Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Local Development Plan 2011 –2026 Environment Topic Paper August 2013 www.npt.gov.uk/ldp Contents 1 Introduction 1 2013) 2 Background 3 3 Policy Context: National, Regional & Local 5 (August 3.1 National Policy Context 5 Paper 3.2 Regional Policy Context 14 opic T 3.3 Local Policy Context 16 4 Current Situation and Trends 25 Environment 4.1 Built Environment and Historic Heritage 25 - 4.2 Countryside and the Coast 32 LDP 4.3 Biodiversity and Geodiversity 35 Deposit 4.4 Environmental Protection 43 5 Summary of Consultation Responses 51 6 Issues to be Addressed 55 6.1 Built Environment and Historic Heritage 55 6.2 Countryside and the Coast 58 6.3 Biodiversity and Geodiversity 63 6.4 Environmental Protection 65 7 Objectives 69 8 Strategic Policy Development 71 8.1 Built Environment and Historic Heritage 71 8.2 Countryside and the Undeveloped Coast 74 8.3 Biodiversity and Geodiversity 77 8.4 Environmental Protection 79 9 Detailed Policy Development 83 9.1 Built Environment and Historic Heritage 83 9.2 Countryside and the Undeveloped Coast 87 9.3 Biodiversity and Geodiversity 92 9.4 Environmental Protection 93 Contents Deposit LDP - Environment Topic Paper (August 2013) 1 . Introduction 1 Introduction 2013) 1.0.1 This topic paper is one of a range of papers prepared to offer more detailed information and to provide an explanation of the approach taken in the Local Development (August Plan (LDP) in relation to different topics and issues affecting the County Borough. Paper 1.0.2 This paper specifically considers the Environment. opic T 1.0.3 The 'Environment' topic covers a broad range of issues including: Built Environment and Historic Heritage; Environment - Countryside and the Coast; LDP Biodiversity and Geodiversity; and Deposit Environmental Protection. 1.0.4 Previously, two topic papers, one entitled 'Climate Change and the Environment' and the other entitled 'Community Safety', were published at the Pre-Deposit stage in September 2011. The Pre-Deposit consultation was the first statutory stage of the LDP and set out the Council's overall Preferred Strategy. Following the consultation, the comments received have been taken into account and the topic papers have been amended accordingly. 1.0.5 For the Deposit Plan consultation stage however, the decision has been taken to (1) prepare two separate papers, one covering 'Climate Change'(1) and the other 'Environment'; and (2) to amalgamate and incorporate the main planning matters addressed in the previous 'Community Safety' topic paper into this 'Environment' topic paper. 1.0.6 The Deposit Plan consultation is the second statutory stage of the plan and allows a further period of formal public consultation. Comments received at this stage will be considered by an Independent Planning Inspector who will hold an Examination in Public into the Plan. If the Inspector considers the Plan to be 'sound' it will be recommended for adoption and once adopted it will supersede the current Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and be the primary document for use in the determination of planning applications. 1.0.7 This topic paper can be read in isolation or in conjunction with the other topic papers and background papers that have been prepared to give a full picture of Neath (2) Port Talbot . 1 1 Deposit Climate Change Topic Paper (August 2013). 2 The information contained within this Topic Paper is correct as of the date sent to print. Introduction . 1 - Environment Topic Paper (August 2013) LDP Deposit 2 2 . Background 2 Background 2013) 2.0.1 The Environment as a topic covers a range of issues relating to the existing natural and built infrastructure of the area, the framework and inter-relationships between these (August factors and the services that are supplied by the natural ecosystem (such as clean air, water and productive soil). Paper opic 2.0.2 The Planning system has a key role in addressing environmental issues, ensuring T new developments and the urban form enable residents to reduce their overall 'Ecological Footprint', avoiding and reducing significant impact where possible. Where adverse impacts on the environment are unavoidable, it should be ensured that mitigation or compensation Environment measures are put in place. There are a number of challenges which the County Borough - will face over the coming years, including addressing the impacts of climate change, LDP preventing further loss of biodiversity and integrating policies and strategies to promote and deliver sustainable development. Deposit 2.0.3 This paper will cover the following areas: Built Environment and Historic Heritage - including historic heritage (Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, Canals), design, community safety and gateways; Countryside and the Coast - including Green Wedges, Special Landscape Areas and the developed and undeveloped coast; Biodiversity and Geodiversity - including European, national, regional and local designations and priority habitats and species; and Environmental Protection - including soils, contamination, air quality, water quality, noise and light. 