in Mexborough there is concern about reducing Comment noted but the lower end of the housing need figures to support development in smaller settlements development is which might be at the expense of more appropriate land within existing urban areas. required in smaller settlements to meet local housing needs.

Agree with the statement that flood risk areas will have to be included in the housing land Noted. allocations providing suitable mitigation is employed.

Strongly agree that note Is made of brownfield land but, overall, the SA fails to place Disagree – the SA significant emphasis on the need to bring forward development on such sites. A Framework is fundamental basis of the new LP must be to bring forward such land for development. considered to give sufficient consideration of the benefits of redeveloping previously developed sites.

Support the reference to brownfield development. Is the LPA introducing a Brownfield The Council has since Sites Register to form a background document for the distribution and allocation of produced a residential land? Brownfield Sites Register which can be used to inform Local Plan preparation.

Section 5.21 needs to be amended to make mention of other development opportunities Disagree, this is a on flood risk areas in settlements such as Mexborough. strategic assessment and it is not appropriate to mention every potentially relevant settlement. Mexborough has large areas of the settlement which are not constrained by flood risk (as do most settlements) unlike the settlement discussed in this section (Thorne- Moorends) which is almost entirely FRZ3

The main thrust of section 5 is supported. Noted.

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Appendix 2. Aim 1: Support any proposal to increase economic growth. Noted.

Aim 2: Redevelopment of previously developed land in urban areas should be an aim in The Local Plan’s its own right rather than in passing reference under aim 2 a). Vision and Objectives have been updated and includes reference to re-use of sites, buildings and brownfield land.

Pegasus In terms of the appraisal of Strategic Growth Options, it is considered that Option 3 Noted, all the options Group (on represents the most sustainable approach for development in the Doncaster Local Plan presented are behalf of area. considered as being client reasonable options representing with varying the sustainability pros landowner of and cons as identified site 279 through the appraisal.

Concerns regarding Growth Options 1, 2 and 4 against the Sustainability Appraisal, relate See response above. to SA Objectives 2 and 11. Options 1, 2 and 4 do not reinforce national Policy within the NPPF in relation to rural communities.

Many of the comments to the Sustainability Appraisal Objectives state that “Development The Council will need in flood risk areas is acceptable providing the sequential test can be demonstrated, and it to demonstrate that a can be proven that it will be safe for its occupiers.” This statement fundamentally sequential approach undermines the principle of minimising the effects of flooding and directing development to avoidance of flood to areas of lowest flood risk. risk has been undertaken; firstly through the spatial strategy, and then secondly through site specific testing in line with national policy. Only then can the Council move on to apply the exceptions test (if/where necessary).

By allocating settlements which are wholly within Flood Zone 3, the sequential test will The Council will need automatically be passed on any site within a high risk area. Mitigation works would be to demonstrate that a costly and there would be cumulative impacts on flood risk from this approach. sequential approach to avoidance of flood Furthermore, it is likely that developers would seek to off-set flood mitigation costs in risk has been viability arguments when delivering infrastructure and contributions, meaning a reduced undertaken; firstly provision of much needed affordable housing. through the spatial In summary, it is considered that growth Options 1, 2 and 4 would have significant strategy, and then negative impacts in terms of the sustainability objectives 2 (Support community identity secondly through site and pride) and 11 (Climate change) set out in the appraisal. specific testing in line with national policy. Only then can the Council move on to apply the exceptions test (if/where necessary). All allocations will need to be deliverable which includes viability and any costs associated with flood risk mitigation. Agree that viability may require negotiation

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around developer contributions in line with NPPF.

Johnson We object to the selected hybrid growth option distribution of housing to Noted – the Unity Brook on Thorne/Moorends. For the reasons set out in our comments on the Homes and project at Hatfield- behalf of G Settlements consultation paper. The approach proposed for Thorne in both consultation Stainforth is of both Gilliat papers is inconsistent with that taken at Hatfield –Stainforth where outline planning local and regional permission has been granted for extensions to the settlements of Hatfield, Stainforth, importance as a Dunsville and Dunscroft which includes areas of land in flood zones 2 and 3. regeneration project and has Outline planning permission granted for a mixed use development. It is not considered that an inconsistent approach is being taken. The local plan is only proposing to support allocations for housing on sites where permission has been granted and there are agreed mitigation schemes in place (in this case platforms/land raising using colliery spoil) and the permissions are considered as being deliverable.

We object to the inconsistent approach adopted to flood risk and development The Council will need advocated in the third bullet point of paragraph 4.19. Further evaluation of flood risk is to demonstrate that a necessary including SFRA Level 2 and site specific FRA to determine the extent to which sequential approach the dispersal of economic growth away from the main towns is justified by a range of to avoidance of flood appropriate evidence. This has not been the approach adopted at Doncaster and risk has been Hatfield-Stainforth. undertaken; firstly through the spatial strategy, and then secondly through site specific testing in line with national policy. Only then can the Council move on to apply the exceptions test (if/where necessary and agree that this would require a Level 2 SFRA).

There is an inconsistency and lack of logic in the assumptions stated in bullet points 3 and Noted - References to 4. Mixed use large scale urban extensions can deliver major benefits via the co-location sequential and of homes and jobs and positive regeneration impacts provided that such projects can exception tests and pass the sequential and exceptions tests, as appropriate and provide a suitable mitigation other NPPF scheme and safe living environment. requirements will be included.

The assumption at bullet point 5 that urban extensions will have adverse environmental Comment noted. impacts is premature and needs to be balanced against the opportunities and advantages Sites will be assessed which arise. Each project put forward to the Council will need to be subject to SA and in against the same some cases to environmental impact assessment. The sustainability appraisal of criteria in the SA.

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individual allocation proposals will need to be assessed against the same criteria in the SA (see our comments on the site selection methodology consultation paper).

We support the approach contained in all the subsidiary bullet points at the end of Noted. paragraph 4.19. when considering environmental constraints it is also important to balance this by assessing opportunities and the capacity of a project ot deliver environmental, social and economic benefits. A good example is the recognition that “patterns of growth should be actively managed in order to make the fullest use of public transport.” Thorne for example has two railway stations and lines with significant spare capacity.

Support is given for the potential of large scale urban extensions in chapter 5 of the SA of Noted – there are growth options (e.g. at paragraph 5.20). Paragraph 5.21 identifies Thorne as an area of numerous examples key development and redevelopment opportunities. This paragraph contradicts the of development sites approach which the Council advocate in at paragraph 43 of the Homes and Settlements in the town where this paper. We consider that the statement in paragraph 5.21 that the “extent of mitigation has been an issue and necessary to make most sites safe from flood risk could render them unviable and featured highly undevelopable in the plan period” is not evidentially justified and further detailed location through the and site specific work is required to establish which sites are suitable, sustainable and Development deliverable. A considerable amount of analysis of environmental constraints and Management process development opportunities has been undertaken in order to fully promote the in recent years. Agree considerable potential of the Thorne South urban extension. This is summarised in our that this will be based September 2013 advocacy document which has been presented to the Council. A higher on the specifics of level of growth is strategically justified at Thorne subject, as with all settlements, to sites however as no 2 subsequent site specific analysis on a level –playing field approach. sites will be the same. Site promotional material as referenced is noted and is being considered through the subsequent stages of the local plan process.

We generally support the outcomes of the assessment of compatibility between the Noted. emerging aims and objectives of the Local Plan and the objectives of the SA as contained in Chapter 6 and appendix 2. We agree with the main changes proposed to the aims and objectives listed at the beginning of Appendix 2.

Yorkshire 4.19: We advise that undeveloped areas in high flood risk zones are utilised for natural Noted – the Local Wildlife Trust flood defences/ flood storage areas, where it is appropriate to do so. Such will help Plan will identify areas achieve the sustainable development aims of the NPPF, by avoiding building in high risk of functional flood flood areas and providing sustainable flood defences. Such would also benefit plain (FRZ3b) as biodiversity, helping to achieve the aims in paragraphs 9 and 118 of the NPPF. Our identified through the Potteric Carr nature reserve is a local example of how natural habitats can be used to Strategic Flood Risk store flood waters. Assessment where national policy strictly restricts development for most land uses. It is possible that flood risk mitigation measures from sites in areas at risk of flooding could provide new opportunities for biodiversity as well e.g., balancing ponds.

5.21: We would like to highlight the proximity of Thorne and Moorends to Thorne and The Draft Local Plan Hatfield Moor SSI/ SPA/ SAC. Allocations in this area therefore have the potential to will be screened significantly impact on a European designated sites and would be subject to a Habitats against the Habitats Regulations assessment. Directive once the full draft Local Plan has been prepared.

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5.28: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust agrees with the statement that Doncaster’s biodiversity and Noted. geodiversity assets are under threat from a wide range of pressures, which have the potential to result in the loss or degradation of habitats or geological features. We therefore advise that allocations are selected to avoid impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity assets, and that Local Plan policies are put in place to safeguard and enhance biodiversity.

7.4: We agree with the conclusion that Option 1 is to be rejected due to too much growth The SA Framework areas being located in medium and high risk flood areas. We are however concerned with makes clear the sites the flooding and biodiversity issues associated with the preferred option 4. We are that have been taken particularly concerned about the large number of proposed dwellings in that could be into consideration. development in close proximity to a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and/ or an internationally designated site (Thorne and Hatfields Moor SSSI/ SPA/ SAC). This is especially relevant to allocations located in Mexborough, Hatfield, Thorne and Moorends, Conisborough, Carcroft, Barnaby Dun, Sprotborough and Bessacarr.

We therefore advise that all statutory and non-statutory (local wildlife sites, ancient woodlands, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves) are taken into consideration when identifying allocation sites and that allocation sites are not adopted if they will result in impacts on such sites and/ or result in a net loss of biodiversity (which cannot be mitigated/ compensated for).

Welcomes and supports Aim 4, 5 and 6. Noted.

Appendix 3, Pages 52, 82 and 94: Concerned out the omission of a scoring for Objective Noted – this omission 12 (Protect, increase and enhance the natural environment) for Options 1, 2 and 4. It is has now been therefore difficult to assess and compare the likely impact that these options will have on rectified as set out in the natural environment. We therefore advise that these scorings are provided for Option this iteration of the 12 in order to allow a comparison of natural environment impacts for all four options. SA report.

Home The SA process is an iterative process and therefore prior to concluding that 920dpa is The revised SA Report Builders the most appropriate figure for Doncaster a consideration of other reasonable housing has also considered a Federation requirements should have been considered. lower figure based on the MHCLG’s proposed methodology.

ID Planning Broadly supports options 2 and 4, with particular reference to the village of Clayton, but Noted – the local plan on behalf of this is will only be possible if the settlement limits are re-assessed. In Clayton, infill needs to bring Frickley development is not deliverable within the existing settlement limits and therefore growth forward a sustainable Holdings is not possible. These boundaries are significantly out of date. The settlement boundary settlement strategy should be reviewed in conjunction with the Green Belt review, subject to consultation. that accords with Settlement limits are currently too tight and there is a significant lack of available national policy and and developable brownfield land within the boundaries. The consultation paper limits fosters sustainable growth to within the existing settlement boundaries. The boundaries should be adjusted development. Any appropriately to allow sites to form small, natural extensions to these settlements that still alteration to Green maintain the character of these villages. Belt boundaries will require demonstration of exceptional circumstances. Further work is being undertaken looking at Development Limits.

Broadly support options 2 and 4. However, this will only be possible if Cusworth 1 is Noted – the Council’s allocated for housing. It is a more sustainable option than those allocated within high site selection flood risk areas. The issue of flood risk and Green Belt is pooled within the same methodology sets out constraints category in chapter 5 of the SA. These are two materially different constraints, how flood risk and with flooding being a physical constraint and Green Belt being a policy constraint. Green Belt will be considered through the Local Plan process. This is informed by the

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Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and comprehensive Green Belt Review.

Natural NE is broadly content with the findings of the SA. As the plan and assessment develops Noted. England the assessment should consider the capacity for the proposed levels of growth to be accommodated in the proposed specific areas identified, in addition to the consideration of the broad sustainability of options. This should take into account the specific natural environmental constraints of these areas and how any identified impacts can be mitigated. The assessment should also be informed by the findings of the Habitats Regulations Assessment.

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Appendix B Quality Assurance Checklist

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Objectives and Context

The plan’s purpose and objectives are made clear. The purpose and objectives of the Plan are discussed in Section 1 of this SA Report.

Environmental issues, including international and Environmental issues, including EC objectives informed the development of the SA objectives and targets as part of EC objectives, are considered in developing the production of the Scoping Report with versions produced in 2015 and 2016. They are presented here in Appendix objectives and targets. D.

Scoping

The environmental consultation bodies are Consultation on the Scoping Report took place during July to August 2015. A revised Scoping report was published consulted in appropriate ways and at appropriate in March 2016 and a further round of consultation took place between 7 March 2016 and 18 April 2016. times on the content and scope of the Scoping Report.

The SEA focuses on significant issues. Key issues are identified in Section 3 of this SA Report and reflect the content of the previous Scoping Reports. The key issues are reflected in the SA Framework which is presented in Table 4.1 and Appendix E.

Technical, procedural and other difficulties These are discussed in Section 4 of this SA Report. encountered are discussed; assumptions and uncertainties are made explicit.

Alternatives

Realistic alternatives are considered for key Alternatives are discussed in Sections 4 to 8 of this SA Report and the accompanying appendices. issues, and the reasons for choosing them are documented.

The environmental effects (both adverse and Environmental effects are discussed in Sections 5 to 8 of this SA Report and accompanying appendices. beneficial) of each alternative are identified and compared.

Inconsistencies between the alternatives and NA other relevant plans, programmes or policies are identified and explained.

Reasons are given for selection or elimination of Reasons are given for the selection and elimination of alternatives, where appropriate in Sections 5 to 8 of this SA alternatives. Report.

Baseline Information

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Relevant aspects of the current state of the These matters are considered in Section 3 and Appendix D of this SA Report. environment and their likely evolution without the plan are described.

Characteristics of areas likely to be significantly These matters are discussed in Sections 5 to 8 of this SA Report and accompanying appendices, where appropriate. affected are described, including areas wider than the physical boundary of the plan area where it is likely to be affected by the plan where practical.

Difficulties such as deficiencies in information or These matters are discussed in Section 4 of this SA Report. methods are explained.

Prediction and Evaluation of Significant Environmental Effects

Effects identified include the types listed in the The SA Framework provides the basis for identifying effects across these topics and effects are discussed in Sections Directive (biodiversity, population, human health, 5 to 8 of this SA Report and accompanying appendices. fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage and landscape) as relevant; other likely environmental effects are also covered as appropriate.

Both positive and negative effects are The SA Framework provides the basis for considering these matters and effects are discussed in Sections 5 to 8 of this considered, and the duration of effects (short, SA Report and accompanying appendices. medium, or long term) is addressed.

Likely secondary, cumulative and synergistic Section 8.5 considers the potential for cumulative and synergistic effects across policies. It is not considered effects are identified where practicable. appropriate to consider cumulative effects at this stage for sites, given the status of the consultation. Secondary effects are considered in Sections 5 to 8 and accompanying appendices.

Inter-relationships between effects are The inter-relationship of effects is discussed in Sections 5 to 8 of this SA Report and accompanying appendices, considered where practicable. where relevant.

The prediction and evaluation of effects makes The SA Framework utilises these where possible, see Table 4.1 and Appendix E. use of relevant accepted standards, regulations and thresholds.

Methods used to evaluate the effects are These are discussed in Section 4 of this SA Report. described.

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Mitigation Measures

Measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and Mitigation measures are discussed in Sections 5 to 8 of this SA Report and the accompanying Appendices, offset any significant adverse effects of recommendations are provided in Section 7. implementing the plan or programme are indicated.

Issues to be taken into account in project Section 8 and the accompanying matrices relate to site specific proposals and include references to matters that will consents are identified. need to be considered at the project stage.

Environmental Report

Is clear and concise in its layout and presentation. The layout of the Environmental Report is set out in Section 1 of this SA Report.

Uses simple, clear language and avoids or The Environmental Report has been written in plain English as far as the technical nature of the report allows. explains technical terms.

Uses maps and other illustrations where Figures and tables have been used throughout the SA Report and in the Appendices where appropriate. appropriate.

Explains the methodology used. This is presented in Section 4 of this SA Report.

Explains who was consulted and what methods of This is covered in Section 1 of this SA Report. consultation were used.

Identifies sources of information, including References to information sources are provided throughout the report and appendices where appropriate. expert judgement and matters of opinion.

Contains a non-technical summary covering the An NTS is provided. overall approach to the SEA, the objectives of the plan, the main options considered, and any changes to the plan resulting from the SEA.

Consultation

The SEA is consulted on as an integral part of the The SA has been consulted on as an integral part of the Local Plan. plan-making process.

Consultation Bodies and the public likely to be Consultation on the Scoping Report took place during July to August 2015. A revised Scoping report was published affected by, or having an interest in, the plan or in March 2016 and a further round of consultation took place between 7 March 2016 and 18 April 2016 including programme are consulted in ways and at times consultation on the Sustainability Appraisal of Doncaster’s Growth Options. which give them an early and effective

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opportunity within appropriate timeframes to express their opinions on the draft plan and Environmental Report.

Decision-making and Information on the Decision

The Environmental Report and the opinions of This will be included in the Post Adoption Statement (to be issued following consultation). those consulted are taken into account in finalising and adopting the plan or programme.

An explanation is given of how they have been This will be included in the Post Adoption Statement (to be issued following consultation). taken into account.

Reasons are given for choosing the plan or This will be included in the Post Adoption Statement (to be issued following adoption of the Local Plan). programme as adopted, in the light of other reasonable alternatives considered.

Monitoring Measures

Measures proposed for monitoring are clear, Monitoring is discussed in Section 9 of this report and the Local Plan is proposed to be monitored on an annual practicable and linked to the indicators and basis. objectives used in the SEA.

Monitoring is used, where appropriate, during Monitoring is discussed in Section 9 of this report. Monitoring arrangements will be finalised in the Environmental implementation of the plan or programme to Report and Post Adoption Statement. make good deficiencies in baseline information in the SEA.

Monitoring enables unforeseen adverse effects to The proposed monitoring indicators are set out in Appendix E and cover a broad range of topics that should help the be identified at an early stage (these effects may identification of unforeseen adverse effects. include predictions which prove to be incorrect).

Proposals are made for action in response to This will be set out in the Post Adoption Statement (to be published following adoption of the Local Plan). significant adverse effects.

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Appendix C Review of Policies, Plans and Programmes

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan International Johannesburg Declaration of Commitment to sustainability principles and sustainable development agenda agreed at Rio De All The requirements are Sustainable Development Janerio Earth Summit. This involved all major groups in sustainable development. reflected in national (1992) planning policy and legislation Kyoto Protocol Agreement Gather, share and monitor information on greenhouse gas emissions. Sets binding targets for the 3,4,11 & The requirements of (1997) Framework Convention reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for the United Kingdom. 14 the protocol are on Climate Change reflected in national policy and legislation. The Paris Agreement (2016) The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate 4,11 & 14 The Local Plan should United Nations Framework change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre- aim to reduce Convention on Climate industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees emissions. Change Celsius. Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change. To reach these ambitious goals, appropriate financial flows, a new technology framework and an enhanced capacity building framework will be put in place, thus supporting action by developing countries and the most vulnerable countries, in line with their own national objectives. European Council Directive Protection of internationally important sites. 12 & 14 The requirements of 92/43/EEC (Conservation of the directive are Natural Habitats of Wild Fauna included in the SA and Flora) ‘Habitats Directive’ objectives to take into consideration Natura 2000 sites (Thorne and Hatfield Moors) European Council Directive Conservation of all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild, their eggs and their habitats, 12 & 14 As above. 79/409/EEC (The Conservation including their protection, management and control. of Wild Birds) ‘Birds Directive’ The Seventh Environmental The Seventh Environmental Programme is the guiding European environment policy until 2020. In All The requirements are Action Programme of the order to give more long-term direction, it sets out a vision beyond that of where it wants the reflected in national European Community 2-13- Union to be by 2050: policy and legislation 2020 "In 2050, we live well, within the planet’s ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed sustainably, and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored in ways that enhance

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan our society’s resilience. Our low-carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a safe and sustainable global society."

It identifies three key objectives: • to protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s natural capital • to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green, and competitive low-carbon economy • to safeguard the Union's citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing

European Council Directive The directive prevents adverse impacts of waste generation through the prevention of waste, 1,4,8,9,11 As above 2008/98/EC Waste Framework encouraging the use of waste as resource via recycling and recovery. & 14 Directive Air Quality Directive The directive sets legally binding limits on concentrations of major air pollutants (e.g. nitrogen 3,4,9,11 As above. dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide) to protect human health. & 14 Renewable Energy Directive The directive sets out a binding target to achieve 15% of the UK’s energy demand from renewable 1,4,9 & As above sources by 2020. 11 Flood Directive Member states are required to (a) assess the risk of flooding (b) map the flood extent and assets 9,11 & 14 As above and humans at risk in these areas and (c) take adequate and coordinated measures to reduce this risk. Noise Directive The directive concerns noise from road, rail and air traffic and from industry and focuses on the 1,3,4,11 As above impact of such noise on individuals, complementing existing EU legislation which sets standards & 14 for noise emissions from specific sources. Water Framework Directive This directive established a new integrated approach to the protection, improvement and 9,11,12 & To promote sustainable sustainable use of Europe’s rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater has specific 14 water management environmental objectives, and broader ecological objectives which must be delivered. and improvement in the water quality of ‘water bodies’. European Landscape This convention promotes the protection, management and planning of all landscapes and seeks 2,7,8,9,12, The requirements are Convention (Florence to raise awareness of the value of a living landscape, including within natural, rural, urban and peri- 13 & 14 reflected in national Convention) urban areas. It concerns landscapes that might be considered outstanding as well as everyday or policy and legislation degraded landscapes. European Convention on the The convention requires the UK to ‘maintain a legal system for the protection of the archaeological 7,8,10,11 As above Protection of the heritage fulfilling the conditions of the convention, and devise supervision and protection & 13 Archaeological Heritage measures’. The convention also requires the UK to:

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • promote an integrated policy for the conservation of archaeological heritage; • arrange financial support for research; • facilitate the pooling of information; • promote public awareness; and • intensify co-operation between parties. National National Planning Policy The 2012 NPPF was the adopted NPPF at the outset of the plan making process. The NPPF was All The Doncaster Local Framework (NPPF) updated in 2018 and the key points from the updated document are summarised under the sub- Plan should include a headings below. commitment to sustainable Biodiversity, Geodiversity & Soil: development and • Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils; incorporate policies that seek to: • Recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from • Protect geological natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best sites and improve and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland; biodiversity; • Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by • Protect and establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future improve landscapes pressures including Nature Recovery Networks (paragraph 174); for both people and • Preventing new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk wildlife and to from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or protect and land instability. Development should, wherever possible, help to improve local environmental maintain vulnerable conditions such as air and water quality, taking into account relevant information such as river assets; basin management plans; and • Conserve and enhance historic • Remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, environmental where appropriate. assets; • Plans should: distinguish between the hierarchy of international, national and locally • Maintain quality of designated sites; allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent water and reduce with other policies in the Framework, take a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing the risk of flooding; networks of habitats and green infrastructure; and plan for the enhancement of natural capital • Reduce the causes at a catchment or landscape scale across local authority boundaries. and impacts of climate change and Landscape: ensure the prudent use of natural

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils resources and the (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development sustainable plan); management of existing resources; • Recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from • Improve air quality; natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best • Reduce the and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland; quantity of minerals • Minimising impacts on and providing net gains in biodiversity, including by establishing extracted and coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures; imported and • Preventing new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk reduce the from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or generation of land instability. Development should, wherever possible, help to improve local environmental waste; conditions such as air and water quality, taking into account relevant information such as river • Create a strong and basin management plans; stable economy; • Increase the • Remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, availability and where appropriate. affordability of • Plans and decisions should encourage effective use of brownfield sites and take into account housing; the economic benefits of agricultural land when assessing development, seeking to utilise areas • Promote healthy of poorer quality land. communities and healthy living; The NPPF includes strong protections for valued landscapes and townscapes as well as recognising • Protect open space the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside. Planning policies and decisions are expected and promote to be sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and recreation; landscape setting, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change. The • Seek to reduce road Framework states (at paragraph 130) that: “Permission should be refused for development of poor traffic and design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an congestion and area and the way it functions”. promote sustainable modes The Framework has a number of specific requirements relating to planning and landscape of transport; including a clear expectation that the planning system should contribute to, and enhance, the • natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes. Local planning

authorities are expected to set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development The objectives of the on or affecting protected landscape areas will be judged. In doing so, distinctions should be made framework will need to between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites and “great weight” should be given to “conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. It is also expected that the scale of development be reflected in the plan in these areas will be limited, with planning permission refused for major developments “other than making process. in exceptional circumstances, and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest” (paragraph 172).

Historic Environment: • One of the NPPF’s core planning principles for plan and decision making is conserving and enhancing the historic environment. • Local planning authorities are required to set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats. • The desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of the heritage assets, and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation; • The wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring; • The desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and • Opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place. Paragraph 188 of the NPPF states that Local Planning Authorities should make information about the historic environment, gathered as part of policy-making or development management, publicly accessible.

Paragraph 194 of the NPPF identifies that non-designated heritage assets of archaeological interest that are demonstrably of equivalent significance to scheduled monuments, should be considered subject to the policies for designated heritage assets.

Water: Among the NPPF’s core principles are ‘conserving and enhancing the natural environment’ and ‘meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change’; In fulfilling these objectives, the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability. In preparing plans to meet development needs, the aim should be to minimise pollution and other adverse effects on the local and natural environment. Strategic Policies should make sufficient provision for water supply and wastewater. Local planning authorities should adopt proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, taking full account of flood risk, coastal change and water supply and demand considerations. Inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk (where existing or future), Where development is necessary in such areas, the development should be made safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere. Local Plans should be supported by Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and develop policies to manage flood risk from all sources, taking account of advice from the Environment Agency and other relevant flood risk management bodies, such as lead local flood authorities and internal drainage boards. Local Plans should apply a sequential, risk-based approach to the location of development – taking into account the current and future impacts of climate change – so as to avoid where possible flood risk to people and property and manage any residual risk by: • applying the Sequential Test; • if necessary, applying the Exception Test; • safeguarding land from development that is required, or likely to be required for current or future flood management; • using opportunities provided by new development to reduce the causes and impacts of flooding (where appropriate through the use of natural flood management techniques); and • Where climate change is expected to increase flood risk so that some existing development may not be sustainable in the long-term, seeking opportunities to relocate development, including housing, to more sustainable locations.

Climate Change: One of the core principles of the NPPF is meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change and encourages the adoption of proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change in line with the objectives and provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008, taking

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan full consideration of flood risk, coastal change and water supply and demand. The NPPF also supports low carbon future by helping to increase the use of renewable and low carbon sources in line with the National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure It seeks to ensure that all types of flood risk are taken into account over the long term at the planning process to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding, and to direct development away from areas of highest risk. Plans are expected to take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change in light of its long term implications including changes to flood risk and water supply. New development should both avoid increased vulnerability to the range of impacts arising from climate change and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as through its location, orientation and design. To help increase the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy and heat, plans should: • Provide a positive strategy for energy from these sources, that maximises the potential for suitable development, while ensuring that adverse impacts are addressed satisfactorily (including cumulative landscape and visual impacts); • Consider identifying suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy sources, and supporting infrastructure, where this would help secure their development; and • Identify opportunities for development to draw its energy supply from decentralized, renewable or low carbon energy supply systems and for co-locating potential heat customers and suppliers.

Air Quality: Planning policies and decisions should sustain and contribute towards compliance with relevant limits or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones, and the cumulative impacts from individual sites in local areas. Opportunities to improve air quality or mitigate impacts should be identified.

Mineral and Waste: One of the core principles of the NPPF is facilitating the sustainable use of minerals. Policy guidance suggests the need to: Identify policies for the extraction of mineral resources of local and national importance, but not identify new sites or extensions to existing sites for peat extraction; so far as practicable take account of contribution secondary and recycled materials and minerals waste would make to the supply of materials before considering extraction of primary materials, whilst aiming to source minerals supplies indigenously; the definition of Mineral Safeguarding

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Areas so that locations of mineral sources are not sterilised by other developments; set out policies to encourage the prior extraction of minerals, where practicable and environmentally feasible, if it is necessary for non-mineral development to take place; safeguarding of existing and planned mineral infrastructure (rail links, wharfage, storage, processing etc), environmental criteria to ensure there is not an unacceptable environmental impact; when developing noise limits, recognise that some noisy short-term activities, which may otherwise be regarded as unacceptable, are unavoidable to facilitate minerals extraction; and policies for reclaiming land and site aftercare. Minerals planning authorities are expected to provide for the extraction of mineral resources of local and national importance and safeguard mineral resources by defining Mineral Safeguarding Areas; and adopt appropriate policies so that known locations of specific minerals resources of local and national importance are not sterilised by non-mineral development. The NPPF defines ‘mineral resources of local and national importance’ as minerals which are necessary to meet society’s needs, including aggregates, brickclay, silica sand, cement raw materials, gypsum, salt, fluorspar, coal, oil and gas (including conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons) tungsten, kaolin, ball clay, potash, polyhalite and local minerals of importance to heritage assets and local distinctiveness.

Economy: One of the NPPF’s core planning principles for plan and decision making is building a strong competitive economy. The NPPF highlights the Government’s commitment to securing economic growth to create jobs and prosperity, ensuring the planning system does everything it can to support sustainable economic growth. Local planning authorities are required to proactively meet development needs recognising potential barriers to invest (including infrastructure, housing and services) and regularly review land allocations. Economic growth in rural areas should be supported to create jobs and sustainable new developments, including expansion of all types of businesses, diversification of agriculture, supporting tourism and retention of local services. In drawing up local plans, local authorities should; • Set out a clear economic vision and strategy which positively and proactively encourages sustainable economic growth, having regard to Local Industrial Strategies and other local policies for economic development and regeneration; • Set criteria, or identify strategic sites, for local and inward investment to match the strategy and to meet anticipated needs over the plan period;

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Seek to address potential barriers to investment, such as inadequate infrastructure, services or housing or a poor environment; and • Be flexible enough to accommodate needs not anticipated in the plan, allow for new and flexible working practices (such as live-work accommodation), and to enable a rapid response to changes in economic circumstances. Planning policies should recognise and address the specific locational requirements of different sectors. This includes making provision for clusters or networks of knowledge and data-driven, creative or high technology industries; and for storage and distribution operations at a variety of scales and in suitably accessible locations. Planning policies should support a prosperous rural economy and should enable: • The sustainable growth of all types of business in rural areas, both through conversion of existing buildings and well-designed new buildings; • The development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural business; • 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. Housing: To determine the minimum number of homes needed strategic policies should be informed by a local housing need assessment, conducted using the standard method in national planning guidance – unless exceptional circumstances justify an alternative approach which also reflects current and future demographic trends and market signals. The size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community should be assessed and reflected in planning policies. Where a need for affordable housing is identified, planning policies should specify the type of affordable housing required, and expect it to be met on-site unless: • Off-site provision or an appropriate financial contribution in lieu can be robustly justified; and • The agreed approach contributes to the objective of creating mixed and balanced communities. For major developments involving the provision of housing, planning policies should expect at least 10% of the homes to be available for affordable home ownership, unless this would exceed the level of affordable housing required in the area.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Strategic policy making authorities should establish a housing requirement figure for their whole area, which shows the extent to which their identified housing ended (and any needs that cannot be met within neighbouring areas) can be met over the plan period. Planning policies should identify a supply of: • Specific, deliverable sites for years 1-5 of plan period; and • Specific, developable sites or broad locations for growth, for years 6-10 and, where possible, for years 11-15 of the plan. Strategic policy making authorities should identify suitable locations for large scale housing development. Strategic policies should include a trajectory illustrating the expected rate of housing delivery over the plan period. Local planning authorities should identify and update annually a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide a minimum of five years’ worth of housing against their housing requirement. In rural areas, planning policies and decisions should be responsive to local circumstances and support housing developments that reflect local needs. Planning policies should avoid the development of isolated homes in the countryside except in special circumstances.

