Public Document Pack
To: All Members of the Cabinet
Councillor K Rhatigan, Leader of the Council (Chair) Councillor S Bound, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships (Vice-Chair) Councillor R Bean, Cabinet Member for Borough Development and Improvement Councillor H Eachus, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement Councillor H Golding, Cabinet Member for Finance and Service Improvement Councillor J Izett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property Councillor T Robinson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Families Councillor M Ruffell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment
Dear Councillor
Cabinet Tuesday, 10 September 2019
Your attendance is requested at a meeting of the Cabinet on
Date: Tuesday, 10 September 2019 Time: 6.30 pm Place: Deanes
Your sincerely
Melbourne Barrett Chief Executive
For more information please contact the Democratic Services team: 01256 844844 Or email: [email protected] Visit: www.basingstoke.gov.uk/cabinet
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Chief Executive Melbourne Barrett MBA MRICS Executive Director of Borough Development Neil Taylor Executive Director of Borough Services Rebecca Emmett BSc (Hons), AIEMA Executive Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) Sue Cuerden CPFA ACMA
Public Participation Scheme Members of the public are invited to address the committee on all items presented at a committee meeting. Public speaking on these items will take place at the same time that the item is considered.
If members of the public wish to address the meeting they should notify Democratic Services prior to the meeting.
The public participation scheme is available to access through the council’s website - www.basingstoke.gov.uk/participation
COMMITTEE PAPERS If you need this information in a different format, such as large print, please contact Democratic Services.
Alternatively all documents associated with this agenda can be accessed through the Council’s website on http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/committeemeetings
WEBCASTING The open proceedings of the meeting will be webcast live and can be viewed through the Borough Council’s website at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/webcast
Webcasts of previous meetings can be viewed through the following link https://www.youtube.com/user/BasingstokeGov
Please note
It is likely that part of this meeting may need to be held in private as some agenda items may involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information within the terms of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. Members of the press and public may need to be excluded for that part of the meeting if necessary. Those items are at the end of the agenda.
Details of any representations received about why the meeting should be open to the public – none
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AGENDA FOR THE CABINET
Members are encouraged to obtain any points of clarification on the reports on the Agenda in advance of the meeting.
Members of the public will be invited to speak at the relevant item
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
3. URGENT MATTERS
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9 JULY 2019 7 - 10
The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.
5. MOTION REFERRED FROM COUNCIL ON 18 JULY 2019 - MANYDOWN COUNTRY PARK
Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property and the Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and the Natural Environment work with our appointed master-developer partners for Manydown to ensure that as soon as possible after planning approval for the Manydown development, the Country Park is opened and made accessible for all the residents of the Borough.
6. MOTION REFERRED FROM COUNCIL ON 18 JULY 2019 - HOUSING STANDARDS
Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and the Natural Environment write to the Government in response to the consultation encapsulating the views of Full Council in relation to this consultation.
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7. CLIMATE EMERGENCY DECLARATION 11 - 24
At the meeting of full Council on 18 July, Councillors unanimously agreed to support a motion to request the Cabinet declares a Climate Emergency. This short paper provides the mechanism to make this declaration and to formally initiate the process. It also provides a high level summary of actions the Borough Council is already taking and further proposed actions in the coming months, including a timetable for key meetings.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement
8. EXTENSION TO STRATEGIC GRANTS FOR 2020/21 25 - 34
Approval is sought for a proposal to extend the funding agreements of eight strategically funded organisations for one year, pending longer- term decisions on future grant funding.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Finance and Service Improvement and Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships
9. NORTH WESSEX DOWNS AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL 35 - 152 BEAUTY (AONB) - MANAGEMENT PLAN (2019-2024)
The purpose of this report is to present for adoption, an updated management plan for the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering the period 2019-2024.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment
10. REVENUE AND CAPITAL MONITORING AS AT 30TH JUNE 2019 153 - 164 (QUARTER 1)
This report presents the 2019/20 forecast outturn position, as at the 30th June 2019, for revenue and capital expenditure and income and compares it with variances reported against budget. The report also identifies risks and issues which could have significant financial impacts.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Finance and Service Improvement
11. BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL BREXIT 165 - 174 PREPARATIONS
This report provides an overview of an intensive piece of work undertaken by the borough council to ensure that the council, council services and the local communities we serve are prepared for the UK’s exit from the European Union.
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Recommendation from the Leader of the Council
12. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
To consider whether, in view of the nature of the remaining items on the agenda, any of them are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information within the terms of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972
13. CONFIDENTIAL/ EXEMPT ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
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This page is intentionally left blank Public Document Pack Agenda Item 4
Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, 9 July 2019 in Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council at 6.30 pm
Members of the Cabinet in attendance: Councillor K Rhatigan (Chair), Councillor S Bound, Councillor R Bean, Councillor H Golding, Councillor J Izett, Councillor T Robinson and Councillor M Ruffell
10/19 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hayley Eachus.
11/19 Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest.
12/19 Urgent matters
There were no urgent matters.
13/19 Minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2019
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2019 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
14/19 Housing Delivery Test Action Plan
The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment introduced the report. He advised Cabinet that the housing rates followed a pattern reflective of the economy and anticipated that the under delivery average would be exceeded in 2018/19. Performance against the housing delivery rates had been kept under regular review and an action plan prepared. In conclusion, paragraph 2.8 of the report was highlighted which set out the categories of challenges identified for the borough.
Resolved: That Cabinet
Approve the Housing Delivery Test Action Plan (2019) publication, in with the line requirements of the Housing Delivery Test.
Reasons for the decision:
The requirement for the production and publication of a HDTAP is set out in national planning guidance. The results of the 2018 HDT require the council to produce a HDTAP to identify challenges and identify actions to address under delivery against the housing requirement in the area.
Page 7 15/19 Invest to Grow Fund Annual Report 2018/19
The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property introduced the report. He informed Cabinet that the report provided an update on progress with the fund. Cabinet was informed that £8.9m had been had been committed as development finance for Eli Lilly’s new headquarters in Basing View, keeping them in the borough.
Resolved: To note the Invest to Grow Annual Report 2018/19.
16/19 Property Investment Strategy - Annual Report for Year End - Quarter 4 2019
The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property introduced the annual report. He commented that good progress was being made in investing the remaining funds from the £30m, set aside for this strategy. The average return on acquisitions was 7%, which was in excess of the return on government bonds. He added that there was currently just over £5m left to spend on property investments. The Council was looking at suitable opportunities with a preference for properties in the borough and those that met the investment criteria.
Resolved: That Cabinet
Note the Property Investment Strategy Annual Report for Year End – Quarter 4, 2018.
17/19 Transport Strategy
The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment introduced the report. This was a key report. There was a need to improve air quality, alleviate congestion, plan for new growth and the Leisure Park. He acknowledged the strategy was a moving feast and that it would mean different things to different people. For example, some sought a preference for buses, others for cycling and electric cars and cleaner fuels. He was of the view that the borough required a combination of those things and felt that technology would help improve change the situation. In concluding, he stated the report was a working document and reassured Cabinet that meetings had been held with representatives from Hampshire County Council to seek their input, including solutions.
The Leader welcomed the report and added that he was keen to see connectivity to airports in order to attract businesses and individuals to the borough.
Resolved: That Cabinet
Note the contents of the report and the proposed changes to the Transport Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
Recommendation to Council:
That the Transport Strategy be adopted, together with any recommendations made by Hampshire County Council when they adopt the strategy on 16 July, recognising that some of the statutory responsibilities outlined within the document rest with
Page 8 Hampshire County Council as the Local Highway Authority.
18/19 Housing Investment Strategy - Improving Access to home ownership
The Cabinet Member for Homes and Families introduced the report. Cabinet was informed that the loan scheme will help Basingstoke and Deane residents to achieve the aim of home ownership. In order to be eligible for the loan, residents will need to be on the housing register and on income below the housing earning threshold. The loan is interest free for 5 years.
Cabinet colleagues welcomed the report.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Subject to Council approval of the scheme, delegate power to the Legal Services Manager to agree the details of the scheme.
2) Note that further consideration will be given to the innovative ideas generated from the Soft Market Testing Day to deliver more low cost home ownership in Basingstoke & Deane Borough in discussion with the Cabinet Member for Homes & Families.
3) Note that work will continue with Help to Buy South to run at least one more promotional event a year to promote low cost home ownership, funded from within existing budgets.
Recommendation to Council: To agree a new capital scheme ‘Council help to buy: Equity Loan Scheme’, with a budget of £0.580m funded from S106 receipts.
Reason for the decision:
To enable the council to meet its stated strategic aims of providing support for low cost home ownership.
19/19 Manydown Garden Communities LLP - Business Plan 2019
The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property introduced the report. He added that the report updated Cabinet on the work of the Manydown Garden Communities Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), which was now established and operating as a separate corporate vehicle. Cabinet was informed that the Board was required to produce an annual Business Plan. The purpose of the Business Plan was to ensure both councils’ interests were safeguarded as well as to ensure a financial return.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Approve the Manydown Garden Communities (MGC) LLP Business Plan 2019/20 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
2) Approve the alterations to the MGC LLP Members’ Agreement as set out in
Page 9 paragraph 3.8 and 3.9. of the report.
3) Approve the amendment to the Dev Co Members’ Agreement to increase the MGC LLP Member Representatives on the Dev Co Board from four to six.
4) Approve the MGC LLP and Dev Co Member Representatives and Alternates as set out in paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 of the report.
Reasons for the decision:
To continue to pursue the development of Manydown and secure the better planning of the area in accordance with the Council resolution on 12 July 2012 by proceeding with setting up MGG LLP and Dev Co to enable the delivery of the first 3,520 homes.
The meeting ended at 6.58 pm.
Chairman
Page 10 Agenda Item 7
Climate Emergency Declaration
Cllr Eachus, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement
Report to Cabinet Ward(s): All Key Decision: No Appendix 1: Agreed motion Appendix 2: Steps to climate commitment Papers relied on: Full Council papers 18 July 2019
Foreword - Cllr Eachus, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement
Our changing climate is a significant threat to us all and we need to take urgent action to respond, in order to stop harming the planet. The borough council has a clear role as a service provider and community leader and I welcome the backing of all of my fellow councillors to declare a Climate Emergency. I look forward to working with councillors and officers, partners, communities and businesses to tackle this issue and ensuring that the Borough Council’s own activities minimise our impact on the environment.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that Cabinet agrees:
To declare a Climate Emergency, in line with the aims of the Motion considered at full Council on 18 July 2019; and To ask the Community, Environment and Partnerships Committee to consider a report on the proposed actions at their meeting in December 2019, prior to reporting to full Council in February 2020
Background, corporate objectives and priorities
Basingstoke and Deane is an extremely green borough, with over 90% of the borough being undeveloped and the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering one third of the borough. In addition the borough manages over 80,000 trees and 100 hectares of woodland on its own land, whilst managing and maintaining 1,000 hectares of parks and open spaces (including those for third parties such as Housing Associations and Hampshire County Council owned highways). Whilst the borough
Page1 of 811 has significant green and open space and a high quality built environment there is no room for complacency and members have signalled that they wish to take urgent action in light of the urgent threat that climate change presents. This is consistent with the findings of Horizon 2050 where our residents told us that environmental sustainability was important to them. The considerations outlined in this report will have implications for the delivery of each of the Council Plan priorities - preparing for controlled and sustainable growth, improving residents’ quality of life and supporting those who need it. More directly it will have implications for the following priorities: Maintaining and enhancing our built and natural environment; Promoting strong communities; and Preparing for controlled and sustainable growth. Supporting those who need it
Glossary of terms Term Definition AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty CEP Community, Environment and Partnerships Committee
Main considerations
1 Executive Summary
1.1 At the meeting of full Council on 18 July, Councillors unanimously agreed to support a motion to request the Cabinet declares a Climate Emergency. This short paper provides the mechanism to consider the content of the Motion and to commit to achieving it, where this is possible. It also provides a high level summary of actions the Borough Council is already taking and further proposed actions in the coming months, including a timetable for key meetings.
2 Background
2.1 In light of the growing awareness of climate change and the significant impacts that this is having and will continue to have on the planet, the Government and a number of key organisations and local authorities are taking pro-active steps to minimise the impact they have on the environment. In terms of local authorities, this is resulting in the declaration of a Climate Emergency, which is a step that the Borough Council is about to make. This declaration is also in line with the views expressed through consultation on the Horizon 2050 work and the resulting adopted document which promotes a vision of the future that is more sustainable and resource efficient with new development displaying exemplary sustainable standards and the ambition to reduce our carbon emissions and use of fossil fuels.
2.2 A motion to highlight the need for the emergency was debated and agreed at full Council on 18 July, a copy of which is provided in Appendix 1 to this report.
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2 of 8 2.3 This declaration will result in a comprehensive review of the work undertaken to date with consideration of what other measures could be progressed, taking into account the content of the agreed motion, as well as best practice from elsewhere.
2.4 Preliminary work following the motion at council suggests that there are a number of areas, subject to the relevant engagement and discussion, where progress could potentially be made:
Leading by example to reduce the Council’s own Carbon Footprint
An accommodation review to reduce the council’s office footprint and related carbon emissions
Reducing emissions from the council’s wider property holdings
Reducing emissions from the council’s operational vehicles and other activities
Sourcing Green Energy
Reviewing incentives for staff to travel less and to use more sustainable modes of transport
Reviewing incentives for elected members to use more sustainable modes of transport and reduce reliance on paper
Introducing a process to ensure that climate change and sustainability impacts are considered in decision making reports and arranging the necessary training to support this.
Embracing Social Value in our Procurement policies
Working with partners and the community to secure behavioural change
Introducing measures to improve air quality
Working with our delivery partners to reduce emissions at our Sports Centres and contracted vehicle operations
Supporting communities to undertake Green Initiatives, including through how Community Centres are used
Reviewing the provision of Town Centre Parking to ensure it strikes the right balance between supporting a vibrant town centre and avoiding unnecessary car journeys
Increasing the number of Electric Vehicle charging points
Promotion of the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Promotion of a Green Lungs for the Borough campaign (maintaining existing trees and hedging, promoting bio diversity through less cuts, planting green Page 13
3 of 8 hedges outside schools where air quality is an issue, promoting green travel plans for schools and other developments in Local Plan
Appendix 2 sets out current activity and next steps in more detail.
2.5 The council desires to be at the forefront of the climate change agenda which means that it will need to ensure that it has the necessary policy tools and powers to deliver the necessary actions. This may require it to lobby government to provide the necessary supportive environment for the council to deliver on its ambitious agenda. This is also relevant in respect of new technology required to meet the requirements of the motion. For example, it is important to consider that over half of the council’s carbon emissions are associated with our fleet of operational vehicles, such as mowers and tractors, which are used to maintain our parks and open spaces in addition to refuse lorries. At present, there are no viable alternative vehicles powered by electric that could replace these, and it is therefore suggested that the aim of becoming carbon neutral by December 2025 will be challenging to meet.
2.6 Furthermore, it is important to note that over half of the emissions created across the whole borough (including residents and businesses) are the result of transport. In this respect, the borough has only very limited influence since traffic will be passing through the borough and also the position that the council is not the highway authority. It is therefore necessary to highlight that while the borough council can help to influence this, its role is relatively restricted.
2.7 Taking into account the above two issues and consideration of viability issues for new development in respect of the Local Plan update, it is recommended that Cabinet commits to declaring the motion as agreed, but that this is framed in respect of aiming to meet the requirements.
2.8 Moving forward, and in reviewing work undertaken to date, account will be taken of the existing adopted Climate Change Strategy, as well as other relevant documents which promote measures to address climate change, for example the Green Infrastructure Strategy. An Officer Delivery Group will be formed to drive actions in relation to Climate Change and the Portfolio Holder will oversee a Climate Emergency Members Advisor Panel to agree priorities, review progress and ensure delivery. These are initial actions, as clearly appropriate mechanisms will need to be agreed and put in place to ensure that the council can benefit appropriately from local engagement and expertise.
2.9 The resulting actions will be required to meet the requirements of the agreed motion set out in Appendix 1.
2.10 The following timetable is proposed to progress the emergency declaration
Action Timescale
Formally declare climate emergency September - Cabinet and highlight existing and proposed actions
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4 of 8 Establish Officer Delivery Group / September drafting of Terms of Reference / Membership etc
First meeting of Officer Delivery October Group
Community Environment and December Partnerships committee meeting – Proposed actions
Climate Change Summit Tbc
Report back to Full Council on February 2020 proposed actions
CEP - Consideration of draft Climate May 2020 Change and Low Emissions Strategy / scope for this to be a launch event with involvement of local groups
3 Options analysis
3.1 Cabinet could decide not to progress with the declaration of the Climate Emergency. However, this would mean that less priority is attached to this key issue. It would also miss the opportunity to link together in a comprehensive manner the many strands of work that are already being undertaken and the potential to develop more areas of work that would assist in reducing the impact of our activities on the environment.
Corporate implications
4 Legal Implications
4.1 There are no direct legal implications arising from this report. However, the associated actions that result from the declaration will need to be considered once these are identified and agreed.
5 Financial implications
5.1 Save for financial implications related to staffing, covered in HR implications below, there are no direct financial implications at this stage. However in the context that responding to the Climate Emergency is a major policy priority for the council it is likely, in addition to re-directing existing resources where possible, that additional resources will be required. The remaining unallocated Green Investment Fund is £17k and the scale of new resources required will be dependent on the priority actions identified and these will be the subject of a report back in due course, which will also need to identify sources of funding, as appropriate.
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5 of 8 6 Risk management
6.1 A risk assessment has been completed in accordance with the council’s risk management process and has identified no significant (Red or Amber) residual risks that cannot be fully minimised by existing or planned controls or additional procedures. A risk is that the council will not deliver on the plan. This will be mitigated by embedding project management into the delivery of the plan and ensure effective and regular monitoring back to the Climate Emergency Board. There is also a reputational risk for the Council if it does not lead by example and seek to reduce the carbon footprint for both its staff, members, assets and operational activities. This is particularly relevant given the close scrutiny that is likely given the high profile nature of this issue across the country. It is also relevant to highlight that the council’s role in many activities is limited to influencing and encouraging.
7 Equalities implications
7.1 An Equality Impact Assessment has been undertaken to consider the impact of the Climate Emergency on the protected characteristics groups and the implications for the Public Sector Equality Duty (Equality Act 2010). This assessment concluded that the declaration is likely to include a broad range of areas work, which will assist in addressing the impact of our activities on the environment. Some of these measures are likely to have a positive impact on all groups, such as insulation of homes for those in lower incomes in certain types of housing. Further equalities implications will be considered as individual projects are identified and progressed.
8. Consultation and communication
8.1 A communications plan has been drawn up with a focus on working together to reduce the council’s and the borough’s carbon footprint, bringing together partners to co-ordinate actions and raise awareness of the issue amongst residents, businesses and partners. The plan will support key actions, updates and events ensuring that all audiences are aware of these updates and how they can contribute.
9 HR implications
9.1 It can be anticipated that specific actions associated with the Climate Emergency will require additional programme management and co-ordination resource. Whilst the programme is being worked up arrangements are already in hand to undertake recruitment for an additional member of staff to supplement the existing resource currently available. Responding to the Climate Emergency may also create growth pressure for additional staffing in service areas which can make a significant contribution to this agenda.
10 Conclusion
10.1 Declaring a Climate Emergency is a positive step to highlight the borough council’s commitment to addressing this important issue locally, both as a service provider and community leader. This report formalises the agreement reached at full council on 18 July and provides the context for more detailed Page 16
6 of 8 work to be undertaken to establish the actions required to meet the ambitious targets set out in the motion.
Date: September 2019 Decision taken by: Cabinet
Lead officer Rebecca Emmett Mark Lambert, Design, Environment and Infrastructure Manager Report author Email: [email protected] Tel: 01256 845750 or Ext 2750 Version Cabinet Dated September 2019 Status Open It is considered that information contained within this report (and Confidentiality appendices) do not contain exempt information under the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and therefore can be made public.
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7 of 8 Appendix 1 – Agreed Motion from full Council
This Council resolves to: 1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’; 2. Make Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council operations carbon neutral by Dec 2025 by ensuring that 100% of its heating and electrical needs are meet from renewable sources and cease the purchase and/or lease of any vehicle that is not low carbon; 3. Pledge to work towards making Basingstoke & Deane net zero carbon by 2030, ahead of the current 2050 target, ensuring that reducing carbon emissions is embedded in all relevant Council decision making; 4. Develop carbon reduction pathways, climate compliant strategies and plans, working with the County Council, LEP and other partners in both the public and private sector to prioritise all opportunities to introduce such zero carbon and sustainable policies, action plans and targets; 5. Undertake a Local Plan review where the Borough proposes policies for adoption in all areas that will drive zero carbon and sustainable development in Basingstoke and Deane; 6. Ensure local people are able to contribute to the formulation and scrutiny of the strategic actions needed to address the environment and climate emergency by consulting on proposals and by organising an annual ‘Tackling the Environment and Climate Emergency’ meeting, hosted by the CEP Committee, in addition to the wide-range of existing opportunities for local people to make representations to the Council; 7. Receive a report in early 2020 on what strategic actions the Council is taking to address the environment and climate emergency, including an action plan and milestones to achieve emissions reductions within the Council’s control, and to share details of representations being made to other institutions to achieve reductions in emissions outside of the Council’s direct control.
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8 of 8 Appendix 2 - Steps to climate commitment
Step 1 – First Steps
Leading by example to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint
• Installation of solar panels on the roof of the Civic Offices, Eastrop Depot, John Arlott Pavilion and Wade Road Depot between 2014 to 2016. • Cost - £142,000 • Energy generation capacity – 78Kw • Total electricity generation since installation – 225,000 Kwh • Carbon emissions saved since installation - 122 tonnes • Generated over £8,800 of income last year and reduced our energy consumption from the grid
• Introduced ‘fast’ electric vehicle charging points in both campus car parks for staff and visitors to use • Cost - £8,905 • Capacity to charge three cars in around 4 to 5 hours
• Implementing our Local Plan with a strong emphasis on sustainability along with the adoption of a Design and Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document • Of the net total of 2,809 new homes built in the last five years, 44% (or 1,251) have been on previously developed land
• Improved the energy performance of the Deanes and Parklands buildings which helped to reduce our CO2 emissions by 28% since 2012 • This is the result of investment in LED lighting, a replacement boiler, energy efficient IT technology, air conditioning in our IT server room and improved building management systems
• Established a group of Environment Champions across the council who promote sustainable practices amongst staff, including a campaign to promote recycling of crisp packets, collecting 780 since the start of July
• Introduction of re-usable cups at the B LOVE festival to replace single-use plastics.
Page | 1 Page 19
Working with partners and the community to secure behaviour change
• Infrastructure for electric and hybrid vehicles for residents to use: • Introduced a ‘rapid’ electric vehicle charge point in Central car park • Provides a charge in around 30 minutes • Host a further two fast chargers in our Churchill Way car park • Introduced requirements in our Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document to future proof them for the introduction of electric vehicle charging points in new homes as well as the requirements for commercial developments
• Adopted our Transport Strategy with a focus on encouraging more sustainable transport including cycling and walking including the scope to make greater use of SMART technology • This provides a framework for more detailed work on specific subjects such as routes for a Mass Rapid Transit
• Air quality and emissions: • Introduced a ‘switch off’ campaign to prevent idling cars creating air pollution and worked with volunteers from the Basingstoke Clean Air Campaign to target hotspots in the town • The future introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices for idling vehicles in key areas
• Introduced a grants / loans scheme for energy improvements including measures such as insulation and renewable energy for both home-owners, landlords and community groups, with: • £11,000 of grants to households and landlords; • £30,000 loans to residents; and • £10,000 loan to improve a community building
• Supporting ECO funded opportunities for residents • 27 low income households receiving free energy efficient boilers, 28 park homes at Attwood Crescent receiving air source heat pumps and five low income households to receive more efficient heating in areas not served by mains gas
• Adopted Horizon 2050 as a long term strategy for the borough with an emphasis on long term stewardship of our local environment.
Page | 2 Page 20 Step 2 – Next Steps
Leading by example to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint
• Seeking advice from the Energy Savings Trust on the council’s fleet of vehicles: • To explore the scope to use electric vehicles, those which create less pollution and whether we could reduce the overall number
• Updating our Local Plan by reviewing relevant policies to ensure that they establish tougher standards associated with climate change and emissions
• Reviewing our travel: • Updating our staff travel plan to consider how colleagues travel to and from work as well as whilst at work • Reviewing incentives for Councillors to use more sustainable modes of transport
• Our accommodation: • Reviewing our needs to ensure that they make most efficient use of space and reduce our carbon footprint • Reviewing our energy supply for the campus to secure green energy to supplement that generated by our solar panels
• Working with our delivery partners to reduce their emissions, such as the sports centres and contracted vehicles
• Reducing emissions and improving standards of our property portfolio
• Our own practices: • Establishing a corporate board of officers, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Enforcement to progress projects associated with climate change and low emissions • Establishing a cross-party group of members to champion climate change issues • Ensuring that climate change considerations are ‘mainstreamed’ into our activities, through reporting and decision-taking, service planning and procurement • Seeking ideas from staff and councillors on how we can minimise the impact of our activities on the environment and for ideas – to feed into the overall pot for consideration
Page | 3 Page 21 • Preparing a Central Basingstoke Strategy, to support the town centre including a review of town centre parking provision to ensure it is appropriately located and with sufficient capacity, and incorporating technology to meet future needs
• Supporting our natural environment: • Managing over 80,000 trees and 100 hectares of woodland on our land and managing / maintaining 1,000 hectares of third party land • Planting 5,400 trees on our land since 2014 and securing the planting of additional trees through our role in determining planning applications. • A comprehensive Green Infrastructure Strategy to maintain and improve our natural environment • Promotion of a Green Lungs for the Borough campaign, through our maintenance regimes of our green areas to improve biodiversity • Proposals to improve green infrastructure provision to the east of Basingstoke
• Declaring the Climate Emergency at the meeting of Cabinet in September.
Working with partners and the community to secure behaviour change
• Delivering the objectives of the adopted Transport Strategy including giving residents a better choice of travel modes in the future.
• Delivering 3,500 homes at Manydown using the Garden Towns’ principles
• A proposed climate change summit with key service providers through the Basingstoke Strategic Partnership (BASP)
• Supporting the annual green week event in September which features a full diary of events undertaken by local volunteers, businesses and residents.
• Supporting businesses: • Exploring opportunities to participate in a regional low carbon initiative to help Small and Medium Enterprises to develop low carbon solutions and improve business performance while creating jobs • Work with neighbouring councils to promote the Sustainable Page | 4 Page 22 Business Network to provide information on reducing carbon emissions and other environmental practices
• Lobbying and supporting new initiatives: • Highlighting to the government where strategic changes to policy and legislation are required to support the climate change agenda. • Supporting the introduction of new technology to help to meet the objectives of our Climate Emergency declaration, such as electric powered commercial vehicles
Page | 5 Page 23 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 8
EXTENSION TO STRATEGIC GRANTS FOR 2020/21 Cllr Hannah Golding, Cabinet Member for Finance and Service Improvement and Cllr Simon Bound, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships
Report to Cabinet report for decision Ward(s): All Key Decision: Yes
Appendix 1: Current Community and Voluntary Sector grant commitments
Report to Cabinet: Grants Award Scheme (Decision Ref Papers relied on: 888PF 5 November 2014)
Foreword - Cllr Hannah Golding, Cabinet Member for Finance and Service Improvement and Cllr Simon Bound, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships
The council has given millions of pounds in grant funding to community and voluntary organisations and groups over many years to support them to provide valued services and initiatives to complement council services and make a difference to people’s lives. In the last three years alone, almost £8M has been given in voluntary and community sector grants. A further £3.95M has also been committed in agreements to April 2023.
Some organisations and groups are funded to start up specific projects and initiatives for up to three years. But other core grant funding supports the running costs of strategically important organisations delivering services to residents, especially the most disadvantaged, that add value to the council’s own services and help achieve key council priorities to meet local needs.
Currently this core funding is provided through grants agreed for up to five years. But the council is keen to move to more holistic and efficient ways of supporting the work of these groups and organisations and matching them better with the things that the council needs to achieve to best continue to meet community needs.
Page 25 We would like to explore improvements to existing funding arrangements to ensure the borough is getting the best value from the funding and more closely aligning what is being achieved to what council services are doing.
As there are eight organisations whose core funding from the council is due to end in April 2020, this report recommends that their funding should be extended for one further year to April 2021 at the same level. This is to give them confidence that they can continue to deliver key services, pending longer-term decisions on how best to organise funding in future.
Recommendation to Cabinet:
. That current community and voluntary sector strategic grant agreements due to end in March 2020 should be extended for one further year at the same levels of funding, subject to approval of budgets by full council in February 2020.
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2 of 7 Background, corporate objectives and priorities
The council has provided grant funding to the community and voluntary sector for many years. This is done in order to support delivery of services the council cannot deliver itself, but which are valued by residents and meet key priorities identified in the Council Plan.
Before 2012 these arrangements were managed by individual business units. In 2012 they were brought together in the Commissioning Business Unit and significant changes were made as a result of a ‘Limited Assurance’ audit report that made many recommendations to ensure a consistent, equal and open approach to processing and allocation of funds. This resulted in the creation of the Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) grants scheme, which was approved in November 2014 with the first grants awarded in 2015. A link to the decision and relevant papers is here. The grants scheme is now managed within Policy, Performance and Grants.
It is timely to review the outcomes of funding to date and to consider options for future funding programmes that maximise benefits from investment and better align outcomes to changing strategic objectives and community needs. While these options are considered, decisions need to be made about the eight strategically funded organisations whose current funding agreements expire in March 2020.
Glossary of terms
Term Definition CEP Community, Environment and Partnerships Committee CVS community and voluntary sector LIF Local Infrastructure Fund NHB New Homes Bonus MTFS Medium Term Financial Strategy
Main considerations
1 Executive summary
1.1 Cabinet is asked to approve a proposal to extend the funding agreements of eight strategically funded organisations for one year, pending longer-term decisions on future grant funding.
2 The proposal
2.1 As eight of the current community and voluntary sector strategic grant funding arrangements agreed in 2015 are in place only until the end of 2019/20, it is proposed that these should be extended within current budget parameters for one further year to the end of 2020/21, pending a grant strategy update including a review of the scope and arrangements for future grant funding.
2.2 A further report will be presented to Cabinet and Council in February 2020 presenting recommendations for a future policy on grant funding.
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3 of 7 3 Key issues for consideration
3.1 CVS grants are awarded to organisations delivering services to residents, especially the most disadvantaged, that add value to the council’s own services and have outcomes aligned to Council Plan priorities. During the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 a total of £7.84M has been awarded. A further £3.95M has been committed in agreements for the period 2019/20 to 2022/23. A summary of these is shown in Appendix 1.
3.2 The CVS strategic grants approved in 2015 replaced core revenue funding that had, in some instances, already been in place for many years as a result of arrangements managed by different service teams. Most of the current strategic grant agreements end in March 2020, as shown in Appendix 1. The parameters for these funding agreements were set out in the November 2014 report to Cabinet as follows:
• Strategic Grant funded organisations can request funding for up to five years. This enables organisations to consider the best way to use funding to achieve their strategic vision and current business plans, to forward plan effectively and to develop in a more sustainable way including progress towards self-funding;
• Limiting agreements to a maximum of five years allows the council to evaluate performance against current need and continued delivery against council priorities. Where performance is substandard and not rectified quickly the grant can be terminated;
• Strategic Grant funding can be varied. The funded organisation and council may agree to vary the value and/or length of grant. Any further award would require a full review of the organisation’s continuing impact on the council’s priorities.
3.3 In line with this final point, the current portfolio of strategic grants has been reviewed during 2019. These ‘end of term’ reviews have been carried out by officers in the grants and relevant service teams to assess delivery over the term of the funding agreements against: quality and impact of delivery; relevance to council plan priorities and to emerging priorities identified in Horizon 2050; financial performance; and organisational capacity and resilience. A RAG status is used to enable comparison between disparate services.
3.4 It is proposed that, pending future decisions about grant funding arrangements, those agreements due to end in March 2020 be extended at current levels of funding for one year, to the end of 2020/21. Where issues have been identified with current operation or delivery, officers will continue to work with those organisations to agree how these issues can best be addressed.
3.5 .
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4 of 7 Corporate implications
4 Legal implications
4.1 The existing funding agreements with organisations will need to be renewed or extended to reflect the one year extension. All other existing terms and conditions of such funding agreements will remain the same.
5 Financial implications
5.1 The council’s approved revenue budget for 2019/20 includes £1.87M which is available to provide strategic and programme grants to organisations.
The table below summarises the current grant funding commitment during the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy. Further details are provided in Appendix 1.
2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 £M £M £M £M
MTFS budget* 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
Strategic grant commitments 1.60 0.93 0.91 0.07
Programme grant commitments 0.23 0.21 0.00 0.00
Unallocated MTFS budget 0.04 0.73 0.96 1.80 (available for extending or new funding agreements
*No annual inflationary increase will be applied to this budget in accordance with the council’s corporate savings strategy.
