CABINET - 25th September 2008

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration

ITEM 6 Charnwood 2026 - Core Strategy DPD: Further Consultation Report

1. Purpose of the Report

1.1 Charnwood 2026 is the Local Development Framework for the Borough which will establish the planning strategy for the period 2001-2026. The purpose of this report is to seek approval of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document and supporting documents for public consultation.

2. Recommendations

1. That the Core Strategy DPD Further Consultation Report attached at Appendix 1 is approved for consultation;

2. That authority is delegated to the Director of Development in consultation with the Lead Member for Development to make any minor revisions to the consultation report and supporting papers subsequently identified prior to the start of consultation and to prepare a foreword for the consultation document

3. Reasons

1. To meet the requirements of Section 19 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Regulation 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008;

2. To enable the timely publication of the Core Strategy and supporting documents for consultation.

4. Policy Context

4.1 The Core Strategy Development Plan Documents are two of the key policy documents the Council is required to produce as part of the Local Development Framework. They will establish the spatial strategy for future development in the Borough over the period 2001 to 2026. When it is adopted, it will play an important role in delivering the key aims of the Corporate Plan and the spatial aspects of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

5 1

5. Background

5.1 Members may recall that the Core Strategy is an important document which sets out the vision for future development in the Borough and the strategic over- arching policy framework for other planning documents that make up the Local Development Framework.

5.2 A Local Development Scheme programming the preparation of planning documents within the Local Development Framework was first published in September 2005. This was revised and a new local development scheme was brought into effect by the Council at its meeting on 23rd February 2007. The approved Local Development Scheme envisaged the publication of a second Core Strategy preferred options report in February 2008. The proposals set out in the Science Park Development Plan Document were expected to come forward as part of the Site Allocations Development Plan Document, which was programmed to commence in June 2008.

5.3 In setting the date for the second preferred options consultation, the revised Local Development Scheme recognised that the higher level of growth likely to be identified for the Borough arising from the Regional Plan process would require further consultation with the local community on its implications. The date was fixed based on the expectation that the Panel Report and the secretary of State’s proposed changes to the draft Regional Plan would have been available to inform the Council’s consultation.

5.4 In May 2007, the Government published a White Paper called ‘Planning for a Sustainable Future’. This document proposed new measures to streamline the planning system and the development plan process. Amongst other recommendations, it set out proposals to: de-regulate the early stages of plan- making; make changes to primary legislation to simplify the process of preparing supplementary planning documents and statements of community involvement; and proposed strategic level sites to be allocated in core strategies. In the light of these proposals it was decided to bring the science park within the scope and content of the Core Strategy and to identify it as a strategic allocation along with any strategic level housing sites required as part of the growth agenda.

5.5 Unfortunately the February 2008 milestone for the second core strategy preferred options report was not met mainly because the Regional Plan timetable was delayed and it was not possible to draw firm conclusions about key strategic matters such as the scale of growth. As such it was not possible to finalise a consultation document in time to meet the milestone. The proposed changes to the draft Regional Plan were finally published in July 2008 – seven months later than originally intended.

6 2

5.6 In June 2008 the government brought into effect new regulations for the preparation of local development frameworks and published a new Planning Policy Statement 12. The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 and Planning Policy Statement 12 set out streamlined processes and de-regulated the early stages of plan preparation as envisaged by the Planning White Paper. The Regulations provide for transitional arrangements for local planning authorities like Charnwood Borough Council who are not expecting to submit development plan documents before 1st September 2008. Under the arrangements, the formal preferred option stage no longer exists and instead the council is expected to engage in ‘pre-submission consultation’ with key stakeholders and the public. The first formal stage in the process is now the submission stage. The diagram below compares the old and new system and shows the main differences between them.

Previous PPS 12 and 2004 New PPS 12 and 2008 Regulations Regulations Issues and options – informal Pre-submission consultation with consultation with key stakeholders and stakeholders and the public to consider: the public on key issues and alternative - Issues and Options options to address them. - Identification of preferred options Preferred Options – six weeks formal Publication of final plan for six weeks consultation formal consultation and then, subject to Submission of document to the representations received*, submission Secretary of State and start of six weeks to the Secretary of State formal consultation Examination in Public Examination in Public

* There is an opportunity to reconsider the draft plan and re-consult if the Council concludes from the representations received that the plan would not be sound.

5.7 The delay in the Regional Plan process has enabled the officers to usefully take account of the review of the Sustainable Community Strategy and Corporate Plan within the Core Strategy. There is a distinct advantage in having close alignment between these three documents in terms of demonstrating that the Core Strategy has had regard to the community priorities in the area as required by legislation1 and the Council’s strategic leadership role in shaping good places, creating sustainable mixed communities and delivering better local services.

5.8 The changes in the plan-making process are significant in so far as the look and feel of the consultation document attached to this report for consideration. The document is far removed from the very detailed and precise policy document that was published in February 2006 and instead focuses attention on preferred

1 Section 19 (2) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 7 3 approaches to issues raised earlier in the process. This format has been prepared following detailed discussions with the Government Office for the East Midlands.

5.9 In putting together this pre-submission consultation document, officers have had regard to the comments of the local community and key stakeholders since the start of the core strategy process, whilst taking account of the latest legislation, regulations, national and regional policies, the evidence base and sustainability appraisal. To summarise, the main consultation events so far have been:

• The May 2004 Issues Paper - this asked local community groups, businesses and other bodies what they thought were the main issues facing Charnwood; • The June 2005 Issues and Options Paper - was published inviting comment on the appropriate timescale for the Core Strategy, the scale of future development we should plan for and possible options for future growth. For both papers one day sessions were held with the Charnwood Together Forum (the wider forum of the Local Strategic Partnership) to provide the opportunity for local resident and interest groups and other key stakeholders to discuss issues in more detail; • The February 2006 preferred options report – setting out detailed wording on the preferred policies and providing a review of the alternative approaches which were discounted; • The September 2007 workshops – held in Loughborough and Thurmaston to discuss strategic priorities and alternative options for growth; and • The summer 2008 stakeholder workshops – A series of stakeholder workshops held to develop alternative options and preferred approaches to a variety of topic areas pursuant to Regulation 25 of the 2008 Regulations. Topics included: Gypsies, Travellers and Showpeople; Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency; Green Infrastructure; and Affordable Housing Viability.

5.10 Summaries of the responses to these consultations and the feedback from the events are available on the Council’s website at:

http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/environment/corestrategyarchive.html

In addition to stakeholder and public consultation, officers were guided by the Local Development Framework Member’s Reference Group, which met on the following dates:

• 10th March 2008 • 17th March 2008 • 17th June 2008 • 10th September 2008

5.11 It is recognised that the long delay between the 2006 preferred options report and this latest consultation will be confusing to some of those people who have

8 4 been involved in the process since its early stages. To address these concerns, a report will be available for the start of the consultation period that explains what has happened in the process so far and how we have moved towards the latest consultation document.

6. Status of the consultation document

6.1 In advance of publishing a final version of the development plan document for submission to the Secretary of State, the 2008 Regulations describe a period of ‘pre-submission’ consultation. The intention of this is that local planning authorities work with key stakeholders to identify key issues and discuss alternative approaches to policy before consulting the public, thus, focusing public attention on reasonable approaches that have been more fully developed rather than a range of untested alternatives that may or may not be acceptable to key stakeholders.

6.2 The nature of pre-submission consultation is therefore informal and it is therefore important to stress that the consultation document cannot carry any material weight in the development control decision making process. The first time that any material weight can be attached to the Core Strategy Development Plan Document is when it has been approved by Council and submitted to the Secretary of State. Even then the material weight that can be afforded to its policies will be dependent on the representations made to them.

7. Evidence Base

7.1 Since the last preferred options report the Council has prepared the following studies:

• Joint Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Gypsy and Travellers Accommodation Assessment (2007) • Housing Land Availability Assessment (2007) • Settlement Hierarchy Review (2008) • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2008) • Phase 1 Habitat Survey (2008) • Species Report (2008) • Retail and Town Centre Study (2008) • Transport Assessments for the Charnwood LDF (2008)

7.2 The following studies are ongoing and are expected to be available during the consultation period:

• Strategic Housing Market Area Assessment • Leicester and Leicestershire HMA Employment Land Study • Strategic housing Land Availability Assessment

9 5 • Affordable Housing Viability Report

7.3 Further studies may be required in advance of submission.

8. Sustainability appraisal

8.1 Sustainability Appraisal is an important part of plan-making providing a means to assess the implications of proposals on the environment, society and the economy. Consultants were commissioned to undertake a baseline assessment of the Borough and establish a ‘sustainability appraisal framework’ to be used to appraise documents prepared as part of the local development framework. The Scoping Report and Framework was considered by Cabinet at its meeting on the 31st March 2005. Sustainability appraisal has been used throughout the Core Strategy process to assess emerging options and to inform the selection of preferred approaches.

9. The Core Strategy Development Plan Document: Further Consultation Report

9.1 The Core Strategy Further Consultation Report is attached in Appendix one. It identifies the preferred policy approaches in the light of consultation on the issues, sustainability appraisal and ongoing technical work. It also identifies the alternative options considered and explains why these are not the preferred way forward.

9.2 The consultation document provides an important opportunity for local residents, community groups, developer interests and other key stakeholders to have an input and comment on the preferred approach and other alternatives as the Council develops policies for the final submission version and before any firm decisions are made. In this respect the further consultation papers are very much living documents and are not cast in stone. Indeed, it may be the case that further consultation around discrete topic areas may be required up to the publication of the formal submission draft of the Core Strategy.

9.3 The Core Strategy Further Consultation Report outlines the overall vision and key strategic policies to deliver that vision over the period to 2026. The key changes over the 2006 preferred options report include:

• Amendments to the settlement hierarchy to reclassify East Goscote and Hathern from ‘Service Centres’ to ‘Other Settlements’ and the removal of the settlement limits to those remaining ‘Small villages and hamlets in the countryside’ that have settlement limits defined in the local plan; effectively restricting future development in these areas; • Confirms the scale of development required to fulfil the draft Regional Plan of 19,300 homes between 2001-2026 and sets out how these are to be distributed. Identifies two strategic urban extensions, one on land west or Loughborough and another on land to the East of Thurmaston

10 6 and North of Hamilton. An allowance is made to meet the needs of Service Centres; • Identifies an amount of employment land in each strategic urban extension. Seeks to maintain and safeguard the level of employment land elsewhere in the Borough; • Sets out a new strategy to bring together policy approaches towards natural and formal green spaces into a comprehensive Green Infrastructure strategy; • Expands the reach of regeneration to identify specific measure to tackle deprivation, social exclusion and to increase prosperity and quality of life; • Establishes an expectation and a requirement for a step-change in design quality and its contribution towards meeting higher standards of energy efficiency; • Identifies affordable housing need and the requirement for sites for gypsies, travellers and showpeople; • Identifies the opportunities in the Borough for renewable energy generation and the requirement for such schemes to form a part of sustainable urban extensions. Requires all new development of 10 or more dwellings to secure at least 10% of energy from decentralised and renewable or low carbon sources. • Establishes a retail hierarchy of Loughborough Town Centre, District Centres and Local Centres. • Sets out the implications of the topic areas for north and south Charnwood and explains what the directions of growth means for the two areas in turn.

9.4 The scale of housing development required by the draft Regional Plan is based the projected need for additional homes in the East Midlands. About half of the projected growth is the result of changes in the existing population. This is a result of people living longer and more people living alone or in smaller family units, increasing the number homes needed by the existing population. The remaining element of the projected growth is the result of migration. Some of this migration is from abroad, but the majority is from other parts of England, particularly London and the wider south east.

9.5 The preferred approaches to meet the housing requirements is to provide for carefully planned sustainable urban extensions providing an appropriate mix of uses that will enable the provision of necessary supporting infrastructure. This approach will provide certainty for local residents, stakeholders, developers and service providers. It offers the most potential to deliver the government’s objectives of urban renaissance, housing growth and more sustainable communities.

9.6 A number of studies prepared since 2006, and detailed above, have been particularly important in establishing the evidence base for the directions of growth and the specific choice of location for sustainable urban extensions. It is

11 7 important to understand that in making choices, officers have taken account of the whole evidence base and sustainability appraisal. Regard has also been given to the ability of proposals to be delivered, which will be an important test at the Examination in Public.

9.7 Accompanying the Core Strategy consultation document is the Sustainability Appraisal which is attached in appendix 2. It shows the assessment of the social, economic and environmental implications of the preferred approach and the alternative options undertaken.

9.8 Subject to Cabinet approval, consultation on the Core Strategy Further Consultation Report will commence on 24th October 2008 and run for six weeks to 5th December 2008. In accordance with the adopted Statement of Community Involvement, a range of measures are planned to convey the consultation:

• A series of public exhibitions and meetings have been arranged across the borough. Officers will also attend the scheduled round 4 Area Forum meetings. The date of all these meetings and exhibitions is shown in Appendix 3. • A postcard will be sent to every household in the Borough to tell them where they can access a meeting or exhibition. • Information will also be available on the website and at local libraries. • The Planning Policy Team is working with the Consultation and Communications Team to manage public relations matters.

The Limehouse online consultation tool will be used for the first time. This will enable comments to be made directly to the consultation document online and should improve the speed at which comments can be processed and reported.

10. The next steps

10.1 The responses received will help to inform the preparation of a submission version of the Core Strategy development plan document. Depending on the scale of responses received it is intended to publish this in spring 2009. This will be a more detailed policy document and one which the Council should consider to be sound. A formal six week period of consultation will follow. If there are any fundamental representations made to the plan which might lead to it being found unsound, the Council may choose to refine it and reconsult. Once there are no fundamental representations the plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State along with a final Sustainability Appraisal Report. The Secretary of State will appoint an independent inspector to assess the soundness of the plan during the Examination in Public, which is expected to take place in the late summer 2009.

10.2 The Local Development Scheme will need to be revised to take account of changes introduced by the 2008 Regulations and Planning Policy Statement 12.

12 8 The Secretary of State is not currently inviting refreshed submissions of local development schemes and so in the interim, an indicative revised Local Development Scheme will be prepared and published on the website. This will be necessary to provide certainty to the public and stakeholders about the documents that will be needed to support the proposals in the Core Strategy and when work on them will commence. It will also be helpful to inform the Council’s budget process and the resources required to deliver the local development framework. Work will commence on the revision this autumn.

11. Financial Implications

11.1 Maintaining performance against the adopted Local Development Scheme has been a key indicator for the allocation of Housing and Planning Delivery Grant in the past.

Risk Management

Risk Identified Likelihood Impact Risk Management Actions Planned Any delay in publishing a Medium High To ensure adequate resources submission draft could result are available to meet the in developers submitting indicative timetable for the applications for planning Core Strategy. To work with permission without the members to ensure they benefit of an overarching understand the implications of strategy. This could include growth and are in a position to any of the alternative SUE take difficult decisions at options. Council. Submission documents fail the Low High Changes in the Regulations test of soundness allow the Council to revisit its proposals if it considers that representation suggest there are fundamental soundness issues.

Key Decision: No

Background Papers: The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/20040005.htm The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/uksi_20081371_en_1 Planning Policy Statement 12: ‘Local Spatial Planning’ (June 2008) http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planni

13 9 ng/planningpolicyguidance/planningpolicystatements/plannin gpolicystatements/pps12 Summary of Response to Issues Paper Consultation May 2004; Summary of Response to Issues and Options Consultation June 2005; Summary of One Day Session with Charnwood Together Forum and Other Stakeholders, June 2005 Core Strategy DPD preferred Options Report 2006 Science Park DPD preferred Options Report 2006 Summary of September 2007 stakeholder workshops on directions for growth Summary of Summer Stakeholder Workshops 2008

Officer(s) to Contact: Richard Bennett (01509) 634763 [email protected]

David Hankin (01509) 634761 [email protected]

14 10 Appendix One

Charnwood 2026: Planning for Our Next Generation

Core Strategy Further Consultation

Draft September 2008

15 11 Contents

To be added

16 12 FOREWORD

To be added following consultation with Cllr Fryer

Councillor Hilary Fryer Cabinet Lead Member for Development

How to Comment

Comments should be made in writing clearly stating the paragraph number or question number and sent to: the Director of Development and Regeneration, Charnwood Borough Council, Southfields, Loughborough, LE11 2TN

Comments can be made online by following this link: http://consult.charnwood.gov.uk/portal/planning

All comments should be sent to us by Friday 5th December 2008

17 13 Equalities Statement

To be added

18 14 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS CHARNWOOD 2026?

1.1 Charnwood 2026 is the name given to the Charnwood Local Development Framework. The Local Development Framework is a folder of planning documents prepared by the Council in consultation with stakeholders and the public. These documents will collectively set out the spatial strategy for the Borough and gradually replace the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan. The requirement to prepare Local Development Frameworks was introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

1.2 The Council has published a project plan called the Local Development Scheme detailing the planning documents it intends to prepare and the timetable for their production. This includes both Development Plan Documents which set out planning policy and Supplementary Planning Documents, which set out more detailed guidance on these policies. The diagram below illustrates the types of documents that will make up the Local Development Framework and how it relates closely to the Regional Spatial Strategy and Sustainable Community Strategy.

WHAT IS THE CORE STRATEGY?

1.3 The Core Strategy is the first Development Plan Document to be prepared by the Council. It takes account of community priorities in the Sustainable Community Strategy and sets out the Council’s vision and overall strategy for future development in Charnwood over the next twenty years - including the broad directions for growth to deliver future requirements for homes, jobs and other strategic development. All

19 15 other documents produced as part of Charnwood 2026 Local Development Framework will need to reflect and be in agreement with the Core Strategy.

1.4 The Core Strategy makes strategic allocations that are central to the achievement of the overall strategy and require long lead-in times. For Charnwood this relates to the proposed sustainable urban extensions and Science Park. Smaller non-strategic allocations will be made in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR?

1.5 The Council has been preparing its Core Strategy since 2004. Since then the Council has produced a number of consultation documents that have identified the key issues affecting the Borough and discussed the alternative ways to address them.

1.6 In May 2004 we published an Issues Paper and in June 2005 an Issues and Options Paper. These consultations asked stakeholders what they thought were the main issues facing Charnwood and what the vision and key spatial objectives of the strategy should be. A wide range of comments were received helping to inform the preparation of the Core Strategy Preferred Options Report in 2006. Summaries of the responses to these consultations can be viewed on our website at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/environment/corestrategyarchive.html.

1.7 Since the Core Strategy Preferred Options report was published in 2006, government projections have predicted an increase in household formation. These projections have been taken into account in the draft Regional Plan and the scale of housing growth for Charnwood has had to be revised. Preparing a fresh consultation document which takes account of the increased growth provides an opportunity to take account of the latest national and regional policies as well as a range of new studies prepared by the Council. It has also been an opportunity to align the Core Strategy vision and objectives with the review of the Sustainable Community Strategy for Charnwood prepared by the Local Strategic Partnership Charnwood Together.

1.8 In reviewing the preferred options for this latest consultation document, the Council has engaged with key groups and organisations to ensure it has identified and considered all the reasonable alternative approaches to meet our future development needs. During September 2007 the Council consulted statutory agencies, Parish Councils, local interest groups and range of other stakeholders on alternative strategies to inform this consultation. During the last six months the Council held a series of workshops and focus groups to develop approaches to a number of topic areas. There have also been on-going discussions with a range of statutory agencies and infrastructure providers to discuss the constraints and opportunities of possible growth options and policy approaches. These discussions have inputted into the sustainability appraisal process, which has been a central part of the preparation of the Core Strategy. Much of this work is reflected in the Background Papers and the Sustainability Appraisal Report which accompany this consultation document.

1.9 The other key influence on the selection of the preferred options and a key input into the sustainability appraisal has been the evidence base studies undertaken to inform Charnwood 2026. There are a number of new studies that have been prepared since 2006 that have helped inform this Core Strategy consultation document:

20 16 ƒ Settlement Hierarchy Review (2008) ƒ Joint Leicester and Leicestershire Gypsies and Travellers Accommodation Needs Assessment (2007) ƒ Housing Land Availability Assessment (2007) ƒ Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2008) ƒ Retail and Town Centre Study (2008) ƒ Phase 1 Habitat Survey (2008) ƒ Species Report (2008) ƒ Transport Assessments for Charnwood 2026 (2008) ƒ Strategic Housing Market Area Assessment (2008) ƒ Leicester and Leicestershire HMA Employment Land Study (2008)

1.10 There are a number of other studies currently being prepared including a Joint Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and Affordable Housing Viability Assessment. As work progresses we will need to commission further studies.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL?

1.11 Sustainability appraisal is an iterative process that considers the effects of proposals against an agreed set of objectives representing key indicators for the environment, economy and society. The process provides a means to evaluate proposals and to make informed judgements about their contribution towards or away from the agreed sustainability objectives.

1.12 Following consultation on the proposed scope and approach to sustainability appraisal, assessments have been prepared to accompany each of the consultation documents produced so far. Building on this work, a further sustainability appraisal has been prepared to assess the alternative directions for growth, alternative options and the preferred approaches in this document. The results of these assessments are available in a Sustainability Appraisal Report from our website at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/environment/charnwood2026

WHAT ARE WE CONSULTING YOU ABOUT?

1.13 This further consultation and the accompanying sustainability appraisal provide an opportunity for everybody to comment on the options available and the Council’s preferred option. No final decisions have been made yet and we want to know what you think. Your comments will help us to write a formal draft of the Core Strategy document in the New Year.

NEXT STEPS

1.14 The comments we receive in response to this consultation will help us to prepare a formal draft of the Core Strategy which must be in a form that can be submitted to the

21 17 Secretary of State. There will be a further six week public consultation on this formal draft before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for consideration.

1.15 The submission Core Strategy document will be considered by an independent Inspector on behalf of the Secretary of State. The Inspector will consider the representations made and decide whether the strategy is sound. The Inspector’s Report will be binding upon the Council and any changes recommended must be made before the Council can adopt the core strategy.

WHAT’S IN THIS REPORT?

1.1 This report is made up of a further four chapters:

Chapter 2: Context – sets out the spatial portrait of the Borough and the context for the Core Strategy, outlining the main national, regional and local policies that we have to take into account;

Chapter 3: Vision for Charnwood – outlines the key issues facing the Borough, the evidence of these issues, sets out our vision for what we would like Charnwood to be like in 20 years time and our objectives to achieve this vision;

Chapter 4: Development Strategy for Charnwood – considers how many new homes and jobs we need to plan for in light of the Draft Regional Plan and where these should go, including consideration of the most suitable locations for major new sustainable urban extensions. It also sets out the Council’s policy approach to a number of key issues to ensure we meet the future development needs in the most sustainable way;

Chapter 5: Implications of the Development Strategy - Applies the development strategy to north and south Charnwood and demonstrates how the vision will be delivered.