2.0.4 Climate change is now covered in a separate topic paper(3), which gives an overview of the impact of all aspects of planning and the LDP on the causes of climate change (and measures being taken to reduce this) and the ways in which the consequences of climate change will be taken into account and addressed. Community safety matters, previously covered in a separate topic paper, are now addressed as part of the design considerations under the Built Environment element of this topic area. 2.0.5 It should be noted that flooding issues are dealt with in the 'Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment'(4) and 'Climate Change Topic Paper' respectively.(5). 2.0.6 It should also be highlighted that the Deposit LDP has been the subject of a 'Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment)' [SA(SEA)] 3 which addresses in detail the anticipated impact of the Plan on a range of environmental, social and economic issues. The key findings are presented in the SA Report(6). 3 Deposit Climate Change Topic paper (August 2013). 4 Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment (SFCA) (August 2013). 5 Deposit - Climate Change Topic Paper (August 2013). 6 Sustainability Appraisal (August 2013). Background . 2 - Environment Topic Paper (August 2013) LDP Deposit 4 3 . Policy Context: National, Regional & Local 3 Policy Context: National, Regional & Local 2013) 3.1 National Policy Context (August Wales Spatial Plan (2008) Paper 3.1.1 One of the key priorities for the Swansea Bay Waterfront and Western Valleys opic Area, in which Neath Port Talbot lies, is to ensure that environmental protection and T enhancement are fully integrated. This includes protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of the area and managing the risks of the disconnection and isolation of habitats from changes in land use and climate. Environment - 3.1.2 The Wales Spatial Plan (WSP) recognises that the natural environment underpins the success of the area and is central to the quality of life of residents, visitors and LDP employees and is vital in ensuring that we retain jobs, attract inward investment and diversify our local economy. Deposit 3.1.3 In terms of the built environment, the WSP states that the quality of design of buildings and public spaces in the area’s city, town centres and smaller settlements needs to be high, giving places wherever possible a distinct sense of identity, fostering a sense of civic pride and community. The overall aim of the Plan is to create a network of settlements with real character which complement each other and add strength to the attractiveness of the city-region as a whole. 3.1.4 It recognises the importance of the environment for its intrinsic value and for the economy and quality of life. The safeguarding and enhancing of the natural environment will attract people and retain them and preserve the foundations for the future. The Plan identifies a need to understand better how Wales’ great environmental assets can be used to benefit people and the economy. Furthermore, it is stated that mitigation and adaptation to climate change can give opportunities for environmental gain including biodiversity enhancements and habitat improvements. Planning Policy Wales Edition 5 (2012) 3.1.5 Planning Policy Wales (PPW) identifies a number of broad objectives which reflect the sustainable development agenda and Welsh Government (WG) priorities: Promote resource-efficient and climate change resilient settlement patterns that minimise land-take (and especially extensions to the area of impermeable surfaces) and urban sprawl, especially through preference for the re-use of suitable previously developed land and buildings, wherever possible avoiding development on greenfield sites. 5 Locate developments so as to minimise the demand for travel, especially by private car. 3 . Policy Context: National, Regional & Local Deposit Guide renewable and low carbon energy provision as part of an integrated approach including the location and design of new development, identify strategic sites to deliver LDP enhanced standards, and ensure that public buildings (including major renovations) fulfil an exemplary role. - Environment Support the need to tackle the causes of climate change by moving towards a low carbon economy. This includes facilitating development that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases in a sustainable manner, provides for renewable and low carbon T opic energy sources