5.2 It is proposed that, pending a review of the council’s grant strategy, the eight strategic grant agreements which are due to end in March 2020 are extended for one further year at the same level of funding. This is subject to Council approval of the 2020/21 revenue budget in February 2020.
5.3 The impact of the proposal is shown in the table below.
2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 £M £M £M £M
MTFS budget 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
Strategic grant commitments 1.60 1.60 0.91 0.07
Programme grant commitments 0.23 0.21 0.00 0.00
Unallocated MTFS budget available for extended or 0.04 0.06 0.96 1.80 new funding agreements
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5 of 7 6 Risk management
6.1 A risk assessment has been completed in accordance with the council’s risk management process and has identified no significant (Red or Amber) residual risks that cannot be fully minimised by existing or planned controls or additional procedures.
7 Equalities implications
7.1 When considering the impact of the proposal to extend current revenue grants for another year on the protected characteristics groups (Equality Act 2010) it can be concluded that this would be positive for a range of, often vulnerable, individuals who are supported by the grant recipient organisations. It also supports the main aims of the Public Sector Equality Duty. Any proposed future changes to the provision of grants would need to take into account the equalities implications, which should inform decision making processes.
8 Consultation and communication
8.1 Proposals made in this paper have been discussed with the Head of Borough Development and Implementation and officers from relevant service teams, Legal Services, Financial Services and Communications.
9 HR implications
9.1 No HR implications have been identified.
Conclusion
10 Summary and reasons for the decision
10.1 A report on a future policy on grant funding will be presented to Cabinet in February 2020. In the meantime, eight organisations that have received long- term revenue funding have grant funding agreements that are due to end in March 2020. Cabinet are asked to approve extension of these arrangements, on the same basis, until the end of 2020/21 to provide those organisations with confidence that they can continue to deliver key services.
11 The options considered and rejected
11.1 Not to extend any grant agreements that are due to end in March 2020. This is not recommended as it will reduce significant core funding to organisations delivering strategically important services with insufficient notice to make alternative arrangements.
11.2 To extend all of the grant agreements due to end in March 2020 by a further five years. This is not recommended as it provides no opportunity to make changes in the way the council offers sustainable support to the community and voluntary sector.
Date: 10 September 2019 Decision taken by: Cabinet
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6 of 7 Sue Cuerden, Executive Director of Finance & Resources Lead officer Tel No: 01256 845513 Email [email protected] Sue Washington, Senior Grant Officer Report author Tel No: 01256 845462 Email [email protected] Version Final Dated August 2019 Status Open It is considered that information contained within this report (and appendices) do not contain exempt information under the meaning Confidentiality of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and therefore can be made public.
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7 of 7 This page is intentionally left blank APPENDIX 1: GRANT COMMITMENTS Proposed Extension of Grant
Strategic Grants 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Anvil Trust £790,924 £790,924 £790,924 Basingstoke & District Sports Trust £45,000 £45,000 £45,000 Basingstoke Citizens Advice £169,780 £169,780 Basingstoke Consortium £40,000 £38,000 £37,000 £36,000 Basingstoke Voluntary Action £115,380 £115,380 Basingstoke Gym Club £28,000 £28,000 Hampshire Cultural Trust £183,599 £183,599 Proteus Theatre Company £79,790 £79,790 Shopmobility £22,950 £22,950 Tadley Citizens Advice £47,500 £47,500 Whitchurch Silk Mill £21,803 £21,803 Young People's Independent Counselling £36,500 £36,000 £33,000 £31,000 Arts in the Community Fund £20,000 £20,000 TOTAL £1,601,226 £1,598,726 £905,924 £67,000
Programme Grants 2019-20 2020-21 Basingstoke Disability Forum £13,989 £12,354 YMCA £17,795 £16,795 Basingstoke NeighbourCare £14,429 £11,766 Basingstoke NeighbourCare £6,465 £6,120 Home-Start North West Hampshire £10,000 £10,000 RCS Ltd £13,324 £12,324 Westside Community Association £16,117 £13,804 Fluid Motion Theatre Company £16,000 £16,000 M3 Job Club £13,710 £12,710 Age Concern Hampshire £17,758 £16,758 Age Concern Hampshire £16,162 £15,120 Community Furniture Project £17,954 £16,954 Brighton Hill Community Association £8,350 £8,350 Inspero £17,000 £16,000 Community Furniture Project £17,500 £17,000 Basingstoke Mencap Services Ltd £13,000 £12,000 TOTAL £229,553 £214,055
Page 33 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 9
North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – Management Plan (2019-2024) Cllr Ruffell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment
Report to Cabinet report for decision
East Woodhay; Burghclere, Highclere and St Mary Ward(s): Bourne; Whitchurch; Overton, Laverstoke and Steventon; Oakley and North Waltham; Kingsclere; Baughurst and Tadley North; Sherborne St John.
Key Decision: No Appendix 1: Constituent members of the AONB Council of Partners North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 Appendix 2: (Final Draft for Adoption) Appendix 3: Officer and Member responses to consultation Papers relied on:
Foreword - Cllr Ruffell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment
“The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an area of countryside designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value and covers roughly the western third of the borough. It is nationally designated and as a consequence the council is duty bound to enable appropriate management via a management plan.
The AONB covers a number of districts and is managed collectively through a Council of Partners. The council is one of the partners and this helps the council’s commitment to preserving the natural environment.
The AONB covers many features within the borough including Watership Down, Beacon Hill, the Bourne valley and Highclere House. The AONB extends from the settlements of Woolton Hill, Litchfield and St Mary Bourne in the west to Hannington and Ramsdell in the east. The settlements of Whitchurch and Kingsclere lie within the setting of the AONB.
The management plan sets out the objectives and policies for the AONB partners over the next five years. As part of the council’s commitment to preserving the natural environment the council is part of the Council of Partners which oversees the management of the AONB. This co-ordinated approach means that broad, landscape scale policies can be carried out across the AONB in order to protect and enhance its
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landscapes, heritage and biodiversity and the communities which live within it. This ensures the council manages the natural environment appropriately and reflects the corporate priority of “improving residents’ quality of life.”
Recommendation to Cabinet
It is recommended that: the revised management plan be agreed for adoption by cabinet, noting that it is consistent with the council’s continued commitment to managing the natural environment.
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1 Background, corporate objectives and priorities
1.1 This report accords with the council’s Budget and Policy Framework and directly supports the Council Plan priorities of protecting our environment; planning policies that safeguard local distinctiveness; supporting active, healthy and involved communities.
Glossary of terms
Term Definition AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Main considerations
2 Executive Summary
2.1 The purpose of this report is to present for adoption, an updated management plan for the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering the period 2019-2024.
3 The Proposal
3.1 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) represent parts of the country where the distinctive character and natural beauty of the landscape are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them. Each AONB has been designated for its special qualities, including flora, fauna, scenic views, historical and cultural associations.
3.2 The North Wessex Downs was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1972 under the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act 1949. It covers an area of 1730 sq km and is the largest AONB in South East England and the third largest AONB nationally (out of a total of 37 AONBs in England). The AONB lies within the counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire and, in addition to the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane, falls within the administrative boundaries of the three county councils and six other district/borough/unitary councils (see Appendix 1).
3.3 There is a statutory requirement under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 for local authorities to have regard to the purpose of the AONB designation in carrying their various functions. In addition, there is also a statutory requirement for constituent local authorities to prepare AONB management plans and to review these every five years.
3.4 To assist the constituent local authorities of the North Wessex Downs, a Council of Partners was formed in July 2001 and it was agreed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (at its cabinet meeting in October 2001) that it should be represented by the current Portfolio Holder for Forward Planning (now represented by the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment). In addition to local authorities, the Council of Partners also includes representatives for the following interests: local communities, farming and rural business, nature conservation, heritage and landscape,
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recreation, government and voluntary agencies. Day-to-day support for the AONB is carried out by a professional management team of nine full and part- time staff, with an office near Hungerford.
3.5 The original North Wessex Downs AONB management plan was adopted by the cabinet on 27 January 2004 and published later that year. In accordance with statutory requirements, this was followed by the adoption by the cabinet of updated versions on 23 September 2009 and 29 April 2014.
3.6 As part of the continued periodic review requirement, the management plan has been reviewed by a working group and the professional management team, under the guidance of the Council of Partners. The updated plan will cover the period 2019 - 2024.
Key Changes to the Management Plan
3.7 An initial review of the current 2014-2019 AONB Management Plan, reflected the national guidance from Natural England, that substantial re-drafting was not required and that a ‘light touch’ review should be undertaken. This would also ensure that resources are not diverted away from delivery.
3.8 The structure of the replacement plan (Final Draft for Adoption), is similar to the previous version, containing an assessment and identification of the special qualities of the key themes which cover, The Landscape, Rural land management, Biodiversity, Historic environment, Natural resources, Development, Communities and Tourism, leisure and access. For each of these, a set of key issues, objectives and policies have been set out to guide management. Key stakeholders are also identified, outlining opportunities for delivery of the management plan.
3.9 The overall vision for the AONB, together with objectives and policies are still relevant. However changes in local, regional and national policies, along with new legislation mean that these sections need to be updated in the 2019-2024 replacement plan. In addition, a review of the actions for the next 5 years has been undertaken to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
3.10 The replacement plan follows on from the 2014-2019 version in being concise and easily accessible. The layout has been changed to a landscape format as this was thought to better facilitate clear maps and plans of the AONB and the format of tables. A copy of the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 (Final Draft for Adoption) is included at Appendix 2.
Consultation
3.11 The review of the 2014-2019 management plan and preparation of the draft replacement plan undertaken by the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Team has been informed by consultation with stakeholders and interested parties (including the public). This process involved inviting responses to an online consultation exercise on a first draft of the replacement plan. Following the consultation, comments were considered by the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Team in the production of the Final Draft for Adoption.
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3.12 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been involved in the review process via representation on the Council of Partners and also Member, Parish Council and officer consultation on the draft replacement management plan. As part of the latter, all Members were contacted directly via e-mail and invited to make comments on the proposed changes.
3.13 A copy of the responses made by Members and officers to the consultation is attached at Appendix 3. In summary 2 members provided responses whilst comments were also received from the Natural Environment and Planning Policy teams.
3.14 In general, there was support for the revised document and acknowledgement of the work undertaken. Detailed comments received related to the following general areas:
the need to promote Green Infrastructure within the AONB; the need to reflect the new NPPF The role of neighbourhood planning in articulating the importance of protected landscape and setting local policies Mechanisms for monitoring progress consideration of potential biodiversity issues, impacts and opportunities; ensuring that inappropriate expansion of settlements and erosion of rural character are avoided; factual changes relating to national, regional and local policies.
3.15 Many of the comments made on behalf of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have been addressed by the review working group in the preparation of the draft replacement management plan. However, given the number of local authorities and other partners that the management plan is being prepared for, it has not been possible for a plan to be prepared that addresses all of the council’s comments.
Implications for the council
3.16 The council is already undertaking work to promote landscape and biodiversity conservation and to ensure that planning decisions have due regard to the special qualities of the AONB. With regard to the latter, the importance of the designation is recognised in policies contained within the Local Plan. As such, it is considered that the proposed replacement plan is complementary to the Council Plan priority to maintain and enhance our natural environment.
3.17 The replacement management plan does not commit the council to any additional work. However, it will provide useful guidance for the council when carrying out these related functions to ensure that it fulfils its statutory duty to have regard to the purpose of the AONB designation.
3.18 The Council of Partners met on 5th March 2019 to consider the draft replacement plan and, subject to minor amendments, have recommended it for approval by the constituent local authorities.
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4 Key issues for consideration
4.1 The statutory requirement for the council to have a management plan in place for the North Wessex Downs AONB. The present 2014-2019 management plan for the AONB is due to expire this year. As such there is a statutory requirement for the council to have a management plan in place before the previous plan comes to an end in order to meet with the requirements of the Countryside and Rights of ways Act 2000. In order that a consistent approach can be taken across the entire AONB, and economies of scale to be taken advantage of, the NWD AONB Management Team have been responsible for the production of the plan.
4.2 That the management plan reflects the council’s policies and opinions in so much as is possible given that the document reflects the contributions of several local authorities and other partners.
4.3 Following any adoption by the council (and others within the designated area, the management plan to cover the period between 2019-2024 will be launched at the Annual General Forum of the North Wessex Downs AONB in October 2019.
5 Options Analysis
5.1 It is considered that there are two options available:-
1. Adopt the updated management plan. This will ensure that up to date guidelines exist for the management of a part of the borough that is of nationally recognised importance. It will also ensure the delivery of council priorities.
2. To not adopt the updated management plan. The council is required under statutory legislation to have a management plan in place. Therefore, as the current adopted plan (2014-2019) is due to come to an end, the council would be in contravention of the statutory requirements of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
For the reasons set out in this report, it is recommended that the council endorses Option 1 and approves the updated management plan set out in Appendix 2.
Corporate implications
6 Legal Implications
6.1 There are no legal issues arising from this report
7 Financial implications
7.1 Funding to support the AONB management team comprises a combination of DEFRA funding and also contributions made by the constituent members of the Council of Partners. The total budget for 2019/20 is £322,604 with £248,604
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from DEFRA and the remainder funded by the Council of Partners, including a contribution made by Basingstoke and Deane of £3,938.66.
8 Risk management
8.1 The main risk arising out of any decision made on this report, could arise, if it is decided that a replacement management plan for 2019/2024 is not adopted. In that situation, the council may be in breach of the statutory provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
8.2 A risk assessment has been completed in accordance with the council’s risk management process for the preferred option outlined in 5.1 above. This has identified no significant (red or amber) residual risks that cannot be fully minimised by existed or planned controls or additional procedures.
9 Equalities implications
9.1 When considering the Public Sector Equality Duty, under the Equality Act 2010, the proposed draft management plan for North Wessex Downs AONB is generally positive for all protected characteristics groups. The policies and objectives included in the plan refer to meeting the needs of residents of all ages and providing and managing ‘accessible green spaces’. It also refers to developing community capacity, inclusive communities and networks and encouraging communities to share their cultural heritage. All of which goes towards promoting equality and building good relations between different groups.
10 Consultation and communication
10.1 The consultation undertaken as part of the development of this report is covered in 3.11-3.15. Once the management plan has been finally adopted, a link to access it will be placed on the council website.
11 HR implications
11.1 There are no HR implications issues arising from this report.
Conclusion
12 Summary and reason for the decision
12.1 The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a national designation that covers approximately a third of the borough. The designation acknowledges a number of special characteristics that affect many aspects in those areas including, the landscape, biodiversity, land management, communities, development and the historic environment.
12.2 One of the ways that the council supports the management of this area is through the North Wessex Downs AONB Council of Partners, which as a group, has set out guidelines within a management plan. This has been produced by a central management team on behalf of all authorities within the AONB. Page 41
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12.3 In order that the special qualities of the area are recognised and that the council accords with its statutory requirements, it is recommended that the replacement management plan is adopted by the council to cover the period of 2019-2024.
13 The options considered and rejected
13.1 The option not to adopt the Draft North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 was rejected as the council has a statutory requirement to review and prepare a management plan every 5 years. The management plan has already been accepted by the North Wessex Downs Council of Partners and there is a requirement to undertake this action by the end of 2019.
Date: 10 September 2019 Decision taken by: Cabinet
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Tom Payne, Interim Head of Environmental Services Lead officer [email protected] Christopher Slack, Biodiversity Officer Report author [email protected] Version Final Dated 22 August 2019 Status Open It is considered that information contained within this report (and appendices) Confidentiality do not contain exempt information under the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and therefore can be made public.
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Appendix 1: Constituent members of the North Wessex Downs AONB Council of Partners
Hampshire County Council Oxfordshire County Council Wiltshire County Council
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council South Oxfordshire District Council Swindon Borough Council Test Valley Borough Council Vale of White Horse District Council West Berkshire Council
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10 of 10 Management Plan 2019-2024 The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Page 45 Page
Version for approval by Council of Partners Adoption Draft January 2019 title page acknowledgements publication information image matrix Page 46 Page Contents
Foreword by DEFRA Secretary of State...... X
Introduction by Chairman of NWD Council of Partners...... X
Chapter 1 Introduction...... X
Chapter 2 Theme 1: Landscape...... X
Chapter 3 Theme 2: Rural Land Management...... X
Chapter 4 Theme 3: Biodiversity...... X Page 47 Page
Chapter 5 Theme 4: Historic Environment...... X
Chapter 6 Theme 5: Natural Resources...... X
Chapter 7 Theme 6: Development...... X
Chapter 8 Theme 7: Communities...... X
Chapter 9 Theme 8: Tourism, Leisure and Access...... X
Chapter 10 Stakeholder Responsibilities...... X
Glossary ...... X
List of figures...... X
References and bibliography...... X
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 3 Foreword by defra secretary of state
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4 Foreword by DEFRA Secretary of State “The slopes of the downs, if they have general form, are continually changing and interchanging in localities, assuming new and strange shapes, charming Page 49 Page and surprising with their grace and exquisiteness, forever reflecting the mood of the heavens”
Quote from the foreword
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 5 Introduction by Chairman of NWD CoP
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This statutory plan has been drawn up after wide consultation and sets outobjectives for the next five years. As well as informing the work of the AONBunit, we hope it will guide the relevant activities of local authorities, agencies,businesses and individuals.
The North Wessex Downs landscape and the AONB Partnership face greaterpressure than ever before. As the restrictions on
Page 50 Page public finances tighten, it isimportant that we do our utmost to protect the huge benefit that such a highquality landscape brings. Our society benefits from its influence on our goodhealth and the cultural value that it represents. The economy relies on the processes performed bythe natural environment and benefits from it being an attractive place in which to do business.
Through our Management Plan, the AONB artnership and unit are actively involved in a range ofdelivery projects. Over the past five years, the North Wessex Downs AONB has increased Page 6 Poppy field at Lambourn, the amount of non-government and local authority funding by Robert Albright; Chairman of NWD XXXXXXXXXXXX almost 600%. We have found significantbenefit in partnerships Page 7 Water vole, Shutterstock with other protected landscapes, joining bids such as the Our Land project,promoting tourism in the AONB and 1SW, which aims to increase access to the countryside. Weretain a Sustainable Development Fund that has distributed £0.5m in small grants to over 150 localprojects to date, bringing match contributions in excess of £1.5m.
The North Wessex Downs LEADER programme 2009-13 was hosted by the AONB. It awarded£1.419m to 65 different projects - to farmers, foresters, small businesses and rural communitiesacross the North Wessex Downs. The grants have
6 Chapter 5: Theme 1 Landscape facilitated a total investment in the area ofmore than £3 million since 2009. Money awarded will help grow the economy, developingbusiness, creating and supporting jobs, improving competitiveness and sustainability andencouraging tourism.
We have worked with landscape-scale conservation projects including the successful farmer-ledMarlborough Downs Nature Improvement Area and the Stepping Stones Project and WinningWays for Wildlife projects. We also contributed to the development of county-based Local NaturePartnerships where we have been working more closely with nearby AONBs.
This commitment to conservation of the natural environment has led the International Union for theConservation of Nature to re-affirm the Category V status of the North Wessex Downs as “an areaof distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value”.
I would like to thank all the people who have AONBs Page 51 Page contributed to the work of the North Wessex have great DownsPartnership and the development of potental to this Plan, in particular our nine local authority help us establish partners. I hopehat everyone who reads this a coherent and Plan will be able to contribute in some way to its success resilient ecological network contributed to the work of the North Wessex DownsPartnership and the development of this Plan, in particular our nine local authority partners. I hopehat everyone who reads this Plan will be able to contribute in some way to its successcontributed to the work of the North Wessex DownsPartnership and the development of this Plan, in particular our nine local authority partners. I hopehat everyone who reads this Plan will be able to contribute in some way to its success
Double-page spread - quotes and North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 7 photos here; room for third col of txt Introduction context and framework
Chapter 1 Chapter Setting the Scene England in a broad eastward arc through southern Swindon and Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. They abut the Chilterns AONB Providing a vision and long-term ambitions for the along the River Thames in the Goring Gap area north-west of North Wessex Downs from 2014-2019 Reading, dipping south and then sweeping west along the River Kennet valley then south to encircle Newbury, encompassing 1.1 The first two chapters of the 2019-24 Area of Outstanding the northern reaches of the rolling chalk hills of the Hampshire Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan set out a vision and Downs. They then stretch back towards Devizes, across the long-term ambitions for the North Wessex Downs and the legal northern fringes of the high chalk upland of Salisbury Plain and and policy framework for the Plan. the low-lying Vale of Pewsey.
1.2 This is followed by thematic chapters which describe and 1.5 The North Wessex Downs is the third largest Area of
Page 52 Page explain the special qualities that make this landscape unique: Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country. This protected Landscape, Rural Land Management, Biodiversity, Natural landscape extends to 1,730 km2 (668 square miles), an area Resources, Historic Environment, Development, Communities, equivalent to a medium-sized English county. Its resident and Tourism, Leisure & Access. At the end of each thematic population is just over 100,000 people (an average density across chapter is a summary of the Special Qualities relating to that the AONB of 58.3 residents/km2); the two largest settlements theme; the key issues relating to the theme; Strategic Objectives inside the AONB boundary, Hungerford and Marlborough, have a for the Plan period; and the AONB Policies to support these total population of 13,100i. In contrast, in the immediate setting objectives and which are intended to guide and inform the of the North Wessex Downs lie the significant urban centres of policies and actions of all members of the North Wessex Downs Reading, Newbury, Basingstoke, Andover, Swindon and Didcot, Partnership. with a combined population of 615,000. An estimated 1.1 million residents live within 20 minutes’ drive time of 1.3 Final chapters of the Plan will cover implementation the AONB. and monitoring of the Plan, including an outline of 1.6 Two major highways, the M4 and A34 pass how stakeholders are expected to contribute to The North delivering Strategic Objectives and Policies. The through the area, aligned east-west and north- Management Plan is supported by an AONB Wessex Downs is south, respectively; the twin-track railway from business plan that sets outs the priorities for the third largest London Paddington to Exeter and the South action on an annual ‘review and revise’ cycle. Area of Outstanding West passes through the centre of the AONB, Natural Beauty in following, successively, the Kennet, Dun and About the North Wessex Downs Avon river valleys and the broader, the larger the country four-track Great Western Railway route to Bristol 1.4 From their western tip at Calne in Wiltshire, the and South Wales cuts through the north-eastern North Wessex Downs reach across central southern extremity of the area along the River Thames valley,
8 Chapter 1: Introduction MULTIPLEMULTIPLE SITESSITES ACROSSACROSS THETHE UKUK
Map page - positioning and detail (figs 1&2) site name
EcologicalContinuityTrust.org @ECT_UK Page 53 Page
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 9 then follows the northern boundary, outside the AONB but within its setting and clearly visible from the northern scarp.
1.7 The North Wessex Downs was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1972 under the National Parks A Vision for the North and Access to Countryside Act 1949. Following the introduction Wessex Downs of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the government confirmed that the landscape qualities of National Parks and Vast, dramatic, undeveloped AONBs are equivalent. and distinct chalk downlands 1.8 The North Wessex Downs AONB contains all or part of 173 with nationally significant parishes, straddling the boundaries of two counties, three unitary areas of semi-natural chalk authorities and four district/borough councils. It sits on a regional grassland, contrasting with divide, with roughly half of the area in the South East and half well-wooded plateaux, arable in South West England, occupying a central position along the lands and intimate and secluded line of chalk-dominated landscapes from the Dorset coast to the valleys, all rich in wildlife northern edge of the Chiltern Hills. and cultural heritage; a high 1.9 The North Wessex Downs is one of a family of nationally
Page 54 Page quality landscape of national protected landscapes across England comprising 34 AONBs and and international significance ten National Parks. Together, these finest, most outstanding which persists in increasingly English landscapes cover over 23% of the country. The importance urbanised surroundings; where of these designated landscapes is also recognised at international people live, work and relax; level and North Wessex Downs is one of the UK’s Category V where visitors are welcomed Protected Landscape, as defined by the International Union for and contribute to a vibrant the Conservation of Natureii. rural economy; and access to which supports the health and wellbeing of local residents and visitors alike.
i (3 All population data are based on the 2011 Census unless stated otherwise. ii (4 IUCN –officially the ‘International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources’– is a global intergovernmental organisation. The IUCN maintains a database of the world’s protected areas, categorised using definitions based upon management objectives.
10 Chapter 1: Introduction The long-term goal is that the North Wessex Downs AONB will be a place: where land use, management and development are driven by an overarching principle of stewardship of the protected landscape; where people have the imagination, skills and energy to accommodate and adapt to change in ways that respect the unique qualities of the North Wessex Downs and deliver wider environmental, economic and social benefits. where the highest environmental quality is seen as a key economic driver; where all economic activity is in harmony with maintenance of the landscape and its special qualities; where new buildings and other forms of development display high quality design worthy of one of England’s designated finest landscapes. with thriving land based and other rural enterprises where conserving and enhancing the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs is core to these businesses, ensuring a countryside rich in wildlife, heritage and recreational opportunities while producing high quality products, including sustainable farming that benefits the local economy and surrounding countryside. with high quality habitats reflecting the distinctive character of the North Wessex Downs and stable and recovering populations of key species; landscapes that are protected, expanded, linked and under beneficial management resilient to the pressures of climate change. with a rich and conserved cultural landscape where the pervasive historic landscape character is understood, appreciated and informs future change; where iconic monuments, both designated and undesignated heritage areas, archaeological sites, buried archaeology and historic landscapes and historic settlements and their settings remain as indelible and visible footprints in an evolving scene,
Page 55 Page managed to the very highest standards. where the integrated management of land conserves high quality soils and water resources whilst retaining the distinctive seasonal winterbourne flows and the nationally and internationally significant chalk streams of the AONB. where a sense of remoteness and tranquillity predominates and where vast night skies can thrill the eye, unaffected by light pollution; where these special qualities are recognised in development decisions within in the setting of the AONB, so that the natural beauty of the North Wessex Downs is protected. where development responds to genuine local need and where new buildings show continuity with the past, respecting and complimenting the beauty of the landscape and the character of local vernacular building materials and styles. where the integrated approach to transport and travel satisfies local needs and minimises negative effects on the environment; where Page 10 Roundway, Devizes, Andrew the dominance of roads and clutter are reduced. Perrott with vibrant rural communities, where villages and market towns meet the needs of local communities and visitors; where there is great Page 11 Wittenham Clumps, Wilton local pride in the landscape and positive local contribution to the stewardship of the its special qualities. windmill, Cow at Wansdyke Way, all Blueskyimages that is a nationally recognised centre for responsible tourism and enjoyment of the countryside, developed and promoted in ways that are in harmony with the high environmental quality and local community, helping to underpin the broader rural economy. that is recognised as a vital community resource, with potential benefits to physical and mental wellbeing of both local residents and visitors arising from access to nature and the countryside, to a tranquil environment, and the opportunities presented for social interaction and volunteering. where there is wide public recognition of the protected status and special qualities of the North Wessex Downs in among communities in and around the AONB; where all responsible bodies understand and respect the protected status of the area and their duties towards the AONB in their plans and proposals.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 11 AONB general infographic full page Page 56 Page
12 Chapter 1: Introduction Legal and Policy Framework for the or physiographical features are partly the product of human intervention … [may be] treated as being an area of natural Management Plan beauty (or of outstanding natural beauty).”vi
The primary purpose of AONB designation is 2.4 The North Wessex Downs is thus an ancient, evolved cultural “conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape, managed and nurtured by people over time. Those area” who manage the land are central to the future of this landscape. The North Wessex Downs Partnership is committed to long-term AONB Purpose and the Meaning of ‘Natural Beauty’ conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values in the protected landscape, contributing to a wider 2.1 The primary purpose of AONB designation is set out in the network of protected areas. It is inevitable and appropriate that Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as “conserving and this cultural landscape will continue to change and develop but enhancing the natural beauty of the area.”iii The Act elaborates this needs to be in ways that conserve and enhance its special on this primary purpose, stating that any reference to“ the qualities. conservation of natural beauty of an area includes a reference to the conservation of its flora, fauna and geological and Why is this Management Plan Important? physiographic features.”iv 2.5 This AONB Management Plan presents an agreed agenda for
Page 57 Page 2.2 Natural beauty goes well beyond scenic or aesthetic value. the North Wessex Downs for the next five year period, 2019- The natural beauty of the North Wessex Downs is a function 2024. It sets out strategic objectives for AONB partners that are of the relationship between people and place over time. It judged to be realistic and achievable during the Plan period and encompasses everything that makes the area distinctive: the policies which support the long term goals set out in the Vision area’s geology and landform, its climate, soils and rivers, its Statement. Working together, the Partners can realise these wildlife and ecology; the rich history of human settlement and targets to the benefit of the landscapes and communities of this land use over millennia, its archaeology and buildings, cultural nationally designated, and internationally recognised, Area of associations; the people who have occupied the area in the past Outstanding Natural Beauty. Page 16 Cycling along the Swindon to and those who live and work here now. Marlborough Railway Path, X Jones 2.6 Responsible local authorities are required to prepare an 2.3 This relationship is encapsulated in a policy position set out AONB Management Plan and review the Plan no less than every 25 years ago, stating that “In pursuing the primary purpose of five years. The North Wessex Downs Council of Partners have designation, account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, prepared this plan on behalf of the relevant local authorities of forestry and other rural industries and of the economic and social the AONB. needs of local communities. Particular regard should be paid to 2.7 The Partnership comprises representatives of the constituent promoting sustainable forms of economic and social development local authorities; the local communities; the farming and rural that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment. business community; nature conservation, heritage and landscape Recreation is not an objective of designation, but the demand interests; and recreation interests. for recreation should be met so far as this is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, 2.8 All relevant authorities are legally obliged, “in exercising or forestry and other uses.”v More recent legislation in defining performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land ‘Natural beauty in the countryside’ establishes that “land used in an area of outstanding natural beauty” to “have regard to for agriculture or woodlands, … as a park ... or whose flora, fauna the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 13 the area.” ‘Relevant authorities’ include all statutory bodies and supporting the implementation of this Plan. Local parish councils, all tiers of government, including parish councils and holders of statutory agencies and local bodies acting individually or through Local authorities public office. partnerships can all contribute to fulfilling the Management Plan must prepare an AONB vision. Management Plan and review In addition to obligations under national legislation, the UK it at least every five years is a signatory to the European Landscape Convention (ELC) Planning for Change a multinational treaty which is devoted exclusively to the protection, management and planning of landscapes throughout 2.13 This Management Plan sits alongside other plans and This Plan sets out Europevii. The ELC seeks to ensure that enhanced landscape strategies prepared at national and local levels and a range strategic objectives for AONB planning, protection and management are achieved through of environmental legislation and policies and international partners that are realistic and ‘quality objectives and an effective policy framework’. commitments. The Plan period will be a time of transition as the achievable in the Plan period UK adjusts domestic policy and legislation following its withdrawal 2.9 In particular, the Convention highlights the need to: from the European Union (EU). recognise landscape in law; 2.14 The areas of EU policy and law which have greatest impact develop landscape policies dedicated to the protection, on the North Wessex Downs AONB’s primary purpose to conserve management and creation of landscapes; and enhance natural beauty are the Common Agricultural Policy and establish procedures for the participation of the (CAP) and the canon of EU environmental policy and legislative general public and other stakeholders in the creation and instruments. The UK government has committed to maintain Page 58 Page implementation of landscape policies. existing environmental protection arising from EU policy and law, so the objectives of, for example, the Water Framework 2.10 The ELC encourages the integration of landscape into all Directive, the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive are relevant areas of policy, including cultural, economic and to be retained under national legislation. Agricultural social policies, with a particular emphasis on the need support payments, including incentives to enhance for co-operation when administrative boundaries biodiversity of the farmed environment, are also are crossed. The North Wessex Downs AONB Successful guaranteed to continue at least for the first Management Plan is a significant contribution to implementation years of this Management Plan. However, it is the UK’s implementation of the Convention. of this Plan very clear from, for example, DEFRA’s 25 Year 2.11 Successful implementation of this requires the Environment Plan launched in January 2018, Management Plan is beyond the resources of participation of all the consultation on future of food, farming the Council of Partners and AONB team alone. It those involved in and the environment launched in February and requires the active collaboration and participation its scope. the Glover review of National Parks and AONBs of all those involved in its scope. This is a Plan for announced in May this year, that significant reform the North Wessex Downs in its entirety; it is not for of support mechanisms and incentives for agriculture any single organisation within it. Implementation requires – the predominant land use in the North Wessex Downs the support and involvement of the many organisations and – and of wider countryside policy and protected landscape individuals who play key roles in the future of the area, many of can be expected. While the precise time frame for any changes whom have been involved in preparation of the Plan. cannot be predicted, it is quite possible that new opportunities will arise during this Plan period to benefit the North Wessex 2.12 One way of satisfying the ‘Section 85’ duties placed on Downs. Government and other public bodies through the CRoW Act is by
14 Chapter 1: Introduction Page 59 Page
2.15 In response to the opportunities and challenges presented through the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the draft Management Plan has included proposals for priorities of a new environmental land management system (ELMS) which would support the special qualities of the AONB landscape types (Table 1, pages 25-27). These proposals will be kept under review and adjusted as the proposed new ELMS develops.
iii (5 Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000; Section 82. Page 15 Horse-drawn barge near iv (6 CRoW Act 2000; Section 92. Kintbury, Peter Orr; Combine harvester, v (7 Countryside Commission (1991) ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A policy statement. CCP 356; p. 5. Beacon Hill, Lord Carnarvon; Short-eared vi (8 Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act, 2006; owl, a Birds Directive species, David White Section 99. vii (9 The European Landscape Convention (ELC) is a treaty of the Council of Europe. The UK’s participation in the ELC is unaffected by its withdrawal from the European Union.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 15 theme 1
Chapter 2 Chapter Landscape
AONB Special Qualities: La ndscape
High chalk plains and downland filled with flowers Page 60 Page
Scattered farmsteads and small settlements
Mixed fields and arable production
Ancient semi-natural woodlands with River valleys veteran trees with grazed and coniferous pastures, water plantations meadows and wetlands 16 “The slopes of the
Page 61 Page downs, if they have general form, are continually changing and interchanging in localities, assuming new and strange shapes, charming and surprising with their grace and exquisiteness, forever reflecting the mood of the heavens.”