Healthy and Safe Communities: Amongst the planning principles of the NPPF is the promotion of healthy and safe communities. Planning policies should: • Promote social interaction, including opportunities for meetings between people who might not otherwise come into contact with each other; • Are safe and accessible, so that crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion; • Enable and support healthy lifestyles, especially where this would address identified local health and well-being needs. To provide the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the community needs, planning policies should: • Plan positively for the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments;

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Take into account and support the delivery of local strategies to improve health, social and cultural well-being for all sections of the community; • Guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services; • Ensure established shops, facilities and services are able to develop and modernize, and are retained for benefit of the community; and • Ensure an integrated approach to considering the location of housing, economic uses and community facilities and services. Open Space and Recreation: The framework sets out open space, sport and recreation considerations for neighbourhood planning bodies which include an assessment of needs and opportunities. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sport and recreation provision is needed, which plans should then seek to accommodate. Transport & Accessibility: Amongst the planning principles of the NPPF are: • Promoting sustainable transport. Transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of plan-making and development proposals, so that: • The potential impacts of development on transport networks can be addressed; • Opportunities from existing or proposed transport infrastructure, and changing transport and usage are realized; • Opportunities to promote walking, cycling and public transport use are identified and pursued; • The environmental impacts of traffic and transport infrastructure can be identified, assessed and taken into account; and • Patterns of movement, streets, parking and other transport considerations are integral to the design of schemes, and contribute to making high quality places. Planning policies should: • Support an appropriate mix of uses across an area, and within larger scale sites, to minimise the number and length of journeys needed for employment, shopping, leisure, education and other activities; • Be prepared with the active involvement of local highways authorities, other transport infrastructure providers and operators and neighbouring councils, so that strategies and investments for supporting sustainable transport and development patterns are aligned;

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Identify and protect, where there is robust evidence, sites and routes which could be crucial in developing infrastructure to widen transport choice and realise opportunities for large scale development; • Provide for high quality walking and cycling networks and supporting facilities such as cycle parking; • Provide for any large scale transport facilities that need to be located in the area, and the infrastructure and wider development required to support their operation, expansion and contribution to the wider economy; and • Recognise the importance of maintaining a national network of general aviation airfields, and their need to adapt and change over time. Planning policies and decisions should recognise the importance of providing adequate overnight lorry parking facilities, taking into account any local shortages, to reduce the risk of parking in locations that lack proper facilities or could cause a nuisance. National Planning Practice Provides further guidance to be read alongside the National Planning Policy Framework on a range All This document includes Guidance (Department of of topics that link to the promotion of sustainable development. information on Communities and Local preparation of local Government, 2014) plans and undertaking SA/SEAs which can be taken into consideration. National Planning Policy for This document is intended to be read in conjunction with the National Planning Policy Framework, 1,4,8,9,11 Plan policies relating to Waste (Department of the Waste Management Plan and the national policy statements for waste water and hazardous & 14 the provision and Communities and Local waste. In preparing local plans, local planning authorities should (amongst other things): management of waste Government, 2014) are set out in the • prepare robust and proportionate evidence regarding waste arisings and capacity; Barnsley, Doncaster • identify opportunities to meet the area’s waste management needs and recognise the import and Rotherham Joint ance this Waste Plan. should be given alongside other spatial planning concerns; • work collaboratively with other planning authorities to collect and share data, and to ensure c Local planning onsistency in authorities in the city the preparation of local plans (in line with the duty to cooperate); region are continuing • drive waste management up the waste hierarchy, recognising the need for a mix of types and to work collaboratively scale of facilities and that adequate provision must be made for waste disposal; and to collect and share data and monitor the

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • consider opportunities for on‐site management of waste where it arises, and co‐ progress of waste location of waste facilities withcomplimentary activities (including the siting of low carbon ene management facilities. rgy recovery facilities in close proximity to suitable and potential heat customers).

The document also outlines specific criteria which should be taken into account in the determination of waste planning applications. These include ensuring that the waste facilities are well-designed and contribute positively to the quality and character of an area.

Waste management should be considered in relation to applications that are not waste-related. Local planning authorities are directed “to the extent appropriate to their responsibilities” to ensure there is sufficient provision for waste management in all development. Waste Management Plan for The Waste Management Plan for England is a high level document which is non-site specific. It 1,4,8,9,11 Plan policies relating to England (Department provides an analysis of the current waste management situation for England, and evaluates how it & 14 the provision and for Environment Food & Rural will support implementation of the objectives and provision of the revised Waste Framework management of waste Affairs, December 2013) Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC). are set out in the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham Joint Waste Plan. ‘Securing the Future’: The UK strategy sets out the following principles. All These principles and Sustainable Development • Living within environmental limits. priorities should be Strategy (HM Government, • Ensuring a strong and healthy and just society. embodied within the 2005) • Achieving a sustainable economy Doncaster Local • Promoting good governance Plan/neighbourhood • Using sound science responsibility. plans and relevant sustainability It identifies four priority areas for action, shared across the UK. appraisals.

• Sustainable consumption and production –looking at how goods and services are produced, the impacts of products and materials across their whole lifecycle and reducing the inefficient use of resources and to break the link between economic growth and environmental degradation. • Climate change and energy –to secure major changes in the way energy is generated and used, and in other activities that release the gases that affect climate change. • Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement –to ensure a decent environment for everyone, and a more integrated policy framework.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Sustainable communities –to create sustainable communities that embody the principles of sustainable development at the local level and also applies those principles everywhere else. Climate Change Act 2008 The act sets specific targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions adapting to climate change and 1,3,4,11 None - the encourage waste recycling and minimisation. UK’s net carbon emissions must be at least 80% & 14 requirements are lower than the 1990 baseline by 2050. incorporated in national policy and legislation. UK Climate Change Risk This report reaffirms the UK Governments need to continue to consider climate change a threat to 4,11 & 14 The Local Plan should Assessment (Committee on the UK and forms a basis for the regions of the UK to create a climate change risk assessment. The identify ways to Climate Change, 2017) report identifies the following likely effects of climate change on the UK: increased flooding; rise in increase Doncaster’s milder winters and hotter summers which could have wider health impacts; water supply issues; resilience to the effects loss of biodiversity and ecosystems especially in coastal regions; and a loss in business of climate change and productivity. seek to reduce the regions contribution to causing climate change. Clean Growth Strategy In the context of the UK’s legal requirements under the Climate Change Act, the approach to 1, 4,11 & Local Plan policies (Department of Energy and reducing emissions has two guiding objectives: 14 should seek to Industrial Strategy, 2017) promote low carbon 1. To meet our domestic commitments at the lowest possible net cost to UK taxpayers, consumers growth. and businesses. 2. To maximise the social and economic benefits for the UK from this transition. Environmental Permitting The Regulations provide a consolidated system of environmental permitting in England and Wales, 8, 9, 12, The Local Plan should (England and Wales) and transpose the provisions of 15 EU Directives. It provides a system for environmental permits 13 & 14 accord with these Regulations 2016 and exemptions for industrial activities, mobile plant, waste operations, mining waste operations, regulations. water discharge activities, groundwater activities, flood risk activities and radioactive substances activities. It also sets out the powers, functions and duties of the regulators. Certain flood risk activities are now regulated under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, with environmental permits required for some activities. There are slight variations between England and Wales. The Conservation of Habitats The Regulations provide for the designation and protection of 'European sites', the protection of 12 & 14 The Local Plan should and Species Regulations 2017 'European protected species', and the adaptation of planning and other controls for the protection accord with these of European Sites. regulations.

Flood and Water Management The act requires better management of flood risk; it creates safeguards against rises in surface 4,11,14 Plan policies should Act 2010 water drainage charges; and protects water supplies for consumers. It places a duty on local take account of

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan authorities to take the lead role in managing flood risk in their areas in consultation with other flooding and water authorities. management issues and strategies and consider the inclusion of policies/objectives to reduce flood risks and other impacts on the water environment. Water Act 2014 The purpose of the act is to: 121,4,11 Policies should require • reform the water industry to make it more innovative and responsive to customers and to & 14 developments to increase the resilience of water supplies to natural hazards such as drought and floods; and incorporate water • to bring forward measures to address the availability and affordability of insurance for those resource management households at high flood risk and ensure a smooth transition to the free market over the and efficiency longer term. measures.

The act sets out a range of measures to manage water resources. Of relevance include: • enabling developers and companies to connect new developments to the water mains and sewerage system; • providing measures to restore the sustainable abstraction of water; • improving the way water resource management and drought planning are managed; • providing powers to streamline the environmental permitting framework; and • encouraging the use of sustainable drainage systems. A Green Future: Our 25 Year This report outlines the following aims that the UK Government hopes to achieve in the next 25 4, 9, 11, The Local Plan should Plan to Improve the years: 12, 13 & encourage sustainable Environment (HM Government, 14 development in it’s all 2018) 1. Clean air. its forms and protect 2. Clean and plentiful water. the important natural 3. Thriving plants and wildlife. resources and assets of 4. A reduced risk of harm from environmental hazards such as flooding and drought. the area. 5. Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently. 6. Enhanced beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment. 7. Mitigating and adapting to climate change. 8. Minimising waste. 9. Managing exposure to chemicals. 10. Enhancing biosecurity.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Planning Policy for Traveller This provides national guidance in relation to traveller sites in terms of both policy development 2,3,5,6 & This document will Sites (Department of and determination of planning applications. It is set out that the overarching aim is to ‘ensure fair 7 have implications for Communities and Local and equal treatment for travellers, in a way that facilitates the traditional and nomadic way of life the preparation of the Government, 2015) of travellers while respecting the interests of the settled community’. Doncaster Local Plan. The Doncaster Local Plan should be prepared in accordance with this. Biodiversity 2020 - a strategy This strategy sets out the government’s ambition to halt overall loss of England’s biodiversity by 11,12 These objectives for England's wildlife and 2020, and in the longer term, to move progressively from a position of net biodiversity loss to net &14 should be embodied ecosystem services gain. The overarching mission of the strategy is to: “To halt overall biodiversity loss, support healthy within development (Department for Environment, well-functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks, with more and better places plan documents Food & Rural Affairs, 2012) for nature for the benefit of wildlife and people”. /neighbourhood plans and relevant sustainability appraisals. “Conserving biodiversity in a This report sets out six key principles to help wildlife and habitats adapt to climate change: 11,12 These objectives changing climate: guidance on 1. Conserve existing biodiversity (including protected areas and other high quality habitats, and &14 should be embodied building capacity to adapt” the range and ecological variability of habitats and species). within development (Department for Environment, 2. Reduce sources of harm not linked to climate. plan documents Food & Rural Affairs, 2008) 3. Develop ecologically resilient and varied landscapes (including conservation and enhancement /neighbourhood plans of local variation within sites and habitats and making space for the natural development of and relevant rivers and coasts). sustainability 4. Establish ecological networks through habitat protection, restoration and creation. appraisals. 5. Make sound decisions based on analysis (including thorough analysis of the causes of change, and responding to changing conservation priorities. 6. Integrate adaptation and mitigation measures into conservation management, planning and practice. The Air Quality Strategy for This strategy provides a framework for addressing air quality (outdoor), emission reductions and 1,3,7,11 None - air quality England, Scotland, Wales and concentrations to achieve the improvements in air quality. & 14 requirements are Northern Ireland (Department incorporated within the for Environment Food & Rural NPPF. The SA Affairs 2011) objectives also address issues of air quality in the borough.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Water for Life (HM This white paper sets out consideration of the water environment, including the implications for 11 & 14 This white paper Government, 2011) the natural environment and water users. It includes a number of commitments, including the provides contextual reforming of the abstraction regime, take a catchment based approach to water quality, and taking information of a strategic approach to water infrastructure. relevance to the sustainability appraisal process and plan preparation. The water environment is particularly important within this area and it will be important to take account of national proposals / commitments in considering the potential effects as a result of the plan. Planning for our electric This white paper sets out the government’s commitment to transform the UK’s electricity system to 1,4 & 11 The Doncaster Local future: a white paper for ensure that our future electricity supply is secure, low-carbon and affordable. Plan should encourage secure, affordable and low measures to provide carbon electricity (Department The package of reforms outlined in this document aim to achieve the following by 2030: a flexible, low carbon sources of for Energy & Climate Change, smart and responsive electricity system, powered by a diverse and secure range of low-carbon electricity. 2012) sources of electricity, with a full part played by demand management, storage and interconnection; competition between low-carbon technologies that will help to keep costs down; SA objectives should a network that will be able to meet the increasing demand that will result from the electrification support measures to of our transport and heating systems; and making of this transition at the least cost to the provide a range of low consumer. carbon sources of electricity.

‘Safeguarding our Soils’ A This strategy places an emphasis on dealing with soils in a sustainable way and contains many 12 & 14 Plan policies should Strategy for England objectives such as degradation threats on soil functions, improve monitoring regimes, maintain promote sustainable (Department for Environment levels of organic matter and ensure that regulatory mechanisms and incentives work effectively to soil management. Food & Rural Affairs, 2009) prevent soil degradation and reduce the rate of loss of stored soil carbon by 2020.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan The UK National Ecosystem The assessment is the first analysis of the UK’s natural environment including mountains, moors 1,4,9,11,1 The Doncaster Local Assessment (Living with and heaths, semi-natural grassland, enclosed farmland, woodland, freshwater, wetlands, 2 & 14 Plan should take into Environmental Change, 2010) floodplains, urban, marine and coastal margins. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the account the importance of ecosystem services to human well-being, society and future economic prosperity recommendations of and show how key services are being degraded and lost. The recommendations of the study are to: the “National Ecosystem Assessment” • produce an independent and peer reviewed National Ecosystem Assessment; programme, including • raise awareness of the importance of the natural environment to human well-being and the synergies and economic prosperity; trade-offs between • ensure full stakeholder participation and encourage different stakeholders and communities ecosystem services at to interact; and Thorne and Hatfield • foster better inter disciplinary co-operation between natural and social scientists as well as moors. economists. Healthy Lives, Healthy People: This white paper outlines the government's commitment to protecting the population from serious 6 & 9 The Doncaster Local our strategy for public health health threats; helping people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives; and improving the Plan should fully in England (Department of health of the poorest, fastest. consider the health Health, 2010) implications of development and include policies and proposals that promote healthier lifestyles and increase physical activity especially sport and recreation participation. Wildlife and Countryside Act The act sets out objectives for the protection for specific wild birds, animal and plant species. It 7,9,12 & The Doncaster Local 1981 provides a legal framework within which activities that impact on protected species constitute an 13 Plan should seek to offence and makes available powers of enforcement. protect the landscapes and priority species in the Doncaster Biodiversity Action Plan Countryside and Rights of The act gives Natural England more power and local authorities more responsibilities with regard 7,9,12 & Ensure SSSI Way Act 2000 to the protection and enhancement of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 13 designations are taken into account and opportunities for

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan enhancement are identified. Natural Environment and The act set up the framework for the conservation of the natural environment, including 7,9,12 & The Doncaster Local Rural Communities Act 2006 establishing Natural England. 13 Plan should seek to protect the landscapes and priority species in the Doncaster Biodiversity Action Plan Transport white paper – Cutting This white paper forms part of the government’s overall strategy to tackle carbon emissions from 1, 2, 3,4, Plan policies could be carbon, creating growth: transport. It sets out what government believes is the best way in the short term to reduce 6, 4,9 & used to help achieve making sustainable local emissions at the local level, using the tools that are available to us now, principally by encouraging 11 the carbon emission transport happen people to make more sustainable travel choices for shorter journeys. It is about providing the early targets set out in the (Department of Transport, 2011) reduction in carbon emissions that local action is best placed to deliver, while facilitating the white paper. access to local jobs that will boost economic growth. Aviation Policy Framework This sets out government vision for future air travel and supports the expansion of regional 1,6,7, 11 Planning policies (Department of Transport, airports and stresses the economic and social benefits. & 14 should aim to limit and March 2014) where possible reduce the impact of noise from air traffic and protect the safety of the public and operators. The government would support the growth of additional capacity at the airport (subject to careful management and control to avoid significant adverse impacts). Equality Framework for Local This framework seeks to ensure that equalities are mainstreamed within public services and the 1,6,9 & The requirements of Government (Local Government individual requirements of different people and different communities are taken into account. The 10 the equality legislation Association) key groups are: have been incorporated in the council’s respective

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • race/ethnicity (BME and non-BME communities such as refuges, asylum seekers, gypsies and procedures and travellers etc); equality action plan. • gender (male, female and transgender); • disability (using the “social model of disability”); The Doncaster Local • age (considering the needs of both the older and younger people and people of working age); Plan will be subject to • faith/religious or other beliefs; an equality impact • sexual orientation (people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual); and assessment. Equalities • other groups who might not have equal access to the council’s services (e.g. carers and which will influence the homeless people ) development of policies and proposals. Equality issues have also been considered within the SEA/SA objectives. National Flood and Coastal The overall aim of the strategy is to ensure the risk of flooding and coastal erosion is properly 1,8, 11 & Plan policies relating to Erosion Risk Management managed by using the full range of options in a co-ordinated way. Communities, individuals, 14 flood risk will need to Strategy for England voluntary groups and private and public sector organisations will work together to: be consistent with the (Department for Environment principles set out in Food and Rural Affairs and • manage the risk to people and their property; this strategy and other Environment Agency, 2011) • facilitate decision-making and action at the appropriate level - individual, community, or local relevant plans such as authority, river catchment, coastal cell or national; and catchment • achieve environmental, social and economic benefits, consistent with the principles of management plans and sustainable development. strategic flood risk assessments. Areas of flood risk should be identified and mapped alongside information on surface water and river flooding to inform planning decisions. Groundwater Protection: This publication describes how we manage and protect groundwater, both now and for the future; 4,11,12 & Some development Principles and Practice it highlights the importance of groundwater and encourages industry and other organisations to 14 (e.g. manufacturing, (Environment Agency, 2013) act responsibly and improve their practices. waste disposal and oil and gas drilling) and uses of land will pose a

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan A large proportion of the borough (predominantly to the east) is situated within groundwater direct or indirect threat Source Protection Zone 3. This document contains position statements which identify our stance to groundwater on different activities and how we will respond to proposals for such activities to protect resources; land use groundwater. policies can therefore play a significant role in effective groundwater protection. Rights of Way Circular 01/09 This circular gives advice to local authorities on recording, managing and maintaining, protecting 3,6,7,8,9,1 Planning policies (Department for Environment, and changing public rights of way. It also contains guidance on the consideration of rights of way 3 should protect and Food and Rural Affairs) in association with development. enhance the existing public rights of way network and access to sport and recreational opportunities. Regional and sub-regional Northern Powerhouse The Northern Powerhouse Strategy was published by the Government in November 2016. The All The Doncaster Local Strategy (HM Government, vision of the strategy is ‘joining up the North’s great towns, cities and counties, pooling their Plan should seek to 2016) strengths, and tackling major barriers to productivity to unleash the full economic potential of the capitalise on the North.’ The objective is to achieve sustained increase productivity across the whole of the North. initiatives set out in the Actions are then structured around the key themes of; connectivity, skills, enterprise and Northern Powerhouse innovation, trade and investment and engagement. Strategy, ensuring strong economic growth in the Borough Barnsley, Doncaster and The Joint Waste Plan sets out the detailed planning strategy for providing waste management 1,4,8,9,11 The Joint Waste Plan Rotherham Joint Waste Plan facilities across the three boroughs over the period to 2026. More specifically, it sets out: & 14 has been progressed as (adopted in 2012) a separate • a long term vision and a series of aims that will guide and inform decisions regarding waste development plan management facilities; document and sits • the overall approach to managing and reducing waste in the three boroughs; alongside the • the role that waste management will play in the context of South Yorkshire and the wider Doncaster Local Plan. region; • a range of waste management facilities and sites in accessible locations to meet our recycling, A sustainability recovery and landfill diversion targets and waste capacity needs over the plan period appraisal was carried (including sites at Hatfield Power Park in Stainforth and Sandall Stones Road, Doncaster); and out during its preparation.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • a detailed policy framework against which planning applications for waste development will be assessed.

The Joint Waste Plan will be reviewed every 5 or 6 years but revision may occur sooner should there be signs of under provision of waste management facilities/processing capacity or over- provision of disposal options. South Yorkshire Green This strategy sets out an overarching vision for delivering South Yorkshire’s green infrastructure All Key regional and sub- Infrastructure Strategy and and provides a framework of goals and actions, highlighting priority areas for restoration and regional projects (e.g. Delivery Programme (South enhancement in specific locations. The key green infrastructure assets in the sub-region are shown Don Gorge) and assets Yorkshire Forest Partnership, on a masterplan map. In Doncaster, these are: should be identified 2012 and 2013) and promoted and • Mexborough Gateway these should include • Don Gorge the hierarchy of green • Magnesian Limestone infrastructure corridors • Doncaster Marshalling Yard and sites (e.g. SPAs, • Doncaster Minster Gardens SSSIs etc). • Doncaster Town Centre • Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Plan policies and • Rossington Colliery decisions should also • Fishlake encourage multi- • Humber Levels Re-wetting functional benefits • Brodsworth Hall from land uses such as • Cusworth Park wildlife, recreation (e.g. • Sandall Beat Wood walking and cycling), • Doncaster Racecourse flood risk mitigation, • Hatfield and Thorne Moors (part of Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve) carbon storage and food production. Part 2 of the strategy sets out a delivery programme to secure improvements and deliver projects to create a multi-functional, interconnected green network across South Yorkshire, as outlined below.

• Restore the river floodplain and create wetland habitats and woodlands to deliver benefits to biodiversity, improve water quality and manage peak flows to reduce pressures on wider catchment (Dearne and Don valleys).

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Revive the river Don and its tributaries (e.g. Ea Beck, Went and the New Junction Canal) from the Don Gorge at Sprotbrough to the river Ouse at Goole. • Opportunities to improve access and rights of way (e.g. Trans Pennine Trail), landscape/geodiversity features (e.g. crags, tunnels and caves) and biodiversity assets across the magnesium limestone corridor • Improve links between town centre and other attractions within the green corridor (e.g. Sandall Beat Wood, Doncaster racecourse, Cantley Wood. Doncaster Lakeside and Potteric Carr Nature Reserve). • Restore wetland and flower-rich habitat , improve land management and access, promote green tourism and better access the moors (e.g. car parking and visitor facilities etc) within Humberhead Levels • Canal restoration, riverside improvements, promote recreation/tourism opportunities and improve cycle and pedestrian linkages along the rivers and key routes Sheffield City Region The Integrated Infrastructure Plan has been prepared which sets out the Sheffield City Region All The Local Plan will Integrated Infrastructure Plan approach to infrastructure over the next decade and this includes the central objective of need to reflect and (Sheffield City Region Local developing and delivering a comprehensive, integrated infrastructure network that attracts inward capitalise on the Economic Partnership, March investment to the Sheffield City Region. opportunities offered 2016) by the infrastructure The Integrated Infrastructure Plan identified a number of key priorities including growing and proposed within the enhancing the role of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and the surrounding area. Integrated Infrastructure Plan. Sheffield City Region Strategic This plan has been developed with a wide range of organisations including public, private and All The growth plan sets Economic Plan (Sheffield City third party sectors across the Sheffield City Region, in which it aims to transform the sub-regional the strategic context Region Local Economic economy - to deliver significant business growth and jobs over the next decade. In particular, it for local plans in the Partnership, March 2014) aims to create or deliver: Sheffield city region. It identifies spatial • 70,000 more jobs, predominantly in the private sector, with 30,000 highly skilled occupations; priorities for growth • 600 additional start-ups per year; (e.g. DN7 • an increase in GVA in excess of £3billion to close the productivity gap; Initiative/unity) which • additional 6,000 businesses are required to reduce the enterprise deficit; will need to be • a new “growth hub” to help grow existing businesses and more exports; reflected in the Local • a skills bank to enable businesses to access a range of training and skills options; and Plan. It also identifies • a range of business incentives to help build on our existing strengths especially in advanced key sectors (e.g. manufacturing, aviation and engineering (e.g. FARRs corridor), including energy focussed, logistics) where low carbon projects.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan economic growth can The plan also identifies seven long-term spatial areas of growth and change where a significant be fostered. proportion of growth is expected to occur, including two in Doncaster, as described below. Housing and “Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield” - This corridor will be “recognised as a catalyst for business employment growth development, inward investment and job creation with regard to logistics, engineering and associated targets will need to be aviation activities”. factored into future projections “DN7 Initiative – “This mixed-use growth corridor will include a cluster of green businesses (including research and development opportunities) and hi-tech companies with new direct access to ports and the motorway network using low carbon technologies which will contribute to UK power needs and become one of the most advanced energy parks in the SCR with impact across the wider northern economy” Sheffield City Region The Vision of the Transport Plan is: All The Doncaster Local Transport Strategy (2018 – Plan will promote 2040) ‘We will continue to be a forward-looking city region with integrated transport connections that sustainable travel support economic growth and improve quality of life for all.’ choices both within and outside the This is in turn supported by four goals: borough so as to improve the efficiency • Our Economy: Support Inclusive Economic Growth of the network and link • Our People: Create Healthy Streets Where People Feel Safe residents and • Our Environment: Improve the Quality of our Outdoors businesses to jobs, • Our Solutions: Promote, enable and Adopt Different Technologies education, training and major development opportunities .

It will help implement the goals and priorities of the South Yorkshire Transport Plan to reduce private car use and promote walking, cycling and public transport

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan

Idle and Torne Catchment The southern half of Doncaster drains into the Trent catchment via the rivers Torne and the Idle. 12,13 & The findings of this Abstraction Management The river Trent is tidal here and the confluences with the Idle and Torne are artificially managed 15 strategy will inform and Strategy (Environment Agency, with water either pumped out of the tributaries at high tides or released by gravity at low tide. shape the policies and 2009) These rivers are currently subject to over abstraction through much of the flow range but their proposals relating to target status will change to over-licensed due to the extent of the resource deficit. sustainable flood risk management The strategy aims to regain as much licensed water as possible for the environment in these areas. (including flood As such, there is a presumption against issuing further licences within these units (apart from a defence standards / small area around Doncaster town centre which has been subject to rising groundwater levels, alleviation). following reductions in abstraction from the Sherwood Sandstone). The strategy also seeks to manage water resources so it does not have an impact on the Idle downstream. Don and Rother Catchment This strategy sets out how much water is available in the catchment area and how it will be 11,12 & The Doncaster Local Abstraction Management managed, whilst minimising the risks to the environment. The catchment covers an area from the 14 Plan should aim to Strategy (Environment Agency, Humber Estuary in the east to the edge of the Pennines in the west, including the lower part of the minimise water use 2009) Don catchment (parts of Doncaster fall within the tidal influence of the Humber Estuary) and rivers wherever possible and Went and Ea Beck, plus the floodplain area of the Humberhead Levels. There is a cluster of avoid abstraction groundwater abstractions to the south of Doncaster town centre and river Don. Surface water within source abstractions take place at the river Don. Although showing signs of improvement, many of these protection zones rivers are still degraded in terms of biological quality owing to pollution although sections around the aquifers, upstream of the major urban areas along the Don, Went and Dearne have not been signiﬁcantly wherever possible. affected.

In the Lower Went and Middle Don groundwater has been over-abstracted and existing abstraction is causing unacceptable environmental impact at low ﬂows. In these units abstraction from groundwater accounts for a very high proportion of the total licensed volume of water that can be abstracted. The Magnesium Limestone aquifer runs north to south through all units. While water is available from the aquifer, it is ‘over-licensed’ at times of low ﬂow, especially during the summer. The results mean that the Environment Agency will not grant new licences in these areas and as such water levels will not sink below current levels. Water is available with the Ea Beck area but the river Went area in the north of the borough is over-licensed and the river Don downstream of Kirk Sandall is not included due to tidal influence.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan The Environment Agency has placed a moratorium on large-scale abstraction from the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer. The groundwater level in the aquifer has been declining but levels have recently started to recover (albeit not at a sustainable level). North and North East This document sets out the main sources of flooding within the Isle of Axholme area which extends 11,12 & The Doncaster Local Lincolnshire Strategic Flood across large parts of Doncaster and north Lincolnshire and assesses the quality and condition of 14 Plan should take Risk Assessment (North East existing flood defences. The main source of flood risk to the compartment is the river Trent (where account of the flood and North Lincolnshire Councils, water levels are high due to tidal and fluvial conditions). The existing defences are in good to fair risk issues relating to November 2011) condition, providing protection against tidal flooding with a 0.5% annual probability of occurrence the Isle of Axholme and are intended to protect against a 1.0% annual probability of fluvial flooding. area including the need to improve flood The other sources of flood risk are the other two main river watercourses (Warping Drain and river defences, restore Idle) and the local internal drainage systems (managed by Finningley and South Axholme IDBs). wetlands and reduce The river Idle conveys the flow to the West Stockwith Pumping Station, which discharges to the reliance on pumping river Trent.

The main river watercourses provide a nominal 1:10 years (10% annual probability) standard of protection to the surrounding area, although the river Torne’s standard rises to 1:30 years (3% annual probability) if freeboard is taken into account and flows in the Warping Drain are very low indicating that in practice the flood risk is relatively low. The internal drainage systems are understood to be capable of accommodating the 2.0% annual probability event if the additional storage provided by the freeboard allowance included in the design is taken into account. The flood defences (Torne and Warping Drain) are generally in good to fair condition (grades 2 and 3), providing protection against flooding from events with a 3% annual probability (possibly better in the case of the Warping Drain).

Although much of the land is apparently adequately protected against water levels with a 0.5% (tidal) or 1.0% (fluvial) annual probability of occurring in the Trent, the very flat and low-lying nature of the land, the complexity of the drainage system, the low standard of protection it affords and the heavy reliance on pumping mean that during an extreme event flooding could be widespread and in locations that are difficult to predict. Humber River Basin The Humber river basin covers a wide area including the lowland areas of the rivers Idle, Torne and 11, 12 & New development Management Plan Don and the main urban centres in the city region including Doncaster and Sheffield. 14 should not adversely (Environment Agency, Updated affect water 2015) This plan provides a delivery mechanism to achieve the aims of the Water Framework Directive and quality/flow and identifies specific areas where action is required to improve the ecological status of waterbodies. prevent water bodies

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan The majority of waterbodies within the borough are identified as failing to achieve good ecological from maintaining or status. achieving ‘good ecological status.