22 18 CHAPTER 2: CONTEXT

SPATIAL PORTRAIT FOR CHARNWOOD

2.1 Charnwood’s diversity and contrasts, from the bustle of urban life to rural tranquillity, provide a dynamic mix and make the Borough an attractive place to live, work and visit. With a population of over 153,000 the Borough sits centrally between the three cities of Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. It extends from the main County town of Loughborough in the north to the edge of Leicester to the south.

2.2 Just over a third of the population (55,000) live in the thriving university town of Loughborough. As the largest County town in Leicestershire, the town is an important centre for business, commerce and retailing. Much of the town’s vibrancy is due to the mix of cultures present in the town. A string of larger settlements extend northwards from the edge of Leicester along the valley of the River Soar. The more rural areas are on the higher rolling landscapes of the Charnwood Forest to the west and the Leicestershire Wolds to the east, along with the area along the River Wreake and part of High Leicestershire.

2.3 Many of the larger settlements were linked to the textile and clothing trades. With the closure of many of the factories in recent years there have been quite significant impacts on settlements like Shepshed, Sileby and Anstey which have increasingly become dormitory settlements for Leicester and Loughborough.

2.4 The Charnwood Forest area, part of the National Forest, has a distinctive character of wooded upland areas with rocky outcrops. It draws many visitors particularly to Bradgate Park. With Charnwood Forest and the river valleys, the Borough's comprises a rich biodiversity resource and the Council is proud of its record in preserving and protecting wildlife habitats and species. The Borough contains 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and over 200 Local Wildlife Sites. Both the River Soar and River Wreake are regionally significant in their role as strategic wildlife corridors.

2.5 Charnwood’s historic environment is rich and varied, with over 1,000 listed buildings; 36 conservation areas; 21 Scheduled Ancient Monuments; and 3 historic parks and gardens and another 200 properties on the locally prepared list of buildings of interest.

2.6 Borough residents enjoy easy access to a range of formal and informal recreational facilities, including Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill in the Charnwood Forest and Watermead Country Park, where former gravel workings have been transformed to provide to offer an alternative recreational destination to the Forest. There are well used Leisure Centres in Loughborough, Mountsorrel and Syston. However there are deficiencies in recreational facilities in some communities.

2.7 Loughborough is a thriving commercial centre with strong associations, not only with further and higher education, but also engineering and pharmaceuticals. It is the main retail and cultural centre in the Borough, boasting a varied shopping experience, Leisure Centre, Museum and the successful Town Hall Theatre. The presence of Loughborough University is significant and brings many benefits for the Borough, not least for the local economy. There are issues relating to the impact of a large student

23 19 population on the town, particularly in terms of student accommodation and pressures on the local housing market.

2.8 Because of its location close to the three cities of Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, Charnwood’s housing market is relatively buoyant. Over the last 10 years new housing development has been concentrated in Loughborough and Shepshed and the larger Soar and Wreake valley settlements. However, in much of the Borough there are real problems of affordability. Recent research to inform the Regional Housing Strategy found that across much of the Borough house prices were more than 4 times average incomes. There is a range and mix of house types and sizes in the Borough, although the Housing Needs Survey 2003/05 identified a shortage of flatted accommodation compared with demand.

2.9 Whilst Charnwood is relatively affluent, there are pockets of deprivation where communities suffer from poor access to jobs, poor housing and lack of facilities. This can be a problem that affects both urban and rural communities. Recent work has identified areas of relatively higher need in eastern and western Loughborough, Mountsorrel and in South Charnwood (in parts of Syston and Thurmaston).

2.10 The Borough is easily accessible from the M1, the Midland Mainline between Sheffield and London and the nearby Nottingham East Midlands Airport. The A6 linking Loughborough with Leicester, the A60 to Nottingham, and the A46 to Newark are the main trunk roads in the area. While there is a good local road network, and reasonable bus and rail services to larger settlements, accessibility is an issue for those in the more rural areas. The network of cycleways and footpaths is reasonably good especially around Loughborough. The National Cycleway traverses the Borough from Shepshed south to Watermead Country Park.

2.11 There are problems of congestion in the peak hour on the main A6, A512, A60 and Forest Road approaches to Loughborough and on the A6 and A46 towards Leicester in the south of the Borough. A number of rural communities, particularly the Wolds villages of Wymeswold and Burton on the Wolds suffer from the impact of heavy goods vehicles using the east- west route from the A46 towards the M1. Traffic congestion has resulted in air quality problems in parts of the Borough, particularly along the A6 and A512 in Loughborough and Melton Road in Syston where Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) have been designated.

24 20 THE STRATEGIC CONTEXT

2.12 The spatial strategy for the Borough needs to take account of national planning policy statements and the East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. The Regional Spatial Strategy is being reviewed and a revised Regional Spatial Strategy, also known as the Regional Plan, is expected to be approved in the spring 2009

2.13 The Regional Spatial Strategy, together with the saved policies of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Structure Plan, the Charnwood Borough Local Plan and the Minerals and Waste Local Plans make up the development plan for Charnwood. Development Plan Documents proposed as part of the Charnwood Local Development Framework and the Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework, prepared by Leicestershire County Council, will replace Local Plan policies as they are approved.

2.14 In preparing its proposals the Council must take account of national policies set out in Planning Policy Statements and national guidance in Planning Policy Guidance Notes. These documents set out the government’s intentions for the use and development of land and set out the ground rules for local planning authorities to follow in preparing Local Development Frameworks.

2.15 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 sets out the duty of planning to secure sustainable development. Planning Policy Statement 1 emphasises the key role planning plays to facilitate and promote sustainable and inclusive patterns of urban and rural development and the creation of sustainable communities that will stand the test of time, where people want to live, and which will enable people to meet their aspirations and potential. A well used definition of sustainable development is:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY STRATEGY

2.16 The Local Government Act places a duty on all local authorities and their partners to produce a sustainable community strategy that will help improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area.

2.17 Charnwood Together, the Local Strategic Partnership involving the Borough and County Councils, public service providers and statutory agencies, local businesses, voluntary organisations and the local community, produced a fresh sustainable community strategy for Charnwood in September 2008. An equivalent partnership ‘Leicestershire Together’, acting across Leicestershire, also produced a new Sustainable Community Strategy in May 2008.

2.18 The Local Development Framework is required to have regard to the Sustainable Community Strategy in setting out its vision and strategy for the future of the Borough. Since work commenced on the Core Strategy in the 2004, it has sought to take account of the Sustainable Community Strategy. The review of the sustainable community strategy and the corporate plan have provided an opportunity to closely align the three documents to ensure the Local Development Framework delivers the spatial elements of these strategies. This demonstrates the commitment that the

25 21 council and its partners have in creating truly sustainable communities and in shaping good places to live and work.

2.19 With this in mind, the review of the Sustainable Community Strategy and the preparation of the Core Strategy have been based on a shared evidence base. Joint stakeholder consultation has also been undertaken to develop a single vision and set of spatial objectives for both strategies. It has also helped with the essential collaboration between partners which is particularly important in the context of major growth and the need for co-ordination in the delivery of infrastructure to benefit both existing and new residents and businesses.

2.20 Related to this is the Leicestershire Local Area Agreement, which is essentially the delivery plan for the Sustainable Community Strategies. It is a written agreement about the priority outcomes for an area and sets out how public, voluntary and private sector bodies within an area will work together to improve the quality of life for residents over a three year period. The second Local Area Agreement for Leicestershire was signed in June 2008 to cover the period 2008-11. This has provided an opportunity to align the 35 priority local indicators in the Local Area Agreement with those of the Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Development Framework.

THE THREE CITIES NEW GROWTH POINT

2.21 The Government announced the New Growth Points initiative in December 2005. The initiative is intended to provide support to local communities who wish to pursue large scale and sustainable growth through partnership with Government. The three Counties (Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) and three Cities (Leicester, Derby and Nottingham) submitted a bid for designation as one of the New Growth Points in June 2006 based on housing proposals in the draft Regional Plan. This bid was accepted in October 2006 and has resulted in some initial funding for 2008-11 to support growth. Charnwood will have a key role to play in delivering the Three Cities New Growth Point proposals and as such will benefit from this funding.

2.22 New Growth Point status is not a statutory designation but is a long term partnership between Government and local partners linked to early delivery of housing and ensuring that infrastructure and service provision keep pace with growth. The Three Cities New Growth Point is also bringing authorities together to ensure a co-ordinated approach to issues such as developer contributions and green infrastructure.

26 22 CHAPTER 3: A SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR CHARNWOOD: ISSUES, VISION AND OBJECTIVES

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

3.1 To gain an understanding of the key issues the Core Strategy needs to address the Council consulted on an Issues Paper in May 2004 when the Council invited local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders to highlight the issues that they felt needed addressing through the LDF. Subsequently the Council published an Issues and Options Paper in June 2005, which set out a range of issues which had been identified through this earlier consultation. The June 2005 paper was also informed by work on the Sustainability Appraisal Framework. Consultants were engaged to undertake a “baseline assessment” of the Borough to identify key sustainability issues. This has been continuously updated since 2005 and the most up to date baseline assessment is set out in the Sustainability Appraisal Report which can be viewed on the Council’s web site.

3.2 Consultation on the Issues Papers, work on the baseline assessment for the sustainability appraisal and new national and regional policies have helped to identify the following key issues for Charnwood: ƒ Reducing the Borough’s impact on Climate Change: Climate change is now widely recognised to be the most significant issue facing the future of the region. The issues cut across all land use and affect the environment, economy and quality of life. The issue must be addressed as part of a coherent strategy to deal with this long-term problem that demands an immediate and coordinated response. ƒ A growing and ageing population: The Borough’s population is forecast to grow from 157,500 in 2004 to 177,300 by 2029. The draft Regional Plan requires the provision of 19,300 homes in Charnwood between 2001 and 2026. Although Charnwood has a slightly younger age profile due to the presence of Loughborough University, reflecting national trends the Borough also has an ageing resident population. A key issue for the Local Development Framework will be how to meet the housing needs of an expanding and ageing population. ƒ The local economy: Overall the local economy is strong, with the area benefiting from Loughborough’s strengths in the high technology sector and also from the presence of Loughborough University. It is important for the local and regional economy that we build on these strengths. However, there is a high degree of polarisation in the Borough’s occupational structure with a combination of a high skilled and low skilled workforce. There remains a high share of manufacturing jobs and a comparatively low share in the growth sectors of financial and business services. There has been a loss of jobs against national trends associated with the steep decline in the textile industry. This has impacted on some of the traditional industrial villages like Shepshed, Sileby and Anstey which have suffered a significant decline in their employment base. There is a net outflow from the Borough of some 11,000 workers, with over 50% of those residents leaving Charnwood to work travelling to Leicester. The labour market balance has been worsening since 2001, with the Borough being dependent on jobs provided in adjoining local authority areas like Leicester. ƒ A lack of affordable housing: Increasing house prices in recent years has meant that affordability issues increasingly affect communities throughout

27 23 Charnwood. The Borough has one of the highest house price to income ratios in Leicestershire. The 2003 Housing Needs Survey identified particular needs within Shepshed, Barrow/Quorn, Thurmaston, East Goscote, and the Wreake Valley villages. The lack of affordable housing is a particular issue for the smaller rural communities where the potential for additional provision is limited. In terms of dwelling type the Borough has a smaller proportion of terraced housing and flatted accommodation in the Borough when compared with the national average. ƒ A concentration of certain types and tenures of housing in some locations: There are communities in the Borough that are unbalanced due the concentration of one household type, tenure, size or type of housing. This is a particular issue in Loughborough where concentrations of student households have resulted in unbalanced communities in parts of the town. Some wards close to the University are made up of more than 20% student households. Issues that result include the impact on public facilities such as schools, property price increases limiting access to affordable homes for first time buyers, out of term time vacancies, poor housing management and maintenance, poor quality student population accommodation, high levels of car ownership and low level anti-social behaviour. ƒ The impact of heavy volumes of traffic: Although less of an issue compared to parts of Leicester City, some routes within Charnwood suffer from high volumes of traffic. Along with the M1 Motorway, the A6, A60, A46 and A512 provide key transport routes linking the Three Cities and Loughborough. A number of routes within and around Loughborough and on the main approaches to the City experience some congestion at peak times. Air Quality Management Areas have been designated in Loughborough and Syston as a result of the impact of traffic on air quality in these areas. High volumes of heavy goods vehicles impact on some communities for example Hathern and a number of Wolds villages. ƒ Real travel choice by public transport, cycling and walking is limited outside the main urban areas: In Loughborough and Shepshed, the Soar Valley communities and settlements close to the edge of Leicester, residents enjoy reasonably good access to public transport, cycling and walking facilities although only some of the current provision is good enough to provide a realistic alternative to car use. Outside these areas and in the more rural communities access to public transport is more limited. Residents usually have to rely on the car to access services and facilities in the larger settlements. ƒ Pockets of deprivation: The Borough has some considerable pockets of deprivation. These include parts of Loughborough in Hastings, Lemyngton, Southfields, Storer and Shelthorpe wards. Five of the ten most deprived Super Output Areas in Leicestershire fall within these Loughborough wards. Other noticeable pockets of deprivation in Charnwood fall within south Charnwood and the Soar Valley villages. These are areas where residents have lower than average incomes, suffer poor health and have lower levels of educational attainment. ƒ The shopping and cultural facilities: Loughborough is the main shopping and cultural destination within the Borough and continues to be relatively buoyant. However its catchment and market share is affected by the sustained growth of the nearby higher order centres of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. All these centres have seen significant increases in quality retail floorspace in recent years. Without improvements to Loughborough town

28 24 centre, further trade could divert to these larger centres with a resulting detrimental impact on the town centre. Local shopping and other facilities are provided in the larger settlements. Some, like Shepshed and Sileby, have suffered a decline in recent years in part associated with the loss of local employment. Other centres like Thurmaston have expanded. The key issue is how the role of these centres can support local shopping, cultural and leisure needs in the future. In the smaller rural communities of the Forest and Wolds there has been a loss of local services and facilities increasing the difficulties of access to services and facilities for these communities. ƒ Deficiencies in green space provision: The Green Space Strategy identifies a need for further Country Park facilities, district parks in Loughborough, Birstall, Shepshed and Syston and smaller parks and recreation grounds across the Borough. ƒ Flooding along the Rivers Soar and Wreake: A number of the Borough’s settlements extend along the Soar and Wreake Valleys making many communities vulnerable to potentially increased flood risk. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment suggests that the impact of flood events are likely to increase as a consequence of our changing climate although the depth of flood events rather than their extent is predicted. ƒ Crime and the fear of crime in local communities: The overall crime rate for the Borough, at 88.2 per 1,000 people, was slightly below the figure for Leicestershire of 96 per 1,000. Loughborough Town Centre is a crime hotspot with a crime rate of around 180 per 1,000. Crime and the fear of crime is an issue that factors highly in local resident surveys. ƒ Built heritage: With over 1,000 listed buildings, 36 conservation areas, 21 scheduled ancient monuments and 3 historic parks and gardens, the Borough has a rich built heritage. There are, however, problems resulting from development pressures and neglect. There are some long standing issues with a number of historic structures and buildings that have been placed on the ‘at risk’ register. ƒ Maintaining settlement identity: The Borough has a relatively high population density reflecting the concentrated settlement pattern arising from the settlements extending along the Soar and Wreake valleys from Leicester. There have long been local concerns about the potential loss of settlement identity through further development. The need to provide for future homes and jobs in the Borough can be expected to increase the pressure on the remaining areas of open land between settlements. ƒ Maintaining local landscape character: The Borough is made up of a series of distinct landscapes from the Charnwood Forest to the Wolds. The Charnwood Forest also forms the eastern edge of the National Forest. Policies are needed to ensure that where development does take place, it reflects the character of the Charnwood landscapes. ƒ Sustainable design quality: Many of the settlements in the Borough have a strong local distinctiveness through the use of local materials and building styles. In particular the Charnwood Forest villages have a strong local character and identity. Some recent developments have not reflected this local distinctiveness and have not made a positive contribution to the quality of the Borough’s urban areas. More can be done to ensure that new developments incorporate sustainable design principles.

29 25 ƒ Biodiversity: Compared to other parts of the East Midlands the Borough contains significant areas of ecological interest mainly focussed on the Charnwood Forest and the river valleys of the Soar and Wreake. Some of these areas, including nationally designated sites, are in a poor state and face continued pressures from future development. Regionally significant biodiversity corridors along the river valleys pass through the Borough. There are issues associated with the decline and fragmentation of key biodiversity corridors. ƒ Use of natural resources: In common with other areas, Charnwood residents and business consume natural resources through the use of minerals, energy and water resources and create waste. It is a key national objective to minimise resource use, waste and increase the contribution to energy production from renewable sources. Charnwood does not stand out as an area of excessively high energy use and recycling rates have improved significantly in recent years. Across Leicestershire, energy generation from renewable sources is has been limited and there is scope to increase this in the future.

30 26 VISION FOR CHARNWOOD

3.3 The Sustainable Community Strategy vision for the Borough is: ‘An improved quality of life for everyone living and working in Charnwood’

3.4 It sets out four priority themes for delivering the vision: ƒ People Matter ƒ Places & Environment Matter ƒ Prosperity Matters and ƒ Partnership Matters.

3.5 The Council’s Corporate Plan takes forward these themes and sets out the Council’s priorities and objectives for the Borough up to 2011, within the context of the Council’s aspiration to be ‘Leading in Leicestershire’.

3.6 The Local Development Framework will be a key tool in helping to deliver the shared vision on the ground. It will providing a clear strategy and policies to make the best use of future development opportunities to provide real and lasting benefits and deliver the changes necessary to make Charnwood’s towns and villages more sustainable communities.

A Spatial Vision for Charnwood

People Matter

3.7 A vision for healthy and strong and accessible communities - healthy, cohesive and engaged communities leading to active citizens and civil renewal.

3.8 In Loughborough the student population is making positive contributions to the Borough’s economy and diversity. Steps to manage and reduce adverse impacts on particular parts of the town, in conjunction with Loughborough University and other partners have been successful in achieving a more balanced residential mix and a consequent improvement in those environments.

3.9 The effect of designing out crime principles as a matter of routine has also reduced the opportunities for criminals and reduced the fear of crime.

3.10 Everyone in the Borough, young and old, has the opportunity of enjoying the healthy lifestyle offered by quality leisure and sporting activities, as well as national healthcare facilities and treatment. The availability of diverse and exciting cultural opportunities in towns and rural areas contributes to healthy living. Charnwood Forest retains its special landscape character and through its designation as a Regional Park, recreational and tourism pressures have been effectively managed.

Places & Environment Matter

3.11 A vision for creating safe and liveable areas – greener, cleaner and safer living environments, with a focus on deprived areas.

3.12 By 2026 Charnwood will be widely regarded as an excellent place to live, work and visit. The essential characteristics and diversity of the Borough’s landscape, ecology, heritage and built environment have been preserved. The variety of lifestyle choices,

31 27 from urban to suburban and from larger village to rural isolation makes the Borough attractive to established residents and new arrivals alike.

3.13 New sustainable communities have been substantially completed to the west of Loughborough and to the east of Thurmaston/north of Hamilton providing homes for nearly 20,000 people along with jobs, shops, services and other community facilities. Through these strategic land allocations a clear strategy for longer term growth in Charnwood up to 2026 and beyond has been established.

3.14 Green spaces have been connected together to provide ‘green infrastructure networks’ across the district and into neighbouring districts providing multi- functional benefits including recreational space, biodiversity enhancement, flood protection and helping to improve the overall environment and the health and well- being of the population.

3.15 The local environment is clean and safe and a clear emphasis on recycling, sustainable development and energy efficiency means that the Borough is contributing actively to reducing global environmental problems. Our targets for recycling have been met and good progress has been made in implementing our “Zero Waste” strategy.

3.16 Air quality has improved in those locations where traffic congestion was problematic, the congestion reduced through increased use of quality, integrated public transport and other alternatives to motor vehicle use. There has been a substantial reduction in the incidents of severe flooding across the Borough.

3.17 The quality and coverage of public bus services has improved alongside integration with rail services. Loughborough railway station and its forecourt have been enhanced as part of the redevelopment of the eastern gateway of the Town, and there are regular mainline rail services from Loughborough and frequent local services serving Loughborough, Barrow upon Soar, Sileby and Syston. The road network is in good condition.

3.18 Shepshed and Thurmaston have benefited from investment and concerted action to address their unique problems. The opportunity sites in Loughborough town centre have been developed and it is an attractive, vibrant and vital place where people choose to shop and spend their leisure time.

Prosperity Matters

3.19 A vision for maximising opportunities for a dynamic Charnwood economy - thinking and planning ahead to retain and enhance the strong Charnwood economy.

3.20 Loughborough is a key sub-regional centre for shopping, leisure and entertainment within the Three Cities sub area. It is also a key business and commercial centre, offering a clear alternative to the cities of Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. Pedestrianisation has been extended and Loughborough’s reputation as a “green” and “walkable town” has been secured. This is complemented by the local facilities and employment opportunities available in many of our other towns and villages.

3.21 The population is decently housed and a good variety of housing types and tenures is available, making living in the Borough more achievable for people of all ages and incomes. In meeting the Borough’s housing and employment needs development has been directed to the main urban centres of Loughborough, Shepshed, Birstall

32 28 and Thurmaston. Whilst full use has been made of available previously developed land and buildings, it has been necessary to identify areas for growth to meet the future requirements for new homes and jobs.

3.22 In the smaller towns and villages some small scale growth has helped meet local needs for homes jobs and additional community facilities.

3.23 The economy of Charnwood is strong and is a key contributor to the East Midlands regional economy. Unemployment remains below the national average and those pockets of higher than average unemployment in 2004 are now close to the rate for the Borough as a whole. Decline in the traditional manufacturing sector has been more than offset by expansion in high added value manufacturing, hi-tech and knowledge based industry and the development of sports and cultural industry clusters.

3.24 A second Science Park has been provided at Loughborough. The presence of Loughborough University plays a pivotal role in the local economy through education, research, and dynamic business initiatives. The growth needs of the University have been accommodated and large companies such as FKI, AstraZeneca, Lafarge and 3M continue to thrive alongside a wide range of small and medium enterprises and the priority given to new business and inward investment has enabled new talent to become established. Improved conference and hotel facilities draw people to the Borough.

Partnership Matters

3.25 A vision for supporting and developing joined up thinking and action – from networking to action delivery stage improving working across all sectors in the Borough.

3.26 The Council has worked with its partners, other agencies and the local community to address the key concerns of the community identified through the sustainable community strategy and development plan process. Effective and decisive partnerships have been established and significant investment has been identified to deliver the identified improvements in physical environment required across the Borough.