Alfred Williams (1877–1930)
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 17 An Ancient Landscape 3.4 The greater part of the area is underlain by chalk, resulting in the dramatic scarps and beautiful gentle rolling topography Walbury Hill in The North Wessex Downs form a surprisingly remote, so characteristic of the North Wessex Downs. The steep scarp Berkshire is the highest chalk expansive and tranquil landscape in the heart of slopes of the chalk and Upper Greensand, with their expansive hill in southern England and is southern England viewpoints, and the gentle rolling open chalk plateau are very topped by an Iron Age fort obviously influenced by the underlying geology. These chalk 3.1 The North Wessex Downs is a visibly ancient landscape of landscapes were traditionally in sheep grazing – the wool being great beauty, diversity and size. It embraces the high, open arable the source of much of England’s historic wealth. However, much The Ridgeway has sweeps of the chalk downs and dramatic scarp slopes with their of the chalk grassland has since been ploughed, and the resulting been in use since prehistoric prehistoric monuments and beech knolls, the moulded dip slopes, extensive, open arable land is now the most frequent land use times and is the the oldest sheltered chalk river valleys; intimate and secluded wooded areas and landscape of the chalk downs. Herb-rich chalk grassland road in England and low-lying heaths with a rich mosaic of woodland, pasture, remains in fragments on the steeper scarps. heath and commons. The North Wessex Downs form a surprisingly remote, expansive and tranquil landscape 3.5 Where the chalk has a thick capping of clay-with- in the heart of southern England. flints, the topography is softer, with smaller hedged fields and much greater woodland cover – a very 3.2 The depth of history can still be seen in these The North different, enclosed and intimate, landscape from landscapes, including the World Heritage Site of Wessex Downs the open sweep of the downs. Overlying the chalk
Page 62 Page prehistoric Avebury; the royal hunting forest of is a visibly ancient are patches of more recent sediments, particularly Savernake, the Uffington White Horse, and the landscape of great in the lower part of the basin. These contrast with Ridgeway – the oldest road in England. The built beauty, diversity the chalk scenery by producing more acidic soils, environment makes a strong contribution to the and size with their associated heathland landscapes. beauty of the landscape, with historic towns and Page 17 Downs landscape, Peter Orr villages, churches, spectacular barns, manor houses 3.6 Some of the more impressive features of the Page 18 Avebury church, Blueskyimages with their parks and gardens, and the industrial landscape are the dry valleys or coombes, found Page 19 Sarson Stones, Fyfield Down, heritage of the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Saxon name across the chalk plateau and often forming deep Peter Wakely/Natural England of Wessex reveals the area’s literary connections, revived by rounded valleys. They are the result of torrents of water Thomas Hardy and used as the setting for many of his novels. flowing over the surface of the chalk during cold periods when Around a century later, Richard Adams provided a vivid evocation permafrost (frozen ground) made the chalk impermeable. The of this area in Watership Down. coombes are often associated with terrace features along the valleys, such as those at White Horse Hill in Oxfordshire. These Geology, Landform and Land Use result from the movement downhill of frost-shattered chalk during times of partial thaw. Large amounts of material moving 3.3 Geology, landform and the uses that humans have made down the slope of the valley can accumulate in the valley bottom, of the land have together created the distinctive and beautiful forming a deposit known as head. Sarsen stones are one of the landscapes of the area. The chalk forms an arc of high ground – the most identifiable and well-known features of the North Wessex northern, western and southern parts of the AONB, cut through by Downs, forming the great stone circle and avenues at Avebury the Vale of Pewsey to the west, and including, at Walbury Hill, the and the fields of ‘grey wethers’ (because they look like sheep) highest chalk hill in southern England. From this great rim, the land at Fyfield Down. Sarsens are silica-cemented sand or pebble generally falls down the dipslope of the chalk, to the central basin deposits, often moved by natural processes a considerable way of the east-flowing Rivers Kennet, Lambourn and Pang. from their source.
18 Chapter 2: Theme 1 Landscape 3.7 Whilst many of the chalk valleys are dry, some have characteristic ‘bournes’, generally dry, but flowing when the ground water is high. England has 85% of the world’s chalk streams and a large proportion of this resource is located within or near the North Wessex Downs. These have a rich and highly characteristic ecology, and frequently support rich biodiversity.
3.8 Settlement is also strongly related to the underlying physical setting. The high, dry chalklands have no water to support settlement, so have remained open, remote, and tranquil, with farmsteads and villages on the spring lines and in the more sheltered and fertile valleys. Traditional building materials include bricks from local clays, flints, Melbourn Rock, Chalk Rock (not the soft chalk), cob, sarsens, thatch, and timber from the forests.
3.9 Designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty recognises the character, value and quality of the North Wessex Downs. The National Planning Policy Framework gives the highest
Page 63 Page level of protection to the overall diversity of landscape and scenic beauty of the area.i The North Wessex Downs are of high scenic quality and with their wildlife and cultural heritage an integral part of their character and value. Although almost entirely a chalk landscape, the character differs markedly across the AONB, depending on local surface geology, soils, landform, land use, vegetation and settlement patterns. The greatest contrast, for example, is between the open arable chalk downs and the acid heathlands of the lower river valleys. Natural England has set out a ‘landscape character assessment’ (LCA) methodology to formally identify what it is that makes one landscape different from another. The landscape character assessment for the North Wessex Downs identifies the overall diversity of the landscape, recognising eight ‘Landscape Types’ across the AONB, each with its own distinct sense of place. These eight Landscape Types can be further subdivided into ‘Landscape Character Areas; there are a total of 33 Character Areas across the AONB. Landscape character assessment draws out the special qualities of the landscape, traces its evolution over the centuries and identifies the main issues that will need to be addressed to conserve its special character and outstanding qualities. i (10 Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government (2018) National Planning Policy Framework; paragraph 172. North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 19 Landscape Type : 2. Downland with Woodland
3.12 This landscape is distinctly different from the Open Downland. It is of lower elevation and has a thick capping of clay- with-flints over the chalk. It has softer contours and considerably greater woodland cover.
3.13 The scale is smaller, with field patterns a mixture of small irregular medieval enclosures and larger regular Parliamentary enclosures.
Landscape Type : 3. Wooded Plateau
3.14 Centred on the woodland tracts of Savernake Forest and West Woods, the extent of this largely wooded area reflects the bounds of the medieval royal hunting forest of Savernake, established by the time of the Domesday survey. Throughout this gently dipping plateau, a thick covering of clay-with-flints and Tertiary deposits mask the solid chalk and results in damp and
Page 64 Page heavy soils.
Page 20 Bluebell Wood, Cobham Frith, 3.15 Today, the Forest consists of extensive tracts of semi-natural Cedric Cottrell ancient woodland, wood pasture with majestic veteran trees, and Page 21 Chalk downland flowers, Chris North Wessex Downs AONB Landscape Types 18th and 19th Century Beech plantations, as well as more recent Gomersall/Natural England coniferous plantations. Reflecting its origins as a royal hunting forest, Landscape Type : 1. Open Downland the countryside remains undeveloped, with settlement limited to villages in the valley of the River Dun – Great and Little Bedwyn. 3.10 The Open Downland forms the backbone of the North Wessex Downs as an elevated plateau of the hard Middle and Landscape Type : 4. High Chalk Plain Upper Chalks. The landscape is of open, smoothly rounded downland dissected by dry valleys and long sinuous steep scarps, 3.16 This is the northernmost tip of Salisbury Plain. The open and is devoid of surface water. Tree cover is limited to distinctive rolling landform of the Upper Chalk creates a bleak, spacious Beech clumps crowning summits and occasional linear shelter landscape under arable production and devoid of settlement, with belts. long views and a strong sense of remoteness and isolation.
3.11 This is a remote, tranquil landscape of panoramic views 3.17 A dramatic escarpment forms the northern boundary, as where the sky forms a key part of the landscape, including the at Pewsey Hill and Fyfield Down, and provides panoramic views effect of cloud shadows on the ground and the wind creating across the Vale of Pewsey to the north. swells through the crops. The dominant land use is of vast sweeping arable fields with small remnant patches of chalk Landscape Type : 5. Downs Plain and Scarp grassland on steeper slopes. Settlement is extremely sparse and 3.18 The landscape of the Downs Plain and Scarp extends along limited to scattered farmsteads and racing stables. the entire length of the northern boundary of the North Wessex
20 Chapter 2: Theme 1 Landscape Downs. The plain is formed by the eroded surface of the Lower Chalk, Landscape Type : 7. River Valleys creating a low level surface extending as a wide ledge at the foot of the high Open Downland. The distinctive northern scarp plunges 3.23 The chalk rivers that cut through the chalk uplands form very Savernake Forest down from the chalk plain to the Vale of White Horse, creating a distinct linear landscapes, characterised by a rich mix of grazed is a medieval royal hunting dramatic recognisable horizon when viewed from the north. pastures, water meadows, wetland and woodland. The valleys are forest, established before the enclosed by steeply rising slopes, limiting views and creating an 3.19 This area is characterised by some of the most emblematic intimate and enclosed character. Domesday survey features of the North Wessex Downs: The Ridgeway, the oldest road in England – running along the top of the scarp; the 3.24 Historically, the main settlements of the chalk were Avebury on the open Uffington White Horse on the scarp face; and Avebury on the concentrated in these river valleys, as the only source of Downs Plain forms part of the accessible water in an otherwise dry downland landscape. These open Downs Plain, forming part of the Stonehenge and Avebury Stonehenge and Avebury World World Heritage Site. settlements took a long linear form, following the bottom of the valley, and this remains the dominant pattern to this day. The Heritage Site 3.20 The Downs Plain is characterised by vast arable fields, lack chalk uplands (in other character areas) are also cut by numerous of surface water and a general absence of settlement. Conversely dry valleys, which sometimes contain ephemeral ‘winterbournes’ the dramatic scarp slope, cut by springs, creates a convoluted only flowing when the chalk water table rises to the surface edge alternately under woodland and pasture, including during the winter and early spring. significant areas of remnant chalk grassland. This is a landscape Landscape Type : 8. Lowland Mosaic Page 65 Page that feels as though it has hardly changed over the centuries, although it is increasingly affected by development at its foot, 3.25 This is the lowest part of the ‘bowl’, curving around Newbury outside the AONB boundary. and the lower Kennet valley. This landscape, of largely Medieval Landscape Type : 6. Vales origins has a varied geology of clays, silts and sands giving rise to a diverse mix of soils and, in turn, a mosaic of ancient semi-natural 3.21 The Vale of Pewsey separates the two main upland chalk woodlands, plantations, remnant heathland and more open blocks that dominate the North Wessex Downs. The towering farmland areas. shapes of the adjacent chalk scarps contain and enclose this Greensand vale. Numerous springs issue from the chalk and 3.26 This is a small-scale and intimate landscape, where lanes Greensand boundary where the water table comes to the surface, are frequently overhung by deep grassy and wooded banks, their streams meandering across the Vale floor. heightening the sense of seclusion. There are some limited longer views, as at Bucklebury Upper Common. The network of ancient 3.22 Rich loamy and alluvial soils create a productive agricultural semi-natural woodland, connecting hedgerows, areas of parkland, landscape with a mix of arable, orchards and pasture now including wood pasture and veteran trees, create considerable replacing a once predominantly pastoral scene important for ecological interest. dairying – hence the saying ‘chalk and cheese’, identifying the very different landscapes of the downs and the vale. The concentration 3.27 Former Medieval deer parks are a particular feature, as at of settlements is a defining feature of the Vale, including compact Englefield, Highclere and Hampstead, with a number of these nucleated villages and hamlets, with widespread scattered having been re-fashioned in the 18th Century as formal designed farmsteads. The Vales character type also occurs at the north-eastern landscapes. This is one of the most densely inhabited areas of edge of the North Wessex Downs, with the sections of the Thames the North Wessex Downs, with large manor houses, a network of valley floor that lie within this AONB. The eastern part of the Thames hamlets, and lines of houses and villages that have grown along valley floor here lies within the adjoining Chilterns AONB. the network of lanes.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 21 Map page - landscape types (fig 3) Page 66 Page
22 Chapter 2: Theme 1 Landscape AONB Special Qualities: the Landscape mosaic of ancient semi-natural woodlands, plantations, remnant heathland and more open farmland areas where 3.28 Open Downland extending from Roundway Down near sunken lanes heighten the sense of seclusion. Devizes to Lardon Chase overlooking the Thames at Streatley is dissected by dry valleys and long steep scarps, with The Landscape: Key Issues, AONB limited tree cover and sense of remoteness and tranquillity. Strategic Objectives and Policies 3.29 Downland with Woodland on the dipslope descending to Kennet Valley and south across the Hampshire Downs; The North Wessex Downs landscape faces a range of offering softer contours, woodland cover and a mix of field challenges which this Plan will address through the patterns. implementation of key objectives and policies
3.30 Centred on Savernake Forest and West Woods, the Wooded 3.38 Key Issues Plateau consists of extensive tracts of semi-natural ancient woodland, wood pasture with majestic veteran trees, and Key issues with the potential to have significant influence on the 18th and 19th Century Beech plantations, as well as more AONB’s Landscape Special Qualities: recent coniferous plantations. a) The potential for development beyond the AONB boundary to 3.31 At the northernmost tip of Salisbury Plain, the open
Page 67 Page visually damage or undermine the scale and critical qualities rolling landform of the High Chalk Plain creates a bleak, of landscape character areas. spacious landscape under arable production and devoid of settlement, with long views and a strong sense of b) Managing the Ridgeway National Trail and other rights of way remoteness and isolation. to maximise enjoyment by responsible users protect wildlife and cultural heritage and minimise conflicts. 3.32 The distinctive northern Downs Plain and Scarp plunges down from the chalk plain to the Vale of White Horse, c) The need to maintain and, where possible, extend chalk creating a dramatic recognisable horizon. grassland habitat.
3.33 The Vales of Pewsey and sections of the Thames Valley d) The need to conserve and enhance the remoteness and floor adjoining the Chilterns AONB offer productive loamy expansive open scale of the downland landscape. Page 25 Arable production, Blueskyimages; Archaeolgical resources, X Jones; Woodland and alluvial soils where springs issue from the chalk and e) The need for viable agriculture and forestry to continue to management, X Jones compact settlements contrast with scattered farmsteads. contribute to AONB purposes. 3.34 The of the Kennet, Lambourn, Pang and River Valleys f) Availability of sufficient resources for management and Bourne form very distinct linear landscapes, characterised understanding of archaeological sites. by a rich mix of grazed pastures, water meadows, wetland and woodland. Steeply rising slopes create an intimate and g) The need to conserve and enhance the remote, secluded enclosed character. and relatively undeveloped character of more enclosed and intimate landscapes, including the character of the lanes. 3.35 The Lowland Mosaic, curving around Newbury and the lower Kennet valley has a varied geology of clays, silts and h) The need for appropriate woodland management, including sands giving rise to a diverse mix of soils and, in turn, a the viable use of timber products, particularly for fuel.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 23 i) Encouraging restoration of wood pasture landscapes, husbandry and ecology and ensuring future veteran tree succession.
j) The dominance of roads, in particular the impact of traffic noise, external lighting, road signs, insensitive materials and clutter on landscape character and people’s experience of the landscape as they travel through it.
k) The need to maintain the pattern of discrete villages set within a quiet rural landscape and ensuring that the views to the surrounding dramatic scarps are undamaged.
l) The need to ensure continued improvement of water quality and water resources in rivers, supporting river managers and riparian landowners in river restoration and enhancement projects for fisheries and wildlife.
m) The need to maintain and enhance adjacent seasonal flood
Page 68 Page meadows, grazed pastures, fen, damp woodlands and historic parkland.
n) The need to conserve and enhance the small-scale, secluded and rural character of the lowland mosaic, including the fragile lowland heaths.
o) Intense pressure for development throughout the AONB and its setting that threatens the character and quality of its landscape and risks merging of small settlements, encroachment by larger settlements and changes to the scale and nature of development boundaries.
p) The need to protect and enhance historic sites, buildings and landscapes and their setting.
q) The significant impact on the characteristic habitats in the AONB resulting from climate change, including increased extreme weather events and a potential increase in pests and diseases.
Page 24 Downland view, X Jones Page 25 River, X Jones; Flooding, X Jones
24 Chapter 2: Theme 1 Landscape 3.39 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024: the Landscape Extreme weather events due to climate change S.01 Maintain and enhance the tranquillity and distinctive will have a significant impact landscape character of the North Wessex Downs on the habitats of the Downs and its setting with a focus on the contribution from agriculture and forestry, development and infrastructure. Development threatens the S.02 Promote understanding, appreciation and pressure participation in the AONB by local communities, character and quality of the visitors and those making decisions affecting its AONB landscape distinctive character. Page 69 Page
3.40 AONB Policies: the Landscape LA 01 Encourage all partners and other stakeholders to have regard for AONB purposes across all relevant policies, programmes and activities. LA 02 Seek to identify and address the main factors that threaten the special qualities of the AONB landscape: e.g. water abstraction, agricultural practices including diffuse pollution of watercourses; lack of woodland management; damage to historic sites, built development. LA 03 Use the North Wessex Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment to inform policy and decision making across the AONB and its setting. LA 04 Support and promote good practice across all sectors that conserves and enhances the character and qualities of the North Wessex Downs landscape. LA 05 Support and encourage efforts to conserve and explain the rich heritage of the North Wessex Downs, including archaeological sites. LA 06 Ensure that all development in or affecting the setting of the AONB conserves and enhances the character, qualities and heritage of the North Wessex Downs landscape. LA 07 Raise the policy profile of the North Wessex Downs locally, regionally and nationally to secure the co-ordination and resourcing of policies and programmes for the benefit of the AONB.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 25 theme 2
Chapter 3 Chapter Rural Land Management illustration - including tractors, forestry, horseriding, small fields/mixed fields, hedgerows, arable production, farmsteads, fishing/field sport Page 70 Page
26 Chapter 3: Theme 2 Rural Land Management Page 71 Page “I like to look at the winding side of a great down, with two or three numerous flocks of sheep on it, belonging to different farms; and to see, lower down, the folds, in the fields, ready to receive them for the night.”
William Cobbett (1763-1835)
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 27 A Working Landscape vegetables around the Pewsey Vale. Data from Natural England’s 2018 ‘Provisional Agricultural Land Classification’ indicates that 84% of the Downs is Land-based enterprises play a significant role most farms fall in the ‘cereals’ and ‘lowland grazing livestock’ classified as farmland; about in acting as stewards of the landscape and categories. 48% of this was under arable contributing to economic balance cultivation in 2017 4.4 Profitable agriculture can sustain the natural resources that have created rich diversity and natural beauty of the North Agriculture Wessex Downs. Support for a sustainable farming sector is 12.4% of the total AONB 4.1 Farmland and woodland dominates the landscape of an important means of securing landscape management, as area is woodland, just over the North Wessex Downs. Changes in these land uses have demonstrated through the North Wessex Downs Partnership a third of which is Ancient a major influence on the natural beauty of the area. Land- support for initiatives such as the EU-supported rural Woodland based enterprises play a significant role in acting as stewards development programme, ‘Leader’ (Liaison entre actions de of the landscape and contributing to an economic balance for développement rural). communities. Additionally, equine activities and field sports are 4.5 Previous analysis of trends indicated a decline in livestock significant in terms of land use and management. farming and greater sensitivity of arable production to prices of 4.2 With 84% of the North Wessex Downs classified as farmland inputs. As with other sectors, consolidation will lead to larger (of which in 2017 about 48% was under arable cultivation), farms and larger herd sizes to seek increases in efficiency. There
Page 72 Page agriculture is the dominant land use and the major influence on have also been positive changes driven by the implementation of landscape character and quality. The agricultural workforce totalled targeted agri-environment schemes. 2,426 which amounted to 4.9% of the actively employed people 4.6 A series of reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy have in the AONB (2011 Census). This appears to be a decline from introduced an increasing emphasis on wildlife conservation 5.9% (reported in 2005), but remains a relatively high proportion through ‘agri-environment’ schemes and there is a strong compared with the average of 1.3% for South East England. commitment by farmers in the North Wessex Downs to utilise 4.3 Annual farm census statistics since 1990 indicate land in these schemes to support farmland bird populations, to protect the AONB in agricultural management appears to be and enhance habitats and to safeguard protect soil and water fairly stable, with a slight net loss over time. This resources. The de-coupling of support payments from could be due to development but also changes in production has required farmers to respond more holding distributions may represent a move to readily to world market conditions. Fluctuations other land uses not classified as agricultural. Farmland in commodity prices and input costs are making The total number of farms is also falling. The and woodland future arable profitability hard to predict. There highest proportion of farms are over 100 ha, dominates the is a risk that such market influences could thwart a number that has steadily increased over the landscape of the initiatives designed to improve natural resource protection and environmental enhancement. last decade. DEFRA defines farm types for a North Wessex holding as the crop or livestock enterprise (or An example in the North Wessex Downs has group of enterprises) that contributes more than Downs been the difficulty in promoting arable reversion two thirds of the total standard gross margin for to chalk grassland under higher-level stewardship the holding. The North Wessex Downs have quite schemes in the light of fluctuating, and occasionally large areas of Grade 1 and 2 agricultural land, a high very high, cereal prices. Issues concerning animal proportion of which is put down to potatoes and field scale movement and the loss of skilled graziers compound this.
28 Chapter 3: Theme 2 Rural Land Management 4.7 Added to the drive for sustainability, food security and low- carbon energy is the uncertainty introduced by the UK’s decision to withdraw from the European Union. The Government’s stated ambition, once outside the Common Agricultural Policy, is to promote ‘a more dynamic, more self-reliant agricultural industry’ and ‘a reformed agricultural and land management policy’ which will remain ‘internationally competitive’ and supply ‘products of the highest standards to the domestic market’ while ‘increasing exports’. The impact that measures outlined in the ‘Health and Harmony’ consultation, or the introduction of a proposed new environmental land management system might have on the farming community in the North Wessex Downs cannot be predicted. A new farming support system based on “public money for public goods” supported by a ministerial view that “the most important public good we should pay for is environmental protection and enhancement” could benefit the AONB, particularly when farmers work collaboratively to provide benefits for wildlife, access to the countryside and resource protection at Page 73 Page a landscape scale. Alongside the policy and market incentives, climate change is likely to be a key consideration in terms of the types and varieties of viable crops that are grown in on the North Page 27 Farmland, X Jones Wessex Downs. There are implications for sowing dates, irrigation, Page 28 Woodland mangement, X Jones pests, diseases, water availability and soil erosion. Increased significant volumes of timber and are more valuable as places for Page 29 Farmland across the Downs, X productivity needs careful management to maintain landscape recreation than as a productive part of the rural economy. The Jones character and the opportunity to expand wildlife habitats. There continued promotion of wood as a renewable fuel may stimulate may also be diversification into novel crops and farming systems improved management of some woodlands. or change of use from agriculture to other land uses, such as 4.9 The National Forest Inventory shows that woodland within equestrian businesses and leisure. the AONB recorded as being managed has increased from 50% Forestry in 2013 to 62% in 2017. This is a positive change which probably reflects the increasing demand for woodfuel in particular. 4.8 The Forestry Commission’s National Forest Inventory data The timber quality of much of the woodland area within the show that the area of woodland within the North Wessex Downs AONB is not high; many of the woodlands are extremely small; has increased by 656ha over seven years and stands at 21,475ha a number of the woodlands comprise crops for which there (12.4% of the total AONB area). Just under a half of this woodland is no longer a viable market. Consequently, the economics of has some form of wildlife designation and a little over a third forestry operations are problematic. There is a role for energy is Ancient Woodland. Broadleaf trees dominate, at just under production in helping to manage small woodlands and partners 70% of all woodland. Despite an increasingly healthy market for have made progress in supporting the forestry sector through timber and woodfuel, many woodlands in the AONB still suffer initiatives such as the EU-supported ‘Leader’ programme, ahead from a lack of management, often due to difficulties accessing of an anticipated rise in demand for wood fuel and associated the woodlands. The ageing beech woodlands no longer produce products.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 29 4.10 The priority is to maintain and improve management of existing woodlands. Any new woodland should meet the objectives of the North Wessex Downs AONB Woodland Strategy. This values woodland designated for their nature conservation interest, and all ancient and semi-natural woodland. New woodlands can act as a buffer to protect this resource and create wildlife corridors between woodlands, and which may in turn benefit natural flood management and water quality. The AONB Partnership encourages woodland owners to produce management plans in accordance with the UK Forestry Standard and will promote the accreditation of woodlands under the United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Scheme.
4.11 The dangers to woodland from pests and diseases are growing, with ‘ash dieback’ (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, also known as ‘Chalara’) and oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) being two recent examples. Ash dieback is likely to have a major impact in woodlands across England, including
Page 74 Page in the North Wessex Downs, and it will be prudent to consider promoting measures to mitigate the consequences of the loss of this important tree species for wildlife and the landscape. Damage to woodlands from increasing deer populations or from squirrels is an ever-increasing problem, especially since it makes growing native broadleaved trees for timber difficult in spite of strong market demand. This highlights the need for the collaborative landscape-scale protection of our woodlands. The North Wessex Downs Partnership is working with the Forestry Commission and woodland owners and operators to raise awareness and, where appropriate, prevent or mitigate the effects of activity.
4.12 Climate change may lead to drought and lower summer rainfall. This is likely to affect the North Wessex Downs woodlands. For example, the shallow rooting beech does not thrive on dry soils and is likely to decline but small-leaved lime needs warmth to set seed and will probably increase. Veteran trees of all species are more likely to be felled by storm force winds. However, in woods the impact of these storms can be positive, creating glades that species adapted to sunlight can occupy. The recreational value may increase as people seek shade in the hottest months.
30 Chapter 3: Theme 2 Rural Land Management Horse Industry partridge shooting. This has led to the planting of large blocks of maize cover crop and complemented grant-aided conservation 4.13 Horse owning and riding is a popular activity across the South of plots such as wild birdseed mix. Shooting brings in substantial £16-38 milion per England and the North Wessex Downs is recognised as a nationally income, employment and revenue to local businesses within annum is contributed to the important horse-racing centre, second only to Newmarket. The the rural economy, and is thus beneficial to the area. However, AONB’s local economy by the equestrian sector is estimated to have contributed £4.3 billion of changes to the landscape may be viewed with mixed opinions, horse-racing industry consumer spending to the national economy in 2015 (an increase although the management of land for shooting brings significant from £3.8bn in 2011).i Owners of horses have an important role to wider benefits to wildlife in general. play in maintaining the natural beauty of the North Wessex Downs. Shooting has become How horses are cared for and the developments associated with 4.17 Fly fishing is also an important feature of the AONB, popular in recent years, keeping and training horses can have a significant impact on the especially the world famous chalk streams such as the Kennet bringing in substantial character and quality of the AONB landscape. and Lambourn. The income from let fishing helps to support the revenue for the rural economy conservation and restoration of these rivers. 4.14 The North Wessex Downs is home to a range of important non-racing equestrian events, such as the annual Barbury i new ref British Equestrian Trade Association. National Equestrian Horse Trials. While there are no statistics to quantify horse Survey 2015. http://www.beta-uk.org/pages/industry-information/ market-information.php. ownership and riding in the AONB it is evident that the network ii (11 South West Protected Landscapes Forum ‘Horses, the of bridleways and routes linked to The Ridgeway National Trail landscape and you: Equestrian guide to keeping horses in protected Page 75 Page are popular and well-used. A recent survey valued the non-racing landscapes.’ horse industry in Hampshire at £313 million per annum to the Hampshire economy. A guide has been published in collaboration with Protected Landscapes in the South Westii to provide advice aimed at ensuring equine care and management makes a positive contribution to the landscape.
4.15 The Lambourn area and other racing yards in the AONB make a significant contribution to the local economy. Core horseracing businesses employ an equivalent of 1,370 full-time staff (just over 20% of employment in the agriculture and entertainment sectors Page 30 Horse racing, X Jones in the AONB). A survey has identified 103 businesses within the Page 31 Fly fishing, X Jones; Partridge, X area directly involved and a further 49 businesses associated with Jones the racing industry in 2007. The horseracing industry contributes between £16-38 million per annum of direct GVA to the local economy.
Field Sports
4.16 The rise of large-scale commercial shooting in recent years has had a significant influence on the landscape, especially in the downland. Much of the management of some small-scale woodland has been motivated by shooting whilst the downs and valleys, notably the steep scarps, provides an ideal landscape for
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 31 Rural Land Management: Key Issues, AONB Strategic Objectives and Policies Rural land management in the North Wessex Downs faces a range of challenges which this Plan will address through the implementation of key objectives and policies
4.24 Key Issues Page 32 Brown trout, X Jones Page 33 Barn owl over farmland, X Jones Key issues with the potential to have significant influence on the AONB Special Qualities: Rural Land Management AONB’s Rural Land Management Special Qualities:
4.18 A landscape under the influence of agricultural management a) The need to manage resources to achieve sustainable with typically large farmed estates, a high proportion of consumption and production. which are engaged in agri-environment agreements.
Page 76 Page b) Potential for significant investment of public funding to 4.19 Varied field patterns; the open downlands are promote diversification and micro-enterprise in the land characterised by large regular fields, largely the product management sector which align with AONB objectives. of 18th Century parliamentary enclosure, with more c) Potential for farmers to work collaboratively to enhance the recent boundary removals creating vast fields, as on the delivery of public goods and services. Marlborough Downs. By contrast, the Vale of Pewsey in the south west of the AONB is the product of Medieval 4.25 Agriculture clearance which created numerous, small, irregularly- shaped fields or assarts. d) Effect of the UK withdrawal from the European Union, in particular opportunities which could arise to invest in the 4.20 Stock fencing and extant hedgerows in the vales and river conservation and enhancement of the AONB, for example valleys containing some mature trees. through an alternative environmental land management measures to deliver public goods with public funds. 4.21 A growing forestry sector and different types of woodland, many with public access. Although oak and ash are the e) Market forces and major policy changes, such as demand for main forest canopy species there is a wide range of stand increased food security or biofuels, resulting in uncertainty types including hornbeam coppice, oak/ash stands, hazel/ regarding land management, influencing the mix of farming oak stands, and birch and ash/wych elm coppice. types and farm sizes.
4.22 Equestrian activity, including the ‘Valley of the Racehorse’ f) Impacts of changes in farming technology and energy prices. in the Lambourn area that attracts visitors and businesses. g) Shortage of livestock needed to graze downland pasture. 4.23 Significant land management for field sports, including highly valued game fishing which supports the native brown trout. h) Harnessing demand for locally produced food and drink in line
32 Chapter 3: Theme 2 Rural Land Management with AONB objectives, with increasing interest in producing r) Opportunities to support the racing industry, ancillary and marketing local food in the North Wessex Downs. businesses and local communities through diversification, e.g. in responsible tourism. Food security i) Climate change risk (increasingly identified by farmers in the changes due to market forces North Wessex Downs as a key threat and opportunity for the s) Need to avoid the Loss of biodiversity arising from the may influence the mix of future) and the opportunities for land managers to invest in creation of new fields and paddocks on open chalk downland farming types and farm sizes climate change adaptation and to mitigation. by promoting opportunities for landscape enhancement through equine habitat management, such as creation of j) Potential for improved co-ordination and consistency in the wildflower-rich grassland. Demand for timber provision of agricultural land management advice to achieve may drive woodland exploitation AONB objectives. t) Change in landscape character by the replacement of hedgerows with fencing, leading to the ‘suburbanisation’ of landscape. and threaten wildlife, k) Poor agricultural land management practices, including archaeology and recreation livestock grazing and arable production, resulting in u) Pressure to widen and straighten minor roads to improve vehicle detrimental impacts on watercourses from nutrient run-off access leading to ‘suburbanisation’ and loss of sense of place. and silt pollution as a result of livestock damage to river banks. v) Loss of integrity of historic settlements/hamlets/farmsteads.