River Trent & River Don These plans provide an overview of the flood risk in the Trent and Don catchments and set out the 11,12 & Given the significant Catchment Flood Management Environment Agency’s preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50-100 14 constraint that flood Plans (Environment Agency, years. They consider all types of inland flooding from rivers, ground water, surface water and tidal risk poses on the 2010) flooding. They take into account the likely impacts of climate change, the effects of how we use borough, the Local and manage the land, and how areas could be developed to meet our present day needs without Plan must ensure compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Doncaster is divided into decisions are mindful 5 different policy units as follows. of the Environment Agency and key Policy Unit Areas Included Policy partner’s long-term Trent Unit 1: Parts of Doncaster Main 4: Take further action to sustain the current level of sustainable flood risk Isle of Axholme Urban Area (Bessacarr, flood risk into the future (responding to the potential management plans and Cantley, Woodfield, increases in flood risk from urban development, land investment Lakeside), Armthorpe, use change, and climate change). programmes and how Thorne, Hatfield/Stainforth, these vary spatially Rossington, Edlington, M18 across the borough. and M180, Airport, Thorne & Hatfield Moors, Trent Unit 2: Bawtry, Tickhill 3: Continue with existing or alternative actions to Sherwood manage flood risk at the current level (accepting that flood risk will increase over time from this baseline). Don Sub Area Mexborough, 6. Take action with others to store water or manage 5: Barnsley & Conisbrough , Denaby run-off in locations that provide overall flood risk Mexborough reduction or environmental benefits, locally or elsewhere in the catchment. Don Sub Area Parts of Doncaster Main 5. Take further action to reduce flood risk (now 6: Don Urban Area (Bentley, and/or in the future). Wheatley Hall Road), Adwick, Carcroft/Skellow Don Sub Area Askern, Moorends, M18 (J6) 3: Continue with existing or alternative actions to 7: Lower Don manage flood risk at the current level (accepting that flood risk will increase over time from this baseline)

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Local Doncaster Borough Strategy This document sets out the long term strategy for Doncaster and how the public, private and All The Doncaster Local Refresh voluntary sectors will work together to improve the quality of life of Doncaster’s communities. It is Plan will give spatial the main overarching strategy under which all other council based plans and policies sit. expression to the Borough Strategy. Long term vision: “Doncaster aims to be one of the most successful boroughs in England by being a gateway to opportunity locally, nationally and worldwide. A strong economy will support progressive, healthy, safe and vibrant communities. All residents will feel valued and should be able to achieve their full potential in employment, education, care and life chances. Pride will have increased further”.

Themes: • Children, young people and families • Economy and enterprise • Health and well-being • Safer and stronger communities Doncaster’s Economic Growth This strategy sets out the priorities and opportunities that Doncaster will pursue to deliver 1,2,3,4,8,9, The Doncaster Local Plan (2013-18) economic growth and jobs and reduce the productivity gap with the rest of the Yorkshire and 11& 13 Plan is the spatial Humber region up to 2018. representation of this growth plan. Long term vision: ‘Doncaster is a successful borough, built on a strong local economy that supports progressive, Sufficient land will need healthy, safe and vibrant communities’. to be identified to meet the future growth needs Themes: of the borough. Business growth: To create the conditions which encourage business investment and innovation to Doncaster Place: To harness Doncaster’s asset base to support economic growth, including its urban centre, excellent connectivity, greenspace and large amount of land available Skills: To ensure that the residents of Doncaster have the skills and abilities that current and future businesses require.

Opportunities:

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Expansion of the logistic sector in the M18/airport corridor (and other sectors through increased distribution capacity/improved access to national/ international markets) to become a UK centre of excellence • Support the creation of high-skilled jobs (e.g. rail and aviation engineering) through expansion, modernisation and infrastructure investment • Further improvements to the urban centre and new approaches to retail in the face of the increasing popularity of internet shopping • Promote and maximise key assets (e.g. historic markets, Lakeside Village, Frenchgate Centre, Racecourse, Roman ruins, rail heritage etc) • Doncaster will become one of the UK‟s biggest energy hubs, creating an estimated 4,500 - 5,000 new jobs over the next 10 years. • Maintain strong links to local universities to harness research expertise and the pool of graduate talent available, whilst attracting inward investment from national and international companies to support business start-ups and knowledge intensive industries

5 cluster areas are identified, each with distinct prospects. The proposals for these areas are outlined below.

Doncaster Urban Centre Cluster: • Plan and deliver a number of key development schemes to help speed-up growth (e.g. Lakeside Waterfront, Waterdale and St Sepulchre Gate West) • Support new development at Hungerhill, junction 4 and new park and ride facilities, new housing at Woodfield Plantation (Balby), Manor Farm (Bessacarr) and mixed development along Wheatley Hall Road • Protect and enhance key heritage sites (e.g. Mansion House and St George’s) and leisure assets

Gateway to the Sheffield City Region Cluster: • Support the delivery of the Port of Doncaster and redevelopment of the Bankwood Industrial Estate/ former colliery site to provide a new route into the town. • Existing and proposed strategic development sites in the M18 corridor, including the Railport • Link the various economic projects and communities together in new creative ways to act as a spur for regeneration. • Develop an enterprise zone at the airport

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Improve connections to the railway and make better use of the long runway/terminal buildings. • Create a world class golf course (Rossington)

Dearne Cluster: • Housing renewal and investment, new housing and expansion of existing employment areas (e.g. Manvers) • Maximise the environmental credentials of the area through joint delivery and planning • Bring forward development opportunities at the former Earth centre, Conisbrough and Mexborough town centres and industrial estates (e.g. Denaby and Edlington)

Doncaster North Cluster: • New link road to the A1(M) to unlock development potential of the area • Improve accessibility to Askern and Bentley • Bring forward new sites north of Adwick (housing and employment) and former brownfield colliery sites • Secure investment in flood risk mitigation works • Improve affordable transport links to surrounding areas.

Thorne, Stainforth and Hatfield Cluster: • Major regeneration/growth area around the junction of the M18/M180. • Support long standing developer plans to bring major housing and employment opportunities to Stainforth and Hatfield (“DN7 Initiative”) and create one of the largest low carbon business communities in the UK. • Flood risk mitigation • Redevelop land to north of junction 6 (M18) to support the business park cluster west of Thorne Doncaster College Corporate Vision: 1,2,3,7,9 & The Doncaster Local Strategy Refresh (2015-2018) Transforming lives and improving the local economy through access to outstanding education, 10 Plan will help influence training and employment opportunities. and inform the future direction and priorities Mission: of the college and vice Realising student potential and achieving excellence. versa, in particular in relation to skills

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan development and education provision. Dearne Valley Eco Vision The vision sets out an aspiration for transforming the Dearne Valley into an exemplar low carbon 1,2,3,4,5,6 The Doncaster Local (URBED, 2009) community at the cutting edge of innovation. This will include: ,7,11,12 Plan has a key role to & 14 play in enabling the • delivery of more energy efficient homes (e.g. retrofit); objectives of the • better public transport links; Dearne Valley to be • more training opportunities; delivered, especially in • an enhanced natural environment; and relation to ‘growing a • reduced pollution. low carbon infrastructure’. Pipeline projects include: a new community forest, a river naturalisation programme, wetland creation/restoration (e.g. Dearne Valley Green Heart), renewable energy installations (e.g. use of coalbed methane), energy efficiency retrofitting, locally grown food production (e.g. market town concept) and new cycle and footbath links along old mineral lines and waterside routes. The vision also advocates joint strategic planning in the Dearne to help implement low/zero carbon requirements (through a spatial planning framework). Doncaster Rights of Way The Plan recognises the importance of: 1,3,6,7,8,9 Planning policies Improvement Plan 2017 – • Providing a well-managed and maintained, rights of way network that is safe, correctly & 13 should protect and 2027 (Doncaster MBC, 2017) recorded and meets the requirements of all users; enhance public rights • The need to promote rights of way and other green space as an economic asset that attracts of way and access. more visitors to the borough; • Increasing accessibility to allow more people to take advantage of the health benefits access Open space provision to the countryside can bring, therefore contributing to improving the health and well-being of and improvements our residents; should contribute to • The need to increase the opportunities for sustainable travel, leisure and the expansion of the recreation activities and access to local amenities. public rights of way The plan sets out a series of policies and actions (e.g. minimum width of 2 metres for footpaths to network. allow free movement of pedestrian, wheelchair and double pushchair traffic where paths are not enclosed) to increase accessibility to all community groups and reduce social exclusion. These findings are based on a detailed survey of the public rights of way network which determines the condition and quality of these routes. Doncaster Cycle Strategy This strategy creates a framework for the implementation of measures to encourage cycling and to 3,7,8,9 & The Doncaster Local (Doncaster MBC, December provide cycling infrastructure throughout the borough to 2023. 11 Plan will establish a 2013) policy framework

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Objectives: through which the aims 1. increase the number of people cycling and the number of journeys by cycle (i.e. reverse the and objectives of the decline in use and aim for 5586 users at cordon counts) Cycle Strategy can be 2. improve health and reduce health inequalities by introducing cycling into everyday life (i.e. implemented. achieve a 25% average participation in sport and recreation for people aged 16 and over) Particular priority 3. improve cyclists safety and feeling of safety (i.e. reduce cycle accident rate) should be given to: 4. reduce cycle thefts and improve cycle parking (i.e. a 35% reduction in bike theft) • improving the Policies (i.e. relevant to plan making): safety and security • Implement a programme of on-highway cycle routes, including cycle lanes, crossings and of cycle routes; advanced stop lines close to junctions and urban centres • establishing • Implement a programme of off-carriageway cycle routes appropriate cycle • Promote cycling to work and school (e.g. “Cycleboost‟ programme) especially in local parking standards; neighbourhoods • providing suitable • Make new developments and transport projects cycle-friendly. cycle facilities • Deliver a programme of improvement schemes at cycle hotspots within new • Review cycling on footways and in pedestrian areas development; and • Extend the provision of secure cycle stands (e.g. lock up storage) within existing centres and • improving access key interchanges to the cycle • Allow cyclists to use pedestrian areas in the town centre, especially outside the main shopping network and other hours. key routes as part of the wider green infrastructure network.

Doncaster Renaissance Town This charter sets out a 25-year vision for how Doncaster town centre and the borough could be All The Doncaster Local Charter (Yorkshire Forward, transformed into a place of genuine quality. The aims of the charter are to: Plan will provide the 2002) spatial framework for • attract high-end economic activity and refine the evening economy; achieving the vision • attract and retain balanced community; and aims of the charter • improve Doncaster’s image; and masterplan. • improve arts and culture; • support sustainability; and • maintain fixed urban edges

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Doncaster Renaissance This plan draws on the vision set out in the town charter which is based on a number of projects and All Masterplan (Urban Initiatives, principles. 2003) • Making a “Great Street” (Trafford Way and Church Way) • Reconnecting the town to the waterways • Create a new mixed use waterfront quarter • Restoring the market • Creating a hierarchy of linked public spaces based on Waterdale, Christ Church, St George’s Church, station forecourt , market square and the waterfront • Improving the Waterdale area • An educational city • Promoting ease of movement Doncaster Air Quality Action This plan sets out a series of actions aimed at improving Doncaster’s air quality and includes 1,4,9,11 The Doncaster Local Plan (Doncaster MBC, 2013) measures aimed at reducing emissions from transport. & 14 Plan will need to take account of Air Quality • Reduce vehicle emissions (e.g. target low emission technology within AQMAs such as Management Areas electric/hybrid fuel vehicles and implement low emission zones). and attempt to reduce • Assess and monitor planning applications to control new development within or adjacent to vehicle traffic in AQMAs. general. It will help • Improve transport accessibility (e.g. quality bus corridors and park and ride schemes within implement many of the AQMAs). targets and objectives • Publicity and promotion (e.g. education) in the action plan.

Targets and objectives: • Undertake feasibility study into low emission zones within the AQMAs and in other areas of where vehicle emissions have a major impact on air quality. • Network of bus only lanes, targeting the AQMAs as a first priority (e.g. A630). • Implement new park and ride sites • Ensure that all strategies in the LDF/LTP complement each other and that development plan allocations and local transport/investment are closely linked. • Promote the use of parking polices, alongside other planning and transport measures, to promote sustainable transport choices and reduce the reliance on the car. • Expand network of cycle lanes

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Ensure that new development shall, where appropriate, contribute to the provision of transport infrastructure for walking, cycling, public transport through section 106 contributions • Ensure that new development provides a real choice of transport (e.g. walking and cycling) and contributes to meeting the demand for the transport provision that it generates (e.g. green travel plans). Doncaster Environment Managing our environmental resources and services: All The priorities and Strategy (Doncaster MBC, 2013) • Waste minimisation: Minimise the creation of waste in the borough and reduce the amount of targets of the waste that is going to landfill Environment Strategy • Deliver more energy efficient housing (e.g. 10,000 new homes to receive energy efficiency will need to be taken improvements by 2020 and area-based initiatives to target vulnerable households) into account when • Improve the energy efficiency of social and private rented households and ensure the preparing the efficiency of new developments Doncaster Local Plan.

Effective flood mitigation: The Statement of • Promote flood mitigation and further develop local residents’ knowledge of flood risks in Community order to increase personal flood resilience (e.g. review multi-agency flood plans and create Involvement will give new recording/monitoring systems) people the opportunity • Ensuring a quality environment to get involved in both Protect our air and water quality and address contaminated land issues: the preparation of the • Effective monitoring of air and water quality and sites with contaminated land, taking remedial local plan and action when required (e.g. instigate and develop new policies to ensure that air quality, development contaminated land and water efficiency issues are fully integrated into the planning process) management process. Create a more attractive street-scene: In implementing the • Improve the look and attractiveness of the borough’s street scene to support inward Statement of investment and to create places that people can be really proud of (e.g. reduce fly-tipping and Community dog fouling) Involvement (and any Valuing our environmental assets: future updates) the • Protect and promote our historic environment (e.g. improve guidance to preserving and aims and objectives of enhancing historic assets such as alterations and develop criteria to assess non-statutory the Environment assets like parks and gardens; prepare a heritage at risk strategy to reduce the proportion of Strategy will need to assets at risk of decay or neglect; improve marketing and promotion) be considered. • Increase public understanding of the value of our environment by promoting their social, cultural and economic benefits, whilst protecting its intrinsic value Protect and promote our natural environment:

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • Ensure access to high quality green spaces and the countryside (e.g. update biodiversity/geodiversity action plans; re-survey designated local sites; increase the proportion in favourable management; record the extent and condition of the urban forest). • Effective management of our public parks and woodlands and improve access to our public right of way network Doncaster Green This strategy sets out the overall approach for delivering an integrated network of high quality All This strategy identifies Infrastructure Strategy green spaces, habitats and landscapes across the borough to 2028. a wide range of key (Doncaster MBC, 2014) projects/areas where Objectives: green infrastructure • Provide an attractive setting for investment and a place where the workforce wants to live should be prioritised. • Improving the workforce’s health and wellbeing (provide opportunities for physical activity, These strategic outdoor learning and contact with the natural environment to combat stress and lifestyle priorities/projects related illness) should be set out in • Provide opportunities to diversify the economy and develop jobs in conservation, green the local plan, together industries (e.g. low carbon industries), leisure/tourism and the third sector, with associated with policies for their opportunities for training and volunteering (which can increase young people’s self-respect delivery and and aspirations) implementation. • Contribute to halting and reversing the decline of the country’s biodiversity and geodiversity • Improve resilience to the impacts of climate change (e.g. urban cooling). The Local Plan will set out a set a clear and Corridors: robust planning A hierarchy of 17 green infrastructure corridors have been identified across the borough (which framework for the often cross administrative boundaries) where green infrastructure provision will be prioritised creation, management including rivers Don and Deane, Thorne and Hatfield Moors, rivers Went and Thorne, Magnesian and maintenance of Limestone, Sandall Beat Central Corridor and Roman Ridge. green infrastructure Projects: across the borough, • River Torne Corridor Masterplan: Sensitive approach to development in the countryside / flood including any new sites plain that are created. • Dearne Valley Green Heart: Habitat restoration (e.g. wetlands) • Doncaster Green Gateway: Improve connections between greenspaces/assets (e.g. Sandall Beat Green infrastructure and Town Moor) to create a vibrant green gateway into the heart of the town centre assets/sites/corridors • Don Revival: Restore and naturalise the river Don and its tributaries (e.g. Ea Beck, Went and the should be identified on New Junction Canal) the proposals map. Don Gorge: Community engagement and environmental enhancement (e.g. limestone gorges)

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan

Doncaster Housing Strategy The strategy is based on the following vision. 1,3,5,6,7,9 The Doncaster Local (2015-25) & 11 Plan will play a key “Residents will be able to access suitable quality accommodation to meet their needs. Viable, quality enabling role in options will exist within the social rented, private rented or home ownership sectors; and homes in supporting the delivery the rented sectors will be managed by high quality housing providers. Residents will be able to live in of enough homes of safe, healthy and supported communities within vibrant and well managed neighbourhoods”. the right size, type and price of homes in the In order to achieve this vision, the following objectives have been developed. areas where they are most needed. Objective 1: Meet housing need, amount and choice (e.g. increase the number of new homes; provide sufficient gypsy/traveller pitches; facilitate the delivery of specialist accommodation etc); Sufficient land will Objective 2: Raise housing standards (maintain and improve existing housing stock; raise design need to be set aside in and sustainability standards; tackle empty homes; make best use of surplus sites/assets etc); and suitable locations to Objective 3: Support independent living (consider specific housing needs of black and minority support the delivery of ethnic households; facilitate access to social and private rented housing etc). new homes (including more affordable housing) to meet identified needs.

Doncaster Contaminated Land In order to address the issues relating to land contamination in a rational, ordered and efficient 1, 4,8,9,11 The risks associated Inspection Strategy 2017 manner, the Council has adopted the the Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy. The aims of the & 14 with contamination are strategy are as follows: a material planning consideration. Planning • To safeguard the health of local residents policies and decisions • To deal with the issue of contaminated land in an open and transparent manner; should aim to ensure • Complement the planning process in dealing with development on land which may be that new development affected by contamination controls and removes • Encourage voluntary remediation when appropriate unnecessary • Ensure remedial actions are reasonable, practicable, effective and durable. contamination so that • Address the Council’s own responsibilities under Part 2A due to its role as a current or former land can be brought owner or occupier of land back into acceptable • To ensure that any response is proportionate to the seriousness of actual or potential risk, and use. the specific circumstances of the case.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan • To do all it can to prevent any unnecessary ‘blight’ in the Borough

The objectives are:

• Continue to work with planning to provide advice and site specific information to ensure land is suitable for its proposed future use, and that appropriate conditions are attached to planning permissions granted. • To inspect any sites that come to light as a matter of urgency where there is a risk to human health. • To outline the Council’s procedures regarding liability and cost recovery • To maintain a comprehensive land quality GIS system • Compile a record of land for which the authority may be the appropriate person to bear responsibility for remediation • Review the contaminated land strategy every five years as a minimum • To prepare written records of determination and risk summaries for land that is found to be contaminated. • To prepare written statements for land that is found not to be contaminated. • To maintain a public register of contaminated land.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport The masterplan sets out the airport’s plans for development for the period 2018 - 2037. The vision 1,3,11 & The Doncaster Local Masterplan 2018 – 2037: Draft for Doncaster Sheffield Airport is for it to become the UK’s most outstanding regional airport. The 14 Plan will help Consultation Report Masterplan anticipates continued strong growth in both the passenger and cargo aspects of the implement the Masterplan (March 2018) airports operation, reaching 4.7 million passengers and 70,000 tonnes of freight by 2037. The proposals set out in the Masterplan seeks to expand and reduce the number of residents in the airports catchment area masterplan. travelling to other parts of England, particularly the south-east, to meet their flight requirements. This expansion is envisaged across the key infrastructure areas listed below: • Passenger terminal • Airfield infrastructure • Cargo • General and business aviation • Advanced manufacturing and logistics centre • Business and commercial • Residential and living area • Hotel, retail and leisure plaza

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Utilities Doncaster Biodiversity Action This plan describes Doncaster’s biodiversity resource and sets targets to conserve, maintain and 12, 13 & The Doncaster Local Plan (Doncaster MBC, January enhance it. It includes 18 habitat action plans, an audit of species of conservation or local 15 Plan will include 2007) biodiversity interest and an atlas displaying the distribution of rare and scarce plants. The main policies to protect objective is to preserve existing habitats, recreate lost habitats and increase populations of locally statutory and non- significant and vulnerable species. Action on a local scale is vital if the decline in biodiversity is to statutory be halted and trends in species loss and habitat fragmentation reverse. wildlife/geological sites and promote the conservation of biodiversity in the wider countryside as well as the provision of new habitats. Doncaster Health and Vision: 3, 4, 7, 8 The topic of health will Wellbeing Strategy (NHS and ‘Doncaster people enjoy a good life, feel happy and healthy, and agree Doncaster is a great place to & 10 be a key focus for the Doncaster MBC, 2012) live’ local plan, particularly in relation to reducing Key themes/areas of focus: obesity and the effects Alcohol, mental health and dementia, obesity, family and personal responsibility. arising from poor Doncaster’s Joint Strategic This assessment provides an analysis of the current and future health and wellbeing needs of 3, 4, 7, 8 health. Needs Assessment (Doncaster Doncaster. The report is intended to inform and improve strategic commissioning, support the & 10 Data Observatory, 2014) health and wellbeing strategy, and help Doncaster’s Health and Wellbeing Board address health inequalities.

Aims/recommendations:

1. Maintain a focus on dementia. 2. Address the impact of child poverty and focus on improving breastfeeding rates especially at 6-8 weeks and reducing maternal smoking. 3. Support efforts to improve attendance at school. 4. Address the obesity epidemic in Doncaster. 5. Address the high levels of smoking in the borough especially in groups such as routine and manual occupations. 6. Maintain a focus on lung cancer and cancer generally - smoking and obesity are major contributories to cancer.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan 7. Increase the numbers of people who are physically active. 8. Support efforts to increase volunteering. 9. Support efforts to improve the quality of peoples living accommodation. 10. Look at how Doncaster’s green space resources and be best utilised to improve health and wellbeing. 11. Ensure carers are supported and able to maintain their own wellbeing Doncaster Physical Activity The Doncaster Physical Activity and Sport Strategy sets out the overall vision for a partnership 4, 8,9 Plan policies and and Sport Strategy (Doncaster approach to the delivery of physical activity and sport across the borough, including that &10 proposals will MBC, 2014) Doncaster’s environment enables the public to live a healthier, active and more enjoyable life. contribute to increasing participation in physical activity, sport and leisure. Health Improvement The Health Improvement Framework sets out the aspirations for how we can create and sustain 3, 7, 8 Plan policies and Framework (Doncaster MBC, health and wellbeing across all our communities and at every stage of people’s lives. &10 proposals will 2013) contribute improving health and wellbeing for Doncaster residents. Doncaster Heritage Strategy The overarching vision for this strategy is that the richness and variety of the heritage of the The Doncaster Local (Doncaster MBC, 2015) borough will be recognised and appreciated, locally, regionally and nationally. Plan will be one of the key means of The objectives outlined in this strategy are to: implementing the aims and actions from the 1. raise the profile and celebrate the richness and variety of the heritage within the borough of strategy. Doncaster, both locally and nationally. 2. preserve, protect and respect our heritage in order to create a better environment to live, study, work and visit. 3. increase interest, awareness and participation in Doncaster’s heritage, improving community cohesion and wellbeing through contributing significantly to a sense of place. Through this there will be increased enjoyment, understanding and skills within the heritage field and beyond. 4. develop greater co-ordination and communication through a borough-wide Heritage Strategy Forum, and to help co-ordinate, prioritise and inform funding bids to various external funders.

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Plan / programme Key objectives relevant to the Doncaster Local Plan Relevant Implications for the SA preparation of objectives Doncaster Local Plan Local Flood Risk Management The focus of the strategy is on local flooding such as surface water, groundwater, streams and 5, 12 &15 The Doncaster Local Strategy (Doncaster MBC, 2014) ditches. This type of flooding is becoming increasingly common, but until recently no single Plan will be one of the organisation has had direct responsibility for it. The purpose of strategy is to set out a clear plan key means of for future flood risk management in Doncaster, ensuring people, businesses, communities and implementing the aims other risk management authorities have an active role in how flood risk is managed and actions from the strategy. Aims: • To improve co-operation between partners and encourage joint working to produce solutions to identified risks and problems. • To improve understanding of local flood risk • To mitigate local flood risk through measures to alleviate flooding where practicable or funding will allow. • To ensure planning and development control will take account of all forms of flood risk, and minimise development which could increase flood risk, as will inappropriate development in flood risk areas. • To increase the community awareness of flood risk including promoting self-resilience • To ensure a well-co-ordinated and effectively managed approach to maintenance and management of existing flood risks and drainage assets. To ensure that all of the objectives above are sustainable, compliant with the Water Framework Directive adapt to climate change and consider the wider environment as a whole.

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Appendix D Baseline

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APPENDIX D: REVIEW OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BOROUGH AND RELEVANT ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE LOCAL PLAN

GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE & POPULATION TRENDS

Doncaster is the largest metropolitan borough in England, covering an area of around 57,000 hectares or 225 square miles. It is one of four unitary authorities within the sub-region of South Yorkshire in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Figure 4: Geographical context

Figure 5: Relationship between Doncaster and neighbouring authorities

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In mid-2016 Doncaster had a population of 306,397, an increase of 1.3% since 2011 and an 6.5%% since 2001. This is below the national average of 3.75% since 2011 and 10% since 2001.

As shown in Table 7, Doncaster’s population is the second highest in the Sheffield city region (after Sheffield) with 16.4% of the total population as of mid-20161.,

Table 7 Sheffield City Region mid-2016 Population Estimates

Local Authority Population % of Sheffield City Region Total Sheffield 563,969 30.7 Doncaster 300,920 16.4 Rotherham 257,568 14 Barnsley 236,483 12.9 Bassetlaw 113,747 6.2 Chesterfield 103,449 5.6

North East 100,423 5.5 Derbyshire Bolsover 79,078 4.3

Derbyshire Dales 83,132 4.5

Total 1,838,769 100

Source: Office for National Statistics

Continued population growth is predicted: Doncaster’s total population is expected to reach 317,300 (a 3.1% increase) in 2041. Whilst overall a relatively small percentage increase, the variation within age groups is notably larger, with a decrease in all ages groups from 0-69 years old totalling -78.6% and an increase in those aged over 70 years old of 207.8%2.

The number of younger people (0-19) has decreased slightly since 2001, particularly in the 5-9 and 10-14 age bands where this is more pronounced than the national trend, and this may have an adverse impact on the working age population in the short to medium term. The increase of 13.8% in the 0-4 age band is similar to the national increase, but the increase seen in 15-19 age group is not as high as the national increase. All these factors mean that the number of people aged 0-19 in Doncaster has decreased slightly over the past ten years. The proportion of 0-19 year olds in the total population is 24% which is the same as the national average.

The working age population has increased in line with national trends over the last 10 years as have the individual age bands with two exceptions. Firstly, the 25-29 age band has grown 22.4% in the last 10 years compared to 9.9% nationally and, secondly, the age bands 30-44 have either declined more or not grown at the same rate as the national average. The 20-44 age band have a slightly lower proportion (32.3%) of population when compared to the national figure (34.3%), whereas the proportion in the older working age population (45-64) is higher (26.7%) than the national figure (25.4%). However, population estimates suggest that the working age population (18-64) is decrease by 3% up to 2030.

1 Office for National Statistics (2017) Population Estimates for UK, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Available at: https://beta.ons.gov.uk/datasets/mid-year-pop-est/editions/time-series/versions/2 2 Office for National Statistics (2018) Population Projections for Local Authorities. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/datasets/localauthoritiesinengl andtable2

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The proportion of older people in Doncaster is broadly similar to national and regional comparators. The overall proportion of people aged over 65 in Doncaster is 16.9% compared to 16.3% nationally. The older population has increased at a slightly slower rate than nationally over the last ten years with the 65-69 age band increasing more slowly and the 80+ age group increasing more ( 29.9%) compared with the national increase (17.4%). However, the proportion of people aged over 65 is expected to increase by 30% by 2030. As a proportion of the population, this equates to a rise from 18.1% to 23.6%, greater than predicted at the national scale.

Doncaster’s average household size changed in the period from 2001 to 2011 from 2.38 to 2.35; similar averages were found in Sheffield (2.38) and Rotherham (2.36)3. The latest projects for household size anticipate a UK-wide average of 2.21 by 2039, a decrease from 2.35 in 2014. The number of households in Doncaster is predicted to rise by 10% between 2014 and 2039, with the average household size anticipated to fall from 2.33 to 2.18 persons per household over the same period4.

As of the 2011 Census, the ethnic profile of the Doncaster population is predominantly white (95.3%), of which 91.8% are white British. Only 4.7% classified themselves as not white/black and ethnic minorities, of which 2.5% came from one ethnic group (Asian/Asian British). The proportion of the Doncaster population that classify themselves as a black or ethnic minority group is significantly less than the sub-region (7.6%) and regional (11.2%) proportions.

According to the 2011 Census data, there are 587 gypsies and travellers in Doncaster. However, this is unlikely to accurately reflect this group. A recent assessment of traveller accommodation needs included a count of households and indicated around 900 gypsies and travellers living on pitches alone. Previous local estimates (including those living in bricks and mortar housing) have been 4,000-6,000, but it is likely that the population is significantly higher than in neighbouring areas and indeed one of the largest in the UK5.

The vast majority of the population (as with other metropolitan areas) live in urban areas. Higher densities of people per hectare are found in the main urban area. The main urban area (located in the centre of the borough) includes Doncaster town centre, Balby, Hexthorpe, Wheatley, Intake, Bessacarr, Cantley, Edenthorpe, Kirk Sandall, Bentley, Scawthorpe, Scawsby and Richmond Hill. Mexborough and Thorne are the most populated settlements outside the main urban area. Other urban areas include Adwick-le-Street/Woodlands, Armthorpe, Askern, Conisbrough, Rossington, Stainforth, Hatfield, Dunscroft, Dunsville, Denaby, Edlington, Moorends, Bawtry, Tickhill, Carcroft and Skellow. Doncaster also comprises 44 defined villages and several smaller (undefined) villages and hamlets in the countryside. There are some large distances of travel between these settlements as Doncaster is the largest metropolitan borough in England.