33 29 SPATIAL OBJECTIVES

3.27 In order to deliver this vision we have identified a set of joint spatial objectives for the Local Development Framework and Sustainable Community Strategy. The objectives reflect national and regional planning policy and provide the basis for the preferred spatial strategy including core policies. The objectives are set out within the key themes of People Matter, Places & Environment Matters, Prosperity Matters and Partnership Matters.

People Matter SO1: to reduce the need to, and distance of, travel by car and increase use of walking, cycling and public transport. In particular to improve access by public transport to key services and facilities including the key employment centres of Loughborough, Leicester and Nottingham East Midlands Airport; SO2: to secure the provision of accessible facilities and services to meet the needs of all local people, having regard to the particular needs of the young, old and “hard to reach”; SO3: to promote health and well being, for example by ensuring that residents have access to health care, local parks, green spaces and natural environment, the countryside and facilities for sport and recreation, creative and community activities;

Places & Environment Matter SO4: to reduce social exclusion and deprivation and increase educational attainment particularly in those parts of the Borough identified as areas of relatively higher need; SO5: to protect and reassure our communities through the reduction of crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime; SO6: to promote stronger, cohesive and balanced communities having regard to changes in demographics, for example would be influencing the type of housing provision; SO7: to reduce contributions to climate change and to promote prudent use of resources through patterns of development, design, transport measures, reducing the use of minerals, energy and water and minimising waste and encouraging re-cycling in support of achieving a carbon neutral Borough; SO8: to develop integrated transport schemes and measures to improve safety and reduce the adverse environmental and other impacts of traffic on local communities, for example in and around Loughborough and settlements close to Leicester; SO9: to protect the historic environment and identity of the Borough’s locally distinctive towns, villages and neighbourhoods; SO10: to reduce the risk to people and properties through flooding in vulnerable locations such as parts of Loughborough and the Soar and Wreake valley villages; SO11: to protect the special and distinctive qualities of all landscapes, and to pay special attention to impacts upon Charnwood Forest and its environs and to support the National Forest Strategy;

34 30 SO12: To maintain and enhance the range of ecological sites, habitats and species found in Charnwood and seek to deliver biodiversity gain and reverse habitat fragmentation; SO13: To create distinctive and quality places for local people by requiring high design and increasing higher environmental standards in new development and by encouraging improvements in existing properties to be more environmentally friendly;

Prosperity Matters SO14: to sustain and enhance Loughborough town centre as a prosperous, attractive and vibrant destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure as well as a place to live; SO15: to capitalise on the benefits of Loughborough University, especially those associated with its reputation as a centre of sporting excellence, research into innovation, new technologies and sustainability; SO16: to ensure that there is a network of vibrant ‘local’ centres so residents have access to a range of shops, services and facilities; SO17: to meet needs for homes, including affordable housing in line with regional requirements; SO18: to provide all communities in Charnwood with access to quality jobs and improved standards of life by safeguarding key employment sites and creating opportunities for new high quality employment sites, including a new Science Park at Loughborough; SO19: to encourage the local economy towards a higher share of higher-value, higher quality, innovative industries and services and ensure labour market balance by providing for a mix of jobs and access to training including those for less skilled members of the community; SO20: to encourage thriving and diverse sustainable rural enterprise and farming and the promotion of local foods and local energy sources;

Partnership Matters SO21: To continue to improve partnership working with a view to achieving better outcomes for the Charnwood Together vision.

35 31 CHAPTER 4 - DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR CHARNWOOD

INTRODUCTION

4.1 This chapter sets out the Council’s proposed development strategy for the Borough. The preferred strategy seeks to deliver the vision and objectives outlined in the previous chapter and meet the draft Regional Plan requirements for new homes and jobs. It is based on the outcomes of the sustainability appraisal, evidence base, feedback from other consultations and local circumstances. The preferred strategy also responds to the issues, opportunities and priorities set out in the Leicestershire and Charnwood Sustainable Community Strategies.

4.2 A detailed sustainability appraisal of the alternative options has helped to inform the choice of the preferred approach and is available at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood2026. The alternative options are also set out in this consultation document. The Council would like to hear your views about the preferred strategy and these alternatives to help us in preparing for the submission of the Core Strategy to the Secretary of State next year.

OVERALL PRINCIPLES AND PRIORITIES

4.3 The preferred development strategy is based on the principle of sustainable development. This means providing for new development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

4.4 With this in mind there are two key themes which underpin the preferred strategy. The first is tackling climate change. The second is achieving patterns of development that reduce the need to travel and encourage the use of public transport when travelling is necessary. These themes are not mutually exclusive and generally they point to more energy efficient development in the future that is focused in accessible settlements that present the best range of services and facilities.

4.5 There will, however, inevitability be some trade-offs between the social, economic and environmental aims of sustainable development. It is therefore important that the Council has identified the priorities for the Borough which can inform the Council’s decisions. In 2007 Charnwood Borough Council undertook consultation on ‘Alternative Strategies for the Future Development of the Borough’ to seek views on what these priorities should be. This consultation has informed the proposed development strategy which is based on a priority to safeguard environmental features and the identity of individual settlements. There is also a strong focus on regeneration in the urban areas and the need to support local needs in the rural areas.

36 32 SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY

4.6 Providing new homes and jobs in those places best able to support them is an important part of creating sustainable development. Reflecting this, the draft Regional Plan says that the majority of future development should be concentrated in large urban areas whilst providing for the needs of other settlements and rural areas to maintain them as sustainable communities supporting a wider catchment. The urban areas within this Borough are Birstall and Thurmaston, which form part of the Principal Urban Area of Leicester in the south of the Borough, and the Sub Regional Centre of Loughborough in the north. The Council is proposing to include Shepshed as part of the Sub Regional Centre as evidence suggests that these settlements function as mutually supportive urban settlements.

4.7 The Council has assessed the characteristics of all the villages in Charnwood to learn more about the way they function and to find out what range of services and facilities they provide. The assessment shows that the villages in Charnwood are within 15 km of the city or 10 km of Loughborough and are strongly influenced by their services, facilities and jobs. It also shows there are a number of large villages that function as service centres for smaller villages that are located along the River Soar and close to the edge of Leicester. These Service Centres have a good range of services and facilities including a primary school, food shop, post office, surgery, library, good public transport services, recreation and community facilities and good access to a secondary school. The close proximity of other settlements to the urban areas and service centres within this Borough or to large centres in neighbouring authority areas suggests there are no remote rural settlements in Charnwood.

4.8 The assessment has been used to amend the proposed settlement hierarchy from that shown in the 2006 Preferred Options Report. The conclusions are set out below:

SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY PRINCIPAL URBAN AREA OF LEICESTER Including the urban areas of Birstall and Thurmaston Part of the continuous built up area of Leicester defined as the Principal Urban Area of Leicester in the draft Regional Plan. SUB-REGIONAL CENTRE Including the urban areas of Loughborough and Shepshed The towns which function as mutually supportive urban settlements with very strong social, economic, and physical links. Loughborough is defined as a Sub- Regional Centre in the draft Regional Plan and is the main focus for shopping, services and facilities in the North of Charnwood. SERVICE CENTRES Including Anstey, Barrow Upon Soar, Mountsorrel, Quorn, Rothley, Sileby, Syston Large sustainable settlements along the Soar Valley and close to the edge of Leicester, which have good accessibility by public transport and a range of services and facilities capable of serving people from nearby villages and rural areas. OTHER SETTLEMENTS Including Barkby, Burton on the Wolds, Cossington, East Goscote,

37 33 Hathern, Newtown Linford, Queniborough, Rearsby, Thrussington, Thurcaston, Woodhouse Eaves, Wymeswold Smaller rural settlements where the availability of four or more key services and facilities mean they are able to serve some of the day to day needs of village residents and residents have bus access to higher order settlements.

(The key services and facilities are a primary school, general store, village hall, an

hourly weekday bus service to at least one main centre and ready access to

significant employment opportunities by public transport, walking and cycling).

SMALL VILLAGES AND HAMLETS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Including Barkby Thorpe, Beeby, Cotes, Cropston, Hoton, Prestwold, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Seagrave, South Croxton, Swithland, Ulverscroft, Walton on the Wolds, Wanlip, Woodhouse, Woodthorpe

The rural settlements with very limited or no services and facilities, where residents rely on higher order settlements for their day to day needs.

Alternative Approaches

4.9 The Principal Urban Area of Leicester is defined in the draft Regional Plan as the continuous built up area of the city and includes settlements outside the city boundary. These settlements continue to be part of Charnwood but they also form the physical edge of the city and have strong links to it for work, leisure and services. As this is a regional policy definition it is not realistic to consider an alternative approach.

4.10 The Sub-Regional Centre of Loughborough is also identified in the draft Regional Plan. The Council considered defining Shepshed as a service centre, however Shepshed is one of the main towns in Leicestershire and has a long established, functional and interdependent link with Loughborough. These towns are closely linked with good transport links for journeys to work, shopping, education and services. In planning terms, the two towns effectively function as part of a wider urban system straddling the M1 Motorway corridor in the vicinity of J23. It is important for the future success of both settlements that Shepshed is included as part of the Sub-Regional Centre and that these settlements continue to complement and support each other.

4.11 The Service Centres are those villages that serve the surrounding communities with a good range of services and good transport links. The Council also considered including East Goscote, Hathern and Wymeswold as Service Centres, however these villages do not act as a local centre for a wider area due to the close proximity to the much larger centres of Loughborough and Syston.

See Also: - Settlement Hierarchy Assessment - Settlement Hierarchy Review - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Planning Policy Statement 1, 3 and 7

38 34 Questions

1. Do you agree that Shepshed should be considered as part of the Loughborough Sub Regional Centre?

2. Which settlement do you live in and what sort of place would you like it to be in twenty years time?

LOCATION OF NEW DEVELOPMENT

4.12 The settlement hierarchy will guide the scale and distribution of all types of new development to provide the most sustainable pattern of development. In accordance with Government guidance, priority will be given to maximising appropriate opportunities for the development of previously developed land and buildings within settlement limits. Based on an assessment of the availability of land and the capacity and needs of settlements, the Council proposes the following distribution of development:

LOCATION OF DEVELOPMENT

MAIN URBAN CENTRES The majority of new development will be directed to locations within or adjoining the settlement limits of the Principal Urban Area of Leicester and the Sub-Regional Centre of Loughborough and Shepshed. Over the period 2001-2026, this will include locating at least 35% of new homes within and adjoining the Principal Urban Area and at least 40% of new homes within and adjoining the Sub-Regional Centre. Sites will be allocated in the Core Strategy and Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

SERVICE CENTRES A smaller scale of development will be appropriate to locations within or adjoining the settlement limits of Service Centres. The Core Strategy will set out the proportion of overall housing development that will be located in Service Centres over the period 2001-2026. Sites will be identified within the Site Allocations Development Plan Document to support selected Service Centres as sustainable communities. Further work will be done to identify those settlements where this might be appropriate.

OTHER SETTLEMENTS Limited small-scale development within the defined settlement limits will be acceptable where it meets the needs of the local community and there are at least four of the key services and facilities identified in the settlement hierarchy. Housing development will be restricted to small scale affordable housing schemes (of up to 9 dwellings) to meet an identified local affordable housing need.

SMALL VILLAGES AND HAMLETS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Small Villages and Hamlets will have no settlement limits and will be within the

39 35 open countryside. The countryside is not suitable for development other than that related to countryside uses like agriculture and forestry. However, the Council may consider the development of affordable housing as an exception where this meets a proven local need and where development can be sympathetically related to the existing settlement form.

Alternative Approaches

4.13 Locating a larger scale of development away from the urban areas of Leicester, Loughborough and Shepshed has been considered. This would, however, undermine the overall principal of focusing development where there are the most services and facilities. It would also put too much pressure on the Service Centres most of which have seen significant growth over the past 40 years. The Council also considered locating an even greater proportion of development in the urban areas; however this would reduce the opportunity for some of the service centres to overcome current deficiencies or regeneration issues. The Council is therefore proposing to focus development in urban areas whilst providing the opportunity to support development in some Service Centres where this helps to maintain the centre as a vibrant and sustainable community or overcome problems such as an affordable housing shortage or a need for more employment.

4.14 The Council also considered making provision for a larger scale of development in ‘Other Settlements’ and ‘Small Villages and Hamlets in the Countryside’ to improve the future sustainability of these settlements. Evidence suggests that whilst some of these smaller settlements have local shops and facilities within walking distance, all are too small and too close to larger settlements to act as centres for their surrounding areas. There are no parts of the Borough that are more than 7km (less than 4.5 miles) from a Service Centre or Urban Area. This means that development can be focused in Service Centres and Urban Areas and still meet the needs of these smaller villages locally. In addition the frequency of bus services serving these villages is too low to offer a realistic alternative to car use for trips to larger settlements. There is a risk that allowing market housing will merely exacerbate their dormitory role with increased travel, usually by car. The Council concluded that ‘Other Settlements’ and ‘Small Villages and Hamlets in the Countryside’ would require a disproportionate amount of development to make them sustainable and this would undermine the role and function of the higher order settlements and the development strategy of the plan.

See Also: - Settlement Hierarchy Assessment - Settlement Hierarchy Review - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Planning Policy Statement 1, 3 & 7

40 36 Questions 3. Do you agree that housing development in Other Settlements should be restricted to affordable housing to meet an identified local need?

4. Do you agree that the settlement limits should be removed from all Small Villages and Hamlets?

5. Do you think the settlement limits should be removed for the Other Settlements? (This would restrict future development to affordable housing only).

6. Do you agree that further development in Service Centres could help to address local issues or improve service provision?

41 37 DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH

4.15 This section considers the requirement for new development in Charnwood as set out in the draft Regional Plan. It proposes general directions for housing growth based on the evidence collected, the sustainability appraisal and an analysis of the deliverability of proposed development schemes. It is important to note that if new evidence comes to light, the Council may have to review its preferred options and change its view. This is true for all the elements of the preferred strategy and the aim of this consultation is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the Council’s consideration of the options before coming to a decision.

Scale of Housing

4.16 The draft Regional Plan requires the Council to make provision for a minimum of 19,300 dwellings between 2001 and 2026. The table below sets out how many dwellings have already been built or given planning permission since 2001 and how many more homes will need to be built by 2026 to meet the draft Regional Plan requirements.

Draft Regional Plan Proposed Minimum Requirement (2001- 19,300 2026) Draft Completions (April 2001–March 2008)* 5,194 Draft Commitments (planning permissions not completed)* 4,122 Draft Residual Requirement (2008-2026)* 9,984

*Please Note that the Completions and Commitments Information was still being verified at the time of print and exact figures may change. The verified information will be included in the consultation document.

4.17 Whilst it is useful to understand these figures, it is important to recognise that the Council will need to plan for more than 9,984 homes to ensure there is a good enough supply of sites to meet the draft Regional Plan requirement if larger sites are not completed by 2026. The Council will therefore identify an annual housing target for each of the following plan phases to ensure that the draft Regional Plan requirement is delivered by the end of the plan period:

ƒ 2006-2011 ƒ 2011-2016 ƒ 2016-2021 ƒ 2021-2026

4.18 This approach will require the housing supply to be carefully managed and could mean that more housing is granted planning permission than can be delivered before 2026. It is important that we take a long term view and plan for the most sustainable scale and form of development, even where this may continue to be delivered beyond 2026. This is particularly important in light of the partial review of the Regional Plan due to start next year which may increase the Borough’s housing requirement further.

42 38 Meeting the housing requirement

4.19 The settlement hierarchy shows that the Council’s priority is to build new homes and create jobs on previously developed land within urban areas. However there are only 28 large brownfield sites identified within urban areas that could potentially be developed for new homes (approximately enough to accommodate 1,150 new homes) and a very limited supply of brownfield sites for new businesses. Whilst the Council is undertaking further work to identify potential capacity within the urban areas, the majority of new development will need to be built on greenfield sites adjoining urban areas.

4.20 The Council considered meeting the housing requirement entirely on small sites within and adjoining the urban areas. However, the scale of housing needed and the desire to create sustainable development that adds value to the communities they serve meant that a strategy that sought to deliver the housing requirement entirely on smaller sites in an incremental and piecemeal way would have placed an undue and unacceptable pressure on existing communities.

Sustainable urban extensions

4.21 To meet the Council’s aim of focusing the majority of development in urban areas, it is proposed that most of this greenfield development is delivered in the form of sustainable urban extensions. These are large scale developments comprising of homes, jobs, community facilities, shops and green spaces. They are described as sustainable urban extensions as they are large enough to deliver significant new infrastructure (such as parks, roads, schools and drainage) and a good range of services and facilities to support the new homes and jobs. These proposed new communities would create an opportunity for everyone to work together to design from scratch a development where people will want to live and work with the right mix of homes, jobs, well-planned infrastructure and green spaces, making the most of the potential of green technologies in a way that has not been possible in more piecemeal developments in the past.

4.22 The Council has considered a number of alternative locations for sustainable urban extensions in the Borough. They are described in detail in Appendix A along with a summary of their advantages and disadvantages. They are:

South Charnwood North Charnwood ƒ East of Thurmaston/North of ƒ South of Loughborough Hamilton ƒ South West of Loughborough ƒ East of Thurmaston/South of Syston ƒ West of Loughborough ƒ East of Thurmaston/South of ƒ West of Shepshed Syston/North of Hamilton ƒ East of Loughborough ƒ North of Birstall ƒ East of Loughborough around ƒ North of Glenfield/South of Anstey Wymeswold

4.23 Following detailed consideration of all the options around the edge of Leicester, Loughborough and Shepshed, the Council are proposing two general directions for growth east of Thurmaston/north of Hamilton and west of Loughborough as shown on the Key Diagram. It is proposed that these locations be the focus of large scale growth of the urban areas of Leicester and Loughborough over the next 20-30

43 39 years. Within these directions for growth the Council is proposing to allocate two sustainable urban extensions within the Core Strategy:

East of Thurmaston and north of Hamilton

4.24 The area east of Thurmaston preformed best against the range of sustainability criteria and has the potential to bring forward a deliverable scheme. There is sufficient land available in this location to accommodate an urban extension large enough to support new infrastructure, such as a secondary school, which is needed to create a sustainable community. Of the options considered, this proposal would have the least landscape impact, the most potential to bring about changes that would benefit the existing community, in particular the priority neighbourhood within Thurmaston, and would be well-related to the city and its services, facilities and employment and to the local shopping centres and supermarkets at Hamilton and Thurmaston. It is important that development within this direction of growth also protects the separation between Thurmaston and Syston and ensures that the built up area of the city does not extend further north, away from the central concentration of jobs, services and facilities.

West of Loughborough and north of Garendon Park

4.25 Loughborough and Shepshed sit within an environmentally sensitive area, with Charnwood Forest to the south and the Soar River corridor to the east. These sensitive environmental areas have been a key consideration in the appraisal of the alternative locations for growth in north Charnwood. Following extensive assessment, the Council considers that a sustainable urban extension west of Loughborough provides an opportunity to continue to protect these important landscapes and biodiversity areas whilst making provision for deliverable development which is closely related to the services and facilities in both Loughborough and Shepshed including the University, Science Park and the employment areas to the north of Loughborough and east of Shepshed. This location provides an opportunity to integrate new development with the existing community of Loughborough, supporting and consolidating the provision of local services and facilities, which could bring benefits to the existing residents including those in the west Loughborough priority neighbourhood. This includes securing public access to the Garendon Historic Park and Gardens.

Alternatives Approaches

4.26 Appendix A sets out all the alternative directions for growth which have been considered. It provides an assessment of each option against key sustainability appraisal criteria and the overall priorities of the Core Strategy.

See Also: - Appendix A - Sustainability Appraisal - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Local Development Framework Evidence Base Studies

44 40

Questions 7. Do you agree with identifying sustainable urban extensions rather than a large number of smaller extensions to urban areas?

8. Do you agree that future growth of Loughborough and Shepshed should be focused west of Loughborough/north of Garendon Park?

9. Do you agree that future growth of Leicester should be focused east of Thurmaston and north of Hamilton?

45 41 KEY DIAGRAM

46 42 EMPLOYMENT PROVISION

4.27 There have been a number of important employment studies undertaken in the East Midlands, Leicestershire and Charnwood and generally speaking all of the studies have found that there will be a decline in demand for industrial floorspace and a significant increase in demand for office space over the next 10-15 years in the East Midlands. Within traditional employment areas, jobs are shifting from factories to offices which occupy space at higher densities. The overall requirement for employment land is therefore forecast to remain static. However, this hides a more dynamic picture across the region in which there is a mismatch between the location of old industrial sites and the needs of modern businesses. Specifically there are issues with the poor quality of some employment sites and a shortage of sites for high-tech uses.

4.28 The most recent of the studies is the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area Employment Land Study. It suggests that there is actually a need for more land for offices, industry and small-scale warehousing in Charnwood. In north Charnwood this additional land will help to provide choice and competition in the Borough’s employment land market and in south Charnwood additional land will meet the demand arising from firms displaced from Leicester, as poor quality sites there are redeveloped. It also notes a desire to provide a “ladder” of available property types to meet the needs of firms as they grow.

4.29 The Council would like to create a prosperous, enterprising and dynamic low carbon economy that makes the most of locations that minimise the need for people to travel and which benefit from renewable energy opportunities. Drawing on the evidence base and guided by policy in the draft Regional Plan, it is therefore proposed that new employment land is allocated to support the sustainable urban extensions. In line with advice in the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area Employment Land Study, this land will be allocated specifically for high value offices, industrial uses and small scale warehousing and will provide for the first zero carbon employment development in the Housing Market Area.

4.30 Complementing this strategic provision, the Council proposes to allocate a specific site for a Science Park at Loughborough within the Core Strategy. This proposal reflects research commissioned by Leicestershire County Council into the demand and feasibility for establishing high quality Science Parks within Leicestershire. The study concluded that the best locations for additional provision are in Leicester and Loughborough as close as practicable to the universities, with sites large enough to allow a mix of size of units so that firms could move within the site as they grow.

4.31 The allocation recognises the special circumstances arising on the existing science park, which is located adjacent to the University. This site is restricted to uses that are directly related to the University’s own activities. The Council will work with its partners and other public agencies to assist with investment in advanced infrastructure to attract users to this site. The proposal is to extend the existing allocation. Not all of this site will be developed as there are significant areas of woodland and wildlife interest that will need to be protected and incorporated within the development area. The site is expected to attract blue chip and high end research and development companies attracted by the high quality environment afforded by the site, helping to consolidate Charnwood’s role as a location of choice for biosciences, environmental science and sport development.

47 43 4.32 The Council is conscious that the science park is very close to the M1 Motorway and is aware that its location will be attractive to the storage and distribution sector as well as other investors looking for a large site close to the strategic road network. The Council is keen to ensure that new employment development does not lead to commuting from other large centres but attracts people to live and work in the Borough as part of its principles of sustainable development. New employment will therefore be restricted to research and development uses that are complementary to the research and development activities at the university or other research and development firms in the Borough.