4.26 Forestry Page 77 Page l) Scope for more and better management of woodland in 4.28 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024: the AONB, especially smaller woods, to improve habitat for Rural Land Management wildlife and provide an economic return. S.03 Focus, facilitate and support landscape-scale m) Risk of harmful impacts on wildlife, archaeology and recreation conservation and land management initiatives that from increasing exploitation of woodland to meet demand for support the purposes of AONB designation. timber, if not done in an environmentally sensitive way. S.04 Promote AONB priorities for targeting and investment n) Opportunities for better co-ordination of forestry with in rural land management and development to take agricultural land management under new environmental advantage of changes anticipated to follow the management schemes. withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. o) Widespread threats from pests and disease (e.g. Phytophthora S.05 Support the restoration of ancient woodland and and Chalara). wood pasture, improved management of unmanaged and under-managed woodland across the North p) Rising deer numbers inhibiting the natural regeneration of Wessex Downs, promoting multiple benefits, some woodland. Deer Management Groups are helpful but including landscape character, wildlife, local economy are insufficient on their own to control deer numbers. and skills, recreation and climate change mitigation.
4.27 Horse Industry S.06 Support traditional and emerging land-based enterprises q) Small-scale changes to the smooth, rolling landform around and their markets that respect and promote the special new buildings, which cumulatively have an adverse effect on qualities of the North Wessex Downs and its setting. the character of the AONB.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 33 4.29 AONB Policies: Rural Land Management RLM 01 Encourage national, regional and local land management policies to be consistent with the purpose of AONB designation. RLM 02 Encourage and support joint working and expansion/replication of existing landscape-scale conservation and land management projects, both within and beyond the AONB, to assist in the delivery of AONB objectives. RLM 03 Support sustainable farm diversification and multi-purpose woodland management where it achieves AONB objectives and accords with planning policy. RLM 04 Support efforts to identify future land use options that are best able to assist farm viability and reflect the environmental objectives of the AONB. RLM 05 Support local markets for local produce and the development of local supply networks. RLM 06 Encourage management of sites in public and tenanted ownership within the North Wessex Downs to be examples of best practice in the delivery of AONB objectives. RLM 07 Support and promote efforts across the North Wessex Downs to reduce invasive, non-native species or unsustainable populations of species where these threaten the biodiversity and sustainable management of woodland, watercourses and other habitats.
Page 78 Page RLM 08 Encourage the active and environmentally sensitive use of woodland resources for viable products, helping to enhance biodiversity. RLM 09 Support and help guide publicly funded investment in rural development. RLM 10 Support investment in new agricultural infrastructure and redevelopment of farm buildings where it increases the sustainability of local businesses and aligns with AONB purposes. RLM 11 Encourage awareness of the special qualities of the AONB among local businesses to help them understand and embrace their responsibilities alongside running a profitable enterprise. RLM 12 Support improved co-ordination and consistency in provision of land management advice across the AONB. Page 34 Conservation headland, X Jones; Traditional sheep breed, X Jones; Wetland RLM 13 Support efforts to identify and develop the skills required to care for the landscape and its special qualities, with opportunities for work, X Jones all to acquire such skills. Page 35 Lapwing on farmland, X Jones RLM 14 Encourage and support the local provision of practical training in traditional land management and the skills necessary to deliver enhanced rural land management and business diversification with clear landscape benefits. RLM 15 Encourage good agricultural land management practices and adherence to good practice to contribute to resource protection, such as safeguarding watercourses from nutrient run-off and silt pollution. RLM 16 Support the provision of advice on integrated management of grassland to enhance biodiversity as part of equine land management practices. RLM 17 Support initiatives to achieve sustainable deer populations across the AONB through collaborative measures and partnerships among landowners and other stakeholders.
34 Chapter 3: Theme 2 Rural Land Management Future Land Management Support: Priorities for individual Landscape Character Areas, will be required once the Funding and Advice by Landscape Character Type land management support arrangements to succeed the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy have been defined. 4.30 The national family of AONBs has proposed that AONB Management Plans should serve as the framework within which 4.32 The first column in the Table sets out a series of generic future publicly and privately funded support mechanisms and measures which could apply to more than one Landscape Type; other land management initiatives can be focussed and adapted subsequent columns set out measures which are aimed specifically to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the designated at each of the eight Landscape Types (as described in Chapter 3). landscapes and their settings.
4.31 The priorities set out in the following Table (pages 25-27) identify broad priorities for environmental land management in the North Wessex Downs AONB and its setting. More detailed guidance, covering for example desired outputs and prescriptions where necessary, based on reliable evidence and applicable to
Page 79 Page Table 1: Priorities for future rural land management support to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the AONB by Landscape Type
Generic aims applicable to more than one Landscape Type in the AONB Support a landscape-scale approach to restoring, managing, buffering, extending and connecting currently fragmented, locally characteristic habitats. These include species-rich chalk grassland, arable field margins, wet pasture and native riparian woodland in river valleys, remnant heathland and common land, chalk rivers and streams, ancient woodland (especially Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites) and wood pasture. Protect archaeological sites and features, including through removal from cultivation, reducing cultivation depth, scrub management, sympathetic woodland management and protection from livestock damage as necessary. Adopt catchment-sensitive farming techniques across chalk river and stream catchments to reduce both diffuse and point-source pollution, minimise sediment run-off into watercourses and improve water quality. Restore and maintain a coherent network of habitat corridors though sympathetic management of, in particular, the huge ecological resource represented by road verges and banks, public rights of way and national trails across the AONB, harnessing their potential to form links between wildlife sites and other important habitat patches. Facilitate responsible public access to the landscape in places and in ways that are compatible with maintaining the special qualities of the AONB. Encourage and support more wildlife-friendly management of public and private open spaces, including recreation, sports and school grounds, parks, playgrounds, greens, allotments and commons.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 35 Table 1 continued: Priorities for Aims specific to AONB Landscape Types future rural land management support to conserve and OPEN DOWNLAND enhance the special qualities of Restore unmanaged relict grassland and encourage greater the AONB by Landscape Type diversity though sympathetic management. Maintain existing chalk grassland habitats. Maintain and enhance the value of arable land and chalk grassland for priority farmland bird and arable plant species e.g. through spring sowing and winter stubbles, nesting plots, uncropped headlands, unsprayed field margins, pollen, nectar and seed mixes. Create and maintain wildlife corridors (e.g. buffer strips, beetle banks, track and byway verges), wherever possible linking a range of different habitats. Increase the diversity of semi-improved permanent grassland, especially where adjacent or close to unimproved grassland.
Page 80 Page Extend, link and buffer chalk grassland habitats e.g. through targeted arable reversion (linking existing grassland areas along ridgelines in particular), wildflower restoration of semi-improved grassland, scrub management and removal of inappropriate woodland planting. Maintain the open, expansive, open landscape character by avoiding new tree and hedge planting, including small areas which can cumulatively erode the special qualities of openness and sweeping views. Protect archaeological sites and features, including through removal from cultivation, reducing cultivation depth, scrub management and protection from livestock damage as necessary. Wherever possible create and maintain wildlife corridors (e.g. buffer strips, track and byway verges) across intensively managed arable and grassland, linking a range of different habitats including unimproved grassland and woodland. Support specific advice and options for sympathetic management of land used to keep and train racehorses to enhance its value for wildlife.
36 Chapter 3: Theme 2 Rural Land Management Aims specific to AONB Landscape Types DOWNLAND WITH WOODLAND Maintain the traditional pattern of field boundaries through sympathetic hedge management, restoration of historic hedge boundaries, creation of buffer strips and promotion and management of hedgerow trees.
Restore unmanaged relict grassland and encourage greater diversity though sympathetic management such as controlled grazing. Maintain existing chalk grassland habitats. Increase the diversity of semi-improved permanent grassland, especially where adjacent or close to unimproved grassland. Maintain and enhance the value of arable land and chalk grassland for priority farmland bird and arable plant species (e.g. through spring sowing and winter stubbles, nesting plots, uncropped headlands, unsprayed field margins, pollen, nectar and seed mixes). Create and maintain wildlife Page 81 Page corridors (e.g. buffer strips, beetle banks, track and byway verges), wherever possible linking a range of different habitats.
Extend, link and buffer chalk grassland habitats e.g. through targeted arable reversion, scrub management and removal of inappropriate woodland planting. Manage existing ancient woodland sympathetically to increase structural diversity (e.g. by restoring coppice, controlling deer numbers and promoting natural regeneration). Restore Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to conserve and enhance local landscape character and biodiversity. Conserve existing veteran and ancient trees with careful management and support succession of veteran tree habitat (e.g. by pollarding, including creation of maiden pollards, and identification and management of future veterans).
Restore, conserve and enhance designed landscapes, other historic parkland and wood pasture.
Conserve the intricate network of sunken and other country lanes and Page 36 Open Downland, X Jones tracks through sympathetic management of banks and verges. Page 37 Downland with woodland, X Jones
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 37 Table 1 continued: Priorities for Aims specific to AONB Landscape Types future rural land management support to conserve and WOODED PLATEAU HIGH CHALK PLAIN enhance the special qualities of Conserve and enhance the intimate mosaic of woodland, farmland Maintain existing chalk grassland habitats. the AONB by Landscape Type and hedges that surrounds Savernake Forest and West Woods. Manage existing ancient woodland sympathetically to increase Restore unmanaged relict grassland and encourage greater diversity structural diversity e.g. by restoring coppice, controlling deer though sympathetic management. numbers and promoting natural regeneration. Restore Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to conserve Increase the diversity of semi-improved permanent grassland, and enhance local landscape character and biodiversity. especially where adjacent or close to unimproved grassland. Conserve existing veteran and ancient trees with careful Extend, link and buffer chalk grassland habitats (e.g. through management and support succession of veteran tree habitat for targeted arable reversion, scrub management and removal of lichens and invertebrates in particular, (e.g. by pollarding, including inappropriate woodland planting). creation of maiden pollards) and identification and management of future veterans).
Page 82 Page Restore, conserve and enhance designed landscapes, other historic Maintain and enhance the value of the mosaic of arable land and parkland and wood pasture. chalk grassland for priority farmland bird and arable plant species (e.g. through spring sowing and winter stubbles, nesting plots, uncropped headlands, unsprayed field margins, pollen, nectar and seed mixes). Create and maintain wildlife corridors (e.g. buffer strips, beetle banks, track and byway verges), wherever possible linking a range of different habitats. Restore, extend/link and sympathetically manage relict areas of heathland.
38 Chapter 3: Theme 2 Rural Land Management Aims specific to AONB Landscape Types DOWNS PLAIN AND SCARP VALES On the Plain, encourage restoration of historic hedge boundaries Restore unmanaged remnant waterside pasture and encourage and improve existing boundaries through sympathetic hedge greater diversity though sympathetic management, including management, creation of buffer strips and promotion and grazing. management of hedgerow trees. On the Plain, consider opportunities for sympathetic, small-scale Extend existing and create new waterside pastures and wet tree-planting integrated within a network of well-managed hedges. meadows. On the Plain, improve the value of the arable landscape for priority Maintain the traditional pattern of field boundaries through farmland birds, pollinators, arable plants and other wildlife (e.g. through sympathetic hedge management, restoration of historic hedge spring sowing and winter stubbles, nesting plots, uncropped headlands, boundaries, creation of buffer strips and promotion and unsprayed field margins, pollen, nectar and seed mixes). Create and management of hedgerow trees. maintain wildlife corridors (e.g. buffer strips, beetle banks, track and byway verges) wherever possible linking a range of different habitats.
Page 83 Page Along the Scarp, maintain and enhance the diversity and wildlife Consider opportunities for sympathetic, small-scale, riparian native value of the farmland/woodland/chalk grassland/historic parkland woodland creation along watercourses. This will both restore a mosaic. feature of the historic landscape and help mitigate the warming effects of climate change on chalk stream ecology by providing shade. Along the western Scarp, promote sympathetic management of the Restore, conserve and enhance parkland, estate landscapes and varied and distinctive linear wooded hangers and wooded combes. other historic features, such as watercress beds. Support realisation of the potential for The Ridgeway National Trail to In the Pewsey Vale especially, promote new hedgerow trees as part serve as a conservation corridor through the landscape, encouraging of a landscape recovery strategy to counter the effects of Dutch elm ecological enhancement of land adjacent and close to The Ridgeway. disease and now ash die-back. Conserve and enhance the monumental landscape of the Avebury World Heritage Site and its setting, including through targeted arable reversion, increasing the diversity of semi-improved permanent grassland, scrub management and removal of inappropriate woodland planting.
Page 38 Wooded Plateau, X Jones; High Chalk Plain, X Jones Page 39 Plain and scarp, X Jones; Vales, X Jones
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 39 theme 3
Chapter 4 Chapter Biodiversity illustration - including key species (butterflies, birds; species tbc) and habitats (chalk streams, arable fields, woodlands, wetlands) Page 84 Page
40 Chapter 4: Theme 3 Biodiversity Page 85 Page “At length the snow ceases and the wind drops to a whisper; then over the hill-top the lapwings start up again and wheel in phantom flight, shrieking their weird night call.”
Edward Thomas (1878-1917)
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 41 A Landscape Full of Life Chalk Grassland There are 66 Sites The breadth of ecological diversity in the North 5.4 Chalk grassland is one of the most biologically rich and diverse of Special Scientific Interest Wessex Downs reflects its landscape character and habitats in the UK. Over 40 species of flowering plants are found (SSSIs), covering 3,330 ha, is the product of centuries of human influence in a single square metre of the best quality turf. Around 9% of in the North Wessex Downs chalk grassland in the UK lies within the North Wessex Downs. 5.1 The breadth of ecological diversity reflects the varied Traditionally grazed by sheep, cattle and rabbits, the area’s chalk landscape character of the North Wessex Downs. It is the product grassland supports important populations of the early gentian, 29 SSSIs in the Downs of centuries of human influence and active management. Within a scheduled protected species and one of Britain's few endemic contain chalk grassland, the area, there are seven Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), plants. Unimproved chalk grassland is also important for the totalling 1,421 ha – just under part of the ‘Natura 2000’ ecological network of sites established survival of many scarce invertebrate species such as the wart- half the total SSSI area under the EU Habitats Directive and designed to safeguard biter cricket and the internationally threatened marsh fritillary habitats and species threatened at a European level. Both the butterfly. Other scarce chalk grassland butterflies include the Pewsey Downs SAC and Fyfield Downs SSSI are also National Adonis blue, Duke of Burgundy, chalkhill blue and small blue; the Nature Reserves. They have an outstanding chalk grassland flora habitat also supports good populations of skylarks. and fauna, including nationally important populations of rare species, such as the endemic early gentian. The 5.5 Twenty-nine SSSIs in the North Wessex Downs North Wessex Downs contains 66 Sites of Special contain chalk grassland, totalling 1,421 hectares – Page 86 Page Scientific Interest (SSSIs) covering 3,330 ha (2% of just under half the total SSSI area (and 0.8% of the the area). Chalk AONB). A further suite of 249 Local Wildlife Sites grassland is (LWS) have a chalk grassland component. These 5.2 The most important habitats for nature one of the most sites total 2,163 hectares (1.3% of the AONB), conservation in the North Wessex Downs are biologically rich and but the precise area of chalk grassland habitat the remnant areas of chalk grasslands; semi- within the LWS network is not known. natural broadleaf woodlands and wood pasture; diverse habitats chalk rivers, streams and associated wetlands; in the UK 5.6 Nationally, areas of chalk grassland are a and arable farmland managed for conservation. shadow of their extent in the 1900s. In the North Wessex Downs the area of chalk grassland declined 5.3 Other habitats of particular significance within by 32% between 1968 and 1998. The remaining areas the AONB range from remnant heathlands on river are suffering increasing fragmentation. Today small isolated gravel deposits in the east, such as areas of semi-natural acidic blocks of chalk grassland are largely restricted to the steep scarp grassland around Inkpen, to the wide grassy verges of the slopes, dry valleys and areas maintained as pasture around droveways crossing the Downs. At a local level, the hedgerow archaeological sites. The total area of chalk grassland in the North network, springs, remnant water cress beds, road verges and dew Wessex Downs now is not known but it is estimated that the ponds also provide important refuges and habitats. Chalk cuttings Berkshire and Marlborough Downs Natural Area – which covers have magnificent displays of primroses and cowslips each year. roughly two-thirds of the AONB – supports at least 1,250 hectares This mosaic of habitats is especially important for bats, some (about 3-5% of the total area of chalk grassland in England). species of which are known to commute 20 to 30 kilometres from their roosts in old trees or outbuildings to forage over a range of Woodland insect-rich habitats including wetlands, farmland, wood pasture and grassland. 5.7 According to the Woodland Trust, the North Wessex Downs
42 Chapter 4: Theme 3 Biodiversity contain two nationally important ‘major concentrations’ of ancient woodland, centred on the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs and the Hampshire Downs; and areas of forest such as Savernake.
5.8 In the AONB: less than 0.1% of the total woodland area is designated as a National Nature Reserve; 0.5% is designated as Special Areas for Conservation (SAC);i 7.5% is designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest; 42.3% is designated as a Local Wildlife Site.
5.9 The diverse woodland types that make up these ancient woodlands include significant areas of wood pasture. They support a wide range of species, including important roosting sites for a number of bat species. Of particular importance are
Page 87 Page the calcareous woodlands that support a range of rare plants including herb paris and green hellebore and provide home to substantial populations of native bluebells (for which Britain has Page 41 Lapwings, X Jones a global responsibility, supporting about half the world’s bluebell Page 42 Milkwort, X Jones population).ii Enclosed Farmland Page 43 Brown hares, X Jones
Chalk Rivers and Streams 5.11 Arable cultivation is the dominant land management activity in the area. The North Wessex Downs support a wide range of 5.10 The spring-fed streams and rivers of the North Wessex nationally and regionally important species associated with arable Downs support an extremely diverse range of plant and animal farmland and adapted to colonise land disturbed through tillage. communities. Pea mussels, freshwater white clawed crayfish They include farmland birds like stone-curlew and tree sparrow; and internationally rare floating vegetation of river water- rare arable plants such as corn buttercup and shepherd’s needle; dropwort can be found along their reaches. In turn, the rivers and mammals such as brown hare and harvest mouse. Many of irrigate adjacent areas creating the distinctive valley landscape these species are listed as ‘Species of Priority Importance’ under with its remnant fens and water meadows. The summer Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities snowflake, a Red Data Book species, survives in seasonally Act 2006 and are targets for the Government’s ‘Biodiversity 2020’ flooded sites along the River Kennet. In recognition of their outstanding nature conservation value the Lambourn, Kennet and Hampshire Avon rivers are all designated SSSIs, while the i (12 SACs, originally designated to meet obligations under the EU River Lambourn, the Hampshire Avon, and the Kennet and Habitats Directive are defined in the new National Planning Policy Lambourn Floodplain – a series of discrete sites supporting the Framework as falling “within the definition at regulation 8 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017” (NPPF globally vulnerable Desmoulin’s whorl snail – are Special Areas of 2018, Glossary page 67). Conservation. ii (13 G. Vines (ed.) 2004 ‘Bluebells for Britain’ Plantlife, Salisbury.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 43 strategy to implement commitments under the global Convention on Biological Diversity. An Arable Strategy was prepared for the AONB in 2008 to help protect and enhance the nationally important arable biodiversity found within the North Wessex Downs.
5.12 Although the downlands are essentially a large-scale landscape, traditional areas of mixed farming, responding to the underlying geology, have resulted in a range of habitats (grassland, scrub and arable lands) co-existing in close proximity. This complex of interlinked habitats provides some of the most favourable conditions for the characteristic birds and mammals of the North Wessex Downs, including brown hares, skylarks, lapwings, tree sparrows, corn buntings, linnets and grey partridges. Increased cover, nesting opportunities and a wider abundance of food supply occur where arable margins meet up with wildflower and insect rich downland and scrub. This supports an important community of ground-nesting birds and other species typical of arable and unimproved grassland which
Page 88 Page has been lost from many areas of arable farmland. The North Wessex Downs Farmland Bird Project has helped to target agri- environment resources to benefit these species and communities.
5.13 Changes to climate will alter the composition of the natural communities that are characteristic of chalk downland, woodland, streams and arable fields. Diverse natural communities of plants and animals are most likely to survive on soils and in streams with low nutrient status and in large patches of habitat. Given the pressures of climate change and the need for species migration, habitat corridors along rights of way and habitat networks are of increasing value.
Nature Conservation
5.14 A pivotal review of England’s wildlife sites and its ecological network published in 2010 identified Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as having great potential ‘to establish a coherent and resilient ecological network’. The key message from this report, which was adopted into policy through the 2011 ‘Natural Environment White Paper’, was that to safeguard the country’s wildlife habitats and species it was essential to ‘make space for nature’. It advocated that this could be most readily achieved by making existing sites that are important for wildlife ‘bigger, better,
44 Chapter 4: Theme 3 Biodiversity and joined up’ and by creating more such sites. The aim of this minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity is to create a sustainable, resilient and more effective ecological including by establishing coherent ecological networks. Further, network for England. it makes clear that Local Plans should “take a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing networks of habitats and green 5.15 The North Wessex Downs Partnership encourages activities that: infrastructure and plan for the enhancement of natural capital at improve the quality of current sites by better habitat a catchment or landscape scale across local authority boundaries.iv management; Green infrastructure is a “network of multifunctional green space, increase the size of current wildlife sites; urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities”v enhance connections between or join up sites either and it helps address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. through physical corridors, or through ‘stepping stones’; providing for recreation, biodiversity, health and wellbeing. It create new sites; helps address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. reduce the pressures on wildlife by improving the wider environment, including through buffering wildlife sites. 5.19 Initiatives at local and regional levels have been taken to identify the areas which offer the best opportunities for habitat 5.16 These actions will help to establish an ecological network creation, connectivity and biodiversity enhancements. An initiative that meets the needs for wildlife and people today, and one that to define an ecological network of ‘Biodiversity Opportunity Areas’ is more resilient to the future pressures, including climate change. (BOAs) in south east England was based on mapping key habitats
Page 89 Page There are trade-offs between these actions: the more we do to and nature conservation sites identified at international, national improve the quality of existing sites or to enhance the wider and local levels. This identified 33 BOAs or equivalent sites environment, the less we will need to do to create new in, or partly within, the North Wessex Downs boundary; sites. Our actions need to be adaptive, adjusting to they are considered to provide the best opportunities what works as we progress. [Our] for targeted biodiversity enhancements and actions will habitat creation at the landscape scale. Some 5.17 ‘Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England's local authorities have developed and embedded wildlife and ecosystem services’ sets out the help to establish this concept into planning measures, such as strategic direction for biodiversity policy for a an ecological network the ‘Conservation Target Areas’ in Oxfordshire. decade on land (including rivers and lakes) and that meets the North Wessex Downs Partnership is contributing Page 44 Chalk stream, X Jones at sea. Biodiversity 2020 Objectives are to be needs of wildlife to a more joined up approach through its delivered through a more integrated, large-scale Page 45 landscape conservation work, X and people involvement in and support for local landscape Jones; Marlborough Downs, X Jones; Green approach to conservation on land and at sea; scale conservation projects. The Marlborough infrastructure, X Jones putting people at the heart of biodiversity policy; Downs Nature Improvement Area is an example of reducing environmental pressures; and improvement such initiatives. This successful pilot project continues of knowledge. DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan proposes as the Marlborough Downs ‘Space for Nature’ farmer group, to learn lessons from this existing strategy, to build on it with the facilitated through the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund.vi stated aims to “… achieve a growing and resilient network of land, water and sea that is richer in plants and animals.”iii iii (14 DEFRA 25 Year Environment Plan; pages 26 & 58. 5.18 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out iv (15 NPPF (2018) paragraphs 170 & 171. v (16 NPPF (2018) Glossary, page 67. measures to conserve and enhance the natural environment, vi new ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/countryside- including protecting and enhancing sites for biodiversity, stewardship-facilitation-fund-provides-conservation-boost
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 45 AONB Special Qualities: Biodiversity Rare chalk streams and rivers with a high diversity of aquatic plants, and invertebrate species including those Chalk grassland 5.20 Designated wildlife sites that are home to rare habitats and that are nationally scarce, such as the white-clawed in the Downs supports rare species, including: crayfish; supporting nationally and locally scarce bird plants like field fleawort, musk species; mammals including otters and nationally declining orchid and Chiltern gentian A nationally significant area of chalk grassland including water voles; and healthy fish populations including brown rare flora such as field fleawort, bastard toadflax, musk trout, salmon, grayling, perch, chub and dace; orchid and burnt orchid, early gentian, chalk eyebright, Arable habitats in Chiltern gentian, dwarf mouse ear, tuberous thistle and Arable habitats which are home to rare and colourful arable the Downs provide feeding round-headed rampion; invertebrates such as the wart- weeds, such as dense flowered-fumitory, slender tare and breeding grounds for rare biter cricket and important butterfly populations including: and shepherd’s needle, which are dependent on a regular farmland birds like skylarks Adonis blue, silver studded blue, marsh fritillary, chalkhill cropping regime. Arable land use also provides feeding blue, small blue, silver spotted skipper and Duke of and breeding habitat for a number of rare and declining Burgundy fritillary; farmland birds including skylarks and stone-curlews;
Substantial areas of broadleaved woodland and wood A rich mosaic of associated wetland habitats creating pasture, including a significant concentration of ancient distinctive valley landscapes including fens, floodplains, woodlands, which provide roosting and/or feeding sites for water meadows, carr and wet woodland. As an example, bats species including Bechstein’s bat, barbastelle, greater Page 90 Page the Red Data Book plant summer snowflake survives in horseshoe bat and noctule; long rotation hazel coppice seasonally flooded woodlands along the Kennet Valley. provides important habitat for mammals such as dormice; concentrations of calcareous bluebell woods; and a number 5.21 Opportunities for landscape scale conservation projects, of nationally scarce moss species; working across a significant area and administrative boundaries.
46 Chapter 4: Theme 3 Biodiversity Biodiversity: Key Issues, AONB Strategic Objectives and Policies Biodiversity in the North Wessex Downs faces a range of challenges which this Plan will address through the implementation of key objectives and policies
5.22 Key Issues
Key issues with the potential to have significant influence on the AONB’s Biodiversity Special Qualities: a) General lack of knowledge about the full biological resource of the North Wessex Downs and how to manage it most effectively for biodiversity, including the management of sites that may support habitats and species of principal importance and other wildlife features of local significance.
Page 91 Page b) Habitat fragmentation degrading ecosystem functionality (dispersal and colonisation potential of wildlife populations constrained, leading to loss of genetic diversity and risk of local extinctions). Page 46 Marsh fritillary, X Jones; hazel dormouse, X Jones f) Continued decline of species, in particular those with narrow c) Impacts of climate change on habitats and species with both Page 47 Wetland, X Jones habitat requirements that have responded negatively to losses and gains. In addition to direct impacts on habitats (e.g. changes in land management practices. drying out of wetlands) there are likely to be indirect effects such as those caused through colonisation by non-natives g) Nesting success and productivity is often insufficient to responding to climatic change. The resilience and response of reverse declines or even to sustain current populations of species to climate change, such as shifts in distribution, will be many ground nesting birds. strongly influenced by habitat availability and connectivity. h) Loss of once-common species of chalk streams and rivers such d) Uncertainties over future land use and land management as the water vole and the white-clawed crayfish (both priority patterns following UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, target species). in particular the impact on opportunities to deliver significant biodiversity improvements across the farmed landscape, i) Negative impacts of invasive non-native species on native and retention of improvements secured through past land wildlife. management support schemes. j) Economic fragility of low input/extensive farming systems and e) Direct and indirect effects of agricultural intensification and cost of replacement infrastructure (fencing, water supplies land management changes having continued negative impacts etc) leading to loss or deterioration of semi-natural habitats on farmland wildlife. through both undergrazing and overgrazing.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 47 k) Bovine tuberculosis testing and movement regulations q) Lack of resources to maintain biodiversity and secure reducing the availability of cattle for conservation grazing. enhancements of the existing green infrastructure network, Fragmentation including road verges. of habitats is a key issue, l) Lack of grazing livestock to manage remaining areas of semi- causing the degrdation of natural chalk grassland. r) Erosion of lane and byway verges by increased traffic use and larger vehicles. ecosystem functionality m) Problems, where grazing is still practised, from recreational pressures including dog worrying and trespass. s) Change from the use of grass gallops (some of which retain Poor habitat remnant areas of chalk grassland) to artificial surfaces in the n) Increasing erosion of remnant areas of chalk grassland as a racing industry. management and result of recreational activities. changing practices are resulting t) The need for access restrictions to areas supporting vulnerable o) Degradation and loss of river and wetland habitats through ground-nesting species, such as stone-curlew. in declines in biodiversity inappropriate management, development, increasing water demand, pollution, eutrophication and climate change. u) The effect of development within the AONB Setting on species, habitats and wildlife sites within the AONB. p) Lack of or poor management of much ancient woodland, causing a decline in biodiversity. Page 92 Page
5.23 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024: Biodiversity
S.07 Identify and promote action to safeguard and to enhance habitats and species which are characteristic of the North Wessex Downs and are not at a favourable conservation status, in particular chalk downland, chalk rivers and streams, broadleaved woodlands, and populations of farmland birds and plants.
S.08 Explore opportunities to promote the ‘net gain to biodiversity’ principles as elaborated in the revised NPPF and DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan across the AONB and its Setting, taking account of lessons learned from the benefits arising from the Biodiversity 2020 strategy in the local area.
Page 48 Orchids on chalk grassland, X Jones
48 Chapter 4: Theme 3 Biodiversity 5.24 AONB Policies: Biodiversity B 01 Resist proposals which have a likely significant effect (either alone or in combination with other plans and projects) upon a European site unless it can be ascertained following an appropriate assessment that they will have no significant adverse effect on the integrity of the site(s) concerned. B 02 Support the delivery of Biodiversity 2020 objectives, and DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan along with landscape-scale strategies, catchment management and forestry plans to ensure effective management of all priority habitats and species in the AONB landscape. B 03 Encourage a co-ordinated and consistent approach to biodiversity conservation across the AONB and its Setting. B 04 Support and encourage work to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the North Wessex Downs through support for landscape-scale projects for habitat management, restoration and creation, particularly where they deliver identified priorities within areas identified as offering the best opportunities for investment in biodiversity, including through management of existing wildlife sites and valuable habitat to the highest standards. B 05 Support land managers in restoring, creating and maintaining habitats for key species, including threatened arable plants, invertebrates and farmland birds. B 06 Support the development of initiatives to safeguard and develop habitat corridors and ecological networks throughout the AONB, and in particular to enhance the ecological value of road verges and similar linear features such as public rights of way and National Trails. B 07 Support partnerships with key stakeholders to promote and deliver projects that contribute to the achievement of good ecological status for water bodies in the AONB. Page 93 Page B 08 Encourage the improvement of connections between people and the natural environment and promote access to nature throughout the AONB. B 09 Support efforts to communicate the benefits of the local natural environment and its value to society. B 10 Encourage innovative use of initiatives such as Environmental Land Management schemes to deliver biodiversity benefits and the provision and protection of ecosystem goods and services. B 11 Support research into causes of declines in ground nesting birds and support appropriate projects that aim to rebuild populations. B 12 Encourage and support efforts to identify the extent of spread and damage caused by invasive non-native species (INNS), to eradicate or contain their spread, and to restore habitats and wildlife populations damaged by them. B 13 Seek to secure readily accessible baseline biodiversity data across the North Wessex Downs. B 14 Support the County Biological Record Centres and Historic Environment Records Centres serving the North Wessex Downs as the main repositories for information on the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the AONB and support initiatives to engage the public in biological recording/monitoring. B 15 Support and encourage measures to enable grazing on all the main grassland areas of the AONB. B 15 Support and encourage the implementation measures to deliver net gain to nature to minimise the effects of development and to address key issues affecting biodiversity resources in the AONB and its Setting.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 49 theme 4
Chapter 5 Chapter Historic Environment illustration - standing stones & monuments; castle; church and thatched cottages; railway/canal, country park/gardens Page 94 Page
50 Chapter 5: Theme 4 historic Environment “What is truly remarkable about the White Horse [at Uffington] is not that people at some time in the ancient past took the trouble to cut it into the hillside … but that Page 95 Page continuously for over twenty centuries others have made the effort to maintain it. Whatever religious or ritualistic significance the White Horse may have had to its creators has long since faded away. For most of its existence – through plague,
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 51 A Landscape Woven with Time Features of the North Wessex Downs 5,000 years ago The cultural heritage of the North Wessex Downs 6.4 A wide range of features of differing scale, visibility and evidence of human influence on makes a powerful and fundamental contribution to significance make up the historic environment. Many of the the area appeared with the the present-day landscape and to our own lives area’s archaeological sites have national or even international creation of barrows at Avebury recognition. The landscape that includes the complex of Neolithic 6.1 The North Wessex Downs is an ancient man-made landscape. and Early Bronze Age monuments around Avebury (and including This cultural heritage makes a powerful and fundamental Silbury Hill, West Kennet long barrow, the causewayed enclosure 3,000 years ago the contribution to the present-day landscape and to our own lives, as on Windmill Hill, dozens of Bronze Age barrows and many other Uffington White Horse was Bill Bryson neatly describes. Evidence of human influence on the important sites) is of such global significance that it has been carved into the chalk of the area extends back at least 5,000 years when the long barrows at inscribed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and North Wessex Downs Avebury were constructed. Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site.