3 Office for National Statistics 4 Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (2016) Live Tables on Household Projections 2014. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-household-projections 5 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (January 2014)

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Figure 6: Relationship between Doncaster’s settlements and transport links

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Large areas of the borough are rural and government guidance stresses the need to protect the countryside from inappropriate development. Doncaster’s population is rising and there will be continued pressure to build on Greenbelt land beyond the urban area. • Doncaster is growing more ethnically diverse and greater proportions of black and ethnic minority groups feature within Doncaster’s population, especially those of eastern European descent. • Doncaster’s aging population coupled with smaller household sizes will have implications for the way in which services and accommodation are provided in the future. • Land needs to be identified to address unmet need (e.g. gypsies and travellers) • Doncaster’s working age population continues to fall. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The population projections which have been derived from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will form the starting point for assessing future housing and employment requirements over the plan period. Based on the assumptions underpinning the population projections (e.g. household formation and economic activity rates etc), this information will be used to develop a series of scenarios to inform the future level of growth and land use change across the borough, from which alternative options can be evaluated. The Doncaster Local Plan will also need to take account of the current and future needs of different groups such as women, black and ethnic minority people, gypsies and travellers, older people, families with children and young people. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without the plan, it is unlikely that sufficient homes will be provided in the right locations to meet the needs of specific groups within the wider population (e.g. older people and gypsy and traveller communities) close to services and public transport. Key indicators for Doncaster Data Source Comparisons / targets Population growth 1.3% (2011-2016) Office for National 0.51% (UK) Statistics Number of white British in 2011 95.4% Office for National 85.8% (Yorkshire & Statistics Humber)

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80.5% (England & Wales) Percentage change: white British -4.7 Office for National -5.9 (Yorkshire & the (2001-2011) Statistics Humber) -7.0 (England & Wales) Number of households in 2014 128,000 Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Average household size in 2.35 2.36 2014(population/number of households) Percentage of population in rural 16% DCP areas SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION

Despite improvements over the past decade, Doncaster still has high levels of deprivation and inequality relative to other parts of the region and the UK as a whole as summarised below.

• Doncaster is the second most deprived local authority in South Yorkshire (see table 7 below) and the Sheffield city region, second to Barnsley. This compares favourably to 2007 and 2010, when Doncaster was ranked as the most deprived local authority6. • Doncaster is the fourth most deprived local authority in the Yorkshire and Humber region (1, 2 and 3 are Hull, Bradford and Barnsley). Doncaster is the 48th relatively most deprived (where 1 is the most deprived) from 327 local authorities in England in the latest Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2015). This compares to being 41st in 2007 and 39th in 2010. • Doncaster has two areas (Denaby and Balby Bridge/Lower Hexthorpe) that are classified as being in the top 1% most deprived in England. In total, Doncaster has 40 areas (from 192) classified as being in top 10% most deprived in England. • Rural areas/settlements generally have the least deprivation, while urban and industrial areas in the central and eastern parts of the borough have the most. There are pockets of deprivation within non- deprived areas.

The loss of traditional industries such as mining and steel has left a legacy of relatively high unemployment, poor skills and low incomes, particularly in former mining communities.

Table 8: Indices of multiple deprivation: South Yorkshire7 Local authority Rank of average Rank of average Rank of 2007 to 2015 2007 to 2010 percentile name score 2007 score 2010 average change* position change score 2015 Doncaster 41 39 48 9 +2.75% Barnsley 43 47 37 -6 -1.84% Rotherham 68 53 62 -5 -1.53% Sheffield 63 56 94 -6 -1.84% Rank of 1 = most deprived *Total number of local authorities: 2007 = 354; 2010 = 326; 2015 = 327 Negative percentile change is a move toward more relative deprivation Source: Ministry of Housing, communities and Local Government

A total of 11.3% of the households in Doncaster were considered to be fuel poor in 2015, making it the 8th most fuel deprived of the 21 Local Authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The lowest level of fuel deprivation is in Selby at 9.2% of households, and the highest level in Bradford at 15% of households. The level of fuel poverty in Doncaster is similar to the national average of 11% of households8. .

6 Ministry of Housing, communities and Local Government (2015) English Indices of Deprivation 2015. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-indices-of-deprivation-2015 7 The index of multiple deprivation is the official measure of deprivation in England. 8 Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Sub-regional fuel poverty data 2017. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sub-regional-fuel-poverty-data-2017

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Doncaster has the second highest level of income deprivation within South Yorkshire after Barnsley. The most deprived areas of the borough are found mainly within the urban core (e.g. Highfields and Hyde Park) and former mining towns, such as Denaby Main, Stainforth, Carcroft, Askern, New Rossington, Toll Bar, Woodlands and Mexborough (see figure 7)9.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Holistic/joined-up and long term interventions are required to tackle deprivation and social inequalities • Creating more vibrant, diverse and attractive communities where people want to live and work • Promote renaissance activity within Doncaster and support enterprise growth within deprived areas • Reducing the reliance on the public sector to deliver services and facilities • Design communities that encourage and promote community connectiveness • Encouraging greater community engagement/participation • Narrowing the deprivation gap between neighbourhoods Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will need to set out where growth and regeneration will be prioritised in the borough to tackle deprivation and promote investment and future opportunities, whilst combating the effects of climate change. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without intervention, there is a high risk that levels of deprivation may increase over the long run as development will not be targeted to the areas of greatest need. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Indices of 48th out of 327(1 Ministry of Housing, communities and Local See table 8 multiple was the most Government (2015) above deprivation deprived area and 327 the least https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english- deprived) indices-of-deprivation-2015 Children and young 24% (15,800 Anti-Poverty Needs Assessment (Doncaster MBC, 19.3% (national people living in people) 2014) average) poverty (aged 19 and under) Fuel poverty (% of 11.3% Department for Business, Energy & Industrial England 11% residents) Strategy (2017). Yorkshire and Humber 12.4% https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sub- Selby 9.2%% regional-fuel-poverty-data-2017 Bradford 15%%

9 Ministry of Housing, communities and Local Government (2015) English Indices of Deprivation 2015. Available online: Ministry of Housing, communities and Local Government (2015) English Indices of Deprivation 2015. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-indices-of-deprivation-2015

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Figure 7: Doncaster communities ranked by level of deprivation

BUILDING A STRONGER & MORE DIVERSE LOCAL ECONOMY

Economic output and productivity

Table 9 identifies the gross value added (GVA) of the combined Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham economy. This combined economy accounts for 11.6% of the Yorkshire and the Humber regional economy

Table 9 Gross Value Added (Income Approach10) 1997 2007 2016 (provisional) % change 1997 Region Name £ million £ million £ million to 2016 England 722,283 1,166,081 1,495,559 48% Yorkshire and The Humber 60,695 96,783 115,489 53% South Yorkshire 13,067 21,699 25,889 50% Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham 6,859 11,593 13,935 49% Sheffield 6,208 10,106 11,954 52%

Overall, Doncaster’s output contributes 4.74% of the Yorkshire and Humber total. This has remained fairly constant at between 4.39% and 4.75% in the 5 year period between 2008 and 2013.

Productivity per worker currently stands at £41,590. This is up 2.83% over the previous 5 years. Productivity per worker in Doncaster is currently greater than the Sheffield city region average of £39,970 but lower than the Yorkshire and Humber average of £45,930. However, both the Sheffield city region and Yorkshire and Humber have seen productivity fall over the 2008 to 2013 period.

10 Estimates of workplace based GVA allocate incomes to the region in which the economic activity takes place.

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Doncaster has a ‘prosperity gap’ of £724 million in comparison with the Yorkshire and Humber region (i.e. Doncaster’s output is 16% below what it could be if it were an average local authority in the region). If Doncaster had matched the regional averages for (i) industry sectoral mix (ii) productivity per worker and (iii) employment rates, it would have resulted in an average 17% increase in output (GVA) each year from 2008 to 2013.

The key element of the ‘prosperity gap’ is the sectoral mix. Despite recent improvements, Doncaster’s economy is generally still skewed towards the lower productivity sectors and is lacking employees in the higher value sectors, such as finance and real estate. Overall, the prosperity gap between Doncaster and the rest of the region has narrowed significantly in recent years (from £935 million in 2008 to £724 million in 2013)11.

The average output per worker (across all sectors) rose from £40,455 in 2008 to £41,588 in 2013 with a high of £42,522 in 2011. The overall rise is £1,133 or 2.28%. Over the same period, the Yorkshire and Humber output per worker fell from £47,538 to £45,927 (-£1,611 or -3.39%). Despite that fall, Yorkshire and Humber workers are currently (2013) on average 9% more productive than Doncaster’s workers; this is down from 15% in 2008. Since 2010, Doncaster workers have become on average annually 3% more productive than the city region average12.

Doncaster’s ‘prosperity gap’ with the Sheffield city region currently stands at £75 million (only 1.7% below what it would be if it were an average local authority within the Sheffield city region). The gap was significantly lowered in 2010 when Doncaster’s employment rate and productivity per worker exceeded that of the Sheffield city region average. The employment rate has slipped down in comparison to the Sheffield city region since 2010 but the overall gap has not changed significantly as Doncaster has been consistently more productive. Since 2010, productivity per worker rose above the city region average, further enforcing this position.

In summary, Doncaster is performing well in relation to its near neighbours in the city region but still requires significant improvement to become an average performing local authority at the regional level.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Linking economic growth to market opportunities balancing against the need to regenerate deprived areas • Strengthening links to neighbouring cities and towns (e.g. Hull and Sheffield) and external labour markets (e.g. ports) • Reducing unemployment levels • Addressing long term economic development goals in the short to medium term • Creating more private sector jobs • Marketing and promoting Doncaster as a place to do business • Recruitment and training Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The vision and aims of the Doncaster Local Plan will need to consider Doncaster’s future role in the context of the Sheffield city region and other major conurbations in the north of England where there are opportunities to build stronger links through cross-boundary initiatives such as the Northern powerhouse. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan The success of the borough’s economy is tied to that of the UK economy as a whole. For this reason, predictions are difficult to make. The UK is experiencing an economic upturn, following a protracted period of sluggish growth, which is likely to affect Doncaster similarly to other parts of the UK. On the face of it, a business-as-usual option would be unsustainable as economic opportunities and jobs will come forward in an ad hoc manner and would not be necessarily linked to new growth sectors. A lack of strategic planning may also exacerbate the current imbalance between public and private sector jobs. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets % of all people aged 16-74 Male = 71.9 2011 census 68.4 (Yorkshire & the Humber) economically active Female = 61.8 69.7 (England & Wales) Total = 66.9 Working full-time Male = 46.0 2011 census Female = 27.3 Working part time Male = 6.3 2011 census Female = 23.7

11 The improvement in 2010 (down from £929 million in 2009 to £452 million) was due mainly to a significant rise in the employment rate. 12 Office for National Statistics (Nomis).

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% of all people Male = 28.1 2011 census aged 16-74 Female = 38.2 economically inactive Unemployed Male = 7.2 2011 census Female = 4.3 Average weekly £426 (Doncaster is ranked 43 Cities Outlook £490 (Great Britain) earnings out of 64 local authorities) (Centre for Cities, £427 (Barnsley) 2011) £434 (Sheffield)

Employment diversity & investment

Like many other parts of the UK, Doncaster has witnessed a significant shift from a traditional manufacturing base towards knowledge-based industries (e.g. education, financial, retail and other business services) although the proportion of manufacturing firms remains above the national average. Service based industries (e.g. health and education) now account for over two thirds of all jobs.

The size of the office sector is relatively small for a town of its size (e.g. Doncaster town centre lacks grade A business space) although the market has steadily grown in recent years. Doncaster has over 30 business parks or industrial estates; many of these are linked to motorway junctions, particularly along the M18 and A1(M). The distribution market is strong compared to neighbouring authorities, with a healthy stock of available warehouse space.

While economic activity rates are close to the national average, Doncaster has relatively low proportion of skilled labour relative to other parts of the city region, especially among the older population due, in part, to the lack of employment/training opportunities and a relatively high concentration of claimant benefits. As a result, a significant productivity gap exists between Doncaster and the rest of the Yorkshire and Humber region, especially compared to other former industrial towns of a similar size, such as Wakefield and Warrington.

Doncaster’s economy is relatively self-contained and isolated from the rest of the Sheffield city region, as evidenced in the relative low levels of outward and inward commuting, and is close to being independent in terms of its labour market, due to the lack of high value jobs13. Overall, just 3.4% of Doncaster’s residents commute to Sheffield, and just 0.5% of Sheffield residents travel in the opposite direction.

The current reliance on public sector jobs and funding underscores the need to create a more resilient and diverse economic base focussed on new growth sectors and jobs such as business services, creative and digital industries and environmental technologies to maximise Doncaster’s competitive advantages.

Doncaster has a relatively low number of small-medium enterprises and business start-up rates relative to its size although it has witnessed a significant increase in the total business stock in the past two years, especially in the scientific, professional and technical activities and transportation and storage14.

Local businesses cite the lack of suitability qualified and available staff as the primary barrier to business growth and innovation, especially among small businesses15. The majority of jobs in Doncaster do not require degree level qualifications and are relatively low paid. Around four-in-ten businesses find it difficult to fill roles due to a lack of skills, particularly those businesses in IT/telecommunications and professional/business services16. This means that local businesses tend to look outside the area in order to find the right level of staff and expertise. However, the current skills delivery infrastructure is not well suited to reaching and up-skilling those already in the workforce. The trend within the economy is towards greater demand for skills within jobs at all levels.

13 City Relationships: Economic Links between Northern Cities Hull and Humber Ports (March 2010) 14 Centre for Cities. 15 Labour Market Information Survey (Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Doncaster Council and Doncaster College, October 2012) 16 Doncaster Labour Market Information Survey Research Report (Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, 2012)

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Doncaster also suffers from high levels of digital and social exclusion. Around 16% of its communities are deeply digitally and socially excluded (with no internet access) and around 25% are broadly excluded. These figures are significantly higher than the national average. These include many older and disabled people and other minority groups including gypsies and travellers and those with very poor education achievement.

The distribution of social and digital exclusion (as shown in figure 8 below) varies significantly between Doncaster’s communities, especially between rural and urban areas and between northern and southern parts. Social and digital exclusion tends to be higher in areas that suffer from high levels of deprivation and worklessness such as former mining communities (e.g. Armthorpe, Rossington, Carcroft, Skellow, Stainforth, Denaby, Mexborough and Consiborough) and inner housing areas (e.g. Town Moor). Social inclusion tends to be more pronounced in more affluent neighbourhoods (e.g. Spotborough and Warmsworth) and settlements in the surrounding rural hinterland (e.g. Bawtry and Tickhill) where levels of car ownership are higher than average. Doncaster also has pockets of social and digital exclusion in some of its rural communities, including the sparsely populated villages of Clayton, Newton Pagnell and Hampole, where transport and internet accessibility is more limited.

The digital divide is present everywhere in the sub region but it is more pronounced in Doncaster than in Sheffield and other parts of South Yorkshire. The latest national survey shows that 13.1% of adults within South Yorkshire have never used the internet, falling from 19% in 2011. This puts South Yorkshire on par with the national average at 13.1%. Internet usage in the sub region (86.8%) is now slightly higher than the national average (86.7%)17.

Figure 8: Social and digital exclusion in Doncaster18

17 Office of National Statistics Quarterly Internet Survey (Q4, 2013) 18 esd-toolkit - innovation toolkit (www.esd.org)

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Local surveys indicate that certain groups in Doncaster such as teenagers, gypsy and travellers, black and ethnic minorities (e.g. Pakistani and Indian communities), older and vulnerable people, ex-offenders and people with learning difficulties feel excluded from education, community or employment opportunities19.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Developing a more resilient and competitive economy with a higher proportion of private sector jobs, especially in high skilled sectors • Achieving concentrations of economy activity around core growth sectors (e.g. logistics, engineering, renewable/low carbon energy clusters) to maximise supply chain/co-location opportunities, tied to the delivery of new infrastructure (e.g. inland port) • Improving economic links with Sheffield and other major settlements in the city region • Widening access to training and education, particularly at NVQ4 and above. • Use of economic incentives and funding to lever in investment and jobs Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will need to set aside sufficient land to accommodate a range of employment uses to meet long term requirements in a variety of locations across the borough. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan A business-as-usual option would make it harder to attract inward investment and maximise opportunities to widen access to jobs within deprived areas. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets

19 The survey information comes from various sources including www.ruralyorkshire.org.uk/project/doncaster-community-connect; www.doncaster.gov.uk/.../.%5CReports%5C020610cabrp4ap3.do and http://www.sociology.leeds.ac.uk/assets/files/research/circle/local_labour_markets.pdf

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Economic productivity £16.77 per hour Doncaster Local £17.47 (Sheffield City Region) Economic Assessment £21.03 (UK) (April 2010) Employment rate 69.4% Nomis (January 2014 – South Yorkshire (69.8) December 2014) Barnsley (72.5) 66.5% (rates are 5% Rotherham (67.4) lower than Wakefield Sheffield (69.8) which has a similar economic structure) Percentage of people aged 2014: 12.6% Doncaster MBC (2014) Yorkshire and the Humber between 16 and 24 with no 2004: 18.9% (10.4%) qualifications Sheffield City Region (11.4%) Barnsley (9.3%) Sheffield (10.3%) Managers, directors and senior 34.4% Nomis (October 2013- Yorkshire and The Humber officials September 2014) (40.2%) Great Britain (44.6%) Professional occupations 7% Nomis (October 2013- Yorkshire and The Humber September 2014) (9.2%) Great Britain (10.2%) NVQ4 and above 22.9% Nomis (January 2013- Yorkshire and The Humber December 2013) (30.0%) Great Britain (35.2%) NVQ3 and above 45.3% Nomis (January 2013- Yorkshire and The Humber December 2013) (51.8%) Great Britain (55.8%) No qualifications 12.6% Nomis (January 2013- Yorkshire and The Humber December 2013) (10.4%) Great Britain (9.3%) South Yorkshire (percentage of 8 0 .9 Internet Access 83 .5 adults who have ever used the 86.8 Quarterly Update - 85.1 internet) ONS 86.7 South Yorkshire (percentage of 19.0 (2011, Q3) Internet Access 16.3 (UK) adults who have never used 15.6 (2012, Q3) Quarterly Update - 14.7 (UK) the internet) 13.1 (2013, Q3) ONS 13.1 (UK)

ENSURING THE VITALITY OF TOWN CENTRES

Doncaster town centre is the largest and most dominant centre in the borough, serving a wide catchment area. The town centre is ranked in the top five shopping centres in the Yorkshire and Humber region (only Leeds and Sheffield city centres offer a greater scale of retail and leisure floorspace). Since the redevelopment of the Frenchgate shopping centre, the town centre has risen sharply in the national retail rankings (from 60 in 2005 to 44 in 2014) and significantly outperforms similar sized towns, such as Barnsley, Rotherham and Wakefield20.

The market towns of Mexborough and Thorne are the largest centres outside of Doncaster and provide a wide range of retail and non-retail services (e.g. banks, building societies, libraries and restaurants), serving more than the immediate catchment areas. In addition, there are a number of district (e.g. Armthorpe, Bawtry and Conisbrough) and local centres (e.g. Stainforth, Dunscoft and Hatfield) across the borough serving predominately local convenience and community needs.

While Doncaster town centre continues to perform well despite challenging economic conditions, vacancy rates are among the highest in the UK and have increased significantly over the past ten years since the opening of the Frenchgate shopping centre21. The proportion of town centre floorspace which is presently vacant is well above the national average and there is an imbalance in terms of activity between the Frenchgate shopping centre and main high street areas in the west and the declining and run down ‘Waterdale’ area and surrounding streets in

20 Venue Score (Javelin Group) 21 Doncaster Retail Study (GVA Grimley, 2012)

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the east. This can be largely attributed to the competition from out-of-centre retailing, on-line shopping and reduced customer spending.

Doncaster has a high proportion of out-of-centre and out-of-town retail and leisure developments including the Lakeside Outlet Village and a number of retail warehouse parks (8 in total) which are located along main arterial roads leading out of the town centre. The vast majority of Doncaster’s food stores are located outside of existing centres. There is a risk of further trade leakage and diversion from existing centres to out-of-centre food stores (taking into account planned investments/commitments), largely due to the lack of large floor plates and the poor diversity of convenience offer within existing town centres which has reduced markedly in the past ten years. Indeed, there is clear evidence that Doncaster’s existing centres are suffering in the face of competition from out-of-centre and internet shopping as set out in successive retail studies. Further new out-of-centre retail development (other than bulky goods) has the potential to cause significant harm to the vitality and viability of Doncaster’s existing centres.

According to a recent research study, the amount of out-of-centre comparison goods floorspace now exceeds the total amount located within Doncaster town centre, reflecting the gradual decline of its market share over the past 15 years, particularly in the more ‘bulky’ goods categories. The evidence, on the other hand, suggests that the town centre has substantial capacity to accommodate comparison retail floorspace and other town centre uses22.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Increasing the proportion of commercial and retail floorspace in the town centres • Reducing the number of empty shops on the high street • Ensuring that future out-of-centre development does not have an harmful impact on the vitality and viability of existing centres • Enhancing the vitality and viability of existing centres • Locating new retail and leisure development in existing centres • Strengthening Doncaster’s role as a major sub-regional centre • Strengthening the role of the smaller town centres and district centres • Reducing the need to travel to out-of-centre locations • Providing local shops to meet local needs outside of existing centres (e.g. future growth areas) Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will need to set out a clear vision and strategy for creating more viable and attractive town centres and set of policies to guide new development so as to support the vitality and viability of existing centres and economic regeneration objectives, whilst reducing the need to travel.

Specific areas / development sites will need to be set aside within the town and district centres to meet Doncaster’s future retail, leisure, commercial, office and cultural and community needs over the plan period. The Doncaster Local Plan will also need to define a network and hierarchy of centres, the extent of existing centres and thresholds for assessing the impact of out-of-centre development on town centres. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Doncaster will be subject to more speculative development within out-of-centre locations without the means of ensuring that it does not have an adverse impact on the town centres. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Retail rankings of key Doncaster (44) Venuescore Meadowhall (38) competing centres (2014) (Verdict) Sheffield (22) York (20)

SUPPORTING A PROSPEROUS RURAL ECONOMY

Doncaster has a diverse rural economy offering a broad range of employment and tourist-related activities such as agric-food, forestry, horse-riding, environmental management, mining, mineral extraction and recreation. Over two thirds of the borough is rural in character and around 11% of the population (33,000 inhabitants) live in the countryside. Many of these people live in market towns such as Bawtry and Tickhill and commuter villages

22 Accessible Retail Case Studies into the Impact of Out-of-Centre Retailing on Town Centres (November 2010)

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such as Hatfield Woodhouse, Barnby Dun and Fishlake. The remainder live in the borough’s sparse rural hinterland (e.g. hamlets and small villages).

Doncaster contains large tracts of intensively farmed, largely arable countryside, reflecting the high proportion of good quality agricultural land and attractive landscape. The most affluent areas of the borough are located in the north and south of the borough, predominately within the rural hinterland.

Overall, people living in rural areas within Doncaster are more likely to be economically active (67% of the urban working age population are economically active compared to 68% in rural areas) and self-employed. 16% of the working age population live in rural areas; however, 20% of self-employed people live in rural areas. Also they are less likely to be unemployed/long term unemployed. The overall average unemployment rate is 6% (2011 census), however that falls to 4% in rural areas. 2% of the working age urban population are classified as ‘long term unemployed’ compared to 1% in rural areas. Income levels are also higher in rural than urban areas although there are pockets of deprivation across rural communities23. There are also fewer children and young people living in rural areas than in the main urban areas24.

Doncaster’s rural economy faces a number of significant challenges today which arise mainly from the relative remoteness of businesses from centres of employment, the lack of affordable or sheltered housing, declining public transport patronage, loss of services (e.g. community facilities), changing agricultural practices, poor broadband connectivity, lack of investment/funding opportunities and increasing development pressure at the urban-rural fringe, such as commuter housing.

The east of the borough comprises predominantly flat agricultural landscape and the floodplains of major rivers such as Torne, Idle, Went, Don and Trent.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Lack of access to markets, key facilities (e.g. health care, food shopping and education etc) and development opportunities due to distance and cost, especially those without access to private transport. • Limited public transport accessibility • Encouraging the use of information technology and telecommunications (e.g. better broadband connectivity) • Providing job opportunities through improved transport links to urban areas and in appropriate small scale business premises • Provision and expansion of tourist/visitor facilities and rural diversification schemes subject to appropriate environmental safeguards • Delivering housing in rural areas to meet local needs which is affordable and close to existing facilities • Improving access to the countryside and tourist activities (e.g. Thorne and Hatfield Moors) • Sensitive exploitation of renewable energy sources in the countryside (e.g. wind farms) • Giving priority to the re-use of existing buildings (e.g. live/work units/business start-ups) Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will need to set out policies to support the rural economy and encourage diversification in rural areas, whilst protecting the environment and minimising climate change. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without a local plan, the rural economy will be worse off in the long run as there will be fewer opportunities to provide worker housing and coordinate transport services and widen access to tourism activities. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets None N/A N/A N/A

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

Doncaster's geographical location on the national communications network gives it some of the best transport facilities for a town of its size in England, offering excellent and fast access to other parts of the UK and beyond. The borough can be accessed via:

23 Poverty Needs Assessment (Doncaster Data Observatory, 2014) 24 Children & Young People’s Needs Assessment (Doncaster Data Observatory, 2014)

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• air (Doncaster Sheffield Airport); • road (A1(M), M18 and M180 motorways), with links to the M1 and M42 motorways; • rail (e.g. the East Coast Mainline offers the fastest rail connections to London from Yorkshire); • cycle (e.g. Sustrans); • waterways (e.g. Stainforth-Keadby Canal and Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal); and • intermodal freight hubs (e.g. iPort).

Doncaster Sheffield is an international airport located on the site of the former RAF site at Finningley, some 3.5 miles from Doncaster and 18 miles from Sheffield. The airport handles between 800,000 to 1 million passengers per annum and offers flights to destinations in Europe and the UK, benefiting from the longest heavy duty runway in England.

Doncaster has three quality bus corridors with park and ride sites along the A638 north and south of the town centre and of the A6182. The cycle network includes the Trans Pennine Trail, Northern and Southern Greenway and Roman Ridge.

None of these links, however, are proving effective drivers of growth across the city region due to capacity and access limitations from key motorway junctions into Doncaster and lack of rail access to the airport. Poor access poses a major constraint on the growth of the airport and business park.

Car travel remains the predominant form of transport in the borough, especially compared to the region and UK as a whole. The strategic road network is quite extensive - extending from north to south and east to west - but it needs to increase its capacity to accommodate future traffic demand and reduce congestion at key bottlenecks, such as motorway junctions. Doncaster currently has over 60.23 kilometres of motorways, making it the sixth largest motorway network in the UK25.

Since 1993, the total distance travelled (vehicle-kilometres) has increased significantly within Doncaster and the rest of South Yorkshire, predominately due to increased travel via cars, vans and taxis. Between 1993 and 2013, Doncaster saw a 33% increase in the total distance travelled (compared with 23% in South Yorkshire as a whole and 18% across the rest of the UK)26. Since 2008, travel distances have plateaued, in part due to the economic recession27.

As shown in table 8 below, Doncaster has experienced significantly higher growth rates than the other authorities in South Yorkshire in the total distance travelled. These figures, nonetheless, mask notable variations between wealthiest and poorest areas of the borough in terms of public transport patronage and car usage.

As Doncaster’s economy and its population continues to grow and fuel costs becomes more affordable (from efficiency savings), car traffic is expected to increase significantly over the next 25 years, particularly on the strategic road network. Recent research predicts an increase of around 15% in the total vehicle kilometres travelled across Doncaster due to further dispersal of land use patterns (compared with 12% in the city region as a whole).

Table 8: Motor vehicle traffic (million vehicle miles) in South Yorkshire from 1993 and 201328 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2005 South Yorkshire 4,928 5,018 5,132 5,307 5,40 5,54 5,62 5,666 5,788 5,962 5,993 6,19 6,18 6,20 6,28 6,21 6,137 6,03 6,064 6,041 6,05 3 1 6 4 8 9 2 2 9 7 Barnsley 915 931 952 983 968 991 1,074 1,081 1,094 1,130 1,131 1,182 1,179 1,178 1,206 1,176 1,161 1,158 1,151 1,138 1,141

Doncaster 1,415 1,443 1,479 1,544 1,591 1,634 1,635 1,655 1,702 1,786 1,797 1,880 1,896 1,904 1,926 1,893 1,868 1,833 1,839 1,873 1,882

25 Ordnance Survey Integrated Transport Network (also see www.gov.uk/government/collections/road-network-size-and-condition). 26 www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/tra89-traffic-by-local-authority 27 Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy 2011-2026 (April 2011) 28 Department of Transport (www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/tra89-traffic-by-local-authority)

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Rotherham 1,176 1,198 1,229 1,282 1,318 1,359 1,323 1,333 1,363 1,387 1,392 1,437 1,441 1,450 1,455 1,474 1,449 1,417 1,432 1,412 1,421

Sheffield 1,423 1,446 1,472 1,498 1,526 1,557 1,593 1,596 1,629 1,659 1,672 1,695 1,673 1,676 1,695 1,669 1,658 1,631 1,642 1,618 1,612

The growth of highway demand is expected to cause a significant increase in congestion. Without intervention, most of Doncaster’s network will be severely congested, notably around M1 junctions and some sections of the M18 (junctions 1 to 4) and the A1(M) (junctions 35 and 38) and sections of the A638 and A630.

Work has begun on delivering comprehensive road improvements to the motorway and trunk network, including a new link road from junction 3 of the M18 to the airport (FARRRS) and junction/lane widening (e.g. M18 junctions 2 and 3), new monitoring equipment and traffic signals (e.g. junction 5). The highway programme aims to reduce congestion and journey times, improve access into Doncaster, improve highway safety and support economic growth. Plans are also afoot to widen the A1(M) into three lanes (in both directions) along the Doncaster stretch of the motorway and provide a link from junction 38 of the A1(M) to the A19 (Doncaster Road) between Carcroft and Adwick le Street.

Doncaster’s roads are becoming safer for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle users. The number of people who have killed or seriously injured on the roads in Doncaster fell significantly from 146 in 2005 to 117 in 2012 – an increase of 20%, mirroring the national, regional and sub-regional pictures.

Doncaster is predominantly flat and therefore excellent for cycling. Cycle use has more than doubled in the last decade and more people are cycling and walking to work in the town centre29.

Doncaster was ranked seventh in Yorkshire and the Humber on the number of people cycling to work. Around 3,200 people (1.5% of the workforce) cycled to work in 2011 compared to 1.6% on average across Yorkshire and less than 1% in South Yorkshire.

In overall terms, active travel (foot, cycle and other self-propelled modes) is broadly in line with national and regional trends. Active travel is highest in the most densely populated wards. Doncaster has a lower level of home working than regional and national averages but numbers are growing30. Both walking and cycling have been identified as key to increasing the low participation in physical activity of adults in the borough31.

Bus patronage in Doncaster is lower than the national average and there is a need to improve public transport access to outlying communities to better link residents to job opportunities, especially areas with a high incidence of worklessness. A recent survey revealed that 61% of bus users in Doncaster were fairly dissatisfied with the quality and reliability of bus services across the borough32.