4.33 The proposed allocation of a science park in the Core Strategy effectively brings forward the science park proposals from the Science Park Development Plan Document, which will no longer continue to be prepared.

4.34 As a general principal the Council proposes to manage and maintain the level of employment land in the Borough over the plan period. This means that the best quality employment sites will need to be safeguarded to ensure they are not lost to other uses such as housing. This has been a particular problem in Service Centres and smaller settlements since the year 2000 when new government policy was introduced that called for greater use of previously development land for housing. As the economy has restructured, large traditional firms have closed leaving behind land and premises unsuited to the needs of a new employment market. This has lead to the redevelopment of many sites for other uses and has left many settlements without any local employment, leading to commuting and undermining other services and facilities.

4.35 Saved policy E8 in the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan seeks to safeguard employment land but this will need to be refined and replaced by new policies in the Development Control Development Plan Document in due course. Where the Council has assessed that existing employment sites are of poor quality, it will need to decide if they could be used for other uses such as housing development or if another solution is appropriate. The Council will therefore identify the amount of employment land lost to alternative uses since 2001 (the start of the plan period) and seek to rebalance provision within those communities where there is a local demand. The Council will work with its partners and other agencies to overcome barriers to provision and will consider setting up a delivery vehicle to provide freehold premises. Where there is a need for new local employment sites the Council will allocate sites in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

Alternative Approaches

4.36 Whilst studies suggest demand for industrial and warehousing is in balance with supply, most of this supply is located predominantly in South Charnwood. This places Loughborough at a competitive disadvantage and restricts its economic potential within the three cities area. The available office space at the existing science park is constrained to university related uses and its potential to contribute towards a high value employment sector is limited. As such the Council does not consider that a ‘do nothing’ approach, where no further employment provision land is made available, is appropriate as the sustainability appraisal highlights that this would adversely affect the Borough’s economy and the well-being of its population.

4.37 The Council set out two further options which accepted the general scale of provision recommended in the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area Employment Land Study but considered distributing the strategic requirement

48 44 either in any settlement in the Borough or concentrating it urban areas. The sustainability appraisal suggests that wider distribution may help to support smaller settlements by providing local jobs and minimising the need to travel to larger centres but their more peripheral location is less likely to be attractive to inward investors and larger firms. Concentrating employment provision in urban areas is more likely to realise inward investment but the opportunity to support the ambition for mixed use sustainable urban extensions and to plan comprehensively for zero carbon development will be weakened.

4.38 The alternative options to the Science Park proposal were set out in the Science Park Development Plan Document published in February 2006 and it is not the Council’s intention to restate them as part of this consultation. The Council would, however, invite comments on this proposal. To view the Science Park Development Plan Document go to our website at www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood2026.

See Also: - Regional Economic Strategy - Regional Spatial Strategy - Charnwood Employment Land Study - Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area Employment Land Study - Science Park Development Plan Document Preferred Options Report 2006 - Science Park Feasibility Assessment - Planning Policy Guidance 4 - Planning Policy Statement 4 Consultation Draft

Questions 10. Do you agree that there should be further employment land in the Borough and that it should be located at strategic urban extensions and at the science park?

11. Do you agree that development at the Science Park should be restricted to research and development firms that complement the university’s activities or other research and development firms in Loughborough?

12. Do you think the Council should consider alternative types of employment on the science park if a large single employer was interested in locating there?

13. Do you think we should seek to replace all the employment land lost since 2001 in addition to replacing the poor quality sites that are left in the Borough?

49 45 LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

4.39 Loughborough University and Loughborough College are important contributors to the local economy, both in terms of the number of people they employ and the investment they attract to the town. The University is not only important to the local economy, but also has a role in helping to ensure a more varied ‘knowledge’ based economy for the wider area. The University’s reputation for excellence in research and education ensures Loughborough is recognised nationally and internationally. However, that success has imposed additional demands and pressures on the surrounding community.

4.40 The large numbers of students that live in the area near to the university create social stress and imbalance in the local property market. Concerns of the local community include:

• The erosion of the sense of community that is normally part of a stable, balanced community • The exclusion of first time buyers to the detriment of social balance and community facilities • Congestion and disturbance during term time, sharply contrasted with an air of abandonment during holiday periods • Higher incidence of anti-social behaviour, particularly at unsocial hours

4.41 Loughborough needs a solution that minimises the pressures that a large student population places on the host community, but which allows Loughborough University to build upon its reputation for excellence in research and education.

4.42 Within the town centre, the proportion of permanent residential housing is low and the opportunity for conflicting lifestyles is reduced. The town centre enjoys excellent public transport linkages with the University and the opportunity to include elements of student housing in redevelopment schemes can play an important part in ensuring that redevelopment projects of wider benefit to the town are financially viable.

4.43 The preferred approach is to set out Loughborough University campus and the town centre as the only appropriate locations for new purpose built student accommodation. The Council will therefore work with the University and other partners to maximise new purpose built student accommodation on the campus. The town centre area, where purpose-built student accommodation will be acceptable in principle, will be defined in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

4.44 Within the town centre, purpose built student accommodation will be acceptable where it contributes to the regeneration of the town centre and where it is part of a mixed use development, and where it includes active frontages providing year- round activity that contributes to the vitality and viability of the town centre. The preferred approach is to set out occupancy restrictions, secure management controls and to ensure that amenities of local residents are protected.

Alternative Approaches

4.45 An alternative approach is to ensure the university is the primary location for new purpose built student accommodation. This could be achieved by taking a regulatory approach ensuring that proposals for additional academic and ancillary

50 46 accommodation are matched by an increase in purpose built student accommodation in line with the increase in student numbers. The sustainability appraisal indicates that this approach would have positive effects against a number of criteria, including the potential to reduce crime and anti social behaviour, and in terms of ensuring the housing stock meets the needs of the community.

4.46 Although making the university the primary location for new purpose built accommodation has many benefits in terms of sustainability, the mechanism to achieve this through planning system has a number of complexities. The university may seek to develop a variety of different uses on the site, many of which it would be difficult to demonstrate how they individually would generate a requirement for further student accommodation. Demonstrating and justifying the link between academic development and student accommodation indicates that regulatory approach is unworkable through the planning process. There is a number of long- term commercial risks for the university purpose built student accommodation. Having a complex mechanism for delivering student housing may place prevent the University from effectively planning for the future, which would be detrimental to it maintaining its position as a centre of excellence in research and education.

4.47 Other alternative option is to do nothing and not provide direct to the location of new purpose built student accommodation. This approach would not perform well against a number of sustainability criteria by not tackling issues of student balance in parts of Loughborough.

51 47 TRANSPORT – MANAGING TRAVEL DEMAND AND WIDENING TRANSPORT CHOICE

4.48 Transportation improvements will be needed to support the Borough’s continuing growth and prosperity. As part of the Council’s aim to reduce our impact on the global climate and in order to minimise any adverse environmental and social impacts from increased traffic, transportation solutions will need to be designed to reduce the need for travel and the distances travelled, especially by car. This will be challenging. Travel to work data shows there are high levels of commuting throughout the Borough and the Borough has the fourth highest levels of out commuting of districts in the East Midlands especially to Leicester.

4.49 Most of the Borough's population has access to bus services of half hour or better frequency but away from the main towns and inter urban routes provision is generally restricted to hourly weekday daytime services or even less frequency. Significant improvements to bus and rail and demand responsive community transport (such as community taxi services) will be needed as well as measures to change travel behaviour and get people walking and cycling more especially for shorter trips.

4.50 To achieve real change the Council proposes to work in partnership with the transport authorities, transport providers, developers and other interests to seek to ensure future travel demand is managed as part of integrated and sustainable solutions providing proper alternatives to the car and making maximum use of existing infrastructure. It is proposed that road improvements be considered as a last resort after the scope for all other options has been fully utilised. In all cases it would be important for transport solutions to demonstrate good value for money and deliverability.

Alternative Approaches

4.51 Whilst schemes to constrain car use are usually unpopular, responses to previous consultations have shown some recognition of the need to do more to reduce current high levels of car use and the impact on the environment. There is a strong steer from national and regional guidance to achieve more sustainable solutions to traffic related problems.

4.52 The alternatives to our preferred approach are limited. Attempting to build our way out of congestion by giving priority to road improvements might bring benefits in the short to medium term. However experience tells us that over time it would be unlikely to encourage more use of public transport, reduce car dependency or cut congestion. Implementing more radical measures such as congestion charging or other pricing mechanisms might discourage car use but would probably only be acceptable to the public if high quality alternative travel choices were available. These are not considered to be realistic options at present.

4.53 The sustainability appraisal highlights the likely negative impacts of new road space and traffic on landscapes and townscape in terms of visual intrusion, noise and air pollution, lighting, biodiversity and the likely effects on areas that flood. These factors apply to either approach but the preferred approach presents an opportunity to reduce the need for new road space and to promote more responsible transport modes from the outset. The preferred approach scores higher in terms of its contribution to the accessibility of services and facilities to a

52 48 wider population, helping to reduce poverty and social exclusion, and the economy as reduced congestion will assist business.

4.54 Taking all factors into account our preference is to focus on securing balanced and integrated land use and transport solutions that reduce car dependency in a sustainable manner.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Charnwood Transport Assessment - Planning Policy Statement 13: Transport - Towards a Sustainable Transport System - Eddington Transport Study - Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change - Building Sustainable Transport into new Developments - Manual for Streets - Local Transport Plans for Central Leicestershire and Leicestershire - Highways, Transport and Development (HTD) guidelines - Transport Assessments for the Charnwood 2026 LDF

Question 14. Do you agree with our approach to transport?

53 49 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

4.53 Green infrastructure comprises wildlife habitats, public open spaces, formal and informal recreational facilities, historic sites and areas, woodlands and landscapes. It is the network of multi-functional green space that contributes to the high quality natural and built environment of the Borough. It consists of both public and private assets, with and without public access, and in both urban and rural locations. These elements of green infrastructure should create a linked, coherent and ecologically robust network of green space.

4.54 In Charnwood the strategic network of green infrastructure is identified in the diagram below and includes the following: • Charnwood Forest Regional Park; • Strategic River Corridors of the Soar and Wreake, including the Grand Union Canal and Watermead Country Park; • Rothley Brook Corridor; • Green Wedges.

4.55 The strategic elements of green infrastructure are those key landscape features which provide an overall framework within which a series of local corridors of green infrastructure can be created and enhanced. The network must link in with the wider Green Infrastructure network beyond the boundaries of the Borough.

Green Infrastructure within Charnwood

54 50 4.56 The overall aim is to develop a comprehensive network of multi-functional green space across Charnwood to ensure a hierarchy of green spaces for people and for wildlife. To achieve this there needs to be a net increase in green infrastructure across the borough, targeted to those areas that are deficient.

4.57 Compared to other parts of the East Midlands, the Borough contains significant areas of ecological interest. These are mainly focussed in the west of the borough, around Charnwood Forest, and along the strategic river corridors. It is important to ensure that this ecology is protected and where possible there is a net increase in biodiversity particularly in the east of the district where biodiversity is poor. This will mean ensuring existing wildlife sites are adequately protected; improving connectivity between habitats within areas of strong biodiversity and ensuring weaker areas of biodiversity are better connected with the wider biodiversity network.

4.58 There is also a need to provide recreational open space to contribute towards the health and well-being of the population. Evidence suggests that:

• The north of the Borough is not well served by large open spaces (100 hectares or more); and • The more rural parts of the Borough do not have limited access to formal public open spaces (e.g parks and play space).

4.59 Whilst Charnwood has a generally good level of playing pitch provision, gaps in junior playing pitches need to be addressed Evidence has identified needs for open spaces across the Borough ranging from district park provision of 20 hectares to local park provision of 3 hectares.

4.60 The Borough has a large network of public rights of way, including the ‘Leicestershire Round’ long-distance footpath and parts of the National Cycle network. Opportunities to enhance the rights of way and local cycle network occur when significant new developments are being considered. More than 75% of households in the county are within 250 metres of a right of way. However, within Charnwood there are significant numbers of properties more than 500 metres from any path, and these areas lie in Birstall, Mountsorrel and parts of south west Loughborough. Within the Borough, the Charnwood Forest area has a lower density of paths.

4.61 Compared to many areas within the East Midlands, the Borough of Charnwood contains a diverse range of landscapes ranging from the upland areas of the Charnwood Forest in the west and high Leicestershire in the east, to the broad river valleys of the Soar and the Wreake. There is a need to ensure that the landscape character is safeguarded and enhanced and that new development allows a continuity of character with the surrounding landscape.

Charnwood Forest Regional Park

4.62 Charnwood Forest is an area valued for its distinctive and special qualities in terms of its landscape character, biodiversity, geology, historical importance and recreational role. The Charnwood Forest area extends across into the neighbouring districts of Northwest Leicestershire and Hinckley and Bosworth.

4.63 A Charnwood Forest Regional Park has been proposed in the Draft Regional Plan to serve the people living within the Three Cities Sub-Region. The strategy for this

55 51 significant green infrastructure asset is to protect and enhance its natural features, whilst delivering complementary development which maximises social benefits to those living in the area. The strategy will be achieved through positive spatial planning and land management under the themes set out below.

4.64 Creating linkages: • Habitat creation and enhancement will be prioritised to those areas where it would maximise biodiversity benefits and reverse habitat fragmentation. • A network of strategic green spaces and access routes will be created to address gaps in current provision, maximise access to and from the settlements surrounding Charnwood Forest, and link to other significant assets in the Green Infrastructure network. • Appropriate new developments within or just outside the boundary of the Regional Park will act as gateways to the Park, with their layout, built design, landscape treatment, access arrangements, and Green Infrastructure provision reflecting local landscape and settlement character and integrating with the wider Regional Park.

4.65 Complementary development: • Sustainable leisure and tourism related development will be focussed on those areas which best complement growth, are linked to areas of population by Green Infrastructure networks and are accessible by sustainable (non-car) transport modes, whilst protecting the natural and cultural features of the Regional Park.

4.66 The establishment and development of a Charnwood Forest Regional Park will be a long term project. It will incorporate large and small scale schemes, public and private landowners, and existing and new projects. Given these factors, and in order to maximise the potential benefits, the definition of the Park needs to incorporate a degree of flexibility. A Regional Park Plan will be required to provide the framework for the long term development of the two themes proposed for the Park.

National Forest

4.67 Charnwood Forest is at the eastern edge of The National Forest. The National Forest is a nationally designated area which covers an area of 200 square miles and extends from the East Midlands region into the West Midlands. The National Forest Company’s objectives of supporting woodland creation, bringing about positive landscape change and habitat creation can complement the approach in the Charnwood Forest Regional Park. The potential for wood based economy will be maximised, particular in relation to building materials and wood fuel which can be utilised as part of sustainable developments located within or adjoining the National Forest area.

River Soar and River Wreake Strategic River Corridors

4.68 The recreational and tourism potential of the Strategic River Corridors will be maximised particularly where this complements the approach to the regeneration of deprived areas, and where this would serve as complementary diversionary recreational activity to the Charnwood Forest Regional Park. It will be important

56 52 through the overall development strategy to establish greater linkages with the Charnwood Forest Regional Park.

Green Wedges

4.69 Green wedges are areas of open land which influence the form and direction of urban development, preventing coalescence and maintaining the physical identity of settlements adjoining Leicester and Loughborough. Green wedges have a positive role to play providing access from within built-up areas to the open countryside and creating links to the wider green infrastructure network. Whilst green wedges will be safeguarded from incremental development, they are intended to be flexible to allow for planned development to the edge of the settlements. They are designed to change and grow with development, not to prevent it. The Green Wedges will be defined in the Site Allocation Development Plan Document.

Rothley Brook

4.70 Rothley Brook is a significant landscape feature and is part of the strategic Green Infrastructure network which is important in creating landscape, wildlife and access linkages between the Green Infrastructure network in Charnwood, and those in the wider surrounding area.

Alternative Approaches

4.71 We considered having separate policies for Charnwood Forest, The National Forest, Biodiversity, Geodiversity, Leisure and Recreation, Countryside and Landscape, and Settlement Identity rather than a single more strategic policy, which considers them all together.

4.72 Whilst there are similar benefits arising from both approaches, the sustainability appraisal does recognise the benefits arising from the proposed approach in terms of the net increase in green infrastructure benefit that would be secured. The appraisal draws out the benefits that the preferred approach would have in being able to address conflicts between different aspects of green infrastructure, such as between some recreational activity and the impact upon biodiversity. A co- ordinated approach also recognises that different elements of green infrastructure can perform a number of functions including providing wildlife habitats, promoting well-being amongst local people and helping to mitigate the causes of climate change. These multiple benefits can be maximised if there is an integrated approach to green infrastructure.

4.73 Significant funding is available for the provision of green infrastructure which is available to areas where growth is proposed. Being able to access this ‘New Growth Point’ funding will be more effective if a coordinated approach is taken towards green infrastructure, rather than treating different elements in isolation.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Phase 1 Habitat Survey & Species Assessment - Creating a Green and Prosperous Future: A Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan for Central Leicestershire

57 53

Questions 15. Have we identified the most important features of green infrastructure within the borough?

16. Do you agree that dealing with all the green infrastructure assets in a single approach is the most appropriate way of achieving a net improvement?

58 54 REGENERATION

4.73 The preferred approach to regeneration is to provide a comprehensive and balanced strategy that seeks to increase the prosperity and quality of life of the whole Borough, tackle deprivation, social exclusion, community cohesion and low educational attainment in priority areas, and to create better places to live and work. The Core Strategy will therefore provide a framework for action over the plan period helping to identify opportunities to make real improvements in the quality of life for people living and working in the Borough, to coordinate the strategies and programmes of partners and target funding; and to add value to the built environment and economic prosperity of the Borough.

4.74 Whilst the Borough is relatively affluent, the Index of Multiple Deprivation and Charnwood Renewal Framework have confirmed that some communities in Loughborough, and to a lesser extent in the Soar Valley and villages close to the edge of Leicester, continue to suffer high and concentrated levels of deprivation. These areas are affected by a number of issues including low economic activity, high unemployment and limited access to local job opportunities, poor health, low skills levels and educational achievements, lack of access to open space and recreational facilities and poor environment and housing.

4.75 The primary focus of effort will be those communities identified in the Charnwood Sustainable Community Strategy as Priority Neighbourhoods. These are East Loughborough, West Loughborough, Mountsorrel and South Charnwood (parts of Thurmaston & Syston). Further attention will also be afforded to Shepshed and Sileby as areas prioritised in the Council’s Economic Development Strategy.

Charnwood Priority Neighbourhoods

59 55

4.76 Working with other partners, agencies and local communities, it is proposed that the Council will take action to improve the quality of life for residents living in areas of relative deprivation. This will include securing opportunities through the Local Development Framework for employment, new community facilities, maximising the potential for tourism, environmental and housing improvements, and better access to open space, education and training and public and community transport, cycling and walking links.

4.77 The Council has approved a masterplan for Loughborough Town Centre which seeks to identify opportunities to improve the public realm, its environment and accessibility, particularly by public transport, walking and cycling. It also identifies sites and buildings for redevelopment. These measures seek to ensure that the town centre will be a successful, attractive and vibrant place that will support the strategy for growth in the Borough.

4.78 The main areas of employment in Loughborough are currently concentrated on the northern and eastern edge of the town in traditional industrial estates. The restructuring of the employment base presents opportunities for renewal of some of these sites to ensure that they can continue to provide opportunities for future employment needs. On the Eastern edge of Loughborough, former rail sidings provide an opportunity for an eastern gateway to the town centre. The Great Central Railway, the Grand Union Canal and land at Windmill Road present further opportunities. The Council considers that these opportunities on the eastern edge of Loughborough should be considered together as part of a comprehensive strategy for regeneration.

4.79 The proposal to concentrate future housing growth in two sustainable urban extensions West of Loughborough and East of Thurmaston/North Hamilton provides an opportunity to create sustainable new communities that will attract investment, enhance existing infrastructure and provide economic prosperity, which will also benefit the priority neighbourhoods and the wider host communities. It is essential that the Council works with its partners and the local community to masterplan these sustainable urban extensions in a way that respects the concerns of the host community whilst maximising the opportunities to address issues in the priority neighbourhoods.

4.80 Elsewhere in the borough, it is recognised that there are particular structural and physical issues in Shepshed and Thurmaston which limit their potential economic and social prosperity. At Shepshed a number of studies undertaken in the past have recognised issues with the role and function of the town centre and its public realm. The settlement also has a lack of self-containment with many residents travelling elsewhere for services and work.

4.81 Thurmaston is one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Charnwood. There are difficult structural issues within the village arising from the physical barriers presented by the A607 and the Midland Mainline railway, which undermine community cohesion and social inclusion. There is also a relatively poor physical environment as a result of unsympathetic or poor quality development over the years and areas that are deficient in recreation space. The opportunities presented by the close proximity of Watermead Country Park and the waterfront area have not been fully realised. There are also issues with the vitality and viability of the local centre off Melton Road, which is not far from the ASDA superstore to the north.

60 56

4.82 Due to the particular issues in East Loughborough, Shepshed and Thurmaston, the Council will consider preparing an Area Action Plan for each settlement to provide the planning framework to guide regeneration and to assist in reaching agreement with the local community, partners and agencies as to the best way to address the issues. Area Action Plans are statutory planning documents prepared as part of the Local Development Framework and, when approved, will form part of the development plan. These plans would provide the catalyst for getting key landowners and agencies to work together to make a real and significant difference in these communities. It is important to be clear from the outset that addressing difficult issues will require to difficult decisions to be taken.

4.83 The issues in Mountsorrel and Sileby are as important as any other of the priority areas but can be addressed through multi-agency action and allocations of land in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

4.84 Whilst sustainable urban extensions and other land use interventions may assist priority neighbourhoods they are only one strand of a wider regeneration strategy. They should be viewed alongside the work of other partners and agencies working in Charnwood. These issues can only be addressed through the better integration of all strategies and programmes, partnership working and effective community involvement much of which is addressed in the new Charnwood Sustainable Community Strategy. The general regeneration priorities identified for the Borough include:

• Support for the role and function of the Borough’s district and local centres: to re-instil confidence in the larger towns and villages of Charnwood that serve as service centres by a variety of public realm improvements. • Retention and creation of small employment centres within Service Centres to improve their sustainability and to replace local industrial employment that has been lost; • To restructure existing employment space to facilitate the movement from traditional employment sectors to new high tech and knowledge based sectors and industrial floorspace to the provision of office space; • To provide premises for, and support to, business start-ups and micro- businesses (including those in the creative sector) across the Borough; to ensure that Charnwood can provide a spectrum of business property sizes of good quality and connectivity to accommodate growing businesses; • To support existing businesses, and to ensure that Charnwood is seen as a business-friendly environment that encourages inward investment; • to work with partners to improve the image of Charnwood and to positively market its economic potential; • to develop Charnwood as an exemplar centre for low carbon living, working and travelling; • To exploit the potential of Loughborough for the 2012 Olympics and use this as a catalyst to drive local regeneration and environmental improvement; • To address the skills gap at both the lower and higher ends of the skills spectrum to meet changing requirements created by both business needs and climate change / sustainability drivers;

61 57 • To promote and link the Borough’s tourism assets to provide a tourism destination / offer; to connect with and exploit regional links such as the National Forest, Greater Great Central Railway, Grand Union Canal; • To exploit Charnwood’s waterfront (rivers, canal, Watermead Country Park) and open spaces (Charnwood Forest and possible linear park) better as an amenity for both residents and visitors and to provide better access for local residents; • Target New Growth Point funding to assimilate growth within host communities to help address issues of social exclusion and improve community cohesion;

Alternative Approaches

4.85 The Council considered maintaining its regeneration focus on meeting the specific needs arising from deprivation in the Priority Neighbourhoods, Sileby and Shepshed and not seeking to make proactive interventions to improve the built environment. However, it is recognised that delivering a multi-agency response to the issues and community priorities identified in the sustainable community strategy requires the Council to take a lead role in the place-shaping agenda through the preparation of planning frameworks, the allocation of land and the coordination of investment.