6.2 In the three thousand years since the Uffington White 6.5 There are 479 Scheduled Monuments in the North Wessex Horse was carved the landscape of the North Wessex Downs Downs AONB; one of the densest concentrations in the country. has constantly evolved to serve the changing needs of the These include: successive generations of the people who have lived and worked Neolithic long barrows of Waylands Smithy high on the here. What we see today is a rich and many-layered patchwork chalk ridge overlooking the Thames Valley and Adam’s Page 96 Page of features that record different stages in its evolution. Together Grave above the Vale of Pewsey; they contribute an irreplaceable sense of time and personality to the present day scene. Past human influence is etched in Bronze Age barrow cemeteries such the Lambourn Seven every facet of the landscape – in the shape of fields and woods, Barrows; the alignment of tracks and lanes, the form and texture of the Uffington White Horse and its adjacent Iron Age hillfort, villages and hamlets. In years to come the landscape of the (one of a string of major late prehistoric defensive sites that North Wessex Downs will continue to evolve, but hopefully occupy prominent positions on the higher downs); in ways that will allow the ingrained reminders of its past to the small Roman town at Cunetio near Mildenhall and add meaning and value to the lives of its future residents and Roman villas such as Littlecote; and visitors. the medieval motte and bailey castles at Hamstead 6.3 The importance of the historic environment is Marshall and Marlborough College. clearly recognised in the planning system. The 6.6 One Registered Battlefield is included within the National Planning and Policy Framework (NPPF) Many of AONB: Roundway Down, near Devizes. This site confirms that significance of heritage assets lies the area’s was the location of a major encounter fought not only in their interest and value to people archaeological in July 1643 when a Parliamentarian army today but also to future generations.i That sites have was heavily defeated by a significantly smaller interest may be archaeological, architectural, Royalist force. artistic or historic. The significance of an national or even asset derives not only from physical presence, international 6.7 In addition to designated archaeological but also from its setting – in other words, its recognition features, the local Historic Environment Records relationship to nearby historic places and within (HERs) maintained by the County Councils the wider landscape. in Hampshire and Oxfordshire and the unitary
52 Chapter 5: Theme 4 Historic Environment Page 51 Avebury stone monuments, X Jones Page 97 Page authorities in Wiltshire, Swindon and West Berkshire, contain listing take many different forms and reflect nearly a thousand Page 52 Archaeological dig, X Jones records of more than 11,000 sites, monuments and finds of years of human settlement. As well as grand country houses, the Page 53 Uffington White Horse, X Jones archaeological and historic interest within the boundary of the market towns in the AONB are enriched by the town houses of North Wessex Downs. Even though they may not yet have been wealthy merchants and its villages by many splendid medieval designated as scheduled monuments, many of these sites are of parish churches. Listed buildings in the North Wessex Downs national importance. Many others are of local significance and also include some spectacular and very early barns; locks and make a real contribution to local distinctiveness and sense of other structures associated with the Kennet and Avon Canal; place. The information contained on the HERs is a vital part of milestones, roadside pumps and signs related to turnpike roads; the jigsaw of information that allows us to understand how our and pillboxes built as part of the planned defence of Britain in the communities have developed and our landscapes have evolved early phase of the Second World War. over more than six millennia. 6.10 The North Wessex Downs include 15 Registered Parks and 6.8 Another important part of the local heritage is the extensive Gardens. One of these, Highclere Castle, is registered at Grade network of footpaths, bridleways and byways, including the I, and four examples, Tottenham House, Purley Hall, Ashdown ancient ridgeway paths along the Marlborough Downs to the House and Inkpen House, are registered as II*. Although not on Chilterns and beyond. These historic communication routes are the national Register, many other areas of designed landscape, a characteristic feature of the AONB and are now a valuable including historic parkland, gardens and cemeteries add recreational resource. significant local value, especially within and around some of the AONB’s towns and larger villages. 6.9 The built environment also makes a fundamental contribution to the landscape. The North Wessex Downs contain 4,069 Listed Buildings. More than 250 of these are listed at Grade I or II*, the two highest levels of importance. Buildings protected through i (9 NPPF paragraph 184.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 53 6.11 As with the archaeological resource, many local buildings and 6.15 The main aims of the HLC process are to gain a fuller structures remain unprotected through the listing mechanism. understanding of the whole AONB landscape; to raise awareness None the less, they contribute to the landscape or to our among local communities, visitors and the wider population of understanding of historic events or processes. Some of these lie the unique cultural heritage of the North Wessex Downs, and within the 109 Conservation Areas designated by local authorities to provide a tool for the integrated management of the area’s in settlements of particular historic character or significance. historic environment. The resource informs planning decisions, Many others, especially isolated structures or farm buildings, provides a framework for policy making and research and receive little or no formal protection. improves the county-based Sites and Monument Records (SMRs) and Historic Environment Records (HERs). 6.12 A further heritage asset, often overlooked in terms of importance to the historic landscape, is managed woodland, 6.16 Whilst confirming that the landscape of the North Wessex including deer parks, hunting forests, irreplaceable ancient Downs has always been predominantly rural, HLC has begun to woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees. These areas, managed show how its detailed character has changed over time. One of sensitively, play a significant role in protecting archaeological the most significant statistics concerns the loss of open chalk earthworks from damage by cultivation. downland. Of the 18% of the area that could be characterised as unploughed pasture in 19th century just 3% survives today. Historic Landscape Character 6.17 The rate of agricultural change is also illustrated by the fact 6.13 Defining and mapping the Historic Landscape Character that around 75% of pre-18th century field enclosures have been Page 98 Page Areas for the North Wessex Downs has provided new insights lost during the 20th century. In addition, some two-thirds of in to the evolution of the landscape and the historic processes medieval ‘assart enclosures’ (woodland clearances) have been that have influenced the countryside. Historic Landscape lost or significantly modified in the same period. Characterisation (HLC) is a way of analysing and recording how several millennia of human interaction with the land produces the Settlement Pattern rural landscape of today. It is nationally recognised as a means for understanding and managing the entire landscape and not 6.18 The pattern and distribution of settlement within the North just the isolated archaeological sites and buildings traditionally Wessex Downs has evolved over millennia of human occupation. protected by scheduling or listing. However, most of the current towns, villages, hamlets and farms Page 54 Ashdown House, X Jones; are likely to have originated in medieval or post-medieval Hungerford High Street, X Jones; Country 6.14 Better appreciation of how the landscape has times. Some of the most characteristic features of cottages, X Jones evolved in relation to its underlying geology and the ‘Downland’ and ‘Downland with Woodland’ Church at Aldbourne, X Jones Page 55 ; changing socio-economic circumstances is vitally landscape character areas are the long linear Whitchurch Silk Mill, X Jones important. The methodology brings together a The landscape settlements of the river valleys – the main wealth of information, including semi-natural of the North concentrations of population in otherwise open and living features (woodlands, hedges, etc) Wessex Downs uninhabited downland. Characteristically, these as much as archaeological features, with a has always been are loosely strung along a road on the first clear recognition of the dynamic nature of the contour above the winter flood level, with the landscape, interpreting landscape on the basis of predominantly winterbourne or river forming an integral feature its ‘time-depth’ – the natural and cultural history rural of the village. Examples are at St Mary Bourne in that has produced the landscapes we find in the Hampshire, Collingbourne Kingston in Wiltshire and AONB today. Hampstead Norreys in Berkshire.
54 Chapter 5: Theme 4 Historic Environment 6.19 The pattern in the ‘Lowland Mosaic’ landscape character Ramsbury Manor and Savernake Forest, many originating as area is distinctly different. This reflects its medieval origins in medieval deer parks. a network of hamlets, lines of houses and villages along roads. Only 3% of the open Some villages have a clear nucleus, typically associated with 6.25 Post-medieval buildings and infrastructure including the chalk downland that existed a village green or church, while others have a more dispersed Kennet and Avon Canal; extant and former railway lines and as unploughed pasture in the tunnels; watermills, windmills and pumping stations; water pattern, typical of post-medieval squatter settlements. This 19th century is left today pattern is also reflected in the ‘Downland with Woodland’ meadows; 18th–19th-century planned farmsteads; First and landscape type, which has small clustered hamlets and villages Second World War airfields, pillboxes, ammunition dumps sheltering in folds in the chalk, as in the Chutes in Wiltshire, or and practice trenches. Around 75% of the exposed on ridgetops, as at Faccombe in Hampshire. Evidence area’s pre-18th century field from the Domesday Survey of 1086 suggests that the creation enclosures were lost during the of many of these settlements were during the Early Medieval 20th century (Saxon) period.
6.20 Another distinct settlement type of the North Wessex Downs is the string of attractive, small, springline villages that developed along the base of the lower north-facing scarp. Examples are Clyffe Pypard, Clevancy, Liddington, Letcombe, Ashbury and Bishopstone. Page 99 Page AONB Special Qualities: Historic Environment
6.21 Neolithic and Bronze Age ritual and funerary monuments including Knap Hill and Windmill Hill causewayed enclosures; West Kennet and Wayland’s Smithy chambered tombs; Silbury Hill; Avebury stone circle and its surrounding ceremonial landscape; Bronze Age round barrows including Seven Sisters and Seven Barrows groups.
6.22 Iron Age, Roman and post-Roman defences and settlements, including Oldbury, Barbury Castle and Uffington Castle; Cunetio (Mildenhall) Roman town, Littlecote villa and the Roman road through Savernake Forest; Fifield and Overton Down field systems; Wansdyke, Grim’s Ditch and Devils Ditch linear earthworks.
6.23 Medieval and post-medieval settlements and buildings, including castle earthworks; tithe barns; parish churches; the layouts and historic buildings of Marlborough, Hungerford, Ramsbury and many smaller villages
6.24 Country houses and landscaped parks and gardens such as at Basildon Park, Highclere Castle, Tottenham House and
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 55 c) Insufficient understanding of the historical evolution of individual settlements and how this should influence their future development.
d) Need for more consistent approach to the designation and management of Conservation Areas, in particular the systematic use of Conservation Area appraisals and management plans.
e) Development pressure threats to the historic fabric and visual character of traditional market towns.
f) Impact on archaeological sites, their settings and integrity, of inappropriate development, including siting of large agricultural buildings, renewable energy infrastructure, road infrastructure, traffic and signage.
g) Poorly sited and designed new development that fails to reflect the historic form of settlements and building groups, their character and setting. Page 100 Page Page 56 Waylands Smithy, X Jones h) Infilling and over-expansion on small plots, which may erode Page 57 Avebury stone monuments, X the traditional mixed character of individual settlements. Jones Historic Environment: Key Issues, i) Loss of local vernacular architecture and traditional farmstead AONB Strategic Objectives and layouts, especially through the insensitive conversion of Policies traditional agricultural buildings. The historic environment in the North Wessex j) Loss of grazing animals, which is threatening the important Downs faces a range of challenges which this Plan archaeological sites with damage from uncontrolled scrub will address through the implementation of key encroachment. objectives and policies k) Poorly managed recreational access to sensitive archaeological/ cultural sites, including damage caused by inappropriate, 6.26 Key Issues irresponsible or illegal use of off-road motorised vehicles.
Key issues with the potential to have significant influence on the l) Continued deep ploughing over archaeological sites and AONB’s Historic Environment Special Qualities: remains, and damage from burrowing animals.
a) Lack of knowledge about the broader historic landscape of the m) Impact of planting trees or biomass crops either directly on North Wessex Downs – the landscape speaks eloquently of its archaeological features, or on the character of the historic cultural history, but this needs to be better understood and landscape through poor design and siting. more closely applied to management objectives. n) Impact of modern farming practices on the character of the b) Many undiscovered archaeological sites, especially in wooded areas. historic landscape.
56 Chapter 5: Theme 4 Historic Environment 6.28 AONB Policies: Historic Environment 6.27 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024: Historic Environment HE 01 Support efforts to ensure that sites, features and landscapes of historical importance are appropriately identified, recorded S.08 Promote wider use and understanding of Historic and managed. Landscape Characterisation to inform and guide strategic planning, development decisions, land HE 02 Encourage voluntary-sector research and collaboration on management practices and other forces for change. poorly understood aspects of the local historic environment.
S.09 Protect archaeological and historic features, sites HE 03 Encourage all stakeholders to use the English Heritage at Risk and their landscape setting against inappropriate Register to focus on archaeological sites, historic buildings and development and management practices. conservation areas in special need of action.
S.10 Support the inclusion of measures in neighbourhood HE 04 Work closely with the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage plans to conserve and to enhance the character of Site Partnership and other groups to develop shared objectives settlements. and deliver joint actions in support of the World Heritage Site Management Plan.
HE 05 Promote the production and publication of ‘local lists’ of Page 101 Page heritage assets.
HE 06 Support initiatives that seek to provide long-term sustainable management of important heritage assets for social and economic benefits.
HE 07 Identify and promote opportunities to include the historic environment in community-generated Village Design Statements, Parish and Neighbourhood Plans etc., linked where appropriate to Conservation Area Appraisals.
HE 08 Promote and encourage the use of Historic Landscape and Historic Settlement Characterisation to inform land management, policy making and planning decisions.
HE 09 Support more and better explanation, interpretation and promotion of the historic environment for residents and visitors.
HE 10 Support collaborative historic environment activity involving professional and voluntary sectors, such as research and advice from historic environment experts.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 57 theme 5
Chapter 6 Chapter Natural Resources illustration - including Sarson stones/geology/ chalk & flint, trees/woodland & wood fuel, water meadows, rivers & fish, mill, chalk grassland, Page 102 Page
AONBs have great potental to help us establish a coherent and resilient ecological network
58 Chapter 6: Theme 5 Natural Resources “Our wealth as a nation and our individual well- being depend critically upon the environment. It provides us with the food, water and air that are essential for life and with the minerals Page 103 Page and raw materials for our industry and consumption. Less obviously, it provides the processes that purify air and water, and which sequester or break down wastes. It is also in our environment where we find recreation, health
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 59 A Landscape of Opportunity services, like food and fibre, we are often unaware of the importance of others, such as natural purification of water and Natural capital is The components of the natural environment that air, and the attenuation of flood water. The cost of providing the Earth’s stock of natural provide us with benefits to our health and well-being these artificially is considerable. In the years after the highly assets like minerals, air, water are known as ‘natural capital’ technical UK NEA reports were published, the environmental and biodiversity campaigner and writer Tony Juniper explained ecosystem services Accounting for Natural Benefits in an accessible and readily understandable format using a series of examples from around the world (in ‘What has Nature Ever Ecosystem services 7.1 Whether we live in towns or in the countryside, we are Done for Us?’) and more recently from around the UK (in ‘What are the benefits that we dependent on ecological systems (ecosystems) for our health Nature does for Britain’). These illustrate clearly the tendency to receive from natural assets, and well-being. The components of the natural environment that under-estimate the value of natural processes and the services such as clean water and fuel provide us with these benefits are known as ‘natural capital’. and benefits we derive from the natural world. This leads to The benefits which society derives from natural capital assets poorly informed decisions on how to safeguard these functions (‘ecosystem services’) are commonly grouped into four core and utilise natural resources sustainably. The result is pollution, categories of services: depletion of biodiversity, degraded ecosystems and substantial Supporting services (for example the processes damage to the processes which are vital to life on Earth. There is which form soil, cycle nutrients and the essential a significant financial cost to restore ecosystem functionality or,
Page 104 Page photosynthetic process in plants). if it is feasible to do so, to replace such functions with artificial alternatives. Provisioning services (for example, woodland that provides timber for fuel, construction and 7.3 Just as there are costs to restoring degraded manufacturing; plant communities which ecosystems, there are benefits and savings from a sustain populations of insects to pollinate healthy and naturally functioning environment. crops). There Degraded ecosystems present risks to businesses Page 59 Woodland, X Jones Regulating services (for example, are benefits in terms of security of raw materials, waste Page 60 Honey bees, X Jones soils and aquifers that absorb rainfall disposal, insurance rates and brand image. In the Page 61 Chalk stream, X Jones and savings reducing flooding, and filtering water from a healthy North Wessex Downs, there are obvious direct to give us healthy rivers and clean and naturally links between ecosystems and the business drinking water). activities of land-based industries such as functioning Cultural services (for example, farming and forestry (where soil health landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage environment clearly underpins ecosystem function and that give us a sense of identity, support the products from the land) and rural tourism. tourism, offer recreational and learning Associations can be less obvious or indirect for other opportunities, assist our physical and mental well- businesses and relate, for example, to supply chains and being and delight the soul). investment choices.
7.2 The 2011 UK National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) identified 7.4 In the rural landscape, sustainable agriculture and forestry that inadequate consideration in decision-making of the full could deliver widespread positive effects on ecosystems in the range of natural benefits and services that we derive from the area. Grants, subsidies and advice can support and promote natural environment is a significant factor contributing to the sustainable approaches to land use among farmers, foresters and degradation of ecosystems. While we pay for some ecosystem other land managers.
60 Chapter 6: Theme 5 Natural Resources Conserving Resources and Maintaining Ecosystem Function
7.5 Protecting natural resources and the natural benefits arising from them by operating in a way that minimises damaging impacts is part of sustainable development. There is a particular need to conserve soil health, manage water and maintain clean air.
Soils
7.6 Soils are cultivated to produce essential items of food, clothing and fuel. Soils also deliver natural benefits, influencing water flows; storing carbon, and supporting wildlife habitats and nutrient cycling. The Government’s strategy for soils in the DEFRA 25 Year Environment Plan sets out a case for improving soil health and protecting peatlands by addressing factors such as erosion, compaction and decline of organic matter. The stated policy objective is that “By 2030, we want all of England’s soils to be
Page 105 Page managed sustainably, and we will use natural capital thinking to develop appropriate soil metrics and management approaches.”
7.7 Chalk forms the underlying surface geological structure of the North Wessex Downs but the overlying soils influence vegetation cover and land use. Each soil type in the area has its own management requirements.
Sustaining Water Resources
7.8 The main rivers flowing through the Downs – the Pang, the Lambourn and the Kennet – drain eastwards to the River Thames. Watercourses flowing off the northern escarpment into the vales also feed the Thames catchment. The separate catchments of the Hampshire Avon and the Test flow south, draining the Vale of Pewsey and Hampshire Downs respectively. The escarpment in the west around Calne falls into the Salisbury Avon catchment, flowing west.
7.9 The status and condition of both surface waters and groundwater in terms of quality, availability and flow is important to people and to habitats and species in the AONB. The North Wessex Downs AONB Partnership is committed to supporting the work of Catchment Partnerships, water companies, local planning
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 61 authorities and other interested groups to help assess, protect 5% of the available water resource. Following detailed studies and enhance these important assets. by Thames Water, overseen by the Environment Agency, the Axford abstraction licence has been amended to safeguard flows 7.10 One in six residential and commercial properties in England in the River Kennet during low flows; in addition, the Ogbourne is at risk from flooding. In the North Wessex Downs, there has abstraction licence has been ended. These changes are part of a been localised flooding of villages in the river valleys in the winter. long-running programme of investigations and licence changes This is often associated with rising groundwater and springs rather to make groundwater abstractions more sustainable across the than river flooding. Flood risk management may include the AONB, although all licence reductions are still dependent on provision of sustainable measures to alleviate future flood risk, for other sources of supply being available. Modelling indicates that example Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) incorporating urban abstraction is having a detrimental impact on river flows, although attenuation ponds, and Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes the proposed construction of a water supply pipeline from involving attenuating surface water runoff from agricultural land, Farmoor Reservoir to Swindon is expected to reduce pressures for river restoration and river floodplain enhancement. groundwater abstraction.
7.11 In summer, some rivers suffer from lack of flows because of 7.14 At the same time, the operational requirements of the Kennet water abstraction. This may then lead to a reduction in water quality and Avon Canal have an effect on the Kennet. Between Bath and and ecological diversity caused, for example, by reduced capacity the summit at Crofton Pumping Station the Canal is fed by the to dilute inflows downstream from sewage treatment works or to Bristol Avon; between the summit and Kintbury by the River Dun, Page 106 Page transport silt resulting in its deposition. Pressure for abstraction a tributary of the Kennet; and between Kintbury and Reading by from the chalk aquifers that feed these rivers is directly related the Kennet. In-flows into the Canal from these river sources can to the rising demand for water, including from new development. result in less than optimum flows in the rivers, particularly in the Drainage structures and other features modify natural flow summer months and in drier years. When the combined section of regimes. Climate change, the deterioration of assets, as well as canal and river diverge, this can result in high levels of turbidity in continuing pressure to build in areas of high risk flood zones, will the river. There has been significant progress amongst the various contribute to increased risk of flooding affecting local communities. parties to minimise the impacts of the canal on the river, including the construction of bypass weirs at canal locks west of Hungerford 7.12 The waters of the chalk aquifers and rivers are a major to prevent canal water spilling over into the River Dun. It is a clear source of potable water. Ground waters from within the river objective of the Canal and River Trust to optimise the use of water Page 62 Flooding, X Jones; SuDS, X Jones; catchments are abstracted to meet demands for public water resources in the Canal and to use back-pumping to conserve water Natural Flood Management, X Jones supply and for industry, agriculture and aquaculture (water cress in the ‘artificial’ section between Bath and the Canal summit. and fish farms). The level of abstraction and effect on river flows varies across the area. The Lambourn has a near natural flow 7.15 Under the Nitrates Directive, the majority of the North regime with minimal abstraction. In contrast, the River Pang was Wessex Downs is designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). one of 40 rivers in England identified in the 1980s as suffering Within these zones, farmers are required to limit the application from low flows caused by over abstraction (from a groundwater of manures and nitrogen fertilisers, subject to a closed season source at Compton). Despite abstraction ceasing in 1997, for the application of certain manures. They are also required to prompted by increased nitrate levels, the Environment Agency keep records of cropping, stocking and the application of nitrogen continues to monitor the flow characteristics of the river. fertilisers and manures.
7.13 Groundwater abstraction points in the Kennet valley are 7.16 Further control of diffuse pollution is a requirement of the numerous, but the level of abstraction is low, amounting to only EU Water Framework Directive. There is an obligation to manage
62 Chapter 6: Theme 5 Natural Resources Page 107 Page
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 63 river basins to deliver good environmental outcomes in both surface waters and groundwater. Agriculture is recognised as one 60% of nitrates, of the main sources of diffuse pollution of water courses and 25% of phosphorous and 70% groundwater. DEFRA encourages Catchment Sensitive Farming of the sediments in diffuse (CSF) as a key approach to resolving this by managing land in pollution are a result of farming a way that is sensitive to the ecological health of the water environment. While farming is not the sole cause of diffuse pollution, it does contribute approximately 60% of nitrates, 25% Agricultural of phosphorus and 70% of sediments along with other pollutants diseases, such as which enter our surface waters. bluetongue, are on the increase, Maintaining Air Quality partly due to climate change 7.17 A variety of air pollutants have known or suspected harmful effects on human health and the environment. In most areas of Europe, these pollutants are principally the products of combustion from space heating, power generation or from motor vehicle traffic. Pollutants from these sources may not only
Page 108 Page prove a problem in the immediate vicinity but can travel long distances, chemically reacting in the atmosphere to produce secondary pollutants such as acid rain or ozone. The nearest monitoring site to the North Wessex Downs is at Harwell. Other sites are in Reading Town Centre, Newbury, Thatcham, Bath and this Management Plan. However, strategies are needed now Oxford. Pollution is low but there may be local issues, such as because of the time scale involved to implement effective actions. environmental quality relating to traffic pollution. The main changes are likely to be warmer, drier summers; wetter, milder winters; and increased frequency of extreme weather Climate Change conditions, such as storms.
7.18 There is increasing evidence and acceptance that the 7.19 Climate change may result in more rainfall occurring global climate is changing, largely as a result of human as winter deluges, falling on already saturated ground. activity and that we need to both mitigate the This would provide the conditions for increased soil effects of high levels of atmospheric carbon and erosion, resulting in damage to historic features and to adapt to the consequences of climate change. The ... more silt, nutrients and pesticides washing into Government policies promote sustainable energy Partnership is rivers. These inputs arise predominantly from generation and more efficient consumption, and keen to refine its arable farmland and already have a significant other actions aimed to achieve a low carbon impact on water quality and freshwater economy. There is a broad consensus on how understanding of biodiversity. Drought and lower summer the climate of Southern England will change the impacts of rainfall are likely to result in a contraction of over the coming decades. These changes are climate change the chalk stream network. Freshwater species expected to be progressive but gradual and may will be lost from some of the winterbournes not be easily detectable over the 5 year period of while some perennial streams will become seasonal
64 Chapter 6: Theme 5 Natural Resources 7.21 The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Programme are two initiatives that define these impacts. They are based on predictions put forward by the UK Climate Projections (UKCP09). The North Wessex Downs Partnership is keen to refine its understanding of the impacts of climate change and develop strategies for adaption to these effects.
7.22 ‘Making Space for Nature’ outlined four key ways that we can adapt our ecological networks to a changing climate. Ensure that all parts of the network are in the best possible management. Increase the population sizes of vulnerable species. Reduce the risks of local extinction. Provide colonists for new sites.
7.23 To do this we must: Allow species to adapt by shifting their distributions
Page 109 Page naturally to stay within their preferred ‘climate envelope’ through increasing connectivity (habitat patches and corridors and a network of protected sites to provide a more permeable countryside). winterbournes. There may be an increase in the popularity of streamside recreation as people seek shade in the hottest months. Enhance the opportunities for species to stay within their climate envelope through small-scale local movements (as 7.20 Other significant changes also have the potential to affect the opposed to being forced into long-distance dispersal) by Page 64 Chalk quarry, Westbury, X Jones; landscapes, wildlife and communities of the AONB. Woodlands promoting landscape level heterogeneity within the AONB. Chalk, X Jones may become dominated by oak and ash, which cope better than Page 65 Chalk specialist species: beech with the likely changes in climate. The range of crops grown Chalkhill blue butterfly, X Jones by farmers will change and there may be more growing of biofuels. We have already seen increases in agricultural diseases including African horse sickness, bluetongue disease and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) that can be attributed in part to climate change. Water flows in rivers and streams could become more erratic. Species populations and habitats may expand, contract or migrate. These changes may alter the structure and function of ecosystems; new species may migrate into the area, some of which could bring disease or pests that may be detrimental to indigenous species. Tourism pressures could increase as people alter holiday patterns to remain in the UK. All of these factors could affect the plants and animals which inhabit the North Wessex Downs.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 65 AONB Special Qualities: Natural Resources containing flint pebbles. These areas are particularly characteristic of the Downland with Woodland and 7.24 Cretaceous, Tertiary and Quaternarygeological history, Wooded Plateau Landscape Types. with features such as Sarsen Stones. Quaternary Coombe deposits found where accumulated frost-weathered debris was carried 7.25 This geology in turn influences the mainsoil types of the down slope by melt waters at the end of the last North Wessex Downs: glaciation. These have created till deposits in the dry Thin chalk soils of the open downland, now primarily valleys of the downs providing richer pockets of soil, under arable production. often under arable production. The capping of Quaternary Clay with Flints over Deep well-drained loamy soils over Greensand and the chalk found as pockets of reddish brown clay river alluviums in the Vale of Pewsey, traditionally Page 66 White-clawed crayfish, X Jones under pasture with large areas forming winter flood Page 67 Water abstraction, X Jones meadows. A mixed soil mosaic to the east of Newbury with nutrient-poor acidic soils over plateau gravels intermixed with fertile loamy soils overlying the London Clay, characterised by the Medieval Page 110 Page landscape of the Lowland Mosaic Landscape Type.
7.26 Carbon storage in the characteristic habitats of the North Wessex Downs such as chalk grassland and broadleaved woodland.
7.27 Rivers with shallow sloping banks, clean shallow ‘washed’ river gravel beds (riffles) contrasting with deeper shaded pools.
7.28 Often a complex pattern of river channels (as on the Kennet downstream of Marlborough) reflecting the past use of the river to supply water to an extensive network of water meadows and mills, most of which are now disused. Upper winterbourne sections and winterbourne tributaries, flowing only during winter and spring when groundwater levels are at their highest.
7.29 Clear natural water fed from the chalk aquifer by springs which issue in the valleys of the chalk dip slope at the point where the water table comes to the surface. Limited fluctuations in water temperature throughout the year, resulting from the filtration of groundwater as it percolates through the chalk.
66 Chapter 6: Theme 5 Natural Resources Natural Resources: Key Issues, j) Increasing water demand as a result of major development in the urban areas in and around the North Wessex Downs, AONB Strategic Objectives and also sometimes leading to export of water out of the AONB Air pollution from Policies catchments. traffic and agriculture impacts on ecosystem health The North Wessex Downs faces a range of challenges k) Loss of river habitats as a result of historical land drainage and channel modifications associated with past flood alleviation with regards to its natural resources, which this works and past industry (although some man-made features, Over abstraction Plan will address through the implementation of key e.g. mill leats, are of considerable historical importance). of groundwaters is of major objectives and policies concern, paritcularly in light of l) Decline in fish stocks and quality of fisheries. 7.30 Key Issues increased water demands due m) Excessive removal of bankside vegetation (on occasion to climate change Key issues with the potential to have significant influence on the associated with fisheries management). AONB’s Natural Resources Special Qualities: n) Watercourse maintenance to conserve habitat while reducing a) Lack of agreement on the levels of acceptable environmental flood risk where feasible. limits within the AONB. o) Loss of winterbourne channels through agricultural
Page 111 Page b) The need to raise awareness of water quality issues. cultivation. c) Accelerated water run-off and soil erosion, especially on p) Increasing lock movements on the Kennet and Avon Canal steeper slopes and under ‘open’ arable crops, such as maize. taking water from the River Kennet and its tributaries. d) Opportunities to encourage minimum tillage and careful q) Pollution of rivers from point sources, including public application of inputs. and private domestic sewerage systems (with phosphorus discharges a particular problem), agriculture, commercial e) Overall air quality is generally good but activities outside the watercress beds, and fish farms. AONB can have a significant effect across the area; impacts of air pollution from road traffic and agriculture on ecosystem r) Impacts on ecology of rivers from diffuse sources of pollution health is of concern. – often individually minor but collectively significant – including run-off from roads, houses and commercial areas, f) Over abstraction of groundwater and chalk aquifer. run-off from farmland, and seepage into groundwater from g) Increasing water demand, especially during the summer developed landscapes of all kinds, resulting in raised nutrient months, as a result of climate change and changing lifestyles. levels and toxic algal blooms. h) Increasing water demand for crop irrigation as a result of s) Pollution pressure on the River Kennet generated by poor climate change and more erratic weather patterns resulting in water quality and boat traffic on the Kennet and Avon Canal. prolonged dry periods and intense summer rainfall. i) The influence of climate change on groundwater recharge patterns, overall water availability and elevated temperatures in chalk streams.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 67 Page 68 Kennet & Avon canal, X Jones 7.31 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024: Natural Resources
S.11 Promote and support measures to ensure chalk rivers and streams in the AONB achieve and are maintained at good ecological status including, for example, appropriate riparian planting to mitigate elevated water temperatures predicted as a consequence of climate change.
S.12 Advocate full recognition in decision-making by relevant bodies of the importance of the AONB’s natural capital assets of the AONB.
S.13 Ensure that all landscape interventions recognise and address the implications of climate change for the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs and its Page 112 Page setting.
S.14 Encourage efforts to determine the significance of air pollution to maintaining natural capital assets of the AONB and its special qualities, including ecosystem function, cultural heritage and community wellbeing; and responses to address concerns.
S.15 Advocate the recognition of the importance of the North Wessex Downs landscape for the environmental goods and services it provides to the economy and society as a whole, including heritage, water quality, soils, food production, wildlife, flood management, carbon storage, recreation, health and well-being.