Key issues, problems and opportunities Doncaster’s key strengths are its transport connectivity and infrastructure (see figure 7). This makes us one of the main logistic hubs in the region. However, internal connectivity is hindered due to capacity and access limitations along key routes into the town centre and lack of access to the airport. Public transport patronage is relative low and there is a need to improve links between relatively low car owning areas and principal job centres and rural outlying settlements and the new airport. Investment is needed in new infrastructure to improve economic linkages between Doncaster and coastal ports (e.g. Hull and Humber) and other major city regions. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will need to put in place policies to promote sustainable transport and encourage a modal shift from private car to public transport. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan

29 Between 2002 and 2012, cycling trips increased by 64% (from 2,089 to 3,286 per day). This is based on the number of cyclists entering Doncaster town centre (Doncaster Cycle Strategy). 30 Doncaster Local Economic Assessment (Doncaster MBC, 2010) 31 Doncaster - Active People Survey Analysis (Sheffield Hallam University, 2010) 32 South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive Vision for Doncaster (2010)

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The absence of a land -use planning framework would make it harder to coordinate and integrate land use and transport and maximise regeneration benefits of strategic linkages especially in relation to socially excluded areas. Private transport providers would pursue commercial agenda which may reinforce social exclusion/rural isolation. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Percentage of households with 27.8 2011 census 25.6% (UK) no car/van Percentage of households with 72.2 2011 census 73.1 (Barnsley) a car/van 73.4 (Rotherham) 67 (Sheffield) Number of killed or seriously 2005 (146) www.travelindependent.org.uk Barnsley (114 in 2005; 81 in injured (pedestrians, cyclists, 2013 (118) 2013) motorcyclists and car Rotherham (93 in 2005; 113 in occupants) 2013) Sheffield (305 in 2005; 169 in 2013) Projected rise in highway 55,000 trips South Yorkshire Passenger 495,000(Sheffield city trips per day by 2026 Transport Executive33 region) 152,000 (Sheffield) 73,000 (Rotherham) 69,000 (Barnsley) 30,000 (Chesterfield and Bolsover) Trip length 15% 17% (Derbyshire Dales) 15% (Bassetlaw 15% (Bolsover) 9% (Sheffield) 7% (Chesterfield)

Figure 9: Doncaster’s bus and rail network

33 Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy 2011-2026

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DELIVERING A WIDE CHOICE OF HIGH QUALITY HOMES

Housing market area

Doncaster operates as a self-contained housing market; over two thirds of house moves are within the borough34. Despite being self-contained, Doncaster has important functional connections with neighbouring areas, primarily with the 8 other districts of the Sheffield city region, but also with East Midlands region. There are also important population flows with other cities and areas of the UK. The main population flows, however, are with the boroughs of Barnsley and Rotherham, with which Doncaster shares a boundary; and with Sheffield, which is Doncaster’s closest major city.

In general, Doncaster loses population to other local authority areas within the Sheffield city region to the rest of the Yorkshire and Humber region, and to the East Midlands region; but goes some way to replacing this lost population with those undertaking longer distance moves from other parts of the UK and abroad. Commuter patterns suggest a large majority working within the borough, with the remainder making use of the links within the sub-region, region and nationally in roughly equal measure. An estimated 75-80% of workers travel to work within the borough, with a fifth travelling to work within the same electoral ward in which they live.

Current housing market

The increasing population and stable household size has led to more homes being required. The ageing population suggests more housing suitable for older people will be needed including options such as bungalows and/or suitably adapted properties.

34 This is evidenced in various studies (e.g. Geography of Housing Market Areas, Department of Communities and Local Government). The latest census data confirms that the proportion of housing moves that are to a designation in Doncaster is at 79%, which is higher than the proportion calculated in the previous assessment.

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Occupancy ratings (under-occupancy) suggests that more small units may be required if households are unable to maintain their larger homes (either physically or financially); which, if provided, will free up larger homes across the borough. This greater supply of larger homes may assist in the ethnic diversification of the borough by providing suitable accommodation for families/multi-generational households often associated with black and ethnic minority communities; which currently tend to congregate in and around the urban centre.

Doncaster’s economy is particularly sensitive to economic downturns/upturns: the ability of households to afford to obtain and/or financially maintain their homes is therefore susceptible to these changes. Employment rate is increasing and unemployment is decreasing, so an increasing number of households will potentially be able to obtain their own home or move home. The market seems to be improving in that the time to sell and viewing per sale are reducing, and the percentage of the asking price achieved at sale is increasing. Average prices are higher than Barnsley and Rotherham, but less than Sheffield, the sub-region and regional prices.

Average income levels are relatively low and there is a higher proportion of the workforce employed in elementary and unskilled occupations, and lower proportion in professional positions than in local authority neighbours, and compared to sub-regional and regional comparisons. At a neighbourhood level, wards with the higher proportions in professional occupations also tend to have the highest income, highest sale and rental prices. Likewise, those wards with the highest proportions in elementary/unskilled occupations tend to have the lowest incomes, and lowest sale and rental prices.

The majority of housing in Doncaster is privately owned (82%) with 16% of the stock being council-owned. 65% of households are owner occupiers, 15% are privately rented, and 18% are in social rent. Most dwellings have 3 bedrooms (55%) or 2 bedrooms (24%); and almost half (45%) of all housing is semi-detached houses or bungalows, with terraced and detached houses/bungalows accounting for 24% and 23% respectively. Council stock is predominantly in decent condition following an extensive renewal programme, but conditions in the private rented sector need to be assessed to give up-to-date information on where the council should target its enforcement/regeneration activities. The proportion of empty properties within the borough is quite high, although the exact figure is in need of validation.

Doncaster’s large proportion of social/private rented properties and the varying conditions seen across them means the council has a big role to play in maintaining and improving housing standards across the borough – through both management of its own stock and through appropriate enforcement and partnership working with private sector landlords.

There is a shortage of 1-2 bedroom properties (including flats) compared to the predominance of 1-2 person households; and very few people live in shared households – which may have to change to accommodate those with reduced housing benefit following the government’s welfare reform.

Over 91% of private rental properties are managed by a private landlord or lettings agency. The remainder are through friends or relatives (7%), employer (1%) or ‘other’ (1%). Landlords are purchasing properties at all prices of the market, but mainly at the low end of the market, outbidding first time buyers.

There are 908 registered houses in multiple occupation in Doncaster (127 licensed) with an increasing number of unregistered homes in multiple occupation being created in response to the demand from those affected by welfare reform benefit cuts. The majority of these homes are situated in the urban centre. As demand for the private rented sector grows, and the sector increases in size, it will be important to ensure that private landlords maintain good standards of property and management.

Housing completions

Gross housing completions averaged 859 between 1986 and 2004 but fell to 732 between 2004 and 2011 when average net completions (less demolitions etc) reached 52035. Net completions (2011-14) fell again to an average of 476 although net completions in 2013/14 (654) suggested a return to pre-recession rates has started. The size

35 Doncaster Housing Trajectory 2011-2028

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of the difference between gross and net completions reflected the scale of demolitions associated with the South Yorkshire Pathfinder and the council’s own housing renewal schemes, but the former has now finished and demolitions associated with the latter have reduced; consequently, net completions would be expected to rise as a proportion of gross completions. As more homes are required, a decision will need to be made on whether existing stock needs to be replaced or more units need to be built to increase overall stock.

Affordable housing completions have decreased both as a consequence of overall completion levels falling but also as a consequence of viability issues particularly since the start of the recession.

Housing land supply

Potential land supply for housing is significant although the area of land covered by national planning policy constraints is also significant (76.5% of the borough lies within the green belt or medium or high flood risk areas).

Based on unimplemented planning permissions and unimplemented Unitary Development Plan allocations, Doncaster has the capacity to deliver a total of 14,474 new dwellings (as at March 2014)36. Not all of this supply will be deliverable within 5 years and some will probably be undevelopable in the plan period. However, Doncaster currently has more than a 5-year supply of housing land, with an additional buffer to ensure choice and competition in the market. The available land is capable of accommodating 108,581 new dwellings, of which 46,225 dwellings have been assessed as developable within the plan period; of this, 43,810 (almost 2.5 times the current Core Strategy allocation requirement) dwellings are on urban sites and urban extension sites associated with the proposed locations for growth. A significant proportion of this potential supply is on land designated within the green belt or flood zones 2 or 3.

Future housing market

Population increase is predicted to be mainly due to natural change, as migration is predicted to have a net decreasing effect until around 203037.

Net outward domestic (UK) migration will continue, but will reduce; and will become cancelled out and then superseded by a net inward international migration, providing a small overall population increase per year from around 2031. Household size is stable at a density of around 2.3 people per household; and tenure change is not a big motivating factor for intended household moves.

Size and location are by far the most common drivers of intended household moves (34% each). Demand drivers are varied: wanting to move to a better neighbourhood (17%) and wanting a larger garden (15%) or larger/better property (12%) are the most common motivation.

Most intended moves will be within Doncaster, with an even split in terms of preference for the four management areas of the borough (north 20%, east 14%, southwest 14% and central 14%). Areas outside of the Yorkshire and Humber region are as popular as any one individual management area within Doncaster (12%).

The type of housing and size of housing required is changing in that more single person and smaller units will be required, more shared accommodation and more bungalows (or other properties suitable or suitably adapted for older people) across the whole borough. The impact of welfare reform will mean more people need to downsize to be able to cover their rent with reduced housing benefits, and the ageing population will mean more people will want to downsize (more often, to bungalows) to help keep their homes manageable for longer, and thus allow them to live independently for longer.

The single/shared accommodation demand may be met through the existing and additional houses in multiple occupation stock, but there is evidence to suggest that there are issues around the both standard of properties and management of the properties. The extent of such issues would need to be determined via a new stock

36 Residential Land Availability (Doncaster MBC, March 2014) 37 Migration is split between a net inward international migration, and a greater net outward domestic migration.

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condition survey; and the issues would need to be tackled if this stock is to become a viable solution to this need. There is a low housing demand in some areas and an increasing housing affordability gap between the most and least deprived areas.

Affordability is by far the most common barrier to moving home. Detached and semi-detached houses are the most common preference, and there is an actual or perceived sufficient supply. One in four households intending to move want a bungalow, though a smaller proportion think this is obtainable.

Housing need

The previous target of building 1230 homes per year (2008-2014) has not been achieved. It was based on population projections that have been superseded by much lower projections; it was based on economic growth forecasts that did not materialise; and was finalised through discussion and debate with stakeholders rather than being based on an objectively assessed need.

Affordable units are in demand across the whole borough, with electoral wards such as Central, Wheatley, Conisbrough and Denaby representing the areas with the most households on the housing waiting list. Bidding averages per available property indicate that, in addition to these areas, wards such as Town Moor, Bessacarr and Cantley, Finningley, and Sprotbrough should also be designated as high demand areas. 2-bedroom affordable units are in most demand (46%), followed by 3-bed (26%) and 1-bed (25%) although this must be considered in light of the spare room subsidy (‘bedroom tax’).

The housing market is skewed towards the lower price ranges: only a small proportion of households (13%) have an income over £50k; and only 218 (7%) out of the 3,011 total house sales in the last year were for properties costing £250k or over.

Housing requirements for specific groups

Survey responses show 48% of households contain one or more residents that are over the age of 60. Census data shows around 23% of households are 60 years or more and 17% are 65 years and more and a further 12% of Doncaster’s population are in the 55-64 age group and so will become part of the 65-plus age group over the next plan period.

A large proportion of older people in Doncaster live in the Torne Valley, Bessacarr, Cantley, Sprotbrough and Askern Spa wards38. A number of older households express a wish for support to downsize, with a preference for a move into a council home/bungalow. This is based on the peace of mind gained regarding repairs and maintenance of the property and the ability to sell their own home to free up equity held in it. However, currently, these households are not eligible for social housing due to their ownership of their own property.

Over a fifth (22%) of the population has a disability or limiting long term illness. 61% of those aged 65 years and above have a disability or limiting long term illness, and 30% of those in the 50-64 years age-group. This is higher than regional averages; and at a ward level, Conisbrough and Denaby and Mexborough have the highest incidences. There is a substantial demand for housing adaptations that will help residents to live independently in their homes for longer.

The overall number of children and young people taken into care is increasing; the majority of placements are with foster carers, and so do not require any local authority provision of accommodation39. The ratio between local authority accommodation provision and private accommodation provision is increasing. Available capacity in local authority child care units is decreasing, but is still at around 25% and the ratio of placements inside Doncaster verses out of area placements is increasing.

During 2009-14, there has been an average of 2,992 approaches to the homeless/housing options service per year. Although there is a decreasing trend overall since 2010, the number increased in 2013/14.The most

38 http://newhorizonsdoncaster.co.uk/documents/older-people-in-doncaster-statistical-overview.pdf 39 Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board

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common areas from which the service has had a duty to house were the wards that make up the urban centre. Households from outside of the borough also represent a large proportion. The number of placements into temporary accommodation has been relatively stable over recent years, but the average and longest length of stay has risen year-on-year. The number of placements into bed and breakfast accommodation has fluctuated over recent years, with a dramatic increase in 2013/14.

Doncaster has an unmet 5-year gypsy and traveller pitch requirement is 41 pitches40. A periodic review of the data has allowed an averaging of 5 counts across the last year. This average is equal to 38 pitches.

Despite a large prisoner population due to the four prisons within the borough, the council’s housing options service experienced a drastic reduction in approaches in 2013/14 from released prisoners; this indicates that the offender resettlement units/support being delivered is effective in providing or helping offenders to obtain stable, sustainable accommodation.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Doncaster’s population is increasing steadily (5.4% between 2001-11) but there has been a reduction in the young person population and an increase in working age and old-age populations although the decline in the 5- 9 and 10-14 age range may have an adverse impact on the working age population in the short to medium term. • If Doncaster’s working age population does not continue to grow at a relatively high rate, it will be at an increasing economic disadvantage, when combined with its relatively lower economic participation and productivity rates; as its working age population must support an increasing dependent pensioner population unless this is offset by significant increases in economic participation and productivity. • Doncaster comprises a self-contained housing market. Housing and affordable housing completions have fallen during the recession and are well below the current target (although that target is significantly higher than current and past household projections) but completions in 2013/14 indicate a return to pre-recession completion levels (but still well below target). • Physical renewal of existing housing stock including empty homes (e.g. Green Corridor) especially within low demand areas • Lack of suitable family housing, single person housing and rented accommodation, especially within central areas. • Potential land supply for housing is significant with over 10,000 planning permissions but this is not being reflected in completions. • There is under-occupancy of properties and housing stock is skewed towards lower price bands. • There is a large gypsy and traveller population especially compared to neighbouring areas. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan • The Doncaster Local Plan will need to allocate sufficient land (including a five year deliverable supply) to provide a mix of housing (including gypsy and traveller provision) which meets the borough’s objectively assessed housing; ensure that new homes are constructed and distributed so as to support wider regeneration objectives; ensure the delivery of better quality housing and a more diverse range of housing type, tenure and affordability; and support housing investment and renewal programmes. • Housing site allocations will need to be deliverable and developable to ensure that housing delivery can step up well beyond past rates to meet the objectively assessed housing need. Housing site allocations will need to have to regard to significant environmental constraints in the borough, notably the extensive areas of green belt and flood risk and to national policy in respect of these and the need for all development to be sustainable. • Housing developments will need to deliver the right mix of house types and tenures to meet identified needs including affordable housing, more properties suitable for older people, more small properties and an increased provision of higher priced housing41. • There is likely to be an on-going requirement for gypsy and traveller pitches and sufficient land will need to be identified to meet the assessed need. The relatively high provision of accommodation relative to neighbouring authorities together with nomadic lifestyle will likely mean that provision of pitches will be an issue in the context of the duty to cooperate. • Planning policies in existing residential areas need to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate those specialist needs requirements that are less likely to be delivered on general housing allocations including HMOs and various forms of special care accommodation. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Doncaster would be open to more speculative housing development on an ad-hoc, unplanned basis (e.g. unallocated sites) which may result in more unsustainable forms of development and would likely dissuade some inward

40 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (January 2014) 41 Doncaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment Update (Doncaster MBC, 2014)

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investment because of the lack of certainty. In addition, there would be no mechanism to secure the provision of affordable housing or other types of housing to meet identified need. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Average house price 2004 - £96,443 Zoopla Sheffield (£115,000) in Doncaster 2011 - £118,686 2014 - £95,869 Number of 2011 - 11,300 Doncaster MBC households on the 2013 - 11,521 housing waiting list Average household 2010 - £26,963 Doncaster Strategic £34,724 (England & Wales) income Housing Market £29,902 (Yorkshire & Assessment Humber) Average annual 2003 – £20,415 Yorkshire Futures: Progress 2009: earnings (£) 2009 – £26,963 in South Yorkshire £34,724 (England & Wales) £29,902 (Yorkshire & Humber) Average house price as multiple 2003 – 4.4 Doncaster MBC of average earnings 2010 – 4.9 Number of households accepted 270 (2003/2004) as homeless requiring 52 (2009/2010) accommodation Percentage of local authority 2004/2005 = 29.49 Doncaster Housing homes which were not decent 2010/2011 = 32.06 Improvement Plan

PROMOTING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Leisure, recreation, open space & other community assets

Doncaster contains a wide variety of open spaces and recreational assets that serve different functions and roles, including country estates, historic gardens, green corridors, racecourses, wildlife parks, crags and caves, waterways, wetlands and woodlands. Open space (including farmland) covers approximately two thirds of the total land area.

Future development will place further pressure on these assets and there is a need to provide new and improved leisure and recreational facilities to meet current and future demands.

Collectively, these assets form the backbone of Doncaster’s green infrastructure network. This network extends across administrative boundaries into neighbouring areas and links these assets together to form extensive green corridors that cross strategic valleys (e.g. limestone gorges), waterways (e.g. rivers Don, Dearne, Idle and Went) and key cycle and pedestrian routes (e.g. Trans Pennine Trail) between existing built-up-areas and the open countryside.

Doncaster’s tourist industry is broad and varied and includes businesses in hotels and accommodation, museums, stately homes, country parks, festivals and other sport and recreational activities such as watersports, horse racing, golf and cycling. Visitor numbers have increased significantly over the past five years, bucking the national trend. In 2013/2014, around 1.4 million people visited Doncaster’s tourist attractions, an increase of 14.6% from the previous year. The number of people visiting Doncaster has doubled in just four years, making it one of Europe’s fastest growing tourist designations42.

Doncaster has over 300 miles of public rights of way (footpaths, bridleways and tracks), ranging in length from a few metres to long distance routes and in character from formal urban routes (e.g. disused railway lines to the entirely rural and significantly vegetated towpaths, including parts of the national cycle (Sustrans) and pedestrian network (Trans Pennine Trail). It also contains around 1,500 hectares of open access land at Thorne and Hatfield Moors, Wet Holt and Sandwith Hill43.

42 www.doncaster.gov.uk/db/enews/article 43 Doncaster Rights of Way Improvement Plan

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There is wide variation in the level of provision of open space across the borough, both in terms of type and community area. Cantley is the only community in the borough with no open space deficiencies. The remainder have a shortage of certain types of open space such as informal and formal greenspace, public parks, nature conservation sites and allotments. However, a number of communities are severely deficient in open space provision (e.g. Finningley, Bessacarr and New Rossington) and some of them are deficient in all types of open space (e.g. Fenwick, Moss and Town Moor).

There is significant and growing evidence on the health benefits of access to good quality green spaces. The benefits include better self-rated health; lower body mass index, overweight and obesity levels; increased longevity; and improved mental health and wellbeing.

Around 5.8% of the land in the borough is classed as woodland. This is well below the South Yorkshire average of 7.4% and the national average of 8.4%. Around 30% of Doncaster’s woodland is thought to be ancient woodland. The proportion of trees per head of population varies considerably across the borough from heavily wooded areas around Balby, Bessacarr and Clayton (e.g. Bawtry Forest) and the sparse, open fields of the south east44.

There is a need to encourage greater participation in civic and community based activities in the borough such as physical recreation, training/learning, volunteering, social networking and public events, especially within areas where public transport provision is limited (e.g. remote rural areas).

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Securing appropriate and good quality open space provision within new development to address deficiencies/unmet needs • Improving links between open spaces and the wider green infrastructure network and open countryside • Providing high quality community facilities and services which meet local aspirations and needs and safeguarding them from alternative forms of development • Securing the provision of new infrastructure and services to support new development within major growth areas • Encouraging the reuse of land and buildings (e.g. redevelopment) and tree planting opportunities • Encouraging increased participation in sport and active recreation • Improving access to open spaces such as the moors and ancient woodlands Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan According to the national planning policy framework, local authorities should plan positively for the provision and use of shared space, community facilities and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments. Planning decisions should also guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services, particularly where this would reduce the community's ability to meet its day-to-day needs. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan A ‘business-as-usual’ approach would neither provide neither community facilities/open spaces of an appropriate standard nor address the needs of the individual. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Proportion of greenspace 5,750 hectares Greenspace Audit N/A Number of public parks 24 (Doncaster MBC, Number of woodland sites 65 2013)

Health & physical activity

Doncaster’s health has improved greatly over recent decades in line with the rest of the UK due to rising living standards and changing lifestyles. Despite efforts to improve health, a persistent gap exists between the most disadvantaged people and most affluent people in terms of life expectancy and mortality rates. Life expectancy is lower than the national average and mortality rates are rising faster than the national or regional average. This

44 Doncaster Green Infrastructure Strategy (Doncaster MBC, 2014)

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is largely due to deaths amongst men. Doncaster has significantly higher death rates from circulatory diseases (including coronary heart disease) and cancer/chronic lung disease than other parts of the UK.

Adult obesity rates in Doncaster are high compared to national figures with 44% of adults classed as overweight and 30.4% as obese (33). Around a quarter of Doncaster’s adult population (58,000) are considered to be obese or overweight although self-reported obesity is lower than average (18%). Levels of sport and physical activity, whilst increasing, are low compared to the national and regional average45.

Doncaster has a higher percentage of residents who are classed as inactive (32.9%) in comparison to national (28.9%) and regional averages (29%). A conservative estimate of the health costs of physical inactivity for Doncaster is approximately £5 million46.

Health inequalities also vary considerably across the borough by gender and deprivation. For example, men from the most deprived areas had nearly 7 years’ shorter life expectancy than those in the least deprived areas47.

Doncaster has the second highest proportion of people with a long term limiting illness in the Yorkshire and Humber region and has a higher proportion of benefit claimants relative to the national average, especially incapacity benefits. Around a quarter of children live below the poverty threshold.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Demands on healthcare are set to increase due to a growing population and an increasing elderly population • Need to improve and provide better quality sports and recreational facilities to widen access/choice and encourage the take up of more active lifestyles • Improving Doncaster air quality, reduce exposure to airborne pollutants and secure the implementation of the Air Quality Action Plan, having regard to national and international obligations • Avoiding an over concentration of unhealthy hot-food-take-aways and licensed premises • Ensuring that residents have good access to health facilities such as GPs • Providing access to affordable, locally produced food (e.g. allotments and farmer markets) • Utilisation of greenspace for exercise/health reasons Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan has a key role in preventing ill health and promoting good health through addressing the wider determinants of health such as transport, housing, education, community safety, access to green space and the built environment. Opportunities should be explored to improve access to green space, secure new health facilities, improve infrastructure for active travel through the new community infrastructure levy and section 106 agreements, especially within areas suffering from poor health or poor access to services. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without these interventions, potential synergies between spatial planning and health policies may not be realised. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Life expectancy at birth (males) Doncaster ONS England: 76.5 (2007-09) 78.2 (2007-09) 77.5 (2011-13) 79.4 (2011-13) Life expectancy at birth (females) Doncaster ONS England: 81.3 (2007-09) 82.3 (2007-09) 81.7 (2011-13) 83.1 (2011-13) Healthy life expectancy at birth Doncaster ONS England Males 57.9 Males 63.4 Females 59.6 Females 64.1 Proportion of people who are Doncaster Active people Survey (Sport England overweight or obese Overweight 44% England, 2013) Overweight 40.8% Obese 30.4% Obese 23% Percentage of adults classed as 55.3% Active People Survey 55.6% (England) active >150 mins/wk Percentage of adults classed as 32.9% 28.9% (England) inactive <30 mins/wk

45 Active People Survey (Sport England) 46 Doncaster Physical Activity and Sport Strategy 2014 – 2020 47 National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk

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Alcohol related admissions to 734 admissions per Public Health Outcomes 637 admissions per 100,000 hospital 100,000 population Framework (England)

Education & skills

Education results are steadily improving in both primary and secondary schools (i.e. number of pupils achieving five A to C grades at “GCSE” level has increased significantly in recent years - from 36% in 2007 to 53% in 2014) but still consistently lag behind regional and national averages, notably in key skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic48. Doncaster is in the bottom fifth of local authorities across England in respect of exam success, according to Ofsted.

There is a pressing need to improve the quality of education provision in the borough. Ofsted’s recent inspection of primary and secondary schools reported that more than half of pupils in the borough attend a school that is inadequate or requires improvement49. In some parts of the borough, schools have limited capacity to accommodate needs arising from the intake of new pupils as a result of new housing developments.

Doncaster has a relatively poor skills profile compared to other parts of the region, meaning that people from outside the borough continue to fill a large proportion of posts requiring higher skills and educational qualifications.

There is a major shortage of primary school places across the borough, particularly within former mining communities such as Armthorpe and Hatfield.

Doncaster has one of the lowest higher education participation rates in the Yorkshire and Humber region and lies within the bottom 12 local authorities in England, with only 1% of graduates from Doncaster returning after graduation50. Between 1-in-5 and 1-in-4 of Doncaster’s young people are not in jobs or formal education and training.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Improving the levels of skills and educational attainment • Shortfall of primary school provision • Future expansion of the tertiary sector and post-16 education (e.g. training courses in fast growing sectors such as engineering and alternative fuel technologies and vocational qualifications) • Securing developer contributions towards education facilities and training/apprenticeship schemes Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will guide and direct education facilities towards the most sustainable locations and ensure that new facilities are built to high standards of design, and it will also allocate sites to accommodate new facilities (e.g. extensions) to accommodate the influx of new children within growth areas. This in turn will improve community access to education and training opportunities. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without these interventions, there may be a mismatch between supply and demand in terms of education places, education/training and workforce needs. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets % of pupils achieving 5 GCSEs 44.7 (2005) Department of 2011: 81.8 (England) or equivalent at grades A to C 88.4 (2012) Education (including maths and English) % of 18-year-olds 17% Department of England & Wales (42%) going into higher Education South Yorkshire (26%). education

PROTECTING GREEN BELT LAND

48 School and college performance tables (Department for Education) 49 www.doncaster.gov.uk/sections/educationandlearning/pupilandparentinformation/schoolsindoncaster/Ofsted. 50 Off the map? The geography of NEETs: A snapshot analysis for the Private Equity Foundation (Neil Lee and Jonathan Wright, November 2011)

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The metropolitan ‘green belt’ plays an important role in the planning of Doncaster and other metropolitan areas within South Yorkshire, in that it restricts urban sprawl, encourages the reuse of derelict/underused land, prevents the complete merging of settlements and help revitalise town centres. The most important attribute of the green belt is its openness.

The general extent of the green belt was defined in the early 1980s through the former South Yorkshire Structure Plan and encompasses the western half of the borough; these boundaries remain unaltered. There are also longstanding policies to protect the countryside in the eastern half of the borough. The extensive urban fringes are a valuable informal recreation resource but many areas need environmental improvement and better access, both to increase the public enjoyment of the countryside and protect and enhance open spaces such as high quality agricultural land51.

As the size and population of the borough has expanded over the last few decades, settlements that once lay beyond the boundaries of the main urban area (e.g. Rossington, Hatfield, Armthorpe and Adwick) have moved closer to each other or have physically merged to form part of the continuous urban area. The narrow or linear “wedges” of open land that penetrate, adjoin or separate the main urban areas from the wider countryside play a vital role in preventing the coalescence of settlements (e.g. market towns and former mining villages) which have distinct physical and cultural identities. These wedges are either designated as green belt or form part of the countryside policy area.

Doncaster’s green belt also comprises substantial areas of open space and landscape value including historic parks and gardens, limestone gorges, geological/wildlife sites and conservation areas close to existing urban areas. However, the green belt and the wider countryside is coming under increasing pressure from urban development (e.g. housing), tourism (e.g. golf courses and holiday homes) and small-scale incremental changes (e.g. rural diversification) as a result of land use competition and urban containment, especially on the fringe of the main urban area.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • The green belt and countryside is sensitive to urban expansion and settlement coalescence, especially to the west. A key priority is to protect, maintain and improve the quality and character of the green belt from inappropriate development. However, changes to the green belt boundary may be necessary to take account of local circumstances such as objectively assessed housing needs. • Doncaster’s urban fringe suffers from fly-tipping, vandalism and inappropriate recreational activity such as off- road biking. • Ensuring new development on the edge of the built-up-area does not detract from the open aspect or visual amenities of the green belt and open countryside • Defining areas of open character within the green belt that will benefit from continued protection and enhancement • Increasing access to the open countryside and outdoor sport and recreation activities near urban areas • Possible need to safeguard land to accommodate future development (beyond the plan period) Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will set out how and where future development and growth will be accommodated across the borough, whilst preserving the important role that the green belt and the countryside currently fulfil. The National Planning Policy Framework allows local authorities to review the extent of the green belt, through the review or preparation of the local plan. However, any changes must be clearly justified, taking account of sustainable development principles. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without these interventions, the green belt around Doncaster and other outlying settlements and the countywide will become more vulnerable to development pressure as it would lead to an increase in speculative planning applications in less sustainable locations, whilst efforts to regenerate brownfield land and regenerate former mining areas which suffer from high levels of deprivation will also be undermined. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets

51 The Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment and Capacity Study (ECUS, 2007) identifies a series of landscape character areas. Some of the areas on the rural-urban fringe are degraded in appearance due to fly-tipping, dereliction and presence of unsightly features, such as overhead electivity pylons and railway lines. Development on the eastern side of the main urban area could cause coalescence of settlements.

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Percentage of the borough classed as 41% GIS None green belt

MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE, FLOODING & COASTAL CHANGE

Doncaster’s climate is changing faster now than it has at any time over the past 100 years. Some of the main changes/trends are summarised below.

• The average yearly temperature in Doncaster is about 10.5°C (50.9 F) during the day and has increased by 1°C since 1985. Almost half of the increase in temperature has occurred since 1990 due to greenhouse gas emissions • Average precipitation has also increased significantly especially since the early 1990s. • Summer temperatures are increasing at a faster rate than winter temperatures; however, both are getting warmer. The number of annual sunshine hours has also increased significantly since 1985, which suggests that higher temperatures will be sustained over a sustained period of time. • In future years, summer temperatures will more regularly reach 30°C and Doncaster will experience more dry spells (and for longer periods)52.

Global warming amplifies the risk of more frequent extreme weather patterns such as intensive rainfall from storms and extensive periods of hot and dry conditions, as Doncaster has witnessed in recent years. Flooding has been the main significant result of such extreme conditions, especially within low-lying areas of the borough (much of which is below sea level).

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Doncaster emits relatively high levels of carbon dioxide when compared to other local authorities in South Yorkshire and other parts of the region53. Doncaster is the fifth highest per capita emitter in the UK, mostly due to road transport, domestic, industrial (e.g. proximity to coal-fired power stations) and commercial operations54.

The greatest concentrations of emissions (including nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide) are the motorway corridors/junctions (A1(M), M18 and M180) and the town centre55. There is a significant area of high emissions centred on the interchange of the M18 and M180 motorways to the north east of the main urban area. However, journeys to work by car are not expected to increase significantly in the next 15 years.