4.86 The Council could choose not to allocate sustainable urban extensions and allocate land for housing on smaller sites but this would dilute the added value and investment that would arise in priority neighbourhoods from larger scale sustainable developments. The Council could consider not identifying new land for employment but this would not provide for jobs in the areas of greatest need or provide for future economic prosperity and growth.

4.87 The Council could decide not to focus its attention on Shepshed and Thurmaston but this would deny these communities the opportunity to comprehensively tackle the structural problems that exist in these settlements and would lead instead to uncoordinated and piecemeal interventions that are less than the sum of their parts.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Charnwood Sustainable Community Strategy - Leicestershire Sustainable Community Strategy - Charnwood Economic Development Strategy - Leicester and Leicestershire HMA Employment Land Study - Places in Charnwood Report - Priority Neighbourhoods Profiles

Questions 17. Do you agree with our approach to Regeneration?

18. Are there any other general regeneration priorities that we should be considering?

19. Do you support the idea of Area Action Plans for Shepshed and Thurmaston?

62 58 DELIVERING WELL DESIGNED, HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENTS

4.86 Charnwood is an attractive and vibrant Borough with an impressive and diverse legacy of architecture, settlements and landscapes. Many settlements in the Borough have a strong local character related to their layout, the use of local materials and buildings styles.

4.87 Good quality design can make a difference in shaping our built environment, and the sustainability of development, and our quality of life can be enhanced by more careful thought about the places we create. All new development provides the opportunity to create surroundings that future generations will cherish. Good design is not just about the improvement of the appearance of our towns, villages, buildings and public spaces. It is as much about improving people’s quality of life and enhancing equality of opportunity, economic vitality and the efficient use of resources.

4.88 The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. CABE has launched has launched the ‘Buildings for Life’ standard, developed with the Home Builders Federation, which is supported by government as the standard for the design quality on new homes. Using this standard CABE has carried out a quality audit of the new development across the country. Developments taking place in the East Midlands performed poorly with over half being assessed as poor.

4.89 Some recent developments in Charnwood have not reflected the traditional local building styles and could have made a greater contribution to the quality of the Borough’s environment. The Local Development Framework and the Core Strategy in particular is the major opportunity to raise the standard of design and the Council will require higher standards of design than have been accepted in the past.

4.90 For residential schemes the ‘Building for Life’ standard will be used as the basis to audit the quality of new developments. The Council will work with CABE and with neighbouring authorities to train staff and carry out audits in an objective way. Gradually increasing targets for design quality will be phased over the period of 3 years from the adoption of the Core Strategy, in recognition that there are a number of residential schemes that have planning permission that predate ‘Building for Life Criteria’. The aim will be to ensure that all major new housing developments achieve a good standard of design as defined by the ‘Building for Life’ standard. The approach is complementary to other approaches in the Core Strategy which seek to minimise the use of energy in new developments.

4.91 For non-residential developments, the approach will be to set out a series of key design criteria to guide the determination of applications for planning permission. These will be based on those principles in the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document ‘Leading in Design’.

4.92 In addition to addressing concerns about design quality of new development, the preferred approach is to apply national planning policy which seeks to conserve and enhance the built heritage. The borough contains a number of buildings which do not have a statutory listing but are locally listed for their local historical or architectural importance. The preferred approach will make reference to the need to conserve and enhance the character and appearance of locally listed buildings.

63 59 Alternative Approaches

4.93 No alternative approaches have been identified. The preferred approach is to encourage a higher standard of design which is maximises sustainability benefits.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - ‘Leading in Design’ Supplementary Planning Guidance - CABE ‘Buildings for Life’ standards (www.cabe.org.uk) - CABE Study

Question 20. Do you agree with our approach to Design?

64 60 AFFORDABLE HOUSING

4.94 On all new housing developments the Council will seek to secure an appropriate mix of housing, in terms of dwelling sizes, types, tenures and affordability to meet identified needs.

4.95 The initial outcomes of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment for Leicester and Leicestershire suggest a shortfall of 309 affordable homes per year in Charnwood to 2026. This is around 40% of the overall housing requirement for the Borough. This estimate is based on a range of considerations, including the projected number of new households (primarily young people trying to get a foot on the ladder), the prices of entry level homes, incomes, lending conditions and the availability of deposits; compared with the current supply of affordable homes.

4.96 This estimate of the shortfall in affordable housing is significantly greater than the number of affordable homes that have been built in recent years. The Council currently requires market housing sites of 15 homes or more to provide 30% affordable housing. In order to meet the proposed affordable homes target, the Council will need to consider increasing the current requirement for the proportion of new homes that must be affordable and also consider reducing the threshold for when affordable homes are required. It is proposed that the type of affordable homes required will be determined on the basis of local needs and will include a mixture of social rented homes and intermediate homes where individuals can purchase part of their home and rent the other proportion from a social landlord.

4.97 There are a number of other factors that will also be taken into account in setting out a policy approach including the type of land available for housing, which is primarily greenfield sites, the large amount of new development proposed overall and the need to create communities that have a mixture of housing types. It is proposed that a large proportion of new development will be delivered as part of the proposed Sustainable Urban Extensions; this will therefore be the focus for the delivery of a large proportion of the affordable homes. The need for affordable homes in Service Centres will be a key influence on the amount of housing that will be planned in these villages.

4.98 It is important that the Council researches the impact of providing affordable housing on the financial viability of different types of sites being proposed in the Borough. The Council has therefore commissioned an Affordable Housing Economic Viability Assessment. This study will be consulted on separately with key stakeholders in the autumn.

Alternative Approaches

4.99 The Council is considering two alternative approaches, increasing the requirements uniformly across the Borough and varying the requirements for different parts of the Borough based on the sub-areas identified in Chapter 5 to help target areas in most need based on the findings of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Regional Housing Strategy - Charnwood Housing Needs Study

65 61 - Strategic Housing Market Assessment - Charnwood Housing Strategy - Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing

Questions 21. Do you agree that we should consider increasing the proportion of affordable homes we require on new housing sites?

22. Do you agree that we should consider lowering the threshold for sites that qualify for providing affordable homes?

66 62 GYPSIES, TRAVELLERS AND TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE

4.100 There is a long tradition of Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers in Britain enjoying a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle either following seasonal work patterns or other cultural activities. This way of life is not always well-understood by all and there are occasions where gypsies and travellers are victimised and discriminated against as a consequence of their cultural differences. At the same time there are legitimate concerns amongst existing communities about unauthorised encampments and their management.

4.101 Not all gypsies and travellers are engaged in active travel and following seasonal working patterns. For many gypsies and travellers there are advantages in being settled for longer periods during life stages to enable children to attend school, to access health care or because they are elderly. For these people a permanent pitch is required with sufficient space to accommodate caravans for immediate family as well as their amenity needs. Gypsies and travellers that are engaged in active travel require transit sites to meet their short term needs. These sites should be located close to services and facilities and offer basic amenities for day to day needs.

4.102 Travelling showpeople are defined by their distinctive occupation - often travelling around the country to provide fairs, rides and amusements with associated catering and other stalls for short periods of time. Showpeople therefore require a base where equipment can be stored and tested at the end of the show season whilst providing a permanent home for family members who are unable to travel during the year.

4.103 The draft Regional Plan translates the pitch requirement arising from the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment published in April 2007. It requires the provision of 11 new pitches and 10 transit pitches for gypsies and travellers and 9 plots for travelling showpeople in Charnwood Borough.

4.104 The Council’s preferred approach is to provide for a residential site (between 5 and 10 pitches), a transit site (between 5 and 10 pitches) and accommodation for travelling showpeople (sufficient for up to 5 families) in each of the sustainable urban extensions. This provision should be considered as a minimum level to fulfil the requirement set out in the draft Regional Plan.

4.105 In addition, a criteria based policy will be provided to help inform the location of any further sites required in the future. These will need to be allocated in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document. The policy will also assist in the determination of planning applications for gypsy traveller and showpeople sites that arise on sites not allocated in the development plan.

Alternative Approaches

4.106 Stakeholder workshops held during 2008 considered how the requirement for pitches could be met, guided by sustainability appraisal. The workshop considered not allocating sites at all but this would not satisfy the requirement to provide sites and was discounted. Two further options considered concentrating sites in Loughborough and on the edge of the Leicester Principal Urban Area or distributing them around all settlements in the borough. However, these two options would delay the realisation of sites until a later Development Plan Document could be prepared and would rely on sites coming forward through market forces. The sustainability appraisal showed that greater benefits would arise from concentrating

67 63 sites in larger settlements as these provide the greatest access to services and facilities. The final options was to include provision within the specific sustainable urban extensions in the Core Strategy as this was considered to present the greatest opportunity to create socially inclusive and balanced communities.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment - Planning Policy Statement 1 - Planning Policy Statement 3

Question 23. Do you agree with our approach to meeting the needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Showpeople?

68 64 RENEWABLES/ LOW CARBON ENERGY GENERATION

4.107 Recognising that climate change is occurring, the Council has committed to reducing the Borough’s impact on the climate. It has demonstrated this by signing the Nottingham Declaration and setting in place a challenging programme to minimise its own impact on the environment. The declaration can be viewed at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/housingbuildings/localauthorities/NottinghamDeclarat ion

4.108 Evidence suggests energy use in buildings accounts for 40% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions resulting from personal transport also make an important contribution. The planning system is fundamental to reducing the impact on climate change of the people of Charnwood.

4.109 The Council’s approach for renewable and low carbon technology should be understood in the context of the ‘energy hierarchy’, which seeks to reduce the carbon emissions from development by a sequence of steps. The first step should be to reduce the need for energy in the building’s design, secondly to use energy more efficiently within the building and finally through supplying energy from renewable sources.

4.110 Nationally, improvements are being brought in through the Building Regulations which will improve the environmental performance of buildings, requiring housing to be zero-carbon by 2016 and other development by 2019. The challenge for Charnwood is to identify the local opportunities to reduce carbon emissions to help contribute towards these targets. A feasibility study has been carried out to assess the potential for renewable and low carbon energy generation across Charnwood. The study examined the opportunity for large-scale renewable energy installations across the borough which has the potential to be connected to the national grid. It also examined specific opportunities for energy generation to inform the selection of sustainable urban extensions.

4.111 Evidence indicates that there is significant potential for wet biomass (residue from livestock farming), dry biomass (energy crops) and in large-scale wind energy generation across Charnwood. There is an existing waste facility at Wanlip that generates energey through anaerobic digestion, which has the potential to expand. The Borough also contains some of the main opportunities in Leicestershire for hydro-electric generation along the River Soar. The large areas of woodland in the West of Charnwood provide an opportunity for wood fuel to be used to power buildings which are close to these areas of woodland.

4.112 The opportunities for renewable and low carbon energy generation associated with the proposed locations for growth indicate that there are justifiable local circumstances to require development to be zero carbon in these Sustainable Urban Extension locations in advance of the Building Regulations. Opportunities for Sustainable Urban Extensions to be exemplar zero-carbon development exist through the use of New Growth Point Funding.

4.113 Ambitions of reducing the carbon emissions of the Borough are challenging and the provision of large scale renewable and low carbon energy generation have an important role to play. It is proposed to take a positive policy approach which is supportive of new large-scale grid connected renewable or low carbon energy installations, provided environmental and amenity criteria are met. The policy would not place blanket exclusion to any part of the borough for wind turbines.

69 65 The sustainability appraisal recognises that such an approach could have significant landscape impacts, particularly for large-scale wind energy, and there may also be also be ecological, flooding concerns with other forms of energy installation.

4.114 The University is developing a long term strategy for the future development of its campus, which will examine ways to reduce energy consumption and innovative means of meeting its future energy requirements, including renewable and low carbon energy generation. The Council and the University are discussing the feasibility of a decentralised energy network that could be used beyond the boundaries of the university campus and science park.

Potential with Charnwood for Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Generation

4.115 Policy 2 of the Regional Plan (Promoting Better Design) indicates that all new developments of more than 10 dwellings, or for others uses exceeding 1,000m2 floorspace, should secure at least 10% of their energy from decentralised and renewable or low-carbon sources unless it can be demonstrated by the applicant, having regard to the type of development involved and its design, this is not feasible or viable. Although the Regional Plan forms part of the Development Plan, it is considered necessary for the Core Strategy to reflect this requirement to remove any ambiguity of partners about the relationship between the different levels of planning policy, and to provide certainty to developers.

4.116 It is important to recognise that creating energy efficient and zero carbon development is likely to involve innovative materials, design and layouts. This is likely to mean that future development looks different from what we are used to.

70 66 Alternative Approaches

4.117 Options considered under this policy area include adopting national minimum standards for new build development, and not to include a positively worded policy for large-scale renewable energy. Although the Sustainability Appraisal has identified negative effects with the proposed approach, it is concluded to be appropriate in the context of reducing contributions to climate change.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Draft Regional Plan - Renewable Energy Study - Planning Policy Statement 1 Supplement on Climate Change - Nottingham Climate Change Declaration

Questions 24. Do you agree with our approach to large-scale renewable energy?

25. Do you agree that sustainable urban extensions should be zero-carbon in advance of the Building Regulations?

71 67 RETAIL AND TOWN CENTRES

4.118 Retail provision in Charnwood reflects trends in shopper behaviour and patterns of development which have occurred across the UK in recent years, resulting in significant change in the appearance and role of town centres. The continued increase in the proportion of shopping for food and ‘convenience goods’ (everyday essential items) which takes place in supermarkets, often in out-of-centre locations, has reduced the viability and representation of the smaller, traditional independent food shops in town centres and so reduced the footfall of shoppers. At the same time, spend on ‘comparison goods’ (clothing, footwear, household and recreational goods) has grown significantly but is increasingly concentrated in the larger town centres where more modern shop units, larger stores and “high street” names provide a greater draw.

4.119 Loughborough performs well given its position close to the retails centres of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, but the town centre will face continued competition from these larger centres over the period of the Core Strategy.

4.120 Evidence suggests that there will be a requirement for new retail floor space over the period of the Core Strategy. Generally speaking, in the short term there is little need for further shopping floor space in the borough, and what is required can be accommodated in vacant units in Loughborough town centre. Up to 2016 opportunity sites identified in the Loughborough Town Centre Masterplan will provide the scope to address the forecast need. Beyond 2016 further floor space may need to be accommodated outside the existing Town centre Core Area.

4.121 The Borough will be served by a hierarchy of centres and, at the top, Loughborough Town Centre will be the main focus for retailing, leisure, cultural and business activities in the Borough. The Council will support the role of Loughborough Town Centre by: ƒ Supporting the regeneration of town centre opportunity sites into mixed use schemes; ƒ Supporting improvements to the public realm; ƒ Encouraging some diversification of uses within central areas; ƒ Supporting increased provision of commercial leisure development; ƒ Focussing new comparison floorspace towards Loughborough Town Centre; and by ƒ Supporting short-stay car parking facilities needed to safeguard the Town Centre’s vitality and viability.

4.122 There is a requirement for new food and groceries retail floor space over the period of the Core Strategy which will be met by provision within or on the edge of the Loughborough town centre and by new provision with the sustainable urban extensions in north and south Charnwood.

4.123 Loughborough Town Centre will be supported by a series of District and Local Centres. The role of these centres is explained in more detail in the strategies for north and south Charnwood. The approach will be to allow new development within District Centres where this is needed to support their vitality and viability.

72 68 4.124 Amendments to town and district centre boundaries will be considered in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

Alternative Approaches

4.125 Alternative approaches that were considered include spreading new retail floorspace between Loughborough Town Centre and District Centres. The sustainability appraisal indicated that although this alternative approach may support the vitality and viability of District Centres, Loughborough’s role may be threatened by the expansion of competing centres at Nottingham and Leicester. The preferred approach may also have significant positive effects in terms of locating retail and commercial development where it is most accessible by a variety of non- car modes thereby improving air quality and ensuring accessibility for those without access to a car. The preferred approach allows for retail and commercial development which will help to support the regeneration in Shepshed and Sileby District Centres and in Thurmaston Local Centre.

4.126 Other alternative approaches that have been considered are to maintain the current policy restricting the level of non retail uses within certain frontages in Loughborough Town Centre. The Sustainability Appraisal indicated that this alternative approach may lead to higher levels of vacancy and may limit broader appeal of the town centre by not providing activity across the day and night time.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Retail and Leisure Assessment - Planning Policy Statement 6

Questions 26. Do you agree with our overall approach to retail and town centres?

27. Do you agree with our approach of focussing new retail floor space towards Loughborough Town Centre?

73 69 INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION

4.127 It is important that the necessary improvements or provision of new physical and community infrastructure is delivered to support the new development proposed. This will need to done in partnership with other agencies such as the Local Education Authority, the Primary Care Trust, utility companies and the Local Highways Authority.

4.128 For all new developments the Council will require adequate infrastructure, services and facilities to support the proposal. Consideration will also be given to opportunities to overcome some of the deficiencies in current infrastructure for example by providing affordable housing, sports pitches or reducing the risk of flooding.

4.129 It is proposed that the Council will seek to secure this provision by negotiating a legal agreement with the owners, applicants or developers involved including agreement about the programme for the delivery of any provisions sought. Consideration will be given to the need for the provision or contribution towards a range of benefits including: ƒ Affordable or special needs housing ƒ Schools ƒ Sustainable transport ƒ Improvements to the natural and built environment ƒ Drainage infrastructure including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems ƒ Green infrastructure including maintenance where appropriate and encouraging the provision of multi functional spaces and buildings ƒ Social and community facilities ƒ Recreation and sports facilities ƒ Mitigation to offset impact on any existing green infrastructure.

4.130 It is proposed that detailed requirements will be set out in a Supplementary Planning Document on developer contributions. This information is currently set out in the Borough Council’s ‘Section 106 Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document’. This approach provides flexibility to update requirements on a regular basis and to consider the implications of the proposed Community Infrastructure Levy and whether it would be appropriate for Charnwood.

Alternative Approaches

4.131 No alternative approaches have been considered as the Council needs to include policies to maintain and improve the Borough’s physical community infrastructure and ensure the necessary contributions associated with proposed new development are secured.

See Also: - Regional Spatial Strategy - Planning Policy Statement 12 - Circular 05/05 Planning Obligations - The Community Infrastructure Levy Report

74 70

Question 28. Do you agree with the list of things developers should contribute towards?

75 71 CHAPTER 5 - IMPLICATIONS OF THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR NORTH AND SOUTH CHARNWOOD

5.1 As highlighted in the Settlement Hierarchy, there are two distinct urban influences within Charnwood - the city of Leicester and the towns of Loughborough and Shepshed. These urban influences create a locally recognised split between north and south Charnwood. This split was reflected in the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Structure Plan (2005) and is clear from travel to work patterns.

5.2 Whilst the majority of the Structure Plan has now expired, this split between the Borough’s north and south settlements, continues to be very relevant, reflecting the way the Borough functions. There continues to be a clear split between these settlements where residents look to the city for work, hospitals, leisure and cultural activities and those in the rest of the Borough, which look to the Sub- Regional Centre of Loughborough and Shepshed. The city’s influence stretches as far as Rothley and those settlements south of the River Wreake. This distinction between north and south Charnwood provides the basis for a more detailed consideration of the implications of the overall development strategy set out above.

Sub Areas

5.3 Within this very broad split between north and south Charnwood, there are a range of distinctive areas of the Borough which have their own locally recognisable character. These are based around the two urban areas of Loughborough in the north and Leicester in the south of the Borough, the Soar Valley which stretches between Loughborough and Leicester and four distinctive rural areas of the Wolds, Wreake Valley, High Leicestershire and Forest. These sub-areas of the Borough are described in more detail below:

Loughborough and the surrounding area – this area comprises the urban areas of Loughborough and Shepshed. It also includes Hathern and the Soar Valley villages of Quorn and Barrow Upon Soar. The area relies on Loughborough for shops, services and facilities. There are also a number of sub-areas within Loughborough itself. These relate to East Loughborough, Central Loughborough, Shelthorpe, Woodthorpe, the Forest side of Loughborough, Old Ashby Road, Maxwell Drive and Alan Moss Road and University areas.

The Wolds - this area includes the villages north east of Loughborough, these villages rely on Barrow Upon Soar and Loughborough for shops, services and facilities.

The Forest – this area includes the villages within Charnwood Forest including Woodhouse on the north side and Newtown Linford to the south. These villages have a fair bus service and look to the Service Centres of Quorn and Anstey as well as Loughborough and Leicester for shops, services and facilities.

Soar Valley – this area stretches between Loughborough and Leicester and comprises five of the seven Service Centres. It is the focus of service provision for the Wolds, the northern part of the Forest and to a less extent the Wreake Valley. The settlements in this area are focused around the River Soar, the railway line which runs from Leicester to Nottingham and the A6.

Wreake Valley – this area comprises the villages focused around the River Wreake which flows from Melton Borough into Charnwood. It includes the Service

76 72 Centre of Syston. These villages look to Syston and Leicester City for shops, services and facilities.

High Leicestershire – this south east corner of the Borough is the corner of a larger landscape area which also covers parts of Melton Borough and Harborough District. It includes Barkby, Barkby Thorpe, Beeby and South Croxton. These villages rely on Thurmaston, Hamilton and Leicester City for shops, services and facilities.

Charnwood Edge – this area comprises the settlements of Birstall and Thurmaston which adjoin Leicester and the villages close to the edge of the city including the Service Centre of Anstey.

Sub-Areas of Charnwood

Questions 29. Do you agree with the boundaries drawn for each sub areas?