68 Chapter 6: Theme 5 Natural Resources 7.32 AONB Policies: Natural Resources NR 01 Support co-ordinated action, guidance and measures on soil health issues. NR 02 Promote and encourage initiatives for the sustainable management of soil by land managers to minimise soil degradation through erosion, compaction, pollution and impoverishment, particularly in the case of the thin chalk downland soils. NR 03 Support and provide landscape input to AONB catchment partnerships. Contribute to research, projects and co-operation of partners with an influence on watercourses and catchments. NR 04 Encourage all partners to take water demand and its consequences for landscape, ecology and fisheries fully into account in decisions regarding planning, changes to land use or cropping patterns within the North Wessex Downs. NR 05 Support the introduction of demand management measures for water use in those settlements that draw on the aquifers of the North Wessex Downs, and measures to monitor and reduce water wastage. NR 06 Support efforts to ensure that no water is abstracted from catchments that are classified as ‘no water available’, ‘over licensed’ or ‘over abstracted’ under the Environment Agency’s Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy. NR 07 Support work to identify and address the sources of diffuse and point pollution within the North Wessex Downs through agencies, local groups and volunteer initiatives. NR 08 Promote and help co-ordinate remedial action through the Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative and other partnership schemes to restore and enhance degraded river sections Page 113 Page within the North Wessex Downs. NR 09 Work to ensure that no new abstraction licences are granted within the North Wessex Downs which export water out of the catchments of the AONB. Support measures to reduce abstraction and help businesses adopt new mitigation measures. NR 10 Promote Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) and natural flood management initiatives to maximise benefits, for example through restoration of traditional water meadow systems or shallow winter flooding in the floodplain to benefit people and wildlife. NR 11 Promote restoration and continued maintenance of rivers and river corridors to further biodiversity and amenity objectives – re-creating natural river channels and re-linking rivers with their floodplains where this would not damage artificial channels of historic and cultural importance. NR 12 Seek to develop a better understanding of the likely implications of climate change on the environment and economy of the North Wessex Downs. NR 13 Support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane, from all possible sources. Support mitigation measures including better on-farm management of fertiliser and animal waste, biomass heating from local fuel stocks and small-scale renewable energy generation appropriate within the protected landscape. NR 14 Support and encourage greater domestic and commercial energy efficiency.
NR 15 Engage with opportunities to improve the availability and accessibility of sustainable modes of transport (e.g. bus and rail services, cycling) recognising in particular the health benefits of active modes (walking, cycling, riding etc) and promote use their use. NR 16 Encourage greater use of timber in construction from sustainable woodland and in particular short local supply chains to support forestry, woodland and wood products businesses in the AONB.
NR 17 Promote carbon sequestration as an objective and benefit of habitat creation and management of woodland and permanent grassland.
NR 18 Encourage simple greenhouse gas and carbon accounting to monitor the effectiveness of changes.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 69 theme 6
Chapter 7 Chapter Development illustration - including small settlements including thatched house, empty hills, river valley & houses, airfield, church, road network/car, denser housing, wind turbines? business unit(s) Page 114 Page
70 Page 115 Page “Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to these issues.”
National Planning Policy Framework, 2018
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 71 A Changing Landscape (NPPF). To assist its local authority partners the North Wessex Downs AONB Unit will: There are 58 The North Wessex Downs is a sparsely populated 2 actively engage in the policy making process; residents per km lanscape, retaining a strong sense of remoteness provide advice on specific planning applications and in the AONB, compared to 205 and tranquillity within the tightly packed South appeals; and per km2 in West Berkshire 8.1 The North Wessex Downs are a sparsely populated landscape. provide guidance through its Management Plan and The population density of 58 residents per km2 across the Position Statements. 9 local authorities AONB compares to an average for West Berkshire of 205 per 2 Relationship with the National Planning Policy cover the AONB area, each km . The open, largely uninhabited downlands retain a strong Framework one considering the designation sense of remoteness and tranquillity, a very special perceptual characteristic within this otherwise densely populated part of within their Local Plans 8.4 The National Planning Policy Framework provides specific southern England. Attractive villages nestle in the river valleys of guidance for plan makers and decision takers in relation to the Pang, Bourne, Kennet and Lambourn and cluster in the low- AONBs.i It states that ‘great weight’ should be given to conserving lying land to the east of the AONB. High environmental quality their landscape and scenic beauty and that these designated makes strong direct and indirect contributions to the wider areas have the highest status of protection in relation to these regional economy. issues. It further states that the scale and extent of development Page 116 Page 8.2 Despite the relatively low population density, there are in these areas should be limited. In particular major development development pressures on the North Wessex Downs. This is due should not be permitted in AONBs, except in exceptional to its location within South East England and its proximity circumstances and where it can be demonstrated to be to London. There is a need to manage these pressures in the public interest. As a general guide to assessing with sensitivity both within and in the setting the likely impact of development on the AONB, the of the AONB in order to maintain a balance in There are North Wessex Downs AONB Unit defines ‘major promoting economic and social viability whilst development development’ as set out in the Town and Country ii retaining the character of the North Wessex pressures on Planning ‘Development Management Order’ This approach provides the basis to decide Downs. Communities need to be economically the North Wessex viable and have adequate housing, amenities whether NPPF paragraph 172 is relevant in and facilities. However, the primary purpose Downs ... due to ... terms of impact on the area in a local context. of designation needs to be paramount when its proximity to Footnote 6 to NPPF paragraph 11 (restricting the considering such issues. London presumption in favour of sustainable development in AONBs) is pertinent to this principle. 8.3 There is also a need to ensure a consistent approach across the North Wessex Downs. The area 8.5 A key element of the NPPF’s ‘environmental extends across nine different local authority areas. Planning objective’ (supporting the defined purpose of the planning law requires that applications for planning permission must be system to contribute to achieving sustainable development) determined in accordance with the relevant Development Plan, is the protection and enhancement of the natural, built and unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Therefore, the historic environment. To support the overarching purpose and North Wessex Downs looks to its constituent local authorities to objectives, Local Plans should allocate land for development with consider the designation within their Local Plans. This is set out the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with in the CRoW Act 2000 and National Planning Policy Framework other policies in the NPPF.iii The strategic policies in Local Plans
72 Chapter 7: Theme 6 Development should set out an overall strategy, and sufficient provision for, the conservation and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment, including landscapes and green infrastructure.iv
8.6 The NPPF provides specific guidance on measures protect, restore and enhance biodiversity assets and to secure measurable net gains for biodiversity, setting out principles to avoid a significant harm to biodiversity.v Local Plan policies should clearly differentiate between land within and outside AONBs. Recognition of the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs by local authority partners will strengthen Local Plans. The North Wessex Downs AONB Unit will: advise their local authority and neighbourhood planning partners in the preparation of plans; advise on forming decisions on planning applications and appeals; and monitor objectives of Local Plans and development management decisions. Page 117 Page The Approach to Development
8.7 The North Wessex Downs AONB Partnership supports pre- Page 71 Marlborough aerial view, X Jones application discussions from applicants and with the relevant Local Page 72 Local community amenities, X Planning Authorities. The area is a ‘sensitive area’ as defined under provide services to improve the local quality of life; Jones the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Some forms of spend money locally; Page 73 Rural business, X Jones development may require an Environmental Impact Assessment promote community cohesion; and (EIA) or Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). have a smaller environmental footprint (by reducing the 8.8 The AONB Partnership supports the emerging approach as transportation of goods from across communities). set out in DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan to extend the scope 8.10 People like to live in a high quality environment. This attracts of the concept to achieve ‘net gain’ through development and to some businesses as it helps them retain staff. Support for small apply this beyond biodiversity to embrace wider natural capital local businesses will provide local jobs and enhance the rural benefits, including the landscape and natural beauty. economy. For example, fast broadband is crucial for a healthy rural economy and we will work with relevant agencies to secure Local Economy and Rural Business such infrastructure. 8.9 The North Wessex Downs Partnership believes that promoting and supporting local enterprise is a key part of conserving and i (17 NPPF (2018) paragraph 172. enhancing the character and special qualities of the AONB. Local ii (18 Statutory Instrument (2010) No. 2184; Section 2(1). businesses are likely to: iii (19 NPPF (2018) paragraph 171. iv (20 NPPF (2018) paragraph 20. employ local people; v (21 NPPF (2018) paragraphs 174-177.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 73 8.11 Significant employment areas exist within the area, for example the Harwell Campus which is home to the Diamond Light Source, the UK national synchrotron science facility. This is part of ‘Science Vale’ in Oxfordshire which has a national profile as a centre for science and innovation, and in particular for space technology. As a large, previously developed area, partly designated as Enterprise Zone, opportunities exist here for redevelopment and intensification of the site. Where such development occurs, it is important to recognise the AONB purposes and minimise any potentially adverse impacts on the special qualities of the AONB.
Additional Guidance
8.12 When preparing plans and planning applications, those responsible should make reference to: the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan;
Page 118 Page relevant AONB Position Statements and Guidance Notes; the North Wessex Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment; and the Historic Landscape Character Assessment.
Planning Conditions, Community Infrastructure Levy and Mitigation
8.13 It may be possible to overcome a planning objection to a development proposal by imposing a condition on the planning permission or by entering into a planning obligation (a ‘Section 106 Agreement’). Where this is appropriate, we may recommend planning conditions or a legal agreement to secure control over development and/or forms of mitigation. This will align with tests as set out in National Planning Policy Framework and supporting Planning Guidance and will be secured by our local authority Partners in forming decisions on planning applications.
8.14 We will seek financial contributions through Section 106 Agreements where possible to mitigate harmful impacts on the special qualities of the AONB arising from new developments. We will also seek to access Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds from
74 Chapter 7: Theme 6 Development local authority partners to support identified landscape, ecological, where sensitivities to this form of development are high and any community, green infrastructure and environmental projects. wind turbine is likely to have adverse impacts:
Remoteness and Tranquillity 8.19 The remaining Landscapes Types (Downland with Woodland; Wooded Plateau; Vales; and Lowland Mosaic) are considered to 8.15 The sense of remoteness and tranquillity is fundamental be moderately to highly constrained in relation to wind turbine to the character of the North Wessex Downs. It is central to the development. The particular landscape characteristics and enjoyment and appreciation of the landscape. Dark night skies configuration of these Landscape Types is such that it may be possible in the AONB contrast dramatically with surrounding urban areas. to find locations that are less constrained to some types of turbine The absence of artificial light allows the full majesty of the night development, although these locations are likely to be limited. skies and stars to be appreciated unimpeded by the orange night time glow of our major urban areas. Light pollution can impact Other Renewable Energy Projects on wildlife, such as foraging bats. In some parts of the area there is already an ambient level of noise associated with transport 8.20 As a response to climate change, there is a need to reduce networks and machinery. A certain level of activity and noise will greenhouse gas emissions. The security of energy supplies is always be expected within a largely farmed landscape and within also a concern. These factors are likely to lead to an increase the urban areas of the area. in renewable energy generation. There are already many well established and sensitively located forms of renewable energy
Page 119 Page 8.16 These special perceptual qualities are a fragile resource projects across the area. These include: and under threat from a combination of factors, including major micro-generation on individual residential and development, such as wind turbines, intruding into the open commercial properties; downland. Concerns raised by local residents and users of the photovoltaic installations (some up to 1 ha in area); landscape over loss of these special perceptual qualities will inform decisions on particular development proposals. New uses on farm bio-digesters; or new developments that individually or cumulatively result wood-fuel boilers; and in a material increase in lighting, noise and or activity into the hydro-electric generation projects within water courses. countryside are likely to be opposed. 8.21 Further information is contained with the North Wessex Sensitivities and Constraints of the Landscape to Downs AONB Position Statement on Renewable Energy Page 74 Harwell Campus, X Jones Wind Turbines concerning the likely acceptability of differing forms of renewable Page 75 Solar panels, X Jones; Wind turbines, energy projects. X Jones; Making charcoal, X Jones 8.17 The North Wessex Downs Partnership commissioned a study to identify the sensitivities and constraints of the landscape Green Infrastructure to wind turbines. This work reveals that all Landscape Types within the area are constrained to a degree. There are specific 8.22 ‘Green infrastructure’ (GI) is the network of multi-functional sensitivities and values that would be adversely affected by such open spaces and other environmental features, including parks forms of development. and gardens, woodlands, green corridors, watercourses and water bodies (‘blue spaces’), street trees and open countryside. 8.18 Four landscape types (Open Downland; High Chalk Plain; There is an opportunity for new development to secure and Downs Plain and Scarp; and River Valleys) are considered to be enhance the area’s GI network, including through the Community highly constrained in relation to wind turbine development, Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This will support the sustainable
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 75 management of natural resources; the delivery of sustainable development; biodiversity enhancement through habitat Swindon is a sizeable connectivity; local flood management; and the provision of town just outside the AONB, opportunities to improve health and well-being through access but its Urban Fringe Action to green and blue spaces. Schemes that improve links, including Plan impacts on the area in particular public rights of way, for walkers, cyclists, riders, and carriage drivers, as well as securing biodiversity and landscape enhancements will be supported. Where appropriate, new and The M4 and A34 are existing GI features should provide the greatest range of functions the amin arteries in the North possible to maximise benefits for people and wildlife. Wessex Downs, connecting to smaller A roads and rural lanes Urban Fringe and Setting 8.23 A number of sizable and expanding towns lie just outside the North Wessex Downs. In the west, the most notable is Swindon for which there is a specific strategy: the Swindon Urban Fringe Action Plan. This includes a part of the North Wessex Downs and notes that the agricultural economy close to Swindon is under pressure. Page 120 Page Due to uncertainty over the future, marginal viability and urban pressures (including vandalism and litter dumping) it concludes that it could become an area of immense opportunity and multiple uses. However, targeted action is required to deliver this potential. of new housing within the AONB should be avoided except in exceptional circumstances, in line with national planning policy.vi 8.24 There are other proposals for growth outside the boundary Land of least environmental or amenity value situated outside but within the setting of the North Wessex Downs. These include the protected landscape and its setting should be the first choice developments at Wantage, Didcot, Andover and Devizes. The for development. Only where it is necessary to meet appropriate potential for harm on the setting of the area from large-scale local needs will new housing be supported. This should be within urban extensions is substantial. Any new uses or development existing settlements, preferably on previously developed sites. proposed outside but within the setting of the area should Good design and siting of all new developments in the North consider the North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on Wessex Downs is essential. They should reflect the local landscape Setting. Proposals should include detailed measures to mitigate character and architecture and make use of local materials. against harm on and into the area. Forms of mitigation may include strategic landscape buffers, restrictions on building 8.26 The Position Statement also states that there will only be heights, care over massing and scale, care over roofscape design, support for new open market housing development on greenfield or avoidance of development in the most exposed locations. land on the edges of Marlborough, Hungerford, Lambourn, Pewsey, and Pangbourne. In other areas there will be strict tests Built Environment and New Housing to minimise the impact on the landscape. In a far more limited role, small scale housing sites within or on the edges of the 8.25 The North Wessex Downs AONB Partnership’s approach secondary larger villages may be supported where all landscape to the provision of new housing is set out in the AONB Housing and other planning issues have been resolved. The provision of Position Statement. This states that in general, strategic levels affordable homes through exception site policies could also be
76 Chapter 7: Theme 6 Development 8.29 More could be done to find imaginative and sensitive solutions to the maintenance of the existing highway network and the design of new roads. These should be sympathetic to the character and qualities of the North Wessex Downs. Many rural lanes have a rich character of their own. The challenge is to retain that character whilst meeting modern highway safety needs. Particular problems occur when urban solutions are imposed on the rural setting. This results in a loss of local character and the addition of lighting and clutter. The North Wessex Downs team will collaborate with the Highways Authorities to improve the existing highway environment and seek improvements to proposed new schemes. The development of new private driveways should retain rural character and to reflect the historic qualities of settlements.
8.30The North Wessex Downs AONB Unit has contributed to work that is helping to reduce the impact of highways infrastructure, such as through the Avebury World Heritage Site
Page 121 Page Transport Strategy. A Position Statement on Highways Design and Management will be produced to help provide guidance on this issue. possible in these locations. Need has to be demonstrated and landscape and environmental harm minimised. Minerals and Waste 8.27 Housing may also be delivered through the More could 8.31 It is national policy to avoid landbanks of Neighbourhood Plan process. Such provision non-energy minerals in AONBs.vii Mineral schemes Page 76 Cycling in green space, X Jones should still be in general conformity with any be done to that are major developments within the area Page 77 Rural lane, X Jones Core Strategy and be appropriate in terms of find ... sensitive should be refused planning permission unless it landscape and environmental impact. solutions to the can be demonstrated that there are exceptional maintenance of circumstances and that the development is in Highways Infrastructure the ... highway the public interest.viii 8.28 The M4 (London to Wales) and the A34 network 8.32 Waste proposals should substantially be (Southampton to Oxford) form the main arteries meeting local needs. They should be of a scale in a wider network of A-roads crossing the North relevant to the proposal and avoid greenfield sites. Any Wessex Downs. Yet the overall impression is of a relatively new facilities should be consistent with an up-to-date Local sparse road network underlining the historical and current lack of Plan, as defined in the National Planning Policy for Waste. settlement on the open downlands. The only part to have a dense network of winding rural lanes is the well wooded Hampshire vi (22 NPPF (2018) paragraph 172. Downs and the lowlands to the north east of Newbury – both vii (23 NPPF (2018) paragraph 205(a). areas with a Medieval settlement pattern. viii (24 NPPF (2018) paragraph 172.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 77 AONB Special Qualities: Development western plateau, smaller settlements such as Froxfield and a concentration of villages in the east of 8.33 The sense of remoteness and tranquillity that comes from the area, in the valley of the River Dun. an undeveloped and rural quality with only limited human In the Downs Plain and Scarp character area, intervention, containing typically modest villages with attractive springline villages cluster along the base distinctive and ancient settlement patterns: of the Northern ridge or along the valley of Avebury The Open Downlands, Downland with Woodland and Plain. 20th century military installations, including High Chalk Plateau areas are generally very sparsely Wroughton Airfield and a First World War camp near populated, containing scattered isolated farms, Draycot Foliat, are dominant and defining features of equestrian establishments or small hamlets sheltering the area. in the dry valleys and folds of the chalk upland. The Vales are settled landscapes with a concentration Wooded Plateau contains a distinct pattern of of compact small towns, clustered villages, hamlets settlement comprising a remote ‘uninhabited’ and many dispersed residential and farm buildings, while the River Valleys display a concentration of nucleated and linear settlement including tiny hamlets clustered around a church, many small villages and market towns. Page 122 Page The Lowland Mosaic remains one of the most densely settled landscape types, with a diverse range of settlements ranging from large manor houses, villages, numerous hamlets and lines of houses along the roads and lanes.
Page 78 Wroughton Airfield, X Jones; 8.34 Distinctive architectural styles that vary throughout the Ramsbury, X Jones AONB but within specific areas create a sense of place Page 79 Swindon, X Jones and vernacular local character due to the availability of local building materials and traditional building styles. This includes traditional knapped flint and brick, timber framed farm buildings, thatch and tiled roofs, use of Sarsen Stone, blue flint and tile and clunch and cobb walls.
8.35 A sparse road network, but there is good access from a number of economically significant towns such as Swindon, Andover, Whitchurch, Basingstoke, Reading, Devizes, Newbury and Didcot resulting in an economy that is largely ‘outward looking’ towards these ‘boundary towns’ and beyond.
8.36 Within the North Wessex Downs, the traditional land based and rural economy contrasts with a growing high tech and creative sector.
78 Chapter 7: Theme 6 Development Development: Key Issues, AONB waste schemes, threatening the senses of remoteness and tranquillity, and landscape quality and heritage assets. Strategic Objectives and Policies The expansion of i) Potential for harm from smaller wind turbine developments if the main urban areas just Development in the North Wessex Downs faces a poorly located in exposed locations in landscapes recognised outside the AONB creates range of challenges, which this Plan will address for their sensitivity to this form of development. pressure on the area through the implementation of key objectives and policies j) Unsuitable development of redundant previously developed and part-developed sites within the North Wessex Downs, especially High-powered redundant airfields and military sites (e.g. as at Wroughton), and 8.37 Key Issues the impact upon landscape quality and heritage assets. exernal lighting Key issues with the potential to have significant influence on the impacts on the dark sies and k) New developments at the junction of the M4 and A34 or along AONB’s Development Special Qualities: tranquility of the AONB their corridors which spread the impact from development yet a) The threat of expansion of the main urban areas just beyond further into the undeveloped parts of the AONB. the boundary of the North Wessex Downs, including the main l) Impact from the racing industry from new gallops and facilities centres of Swindon, Wantage, Didcot, Reading, Newbury, where inappropriately located and or designed. Basingstoke, Andover, and Devizes for example creating urban
Page 123 Page fringe pressures and impact on the setting of the AONB. m) Impact from equestrian uses and structures generally where new development is expansive in area, in greenfield locations, b) New large free-standing dwellings as replacement dwellings in poorly designed and/or located on exposed sites. the open countryside. c) The change of use of land to domestic garden use. d) The loss of rural character through suburbanising influences from new development (new fencing, lighting, signage, parking areas, paved footpaths, loss of native hedgerows and creation of new garden areas). e) New housing developments on greenfield sites. f) The threat of incremental housing development outside settlements from conversions, redevelopments or rural workers accommodation which are not clearly justified to be beneficial. g) Impact on dark skies and tranquillity of high-powered external lighting, especially where poorly directed or in an exposed location (not usually subject to planning control). h) Potential for certain forms of development to intrude on the wider landscape, including masts, pylons, wind turbine developments, photovoltaic schemes, and minerals and
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 79 n) Substantial new farm buildings where unjustified, poorly u) New road building and route upgrades, including the designed and or located in exposed locations. proposed Oxford to Cambridge Expressway development.
o) Development that results in a material loss of tranquillity and/ v) Impact of road signage, street lighting and other highway or impact on the dark night skies within the North Wessex clutter on landscape character, including within settlements. Downs or its setting. Measures which have an urbanising effect on AONB character and are thus generally inappropriate include: oversized, p) Development that does not provide for or support existing multiple and yellow-backed road signs; new street lighting in Green Infrastructure. previously unlit locations; lighting that allows spillage or glare; road markings; concrete kerbing; illuminated bollards; fencing; q) Development that does not provide for appropriate mitigation and elaborate traffic-calming schemes. (including through the Community Infrastructure Levy) w) Opportunities to reduce costs and maintain or restore the r) New noise-creating activities, for example from quad or bike character of rural roads through adoption of a low-key rural courses, microlights, shooting schools, kennels, new industrial, design approach to roads across AONB. minerals or waste operations.
s) The illegal dumping of rubbish.
Page 124 Page t) Large-scale new commercial uses or inappropriate farm diversification projects.
8.38 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024: Development
S.14 Ensure that the formulation and implementation of planning policies across the North Wessex Downs takes full account of the purposes for AONB designation, the character and the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs and its setting.
S.15 Advise on appropriate sustainable development that in itself conserves and enhances the environment through the planning system in the context of this nationally protected landscape.
Page 80 Thatched cottages, X Jones
80 Chapter 7: Theme 6 Development 8.39 AONB Policies: Development DE 01 Encourage all proposals for new development, redevelopment and re-use to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the North Wessex Downs. Oppose forms of development that fail to conserve and enhance the character and quality of the AONB and its setting and to make reference to the AONB’s published guidance. DE 02 Encourage high standards of design, comprehensive landscaping where required, traditional building styles, energy conservation and innovation that respect historic settlement patterns and the distinctive character of the North Wessex Downs. DE 03 Encourage Local Plans, Supplementary Planning Documents and other policies to take account of the statutory protection of the AONB, in terms of location of development affecting the AONB and its setting, and specific AONB policy. DE 04 Support the need for Local Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents and other policies to address issues such as landscape impact, local character, materials and historic structure and scale of settlements. DE 05 Encourage the consideration of landscape, including historic landscape, impacts at the earliest opportunity in the planning process through preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports as appropriate to the location. DE 06 Encourage, support and promote the expansion of ‘net gain’ principles developed for biodiversity, to apply to wider natural capital assets, including in particular to landscape and natural beauty. DE 07 Resist noise-generating developments and activities both within the AONB and its setting. DE 08 Avoid and reduce light pollution, including control of lighting schemes or other developments that threaten the integrity of dark night skies within the North Wessex Downs. DE 09 Encourage, support and promote good practice in the design and management of roads in the AONB and its setting that conserves and enhances the character of the landscape and settlements. Page 125 Page DE 10 Support appropriate and sustainable farm diversification activities where planning applications are supported by a whole farm plan and linked to design guidance. DE 11 Encourage the use of planning briefs or master plans which guide developments within and on the edge of the North Wessex Downs and take account of AONB purposes. DE 12 Encourage the retention of existing and provision of new ‘Green Infrastructure’. Ensure that ‘Green Infrastructure’ (including new or enhanced biodiversity assets) is incorporated within the area of all ‘major developments’, both within and in the setting of the AONB. DE 13 Support the development of strategies and integrated projects to manage the pressures and opportunities presented by the AONB’s close proximity to its surrounding urban centres. DE 14 Work with local communities to increase capacity and involvement in development processes. DE 15 Support local communities to engage with local and national planning policy consultations. DE 16 Encourage local communities to identify local needs and assist in the conservation and enhancement of local distinctiveness through the preparation and development of Neighbourhood Plans, Parish Plans, Village Design Statements, Neighbourhood Development Orders and other initiatives. DE 17 Encourage economic growth, new responsible tourism opportunities and diversification of the local economy within the overall aim of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB. DE 18 Support broadband rollout where the installation of new equipment is in accordance with the national code of practice on siting of cabinets and masts and appropriate consideration is given to AONB purposes. DE 19 Support training courses to encourage businesses within the North Wessex Downs to adopt sustainable approaches consistent with AONB objectives DE 20 Resist developments that would substantially increase traffic volume in sensitive areas. DE 21 Encourage local planning authorities to use powers available to them under Section106 of Town & Country Planning Act, Community Infrastructure Levy and similar legislation to achieve the North Wessex Downs Management Plan objectives and activities. DE 22 Support economic activities that embrace sustainable development principles at a scale and nature compatible with the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs.
DE 23 Support initiatives that seek to add value to land-based products sympathetic to the natural beauty of the AONB. North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 81 theme 7
Chapter 8 Chapter Communities illustration - including settlement of houses & cottages, people, signage, roads/train/travel, army, business properties or rural enterprise/farm shop signage Page 126 Page
82 Chapter 8: Theme 7 Communities “Don’t be led away to Page 127 Page think this part of the world important and that unimportant. Every corner of the world is important. No man knows whether this part or that is most so, but every man may do some honest work in his own corner.”
Thomas Hughes (1822-1896)
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 83 A Landscape for Living own issues and access the skills and support needed to address them 173 settlements In the North Wessex Downs, there is a clear Places that promote and enable the health and wellbeing with Parish Councils exist in relationship between land stewardship, community, of everyone and provide straightforward access to the the North Wessex Downs, and the economy and natural beauty, which combine to services and facilities needed by people of all ages two market towns give the area its special character Able to appreciate the unique nature of their environment and contribute towards its sustainability. live in 9.1 The North Wessex Downs are not a wilderness. They are 100,800 people a distinct and recognisable area arising from a long history of 9.4 A number of parishes in the North Wessex Downs have the AONB, with approximately human occupation and the sustainable use of their natural undertaken community-led planning and the number of 48% of those recorded as in resources. There is a clear relationship between land stewardship, Neighbourhood Plans in the AONB is rising rapidly. Community- employment in 2011 community, the economy and natural beauty; these features and led plans include actions relevant to the social, economic and functions combine to give the area its special character. environmental objectives of the North Wessex Downs. We support this approach and provide advice and support to parishes 9.2 Within the North Wessex Downs there are 173 settlements where requested. with parish councils and two market towns, Marlborough and Hungerford. The total population of the AONB is just over 9.5 Most North Wessex Downs residents have poor access to 100,800 with approximately 48,500 (48%) recorded as being services when compared to regional averages. Page 128 Page in employment (2011 Census). Around 30% of the active workforce is employed within the AONB; 60% commute 9.6 The North Wessex Downs Landscape Trust was to the surrounding urban areas and London, established in 2016 “To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and assisted by good rail connections. Many villages A broad improvement of the physical and natural are now largely occupied by those commuting environment in the North Wessex Downs Area out of the area to work. This has stimulated mix of housing of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Page 77 Lambourn, X Jones rapidly rising house prices with very significant [is needed] to Page 78 Canal boat, X Jones its setting. [and] To advance the education pressure placed on the affordable housing maintain sustainable Page 53 Bus station, X Jones of the public in the conservation, protection stock. In addition, villages are now left with a communities and and improvement of the physical and natural significantly reduced population during the day, support village environment.” It has the potential to play an undermining the viability of village services such services increasingly important role in the wider (non- as post offices, pubs and doctors’ surgeries. There statutory) partnership that works to conserve and is a need for a broad mix of housing to maintain enhance the natural beauty of the North Wessex sustainable communities and support village services. Downs AONB. 9.3 To have sustainable communities in the North Wessex Downs they must be places where people want to live and work, now Employment and Training and in the future. Sustainable communities should be: 9.7 The majority of the local economy is part of a larger ‘urban Vibrant and inclusive, with many community networks economy’. Many businesses benefit from the area’s high in place that bring people together for leisure and peer landscape quality to either attract staff or customers. Only 5% of support purposes. the economically active population of the North Wessex Downs In charge of their own destiny, able to identify their is directly involved in agriculture. Where buildings have been
84 Chapter 8: Theme 7 Communities re-used as part of economic activities, many of the new uses relate to high-tech industries. Small village industrial estates, such as that at Inkpen, are dominated by businesses whose employees commute in from surrounding areas. This is also true of employees in the horse racing industry.
9.8 The current fundamental changes in the area’s land-based economy are requiring new skills and the re-learning of old skills. There is a need to understand, define and then meet training and education needs. Support comes from: National Training Organisations (such as LANTRA representing the land-based sector); Further education and training colleges; Representatives of community groups.
Travel and Transport
9.9 Local communities and visitors need access to services – a Page 129 Page key issue for social inclusion. That access should be sustainable. The North Wessex Downs is within easy reach of three mainline railways: The Waterloo to Exeter line with stations at Basingstoke, Overton, Whitchurch and Andover; The Paddington to Penzance line with stations at Kintbury, Hungerford, Bedwyn and Pewsey (and a rail-bus link from Marlborough to Bedwyn); The Paddington to Bristol and South Wales line with stations at Pangbourne, Goring, Cholsey, and Didcot.
9.10 Outside the main towns that ring the North Wessex Downs, bus services are limited. Although the distribution of bus routes suggests that rural areas are well served, many of these services run only infrequently. However, a number of innovative and flexible community transport schemes are operating within the North Wessex Downs. These often rely on the support of charitable funding and volunteers.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 85 AONB Special Qualities: Communities Ludgershall to the south of the AONB on the Wiltshire Hampshire border. 9.11 Containing a dispersed and small population spread over a large area, the majority live in the small villages and the 9.14 Good access to the wider area and road network means two market towns of Marlborough and Hungerford with that much of the AONB is highly accessible to commuters the high downs including large expanses, without any working in the adjacent towns. The east of the AONB has a significant habitation. The number of young people within greater pressure on housing stock and recruitment in West villages is declining as they leave to relocate to areas with Berkshire, Basingstoke and Deane and South Oxfordshire. better service provision and cheaper housing, resulting in a 9.15 A well-structured and resourced farming industry, with higher proportion of middle aged and elderly people. substantial assets of land, machinery, knowledge and 9.12 Unemployment is low and economic activity rates are high, entrepreneurial ability. Many examples of diversification into with many jobs in high value-added industries within a food processing, tourism and provision of space for economic short journey from villages in the AONB. Swindon, Newbury activity can be seen across the North Wessex Downs. and Basingstoke in particular have developed international 9.16 Villages and small towns with a strong sense of identity reputations within the ICT industry with some of the lowest and well-being linked to the historic landscape, active and unemployment rates in the country. The economic influence resourceful community groups. London, the Thames Valley and north Hampshire is most Page 130 Page keenly felt to the south east and east of the AONB and in 9.17 There is a strong local resonance and affinity with the particular those villages with good access to mainline stations. landscape of the North Wessex Downs, particularly the individual downs and the river valleys and other 9.13 The still play a significant role in the local Armed Forces outstanding features. Page 80 Armed forces, X Jones; Road economy, especially in places such as Tidworth and signs, X Jones Page 81 Learning new skills, X Jones
86 Chapter 8: Theme 7 Communities Communities: Key Issues, AONB j) Perceived limitations on opportunities for businesses in inaccessible locations. Strategic Objectives and Policies House prices are k) Opportunities and risks for the AONB associated with new Communities in the North Wessex Downs face a instruments such as Neighbourhood Plans, which may form an rising as more people range of challenges which this Plan will address increasingly important element of local decision-making commute and buy second homes, through the implementation of key objectives and reducing affordable housing policies l) Financial pressures reducing the ability for town and parish councils to participate in partnerships and community activities. Traffic increases 9.18 Key Issues on rural lanes to escape m) Lack of understanding of the impacts of daily life style a) Widespread lack of awareness of the North Wessex Downs congestion elsewhere puts decisions on the environment of the North Wessex Downs AONB among local residents and businesses. pressure on the environment – from individual travel decisions to the use of water as if it b) The towns which surround the AONB are all expected were an unlimited natural resource. to accommodate significant housing and employment n) Increasing volume of HGVs, delivery vans and commuter development in the next 20 years. traffic on rural lanes. ‘Rat-running’ on minor lanes to escape c) Increased volumes of traffic or an increasing demand for congestion on the main arterial roads. Page 131 Page quicker journey times may lead to pressure for road widening o) Government requirements that businesses running and other ‘improvement’ schemes on roads in the AONB. apprenticeship schemes must have business premises (many d) Greater prosperity enjoyed by some people leads to other traditional land-based contractors do not have formal business environmental impacts such as more over-flights by aircraft, premises). more use of roads and rights of way for motorised leisure p) The need for better understanding and awareness of the links pursuits, and increased demand for second homes. between high environmental quality and ecosystem services e) Loss of affordable housing, reducing the social mix within and local business. settlements and leading to a loss of essential rural skills and services. q) There are opportunities to increase involvement in local f) Potential changes in demographic profile, social exclusion, community activities to improve social cohesion and sense of access to services and loss of public transport routes and belonging. other key facilities. r) The need for local sources of employment and opportunities g) The trend of commuting to higher paid jobs outside the AONB for local people to develop skills that could support them into whilst living in the area is resulting in rising house prices. self-employment or enterprise. h) High demand for traditional buildings to convert to residential s) The need for a wide range of skills training for land managers use, so reducing the opportunities for business conversions. and other rural enterprises within the North Wessex Downs. i) The positive benefits of a strong and active community spirit in many AONB communities, including a rich artistic and cultural life.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 87 Page 82 Discovering nature, X Jones 9.19 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024: Natural Resources
S.16 Support the development of the North Wessex Downs Landscape Trust in pursuit of its charitable purposes to promote actions which underpin the conservation and enhancement of the AONB.