Energy use in domestic properties accounts for just over 30% of all Doncaster’s carbon emissions. Due to the large proportion of emissions coming from the existing building stock, retrofitting existing buildings will be one of the key drivers of low carbon activity in the construction industry, alongside the drive to reduce the emissions from new buildings.

Doncaster has a disproportionately large number of landfill sites owing to the availability of quarries once associated with mineral extraction.

Carbon emissions in Doncaster have fallen from 2005 levels at a rate faster than national and regional averages due to the decline in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. However, current carbon reduction measures may not be sufficient to meet short, medium to long term national targets. To meet national carbon reduction targets, Doncaster will need to go far beyond the actions outlined in the government’s Low Carbon Plan56.

52 Doncaster Local Climate Impact Profile 53 Carbon emissions per capita are, on average, lower in cities but higher in rural areas and less affluent areas (e.g. Doncaster and Warrington), mainly because of high car usage (Transport, climate change and the city, Robin Hickman and David Banister, Routledge, 2014). 54 Doncaster emitted 8.1 metric tonnes of carbon emissions in 2012 as opposed to 7.6 in 2011. This increase is consistent with the national picture (see www.gov.uk/government/statistical release local authority CO2 emissions). 55 Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy (2011 – 2026) 56 The modelling scenario (savings vs. targets) suggests that, although Doncaster met its target in 2010, it will miss its carbon reduction targets over the remaining years. By 2020, Doncaster will be 12% short of its target, with the gap between savings and targets increasing

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Key issues, problems and opportunities • Damage to people, land and property from heavy rain/snowfall/extreme storms and heat waves/droughts • Provision of new infrastructure to meet current and future energy needs and support the transition to the low carbon economy • Reducing the carbon footprint of new buildings and spaces (e.g. through the use of decentralised energy and on site renewable energy technologies and design measures such as green roofs) • Creating more energy efficient and climate resilient buildings (e.g. Code for Sustainable Homes) • Maximising the efficient use of resources such as water, waste and electricity (e.g. demand side management/retrofitting) • Promoting multi-modal journeys and public transport services Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will play a key role to play in tackling climate change, in that it will help to shape places and new development in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, minimises vulnerability and provides resilience to the impacts of climate change, whilst supporting the delivery of renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure. Policies will also need to facilitate the move to a low-carbon economy and secure low-carbon living in a changing climate. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Failure to act now on climate change (though appropriate policy intervention) in the short to medium term would pose a significant risk to the future well-being and quality of life of all Doncaster’s residents and workers. In particular, it would undermine the capability of businesses and public services to manage the risk from climate change and respond to major emergencies such as severe weather events, whilst increasing the costs associated with climate adaptation and mitigation, leading to increased damage and further utility failures. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Carbon dioxide emissions 8.1 tonnes per resident (2012) Centre for Cities57 7.1 (UK) per capita 6.1 (Sheffield) 7.2 (Barnsley) 7.7 (Wakefield) 5.7 (Huddersfield) 6.7 (Leeds)

Renewable energy

Doncaster’s renewable energy and environmental sector has an overall market value of around £111 million with 16 companies employing 720 people. Alternative fuel vehicles, building technologies, geothermal and wind are the largest sub sector (36% of market value is in renewable energy technologies, 19% in environmental and 46% in low carbon technologies). Doncaster is ranked fourth overall in renewable energy technologies in the Sheffield city region58.

Currently, households and businesses across Doncaster produce around 118GWh of renewable energy per annum59. Landfill gas is responsible for about nearly two thirds of renewable energy capacity in the borough, a large proportion of which comes from anaerobic digestion and landfill methane. Wind power currently generates about 8.4WM per annum.

As explained below, Doncaster has the technical feasibility to deliver a substantial amount of energy from renewable sources, such as wind power, solar energy, food crops, landfill gas and carbon capture, largely due to its low-lying nature and proximity to nationally important transport links, urban areas, major power generators and natural resources (e.g. coal and water).

• Doncaster is the second highest contributor to renewable energy generation in the Yorkshire and Humber region, producing 12.8% of the region’s total with 118 GWH of renewable energy supplied.

further due to increasingly stringent targets and the uncertainty of the deployment of measures post-2020. By 2035, Doncaster will miss its target by 39%; by 2050, this will increase to a 47% shortfall (South Yorkshire Modelling Project, Carbon Descent, 2012). 57 www.centreforcities.org/reader/cities-outlook-2015/3-city-monitor-the-latest-data/#figure-16-co2-emissions-per-capita 58 Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services Sector Analysis for Sheffield City Region (Innovas Solutions, October 2010) 59 Doncaster Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Study (AECOM, 2012)

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• In terms of wind power, Doncaster has about 570 GWh of future potential renewable energy capacity, making it the highest potential growth rate in the Yorkshire and Humber region. There are a number of wind farms under construction, or have been built in the past few years, especially to the north and north east of the borough. Most parts of the borough have a sufficient wind speed to ensure that wind turbine development is economically viable60. • Recent forecasts predict that Doncaster will generate around 38.7 MWth of biomass energy over the next five years from mixed woodland, large-scale forestry and single species short rotation. This will account for around 42% of South Yorkshire’s total biomass resource61. • A large number of properties in Doncaster have recently installed solar photovoltaics and the number has increased exponentially since the introduction of the government’s feed-in-tariff scheme. Between April 2010 and September 2012, a total of 2,737 micro-renewable energy installations were registered in Doncaster; the highest take-up rate in the Yorkshire and Humber region. • Doncaster is one of the Yorkshire and Humber region’s heat hotspots due to its transport network and urban nature. A number of urban areas in Doncaster generate high energy loads in terms of electricity and heat due to the intensity of development and the range of uses, particularly at Doncaster and Sheffield Airport and Doncaster town centre. • Doncaster Royal Infirmary currently operates a district heating network and communal schemes have been installed in other locations (e.g. racing stables). • The low lying landscape of the Humberhead Levels provides good links to Humber ports and depleted North Sea oil and gas fields and provides extensive peatland and wet moorland (Thorne and Hatfield Moors is the largest area of lowland raised mire in Britain). These areas provide a fertile environment in which to grow food or energy crops. • The Thorne and Hatfield moors (along with the other peatland areas in the UK) are the single largest carbon reserve in the UK, storing the equivalent of storing 20 years of UK carbon dioxide emissions.

In recent years, significant progress has been made to improve the energy efficiency and condition of homes which are poorly insulated (including both council and privately owned properties) especially within vulnerable communities (e.g. Hexthorpe and Wheatley) through various programmes such as the Green Deal, Neighbourhood Energy Action and Decent Homes.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Putting the right infrastructure in place in the right locations to capitalise on Doncaster’s significant energy resources • Careful siting of large-scale, stand-alone renewable energy schemes (e.g. biomass plants) to avoid adverse impacts on amenity and landscape • Significant opportunities to develop decentralised heat and power networks and biomass heating schemes due to the extent of anchor loads/heat densities, especially within future growth areas • Potential to co-locate energy users and suppliers (e.g. resource recovery parks and low carbon technology parks) • Unlocking energy retrofitting opportunities, especially existing poor quality housing within areas of market failure. Many properties in Doncaster still lack adequate wall and roof insulation. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will provide a clear steer on the type of facility that is needed and where new renewable energy facilities and networks should be located, taking into account energy master-planning studies at the regional and sub-regional level. Policies will also need to set out the main criteria that will be used to assess renewable energy proposals, including low and zero-carbon heat and cooling measures within new and existing development. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Under this scenario, it is highly unlikely that Doncaster could achieve its carbon dioxide emission and renewable energy targets, or achieve its ambition of becoming a low carbon borough. Potential cumulative effects arising from ad hoc decision making include potential loss of amenity and landscape value (including long distance views) due to the insensitive siting of standalone schemes; increased energy consumption in new and existing buildings (accelerating further energy loss); increased carbon dioxide emissions in the absence of mitigation and adaptation measures; and increased exposure to damage from extreme weather events. Key indicators / target Data Source Comparisons / targets

60 Doncaster Renewable Energy and Carbon Study (AECOM, July 2012) 61 Yorkshire Cities Green Jobs Report, June 2011)

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By 2021, at least 37 megawatts Currently, the mix of Doncaster 6.6MW of renewable of grid-connected renewable renewable energy technologies Renewable Energy energy will need to be energy will be generated in in Doncaster combines to and Carbon Study produced in the Doncaster equate to a contribution of intervening period to 30.4 MW (as at 2012). meet this target. Number of private sector homes 7925 Doncaster MBC in Doncaster that fail to meet (2011)62 the Decent Homes standard for energy efficiency

Flooding & drainage

The borough of Doncaster includes the two catchment areas of the river Don (western parts of the borough) and the river Trent (eastern parts of the borough). The river Don’s two main tributaries are the river Rother to the south and the Dearne to the north. A further two main rivers, Ea Beck and the river Went, join the Don downstream of Doncaster. There are 33 formal washlands in the catchment and flood attenuation is also aided by a series of regulated structures. The Bentley flood corridor is an area of low-lying land on the left bank of the river Don between the river Don and Bentley. The river Trent and its catchments cover parts of the north-east, south, and south-east corner of Doncaster. Apart from the river Idle, the main rivers of the Trent catchment within the borough flow in an east or north easterly direction, converging on the three parallel drains known as ‘Three Rivers’ and then Keadby pumping station, which is the common outlet for this large drainage network discharging into the river Trent.

According the Environment Agency’s flood risk map, nearly 34% of the borough is at high risk of flooding (flood risk zone 3) with a further 9% at medium risk (flood risk zone 2)63. This equates to over 24,404 hectares and is illustrated in figure 10. Areas at risk are the main urban area of Doncaster (parts of Doncaster town centre, Bentley, Wheatley Hall Road and Kirk Sandall), Thorne, Moorends, Hatfield-Stainforth, Carcroft, Askern, and a number of other smaller villages. However, this ‘risk’ does not take into account the presence of flood defences, as there is always a possibility that defences could fail, but many of these areas are well defended by flood defence infrastructure.

As well as the main rivers, Doncaster has more than 65.2 kilometres of ordinary watercourses. The borough also has over 15 kilometres of critical ordinary watercourses, such as drains, dykes and brooks. Although they have historically not been classified as “main rivers”, they are deemed to be critical because they have the potential to put large numbers of people and property at risk of flooding if not properly maintained. Doncaster also contains the Sheffield and South Yorkshire, Stainforth and Keadby and New Junction canals. These are relevant within overall consideration of flooding as discharges into canals (e.g. surface water discharge) have the potential to impact on the structural integrity of the waterway and affect navigation. Furthermore, such discharges can also have an impact on water levels and pose a flood risk.

Surface water flooding occurs where high levels of rainfall exceed drainage capacity in an area and these events can lead to serious flooding of property as demonstrated by the flood event in summer 2007. In addition, large amounts of surface water runoff can lead to water quality problems and potential health risks for people. The topography of the borough, especially in and around a number of built-up areas, make them potentially prone to flooding caused by direct rainfall due to the amount of impermeable surfaces and the lack of sufficient sewer capacity. Areas where surface water may generate particularly high risk can be found at Intake, Bentley, Toll Bar, and Adwick-le-Street64.

In summary, flooding in Doncaster is largely attributed to a number of factors, including the following.

62 Decent homes programme (St Leger Homes) 63 http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmap 64 Doncaster Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (JBA Consulting)

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• Doncaster contains part of the lower Don river system. Consequently, floodwaters from the upper reaches of the river Don basin, such as Sheffield and Rotherham, travel downstream towards Doncaster as the topography changes. This is exacerbated by increased urbanisation of the Don upstream catchment and major channel modifications made to the lower Don through navigation works in past centuries. • The low lying and flat nature of the landscape, with large parts of the borough below sea-level and forming part of the Humberhead levels. There is increasing surface water run-off/drainage, particularly within heavily urbanised areas of the borough (although increasingly developments contain measures to address this issue through controlled discharges of surface water). The effects of climate change are exacerbating the risk of flooding through potential rising sea levels, increased winter rainfall and the occurrence of more extreme rainfall events.

Doncaster straddles and borders onto the Isle of Axlhome (a low-lying, flat, artificially drained area between the river Trent in the east and the rivers Idle and Torne in the south and west, where water is pumped to maintain high-grade arable farmland below sea level). The area lies within the heart of the Humberhead Levels and encompasses parts of the Thorne and Hatfield moors (lowland raised mire) and the towns of Thorne and Crowle.

Land drainage and flood defences within this area protect some £5.1 billion of assets including nationally important infrastructure (e.g. M18, M180 motorways and Doncaster Sheffield Airport) and over 20,000 homes and 40,000 hectares of prime agricultural land65. However, the current pumping system, in the event of failure, could lead to significant impacts from flooding.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • The extent and distribution of flood risk varies across the borough and requires integrated solutions that reflect localised flood issues. • Balancing regeneration and place-making aspirations against the risk of flooding • Maintaining the existing level of flood risk protection in the Isle of Axlhome area • Increasing floodplain capacity and flows (e.g. Bentley) to accommodate water during flood events and protect surrounding areas and habitats (e.g. river Idle) • Maintenance and management of flood defence infrastructure (e.g. sustainable drainage systems) • The utilisation of floodplains as recreational areas during outside of flooding events. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will need to apply a sequential risk based approach to the location of new development to steer it away from flood risk areas from all sources where possible, consistent with wider sustainability considerations, as well as manage and reduce overall flood risk in the borough. Policies will also need to address flood risk mitigation and management. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Flood risk issues are likely to worsen under the current baseline situation. New developments will also be put at risk from flooding either from inappropriate locations or mitigation; therefore, it is critical that policies are put in place to coordinate and manage flood risk and reduce or mitigate the effects arising from development. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Number of objections to planning 2011: 34 Doncaster applications from the Environment 2012: 36 MBC Agency

65 Greater Lincolnshire Structural and Investment Strategy (2014-2020)

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Figure 10: Doncaster’s flood risk zones

Water quality & quantity

Doncaster overlies two principal aquifers: Sherwood Sandstone (from which drinking water is obtained) and the Magnesian Limestone (from which drinking water can be obtained). Sherwood Sandstone is the second most important source of ground water in the UK. All aquifers replenish over time through percolating rainwater, yet they are at risk from over abstraction and changing weather patterns due to climate change. Severe fluctuations can have devastating impacts on communities, wildlife, and wetland habitats. Intense fluctuations are becoming more commonplace.

As shown on figure 11 below, many low-lying areas (especially towns and villages in the east of the borough, such as Hatfield, Dunscroft, Edenthorpe, Cantley, Rossington and Bessacarr and parts of the main urban area) fall within a groundwater “source protection zone” where development could potentially cause pollution or undermine groundwater sources. The Environment Agency regulates abstraction licenses and water intensive industries, in general, cannot be located in source protection zones because of the risks of damage to the aquifers and the security of future water resources66.

Future expansion of Doncaster's population will put increased pressure on the aquifers, risking lowering of the water table and drying-out of wet sites. The sandstone aquifer suffers from significant ground water depletion

66 Source protection zones (SPZs) are defined around large and public potable groundwater abstraction sites. The purpose of these zones is to provide additional protection to safeguard drinking water quality through constraining the proximity of an activity that may impact upon a drinking water abstraction.

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during the summer months due to land use practices such as agricultural irrigation and drier climates. Conversely, cessation of mine pumping can lead to increasing ground water levels in other areas. As a result, new development should not harm water quality within the aquifers either from pollution or increased abstraction.

Water quality has significantly improved as a result of legislation and regulation changes. The Don and Dearne rivers have a legacy of contamination from industrialisation; however, as a direct result of the Water Resources Act 1991 and subsequent regulations, the quality of these rivers has significantly improved. Water pollution risks are still a concern (either accidently or deliberately) and can pose a threat to Doncaster’s water resources; however, these would be dealt with through the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2009, giving the regulator the right to recover costs involved in the investigation, clean-up and possible prosecution for polluting controlled waters.

Figure 11: Ground water protection zones and aquifer

Key issues, problems and opportunities • New development needs to be co-ordinated with the infrastructure it demands, taking into account the capacity of existing infrastructure – requires addressing in the local plan. • Impacts due to over-abstraction (e.g. groundwater depletion, water quality segregation and ecological damage) Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will identify the legislative and regulatory requirement to protect and enhance water quality, water supply and groundwater in the borough to help to achieve the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive and ensure that new development does not have an adverse impact on water quantity or quality within the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer either from increased abstraction or increased pollution and has adequate means of water supply (even in a drought), sufficient foul and surface water drainage and adequate sewage treatment capacity to serve its future needs. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Doncaster’s groundwater supplies will be more vulnerable as a result of new development. – ensure development is located in appropriate locations. In addition, sewage and waterworks may not necessarily have spare capacity to meet the demands of future development and growth in different parts of the borough.

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Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets None

CONSERVING & ENHANCING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Biodiversity & geodiversity

Doncaster has a large range of habitats as a result of a very variable underlying geology. For example, there are species rich limestone grasslands and woodlands in the Don Gorge and acidic grasslands and heathlands on some of the boroughs golf courses. The Doncaster Biodiversity Action Plan highlights the habitats that are important to Doncaster:

• lowland heathland and acidic mosaics; • parkland, wood pasture and veteran trees; • crags and caves; • post-industrial and brownfield sites; • rivers, oxbows, subsidence flashes and canals; • reedbeds, ponds and marshes; • lowland raised mire; • fens, springs, flushes, fenny fields, streams and other flowing water; • grassland: calcareous, neutral and other grassland; • woodland scrub; • ancient or species-rich hedgerow; • cereal field margins; and • urban greenspace and greenways.

These habitats support a diverse range of species. For example, the nationally rare mire pill beetle and breeding populations of nightjar habitat, both of which are associated with the habitats on Thorne and Hatfield Moors.

Doncaster has designated nature conservation sites of international, national and local value and extensive areas of wetland and farmland habitat. The diagram below shows the hierarchy of these designations.

Figure 12: Hierarchy of nature conservation designations

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International designations

(2 Special Areas of Conservation) Thorne and Hatfield Moors)

National designations

15 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (e.g. Potteric Car) National Nature Reserve

Local designations

Local Wildlife Sites Local Geological Sites

The geology of Doncaster contributes to the local economy by providing us with the raw materials for buildings, industry, infrastructure, medicines, fuel and countless other things. Geology also provides our water supply, influences flood patterns, soil quality and type, and shapes the landscape we live in. Doncaster can be divided into three distinct geological areas67.

• The “Coal Measures”, in the west of the borough, is identified by its distinctive scarp and dip slope topography resulting from the folding of the Carboniferous rocks, the differential erosion of the sandstones and intervening shales, and the drainage patterns of the rivers Don and Dearne. • The “Southern Magnesian Limestone” coincides with the Permian rocks and is identified by the well- drained rolling countryside, with minor landforms controlled by local faulting and folding, and a western boundary sharply defi ned by the very distinctive limestone escarpment. • The “Humberhead Levels” area a low-lying natural area of sandstone bedrock from Triassic period that extends from the main urban area to the eastern and southern edge of the borough. A number of small sandstone ridges and scarps rise about the plain formed from the outcrop of Sherwood Sandstone from Hatfield to Bawtry in the west alongside heathlands and ancient woodland). These areas also include deposits of clay, sand and gravel and lowland peatland.

There are a number of non-statutory geological sites throughout the borough including quarries, flats, caves, playgrounds, parks, commons, railway cuttings and plantations.

Peatland bog habitats such as breeding birds (e.g. nightjars and bittern) are highly sensitive to air pollutants such as nitrogen and acid deposition. Data from the UK Air Pollution Information System shows that the current levels of nitrogen deposition at Thorne and Hatfield Moors exceed critical thresholds for bog habitats. Policies relating to the increased provision of new housing and roads have the potential to increase the reliance on car journeys

67 Doncaster Geodiversity Assessment (British Geological Survey, 2007)

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and hence lead to a rise in nitrogen emissions. Policies relating to the provision of heavy industry, waste or power facilities also have the potential to increase nitrogen pollution and acid deposition. Bog habitats in the moors are also sensitive to recreational disturbance from visitors and unauthorised users, especially during the breeding season68.

Any policies that result in development which could contribute towards climate change have the potential to affect the integrity of the moors and the sandstone groundwater aquifer on which it sits. For example, building new housing or industry will increase the demand for water in an area and hence has the potential to affect water levels. Bog habitats are water fed systems and hence critically dependant on water levels. Any net rise or fall in the water table has the potential to adversely affect this type of habitat.

Much of the moors are in unfavourable condition as decades of peat extraction has left a legacy of disrupted hydrology (e.g. lowered water levels) and a destroyed mire surface.

Doncaster also straddles two nature improvement areas: the Dearne Valley and Humberhead Levels. These areas are among the first to be designated in England. The purpose of this designation is to enhance and reconnect and restore wildlife and other key habitats across administrative boundaries through collaborative working.

The Dearne Valley NIA is located between Doncaster and Barnsley and aims to restore the biodiversity of a post- industrial landscape as well as encourage people to re-connect with the local environment. As such, the plan is closely linked to the local planning system.

The Humberhead Levels NIA is an agricultural area with significant areas of peat soils. The focus of the plan is on improving and connecting wetland habitats and related ecosystem services, such as flood risk management, particularly in response to sea level rises.

Additional landscape-scale partnerships have also been established that focus on the magnesian limestone ridge (Don Gorge) and the rivers Don, Idle and Thorne.

Key issues, problems and opportunities Doncaster’s biodiversity and geodiversity assets (as shown on figure 13) are under threat from a wide range of pressures such as climate change, agricultural intensification, air pollution, water abstraction, habitat fragmentation and human interference (e.g. development). These threats have the potential to result in the loss or degradation of habitats or geological features (e.g. Hatfield Moor). Among the key challenges facing Doncaster’s natural environment include:

• managing landscape features such as semi-natural habitats (e.g. magnesian limestone grassland) and historic field patterns; • safeguarding, managing and expanding wetland habitats, including the lowland peatland bogs, fens, ponds and marshes69; • improving the functional connectivity between key wildlife sites/priority habitats to support more resilient species populations and facilitate the movement of species; • establishing appropriate buffer zones around key protected sites and wildlife corridors to protect them from external adverse impacts; • increasing the condition and extent of protected sites; and • preventing further loss or damage to woodland and wildlife (e.g. local wildlife sites). Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan should consider its impact on designated wildlife sites, some of which are protected under national and international legislation. The Doncaster Local Plan has a critical role in managing and reducing the pressures on these and non-designated sites as well as trying to strengthen the existing ecological network. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Unplanned development would increase the likelihood that habitats and species would be adversely affected, both directly and indirectly, including through direct loss, recreational disturbance and increased habitat fragmentation. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets

68 Habitat Regulation Assessment Methodology (Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, 2010) 69 More detailed commentary can be found in the following sources: National Character Area Profiles (Humberhead Levels, Southern Magnesian Limestone and Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield), Doncaster Green Infrastructure Strategy and Doncaster Biodiversity Action Plan.

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Percentage of sites of 1. Ashfield Brick Pit (Geological): 0.00% Natural England N/A special scientific interest 2. Bilham Quarry (Geological): 100.00% in a favourable, 3. Cadeby Quarry (Geological): 100.00% unfavourable or 4. Denaby Ings: 100.00% recovering condition 5. Edlington Wood: 100.00% 6. Edlington Brick Pit (Geological): 0.00% 7. Hatfield Moors: 95.27% 8. Owston Hay Meadow: 100.00% 9. Potteric Carr: 89.88% 10. River Idle Washlands: 74.45% 11. Sandall Beat Wood: 100.00% 12. Shirley Pool: 66.46% 13. Sprotbrough Gorge: 68.93% 14. Thorne/Crowle/Goole Moors: 95.78% 15. Went Ings Hay Meadows: 100.00%

Figure 13: Distribution of nature conservation designations

Air, noise & light pollution

Doncaster’s air quality is generally good. The review and assessment of air quality in the borough confirms that the government set air quality objectives are expected to be achieved in all but seven areas of the borough, including parts of the town centre and motorway corridors70. These are as follows.

70 The statutory targets relate to a number of pollutants including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, benzene and fine particles (see the Doncaster Air Quality Action Plan).

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• A630 corridor (Church Way) in the town centre. • Carr House Road from Hyde Park to Leger Way. • M18 motorway (Bawtry Road). • Conisborugh (A6023 and the A630 Doncaster - Rotherham Road). • Junction of the A1(M) motorway in Warmsworth to the flyover at Carr House Road, Balby along Balby Road. • Skellow. • Hickleton.

Road traffic is the source of pollution within these Air Quality Management Areas. Air quality is deteriorating along main routes leading into the town centre due to congestion and rising traffic levels. Other sources of air pollution include domestic properties, industrial emissions (e.g. power stations) and commercial sources. Further locations have been identified where AQMAs may be declared in the future due to exceedence of nitrogen oxide: the main urban area of Doncaster and Thorne.

Although air quality has improved significantly over the past decade, concentrations (e.g. nitrogen oxide) have somewhat stabilised in recent years and further measures will be necessary to influence the downward trend over future years. Air pollution remains a major public health issue which needs careful consideration. According to a recent study, Doncaster is the second worst area in the Yorkshire and Humber region (after Rotherham) for deaths from particulate air pollution, which can contribute to heart disease, at 5.6 per cent71.

Noise pollution from Doncaster Sheffield Airport remains high on the agenda of local concern. The airport has put in place stringent controls to limit the impact of aircraft noise, such as noise regulation orders and night time monitoring.

Light pollution has increased much during the past two decades and continues to spread at a fast rate across the Yorkshire and Humber region, especially around the edge of existing settlements where development has encroached into the open countryside72. The region has lost up to half of its night sky over the past ten years73. Less than one tenth of the UK has ever experienced a truly dark sky on a clear night.

Artificial light poses an increasing threat to ecological sensitive habitats such as migratory birds and nocturnal amphibians, human health (due to excessive glare), future energy use and the heritage of the sky at night. Potential sources of light pollution include sky glow, cluster, glare and overexposure.

As with other metropolitan areas, Doncaster has lost a significant amount of its dark area over the past twenty years, with only remote areas in the north and east of the borough offering clear, uninterrupted dark skies. Light pollution is also blurring the distinction between rural and urban areas, especially along key transportation routes such as the M18 and M180 motorways.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Noise and air pollution is a significant problem around key junctions and traffic hot spots across the road network (e.g. Doncaster town centre and motorway junctions) and airport traffic from Doncaster Sheffield Airport is exacerbating the problem. • Significant exceedences have been recorded in the AQMAs. • Balancing the regeneration priorities of the borough against the need to protect air quality (i.e. ensuring new development does not hamper the achievement of air quality objectives). Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan Plan policies referring to development management and transportation will be instrumental in ensuring the achievement of these objectives. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan

71 Public Health England 72 www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/warning-as-light-pollution-hits-rural-yorkshire 73 Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programme Operational Programme 2007-13 (Department for Communities and Local Government, Apriil 2013)

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Without the local plan, unplanned development may be unrelated to the capacity of the highway network. New developments may suffer from (or generate) air pollution. The actions set out in the local transport plan are dependent on effective integration between land use and transport measures. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Number of deaths associated 160 residents (2010) Public Health None with air pollution England Number of air quality 7 (up from 5) Doncaster Air Barnsley (7 ) management areas Quality Action Plan Rotherham (5) Sheffield (1 – whole of the urban area)

Soil quality & contamination

The soils across Doncaster vary considerably from high quality arable farmland and its extensive network of drains and channels in the east of the borough, land reclamation on former colliery sites through to remediated brownfield sites within former industrial areas.

Land use in the borough is predominately agricultural. Doncaster has significant areas of high quality arable farmland, particularly in the north-south belt of magnesian limestone and the Humberhead levels in the east (see figure 14)74. The Humberhead Levels is one of the most productive areas of arable farmland in Britain.

The western edge of the borough along the Coalfield Measures suffers from poor quality soil due to over- intensive farming and poor management. Poor quality soil is also a potential issue on a number of reclaimed industrial sites, especially where the top soil has been substantially disturbed from its natural condition (thus affecting or inhibiting plant growth and land values). The undrained peat soils at Thorne and Hatfield Moors also contain poor quality agricultural land75.

Despite the success of the previous land reclamation programme, Doncaster still has vast tracts of underused or vacant brownfield sites, including large swathes of council/public-owned land, infill sites and unfit or run down properties, which are ripe for redevelopment. More than half of available employment land is still classed as brownfield.

A number of these sites are known to be contaminated as a result of previous industrial activities such as coal mining, heavy engineering and waste disposal. Over 3000 potential sites of concern have been identified and 42 sites are identified on public register of contaminated land76.

The vast majority of new homes in the borough have been built on brownfield land over the last decade. Brownfield rates have more than doubled since 2002. Prior to development of brownfield land, ground conditions will require investigation to determine the nature of the contamination and assess the risk to human health and resources. If these investigations show that ground conditions would pose a risk to health, safety or the environment, new development will be expected to incorporate suitable remedial measures to mitigate their effects.

74 The Agricultural Landscape Classification map shows the distribution of grades from 1-5, with grade 1 being the highest quality. Grade 3 is sub-divided into 3A and 3B. The best and most versatile land is defined as grades 1-3a (unfortunately no data is available showing the subdivision of grade 3). 75 Farm Business Survey 2010 (Yorkshire and the Humber) 76 Public Register of Contaminated Land (Doncaster MBC)

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Figure 14: Agricultural land classification

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Prioritising vacant brownfield land within urban areas • Potential loss of grade I, II, 3a agricultural land • Extent of development in the floodplain • Addressing the risks from land contamination and brining unproductive land back into use • Effective land management (e.g. promote alternative uses on areas of lower agricultural quality such as flood storage/biomass) • Working with developers, landowners and community groups to promote local food growing and production Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will deal with restoration of contaminated land and the mitigation of adverse ground conditions such as natural gas and unstable land. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan High quality arable farmland could be put at risk, as these sites are developed in preference to the underused or vacant brownfield sites. Potential sites of concern may not be investigated and remediated in an appropriate manner which could pose a risk to health, safety and environment of future site users. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets New homes built on 2002/2003 = 46% previously developed land 2004/2005 = 73.5% 2010/2011 = 98%

REQUIRING GOOD DESIGN

Design quality & character

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In recent years, the quality of new development has been mixed. Whilst some areas of the town centre and lakeside have benefitted from new high quality mixed-use development, other types of development have been less successful in terms of design quality. New retail and commercial schemes including larger floor-plate employment buildings are key types of development where better quality design could be achieved.

Progress has been made on a number of large scale regeneration projects flowing from the Doncaster Renaissance Masterplan and there is a need to embed the objectives of this vision into future policy, as further phases come forward.

A housing quality audit undertaken in 2007 found that the quality of new housing design in Doncaster was generally poor or below average and failed to meet Building for Life standards77. Since this time there has been significant improvement in the quality of new housing developments, aided by a more robust planning policy and guidance framework which incorporate the principles of Building for Life as an assessment and monitoring tool. The sustainability of new developments has also been improved through this process. However, development viability concerns run the risk of regression in terms of design quality.