30. Which sub area do you live in and what do you think are the key issues and opportunities?

77 73 SOUTH CHARNWOOD

5.4 South Charnwood is primarily influenced by the city of Leicester. Thurmaston and Birstall form part of the Principal Urban Area of Leicester as they are physically joined to the city and the majority of people in the south of Charnwood look to the city for work, leisure and shopping. The Service Centres of Anstey, Syston and Rothley provide lower order services to the smaller settlements further out in the southern part of the Forest, the Wreake Valley and High Leicestershire. This section will identify the key implications of the overall strategy for this part of Charnwood.

New Housing and Employment Development

5.5 The emerging Regional Plan requires that provision is made for at least 19,300 homes over the period 2001-2026. It states that 6,780 of these dwellings should be built within and adjoining the Principal Urban Area of Leicester, including sustainable urban extensions as necessary.

5.6 As outlined above in Chapter 4, there is little opportunity to develop previously developed land in south Charnwood so the Council consider the most sustainable way of providing the level of new homes required is to comprehensively plan a sustainable urban extension to the city to the east of Thurmaston and to the north of Hamilton. The Council is proposing to identify a site in the Core Strategy for around 5,000 homes and at least 25 hectares of employment in this growth area. It is proposed that 25 hectares of employment will be delivered during the plan period, with a further 25 hectares held in strategic reserve.

5.7 For the new residents of the sustainable urban extension the Council is proposing new employment areas close to and well connected to their new homes, which will give residents the opportunity to choose to live close to where they work. Due to the size of the development proposed, this urban extension will provide a range of supporting facilities, including a local shopping centre, recreational facilities, schools and possibly health facilities. The aim would be to create a community where people can walk and cycle to key facilities and use public transport to access the city and the facilities it offers.

5.8 This size of the development also provides an opportunity for existing residents. It would be a large enough development to bring significant benefits to the community of Thurmaston, which includes some of the most deprived communities in Charnwood in terms of income, education, skills and training and health. The sustainable urban extension could help to regenerate this community by providing new employment opportunities and community facilities.

5.9 This scale of development could be accommodated within the landscape without compromising the settlement identity of Syston, Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. It would provide homes well-related to the city, where the majority of people in south Charnwood work. As well as access to the city’s jobs, new residents would benefit from access to the two city hospitals, shops, restaurants, swimming pools and leisure centres, the existing good public transport links and easy access to Watermead Park and open space within the Green Wedge area which extends out of the city. It would also provide an opportunity to provide improvements for existing residents and is well related to the priority neighbourhood within Thurmaston. More details about the proposed sustainable urban extension are set out below.

78 74

5.10 In addition to this the Council propose to make provision for further development elsewhere adjoining the Principal Urban Area within Site Allocations Development Plan Document. This would ensure the most is made of the opportunity to locate new homes and businesses where they have access to the benefits of the city and good public transport links.

5.11 It is also proposed to make some smaller scale housing and employment allocations within or adjoining Service Centres in South Charnwood in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document. However, the location of these allocations will be informed by evidence about the capacity of settlements and the need for development to meet local needs. This will include an analysis of the role of different settlements and their relationship with other settlements within their housing sub-markets.

Retail

5.12 The main focus for higher order goods and services for communities in South Charnwood is Leicester, which is easily accessible by a choice of transport modes. Some of the villages in South Charnwood also well-connected to Loughborough Town Centre as is Rothley. The District and Local Centres will be supported and provide for the more day-to-day needs of those living in South Charnwood. They are:

District Centres Local Centres ƒ Anstey ƒ Kingsgate Avenue, Birstall ƒ Rothley ƒ Bradgate Road, Anstey ƒ Birstall ƒ Wanlip Lane, Birstall ƒ Thurmaston* ƒ Melton Road, Syston ƒ Syston ƒ Melton Road, Thurmaston ƒ Lonsdale Road, Thurmaston ƒ Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston ƒ Silverdale Drive, Thurmaston ƒ Rothley ƒ Went Road, Birstall ƒ Clover Walk, East Goscote ƒ Link Road, Anstey ƒ Rose Tree Avenue, Birstall * Thurmaston will be reviewed in light of wider regeneration aspirations for the settlement and its juxtaposition to the proposed sustainable urban extension.

5.13 Where it is needed to support vitality and viability, appropriate new retail floorspace, office space, residential development and commercial leisure development will be encouraged within District Centres in keeping with their role and function within the hierarchy.

5.14 The role of Thurmaston District Centre has changed significantly since it was designated in the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan. Previously Thurmaston District Centre was composed of a Co-operative food store and a small parade of shops, but this has been redeveloped and includes shops selling a range of goods more associated with town and city centres. The proposal for a sustainable urban extension and the desire to regenerate Thurmaston provides an opportunity to review the role of Thurmaston District Centre and the Council will consider removing its designation as a district centre in order to limit its further expansion.

79 75 5.15 The network of Local Centres will be supported to ensure their continued vitality and viability, ensuring the needs of communities across Charnwood are catered for.

Regeneration

5.16 The Council propose to support development which helps with the regeneration of those areas of relatively higher need, particularly in Syston and Thurmaston. In particular the Council proposes to safeguard existing employment, services and facilities and support opportunities for new provision.

5.17 There is a particular need to work with the local community and other partners in Thurmaston. The Council will consider preparing an Area Action Plan for Thurmaston which covers the whole community including the priority neighbourhood. Thurmaston has suffered from the severance of the A607 dual carriage way and the railway line, which collectively split Thurmaston into three. The historic centre of the village around Melton Road has been cut off from the rest of village by the A607. There is an opportunity to consider public realm improvements, improved links to Watermead Park and improved community facilities as part of this process with the community.

5.18 Specific regeneration objectives in south Charnwood include: • To exploit the opportunity created by major regeneration in Leicester City and to create new employment and prosperity in the south of Charnwood; • To consider opportunities to improve the vitality and viability of Syston District Centre; • To work with partners and the local community to prepare a masterplan for the East of Thurmaston/north of Hamilton sustainable urban extension; and • To consider the preparation of an Area Action Plan for Thurmaston

Green Infrastructure

5.18 South Charnwood has a range of green infrastructure assets already, with the southern entrances to Charnwood Forest, Watermead Country Park, Rothley Brook, and the River corridors of the Soar and Wreake.

5.19 Generally speaking biodiversity tends to be stronger in the West than the East. Development provides opportunity to strengthen linkages in the network of wildlife sites.

5.20 With Bradgate and Watermead Country Parks most of South Charnwood is well catered for in terms of large recreation areas. However there are deficiencies in smaller scale open space provision which needs to be addressed to ensure there is a comprehensive network of green space. In South Charnwood areas that have been identified as being deficient in local park provision include east of Syston, south of Thurmaston and in East Goscote. Syston, Thurmaston and Anstey also lack provision of outdoor play areas.

5.21 We also propose to retain the Green Wedges within this part of the Borough. These are green spaces which penetrate the urban area and provide access to open spaces for residents and employees to enjoy. There are four Green Wedges which extend out of the city into south Charnwood:

80 76 - Beaumont Leys/Glenfield/Anstey/Groby, - Beaumont Leys/Birstall/Thurcaston/Cropston/Anstey - Birstall/Thurmaston/Leicester - Thurmaston/Syston/Hamilton/Barkby/Barkby Thorpe.

81 77 SUSTAINABLE URBAN EXTENSION TO THE PRINCIPAL URBAN AREA

5.22 It is proposed that a sustainable urban extension to Leicester will be delivered on the land east of Thurmaston and north Hamilton within the area of search shown broadly on the map below. It is proposed that a sustainable urban extension in this area of search will include:

ƒ About 5,000 new homes ƒ Zero carbon development ƒ At least 25 hectares of employment ƒ A new centre with shops and ƒ Affordable housing facilities; ƒ A new Secondary School ƒ Possible flood reduction scheme ƒ 2 new Primary Schools ƒ Sites for Gypsy, Travellers and Showpeople ƒ Large formal park ƒ A package of transport measures ƒ Park and Ride facility for the city

82 78 5.23 New Local Centre: The Council are proposing that the sustainable urban extension provide a new local centre providing for the shopping needs of the new community and a new centre and community focus for the east side of Thurmaston beyond the railway line. This area is currently cut off from the facilities and shops in Thurmaston, which are the focus of the proposed Area Action Plan, so this would be centre to meet their needs as well as those of the new residents in the proposed development. This will be in addition to the existing facilities along Melton Road which serves the western side of Thurmaston and the new shopping complex on the A607 Asda roundabout.

5.24 New Schools: Initial discussions with Leicestershire County Council suggest that this extension will also support the provision of two new medium/large primary schools and one new secondary school. The schools would be a key element of this proposed new development and the focus of community activity. The secondary school, in particular, will benefit both new and existing residents in Thurmaston and Syston. It also provides an opportunity as part of the proposed reorganisation of secondary education in the County and the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme.

5.25 Affordable Housing: It is proposed that the sustainable urban extension include a mix of uses including affordable housing. This will be a mixture of social rented accommodation and intermediate housing where residents can buy a proportion of a property and rent the other proportion from a Housing Association or a similar organisation.

5.26 Transport: The main transport implications of this option located within the Leicester travel to work area will be in and out of the City at peak times. The proposed development will need to provide significant improvements to transport infrastructure primarily for access by bus, cycling and walking but also in the form of additional highway links. Consideration will be be given to the potential role for park and ride and a new rail station. Bus corridor improvements and new road capacity will help residents access cultural facilities, higher education, hospital care, comparison shopping and leisure facilities in the City centre. There will also need to be improved access by all modes to local facilities at Hamilton and Thurmaston. Additional highway links and traffic management measures will be needed to help mitigate the impact of traffic on the nearby communities of Barkby, Barkby Thorpe, Queniborough, Syston and Thurmaston and to improve access towards the A607. Initial costings suggest that such a package of measures could be funded by this growth option.

5.27 Flood Reduction: The proposed road improvements provide an opportunity to provide flood reduction measures which will reduce the flooding downstream in Syston. This would involve online storage of water which would relieve the flow of flood water as it travels from the city northwards.

5.28 Employment: The Council are proposing at least 25 hectares of strategic employment land to complement the scale of housing growth and to benefit existing residents of Thurmaston, Barkby, Barkby Thorpe, South Croxton and Hamilton. A further 25 hectares will be held in a strategic reserve to be released within the plan period if required. This site will help to meet the projected demand for employment arising from firms based in Leicester who are currently located on sites earmarked for redevelopment. The provision of serviced sites should be made in advance of housing development to provide jobs in advance of homes. The site will provide high quality offices, industrial and small-scale warehousing that will add

83 79 value to south Charnwood’s employment offer and complement the desire for this sustainable urban extension to be a demonstrator for zero carbon development.

5.29 Green Infrastructure: We are proposing a comprehensively planned extension where green infrastructure forms an integral part for the benefit of new and existing residents. In particular we would extend the Green Wedge area within the city out into the development from the south and maintain the Green Wedge between Thurmaston and Syston. The Green Wedges provide a link to Hamilton Country Park to the south and Watermead Park to the west. We are also proposing a new country or district park east of the development to provide formal access to the Countryside north east of the city. The existing and new green infrastructure, also including parks, sports areas and children’s play areas, will be linked together to form a network of open spaces.

5.30 Renewable and low Carbon Energy Generation: A Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Feasibility Study has been conducted for Charnwood and identified area to East of Thurmaston as an appropriate location for micro-wind energy generation and is located close to locations that would be suitable for large-scale wind energy generation. Wet biomass and dry biomass are also two forms of low carbon energy generation with potential in this location. The scale of development also indicates that Combined Heat and Power is a viable option for meeting the energy requirements of the Sustainable Urban Extension. The scale of development and opportunities for different forms of renewable and low carbon energy generation indicate an opportunity for the urban extension at East of Thurmaston to be zero carbon in advance of national requirements in The Building Regulations.

5.31 Gypsy, Traveller & Showpeople Accommodation: The Council are proposing that this sustainable urban extension will include sites for gypsies, travellers and showpeople to contribute towards the identified need in this borough. Provision should be made for a permanent site (between 5 and 10 pitches) and a transit site for gypsies and travellers (between 5 and 10 pitches) and a permanent site for showpeople (sufficient for up to 5 families). It is likely that the site for showpeople will be located adjacent to employment uses as a consequence of the need to store and test fairground equipment.

Question 31. Is there anything else that we should consider in planning for this sustainable urban extension?

84 80 NORTH CHARNWOOD

5.32 North Charnwood is primarily influenced by the urban towns of Loughborough and Shepshed. The majority of residents look to these towns for work, leisure and shopping. The Service Centres of Barrow Upon Soar, Quorn, Mountsorrel and Sileby provide services to the smaller settlements in the Soar Valley, Charnwood Forest and the Wolds. This section will identify the key implications of the overall strategy for this part of Charnwood.

New Housing and Employment Development

5.33 As outlined above the emerging Regional Plan requires that provision is made for at least 19,300 homes over the period 2001-2026. It states that outside the Principal Urban Area of Leicester homes should be mainly provided at Loughborough, including sustainable urban extensions as necessary.

5.34 As is the case in the south Charnwood, there is little opportunity to develop previously developed land within Loughborough, Shepshed or the other Service Centres in north Charnwood. The Council consider the most sustainable way of providing the level of new homes required is to comprehensively plan a sustainable urban extension adjoining the Sub-Regional Centre, it is therefore proposed that around 3,500 homes and 20 hectares of employment are planned on land west of Loughborough and north of Garendon Historic Park and Gardens. This approach will help strengthen the role of Loughborough and Shepshed as mutually supportive urban systems and as the largest Sub-Regional Centre at the centre of the Three Cities Sub-Region.

5.35 For new residents of the sustainable urban extension the Council are proposing a development which will include a mix of uses including affordable housing and high quality employment. New employment areas would be close to and well-connected to new homes, which gives people the opportunity to choose to live close to where they work. Due to the size of the development proposed, this urban extension will be able to provide a range of supporting facilities, including a local shopping centre, recreational facilities, schools and possible health facilities. The aim would be to create a community where people can walk and cycle to key facilities and use public transport to access to town centres of Loughborough and Shepshed.

5.36 The size of the development also provides an opportunity for existing residents. It would be a large enough development to bring significant benefits to the existing residents and businesses in west Loughborough and Shepshed. The sustainable urban extensions could help to regenerate this community by providing new employment opportunities and community facilities and providing access to green infrastructure.

5.37 This scale of development could be accommodated within the landscape without compromising the settlement identity of Shepshed and Hathern. It would provide homes well-related to the towns where the majority of people in north Charnwood work and where residents can benefits from the hospital, shops, restaurants, swimming pool and leisure centre in the town centres, the existing good public transport links and easy access to Garendon Historic Park and Gardens and Charnwood Forest. It would also provide an opportunity to provide improvements for existing residents and is well related to the priority neighbourhood within north Loughborough. More details about the proposed sustainable urban extension are set out below.

85 81

5.38 In addition to this, the Council propose to allocate further homes and jobs on smaller sites within and adjoining the Sub-Regional Centre and Service Centres to make the most of the opportunity to locate new homes and businesses where they have access good public transport links and a range of services and facilities. It may not be appropriate to locate development in all of the Service Centres and the selection of sites will be informed by evidence about the capacity of settlements and the need for development to meet local needs. This will include an analysis of the role of different settlements and their relationship with other settlements within their housing sub-markets.

Student Housing

5.39 Future purpose built student housing will be acceptable at Loughborough University campus and on sites within the Town Centre identified by the Site Allocations Development Plan Document. Town centre sites will form part of mixed use development with active frontages that provide year-round activity that contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre.

Retail

5.40 Future shopping provision will be focused in Loughborough Town Centre to strengthen it as a sub-regional centre and to maintain its position in relation to the three cities of Derby, Nottingham and Leicester. In the short term up to 2011, there is a modest requirement for new comparison floorspace across the whole borough which can be met by through the letting of currently vacant units within the town centre. Up to 2016 new comparison floorspace will be required and it is proposed to focus this on the opportunity sites in the Loughborough Town Centre Masterplan. Beyond 2016 the Allocations Development Plan document will consider changes to Loughborough’s Core Area in order to accommodate future retail floor space.

5.41 Evidence suggests that within Charnwood there are opportunities to enhance the town centre by the addition of new commercial leisure uses such as bowling alleys, cinemas and hotels there is also scope to increase the proportion of food and drink outlets . The Council believes that a greater diversity of uses within the town centre may be acceptable provided the vitality and viability is not adversely affected.

5.42 Loughborough town centre will be supported by a series of District Centres and Local Centres, which in north Charnwood are located at:

District Centres Local Centres ƒ Barrow Upon Soar ƒ Quorn ƒ Sileby ƒ Market Place, Mountsorrel ƒ Shelthorpe, Loughborough ƒ Leicester Road, Mountsorrel ƒ Gorse Covert, Loughborough ƒ Swan Street, Sileby ƒ Shepshed ƒ Adj. 47 Rothley Road, Mountsorrel ƒ Adj. 105 Rothley Road, Mountsorrel ƒ Belton Road, Loughborough ƒ Heathcote Drive, Sileby ƒ Park Road, Loughborough ƒ Thorpe Road/McCarthy Road, Shepshed ƒ Anson Road, Shepshed ƒ Charnwood Road, Shepshed

86 82 ƒ Corner of Charnwood Road/Springfield Road Shepshed ƒ Sharpley Road, Loughborough ƒ Browning Road, Loughborough ƒ Derwent Drive, Loughborough ƒ Melton Road, Barrow Upon Soar

5.43 Where it is needed to support vitality and viability, appropriate new retail floorspace, office space, residential development and commercial leisure development will be encouraged within District Centres in keeping with their role and function within the hierarchy. The particular needs in Shepshed and Sileby will be supported to help improve their retail offer and vitality and viability.

5.44 The network of Local Centres will be supported to ensure their continued vitality and viability, ensuring the needs of communities across Charnwood are catered for.

Regeneration

5.45 The Council proposes to support development which helps with the regeneration of those areas of relatively higher need, particularly in Loughborough, Shepshed and Mountsorrel. In particular the Council proposes to safeguard existing employment, services and facilities and support opportunities for new provision.

5.46 There is a particular need to work with partners in Shepshed. The Council will consider preparing an Area Action Plan for Shepshed. This would seek to tackle the structural problems in the settlement including, the poor public realm, parking problems, poor vitality and viability of the district centre, the shortage of local jobs, out migration of younger families, low educational attainment, crime and antisocial behaviour.

5.47 East Loughborough Priority Neighbourhood lies adjacent to the Town Centre, two railway stations and a significant employment area. However, the area has a high black and minority ethnic population and suffers from low income and employment, health and disability, low education and skill levels, poor quality living environment and high crime rates. Whilst there are opportunities and projects in place to renew this part of Loughborough (such as the Eastern Gateway and Town Centre Master Plan), these efforts need to be matched with focused action to increase the access of the local community to these opportunities. As such, the Council will consider preparing an Area Action Plan to coordinate the existing and proposed regeneration projects in East Loughborough and to act as a further catalyst to address deprivation in the area.

5.48 West Loughborough also suffers from low education attainment, skill levels and employment levels. There is also a high proportion of students living in the area which skew the age profile particularly in term time. There are also particular issues around the deprivation of children, crime and fear of crime and social exclusion. The proposal to develop land to the west of Loughborough for a sustainable urban extension provides an opportunity for communities in west Loughborough to access Garendon Historic Park and Gardens and other green infrastructure networks that will assist with health and well-being. The provision of new employment nearby and at the Science Park provides job opportunities but this will need to be supported by partner’s initiatives to raise skill levels and educational attainment in the area.

87 83

5.49 Mountsorrel has a high proportion of population under the age of 15 which places particular stress on local youth services. Other issues in this priority neighbourhood include low educational attainment and low income levels. A high proportion of local people commute elsewhere for jobs as a result of the restructuring of the local employment base. The Council will seek to identify new sites for local employment in the Site Allocation Development Plan Document and work with its partners and other agencies to develop approaches to address deprivation.

5.50 Specific regeneration objectives in north Charnwood include:

• To maintain the vitality and viability of Loughborough town centre in the face of increasing competition from the three cities of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham; • To support the early delivery of the Town Centre Masterplan and completion of the Inner Relief Road; • To encourage the regeneration of East Loughborough by building upon both private and public sector mixed use investment. The Loughborough Eastern Gateway, Windmill Road and Greater Great Central Railway schemes will be linked by an overarching vision and planning framework agreed with local people to drive this high priority regeneration initiative; • To cement the reputation of Loughborough as a centre for advanced and clean environmental technology: building upon the reputation of the University; the major employers; and Energy Technology Institute; • To support the University in its role as an international leader in sport, bioscience and environmental sciences; the successful implementation of the Science Park is seen as key to the town’s future; • To work with partners and other agencies to address particular issues of deprivation in the west and east of Loughborough and Mountsorrel Priority Neighbourhoods • To work with partners and the local community to prepare a masterplan for the West Loughborough sustainable urban extension • To consider the preparation of Area Action Plans for Shepshed and East Loughborough

Green Infrastructure

5.51 North Charnwood has a range of green infrastructure assets already, with the northern entrances to Charnwood Forest Regional Park and the River corridor of the Soar. There are also a number of local wildlife sites and parks in between these larger formal open spaces. Generally speaking biodiversity tends to be stronger in the West than the East.

5.52 Residents living in the north of Charnwood do not have access to large recreational spaces. There are also deficiencies in smaller scale open space provision which need to be addressed to ensure there is a comprehensive network of green space. In North Charnwood areas that have been identified as being deficient in local park provision include parts of Shepshed, north and south Loughborough, Quorn, Barrow upon soar, Mountsorrel and Sileby. Thurmaston Hathern, Loughborough,

88 84 Mountsorrel and Shepshed have been identified as lacking provision of outdoor play areas.

5.53 Development of the sustainable urban extension provides the opportunity to strengthen linkages in the network of wildlife sites. Particularly within Charnwood Forest, but also to ensure the East of the Borough is better connected with the surrounding areas of biodiversity. The Charnwood Forest Regional Park is a key opportunity. New developments within or just outside the boundary of the Regional Park will act as gateways to the Park, with their layout, built design, landscape treatment, access arrangements, and Green Infrastructure provision reflecting local landscape and settlement character and integrating with the wider Regional Park.

5.54 The Green Wedges will be retained within this part of the Borough. These are green spaces which penetrate the urban area and provide access to open spaces for residents and employees to enjoy. In association with the preferred direction for growth, areas of green wedge will be defined in the Core Strategy between Loughborough and adjoining the settlements of Shepshed and Hathern. The existing areas of green wedge between Loughborough and Quorn will be safeguarded unless an identified local need for development justifies a review of these boundaries.

Science Park

5.55 It is proposed that the existing 23 hectare Science Park is extended to form a strategic level science park allocation of up to 50 hectares to the west of Loughborough University. 23 hectares of land will be specifically for uses that have demonstrable connected with the university. The balance of the allocation would provide for research and development uses associated with the university or other research facilities elsewhere in the Borough.