S.17 Support and facilitate community-led initiatives that help deliver AONB purposes and Management Plan objectives.
S.18 Encourage an enhanced sense of respect and pride in the North Wessex Downs amongst local people and their increased participation in activities that raise the understanding and profile of the AONB.
Page 132 Page S.19 Assist the development of connectivity, based on principles of planning and integrating multi-functional green infrastructure assets, from neighbouring urban areas, facilitating active and sustainable access to the AONB to make it easier for these communities to experience and benefit from the natural beauty of the North Wessex Downs.
88 Chapter 8: Theme 7 Communities 9.20 AONB Policies: Communities CO 01 Support efforts to raise the profile of the North Wessex Downs AONB among communities within and surrounding the area. CO 02 Provide parishes and all other relevant community groups and individuals with information and training as necessary to raise awareness of the special qualities of the AONB and the need to conserve and enhance it. CO 03 Encourage, support and celebrate local communities’ engagement in the planning, conservation and enhancement of their local environment, protecting its natural beauty and enhancing the sense of local pride and ownership. CO 04 Support projects to promote community use of renewable energy sources consistent with AONB objectives. CO 05 Publicise relevant community activities and events across the North Wessex Downs. CO 06 Support community initiatives aimed at retaining rural services, including the combining of services where this will improve their viability. CO 07 Support initiatives to foster awareness, understanding and appreciation of the AONB landscape in local schools and encourage greater connectivity with nature and the environment in line with proposals in DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan. CO 08 Support initiatives to address the specific needs of different groups within and around the AONB, such as access to training and Page 133 Page social activities for young people and engagement with under-represented disadvantaged groups. CO 09 Support provision of reliable and affordable broadband and mobile telephone connections throughout the North Wessex Downs in ways that respect the special qualities of the area. CO 10 Ensure the development and implementation of transport plans and programmes addresses the needs of North Wessex Downs communities, reduces transport impacts on the environment, and conserves and enhances the special qualities of the landscape. CO 11 Support measures to provide integrated passenger transport, including easily accessible information, across the North Wessex Downs that serves the needs of local people and visitors.
CO 12 Secure Travel Plans for new developments with significant traffic generation within the North Wessex Downs to encourage active Page 83 Training young people, X Jones; Rural and sustainable travel. enterprise, X Jones; Building new houses, X Jones CO 13 Support good practice examples of community approaches that respond to locally identified needs and promote them as an inspiration to others (e.g. the establishment of local housing trusts, support for new village shops, community transport schemes, etc). CO 14 Support communities in landscape-led approaches to enabling the availability of housing for identified local needs that will be – and will remain – genuinely affordable in perpetuity, consistent with AONB purposes.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 89 theme 8
Chapter 9 Chapter Tourism, Leisure and Access illustration - including walkers/contemplators/ wildlife-watchers, monuments, canal, historic house, small row of shops, fence/gate/path etc Page 134 Page
90 Chapter 9: Theme 8 Tourism, Leisure and Access Page 135 Page
“Out on that almost trackless expanse of billowy Downs such a track is in some sort humanly companionable; it really seems to lead you by the hand.”
Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932)
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 91 A Landscape for Leisure improvements and the provision of accommodation, facilities and information. Tourist attractions The magical landscape of the North Wessex 10.4 At present, visitors to the AONB directly support around include Avebury World Heritage Downs has attracted naturalists, antiquarians and 2,200 full time jobs. Of all visitors, 18% are from overseas, most Site, Uffington White Horse, the travellers throughout history Ridgeway and Thames Path, of whom are travelling for business purposes and stay for a single night, during Monday-Thursday. Well over 90% of all foreign Tourism and Leisure and the Kennet and Avon Canal visitors are either business or family related. Nearly half of all 10.1 The North Wessex Downs is a landscape rich in historic visitors to the area stay with family or friends. The average length 2,200 full time jobs sites and natural features. This magical landscape has attracted of stay by UK visitors is two days and it is estimated that a visitor are supported by visitors to naturalists, antiquarians and travellers throughout history. Tourist spends an additional £27 in the North Wessex Downs. More the AONB attractions of international renown within the North Wessex than half of all serviced accommodation providers are un-graded Downs include the 25 km2 (9.6 square miles) Avebury World for quality. There is potential to improve the performance of Heritage Site (taking in Avebury Village, the Avebury Henge the area as a short break destination. This is especially with the complex, as well as Silbury Hill, Windmill Hill and the West development of bespoke activity packages, such as self-guided Kennet long barrow); the White Horse at Uffington; off road cycle routes. The area can appeal particularly to the Ridgeway and Thames Path National Trails; and affluent young and older couples from London and the Home Counties. That would bring real benefits
Page 136 Page the Kennet and Avon Canal providing a strategic waterways link between the Thames and Bristol Green tourism to the rural economy. Channel. But it is the spectacular scenery, 10.5 The North Wessex Downs can be an area for highly attractive villages, and sense of isolation offers enormous green tourism, with easily accessible information that are the primary recreational and tourism opportunities for about its wildlife, culture and history, and with attractions of the area. the North Wessex Downs many opportunities to explore, on foot, by 10.2 Although not large in number, there is a bike and on horseback. In response the AONB range of paying visitor attractions within the North Partnership has implemented two projects, the Wessex Downs. These include Basildon Park, Lower South East Protected Landscapes ‘Our Land’ and Basildon (run by the National Trust) and Highclere ‘Leader’ funded ‘Love Your Land’ initiative. Through Castle, near Newbury (owned by the Earl of Carnarvon), a growing network of tourism businesses it is hoped that the Crofton Beam Engines and Pumping Station on the Kennet the value of the landscape will be reflected more widely in the and Avon Canal at Great Bedwyn and the Living Rainforest tourism ‘offer’. environmental centre at Hampstead Norreys. There are many more attractions that could benefit from greater collective Rights of Way and Access promotion and support. 10.6 Access to the countryside is an important part of the lives 10.3 Despite its close proximity to major areas of population, of people who live in the area and also for visitors as a tourism the North Wessex Downs is not well used as a place for quiet asset. The importance of using and enjoying woodlands and enjoyment. Green tourism offers enormous opportunities for the green spaces as part of an everyday healthy lifestyle has been North Wessex Downs and a good business reason for conserving demonstrated by Forestry Commission research. Exercise in the and enhancing the landscape. There may be opportunities North Wessex Downs can have positive effects on many aspects of for the tourism sector to support investment in rights of way health and well-being. The North Wessex Downs will look to build
92 Chapter 9: Theme 8 Tourism, Leisure and Access on initiatives such as the circular walks developed in partnership with the Ridgeway National Trail. The lack of convenient public transport imposes limits on the benefits and use of the resource.
10.7 Access and the needs of recreational users must be balanced with land managing interests, as well as other issues such as conservation. Greater and easier access should be encouraged where this can be achieved without undue cost to conservation or the landowner’s use of the land. There may be opportunities from the growth of settlements on the fringes of the North Wessex Downs to offset some of the impact through improving and extending access.
10.8 The CRoW Act established access land which the public has the right to enjoy under certain conditions. There are 1,189 ha of open access land and 694 ha of registered commons in the North Wessex Downs. There are also permissive arrangements by which landowners grant access voluntarily or as part of inheritance tax agreements. At present some of this access can be difficult to Page 137 Page determine due to the patchwork nature of its provision. In addition, there are 100 hectares of National Trust land to which there is Page 85 Family walk, X Jones access. An analysis of accessible natural greenspace provision Page 86 The Living Rainforest, X Jones in South East England a decade ago (February 2007) found that national and regional walking routes within the North Wessex Page 87 Walk through bluebells, X Jones the North Wessex Downs AONB had the smallest proportion Downs are set out in the Table below. In addition, a very large of all accessible natural greenspace (4% of the total) across the number of other paths are promoted as recreational walking South East Protected Landscapes. No more recent data have been routes by the National Trust, Partner local authorities, and the uncovered to indicate whether this has changed in recent years. Ramblers Association.
10.9 Of the accessible natural greenspace, 59% was woodland. In general woodlands with open or partial access are owned Route name Distance within the AONB by either the Forestry Commission, the Woodland Trust or the kilometres miles National Trust. A surprising 69% of the woodland area has a public right of way either crossing through or along one edge of Ridgeway National Trail 88 55 a woodland. However, ‘open access’ to woodland is at a different Thames Path National Trail 14 9 scale. Just 14% of the total AONB woodland area has open access. Test Way 22 14 10.10 One of the most important resources of the North Wessex Wayfarers Walk 27 17 Downs is its extensive rights of way network, providing access Lambourn Valley Way 29 18 to some of the most spectacular views and secluded valleys in Kennet and Avon Canal towpath 48 30 southern England. Not only does it underpin the recreational and tourism sectors but also affords some opportunities for Table: Walking routes of National and Regional significance in the sustainable and safe journeys to school and work. Important North Wessex Downs
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 93 10.11 There are a large number of advertised cycle routes (on and 10.15 The North Wessex Downs is a partner in SEPLG, sharing the off-road) that pass through the area, taking advantage of quiet seven key objectives in the Group’s 25 year vision in relation to lanes, byways and bridleways. Route 4 of the Sustrans National Cycle the protected landscapes of the London City Region to: Network also runs for 47 km (29 miles) through the North Wessex conserve their intrinsic value; Downs, in part following the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath. recognise their ecosystem value; 10.12 The ‘Three Downs Link’ is a multi-user recreational route maintain natural buffers; connecting The Ridgeway with the South Downs Way, utilised improve access and connections; by horse riders, alongside cyclists and walkers. The Ridgeway is promote appropriate jobs and industry; promoted as a National Trail for horse-riding. There are a number of shorter riding routes promoted by the British Horse Society support physical and mental health and wellbeing; that utilise the Ridgeway and link with the much wider multi-use and engage stakeholders, work together. network. Responsible recreational cycling and horse riding are two of the key activities to encourage in the North Wessex Downs. AONB Special Qualities: Tourism, Leisure and Access Supporting the provision of facilities such as accommodation with access to stables or drying rooms and the construction of bike 10.16 Offering some of the finest cultural landscape in England wash facilities and cycle hubs are examples of how this could be including chalk downland, river valleys, ancient woodland, achieved. historic sites. There is recognition of the landscape in Page 138 Page literature and the arts, with locations such as Watership 10.13 The CRoW Act requires every county and unitary authority to Down, Uffington White Horse and the Wittenham Clumps set out their plans for improvement of the Rights of Way network. inspiring well known works. This is through the production of a ‘Rights of Way Improvement Plan’ (ROWIP; sometimes called a Countryside Management Plan 10.17 Historic attractions reflecting the industrial and socio- or a Countryside Access Improvement Plan). These plans set out economic history of the area including the Kennet and Page 88 Wayfaring event, X Jones how an authority will maintain countryside access resources and Avon Canal, Didcot and Swindon Railway Museums, Crofton Page 89 Celebrating the Downs, X Jones; take opportunities for improving and promoting access to the beam engines and the Wilton Windmill. Local produce, X Jones countryside. The North Wessex Downs Partnership supports the 10.18 Picturesque market towns and small villages with work of the Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Mid- and West independent shops, superb pubs, restaurants and plenty of Berkshire Local Access Forums (LAFs). B&Bs and hotels. A growing reputation for local food and Strategic development in relation to the ‘London City produce. Region’ 10.19 Rich archaeological history and evidence of our ancestors that can be found in greater concentrations than much of 10.14 An initiative of the South East and East Protected the country. Landscapes Group (SEEPL) brings together the dozen AONBs and National Parks which surround London. These provide the 10.20 The great country houses at Highclere, Basildon Park, Littlecote basis for an interconnected network of valuable green spaces and Ashdown and the medieval, Norman and Saxon churches. stretching from central London across south east England, and an opportunity to collaborate at an appropriate scale to promote the 10.21 The extensive Rights of Way network offering many enjoyment of, and care for, these diverse, treasured landscapes by opportunities for quiet enjoyment of the countryside the growing population of the City Region. away from crowds, by ramblers, cyclists and horse-riders,
94 Chapter 9: Theme 8 Tourism, Leisure and Access including the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails, b) Co-ordinated marketing of the North Wessex Downs as a
Page 139 Page access land, commons and accessible woodland whole remains weak, despite significant progress under the last AONB Management Plan. 10.22 A ‘hot spot’ for antiques between the towns of Hungerford, Marlborough and the village of Pewsey. c) Tourism provision in the AONB is fragmented and poorly co- ordinated, supporting few jobs and limited income.
Tourism, Leisure and Access: Key d) Multiple destination management organisations across the Issues, AONB Strategic Objectives AONB increase fragmentation. and Policies e) Generally poor (but increasing) recognition amongst AONB communities of the opportunities that association with a landscape Tourism, Leisure and Access in the North Wessex of national importance offers for quiet recreation and green Downs faces a range of challenges which this Plan tourism and their associated economic benefits, e.g. for local food. will address through the implementation of key objectives and policies f) Potential for insensitive, inappropriate or excessive tourism development to harm the special qualities of the AONB landscape. 10.23 Key Issues g) Popularity of a few ‘honeypot’ locations with resulting Key issues with the potential to have significant influence on the sprawl of car parking, wear and tear on verges and paths, AONB’s Tourism, Leisure and Access Special Qualities: litter and lower enjoyment, and potentially intrusive traffic management measures. a) The opportunity to raise the profile of North Wessex Downs as a short break destination and the opportunities for quiet h) Opportunities arising from changes to the management and recreation and green tourism that it can offer. promotion of the Ridgeway and Thames Path National Trails.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 95 i) Infrequent public transport links to and between points of Limited public access, key attractions and accommodation. Very limited 10.24 AONB Strategic Objectives for 2019- services at some railway stations, such as Pewsey, reduces 2024: Tourism, Leisure and Access transport links between sustainable transport opportunities. S.20 Facilitate opportunities for more people of all abilities key attractions and amenities j) Increasing pressure on funding for management and reduces sustainable options to access and enjoy the North Wessex Downs that maintenance of rights of way, poor condition and inadequate respect and promote the special qualities of the area waymarking of some rights of way, and poor connectivity of the and its setting. Noise pollution rights of way network in some areas for circular walks and rides. S.21 Support well managed and sustainable tourism and is associated with certain k) Irresponsible use of the rights of way network by motorised recreational pursuits, such as recreation businesses to promote the North Wessex vehicles, of particular concern along the route of the Ridgeway. Downs as a destination for responsible tourism that trail biking and flying aircraft respects and promotes the special qualities of the l) Noise associated with some recreation pursuits, including AONB and its setting. that from trail bike courses and powered aircraft, affecting tranquillity and others’ enjoyment. S.22 Encourage an enhanced sense of respect and pride in the North Wessex Downs amongst local people and m) Need to encourage responsible and courteous use, where their increased participation in activities that raise the motorised users have a legitimate right of access that is Page 140 Page understanding and profile of the AONB. compatible with AONB purposes, that recognises the needs of other users, for example as promoted by the Trail Riders’ S.23 Work in partnership with other AONBs and National Fellowship (TRF). Parks in southern and eastern England to promote the value and contribution of nationally protected n) General lack of facilities for the non-horse owner to gain landscapes to the future of the ‘London City Region’. access to the recreational riding opportunities of the North Wessex Downs.
o) Lack of indication such as road signs that visitors are entering or in the AONB.
p) Lack of information and provision for the less able and other disadvantaged groups to access and enjoy the North Wessex Downs.
q) The predicted growth in the population of London is expected to increase visitors and the associated opportunities for, and pressures on, all protected landscapes in south east England.
Page 90 Photography class, X Jones
96 Chapter 9: Theme 8 Tourism, Leisure and Access 10.25 AONB Policies: Tourism, Leisure and Access TLA 01 Promote a strategic, partnership approach to planning and marketing green tourism and improved countryside access in the North Wessex Downs. TLA 02 Work with destination management organisations, protected landscapes and other partners to promote responsible tourism in the North Wessex Downs, including through the Great West Way initiative. TLA 03 Support the development of markets for short break opportunities that emphasise the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs. TLA 04 Nurture tourism businesses and help to develop tourism network across the North Wessex Downs. Support constructive and community-led projects that benefit the tourism economy. TLA 05 Promote greater accessibility to the North Wessex Downs for users of all abilities for quiet enjoyment and improved health and well-being. TLA 06 Encourage the provision of easily accessible information regarding access to and around the North Wessex Downs by public transport. TLA 07 Identify and promote with relevant partners signs or other ways of indicating to visitors that they are in the North Wessex Downs that do not conflict with AONB purposes. TLA 08 Encourage greater recognition among commercial transport providers such as train operating companies of the recreational / leisure potential of stations in and around the North Wessex Downs.
Page 141 Page TLA 09 Support more and better monitoring of the distribution and demography of visitors and promote management approaches that reduce pressure on sensitive habitats. TLA 10 Support events such as walking festivals that celebrate the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs, introduce new audiences to the landscape and contribute to a viable visitor economy. TLA 11 Work with local authorities, Local Access Forums and others to manage and improve the network of public rights of way, ensuring that relevant plans for development and delivery of access to the area take full account of the local distinctiveness, character and quality of the North Wessex Downs and its setting. TLA 12 Support efforts by user groups to promote and encourage responsible use of rights of way, including byways, consistent with AONB purposes. TLA 13 Encourage the creation and maintenance of new permissive and definitive routes that link existing routes and enable recreational walkers, cyclists, riders and carriage-drivers to avoid busy roads. TLA 14 Identify spinal and circular routes to be promoted in AONB publicity that are supported by the recreation and tourism infrastructure e.g. bicycle hire, farmhouse B&B/bunk barns and recreational bus links TLA 15 Support increased provision and management of accessible greenspace and the promotion of new and existing recreational opportunities in line with AONB purposes.
TLA 16 Recognise and protect those areas which are too sensitive to intrusion or disturbance, for example archaeologically or ecologically, for the promotion of public access. TLA 17 Support research, tools and projects which support the development of a thriving recreation and tourism sector.
TLA 18 Support initiatives to help communities and businesses reduce the outflow of revenue, retaining and recycling wealth in the area for longer.
TLA 19 Promote and support the vision and activities of the South East Protected Landscapes Group to integrate development of the London City Region with the protection and enhancement of the protected landscapes surrounding the capital.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 97 Stakeholder Responsibilities
Successful implementation Chapter 10 Chapter Implementation of the Plan is the responsibility of everyone whose activities affect the special qualities of the North Wessex Downs
The AONB Management Plan belongs to the AONB Partnership, and most of all to the local authority partners which have a statutory duty to produce it. It is not end in itself; success requires implementation. Implementation is not the sole preserve
Page 142 Page of the AONB Unit; rather it is the responsibility of everyone whose activities affect the special qualities of the landscape. Central among these are all the bodies which, under s.85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, have a statutory Duty of Regard for the purposes for which the AONB was designated: to conserve and enhance its natural beauty.
The following table outlines some of the main stakeholder groups and the principal opportunities for them to contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the North Wessex Downs AONB. This is by no means an exhaustive list and we welcome suggestions for further partners or examples of how these groups can help to deliver the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-24.
98 Figure X: Stakeholders and Opportunities to Contribute
Partners Principal Opportunities Delivery (examples) Chambers of commerce North Wessex Downs profile/marketing; Member information and events; North Wessex Downs tourism collaboration; Great West Way tourism; local products. tourism initiative; local supplier networks; visitor payback. Consultants and Agents Awareness, understanding and recognition Sensitivity to the heritage, natural environment, local economy and communities in developing and of the character and sensitivities of the refining proposals and raising awareness among client base. North Wessex Downs landscape. Educational institutions Awareness, deeper understanding and pride Engagement with landscape through the curriculum; research, collaborative projects; field trips; in the landscape. farm visits; outdoor classrooms/Forest Schools. Energy companies Landscape conservation/enhancement; Reporting on efforts to conserve and enhance the North Wessex Downs under s.85 Duty of Regard energy conservation; climate change. (CRoW Act 2000); customer energy conservation advice; undergrounding or mitigating the impact of powerlines; appropriate renewable energy generation; infrastructure planning, design and management.
Page 143 Page Farmers and land managers Wildlife habitat; landscape character; local Environmental Land Management Schemes; partnership conservation projects (e.g. farmer-led food; public awareness and understanding; groups); catchment-sensitive farming; control of outdoor lighting; appropriate diversification natural resource management; tourism; projects; farm visits; carbon sequestration; rights of way maintenance; permissive access; responsible access; climate change. appropriate farm-scale renewable energy generation. Health sector, inc. commissioning bodies, Access to the landscape for mental and Green prescribing; walking for health; conservation volunteering; projects aimed at specific groups GPs, support groups physical health and well being benefits. e.g. dementia sufferers; access improvements; public/active transport. Highway authorities Road decluttering; landscape character; Reporting on efforts to conserve and enhance the North Wessex Downs under s.85 Duty of Regard dark skies; green and active travel/access; (CRoW Act 2000); Local transport planning; road maintenance and safety programmes; signs tranquillity; climate change; tourism; layout audits; community collaboration e.g. on clutter, speed enforcement, public transport; land use and design of new and redevelopment. planning; National Trail partnerships; Local Access Forums; Rights of Way Improvement Plans. Individuals Natural resources; heritage and nature Participation in local projects; water and energy conservation; buying local; control of external conservation; water abstraction; dark skies; lighting; conservation gardening; responsible access; green travel; pollution avoidance; planning tranquillity; local products; settlement and design. character; climate change. Landscape-scale conservation initiatives Landscape and nature conservation and Identifying local environmental networks; engaging the public, private and voluntary sector in restoration; ecosystem goods and services; collaborative protection and enhancement of the North Wessex Downs; educating young people community engagement; climate change. and communities regarding the benefits of the natural environment.
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North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 99 Figure X continued: Stakeholders and Opportunities to Contribute
Partners Principal Opportunities Delivery (examples) Local authorities (including planning Landscape and nature conservation; historic Reporting on efforts to conserve and enhance the North Wessex Downs under s.85 Duty of Regard authorities) environment; settlement character; water (CRoW Act 2000); development plans; planning advice, decisions, conditions and enforcement; abstraction; tranquillity; access, rights green travel plans; supplementary planning guidance; AONB signage; rights of way and of way; AONB profile; public awareness interpretation; duties specified by NERC Act 2006. and understanding; dark skies; affordable housing; diversification; ecosystem goods and services. Local businesses Local products; tourism; North Wessex Local sourcing; marketing; North Wessex Downs tourism promotion; Great West Way tourism Downs profile; dark skies; natural resources; initiative; promotion of green/active travel; control of external lighting; energy/water conservation; climate change. waste minimisation. Local Enterprise Partnerships Landscape and nature conservation and Strategic investment in natural capital and green infrastructure; diversification support restoration; diversification; sustainable programme/s; green/active travel; landscape-scale environmental initiatives; environmental land Page 144 Page prosperity; local products; ecosystem goods management schemes. and services; climate change; tourism. National statutory agencies (including Historic environment; landscape and nature Reporting on efforts to conserve and enhance the North Wessex Downs under s.85 Duty of Regard Environment Agency, Forestry Commission conservation; rivers and water quality; (CRoW Act 2000); land use planning; green infrastructure; environmental land management England, Historic England, Highways tranquillity; ecosystem goods and services. schemes; land management advice; natural capital assessments; partnership conservation England, Natural England) projects (e.g. Farmer-led groups; woodland management advice, support and marketing; River Basin Management Plans; Conservation Area Appraisals; Catchment Partnerships and Catchment Management Plans; Route Management Strategies; Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site Management Plan. Non-governmental organisations (including Landscape, heritage and nature Member/supporter communications; public information and interpretation; estate management; Action for the River Kennet, Canal and conservation and restoration; North Wessex collaborative projects; planning and design; recreation marketing and management; green/active Rivers Trust, CPRE, Earth Trust, Friends of Downs profile; settlement character; water travel; North Wessex Downs tourism promotion; Great West Way tourism initiative. the Ridgeway, Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, abstraction; diffuse pollution; tranquillity; National Trust, RSPB, Trust for Sustainable dark skies; affordable housing; responsible Living, Wildlife Trusts. access; tourism; farm diversification; ecosystem goods and services.
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100 Chapter 10: Stakeholder Responsibilities Figure X continued: Stakeholders and Opportunities to Contribute
Partners Principal Opportunities Delivery (examples) North Wessex Downs Landscape Trust North Wessex Downs profile and marketing; Public communications, presentations and events; fundraising; neighbourhood planning; public awareness, understanding, pride community projects; ‘green prescribing’; educational talks/visits/projects; publications (e.g. walks in and care for the landscape; community leaflets); engagement; education; health and well being; tourism promotion; landscape, heritage and nature conservation; decluttering; tranquillity; dark skies. Parish and town councils North Wessex Downs profile and marketing; Public communications and events; parish / town / neighbourhood planning; community projects; community identity and pride; community Village Design Statements; property and grounds management; publications (e.g. walks leaflets); engagement; tourism; landscape and control of external lighting; community transport; local sourcing. nature conservation; decluttering; historic environment; settlement character; tranquillity; dark skies. Page 145 Page Rights of way and countryside access Access to the North Wessex Downs; raising Improving responsible access; contributing to collaborative marketing and tourism initiatives; forums and groups the profile and marketing; tourism; links to recognition of the North Wessex Downs in Countryside Access Improvement Plans. landscape and nature conservation. Tourism marketing bodies North Wessex Downs profile / marketing; Destination marketing strategies; collaborative projects (e.g. Great West Way); North Wessex green/active travel; tourism; local products. Downs tourism promotion; local supplier networks; National Trail partnerships; visitor payback. Transport operators Green travel; access; North Wessex Downs Business and marketing strategies; collaborative initiatives with local businesses and communities; profile/marketing; sustainable tourism; AONB signage; National Trail partnerships. tranquillity. Water companies Water abstraction and consumption; water Reporting on efforts to conserve and enhance the North Wessex Downs under s.85 Duty of quality; diffuse water pollution; catchment Regard (CRoW Act 2000); public information and advice; Water Resources Management Plans; sensitive farming; habitat conservation and Five-Year Plans; collaborative projects with local partners; demand management measures; use of enhancement. abstraction licences; estate management; control of external lighting.
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 101 1-2 summary pages of achievements from last plan - photographic form?
Glossary
References?
List of figures? Page 146 Page
102 Summary of Achievements Page 147 Page
North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 103 Back page: contact details, quote, price/barcode?
Wraparound image from front? (depends on binding), or seaprate image and colour Page 148 Page Appendix 3
North Wessex Downs AONB Draft 2019-2024 Management Plan - Consultation response made by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Response 1.1 The council welcomes the opportunity to comment on the consultation draft of the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan (2019-2024) and in general, considers the approach taken and changes proposed to be acceptable and will continue to ensure that the special qualities of the area within it are protected and will continue to enable it to be sustainable.
1.2 There are a number of points that have been raised on discrete areas within the plan and it is requested that these are considered to help support and improve the final adopted management plan. For clarity, these have been separated into General Comments and then comments relating to specific sections of the plan.
General Comments 2.1 A brief synopsis of the fulfilment of actions under the previous management plan - successes, gain, problems etc at the front of the present management plan would be beneficial in order to give this plan more context.
2.2 There is a need for a glossary of main terms and what they mean, especially relating to anything planning related which may affect decisions. The audience for the plan is potentially very broad and needs to be understood by a variety of audiences. In addition, where acronyms are used, they should be named in the first use of the term.
2.3 The reference to additional guidance documents in relation to plans and planning applications in paragraph 8.11 needs to be more bold and evident and could be listed in a table toward the front of the plan to give more weight.
Planning Policy Comments 3.1 Updates to take account of the recently published NPPF are welcomed particularly the recognition that national policy is focussed on taking a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing networks of habitats and green infrastructure and planning for the enhancement of natural capital at a catchment or landscape scale across local authority boundaries.
3.2 It is clear from the DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan launched in January 2018, the consultation on future of food, farming and the environment launched in February and the Glover review of National Parks and AONBs that significant reform of support mechanisms and incentives for agriculture and of wider countryside, biodiversity and environmental policy, and protected landscapes can be expected. While the precise time frame for any changes cannot be predicted, it is likely that new opportunities will arise during the management plan period and this Management Plan should be future proofed wherever possible. The Glover Review will be looking at connecting more people with the natural environment as well as supporting communities and opportunities for enhancing the environment and biodiversity. This links with the clear direction set out in the concept of Environmental Gain set out in the DEFRA 25 Year
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Environment Plan which should be an important thread running through the Management Plan.
3.3 The focus on collaboration with other protected landscapes in the south of England is welcomed as it provides for a strategic approach to the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment and management of pressures which are exerted on protected landscapes in the context of future housing growth.
3.4 It is noted that the Historic Environment Theme refers to the support for inclusions of measures in neighbourhood plans to conserve and enhance the character of settlements. The role of neighbourhood planning in articulating the importance of protected landscape and setting local policies could be highlighted in all sections of the Management Plan. Other Development Plan documents such as Local Plans and their role in delivering the policies of the Management Plan could also be referenced more consistently throughout.
3.5 The inclusion of a policy referring to the value of preparing and promoting the ‘Local Lists’ of heritage assets is also supported.
3.6 The ecosystem services strand running through the Natural Resources Theme is supported and mirrors the approach which will be taken in local planning policies.
3.7 The Development and Communities Themes are comprehensive. In the Development Theme the clarification of the documents which are of relevance for planners in decision making is welcomed. These position statements and other relevant guidance documents should be kept up to date and relevant. The references to Local Plans are welcomed as are SPD’s and Development Briefs but the importance of neighbourhood plans and their role in provision of smaller scale development could be highlighted in the objectives rather than just in the policies in this theme. Overall the policies in this theme are clearly set out the emphasis on high standard of design is supported.
3.8 The Communities Theme usefully sets out the mechanisms by which communities can influence their local areas. The North Wessex Downs Landscape Trust is listed in the strategic objectives but its purpose doesn’t seem to be set out elsewhere in the supporting text. Neighbourhood Planning should be specifically referenced in the policies section as Neighbourhood Plans are a powerful way for communities to influence spatial planning in their areas.
3.9 The consultation draft also seeks views on replacement sections relating to stakeholder responsibilities and monitoring which are not available to view but will be drafted in due course in collaboration with Natural England. The clarification of stakeholder responsibilities and commitment to monitoring are important elements of the Management Plan. Monitoring of outcomes will need to be undertaken over periods of more than 5 years (the lifespan of the Management Plan) in order to record trends in for example water or air quality which may not be immediately obvious. The mechanisms for monitoring need to be clearly set out to ensure progress can be measured.
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Issues relating to the setting of the AONB 4.1 There are extensive areas of the borough that fall within the setting of the AONB and therefore a number of comments have been raised relating to clarification around this within the management plan, as follows;-
The North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on the Setting of the AONB needs to be updated with reference to the NPPF and linked to the management document either as an appendix or as a web link. This applies to other main link documents quoted within the management plan. Need to make sure all references are to up to date policy documents and adjust if necessary.
The council has been challenged in the past by developers with regard to objecting to development within the setting so some clearer guidance on how to evidence that sites are within the setting or not, is requested. It is considered that the Position statement on Setting and its reference within the Management Plan could be strengthened in order to be more usable by council officers in rebuffing unfavourable planning applications.
Landscape Character Areas 5.1 There are no aims for the Lowland Mosaic landscape character area in the management plan table.
Rural Land Management 6.1 Within the Rural Land Management Chapter within Table 1 under ‘Downland with Woodland’ reference has been made to identification and management of future veterans - could we have an explanation as to what constitutes a future veteran tree, how this is determined.