A number of former mining settlements still suffer from environmental problems (e.g. contamination and vacant sites) due to the legacy of former industrial activity and poor quality housing. In less affluent parts of the borough and areas where land values are low, a key challenge is to improve the quality of new development whilst ensuring schemes are viable, deliverable and affordable for local communities. There is a need to improve the quality of the public realm, local shopping and commercial areas in many of these places, for example through centre improvement schemes and regeneration initiatives. Conversely, other parts of the borough, including its attractive suburban areas and villages, are increasingly becoming under pressure from new housing development and infill schemes which have the potential to undermine the character and quality of these areas if development is not managed appropriately.

We have been relatively successful in encouraging higher standards of sustainable design and construction through the policies in the Core Strategy (CS14 in particular). Whilst the housing standards review is consolidating many of the standards into the Building Regulations, there may be opportunities to build upon this momentum. Similarly, Doncaster’s demographic suggest that in the future there will be a need for a greater amount of housing that suits the needs of older people and those with disabilities. Therefore, there is a need to encourage better design standards to meet these requirements. In both instances however, the viability implications and challenges need to be fully understood.

A particular challenge, not unique to Doncaster, is encouraging developers and designers to adequately assess the character of existing areas and develop locally responsive design solutions which either address existing character, or create locally inspired distinctive development. A tendency toward ‘off-the-shelf’ commercial and residential solutions threatens local distinctiveness.

The Doncaster Design Review Panel is a successful group which has been running for the past 10 years or so and has played a role in helping to improve design standards. The panel acts as a critical friend to the council in relation to built environment matters and the design aspects of major new developments in the borough; their advice being integrated into the planning process.

Key issues, problems & opportunities Whilst the general standard of design in the borough has improved, there is a danger this progress may regress due to economic factors and the unwillingness or inability of developers and designers to create more locally responsive development. Encouraging better design in more marginal areas remains a challenge. Protecting the character of existing attractive and desirable parts of the borough from infill and intensification is also a key issue. Improving the quality of the public realm and local shopping/commercial areas, and encouraging better quality design particularly for larger floor-plate developments and buildings are critical challenges. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan • Lack of existing evidence base information in relation to built environment character

77 Housing audit: Assessing the design quality of new housing in the North West, North East and the Yorkshire and Humber (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, 2007)

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• Policies are required to manage the quality of new development, support local character/distinctiveness and address specific issues with certain development types. • Policies must find the right balance between encouraging better quality design, but be flexible to respond to viability issues in lower value areas. • Policies need to help deliver development tailored to specific needs e.g. older peoples housing The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan There is a danger that without a robust design policy framework contained within the Local Plan, design quality will stagnate or decline which will not help achieve the aspirations for a quality place, support economic growth or help attract further inward investment. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Building for Life N/A N/A Increase number of schemes achieving good/very good Code for Sustainable Homes BREEAM N/A N/A Increase number of homes built to level 3 Very Good Number of schemes taken to Doncaster N/A N/A Increase number of non-residential Design Review Panel developments achieving BREEAM

Safety & security

Doncaster’s crime rate is declining and all crime has been reduced by 19% in the last 5 years. There have been significant reductions in respect of anti-social behavior and acquisitive crime types (e.g. theft).

A recent survey established that over half of respondents identified the fear of crime as their biggest concern, despite the significant reductions in recent years, where they felt ‘unsafe’ on the streets due to anti-social behaviour and crime78. The most common concerns relate to alcohol related violent crime and disorder, burglary and car theft.

Key issues, problems & opportunities • Fear of crime is more prevalent than actual occurrence (perception vs. reality) • Making the town centre a safer and more secure designation, especially for families, residents, workers and visitors throughout the day and evening. • Providing a hierarchy of clearly defined and accessible routes and spaces • Addressing anti-social behaviour in the town centre. • Providing access to safe and attractive parks and open spaces; this will help to discourage anti-social behaviour Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan has a key role in securing safer neighbourhoods and development that designs out crime and reduces the fear of crime, especially in areas of high perception. In order to combat alcohol related violence, all planning applications (including new development and changes of use, predominantly for operation within the late night economy) will need to give consideration to the local context with regard to the potential for crime and disorder within the town centre. Proposals considered to pose an unacceptable risk will be refused. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Places are likely to be more susceptible to crime and anti-social behaviour without a clear policy framework in place which can improve the safety and security of these areas. Key indicators Data Source Comparators Type of crime 2008- Per 2013- Per Difference Office of None 2009 1000 2014 1000 National Violence against the -12% Statistics person 4,404 14.56 3,860 12.76 Robbery 206 0.68 177 0.59 -13% Burglary in a dwelling 2350 18.58 1634 12.92 -30% Offences against vehicles 4,685 15.49 2,470 8.17 -43% Criminal damage 6,727 22.25 3,456 11.43 -48% Fear of crime 57%79

78 Crime Survey for England and Wales 79 South Yorkshire Police regularly consults Doncaster residents on their perception of crime to monitor the effectiveness of neighbourhood policing.

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CONSERVING & ENHANCING THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

Heritage

Doncaster has a rich and diverse heritage, reflecting its historic development as an important trading centre and transport interchange on the main north to south route over several millennia80. The geology of the borough gives rise to an interesting variety of vernacular building materials including sandstone to the west, through limestone, to brick and timber-framing to the east. Stone slate, Welsh slate, clay pantile and clay plaintile roofs are distinctive characteristics of parts of the borough. Its distinctive heritage assets include:

• extensive evidence of waterlogged deposits with good organic preservation of archaeological finds such as the nationally-important Iron Age enclosure at Sutton Common (which is thought to be the biggest marshland fort in England) and the peatland areas of Thorne and Hatfield Moors (which form part of the largest extent of remnant raised mire in England) and the field pattern of historic landscapes around Fishlake and Sykehouse; • the Southern Magnesian Limestone Ridge (which has a long history of human habitation including Roman camps and settlements around the route of Ermine Street and a number of motte and bailey castles); • planned colliery villages (e.g. Brodsworth and Woodlands); • significant Georgian and Victorian buildings such as George Gilbert Scott’s St George’s Minster (1853) and Mansion House (1749), one of only three surviving examples in the UK; • railway infrastructure and buildings dating back to 1850s such as industrial works (e.g. grade II listed Locomotive Works where the Flying Scotsman and Mallard were built) and work housing; • the Norman cylindrical keep of Conisbrough Castle (the only example of its kind in England); and • grade 1 listed country manor houses and gardens (e.g. Brodsworth Hall and Cusworth Hall).

Doncaster has a significant proportion of historic areas, buildings and structures at risk of decay or neglect, including the following.

• 14 scheduled monuments are at risk of imminent collapse or further deterioration, representing 28% of Doncaster’s total stock. This includes parts of the Roman Ridge and several moated sites. • 6 conservation areas are at risk of neglect, decay or damaging change, including Thorne the town centre and a number of historic residential areas. • 5 places of worship are at risk of neglect, decay or damaging change.

The dispersed settlement pattern consists of relatively small and self-contained market towns and villages which emerged from the impact of mining, manufacturing and railways, especially during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Since then, urban expansion has continued, reflecting the changing styles of post-war development, from high-rise through to low-rise density housing.

Key issues, problems and opportunities Doncaster’s historic assets (see figure 15) can make a significant contribution to the character of the borough and its sense of place. Ensuring a sustainable long term use for historic buildings so they can be enjoyed by future generations is the key issue. However, changing land use and weather patterns coupled with demands associated with population and urban growth is placing increasing pressure on our historic assets and landscapes. A significant proportion of listed buildings, ancient monuments and conservation areas are at risk of long term damage due to inappropriate alterations, neglect and a lack of funding. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan • A positive strategy and policies for managing the historic environment • Utilising Doncaster’s heritage to develop tourism • Protecting and enhancing the significance and setting of heritage assets, especially those elements that contribute to the distinct identity of the borough.

80 “The oldest evidence of man in the district is the Lower Paleolithic ‘Rossington Hand Axe’. Remains of artefacts from younger stone ages and from the Bronze Age and Iron Age have also been found. Doncaster (Danum), situated on major strategic route to the north (perpetuated as the A1), is the best known of several Roman sites” (British Geological Survey).

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• Protecting and enhancing key views and vistas, especially at gateway locations • Townscape improvements schemes (e.g. Thorne town centre) The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan While the status of heritage assets would remain intact, the effectiveness of protecting and enhancing quality of these assets would be reduced without a robust policy framework. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Number of listed buildings 797 (including a total of 28 Historic England: 672 (Barnsley) grade 1 and 33 grade 2* listed National heritage list 514 (Rotherham) buildings) 1121 (Sheffield) Number of grade 2 listed 36 (4.9%) DMBC Reduce buildings at risk Numbers of grade 1 & grade 6 including 5 places of worship Historic England: 3 (Barnsley) out of 41 (7%) 2* listed buildings at risk81 (10%) National heritage at risk 7 (Rotherham) out of 55 register (13%) 6 (Sheffield) out of 71 (8%) Number of scheduled 50 Historic England: monuments National Heritage List Number of scheduled 14 (28%) Historic England: 6 (Barnsley) out of 23 monuments at risk National heritage at risk (26%) register 9 (Rotherham) out of 55 (24%) 9 (Sheffield) out of 48 (19%) Number of historic parks & 4 (Brodsworth Hall; Hickleton Historic England: gardens Hall; Cusworth Hall and the National heritage at risk Dell register Number of historic parks & 0 Historic England: gardens at risk National Heritage List Number of conservation 46 DMBC 18 (Barnsley) areas 26 (Rotherham) 28 (Sheffield) Number of conservation 6 (13%) DMBC/ Historic England: 2 (Barnsley) (11%) areas at risk National Heritage at risk 3 (Rotherham) (12%) register 5 (Sheffield) (13%) Distribution of conservation 9 in Doncaster, 3 in other DMBC areas urban areas and 32 of the villages, plus town centres of Mexborough and Thorne Number of archaeological 2356 South Yorkshire Increase sites recorded on the South Archaeology Service Yorkshire Sites and Monuments Record Schemes reviewed by Collected on an annual basis Increase Doncaster Design Panel

81 Heritage at Risk Register (English Heritage, 2014)

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Figure 15: Historic built environment designations

Landscape character

The landscape of the borough is relatively low-lying and flat although there are minor ridges, gorges and gently undulating river valleys which provide some variations in local topography and enclosure. The map overleaf (see figure 16 below) shows a strong correlation between the underlying geology and the various landscape types. Key areas of landscape include the following.

• Thorne and Hatfield Moors - rare peat moorlands of international importance in the north east of the borough, offering unique raised bog habitat in a wilderness setting. • Humberhead Levels – traditional pastoral farming area bounded by the rivers Don and Went. • Don Gorge is an area of outstanding natural beauty between Doncaster and Mexborough and has a rich archaeological interest dating back to prehistoric times with steep wooded valleys. The limestone gorge forms part of the Magnesian Limestone Ridge, a relatively narrow belt of magnesian limestone that stretches across the north of England. The wider area includes attractive villages of Hampole, Clayton, Hickleton, Cadeby, Sprotbrough and Pickburn. • The river corridors of Don, Dearne, Torne and Went - one to two kilometres wide, medium-scale agricultural landscapes with arable fields and pockets of pasture. • The picturesque market town of Tickhill and the surrounding countryside of gently undulating traditional English landscape on the magnesium limestone. • Large areas of attractive landscaped parkland in the north west of the borough (including the historic houses and gardens of Brodsworth and Cusworth, Cantley Park, Campsell Park) bisected by medieval villages, open fields, large tree plantations and high quality woodland.

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• The villages of Clifton, Micklebring and Braithwel are set within an attractive open landscape of undulating countryside including Clifton Beacon, the highest point in the borough, noted for its views. This provides an important green wedge between urban Doncaster and Rotherham.

Figure 16: Landscape character areas (source: Doncaster Landscape Character and Capacity Study, ECUS, 2009)

Doncaster has a large rural hinterland featuring market towns, historic villages and large swathes of attractive and low lying countryside. Agriculture remains the largest single land use in the borough covering approximately 67% of the total land area.

The greenbelt covers much of the western half of the borough. There are also long standing policies to protect the countryside in the eastern half of the borough. The extensive urban fringes are a valuable informal recreation resource but many areas need environmental improvement and better access.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Parts of the landscape are under threat from small-scale incremental land use changes, flood events and urban expansion, especially at the peri-urban fringe, which is quite fragmented in places. • Some settlements beyond the main urban area are at significant risk of coalescence, especially Armthorpe and Rossington • Economic and management pressures are affecting biodiversity conservation and rights of access (e.g. lowland areas). • Requiring new development in or adjoining the countryside to achieve a higher standard of landscaping. • Tree and hedgerow numbers are declining owing to modern farming practices and growth pressures • Expansion of the urban forest Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan

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The Doncaster Local Plan will need to strike an appropriate balance between landscape protection and the need to meet Doncaster’s future development needs. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without appropriate safeguards in place, new development could potentially have a greater adverse impact on the character and appearance of the landscape. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Area of land covered by 5741.44 (hectares) Doncaster Greenspace None greenspace Audit (all green space which is publicly accessible for recreational use) FACILITATING THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES

Extraction of minerals

Doncaster’s minerals are important natural resources that make an essential contribution to prosperity and quality of life within Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the wider region. Doncaster’s growth agenda will present an opportunity to use locally sourced resources to support infrastructure and construction projects. Doncaster’s mineral resources are however finite; the challenge is, therefore, to ensure the use of suitable secondary and recycled aggregates and minerals in the first instance, minimise the need for primary extraction and ensure the remaining minerals are worked efficiently and sustainably.

Doncaster’s main mineral resources are limestone and sand and gravel, both of which are used as aggregate in construction. A small amount of industrial limestone (for glass making) and sand (for agriculture) is also sourced locally. Doncaster has the largest supply of aggregate reserves in South Yorkshire (sand and gravel is only found in Doncaster). Limestone is sourced from the magnesian limestone ridge that runs from Barnsdale Bar in the north to Stainton (and beyond) in the south. Sand and gravel is predominantly in the east and south east of the borough overlying the Sherwood Sandstone bedrock. In recent years, there has been a significant reduction in sharp sand and gravel reserves, most of which has now been extracted.

Doncaster has one of the three operating coal mines in the UK: Hatfield Colliery has huge reserves and a production capacity in excess of a million tonnes of coal a year, but is struggling to compete with cheaper imports and a slump in the global coal market. Peat deposits occur within the internationally designated parts of the Thorne and Hatfield Moors SPA/SAC.

Key issues, problems and opportunities • Safeguarding finite or rare aggregate minerals (e.g. sharp sand gravel, industrial limestone and silica sand) to avoid sterilisation and ensure a sufficient supply of minerals to address local and sub-regional needs • Encouraging the use of secondary and recycled aggregates over primary minerals extraction • Supporting unconventional oil and gas proposals (e.g. shale gas) especially in derelict and degraded areas as well as conventional forms of energy minerals within close proximity to existing infrastructure requirements, such as gas pipelines and gas storage areas • Maintaining a sufficient land bank of permitted reserves (balanced against wider sustainability considerations) • Ensuring there are sufficient safeguards in place to minimise the impacts of minerals extraction on communities and the environment Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will need to set out policies that outline the overall requirements relating to the extraction of minerals and use of aggregates and set aside specific sites or areas where mineral extraction will be acceptable in principle and outline general principles which will guide planning applications. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without a local plan there is a risk that mineral extraction will cause significant environmental harm and disruption (e.g. lower water tables, alter drainage patterns and pollute sensitive uses such as nearby nature conservation sites). Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Sand and gravel reserves 5.7 million tonnes Doncaster Local Aggregate None Limestone (crushed rock) 60 million tonnes Assessment (2014) reserves

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WASTE & RECYCLING

Residents and businesses in Doncaster currently produce around 400,000 tonnes of waste per annum. Much of this waste is currently landfilled. As the waste rots, it releases harmful greenhouse gases (e.g. methane and carbon dioxide) which contribute to climate change. As landfill is becoming increasingly expensive and scarce, we need to develop alternative and more environmentally friendly ways to manage, treat and dispose of our waste in a way that reduces emissions, conserves resources and protects the quality of the environment.

Average household recycling rates in Doncaster have increased significantly from 12% in 2004/2005 to 40.2% in 2013/2014. Landfill disposal rates fell at least 30% during the same period in response to rising financial penalties (in line with the national picture). There are a number of sites which accept, manage and treat waste across the borough, ranging from household waste recycling centres, waste transfer stations through to large-scale recycling/composting facilities and landfill sites. Landfill sites are mostly found in the eastern part of the borough owing to the legacy of mineral extraction.

From 2015 onwards, household waste collected in Doncaster will be taken (via a new transfer station in Kirk Sandall) to a state-of-the-art waste treatment centre at Manvers in Rotherham where it will be processed into a fuel.

Commercial and industrial waste arisings are often bulky and will require dedicated new waste processing facilities at the strategic level. Other types of waste (e.g. construction, demolition and excavation waste, agricultural waste and hazardous waste are either disposed or treated on site or transferred to specialist facilities elsewhere in the region (e.g. East Yorkshire).

Key issues, problems and opportunities • New recycling/recovery facilities are required to plug the capacity shortfall (commercial and industrial waste) and avoid landfill. • Waste management forms part of green economy and represents an important source of jobs • Waste arisings have been increasing year on year and this is set to continue, mainly as a result of population and household growth. • Doncaster has significant waste disposal capacity remaining but existing landfill is not currently economically viable due to the cost of financial penalties. • Specific locations need to be identified to promote recycling and reuse of resources and the co-location of facilities which specialise in low carbon technologies such as energy from waste (resource recovery parks). • New development should make adequate provision for the storage and collection of refuge and garden waste and recyclable materials and designs and layouts that secure the integration of waste facilities without adverse impact on the street scene or landscape. • Currently there are significant cross boundary movements of waste between Doncaster and neighbouring authorities. • South Yorkshire faces a potential shortfall of landfill capacity from 2018 onwards, and it is likely to run out sooner than expected. Implications for the Doncaster Local Plan The Doncaster Local Plan will set out policies which will be used (alongside existing policies within the Joint Waste Plan) to assess the suitability of waste management facilities (including energy from waste, recycling and treatment facilities). It will also include guidance relating to the design and layout of storage and refuse facilities within new housing and commercial development. The likely evolution of the situation without the local plan Without these interventions, waste management facilities will not necessarily be located in the most sustainable locations. Key indicators Data Source Comparisons / targets Percentage of 2001/2002 = 3.9% Department for National average (2013/2014) = municipal waste 2004/2005 = 12% Environment, Food & 43% recycled and 2009/2010 = 40% Rural Affairs Barnsley = 51.6% composed 2013/2014 = 40.2% Sheffield = 30.1% Target: 2015/2016 = Doncaster Municipal Rotherham = 40.9% 60% Waste Management Strategy

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Percentage of 2004/2005 = 81.62% Department for 2004/2005 = 84.6 household 2009/2010 = 51.6% Environment, Food & 2009/2010 = unknown waste landfilled 2011/12 = 49.38% Rural Affairs 2011/2012 = 37.38 2012/13 = 50.91% 2012/2013 = unknown 2013/2014 = 57.85% 2013/20 14 = 30.93

Difficulties encountered in compiling baseline information

There are gaps, uncertainties and discrepancies in the availability of relevant baseline information, as explained in the table below.

Table 9: Gaps in the evidence base Concern Information not forthcoming Deprivation Multiple deprivation is a difficult concept to define and measures and covers a broad range of issues. Comparing the ranking of areas from one version of the indices to the next is difficult and complex because they measure deprivation relative to all other areas in England. Housing There is a low housing demand in some areas and an increasing housing affordability gap between the most and least deprived areas. A stock condition and environmental survey of private sector housing areas would identify where these areas are, what the issues are, and therefore aid in the prioritization of the regeneration work of the council and its partners.

Council tax banding gives an indication of how many properties are in the each house value range, but they do not give a comprehensive picture of the number or shortfall of properties within each range. Further investigation is required to determine this information, which is important if the borough is to know the amount of housing at various levels required from the market.

A more detailed, in-depth investigation is also required to better understand the needs and wishes of black and minority ethnic households in order to better understand what action is required to support the increase of ethnic diversity across the whole borough. Consideration is needed on new build developments for black and minority ethnic families who need separate rooms and larger houses for religious and cultural practices. Community There has been no audit or evaluation of the quantity and quality of community facilities in the facilities borough. This will help to provide an understanding of how well each settlement serves its local population and identify a clear indication of each settlement's potential to accommodate the needs of any further development. Rural Limited information is available on rural employment needs and the economic value of rural areas. economy Housing Further analysis is required to see what proportion of empty properties represent the baseline of turnover properties (e.g. empty due to changing ownership) and what proportion represent a potential home for a household in need of their own accommodation. Accessibility There is limited evidence to show the performance of the local public transport network due to its complexity and size. Built CABE’s design audit of new homes in Yorkshire and Humberside focused on a selected number of environment housing sites. However, no comprehensive review is available, nor are there locally agreed standards or benchmarks against which to assess the design quality of new development. No detailed evaluation has been undertaken to assess the character of urban settlements. Landscape Despite the availability of information, it is unlikely that any monitoring will be undertaken within the landscape character areas using condition and quality indicators. Climate No information is available on the number of developments or properties that have sustainable change urban drainage systems installed. Leisure, The review of the greenspace audit has not yet been completed. A comprehensive survey of the recreation & quality, distribution and condition of public trees will also be required to map out the character of open space the townscape and ascertain the nature of their ecological services/benefits. Doncaster’s public tree resource is widespread and diverse, but largely unrecorded.

Landscape pages are saved as a Quick Part – L then F3

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Appendix E Sustainability Appraisal Framework

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

1. Maintain and Local economy • Create jobs and new businesses • Indices of multiple Doncaster has the second largest economy in the Sheffield Borough Strategy increase Doncaster’s (maintain and • Support existing businesses deprivation city region, but it still significantly lags behind other parts growth/prosperity strengthen) • Provide employment opportunities for • BRES employee analysis of the Yorkshire and Humber region (in terms of GVA Sheffield City Region Growth everyone • ONS pay rates output) and suffers from high levels of unemployment and diversify its Plan • Increase wealth • Employment rates and worklessness. Income and educational levels are also economic base • Attract investment and trade • Unemployment rates well below regional and national averages. There is a Doncaster Economic Growth • Close the ‘output gap’ • Employment land survey need to improve economic linkages between Doncaster Plan • Improve financial security • Number of new businesses and the rest of the city region, as well as improve east to Doncaster Renaissance • Provide a supply of available land for all • Economic output west links between the ports of the Hull and Humber and Charter Doncaster business needs • (GVA) Liverpool. Renaissance • Promote tourism • Output gap analysis (REM) Masterplan • Support home working / e-commerce • Tourist numbers Significant investment in new infrastructure, research and Robin Hood Airport • Improve quality of life technology is required to sustain and increase the Masterplan Sheffield City prosperity/competitiveness of the economy especially in Region Transport terms of improving transport connectivity, promoting Strategy Diversify the • Provide a skilled workforce. • Number of businesses by innovation and enterprise and developing more viable economic base • Broaden sectoral mix sector and vital town centres Less reliance on current high-volume Sectoral mix - location • • sectors quotient (REM) Doncaster has an overreliance on low paid and low skilled • More workers in ‘higher value’ sectors • Place of work data (ONS) jobs (especially part time and temporary positions) and is • Promote rural diversification • Skills data lacking employees in the higher value sectors such as finance, communications and real estate. Despite recent shoots of economic recovery, Doncaster needs to strengthen and further diversity its economic base and move away from its dependence on the public sector towards a stronger private sector with greater representation in innovative business sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital and media, engineering and renewables.

Since the decline of its traditional industries, Doncaster 2. Reinforce and Support • Maintain and protect the physical identity • Indices of multiple haMans exy opfer thieen cedmar siketgn anificda fnotrmer econ coomailfic eglrdo wtotwh nosver of the Borough Strategy support community community and setting of existing settlements deprivation pabostro ugtwoh hadecvead aes, st rdorniveng d isbtyin scttiroveng id loentcailt yauth or soernitsey of identity and pride identity • Conserve and protect existing services and • Development in proximity lpeladace.ers Hhoipwever, and many urban k eyex pantranssiofonrm tharetioatnaenls ptroo ujecndts.erm Asi nae Team Doncaster consultation facilities (especially in more remote areas) to conservation areas and rethseu cltha, thraec pterro duancdti phvitysy igacapl sebetttweening of Dothonseca sseterttl emeand nthtse (creating places that people • Deliver affordable homes heritage features. rewhistch of adthejo Yino rthkseh mirea iann udr Hbaunm abreera re. Tghioe no phaens cweondgsideser oabf ly feel proud of) • Promote greater community cohesion • Number and location of nalanrrdo bweetweend. the urban fringe and open countryside are • Don’t make everywhere the same affordable homes quite narrow and are particularly vulnerable to change.

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

Pride • Get people involved in local issues. • Quality of life/happiness Surveys suggest that the vast majority of residents are • Foster positive perceptions of the area indices (corporate surveys) proud to live or work in Doncaster. The friendlessness and • Make people proud of their own resilience of the people coupled with its industrial roots community and Doncaster and heritage have instilled a strong sense of civic pride and belonging in the area.

Doncaster contains a number of deprived communities and marginalised groups such as single parents, the elderly, gypsy and travellers and ethnic minorities) and those on low incomes often suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.

3. Improve Accessibility to • Ensure places can be accessed via public • Travel to work data Doncaster has excellent connectivity to the strategic One North - A Proposition for accessibility to place places transport • LUTI data transport network (e.g. M18, M180 and A1(M) an Interconnected North and services, both • Encourage a modal shift • Traffic flow data motorways), but some settlements (e.g. Rossington, • Minimise travel to work distance • Access to jobs by public Hatfield and Stainforth) and key growth corridors (e.g. Network Rail Northern Route within and outside of • Has footpath access where possible transport etc Doncaster Sheffield Airport) require better road and rail Utilisation Strategy the borough • Has cycle paths where possible • Number of trips made by links (e.g. new or improved stations/interchanges) to open • Have adequate parking facilities cycling/walking up development opportunities, create more efficient land- Sheffield City Region Transport • Has road access where possible use patterns and reduce journey times, especially to key Strategy • Facilitate links between urban and rural centres of economic activity such as Sheffield, Leeds, areas Manchester and the inland/coastal ports. Sheffield, Hull and Humber city region growth plans Doncaster’s economy is relatively isolated from other parts of the city region and the coastal ports, due to low South Yorkshire Green levels of commuting. High speed rail and freight capacity Infrastructure Strategy improvements will provide opportunities to enhance east- west connectivity between Doncaster and the major Doncaster Rights of Way conurbations. There is also a need to improve access Improvement Plan between the former mining settlements and the main urban area. Some rural settlements are relatively isolated Doncaster Cycle Strategy Accessibility to • Facilitate access to services and facilities • Access to services by from public transport, core services and jobs. services such as health, education, open spaces and public transport etc shops etc • Footfall counts • New development should be close to services • Facilitate the transport of freight by sustainable means • Minimise the need to travel

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

4. Ensure resources Energy resources • Reduce the reliance on, and the • Renewable energy Doncaster has long been a centre of energy generation Waste Framework Directive are available and consumption of, finite fossil fuels installed by type and extraction, from using river and tidal power through efficiently used to • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Carbon dioxide emissions to large-scale energy production (from coal and gas-fired Waste Management Plan for • Reduce energy use and encourage the per capita power stations and landfill sites) and mineral workings England sustain development production and use of renewable energy (e.g. sand and gravel quarries) which has resulted in Doncaster Environment and reduce waste increased greenhouse gas emissions. Strategy Doncaster Municipal and consumption Waste As resources become increasingly scarce, we need to find Management Strategy alternative and more environmentally friendly solutions to manage our resources in a way that reduces emissions, Barnsley, Doncaster and conserves/creates new resources, encourages Rotherham Joint Waste Plan recycling/reuse, reduces consumption and protects or enhances the quality of the built and natural environment.

Doncaster offers significant potential to generate renewable energy from a wide range of sources (including wind, solar, biomass, waste, water and fossil fuels) owing to its proximity to major power generators, freight links and the availability of natural resources such as arable farmland and minerals. This should contribute to reducing Doncaster’s environmental footprint.

Minerals and • Reduce primary mineral extraction • Proportion of primary construction • Increase the use of recycled and reclaimed mineral extraction aggregates • Incorporate sustainable design and construction practices Efficient use of • Encourage reuse/recycling and minimise • Household waste recycled waste waste and composted • Proportion of recycled aggregates

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

5. Provide Affordability • Provide housing including affordable • Volume of affordable In common with most parts of the UK, Doncaster has a Borough Strategy Doncaster affordable, good housing that is available to everyone to homes completed shortage of homes including affordable homes; whilst Housing Strategy quality housing that address future needs overall completion rates have recently returned to pre- Doncaster Strategic Housing recession levels, these are still below the number of Market Assessment is available to houses required and affordable housing as an element of everyone, including market housing schemes has not returned to pre- Code for Sustainable Homes vulnerable and recession levels. The viability of some brownfield sites and disadvantaged poorer housing market areas is an issue for the private groups housing market.

Following the closure of housing market renewal programmes like the South Yorkshire Pathfinder there is still a need to redevelop or refurbish some areas of older poorer housing. The council is through its council-build programme and through its partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and registered social landlords is seeking to deliver more affordable homes, to deliver modern energy-efficient homes and to address housing renewal and areas of market failure. The public and private sectors need to work together to provide the right quality, type and tenure mix of homes to meet identified needs and to address the specialist accommodation needs of particular groups including the elderly and gypsies and travellers.

Quality • Promote and encourage good quality • Building for Life design and sustainable homes

Mix and range of • Ensure an appropriate mix of housing, • Tenure and dwelling mix homes tenures and types

Availability • Increase the supply of housing • Number of unit and • Address areas of market failure empty homes • Number of housing in different locations • Net additional dwellings • (completions) • Amount of housing land

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

6. Reduce social Social exclusion • Minimise disadvantage or discrimination • Indices of multiple Doncaster is a relatively deprived borough with pockets of Borough Strategy Doncaster exclusion and • Ensure that as many people as possible deprivation severe social disadvantage. The decline of traditional Housing Strategy disadvantage have good access to shops and services • Number of local industries such as steel and mining has left a legacy of Deprivation represents a major apprenticeships social and economic problems especially within former cross-cutting issue and is made • Income levels coalfield areas in the west (e.g. Mexborough and up of several sub-indices. Conisborough) and north of the borough (e.g. Stainforth) Doncaster is ranked 36 out of which characteristically have lower access to services, 326 local authorities in the comparatively lower levels of employment and disposable indices of multiple deprivation. income and poorer health.

There is wide variation in both income and health levels between deprived and affluent areas. Surveys have shown that certain groups or individuals (e.g. older people, teenagers, ex-offenders, black and ethnic minorities and gypsy and travellers) in Doncaster feel marginalised and excluded from employment and services. Digital exclusion is also high in Doncaster, especially within rural areas.

New development and infrastructure is needed to deliver regeneration and investment within areas of market failure to stimulate growth and physical change so that local communities can benefit from and access the new jobs and opportunities. Fuel poverty levels are higher than the national average due to relative low incomes and the lack of energy efficiency within existing building stock (especially private rented properties).