Proposed Science Park

89 85 5.52 The proposed Science Park would complement the urban extension west of Loughborough which specifically benefits from its location close by the existing Science Park and Loughborough University. This development is not expected to realise 50 hectares of developable employment land as approximately 50% of the site excluding Holywell and Burleigh Wood and those areas developed before December 2005, will be landscaped to create a parkland setting including woodland planting appropriate to the site’s location within and adjoining the National Forest. Development of the site would provide an opportunity to consider a flood attenuation scheme on the upper tributaries of the Burleigh Brook, which would help relieve flooding downstream in the town centre.

90 86 SUSTAINABLE URBAN EXTENSION TO LOUGHBOROUGH

5.53 The Council’s proposal for a large sustainable urban extension to Loughborough on land west of Loughborough and north of Garendon Historic Park and Gardens is shown on the map below. It is a total of approximately 100 hectares. It is proposed that this sustainable urban extension will include the following:

ƒ About 3,500 new homes ƒ Zero Carbon Development ƒ 20 hectares of employment ƒ A new centre with shops and ƒ Affordable housing facilities ƒ 2 new Primary Schools ƒ Possible flood reduction scheme ƒ Public Access to Garendon Historic ƒ Sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Park and Gardens Showpeople ƒ Package of transport measures

91 87 5.54 New Local Centre: We are proposed that the sustainable urban extension will provide a new local centre containing a medium sized food store, as well as other commercial community facilities to serve the needs of the new community and surrounding areas of north Loughborough and Shepshed.

5.55 New Schools: Initial discussions with Leicestershire County Council suggest that there will be a need for two medium primary schools west of Loughborough. There is existing capacity within secondary schools within Loughborough and Shepshed so there will be no requirement for a new secondary school.

5.56 Affordable Housing: It is proposed that the sustainable urban extension includes a mix of uses including affordable housing. This will be a mixture of social rented accommodation and intermediate housing where residents can buy a proportion of a property and rest the other proportion from a Housing Association or a similar organisation.

5.57 Employment: The Council are proposing 20 hectares of strategic employment land to complement the scale of housing growth and to benefit existing residents in Loughborough and Shepshed. In view of the specific role of the science park, this site will provide an alternative location for high quality offices, industrial and small- scale warehousing that will add value to Loughborough’s employment offer. The provision of serviced employment sites should be made in advance of housing development to provide the opportunity for employment before housing development commences.

5.58 Transport: This growth option located on the edge of Loughborough between the town and Shepshed is well placed to reach a range of key local destinations located nearby. A package of significant improvements to transport infrastructure will be needed to ensure high quality access by bus, cycling and walking to both Loughborough town centre where main shopping, leisure and other services and facilities are located; to Shepshed town centre and to employment areas north of the town, the Science Park, the University, secondary schools and the proposed Park. Park and ride will also be considered. In order to help mitigate the traffic impact of development in this location a new link road will be provided between the A512 and A6 north together with necessary improvements to Junction 23 of the M1 and any other highway and traffic management measures that may be required. Initial costings suggest a suitable package of measures could be funded by this growth option.

5.59 Green Infrastructure: The urban extension will include provision for comprehensively planned green infrastructure to provide a network of multi- functional green spaces including parks and recreation areas, informal areas, natural and semi-natural habitats and green corridors. Green infrastructure will be an integral part of the development, and development west of Loughborough would secure the provision of a new country park to meet identified deficit in open space in the north of Charnwood. This park would provide full public access to Garendon Historic Park and Gardens and the retention and restoration of the park, and the listed buildings within it, for the benefit of new and existing residents. There will also be improved links to existing green infrastructure, such as Charnwood Forest.

5.60 Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Generation: A Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Feasibility Study has been conducted for Charnwood and identified West of Loughborough as an appropriate location for micro-wind energy

92 88

generation and is close to significant areas of woodland to the West of the Borough. Wet biomass and dry biomass are also two forms of low carbon energy generation with potential in this location. The scale of development also indicates that Combined Heat and Power is a viable option for meeting the energy requirements of the Sustainable Urban Extension. The scale of development and opportunities for different forms of renewable and low carbon energy generation indicate an opportunity for the urban extension at West of Loughborough to be zero carbon in advance of national requirements in The Building Regulations.

5.61 Gypsy, Traveller & Showpeople Accommodation: The Council are proposing that this sustainable urban extension will include sites for gypsies, travellers and showpeople to contribute towards the identified need in this borough. Provision should be made for a permanent site (between 5 and 10 pitches) and a transit site for gypsies and travellers (between 5 and 10 pitches) and a permanent site for showpeople (sufficient for up to 5 families). It is likely that the site for showpeople will be located adjacent to employment uses as a consequence of the need to store and test fairground equipment.

Question 32. Is there anything else that we should consider in planning for this sustainable urban extension?

93 89

APPENDIX A - APPRAISAL OF POTENTIAL SUSTAINABLE URBAN EXTENSIONS LOCATIONS

Introduction

This appendix sets out the alternative broad locations that the Council has considered for sustainable urban extensions to the Principal Urban Area of Leicester and to the Sub- Regional Centre of Loughborough and Shepshed. It provides an assessment of the sustainability of each location, a summary of the contribution each location could make to an overall strategy for the Borough’s future development and the reasons for their inclusion or otherwise in the Preferred Strategy presented in this consultation document.

The assessment of the alternative broad locations below is based on the sustainability appraisal, evidence base studies and feedback received from stakeholders, both from external statutory bodies and local interest groups and internal officers from across the council’s service areas.

The information in this appendix is drawn from the main sustainability appraisal report which accompanies this report. The sustainability framework consists of 27 sustainability criteria and detailed appraisal of proposals. This appendix seeks to translate these into key advantages and disadvantages. The full Sustainability Appraisal can be viewed online at www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood 2026.

Broad Locations

Five alternatives broad locations have been considered adjoining the Principal Urban Area. Within Charnwood there are a number of areas where development could adjoin the Principal Urban Area. Firstly there is land adjoining Birstall or Thurmaston as settlements within Charnwood that adjoin Leicester and form part of the Principal Urban Area. Secondly there is land adjoining Hamilton and Glenfield, communities outside but adjoining Charnwood’s boundary. Within these areas possible directions for growth have been identified in the area north of Glenfield, north of Birstall and east of Thurmaston. Due to the amount of land in the area east of Thurmaston, three different options have been considered, focusing development east of Thurmaston and south towards Hamilton, east of Thurmaston and north towards Syston or a combination of these two options spreading development both north and south from the east of Thurmaston.

Six alternative broad locations have been considered for a sustainable urban extension to the Sub-Regional Centre of Loughborough and Shepshed. These relate to the west, south west, south and east of Loughborough and west of Shepshed. The area around Wymeswold Airfield has also been appraised as it has been raised by a number of respondents to Core Strategy consultations as a suitable site for development as the airfield is a previously developed site.

Please Note: This appendix includes an illustrative map of each broad location. The maps are based on the amount of land required to accommodate a 4,875 dwelling urban extension as required in the Draft Regional Plan including supporting employment and infrastructure. Where this scale of development could not be accommodated in a broad locations, the scale of development that could reasonably be accommodated was mapped and appraised. The maps show possible urban extension locations in a consistent simplified block format. These blocks only take account of nationally designated constraints such as Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and flood risk. The maps do not take account of landownership and they do not necessarily reflect proposals submitted to the Council by landowners and developers.

94 90

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN EXTENSION OF THE PRINCIPAL URBAN AREA OF LEICESTER

Alternative Location A: East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,875 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

The three options east of Thurmaston are the best performing of all of the options for south Charnwood, across the range of sustainability criteria. All three options are close to the South Charnwood priority neighbourhood which includes some of the most deprived households in Leicestershire. The options around Thurmaston therefore offer the greatest potential to bring about the regeneration of Thurmaston and for new infrastructure, employment, facilities and affordable housing to benefit deprived households. These options are also the least critical in relation to their impact on species, have the least impact on settlement identity impact and perform well in terms of their access to higher order services, access to the countryside and attractiveness to investors. All the Thurmaston options could affect the capacity of the Thurmaston Dyke which runs under the railway causing a potential drainage problem which would need to be overcome.

This option is differentiated from other options around Thurmaston because it has less impact on settlement identity as it would maintain a Green Wedge between Thurmaston and Syston and like all the Thurmaston options can be accommodated within the landscape without compromising the settlement identity of Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. This option would also be better related to the city and its services and facilities. It would therefore have the most potential to minimise the need to travel by car, along with the option which spread development from south of Syston to north Hamilton, as it could utilise current city bus routes into the city, which could be extended.

Whilst this location includes land within the bowl of the landscape east of Thurmaston it also extends south to the ridge at Hamilton which would have a localised impact on the landscape effecting Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. This means it would have more landscape impact than the east of Thurmaston/south of Syston option, which also sits within the bowl of the landscape and includes the flatter land south of Syston, but less impact than the other

95 91

Charnwood options. This option would also have a greater impact on the historic environment, due to its proximity to the deserted mediaeval village of Hamilton.

Following appraisal of all the options for South Charnwood and consideration of the deliverability of this option, it is the Council’s view that this is the most sustainable option for a Sustainable Urban Extension to the Principal Urban Area of Leicester. The area of search identified as the preferred option in Chapter 5 does not include the land east of Hamilton, which was appraised as part of this option (the southern most element of the broad location considered). The Council concluded that development in this location would be more related to Hamilton, relying on existing facilities and services including the primary and secondary schools, shops and other community facilities. It is therefore unlikely to form an integral part of a Sustainable Urban Extension, which would have a mix of uses and its own communal focus for services and facilities. It is therefore more appropriate to assess this land against other potential smaller scale urban extensions to Leicester, in the Site Allocation Development Plan Document.

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

This is the worst option in terms of potential The options around Thurmaston are least impact on the historic environment due to its critical in relation to their impact on species, location close to the deserted mediaeval village although there could be some impact on at Hamilton. habitat connectivity. The Thurmaston options could affect the This option would include land within the bowl capacity of the Thurmaston Dyke which runs in the landscape east of Thurmaston, which under the railway causing a potential drainage would limit views from the nearby villages. problem. However it also includes the land on top of the ridge at Hamilton, which would be visible, although this would be a localised impact. This option would have the least impact on settlement identity.

This option is primarily grade III agricultural land, with very limited grade II land. This and the option north of Glenfield would have a similar impact on soil resources as all the Thurmaston options, better than north of Birstall and worse than north of Glenfield.

The Thurmaston options offer the greatest potential for integrated development with the existing community, and for new infrastructure, facilities and affordable housing, to benefit deprived households.

This option would utilise current city bus routes which could be extended. Package of transport improvements could help air quality issues in Syston.

Good access to the countryside, Watermead Country Park and leisure facilities and has the

96 92 potential to improve access for whole community. This option would have good access to employment, healthcare, retail provision and a range of cultural, media and sport activities in the city centre, Thurmaston and Hamilton. The options around Thurmaston could improve the skills and employability of deprived households.

Potentially attractive to investors with proximity to Leicester, access to the strategic road network, existing employment areas in Thurmaston and an attractive landscaped setting.

97 93

Alternative Option B: East of Thurmaston/South of Syston

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,875 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

The three options east of Thurmaston are the best performing of all of the options for south Charnwood, across the range of sustainability criteria. All three options are close to the South Charnwood priority neighbourhood which includes some of the most deprived households in Leicestershire. The options around Thurmaston therefore offer the greatest potential to bring about the regeneration of Thurmaston and for new infrastructure, employment, facilities and affordable housing to benefit deprived households. These options are also the least critical in relation to their impact on species, have the least impact on settlement identity impact and perform well in terms of their access to higher order services, access to the countryside and attractiveness to investors. All the Thurmaston options could affect the capacity of the Thurmaston Dyke which runs under the railway causing a potential drainage problem which would need to be overcome.

This option is differentiated from other options around Thurmaston because it has the least impact on the landscape as it is located within the bowl of the landscape east of Thurmaston and includes the flatter land south of Syston. This option would also have a less impact on the deserted mediaeval village of Hamilton than the other east of Thurmaston options.

This option would however have a greater impact on settlement identity, removing the Green Wedge between Thurmaston and Syston. It would further connect Syston to Thurmaston, a settlement which is not currently part of the Principal Urban Area of Leicester. This option would further increase the northern extent of the Principal Urban Area and be relatively further away from the higher order services and facilities in Leicester than some other options. This option would be less well related to the city and therefore has less potential to minimise the need to travel by car due to the distance from higher order services available in the city and distance from current city bus routes.

98 94

This location was not the Council’s preferred option as it is not as well related to the city and its employment, facilities and services as the preferred location. It would also have a significant impact on the settlement identity of Syston.

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

The Thurmaston options would have the least More adverse impact on settlement identity impact on species, although there could be than the other Thurmaston options. It would some impact on habitat connectivity. join Syston and Thurmaston.

This option would have the least landscape Some impact on the historic environment due impact as it includes land within the bowl in the to its location close to the deserted mediaeval landscape east of Thurmaston and flatter village at Hamilton. landscape south of Syston, limiting views from the nearby villages. Due to its distance, a lack of current bus routes and infrequent rail services, has the The Thurmaston options offer the greatest least access by non-car modes to services in potential for integrated development with the Leicester. existing community, and for new infrastructure, facilities and affordable housing, to benefit This option would cover predominantly grade deprived households. III and some grade II agricultural land impacting on these soil resources. Package of transport improvements could help air quality issues in Syston. The Thurmaston options could affect the capacity of the Thurmaston Dyke which runs Good access to the countryside, Watermead under the railway causing a potential drainage Country Park and leisure facilities and has the problem. potential to improve access for whole community. Good access to Syston and Thurmaston services and facilities but would be further The options around Thurmaston could away from employment, healthcare, retail improve the skills and employability of provision and a range of cultural, media and deprived households. sport activities in the city centre.

Potentially attractive to investors with proximity to Leicester, access to the strategic road network, existing employment areas in Thurmaston and an attractive landscaped setting.

99 95

Alternative Option C: East of Thurmaston/South of Syston/North of Hamilton

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,875 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

The three options east of Thurmaston are the best performing of all of the options for south Charnwood, across the range of sustainability criteria. All three options are close to the South Charnwood priority neighbourhood which includes some of the most deprived households in Leicestershire. The options around Thurmaston therefore offer the greatest potential to bring about the regeneration of Thurmaston and for new infrastructure, employment, facilities and affordable housing to benefit deprived households. These options are also the least critical in relation to their impact on species, have the least impact on settlement identity impact and perform well in terms of their access to higher order services, access to the countryside and attractiveness to investors. All the Thurmaston options could affect the capacity of the Thurmaston Dyke which runs under the railway causing a potential drainage problem which would need to be overcome.

This option is differentiated from other options around Thurmaston because it would be better related to the city and its services and facilities than the option east of Thurmaston/south of Syston. It would therefore have better potential to minimise the need to travel by car, along with the preferred location, as it could utilise current city bus routes into the city, which could be extended.

As development would be spread along the edges of Hamilton, Thurmaston and Syston in this option, it would have a significant landscape impact. This impact would be greater than the option east of Thurmaston/south of Syston which is located within the bowl of the landscape east of Thurmaston and includes the flatter land south of Syston. This option would also have a significant impact on the settlement identity of Syston removing the Green Wedge and further connecting the two communities. This would increase the northern extent of the Principal Urban Area. It would create a very spread out development which would make it difficult to create community hubs, with schools, health facilities and shops, that are accessible to existing and new residents in the area. This option would also have an

100 96 impact on the historic environment, due to its proximity to the deserted mediaeval village of Hamilton.

This location was not the Council’s preferred option as parts of the location are not as well related to the city and its employment, facilities and services as the preferred location. There is also concern that the development would be more spread out making it more difficult to create accessible community hubs. It would also have a significant impact on the settlement identity of Syston.

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

The Thurmaston options would have the least The effect of spreading development would impact on species, although there could be mean this option would be worse than the some impact on habitat connectivity. other options around Thurmaston for This option would utilise current bus routes landscape impact. It would include the land on which would need to be extended and the prominent ridgeline at Hamilton as well as improved. It provides a similar opportunity to the land within the bowl in the landscape east minimise the need to travel by car as the of Thurmaston and flatter landscape south of Thurmaston/Hamilton and Glenfield options. Syston. The potential transport infrastructure to More adverse impact on settlement identity support this option could help to alleviate the than the east of Thurmaston/north of Hamilton air quality issues in Syston. option. It would further join Syston and Thurmaston. This would have less impact on soil resources than the Birstall or Thurmaston/Syston Some impact on the historic environment due options. to its location close to the deserted mediaeval village at Hamilton. The Thurmaston options offer the greatest potential for integrated development with the The Thurmaston options could affect the existing community, and for new infrastructure, capacity of the Thurmaston Dyke which runs facilities and affordable housing, to benefit under the railway causing a potential drainage deprived households. problem. Good access to Syston and Thurmaston services and facilities but parts of this area would be further away from employment, healthcare, retail provision and a range of cultural, media and sport activities in the city centre. The options around Thurmaston could improve the skills and employability of deprived households. Good access to the countryside, Watermead Country Park and leisure facilities and has the potential to improve access for whole community. Potentially attractive to investors with proximity to Leicester, access to the strategic road network, existing employment areas in Thurmaston and an attractive landscaped setting.

101 97

Alternative Option D: North of Birstall

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,000 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option has the most potential to reduce the need to travel by car as it has access to good quality alternatives including a high frequency bus service and the national cycle route 6. It also has less impact of historic interests than the east of Thurmaston options, which are located in close proximity to the Hamilton deserted mediaeval village. This option has no significant flooding issues and would be attractive to inward investors.

This option is, however, in an elevated position and would have the most significant impact on the landscape of all the options. It would also have a significant impact on the settlement identity of Rothley and the most impact of all the options on protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species. This option, along with the one north of Glenfield, are further away from the most deprived communities, than the east of Thurmaston options, and would not offer the same scope to tackle social exclusion. The provision of new employment, schools and services would not benefit the most deprived communities. This option is also detached from Birstall and Leicester by the A46 and is some distance from the city centre, which means that despite having good public transport links, the access to higher order goods is not as good as it is for other options. It would also have an impact on a significant area of grade 11 agricultural land and therefore the most impact on soil resources of all the options.

This is not the Council’s preferred option as it does not perform as well against the range of sustainability criteria as the locations east of Thurmaston. There is also a constraint of the scale of development that could be accommodated in this location due to the proximity of other settlements. One of the underlying principals of the preferred approach is to make provision for carefully planned sustainable urban extensions that provide a mix of homes, jobs and community facilities. It is unlikely that a smaller urban extension than proposed would be able to support and deliver the same range of services and facilities as the preferred option for South Charnwood.

102 98

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

No significant harm to historic or This option would have the most impact on archaeological interests. protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species, which in this area are associated with the This option provides the best opportunity to woodland landscape along the Rothley Brook reduce the need to travel by car with good and across the area; quality access to alternatives in the form of a high frequency Loughborough-Leicester bus This option would extend the Leicester urban service and National Cycle Route 6; area across the A46 and along the Soar Valley in an elevated position impacting of landscape This option has no flooding issues as it is and townscape character. It would have the located in Flood Zone 1 and has no access worst impact on settlement identity reducing constraints. the separation from Rothley. This option would have frequent bus access to This option is predominately grade II employment, healthcare, retail provision and a agricultural land and would have the most range of cultural, media and sport activities in impact on soil resources. the city centre and Loughborough town Due to the distance from Loughborough and centre. Leicester this is the worst option for access to This option (like all the options) has good higher order services. access to the countryside including Watermead It would not provide new infrastructure, Country Park and local leisure centres (Soar facilities and affordable housing where most Valley Leisure Centre) and to Leicester City needed. Centre It does not offer an opportunity to remedy Good access to the strategic road network and deficiencies in open space provision and some public transport services make it unlikely to reduce health inequalities, along attractive for investors and innovative with the Glenfield option, but may increase companies. physical activity.

The lack of close proximity to deprived communities means this and the north of Glenfield options have the least potential to help to improve the skills and employability of deprived households;

103 99

Alternative Option E: North of Glenfield/South of Anstey

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 2,462 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option, along with the preferred option, has the best access to employment and higher order services in the city. It also has good access to the shopping and leisure activities at Beaumont Leys. It would have the least impact on soil resources and less impact on historic interests than the east of Thurmaston options, which are located in close proximity to the Hamilton deserted mediaeval village. This option has no significant flooding issues and would be attractive to inward investors.

This option, like the option north of Birstall, is further away from the most deprived communities than the east of Thurmaston options and would not offer the same scope to tackle social exclusion. The provision of new employment, schools and services would not benefit the most deprived communities. It also has the least potential to reduce the need to travel by car due to the easy access to the M1, A46 and A6. This option is also be located in the sensitive landscape separating Anstey from Leicester. Whilst the north of Birstall option has the most impact on biodiversity, this option could also disrupt biodiversity networks and isolate protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species and therefore would have more impact on biodiversity than the east of Thurmaston options.

This is not the Council’s preferred option as it does not perform as well against the range of sustainability criteria as the locations east of Thurmaston. There is also a constraint on the scale of development that could be accommodated in this location due to the proximity of Anstey and Charnwood Forest. One of the underlying principals of the preferred approach is to make provision for carefully planned sustainable urban extensions that provide a mix of homes, jobs and community facilities. An urban extension of this smaller scale would not be able to support the range of services and facilities that are required to deliver a sustainable urban extension.

104 100

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

This option would have less impact on species This option would be located in an area which than the Birstall option but more than the provides a buffer to the edge of the urban area Thurmaston options due to the potential to and is therefore considered to be a sensitive disrupt biodiversity networks and isolate landscape separating Anstey from Leicester. protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species. This option provides one of the worst There would be no significant harm to historic opportunities to reduce travel by car, despite or archaeological interests. having access to a reasonable bus service into the city, due to its easy access to the M1, A46 This option has no flooding issues as it is in and A6. Flood Zone 1 and has no access constraints. This option would not be located close enough This option is primarily grade III agricultural to the most deprived communities in the land, with very limited grade II land. This and Borough to offer the same scope to tackle the option east of Thurmaston/North of social exclusion. It would not provide Hamilton would have the least impact on soil infrastructure and affordable housing where resources. most needed. Good bus access to employment, healthcare, retail provision and a range of cultural, media It does not offer an opportunity to remedy and sport activities in the city centre. It also deficiencies in open space provision and is the has good access to Beaumont Leys shopping least likely to reduce health inequalities, along and leisure activities and Glenfield Hospital. with the Glenfield option, but may increase Although the bus services are not as frequent physical activity. as other locations this option offers a similar The lack of close proximity to deprived level of access to services as the communities means this and the north of Thurmaston/Hamilton option. Birstall options have the least potential of all Good access to the countryside and open the options to help improve the skills and space including Bradgate Park. It also has good employability of deprived households. access to the city centre and Beaumont Leys shopping and leisure centre. Very good access to the strategic road network and some bus routes make it attractive for investors and innovative companies. This option, as with all other options has the potential to be sited within an attractive landscaped setting, which would be potentially attractive to investors.