Biodiversity 7.1 As part of the Key Issues section for Biodiversity, it is suggested that a statement on the impacts of major developments in the setting of the AONB is included. Many of these developments are within a few hundred metres or less of the AONB boundary and could have significant wholesale effects on the entire ecosystem within that area.
7.2 AONB Biodiversity Policies – thought should perhaps be given to whether the plan starts to identify and initiate biodiversity offsetting opportunities for habitat gain within the AONB for building projects in major conurbations surrounding the AONB.
Green Infrastructure 8.1 It is encouraging to note the number of links between the council’s adopted Green Infrastructure Strategy and many of the elements included within the consultation management plan.
8.2 It is considered that web links should be provided to link to the various Green Infrastructure Strategies used by authorities within the AONB area.
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3 of 4 8.3 There is a general agreement with all the main GI policies within the management plan, with no significant omissions relating to the main action points.
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4 of 4 Agenda Item 10
Revenue and Capital Monitoring as at 30th June 2019 (Quarter 1)
Cllr Hannah Golding – Cabinet Member for Finance & Service Improvement
Report to Cabinet Ward(s): All Key Decision: No Dated 13 August 2019
Papers relied on: NONE
FOREWARD – Cabinet Member for Finance & Service Improvement
The first quarter Revenue and Capital monitoring report indicates a positive forecast position, the result of robust financial oversight by budget holders and management. The position also recognises that 94.25% of approved revenue savings are on track to be delivered this early in the financial year with positive actions in place for these to be achieved. Further, the report notes that the capital programme spend is significantly on track to be achieved this year.
Page 1 of 12 Page 153
Cabinet is recommended to note: 1 That the forecast net revenue expenditure on services in 2019/20, before net transfers to reserves, is forecast to be £0.71M lower than the latest budget; 2 That capital expenditure in 2019/20 is forecast to be £0.39M lower than the latest approved budget; 3 The risks associated with the revenue and capital forecasts are as detailed in sections 4 and 7; 4 The 2019/20 savings position is as detailed in section 8; and 5 That budget virements amounting to £0.99M were processed in the first quarter, as summarised in section 9.
Background, Corporate Objectives and Priorities
In accordance with the council’s Financial Procedure Rules, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has a responsibility to provide financial information and to report on the overall budget position of the council. To provide assurances that the council’s budgets are well managed and maintained, regular budget monitoring is undertaken with variances and required actions reported.
This report provides the forecast 2019/20 outturn position for both revenue and capital spend as at 30th June 2019. The forecasts and explanations have been discussed and agreed with budget managers in accordance with the council’s Policy and Budget Framework and supports the development of an effective and efficient council.
Main Considerations
1 Executive summary
1.1 This report presents the 2019/20 forecast outturn position, as at the 30th June 2019, for revenue and capital expenditure and income and compares it with variances reported against budget. The report also identifies risks and issues which could have significant financial impacts.
1.2 As shown in table 1 below the revenue forecast outturn position for 2019/20 as at 30th June 2019, is a forecast surplus of £0.71M, The forecast surplus is due to a forecast expenditure underspend of £0.65M combined with additional forecast income of £0.06M.
1.3 The forecasts detailed in table 1 reflect the positive achievement of approved savings proposals, contained within the Medium Term Financial Strategy, as detailed in section 8. This notes that at Quarter 1, 94.25% of savings have already been identified as achieved or forecast to be achieved.
1.4 The forecast underspend on expenditure mainly relates to delayed expenditure on the local plan and top of town, along with one-off savings on public transport support to operators. In addition, increased property rental income has been forecast. This is further detailed in section 3.
Page 2 of 12 Page 154 1.5 The capital forecast outturn position for 2019/20 as at 30th June 2019 is a forecast underspend of £0.39M. This is further detailed in section 6.
2 Revenue Forecast
Table 1 below provides a summary of the forecast revenue outturn position for 2019/20.
Table 1 – Summary of Forecast Revenue Outturn Position 2019/20
Qtr. 1 Forecast Variance Approved Working Outturn to Budget Budget Budget Position Working 2019/20 2019/20 Movement 2019/20 Budget Portfolio £M £M £M £M £M
Leader 0.24 0.24 0.00 0.24 0.00
Homes & Families 0.09 0.11 0.02 0.13 0.02
Planning, Infrastructure & Natural 0.62 0.77 0.15 0.41 (0.36) Environment
Communities, Culture & Partnerships 2.44 2.44 0.00 2.43 (0.01)
Finance & Service Improvement 3.02 3.02 0.00 3.02 0.00
Borough Development & Improvement 0.44 0.77 0.33 0.56 (0.21)
Environment & Enforcement 1.27 1.30 0.03 1.40 0.10
Regeneration & Property (0.14) (0.14) 0.00 (0.14) 0.00
Holding & Agency Accounts (0.40) (0.40) 0.01 (0.40) 0.00
Business Units 24.95 25.39 0.44 25.57 0.18
Net Cost of Services 32.51 33.50 1.00 33.22 (0.28)
Investment Property & Trading Accounts (15.57) (15.55) 0.02 (15.98) (0.43)
Interest & Investment Income (2.80) (2.80) 0.00 (2.80) 0.00
Property Investment Income (0.24) (0.24) 0.00 (0.24) 0.00
Council Tax Income (8.11) (8.11) 0.00 (8.11) 0.00
Retained Business Rate Income (1.96) (1.96) 0.00 (1.96) 0.00
Government Grants (2.69) (2.70) 0.00 (2.70) 0.00
Page 3 of 12 Page 155 Total Corporate Income (31.38) (31.37) 0.01 (31.80) (0.43)
Net Expenditure (Surplus)/Deficit 1.13 2.13 1.00 1.42 (0.71)
Movement In Reserves (1.13) (2.13) (1.00)
Overall (Surplus)/Deficit 0.00 0.00 0.00
3 Explanation of Forecast Revenue Variances (greater than £0.02M)
Portfolio Services
There is a forecast favourable variation of £0.28M on portfolio services and significant variations are detailed in the following paragraphs.
Homes and Families £0.02M Adverse
Housing Benefits - £0.02M Adverse
3.1 Rent Allowances There is an adverse forecast variance of £0.14M in relation to an assumed reduction in overpayment income, due to more robust checking and controls less overpayments being made and a higher than budgeted level of expenditure either attracting either reduced, or no subsidy.
Rent Rebates The trend of lower than budgeted expenditure on bed and breakfast has continued, and the forecasts have been reduced by £0.02M to reflect this.
Welfare Reform New burden income has been received in the year, relating to required legislative changes impacting, of which £0.10M is forecast to be unspent as the activity can be met from within existing resources.
Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment - £0.36M Favourable
Planning Development - £0.02M Adverse
3.2 This is mainly due to additional spend for consultancy and legal representation on appeals, in particular the Cufaude Lane and Silchester gypsy and traveller appeals.
Planning Policy - £0.24M Favourable
3.3 In setting the budget for 2019/20 assumptions were made relating to a number of external studies that would need to be undertaken to support the development of the local plan. It is now expected that some of these studies will be carried out in 2020/21 and as such some of the budget will need to be re-phased to reflect this. Based on the latest forecast spend, a carry forward of £0.23M will need to be approved in order for this work to complete in 2020/21.
Borough Development and Improvement - £0.21M Favourable
Sports and Recreation - £0.02M Favourable Page 4 of 12 Page 156 3.4 The budget originally allocated for the procurement of the new leisure contract has not been utilised and is not expected to be needed. The forecast has been updated to reflect this. It should be noted that this is a one-off budget for 2019/20
Top of Town Programme - £0.19M Favourable
3.5 The Top of Town Programme has a one off budget of £0.19M. This is not currently expected to be spent in 2019/20. It should be noted that £0.04M will need to be carried forward into 2020/21 to cover the final years IncuHive contribution, while the remaining £0.15M has been earmarked to support the town centre strategy update. As this is still under consideration and the timing of expenditure is unknown this has been shown as a forecast underspend at the current time.
Environment and Enforcement - £0.10M Adverse
Car Parking - £0.03M Adverse
3.6 Income of £0.08M was expected from admissions at the new temporary car park at Basing View. However, based on current admission levels it is now estimated that it will only generate income of £0.05M.
Kerbside Recycling and Bring Bank Sites - £0.07M Adverse
3.7 There is a forecast reduction in income following a reduction in the value of recycling credits provided by Hampshire County Council. Credits are received based on a share of income received through project integra for the sale of recycled materials. There is a continuing decline in the income received. Future years income will be considered as part of the budget setting process for 2020/21 and future years.
Business Unit Accounts - £0.18 Adverse
3.8 The budget includes an assumption that due to staff turnover, there will be a ‘vacancy factor’ saving of £0.53M. The current forecast is £0.37M and therefore there is a forecast adverse variance of £0.16M. It should be noted that this is based on the current known position, and will be updated during the financial year.
It should also be noted that the current budget, and forecast, assumes a that £0.36M of future savings will be achieved based upon historic trend information of staff turnover levels and other unforeseen savings. As in year savings are identified, this saving will be replaced by actual savings forecasts may vary to reflect this.
A pressure has been identified with regards to the achievement of additional trading income in relation to Borough Services. However, this has been partially offset by supplies and services expenditure savings giving a net pressure of £0.02M. Any ongoing budget pressure will be considered as part of the budget setting process for 2020/21 and future years.
Corporate Income - £0.43M Favourable
Page 5 of 12 Page 157 There is a forecast favourable variance of £0.43M in respect of Investment Property Trading Accounts as detailed below:
Leisure Park - £0.18M Favourable
3.9 The Leisure Park Development is currently on hold as a result of a legal challenge, all costs of which are being met by the developer New River. As a result, it is unlikely that the council will incur any costs in 2019/20 however this is currently being reviewed. A carry forward of this budget to 2020/21 will therefore be made if this position remains unchanged.
The Malls - £0.16M Favourable
3.10 Additional income is now forecast due changes in occupation assumptions for several units where take up has been greater than expected. However, this is an area of volatility and it should be noted that there remains a high risk that the forecast may vary over the year to reflect changes in rent levels and occupancy timings.
4 Main Revenue Risk Areas
4.1 Whilst every effort is made to identify any budget savings or underspends, there remain a range of factors which could lead to the final outturn position being different to the forecasts provided in this report. This section details those services where this risk is highest.
Planning Income
4.2 Income from planning applications is forecast as budgeted at £1.31M which is £0.47M higher than last year. To date income of £0.26M has been received. This is on target with recent trends.
Income is based on assumptions regarding the timing and number of applications. Differences in the actual timing and numbers compared to these assumptions can have a significant impact on the level of income. This will be closely monitored and the forecasts will be updated as relevant.
Business Unit - Employee Savings
4.3 As noted in 3.8 above, current forecasts allow for a future savings of £0.36M of other savings still to be identified. Based on past trends, it is expected that this savings can be achieved from the overall forecast outturn position. This will be reviewed during the year and the forecast position updated as relevant.
Business Rates
4.4 Although the gross amount of income and expenditure on business rates is extremely large and volatile the immediate impact that in-year variances will have on the revenue budget are minimal and are mitigated by transfers to and from the Business Rates Risk Reserve.
Property Rental Income
Page 6 of 12 Page 158 4.5 There are a number of lease renewals/extensions assumptions included in the forecast position. There is a risk that actual agreements will differ from those assumptions. The position is continuously monitored with forecasts updated as relevant.
Basing View Regeneration
4.6 The budget allows for legal and counsel costs in relation to possible and actual litigation cases in relation to ensuring that lease obligations are met. There is always a risk that costs could be awarded against the council.
Sports and Recreation
4.7 A possible compensation claim against the council has been made in relation to a claim for lost income as a result of the delay in delivering the new fitness suit at Tadley swimming pool. The forecast impact of this claim will need to be updated in due course.
Car Parking - Income
4.8 Forecasts are based on previous trends and an allowance for new charges. However, it is always difficult to predict customer behaviour and the impact of tariff changes. These will continue to be monitored closely to ensure forecasts are in line with current actuals and reflect emerging trends.
Waste Contract - Expenditure
4.9 Current forecasts include estimated property growth. This growth is based on a straight line growth assumption. If the number of properties is significantly different from that forecast then this will impact on actual expenditure and forecasts will be amended to reflect any changes.
Waste Contract - Income
4.10 The council receives approximately £1.33M in income from its waste management service and the current forecast includes a forecast reduction in recycling credit income and assumes that other recent trends will continue. This includes demand levels, market prices, recycling credits and tonnages collected all of which are variable and subject to change. Waste income will be closely monitored and forecasts adjusted as soon as changes are identified.
Interest & Investment income
4.11 The council holds significant treasury management investment income. This is closely monitored and managed to achieve the maximum income return with due regard to the approved Treasury Management Strategy. There are inherently risks with treasury management activity, but the current forecast assumes that budgeted levels of income will be achieved.
4.12 One specific area to note is that on the recommendation of the council’s treasury management advisors, the council reduced its holding of Absolute Return Bond Funds from £25M to £15M. Whilst it is the intention that this £10M will be reinvested in an alternative long term investment, short term investment returns will have an Page 7 of 12 Page 159 impact on the overall level of income received. This is currently expected to have a minimal impact.
The council has other external investments, Diversified Credit Funds (£40M). These have variable returns that are more difficult to predict than those of the council’s internally managed investments. However, this is closely monitored and discussed with our treasury management advisors.
The forecast assumes that there will be no change to the Base Rate (at 0.75%) during the current financial year. There are possible impacts from Britain exiting the European Union however, it is difficult to assess what these will be. However, should the impact be a reduction in the base rate, this would reduce the levels of returns received.
5 Capital Forecast
5.1 Table 2 sets out the forecast capital outturn position for 2019/20.
Table 2 – Forecast Outturn Capital Programme Summary 2019/20
2019/20 2019/20 Latest Forecast Forecast Budget Outturn Variance Portfolio £M £M £M
Homes & Families 1.51 1.51 0.00
Planning, Infrastructure & Natural Environment 1.18 1.18 0.00
Communities, Culture & Partnerships 1.76 1.69 (0.07)
Finance & Service Improvement 1.73 1.73 0.00
Borough Development & Improvement 0.71 0.68 (0.03)
Environment & Enforcement 1.15 1.15 0.00
Regeneration & Property 16.32 16.02 (0.30)
Total Capital Programme 24.36 23.97 (0.40)
5.2 As shown in table 2 above, forecast capital expenditure for the year is £23.97M. This is £0.39M (1.60%) below the latest approved budget of £24.36M.
6 Explanation of Capital Variances (Greater than £0.02M)
Basing View - Site W (Hotel Site) - £0.29M Favourable
6.1 The project is now complete although the final account remains to be settled. The LEP grant contribution towards this project currently has a £0.09M contingency which is considered surplus to requirements but will not be known for certain until the final account is settled later this summer. There is also £0.20M favourable position due to a further grant from the LEP. Discussions will be undertaken with the LEP regarding the future use of any unspent contingency, the outcome of which will reported at a later date and the forecast updated accordingly.
Page 8 of 12 Page 160 Top of the Town Community Facilities (S106) - £0.05M Favourable
6.2 Discussions are ongoing regarding the three town centre community facilities. Therefore, there is a forecast underspend in the current year of £0.05M. It is expected that this will be slipped into a future year, to be spent once these discussions are concluded.
7 Main Capital Risk Areas
7.1 Whilst every effort is made to identify any budget savings or underspends, there remain a range of factors which could lead to the final outturn position being different to the forecasts provided in this report. This section details those services where this risk is highest.
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG)
7.2 Expenditure on mandatory DFGs is difficult to forecast due to its reactive nature. Levels are currently similar to last year however this will need to be monitored closely throughout the remainder of the year
General Capital Risks
7.3 It is still early in the financial year and officers remain confident that, with the exception of schemes mentioned above, the capital programme will be delivered in accordance with the approved programme.
7.4 It should be noted that historically, schemes have been delayed for a number of reasons including partners not delivering to agreed timescales; availability of suppliers/delivery or lead times; and adverse weather conditions. There is a risk that some of these factors could impact on delivering the full capital programme in this financial year.
8 Savings Position 2019/20
8.1 The approved budget for 2019/20 included savings of £1.84M. The current forecast assumes that a significant proportion of these, £1.74M (94.25%), will be achieved or are in the process of being delivered. This leaves a nominal sum of £0.10M to be addressed which is further detailed below. The impact of this is reflected in current year forecasts and any ongoing impact will be considered as part of setting the budget for 2020/21 and future years. Chart 1 below shows savings achievement by Directorate.
Chart 1 – Savings Achievement 2019/20
Page 9 of 12 Page 161 Forecast Achievement Savings 2019/20 0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25 £M 0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0 Borough Communities, Environment and Finance and Homes and Leader Planning, Regeneration and Development and Culture and Enforcement Service Families Infrastructure and Property Improvement Partnerships Improvement Natural Environment Portfolio
Approved Savings Forecast Savings
Savings Variance Explanations
8.2 Events & Public Entertainment - £0.01M Adverse
It is intended to undertake a review of the overall live events offering in Basingstoke. The review has not yet been finalised as at quarter 1 and the forecast reflects this. This will be updated in the future monitoring position once this has been finalised.
8.3 Transport & Parking – Restructure - £0.03M Adverse
A saving was proposed linked to the use of an internal secondment for the role of Parking Manager, an internal appointment was not able to be made meaning that this projected saving is no longer deliverable
8.4 Borough Services – Income Generation £0.04M Adverse
An income target of £0.06M from additional traded services was approved for 2019/20. Whilst all opportunities are currently being investigated the full target is not expected to be met in 2019/20. £0.02M has been identified through increased income from shared services.
8.5 Basing View Temporary Car Park £0.03M Adverse
As noted in 3.6 above, income of £0.08M was expected from admissions at the new temporary car park at Basing View. However, based on current admission levels it is now estimated that it will only generate income of £0.05M.
Page 10 of 12 Page 162 9 Budget virements
9.1 To allow it to properly manage its budgets the councils’ financial regulations allow for budget transfers (virements). Budget virements are processed for a number of reasons including release of council reserves, managing the financial impacts of operational changes and increasing budget following additional grant funding received.
9.2 Table 3 below provides a summary of the types of virements actioned to date.
Table 3 – Summary of Budget Virements period to 30th June 2019
. Description £M Operational Virements 0.09 Released from Reserves 0.48 Cabinet Approvals - Carried Forward Sums 0.43
Grand Total 0.99
Operational Virements
9.3 Planning £0.02M
Release of new burdens (property searches and brownfield land), neighbourhood planning and custom build grants.
9.4 Property Trading Account £0.02M
This was the release of strategic revenue budget for basing view regeneration and has been used to provide funding for legal costs associated with Normandy House.
Released from Reserves
9.5 £0.48M has been released from the Transformation reserve, under previously approved delegations to support the Digital and Commercialisation programmes. To date these have specifically funded digital project managers, a customer relationship app, the commercial strategy manager and external support in developing full business cases for the first tranche commercial opportunities.
Cabinet/Council Approvals – Carry Forwards
9.6 Carry forwards from 2018/19 to 2019/20 were agreed in advance of the year end by Council in February 2019 (£0.39M) and Cabinet in March 2019 (£0.07M). These sums were based on a forecast outturn position for 2018/19. Table 4 below shows the actual carry forward’s actioned following confirmation of the year end position which totalled £0.43M.
Table 4 – Carry Forward Budgets 2018/19
Page 11 of 12 Page 163 Service area £M Comments Sport and Recreation 0.04 Leisure management contract - retender costs Winklebury Masterplanning 0.02 Options development
General Economic 0.04 Creation of enterprise hub Development Local Plan Policy 0.05 Neighbourhood plan - Planning referendum costs
Town Centre Improvements 0.17 Central area strategy - feasibility and project support Homelessness 0.03 Social inclusion programme works Leisure Park Development 0.09 Project support Total 0.43
Date: 10 September 2019 Decision taken by: Cabinet
Sue Cuerden – Executive Director Finance & Resources (S151 Lead Officer Officer) Tel: 01256 845513 or e-mail [email protected] Accountancy Manager – Dean Pletts – Tel 01256 845506 or e mail [email protected] Report authors Principal Accountant & Team Leader (Services) – Paul Mahoney – Tel: 01256 845598 or e-mail [email protected] Version Cabinet Dated 13th August 2019 Status Final It is considered that information contained within this report and Confidentiality appendices do not contain exempt information under the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and therefore can be made public.
Page 12 of 12 Page 164 Agenda Item 11
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Brexit preparations Cllr Ken Rhatigan, Council Leader
Report to Cabinet Ward(s): All Key Decision: n/a Letter of 6 August 2019 from the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, Appendix 1: MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Appendix 2: Appendix 3: Papers relied on:
Foreword - Cllr Ken Rhatigan, Council Leader
Brexit is now fully in focus for all stakeholders within the borough and beyond. Rightly, our residents need to be understanding of what we as a borough council have done to prepare for our expected leaving date of 31 October.
This paper sets out who, what and how that preparation is set in a national, regional and local focus, while providing some of the practical steps taken by us to smooth the process and impact on our residents.
Recommendation to Cabinet is that:
. Cabinet notes the work undertaken by the borough council to prepare for Brexit
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Background, corporate objectives and priorities
This report accords with the Council Plan 2016 – 2020 priorities, supporting those who need it and creating an organisation capable of delivering change.
Glossary of terms
Term Definition
Main considerations
1 Executive Summary
1.1 The UK is currently due to leave the European Union on 31 October 2019. This report outlines the extensive work undertaken by the council to prepare for Brexit, the council’s approach being to identify what Brexit may mean:
1.1.1 For the council as an organisation;
1.1.2 For the council as a service provider and for front line services; and
1.1.3 For communities, businesses and partners and what role the council can play as part of its community stewardship and community leadership.
1.2 The project involves staff, members, communities, businesses and a range of different partners and encompasses themes across the entire spectrum of public sector and council operations. The council is working closely with Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum. Communication with the government continues through a group of regional local authority co-ordinators. AS such, communication and knowledge-sharing takes place at operational and strategic level within the council, within Hampshire and the South East region, and nationally.
1.3 The project commenced in January 2019 following a report to Cabinet in December 2018. This has involved sustained activity over months, and some high profile intensive pieces of work such as running the EU election in May 2019. Officers are monitoring daily the constantly evolving political situation, the Parliamentary timetable, Government no-deal Brexit plans and talks with the EU. This means the council can pivot and respond to any new development and instantly evaluate impact, risk and opportunity as news unfolds.
1.4 While the council’s work has been focussed on preparing for the point at which the UK leaves the EU, it does not end there. In order to understand the effects, and opportunities that Brexit may afford, the project is long term and ongoing, and will continue past EU exit day.
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2 of 7 2 The Proposal
2.1 The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, has written to the leaders of all councils in England (Appendix 1) stating that local councils have a vital role in ensuring the UK’s departure from the EU is as smooth as possible.
2.2 The Secretary of State has announced additional funding for councils to prepare for Brexit and has asked councils to designate a senior officer in each local authority as Brexit Lead Officer. For Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council this is the Chief Executive, Melbourne Barrett. Communication between councils and government continues through a group of regional coordinators: the South East regional coordinator is Becky Shaw, Chief Executive of East Sussex County Council.
2.3 The borough council is also working closely with Hampshire County Council and their Brexit programme office, and with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum. The LRF assesses risk in relation to supplies and shortages, emergency planning and response, and major incidents, and works with local authorities, regional bodies, the emergency services, health services, airports and ports authorities, neighbouring LRFs and national government departments to mitigate these risks.
2.4 The LRF Brexit Lead is Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The principal membership of the LRF is formed of those agencies designated as Category 1 responders within the Civil Contingencies Act 2004: in Hampshire this means all the constituent district, unitary and county council; the emergency services; and all NHS and CCG bodies. Also represented are the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Environment Agency, utility companies, and strategic and local transport operators. The council is, therefore, engaged in Brexit preparations at the highest levels as well as monitoring day to day developments from front line service operational networks.
2.5 Presentations to Basingstoke Area Strategic Partnership and its sub- groups have been rolled out to engage partners in a group setting and these will continue throughout September and October.
2.6 Within the council are a number of communications channels to share intelligence and coordinate Brexit preparedness. These meetings have been set up throughout September and October as preparedness intensifies.
2.6.1 The cross party Members Advisory Panel (MAP) provides a forum for Members to raise issues of concern, provide advice to the Leader;
2.6.2 The officer Steering Group includes officers from front line and support services; and
2.6.3 The officer Command Group provides a mechanism for issues that need rapid escalation and response. Daily, officers monitor and review partner press releases, LRF updates and the national political situation.
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3 of 7 2.6.4 The council’s external website has been designed as a one stop shop with signposting to advice and support for individuals, communities and businesses.
The impact assessment
2.7 Officers have developed an impact assessment of potential Brexit effects and opportunities. This is informed by service lead officers and by intelligence from their professional networks, by issues raised in MAP meetings, by partners, by working with the council’s key external contractors, and understanding national narratives and research. The impact assessment is subject to daily monitoring and review as new guidance becomes available.
2.8 Issues continue to be escalated to the county council, to government through the South East regional coordinators route and to the Local Resilience Forum as they arise.
2.9 The assessment shows that the council is well informed, is taking positive, proactive steps to ensure that service delivery remains robust and to support communities and businesses. The council’s planning takes into account the possibility of a snap general election being called and mitigating actions across a wide range of public sector services.
The EU Settlement Scheme
2.10 The UK government has reached an agreement with the European Union on citizens’ rights to protect EU citizens’ rights to continue to live their lives in the UK as they do now. People can apply for either settled or pre-settled status1 to remain living and working in the UK once the UK leaves the EU through the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme is run by the Home Office and is open for applications until 30 June 2021, or 31 December 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
2.11 It is estimated that there are up to 7,000 EU citizens living in the borough Residents who do not have the access, skills or confidence to complete their application online can obtain help and support through the Assisted Digital Service: locally this service is available by appointment at Viables Community Centre2. Residents can also contact Basingstoke Citizens Advice and Tadley Citizens Advice for information on the scheme and other related matters.
2.12 Local councils are asked to promote the scheme as widely as possible in their areas. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has made partners and community groups aware of the scheme through presentations to Basingstoke Area Strategic Partnership, the Employment and Skills Zone, and the Housing Partnership Action Group, to encourage partner organisations to inform their own staff, and to ensure front line services can signpost customers to the scheme.
Government funding
1 https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families 2 Residents should call We are Digital on 03333 445 675 Page 168
4 of 7 2.13 The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) provided some funding for councils’ Brexit preparations in March 20193, each district council allocated £35,000. Unitary and county councils and areas with a port of entry have received larger allocations, reflecting their specific responsibilities. A further £17,500 for district councils was announced in August bringing the total to £52,500 for Basingstoke and Deane.
2.14 The council has agreed funding of £21,400 for Basingstoke Citizens Advice and Tadley Citizens Advice to fund support and advice services for people who may be concerned about what Brexit means for them, particularly relating to the EU Settlement Scheme and rights to stay, employment rights and consumer concerns. This is an innovative investment in people, putting positive support in place for residents and communities, with £31,100 remaining for further priorities as they emerge.
3 Legal Implications
3.1 The EU Withdrawal Act 2018 ensures that there is legal certainty as both EU Derived Laws (ie: UK legislation giving effect to EU laws) and Direct EU Legislation (ie: EU rules having direct effect on the UK without being subject to UK legislation) will continue to apply even under “No Deal”.
4 Financial implications
4.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from this report. The work that has been carried out by officers in preparation for Brexit has been met from within existing staff resources and budgets. As explained above the council has received grant funding from the MHCLG totalling £52,500 and this will provide funding for any future support required as a consequence of Brexit.
5 Risk management
5.1 A risk assessment has been completed in accordance with the council’s risk management process and has identified no significant (Red or Amber) residual risks that cannot be fully minimised by existing or planned controls or additional procedures.
6 Equalities implications
6.1 There are no equalities issues arising from this report.
7 Consultation and communication
7.1 The council continues to support the government in sharing information and advice for residents and businesses, particularly on the EU Settlement Scheme. A webpage to signpost residents and businesses has been set up on the council’s website. This continues to be updated and is promoted through the council’s partnership and community group network.
3 Under s31 of the Local Government Finance Act 2003 Page 169
5 of 7 7.2 As 31 October approaches, a detailed communication plan is being developed, utilising all communications channels including press, social media, Basingstoke and Deane Today, sharing messages with partners, and distribution of EU Settlement Scheme materials.
7.3 The Government launched its Get Ready for Brexit campaign4 on 1 September. This brings together advice and guidance for individuals and businesses, EU citizens living, working, visiting or studying in the UK and UK citizens living, working, visiting or studying in the EU. The main tool for the campaign is on the Government website where all regulations and technical government guidance are held together in one place and easily accessible. The council is actively promoting this to residents, businesses and partners as part of our communications plan and within the borough council website.
8 HR implications
8.1 To date, the project team, officer steering group, member support, partner engagement, research, policy monitoring and developing the impact assessment has been met from existing resources.
Conclusion
9 Summary and reason for the decision
9.1 In January 2019 the council formed a project team, Steering Group, Command Group, and Members Advisory Panel to prepare locally for the UK’s exit from the EU. Intensive and extensive work has been carried out to inform the council’s impact assessment which shows the council is well informed and prepared. As the 31 October EU exit date nears the pace of work has accelerated further to include a comprehensive communications plan for residents, communities and businesses.
9.2 The communications structures established within the council, and with key partners, Hampshire County Council and the Local Resilience Forum facilitate the sharing of information and escalation of issues. This will continue in the coming weeks and months. The impact assessment will be maintained to highlight both issues and opportunities that Brexit may afford.
10 The options considered and rejected
10.1 Not taking any action to prepare for Brexit.
10.2 Delaying Brexit consideration and preparation until after 31 October 2019 when the UK leaves the EU.
4 https://www.gov.uk/brexit Page 170
6 of 7 Date: 10 September 2019 Decision taken by: Cabinet
Neil Taylor Executive Director of Borough Development and Deputy Lead officer Chief Executive (01256) 845797 [email protected] Di Bromley Research and Policy Officer Report author (01256) 845312 [email protected] Version Final Dated 10 September 2019 Status Open It is considered that information contained within this report (and Confidentiality appendices) do not contain exempt information under the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and therefore can be made public.
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Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 4th Floor, Fry Building 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF
To: Leaders of all local authorities in England Tel: 0303 444 3450
Email: [email protected]
www.gov.uk/mhclg
06 August 2019
I was honoured to be appointed as the Secretary of State. I am looking forward to meeting you and to working with you.
The UK will be leaving the European Union on 31 October. Although we would prefer to leave with a deal, we are making all necessary preparations to leave without a deal if the EU refuses to negotiate a new arrangement.
Local Government has a vital role in ensuring our departure is as smooth as possible. I want to thank you, your councillors and your officers for all the hard work you have already done, particularly in advance of the March and April deadlines. Just as central government is urgently intensifying preparation in advance of 31 October, it is right that together we work to do the same in every community.
To help us to better co-ordinate our efforts, I am asking all of you to designate a senior officer in your authority as Brexit Lead Officer.
That officer’s role should include:
• Ensuring the council has taken all reasonable steps, in line with relevant guidance and messaging coming from Government and its agencies, to prepare for our exit from the EU on 31 October. This should include clear communication to local residents and businesses to support their own preparations for Brexit and a plan for how the council would communicate important messages to stakeholders; • Ensuring the council has a team in place which is equipped to support the delivery of Brexit, ready for the period around 31 October; • Overseeing the expenditure of the specific Brexit funding allocated to their council and ensuring it is effectively contributing to local preparations; • Playing a full part in your Local Resilience Forum to ensure that its plans for No Deal take account of relevant local circumstances and potential impacts on local communities. I will be writing separately to all LRF chairs to set out how I propose to work with them to prepare for Brexit and to ask that they liaise with you to assess relevant impacts; • Bringing together local public service providers, the voluntary and community sector, community groups and businesses to effectively prepare for the potential local impacts of leaving the EU without a deal; Page 173
• Acting as the principal contact point for your regional lead chief executive and central Government; and • Proactively raising with central Government or your regional chief executive representative any emerging trends, issues and other local intelligence that might assist in No Deal preparations.
Please provide the name and contact details for your Brexit Lead Officer to [email protected] by 16 August 2019.
On Saturday, I announced £20 million of funding for all local authorities in England to aid Brexit preparations, which will support the work of this critical post. The Government recognises that certain areas face more acute pressures, and I am currently considering how best to allocate this funding. This is in addition to the £40 million previously allocated to all local authorities.
I am keen to listen to your ideas and concerns and to promote collaboration and best practice on how councils can effectively prepare for Brexit. To kick things off, I will be hosting the first of a series of webinars next week for all Leaders, Chief Executives and Brexit Lead Officers on 13 August at 9.00am. My officials will circulate details of how to participate shortly. I would encourage as many of you as possible to attend. I want to ensure the Government communicates with you in a co-ordinated and clear manner and that your legitimate concerns and queries are answered as swiftly as possible.
I look forward to working closely with you on this important issue.
RT HON ROBERT JENRICK MP
TEMPLATE FRAMEWORK – NOT TO BE USED FOR SUBMIS
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