Social • Reduce concentrations of socio- economic • disadvantage disadvantage • Reduce the gap between affluent and deprived areas

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

7. Make places that Attractive and • Deliver a high quality built environment • Number of Despite significant improvement in recent years, Borough Strategy are safe, attractive, distinctive places • Promote local distinctiveness • developments meeting Doncaster has a mixed record in terms of design quality culturally interesting • Provide more greenspaces and trees BREEAM and place making, in part due to its legacy of poorly Sheffield City Region Growth • Maintain and improve the character and • Building for Life designed and maintained housing and large floor-plate Plan and distinctive to setting of the townscape and landscape • Net gain in greenspaces commercial developments. There is a danger that recent live, work and travel • Crime levels progress may regress due to economic factors (e.g. South Yorkshire Green in • Traffic accident data development viability) and the unwillingness or inability Infrastructure Strategy • Accessible Natural of developers/designers to create more locally responsive Greenspace Standard development. Doncaster Green Infrastructure Strategy (including the Many of Doncaster’s market towns and villages have greenspace audit) distinctive character and contain features of historical and townscape importance such as medieval enclosures, parkland settings, model garden villages with “cottage style” housing, private suburbs and remnants of Roman occupation. Changes and opportunities need to be carefully managed (e.g. infill and backland development) to maintain and preserve the special character and identity of these areas. However, parts of the borough suffer from physical dereliction, urban decay (e.g. former industrial sites) and a lack of accessible open space.

Crime is falling but there are some hot-spots such as the town centre where anti-social behaviour is a recurring problem. Safety and • Promote buildings and developments • security which are ‘secure by design’ • Address anti-social behaviour • Maximise the security of homes and workplaces • Reduce crime • Reduce fear of crime • Minimise risk to health and safety

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

8. Renew and reuse Land and buildings • Encourage the re-use of brownfield land, • Number of empty Doncaster, like many municipalities, contains a number of Doncaster Environment existing buildings, vacant sites and existing buildings properties brownfield and/or urban sites require remediation and Strategy land and • Avoid the unnecessary use of greenfield • Proportion of homes on regeneration such as former collieries, waterfront sites sites brownfield sites and former industrial premises, many of which are at risk Doncaster Contaminated Land infrastructure • Support renewal of old and/or poor areas of flooding and/or have biodiversity and recreational Strategy of housing value. • Protect and enhance the amenity of the Doncaster Housing Strategy area Doncaster also has a number of areas of poor housing in • Secure the removal of unstable and need of replacement or refurbishment and this was contaminated land reflected in the inclusion of the Dearne area of Doncaster in the Transform South Yorkshire Pathfinder Housing Renewal Programme and also in the Doncaster and partners Green Corridor programme in the north- west of the borough. These programmes are no longer running but the council is still pursuing a housing renewal programme with the help of the Homes and Communities Agency and other partners in various towns and villages across the borough and will continue to extend the programme as resources permit.

There are many existing buildings within the countryside (e.g. redundant farm cottages) which may be suitable for conversion, redevelopment or alternative uses (e.g. rural housing and employment) where they are no longer required for agricultural purposes. However, it is accepted that some buildings may need to be replaced or demolished once they reach the end of their economic life/cycle.

Infrastructure • Capacity of existing infrastructure to • support new development • Quality of existing infrastructure provision

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

9. Improve the Health • Address health inequalities • Physical activity levels of One of the key goals of the Borough Strategy is to Healthy Lives, Healthy People health and well- • Make it easier for people to pursue a adults (Active People improve the health and well-being of the population. The being of the healthy lifestyle Survey from Sport health of people in Doncaster is generally worse than the Doncaster Health and • Promote access to healthcare England) national average although the gap has narrowed in Wellbeing Strategy borough’s • Reduce the fear of crime and anti-social • Obesity levels recent years. Life expectancy continues to increase, while population behaviour • Disability free years teenage pregnancy, infant mortality and death rates keep Doncaster Physical Activity and falling but significant differences in health between Sport Strategy communities (i.e. deprived and affluent areas) and population groups in Doncaster persist. Priorities in Health Improvement Doncaster include: Framework Joint Strategic Needs Assessment reducing obesity and increasing physical activity (especially among young adults as participation rates are lower than average); reducing/tackling health inequalities and social polarisation; and addressing the care and health needs of an increasingly aging population.

Well being • Increase personal satisfaction • Life satisfaction (surveys) • Improve quality of life • Life expectancy • Enhance people’s ability to access opportunities • Encourage community participation

10. Provide Education • Improve educational attainment • Qualified to level 2 or Doncaster has relatively low levels of skills and relatively Borough Strategy education and • Provide more/sufficient school places to higher high levels of worklessness and unemployment. training provision to address future need • Percentage of pupils Educational attainment is improving but relatively few Doncaster College Corporate achieving 5 or more school leavers go onto higher education. Some schools are Strategy build the skills and GCSEs performing poorly and require improvement. Parts of the capacity of the • Number of borough face a shortage of primary school places. population apprenticeships As well as widening access to opportunities we need to improve the quality of education and training provision (including post-16 and vocational qualifications) to help upskill and reskill the general population (including young people and adults) and increase participation rates.

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

Skills and training • Improve qualifications and skills in young • people • Provide opportunities for adults to learn new skills

11. Manage and Flood risk • Avoid inappropriate development in flood • Number of properties The climate in Doncaster is changing faster than ever before and Water Framework Directive adapt to climate risk areas within medium to high poses significant threat to the livelihood, security and health of its • Manage flood risk on sites at risk of risk flood areas people and environment, and its low-lying nature makes it The Carbon Plan: Delivering change particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. flooding Our Low Carbon Future

Attention is now focussed on actions to mitigate as well as adapt to climate change – to minimise the risks (e.g. flooding), reduce Don and Rother Catchment greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. through energy use) and maximise Abstraction Management the benefits associated with increased temperatures as far as Strategy possible. River Trent and River Don Doncaster has challenging targets to deliver a significant Catchment Flood Management reduction in carbon dioxide and re-use and recycle its natural and man-made resources in a way that reduces its reliance on fossil Plans fuels, diverts waste from landfill and improves the energy efficiency of buildings and spaces (e.g. through the use of Local Flood Risk Management renewable energy and design measures such as green roofs). Strategy

Greenhouse gas • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Carbon dioxide emissions Doncaster Environment Strategy emissions • Improve/increase Doncaster’s resilience to per capita climate change • Proportion of waste that is • Support the delivery of renewable and low landfilled carbon energy and associated infrastructure • Secure energy efficiency improvements Water supply and • Encourage sustainable drainage practices • None drainage • Manage and protect our water supply

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

12. Protect, increase Biodiversity • Protect, maintain and improve sites of • Number and condition of Doncaster is extremely important for biodiversity and Biodiversity 2020 and enhance the (habitats and international, national and local Sites of Special Scientific contains some of the rarest habitats and plants in the UK, natural environment, species) importance. Interest some of which do not occur elsewhere. Doncaster Biodiversity Action • Create new areas of biodiversity value • Changes in area of Plan including the • Offset / compensate for the loss of habitats biodiversity importance Due to a combination of geology, geography, climate and landscape, its and species as a result of development (local wildlife sites) human history, Doncaster has a vast and diverse wealth Doncaster Geodiversity Action underlying geology • Protect and restore priority species and of plants and wildlife associated with upland and lowland, Plan and wildlife habitat habitats southern and northern areas, along with wetland and dryland, acid and alkaline, ancient and modern habitats. Doncaster Green Infrastructure Strategy Biodiversity and geodiversity are intrinsically linked, especially at landscape scale, although they require Doncaster Environment careful management to minimise any conflicts between Strategy them.

The geology and landscape of the borough are also closely related: the large rock formations (crags and caves) of the Don gorge; the flat agricultural floodplains in the east; the undulating former spoil heaps from the historic coalfield and the magnesium limestone ridge in the west. However, these resources are coming under increasing threat from intensive farming methods, climate change, water abstraction and urban expansion/intensification. Geodiversity • Protect, maintain and improve sites of • Management of local geodiversity importance geological sites

Landscape • Maintain and enhancing landscape quality • Net gain or loss of and character greenspace

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

13. Protect, Historic places • Protect, maintain and improve the • Number of heritage assets The historic environment makes a significant contribution Borough Strategy conserve and character and appearance of conservation at risk to the character and distinctiveness of the borough and enhance the historic areas • Net loss of heritage assets requires protection from inappropriate development. The Doncaster Green Infrastructure • Maintain and protect historic buildings, • Number of listed buildings future management of the historic environment presents Strategy and cultural heritage scheduled ancient monuments and their • Number of conservation a number of challenges and opportunities, including: settings areas Doncaster Heritage Strategy • Protect, maintain and improve national increased risk of flooding and weathering/erosion from and local historic parks and gardens extreme weather conditions; • Protect, maintain and enhance new buildings regulations and design standards (e.g. use archaeological assets of renewable energy); widening access to and the understanding of historic assets and places; continued expansion and growth of urban areas, with consequential impacts on the setting of historic places; unlawful/inappropriate alterations to buildings; securing the sustainable use of buildings and spaces so they can be enjoyed by future generations; reversing the neglect and underuse of decaying listed buildings and areas, some of which require major refurbishment and enhancement; a lack of institutional funding and capacity (in the face of competing demands such as rising maintenance costs); and changing land use management practices (e.g. rural diversification).

Cultural heritage • Promote and increase tourism • Visitor numbers • Sensitive management of historic townscape • Protect undesignated archaeological assets from damage or loss

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Objective Sub-objective How the objective will be achieved Indicators Commentary Key source

14. Protect and Land and soil • Avoid the sterilisation of minerals • Number of developments Air, water and soil are essential components of the earth’s Water Framework Directive enhance soil, air and • Restore, reclaim and remediate vacant and on good quality life support system and represent our most important water quality derelict land (e.g. contaminated sites) agricultural land natural resources. Many industries, including farming and Air Quality Strategy for • Encourage local food production food production, depend on the sustainable and efficient (watercourses and England, Scotland, Wales and use of water, soil and other nutrients. ground water) Northern Ireland

Soil (agricultural land) and water (rivers, streams, lakes ‘Safeguarding our Soils’, A and ponds) cover more than two thirds of the land cover Strategy for England in the borough. Some of most productive farmland in the country is found in the Humberhead Levels in the east of River Don and River Trent the borough, where careful water management is Catchment Flood required to avoid flooding or prevent harm to property Management Plans and natural ecosystems such as wetland habitat.

Water abstraction Doncaster’s mineral resources are finite and need to be management strategies • Increase the quality and quantity of the • Rivers of good or fair safeguarded to prevent them from being unnecessarily Water Doncaster Air Quality Action water environment chemical and biological sterilized from other forms of development such as Plan Doncaster Environment • Reduce direct and indirect pollution on the water quality housing and employment. Strategy Doncaster water environment Contaminated Land • Reduce the potential risk to ecosystems The protection of ground water resources especially in Strategy • (e.g. wetland and riparian habitats) and urban areas ecological receptors (e.g. Sherwood Sandstone aquifer) also presents a Air • Reduce/minimise air pollution (e.g. • Air quality in Air Quality significant challenge because it the primary source of our increased traffic) and noise Management Areas drinking water and needs to be protected from over- • Improve air quality especially at motorway abstraction and pollution (e.g. surface water run-off). junctions and busy A roads • Reduce the potential risk to ecosystems • (e.g. wetland and riparian habitats) and Although air quality has improved in many parts of the ecological receptors borough, air pollution still poses continuing risks to health and ecosystems. There are localised pockets of poor air Doncasterquality aro hasund experiencedthe motorw abigy j unincreasesctions an ind visitor parts of the numberstown cent inre recentdue to years, nitrog buckingen dioxi dthee em nationalissions trend.from r Aoa d hightraffi c.quality historic environment will in turn help increase the tourist potential of the area and its attractiveness to potential investors.

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Appendix F Comparison between the 2015 Vision, Aims and Objectives and the 2018 Vision and Objectives

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Review of 2016 Vision Aims and Objectives (as taken to full council on 1st March 2016)

This note suggests changes to the draft Vision, Aims and Objectives that were taken to Full Council in March 2016. This review is deemed appropriate in light of:

1. The publication of the revised Borough Strategy – ‘Doncaster Growing Together’

2. A review of best practice guidance

3. The need to simplify, shorten and clarify the Local Plan Vision

The table below shows the original agreed vision and the revised vision. The revised vision reflects the newly published ‘Doncaster Growing Together’ prospectus and the ‘Inclusive Growth Plan’. These documents reflect the work of the Doncaster Strategic Partnership ‘Team Doncaster’. The revised vision emphasises making Doncaster a strong productive economy and a thriving place to live, work, learn and care. The Local Plan covers a 17-year period and it is essential therefore that the Team Doncaster vision is taking on board at an early stage to ensure success for both the Local Plan and the Borough.

Agreed Vision Revised Vision: In 2032, the borough of Doncaster will be: By 2032, Doncaster will: • a leading economic centre between the coastal ports and city • in line with Doncaster’s Inclusive Growth Plan, have shaped economic success by investing in our future; encouraged regions at a key gateway into the north of England, with access existing businesses to expand, attracting new businesses to the area and encouraged a low carbon economy to into international markets; combat climate change • a well-connected place at a city scale with a stronger and more • develop more inclusive labour markets by providing integrated support for residents to access quality job balanced economy, a diverse range of housing and a better opportunities educated and skilled workforce; • in line with the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan become an important economic hub with a stronger more • a centre of excellence in logistics, engineering, aviation, energy balanced economy and construction, centred on the main transport corridors and • become a University City and ensure residents have the education and skills businesses need Doncaster town centre; • be a leading centre in logistics, aviation, rail and civil engineering, focusing on main transport corridors, including • a healthier, safer and more active place to live and work at the harnessing the potential of the airport along the growth corridor to Doncaster town centre forefront of efforts to combat and adapt to climate change and • meet our communities housing needs focusing growth in the main urban area, main towns, service towns and larger reduce carbon emissions; villages providing a diverse range of homes, services and improved links in between • known nationally for the quality and diversity of its tourist • ensure that new development and infrastructure requirements such as, roads, broadband, open space, health attractions, historic places and greenspaces, including its parks, facilities and schools are improved and or delivered together; gardens, moors, markets, railways and Roman and Georgian • enhance the vitality of our existing town centres and the wider borough making a more attractive, healthier, safer heritage; and and more active place to live, visit and work; • a place where nature is flourishing and recovering from past • ensure the sustainability of villages and rural economy through appropriate development declines so that wildlife can move easily across the borough, • protect and enhance our natural and historic environment including our tourist attractions, with new developments through a network of well-connected habitats (e.g. wetlands, taking account of their local surroundings and character; grasslands and woodlands). • be a place where nature flourishes and wildlife can move easily across the borough, through a network of well- connected green infrastructure; • be a prosperous place to live, work and visit where growth will address health inequalities, and community deprivation.

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2016 Vision, Aims and Objectives Modifications and reasoning 2017 Vision and Objectives Aim 1: Jobs and growth Supporting the conditions for attracting jobs and growth: Support the conditions and opportunities for attracting high quality The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ encourage and support a competitive diverse inward investment and jobs including green and high-tech industries have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice and stable economy focusing on our town and and other innovative sectors that will help grow and diversify guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our district centres, Doncaster Sheffield Airport Doncaster’s economy and support its role as a sub-regional centre. Sustainability Objectives. Aims where relevant have also been combined growth corridor and strategic transport into the reviewed and shortened objectives. network; To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: create and improve access to high quality Objective ‘a’ has been combined into new objective 1 and the policies employment and training opportunities a) promote Doncaster’s town centre as the borough’s main within the Local Plan will clarify the direction (reason - to make the (especially in emerging growth sectors) for location for shopping, indoor leisure, culture and business and objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) everyone in Doncaster; strengthen its role as a major sub-regional centre, and direct town centre uses towards existing centres; Objective ‘b’ has been simplified and moved to objective 11 under ‘homes and communities’ heading (reason - to make the objective more concise b) secure the provision of necessary infrastructure such as water, and to meet with planning practice guidance) gas, electricity and telecommunications (including improvements to existing services); Objective ‘c’ has been combined into new objective 1 and the policies within the Local Plan will clarify the direction (reason - to make the c) direct new development to emerging growth corridors such as objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) town centres and key transport routes (e.g. Doncaster Sheffield Airport) to promote clusters of economic activity (e.g. innovative Objective ‘d’ has been simplified and moved to objective 19 under ‘natural and hi-tech industries such as low carbon, aviation and resources’ heading (reason - to make the objective more concise and to engineering) and support the role of Doncaster as a logistics meet with planning practice guidance) centre of national significance; Objective ‘e’ has been simplified and moved to objective 15 under d) secure and maintain a steady and constant supply of minerals ‘countryside and natural environment’ heading (reason - to make the (including sharp sand and gravel and limestone) to support the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) current and future needs of the borough; and

e) diversify the rural economy in a way that protects the open countryside whilst supporting businesses and existing communities.

Aim 2: Regeneration and community pride The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ Regeneration and community pride: have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice stimulate regeneration to tackle deprivation Support regeneration in all our communities to tackle deprivation guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our especially in the most disadvantaged areas and and promote civic pride Sustainability Objectives. Aims where relevant have also been combined ensure an inclusive approach for those at risk into the reviewed and shortened objectives. of poverty, discrimination and social exclusion; To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: encourage the re-use of sites and buildings, Objective ‘a’ has been modified and combined into new objective 4 under especially well located and underused a) encourage the re-use of sites and buildings, especially well the heading ‘regeneration and community pride’ and the policies within brownfield land (e.g. redundant/unused land located and underused brownfield land (e.g. redundant/unused the Local Plan will clarify the direction (reason - to make the objective and empty properties) to help revitalise areas land and empty properties) to help revitalise areas of low more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) of low demand and stimulate growth;

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2016 Vision, Aims and Objectives Modifications and reasoning 2017 Vision and Objectives demand and stimulate growth; Objective ‘b’ has been modified and moved to objective 10 under the b) create more thriving, accessible and attractive town, district and heading ‘homes and communities’ (reason - to make the objective more local centres, with a greater range and mix of uses; concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

c) make sure that schools have sufficient capacity to accommodate Objective ‘c’ has been deleted. It is not the role of the Local Plan to new pupils from developments and enough places can be provide school places. The plan will however ensure financial created to accommodate them, in the right locations; and contributions and school facilities are delivered alongside housing development, should they be required. (reason - to make the vision and d) secure training and local employment provision (including objectives more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) apprenticeships and services) in association with new development and emerging growth sectors. Objective ‘d’ has been modified and moved to objective 2 under the heading ‘supporting the conditions for attracting jobs growth’ (reason - to make the objectives more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance). Aim 3: Quality of place: The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ Quality of place: have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice ensure our towns, suburbs, villages and Make sure that our towns, suburbs, villages and countryside benefit guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our countryside benefit from high quality from high quality development that reinforce distinctive and vibrant Sustainability Objectives. Aims where relevant have also been combined appropriate development that reinforces places and conserve the built and natural heritage. into the reviewed and shortened objectives. distinctive, attractive and vibrant places; protect, maintain and enhance the character To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: Objective ‘a’ has been modified and combined into new objective 5 under and appearance of our conservation areas, the heading ‘Quality of Place’ and the policies within the Local Plan will historic buildings, historic parks and gardens, a) protect, maintain and enhance the distinct character, identity clarify the direction of development (reason - to make the objective more and scheduled monuments; and setting of existing settlements, including links to and from concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) protect, maintain and enhance our green and the wider countryside and accessible open spaces; blue infrastructure especially our areas of Objective ‘b’ has been modified and combined into new objective 5 under green space for sport, recreation, play and b) support high quality infill in smaller villages and support the the heading ‘Quality of Place’ and the policies within the Local Plan will ecology; retention and provision of services to meet the needs of local clarify the direction of development (reason - to make the objective more residents and businesses; concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

c) reinforce the distinctive character of locally important Objective ‘c’ has been modified and combined into new objective 16 under landscapes and ecological features, such as tree-lined verges, the heading ‘countryside and natural environment’ and objective 7 under field patterns, species rich meadows and plantations; ‘Quality of Place’. The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with d) make sure that new development is safe and secure and planning practice guidance) achieves high standards of design, open space and landscaping; and Objective ‘d’ has been modified and combined into new objective 5 under the heading ‘Quality of Place’ and the policies within the Local Plan will e) protect and enhance the borough’s cultural and heritage assets clarify policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to such as archaeological remains, historic buildings and areas. meet with planning practice guidance)

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2016 Vision, Aims and Objectives Modifications and reasoning 2017 Vision and Objectives Objective ‘e’ has been modified into new objective 6 under the heading ‘Quality of Place’ and the policies within the Local Plan will clarify policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

Aim 4: Natural environment and countryside The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ Countryside and natural environment: have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice 15. diversify and support the rural Maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our economy whilst protecting and enhancing the countryside and the natural environment, including areas of Sustainability Objectives. Aims where relevant have also been combined character and appearance of the countryside landscape and biodiversity value into the reviewed and shortened objectives. and the natural environment, including areas of landscape and biodiversity value To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: Objective ‘a’ has been modified and combined into new objective 15 under 16. protect, maintain and enhance a) protect and improve the appearance, character and role of the the heading ‘countryside and natural environment’ and objective 7 under biodiversity and geodiversity and provide different landscapes in the borough, including minimising the ‘Quality of Place’. The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy opportunities for people to access and loss of Green Belt, high grade agricultural land and open direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with appreciate wildlife and nature countryside; planning practice guidance)

b) improve access to and extend networks of high quality green Objective ‘b’ has been modified and combined into new objective 16 under spaces and corridors to support wildlife, encourage physical the heading ‘countryside and natural environment’ and objective 7 under activity and improve links to other parts of the city region and ‘Quality of Place’. The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy beyond, especially within the Dearne Valley and Humberhead direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with Levels; planning practice guidance)

c) improve the amount, quality and accessibility of green space, Objective ‘c’ has been deleted. And is covered by new objectives 7 and especially where existing provision is deficient; 15 and policies within the Local Plan.

d) protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity networks, trees, Objective ‘d’ has been modified and combined into new objective 16 under hedgerows and geodiversity sites, such as Thorne and Hatfield the heading ‘countryside and natural environment’ and objective 7 under Moors, Potteric Carr, Don Gorge and important habitats, from ‘Quality of Place’. The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy loss or damage through effective management, in partnership direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with with other agencies, as well as achieve net gains, where possible; planning practice guidance) and Objective ‘e’ has been modified and combined into new objective 7 under e) maintain and improve the quality of Doncaster’s water ‘Quality of Place’ and objective ‘20’ under the heading ‘natural resources’. environment, including its rivers, canals, lakes and ground water The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - aquifers, particularly within the Don and Trent catchment areas. to make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

Aim 5: Energy and climate change The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ Climate change (flood risk) and energy: have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice 17. reduce dependency on fossil fuels to Support the transition to a low carbon borough in a way that guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our reduce locally produced greenhouse gas reduces emissions and energy use, combats the impacts of climate Sustainability Objectives. Aims where relevant have also been combined emissions and minimise the impacts of climate into the reviewed and shortened objectives. change and in line with the Sheffield City

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2016 Vision, Aims and Objectives Modifications and reasoning 2017 Vision and Objectives change and encourages more efficient use of its natural resources Region and encourage the transition to a low such as energy, water and minerals Objective ‘a’ has been modified and combined into new objective 17 under carbon borough the heading ‘climate change (flood risk) and energy’. The policies within 18. ensure that Doncaster adapts to the To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the effects of climate change through careful objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) planning and design of developments, a) maximise the generation and use of renewable energy from low avoiding inappropriate development in flood carbon sources, such as solar power, carbon capture, biomass Objective ‘b’ has been modified and combined into new objective 18 under risk areas and managing the risk of flooding and energy from waste (for example, through the creation of the heading ‘climate change (flood risk) and energy’. The policies within from all sources decentralised energy networks); the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) b) direct inappropriate development away from areas at risk of flooding (consistent with other objectives) and encourage flood- Objective ‘c’ has been modified and combined into new objective 17 under resilient design; the heading ‘climate change (flood risk) and energy’ and objective 19 under the heading ‘natural resources’. The policies within the Local Plan c) make sure that new development minimises energy demand will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more and consumption, connects to renewable forms of energy, concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) reduces surface water run-off, improves water quality and prevents waste; and Objective ‘d’ has been replaced by new objective ‘5, 6, 7’ under the heading ‘quality of place’ and new objective 14 under the heading ‘health and d) put in place measures to make sure that new development is wellbeing’ and objective 19 under the heading ‘natural resources’. The compatible with neighbouring land uses, removes policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to contamination and does not give rise to unacceptable levels of make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice air, water, noise and light pollution. guidance)

Aim 6: Transport and movement The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ Transport and Accessibility: have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice 8. make efficient use of existing Improve travel choice within the borough and to the wider city guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our infrastructure to improve accessibility to jobs region and beyond to address congestion, improve journey times adopted Sustainability Objectives. Aims where relevant have also been and services and aim to reduce the need to and improve access to services and jobs combined into the reviewed and shortened objectives. The heading of this travel by car by ensuring all journeys (including section has been modified to the wording ‘Transport and Accessibility’ … freight) are undertaken by the most To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: accessibility infers more ‘freedom of movement’ sustainable mode of transport;

a) ensure that new development is in places where it will be Objective ‘a’ has been modified and combined into new objective 8 under accessible to everyone, preferably by walking, cycling and public the heading ‘transport and accessibility’. The policies within the Local Plan transport; will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) b) maintain and improve transport links (both internally and externally) between communities, jobs and services, especially to Objective ‘b’ has been modified and combined into new objective 8 under neighbouring town and economic centres, airports (e.g. the heading ‘transport and accessibility’, objective ‘1’ under the heading Doncaster Sheffield Airport), coastal ports and high-speed rail ‘supporting the conditions for attracting jobs and growth’ and objective 11 stations, making best use of existing/planned networks; under the heading ‘homes and communities’. The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

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2016 Vision, Aims and Objectives Modifications and reasoning 2017 Vision and Objectives c) enhance the gateway approaches and key transport corridors leading into the town centres and other key areas with high Objective ‘c’ has been modified and combined into new objective 8 under quality public realm and buildings; and the heading ‘transport and accessibility ‘and objective ‘1’ under the heading ‘supporting the conditions for attracting jobs and growth. The d) improve the sustainable movement of freight within and around policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to Doncaster, making more use of water and rail. make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

Objective ‘d’ has been modified and combined into new objective 8 under the heading ‘transport and accessibility’. The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

Aim 7: Homes and communities The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ Homes and communities: have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice 9. ensure housing provision meets the Increase the provision of new homes throughout the borough to guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our housing need by increasing the provision of meet current and future needs and create mixed and balanced adopted Sustainability Objectives. new homes to meet current and future needs communities, particularly where there is access to existing and/or and create mixed and balanced communities; proposed services. 10. focus new homes primarily within Objective ‘a’ has been modified and combined into objectives ‘9, 10 and the main urban area of Doncaster and the To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: 11’ under the ‘heading homes and communities’. The policies within the Borough’s main towns, creating thriving areas Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective with access to services and a mix of uses; a) deliver a range of high quality homes of different styles, tenures more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) 11. link the growth in homes and jobs to and sizes (including homes for individual groups such as gypsy provide new and improved necessary and travellers, young families, students, professionals, the Objective ‘b’ has been modified and combined into objective ‘10’ under the infrastructure to create healthier and more disabled and old and vulnerable people) which people can heading ‘homes and communities’. The policies within the Local Plan will vibrant well connected neighbourhoods and afford and can be made viable; clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise communities; b) focus new homes primarily within the main urban area of and to meet with planning practice guidance) Doncaster and the borough’s other large towns; Objective ‘c’ has been modified and combined into objectives ‘10 and 11’ c) secure the delivery of new homes in accessible and well-serviced under the heading ‘homes and communities’. The policies within the Local locations which meet local needs (including small towns and Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more large villages) and help people access the housing market; and concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

d) improve the quality and condition of the existing housing stock Objective ‘d’ has been modified and combined into objective ‘11’ under the to make them more efficient and resilient to the impacts of heading ‘homes and communities’. The policies within the Local Plan will climate change, targeting those households living in fuel clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the objective more concise poverty. and to meet with planning practice guidance)

Aim 8: Health and well-being The overall Vision and Objectives have been retained, however the ‘Aims’ Health and well-being: have been removed as these are not required under ‘planning practice 12. promote healthy lifestyles and well- guidance’. The ‘aims’ have been replaced with ‘headings’ that mirror our being of people of all ages and backgrounds adopted Sustainability Objectives.

September 2018 Doc Ref: 38404

2016 Vision, Aims and Objectives Modifications and reasoning 2017 Vision and Objectives Improve the health and well-being of people of all ages and and reduce inequalities and obesity levels backgrounds and reduce inequalities and ill-health (including obesity across the borough; rates) across the borough Objective ‘a’ has been modified and combined into objective ‘7’ under the 13. provide new or improved health, heading ‘quality of place’. Objective ‘13’ is also relevant. The policies sport and recreation facilities and green To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to make the infrastructure to create quality communities objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) and address deficits in provision; a) healthier and more vibrant neighbourhoods (including a mix of 14. minimise pollution and improve air uses and green spaces) that are walkable and well connected to Objective ‘b’ has been modified and combined into objective ‘14’. The quality; existing communities, where infrastructure and services exist or policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to are planned; make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance) b) protect and improve air quality, especially in the vicinity of the airport, town centre and motorway junctions; Objective ‘c’ has been modified and combined into objective ‘13’. The policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to c) provide a range and mix of health, sport and recreation facilities make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice in accessible locations to address priorities/deficits and guidance) encourage linked trips; Objective ‘d’ has been modified and combined into objective ‘13’. The d) protect and maintain existing shared services, community policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to facilities and sport and recreational spaces unless surplus to make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice requirements or alternative and better provision can be guidance) provided elsewhere; and e) control and manage the impact of takeaways, fast-food outlets, Objective ‘e’ has been modified and combined into objective ‘12’. The pubs and bars to avoid over concentration within existing policies within the Local Plan will clarify the policy direction (reason - to centres and direct them away from schools and hospitals. make the objective more concise and to meet with planning practice guidance)

New Heading… Natural Resources: 19. encourages more efficient use of Objective ‘d’ - ‘secure and maintain a steady and constant supply of natural resources including water and secure minerals (including sharp sand and gravel and limestone) to support the and maintain a steady and constant supply of current and future needs of the borough’ (from the aim jobs growth) has mineral resources to facilitate development been simplified and moved to objective 19 under ‘natural resources’ 20. protect and enhance the quality of heading (reason - to make the objective more concise and to meet with our water resources and high grade planning practice guidance) agricultural land Water resources features aims ‘natural environment and countryside (objective ‘e’), and ‘energy and climate change (objectives ‘c and d’)

Soil resources do not feature in the 2016 vision, aims and objectives. This is an oversight. The NPPF requires policy protection of agricultural land

These have been rationalised into one objective under the new heading natural resources

September 2018 Doc Ref: 38404

2016 Vision, Aims and Objectives Modifications and reasoning 2017 Vision and Objectives

September 2018 Doc Ref: 38404