105 101

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN EXTENSION OF THE SUB-REGIONAL CENTRE OF LOUGHBOROUGH/SHEPSHED

Alternative Option A: South of Loughborough

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 2,100 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option and the preferred option have the least landscape impact of all the options. All the other options would have a significant impact on either the Charnwood Forest or the River Soar corridor. This option offers the best opportunity to reduce the need to travel by car as it has the best access to the town with a high frequency bus routes to the higher order services in Loughborough. It also offers the best opportunity to provide new jobs, infrastructure and services that will benefit the most deprived households, due to its proximity to the south Loughborough priority neighbourhood. It is an attractive location for inward investors and there would be no significant harm to historic interests or significant flooding issues.

Development in this location would, however, have a significant impact on the settlement identity of Quorn and Woodthorpe. It is not considered possible to differentiate the degree of this impact from the east of Loughborough, Wymeswold airfield and west Loughborough options. This option could be highly damaging for protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species, disrupting links between the forest and urban fringe. With the exception of east Loughborough, it would also have the most significant impact on grade 11 agricultural land. This option would also be less well located for employment associated with Loughborough University and north east of Loughborough.

This is not the Council’s preferred option. Although it performs reasonable well in relation to social factors such as proximity to the town centre and deprived communities, it would has a significant environmental impacts on biodiversity and the settlement identity of Woodthorpe and Quorn. In economic terms it is not well related to employment within the town. Employment in Loughborough is focused in the north east and around the university and this location is not well related to these areas. There is also a constraint of

106 102 the scale of development that could be accommodated in this location due to the proximity of Quorn and Charnwood Forest. One of the underlying principals of the preferred approach is to make provision for carefully planned sustainable urban extensions that provide a mix of homes, jobs and community facilities. An urban extension of this smaller scale is unlikely to be able to support the range of services and facilities that are required to deliver a sustainable urban extension.

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

There would be no significant harm to historic Would have the second most damaging impact or archaeological interests. on biodiversity after the east of Loughborough options due to its proximity to Charnwood This option has the most potential to minimise Forest. It would be highly damaging for the need to travel by car and maximise current protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species, transport infrastructure. impacting upon ancient woodland, non This option includes some grade II agricultural statutory sites and disrupting links between the land, but would have less impact on soil forest and urban fringe. Associated road resources than the east of Loughborough infrastructure would also come extremely option. close to statutory and non-statutory sites that This option has no flooding issues as it is in support important species. Flood Zone 1 and has no access constraints. This option would impact upon the settlement Reasonable access to healthcare and retail identity of Woodthorpe and Quorn provision at Shelthorpe and the town centre. It would be less well located for employment There is excellent access to Loughborough associated with Loughborough University and town centre by public transport, providing north east of Loughborough. access to a range of cultural, media and sport activities. This and the west of Loughborough ption provide the best access to higher order services by public transport. Close to some of the most deprived communities in the south and east of the town. This and the west of Loughborough option offer the most potential for links to be made with the existing community and for new infrastructure, affordable housing and employment to benefit deprived households. Good access to leisure centre and the countryside. New open space provision would be accessible to deprived communities in south Loughborough. This option has potential to increase physical activity of new and existing communities and reduce health inequalities. The attractive countryside and reasonable access to the M1 is likely to be attractive to employers.

107 103

Alternative Option B: South West of Loughborough

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 1,240 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option would have least impact on settlement identity due to the landform and the distance from Woodhouse Eaves. It provides a good opportunity to reduce the need to travel by car as this option is close to the town centre and has the potential to maximise the current transport infrastructure. It is also well located for the town centre and high order services as well the Charnwood Forest and employment associated with the University and Science Park. It is an attractive location for inward investors and there would be no significant harm to historic interests or significant flooding issues.

This option would, however, be one of the worst options for its significant landscape impact, it falls within the Charnwood Forest designation which has been recognised at a regional level to be of high landscape importance. It would have the second most damaging impact on biodiversity after the east of Loughborough option. It would be highly damaging for protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species, disrupting links between the forest and urban fringe. Whilst this option is close to some of the most deprived communities it is not as close as some other options. Whilst this option includes some grade 11 agricultural land, although it would be less damaging than the east of Loughborough option.

This is not the Council’s preferred option due to the significant impact this location would have on Charnwood Forest and biodiversity. The Charnwood Forest is a regionally significant asset which includes a number of statutory and non-statutory sites that support important species. There is also a constraint of the scale of development that could be accommodated in this location due to the proximity of Charnwood Forest. One of the underlying principals of the preferred approach is to make provision for carefully planned sustainable urban extensions that provide a mix of homes, jobs and community facilities. An urban extension of this smaller scale is unlikely to be able to support the range of services and facilities that are required to deliver a sustainable urban extension.

108 104

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

It would have least impact on settlement Would have the second most damaging impact identity due to the landform and distance from on biodiversity after the east of Loughborough Woodhouse Eaves. options due to its proximity to Charnwood Forest. It would be highly damaging for No significant harm to historic or protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species, archaeological interests. impacting upon ancient woodland, non This option and those south and west of statutory sites and disrupting links between the Loughborough have the most potential to forest and urban fringe. Associated road minimise the need to travel by car and infrastructure would also come extremely maximise current transport infrastructure. close to statutory and non-statutory sites that This option has no flooding issues as it is in support important species. Flood Zone 1 and has no access constraints. This option includes some grade II agricultural There is good access to Loughborough town land, but would have less impact on soil centre by public transport, providing access to resources than the east of Loughborough a range of cultural, media and sport activities. option. This and the west of Loughborough option This would be one of the worst options for provide the best access to higher order landscape impact because it falls with the services by public transport. Charnwood Forest designation. Reasonably close to some of the most deprived This option is further away from the most communities in the south of the town. This deprived communities than other options. and the west of Loughborough option offer the most potential for links to be made with the existing community and for new infrastructure, affordable housing and employment to benefit deprived households. Good access to leisure centre and the countryside. New open space provision would be accessible to deprived communities in south and east Loughborough. This option has potential to increase physical activity of new and existing communities and reduce health inequalities. The attractive countryside and reasonable access to the M1 is likely to be attractive to employers.

109 105

Alternative Location C: West of Loughborough

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,875 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option is one of the best performing options across the range of social, economic and environmental sustainability criteria. It would be the least damaging option around Loughborough for biodiversity. The only north Charnwood option which performs better is west of Shepshed. This option would have less landscape impact than most of the options as it is already subject to the urban influences of the motorway and the towns of Shepshed and Loughborough. This option is closely related to the deprived households within the west Loughborough priority neighbourhood. This option therefore has the potential to provide jobs, affordable housing and services where they can benefit one of the most deprived communities.

This option and those south and south west offer the best opportunities to reduce the need to travel by car and maximise the current transport infrastructure. Both Loughborough and Shepshed town centres are accessible by public transport providing access to high order services. It also very well related to the employment associated with the University and Science Park and reasonably well related to the employment area north east of Loughborough and employment in Shepshed. It is an attractive location for inward investors and there are no significant flooding issues.

This option would, however, have an impact on settlement identity of Shepshed and Hathern, the degree of which could not be differentiated from the east of Loughborough options and the south of Loughborough option. Whilst this is one of the least damaging options for biodiversity, it could, however disrupt the strong biodiversity network in this area, which is important for protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species. This option includes some grade 11 agricultural land, however it would be less damaging to soil resources than the east of Loughborough. English Heritage has raised concerns about the impact of this option on Garendon Historic Park and Garden, which, along with the options at east Loughborough and at Wymeswold Airfield would have the worst impact on historic interests.

110 106

This is the Council’s preferred option for a Sustainable Urban Extension to the Sub-Regional Centre of Loughborough and Shepshed. The urban edge of Loughborough is very sensitive with the river corridor of the River Soar to the east, Charnwood Forest to the south and south west and a number of villages located close to the urban area. This option provides an opportunity for development to be well related to the services and facilities available in both Loughborough and Shepshed without compromising the Borough’s regionally important environmental assets. It also provides an opportunity to secure public access to Garendon Historic Park and Gardens for the whole community and help with the restoration of the park and monuments.

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

This option is the least damaging option This option would have significant impact on around Loughborough for biodiversity. It settlement identity of Shepshed and Hathern, could, however, disrupt the strong biodiversity the degree of which could not be differentiated network in this area, which is important for from the east and south Loughborough protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species. options. This area is already subject to urban influences This option would impact on Garendon and is considered to have the least impact on Historic Park and Garden and therefore has landscape. the worst impact on historic or archaeological interests. This and the south and south west options This option includes some grade II agricultural have the most potential to minimise the need land, but less impact on soil resources than the to travel by car and maximise current east of Loughborough option. transport infrastructure. This option has no flooding issues as it is Flood Zone 1 and has no access constraints. This option is close to healthcare and retail provision at Gorse Covert, the town centre and Shepshed and well located for employment north east of Loughborough and at Loughborough University. Loughborough and Shepshed town centres are accessible by public transport providing access to full range of cultural, media and sport activities. This and the south option provides the best access to higher order services by public transport. This option is close to the most deprived communities in the town and offers the greatest potential along with the south of Loughborough for links to be made with the existing community and for new infrastructure and affordable housing to benefit deprived households. There is the opportunity to open up public access to Garendon Historic Park and Garden and there would be reasonable access to the countryside including Charnwood Forest. This option has potential to increase physical

111 107 activity of new and existing communities and reduce health inequalities. This option offers the best access to countryside alongside the east and south west of Loughborough options. This option is close to the university, science park and employment in Shepshed and north east Loughborough. Direct access to M1 and East Midlands Airport are likely to be attractive to employers. As with all the options this option has the potential to provide education and training opportunities. This and the south option offer greatest potential to help improve the skills and employability of deprived households.

112 108

Alternative Option D: West of Shepshed

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,875 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option would be the least damaging option of all options for biodiversity. This option would have less impact on settlement identity than the other options, with the exception of the south west Loughborough option. It is an attractive location for inward investors and there would be no significant harm to historic interests or significant flooding issues. This option is well located for employment in Shepshed and is reasonably near the employment associated with the University and Science Park. This option offers good potential to integrate development and for physical links to be established with the existing community providing access to new facilities, jobs and affordable housing to existing and new residents.

Development in this location would, however, have significant landscape impacts due to the ridge lines and proximity to Charnwood Forest, which has been recognised at the regional level to be of high landscape importance. It is also more remote from higher order services in Loughborough than other options, which makes it less effective at minimising the need to travel by car. Whilst this option may help regenerate Shepshed, it is too remote from the most deprived households in Loughborough to help deal with the issues identified in priority neighbourhoods. There is good access to the countryside from this location, however it is on the margins of the Charnwood Forest and there is poor access to the Loughborough leisure centre compared to options adjoining Loughborough. This option includes some grade 11 agricultural land, however it would be less damaging to soil resources than east Loughborough.

This is not the Council’s preferred option as it does not perform as well across the range of social, economic and environmental sustainability criteria as the preferred option. In particular due to the distance between this location and the higher order services and facilities in Loughborough. It would also have a significant landscape impact because of the ridgelines and undulating landform which slopes down to the Black Brook.

113 109

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

This option is the least damaging option This area has an undulating landform falling around the Sub-Regional Centre for away beyond Tickow Lane to the valley of the biodiversity, although there is the potential to Black Brook before rising to a prominent ridge. disrupt biodiversity networks. This option would therefore have a significant This option would have less impact on landscape impact, urbanising important areas of settlement identity than the other options with open land and affecting the Charnwood Forest the exception of the south west option. setting. The landscape impact of this option would be similar to that of the south option. This option does not cause significant harm to historic or archaeological interests. Leicestershire County Council has raised concerns that it would attract employees from This option has no flooding issues as it is in some distance via the M1. Despite being close Flood Zone 1 and has no access constraints. to a high frequency bus route it performs less This option is fairly close to healthcare and well in terms of minimising the need to travel retail provision within Shepshed town centre by car as it is further from Loughborough. and has reasonable access to employment This option includes some grade II agricultural within Shepshed and Loughborough University. land, but would have less impact on soil This option offers good potential to integrate resources than the east of Loughborough development and for physical links to be option. established with the existing community Shepshed town centre offers access to some providing access to new facilities, jobs and cultural and sporting attractions but this affordable housing to existing and new location is more remote from higher order residents. services in Loughborough including the There is good access to the countryside hospital. however this option is on the margins of the There are pockets of deprivation in Shepshed, Charnwood Forest. Compared to the options however this option performs less well than closer to Loughborough, there is poor access the south, southwest and northwest to the leisure centre. There is scope to Loughborough options due to its remoteness accommodate a district park which would from the most deprived communities. meet an identified need for access to open space within Shepshed. This option has It may help regenerate Shepshed but is too potential to increase physical activity of and remote from the most deprived areas in reduce health inequalities. Loughborough to improve their skills/employability. As with all the options there is potential to provide education/training through schools and work based training in new employment. This option is well located for employment in Shepshed. It is also reasonably near the university and science park and may be able to capitalise on the benefits of these assets. Employment development in this location is likely to increase inward investment and the culture of enterprise and innovation in the town. Reasonable access to the M1 and East Midlands Airport are likely to be attractive to employers.

114 110

Alternative Option E: East of Loughborough

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,875 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option has good access to the countryside and offers an opportunity to create a river side park for the benefit of existing and new residents and employees working in this area, where there is an identified deficit of open space. This option is well located for higher order services and employment in the town centre and the main employment area north east of Loughborough.

Development east of the River Soar would, however, be the most damaging for biodiversity of all the options. English Nature and the Wildlife Trust have raised major concerns about the impact that related road infrastructure would have on the River Soar and biodiversity. The Environment Agency has also raised significant concerns about flooding in relation to access. This area is rural in character and this option would extend the urban influence of Loughborough significantly further east. This option and the Wymeswold airfield and south west of Loughborough options would have the most significant landscape impact of the north Charnwood locations. This option also includes the largest single tract of grade 2 agricultural land in the Borough and would therefore have the worst impact on soil resources of all the options. It would be very difficult to safeguard the settlement identity of Cotes, although this option’s impact on settlement identity is no different from the impact arising from options at Wymeswold airfield, west Loughborough and south of Loughborough on nearby settlements.

Although this location is reasonably close to the town centre, rail station and the deprived communities in east Loughborough, the river valley is likely to be a major barrier to deprived households accessing new affordable housing, employment and school provision, as they will be too far away from the existing social networks. This option does not have the benefit of a number of established high quality and high frequency bus services that other options around Loughborough do. English Heritage has raised concerns about the impact of this option on Prestwold Hall and its registered historic park and garden and the site of the deserted medieval villages of Cotes. This option would, along with the options at

115 111

Wymeswold Airfield and west of Loughborough, have the worst impact on historical interests.

This location is not the Council’s preferred option as it does not perform as well, across the range of social, economic and environmental sustainability criteria, as the preferred option. This option does not perform well against a number of the environmental aspects, due to the impact of development on the regionally important River Soar Valley and nationally important ecological sites and landscape impact. Although this location is reasonably close to the town centre, railway station and the east Loughborough priority neighbourhood, the separation from the town by a wide river valley limits scope for physical links and integration with the existing communities or to tackle social exclusion issues. There are also major concerns about the deliverability of this option, which will require significant road improvements that will need to cross the floodplain.

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

The east of Loughborough options are the Good access to the main employment area, the most damaging options for biodiversity due to town centre and higher order services the impact road infrastructure would have on including retail and a full range of cultural, the River Soar, designated a Strategic River media and sport activities. Corridor, the Biodiversity Enhancement Area Good access to the countryside. The River and wetland habitats. The area contains Soar area could provide opportunities for a several nationally important ecological sites recreation resource for the east of which support protected and Biodiversity Loughborough where there is an identified Action Plan species. The Wildlife Trust and deficit of open space, potentially reducing Natural England have raised significant health inequalities and increasing physical concerns over this option. activity. There is also potential to integrate This option would extend urban influences into Prestwold Historic Park and Garden into a river valley and unspoilt rural area. The land recreational use. rises away from Cotes to the east which would As with all the options there is potential to increase the visual impact of this option, provide education/training through schools and together with the impact of road infrastructure work based training in new employment. through the river valley. It would be very difficult to safeguard the identity of Cotes and would impact on the rural identities of Hoton and Prestwold. English Heritage has raised concerns about the impact on Prestwold Hall and its registered historic park and garden, the hamlet of Cotes and the village of Hoton. The site of the deserted medieval village of Cotes is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This option does not have a high quality, frequent existing bus services compared to the other options around Loughborough. It could be difficult to develop a network of bus links given the separation from Loughborough and remoteness from other densely populated areas. This option is within the largest single tract of

116 112

grade II agricultural land in Charnwood, having the worst impact on soil resources. Significant concerns have been raised about flooding due to the road infrastructure that would cross the floodplain to reach the town centre. The Environment Agency has raised significant concerns that access options would be severely limited in a flood event if road infrastructure is liable to flood. The separation from the town would limit scope for physical links and integration with the existing communities or to tackle social exclusion issues. The river valley is likely to be a major barrier to deprived communities using new facilities. Affordable housing would also be too far away from existing social networks of the people that need it most.

117 113

Alternative Option F: East of Loughborough at Wymeswold and Around

Below is an assessment of the impact of developing an urban extension of: • 4,875 dwellings • Employment provision • Green Infrastructure • Community Facilities including Schools

This option would have the least impact on the soil resources of the Borough, it would make use of previously developed land of the airfield and is the only option which includes the redevelopment of a brownfield site. This option has good access to the countryside and offers an opportunity to integrate open spaces with Prestwold Historic Park and Gardens. Although this location is in an elevated location it would be on relatively flat land and therefore less visible than the other option east of Loughborough.

Significant development east of the River Soar would, however, be the most damaging for biodiversity of all the options. English Nature and the Wildlife Trust have raised major concerns about the impact that related road infrastructure or improvements, to connect development with Loughborough, would have on the River Soar and biodiversity. The Environment Agency has also raised significant concerns about flooding in relation to access. This area is rural in character and this option would have a major impact on the character and setting of Hoton, Wymeswold, Prestwold and Burton on the Wolds. This option and the east and south west of Loughborough options would have the most significant landscape impact of the north Charnwood locations. English Heritage has raised concerns about the impact of this option on Prestwold Hall and its registered historic park and garden. This option would, along with the options at east and west of Loughborough, have the worst impact on historical interests.

This option has the least potential to reduce the need to travel by car. Its distance from the town and lack of existing transport infrastructure mean it is the option most likely to lead to a reliance on the car. The distance from higher order services and employment opportunities available in Loughborough and other urban areas makes walking impractical and cycling much less attractive. This is irrespective of the level of self containment as a development of this size could not offer the full range of services and facilities that are available in Loughborough itself. Due to the distance from the town, there is also very limited scope for physical links and integration with the existing communities or to tackle

118 114 social exclusion issues. New residents would also be some distance from the town’s services and this would mean there is a greater need to travel and it would be very difficult to develop high quality public transport links. This option would also have poor access to leisure facilities.

This is not the Council’s preferred option as it does not perform well across the range of social, economic and environmental sustainability criteria and a freestanding new settlement would be contrary to the urban concentration strategy set out in regional policy and underpinning this strategy. This option would have significant impact on the regionally important River Soar Valley and nationally important ecological sites. It is a significant distance from the centre of Loughborough and higher order services and employment and there is also limited scope for physical links and integration with the existing communities or to tackle social exclusion issues. There are also major concerns about the deliverability of this option, which will require significant road improvements which will need to cross the floodplain.

Sustainability Appraisal – Key Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

The east of Loughborough options are the It is the only option which involves some most damaging options for biodiversity due to redevelopment of brownfield land. This option the impact road infrastructure would have on would have the least impact on soil resources the River Soar, designated a Strategic River and grade II agricultural land. Corridor, the Biodiversity Enhancement Area There may be potential to integrate open and wetland habitats. The area contains space within this option with Prestwold several nationally important ecological sites Historic Park and Garden for recreational use. which support protected and Biodiversity Action Plan species. The Wildlife Trust and This option has potential to increase physical Natural England have raised significant activity of new residents, with good access to concerns over this option. the countryside. This option would extend the urban influences into the river valley and a very rural area. Development although in an elevated location would be on relatively flat land and therefore less visible than the other option east of Loughborough. This option would have a major impact on the individual identity, character and setting of Hoton, Wymeswold, Prestwold and Burton on the Wolds. English Heritage has raised concerns about the impact on Prestwold Hall and its registered historic park and garden and the village of Hoton. This option is the worst for its potential to minimise the need to travel by car. It could be expected to have unsustainable patterns of travel due to its distance from the town and the difficulties of developing effective bus links. Significant concerns have been raised about

119 115

flooding due to the road infrastructure that would be required to cross the floodplain to reach the town centre. The Environment Agency has raised significant concerns that access would be severely limited in a flood event if the eastern relief road is liable to flood. Remote from the jobs and services in Loughborough and other settlements, including the hospital, retail, cultural, media and sport activities. Its location makes walking to jobs and service impractical and cycling much less attractive. The separation and distance from the town would limit scope for physical links and integration with the existing communities or to tackle social exclusion issues. The river valley is likely to be a major barrier to deprived communities using new facilities. Affordable housing would also be too far away from existing social networks of the people that need it most. Poor access to leisure facilities and therefore performs worse than other options on access to leisure facilities and in terms of reducing health inequalities. The distance from the town means this option offers the least potential for increasing skills and employability.

120 116

GLOSSARY

Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) A report submitted to the government by local planning authorities or regional planning bodies assessing progress with and the effectiveness of a Local Development Framework.

Area Action Plan The planning portal’s definition is a type of Development Plan Document focused upon a specific location or an area subject to conservation or significant change (for example major regeneration).

Brownfield Land Land which has previously been developed. The term may encompass vacant or derelict land, infill sites, land occupied by redundant or unused buildings, and developed land within the settlement boundary where further intensification of use is considered acceptable.

Community Strategy Local authorities are required under the Local Government Act 2000 to prepare these, with the aim of improving the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of their areas. Through the Community Strategy, authorities are expected to co- ordinate the actions of local public, private, voluntary and community sectors. Responsibility for producing Community Strategies may be passed to Local Strategic Partnerships, which include local authority representatives.

Core Strategy Spatial vision and strategy for the Borough including key policies and proposals to deliver vision.

Development Control Policies These will be a suite of criteria-based policies which are required to ensure that all development within the areas meets the spatial vision and spatial objectives set out in the Core Strategy. They may be included in any Development Plan Document or may form a standalone document.

Development Plan Development Plan Documents and the Regional Spatial Strategy make up the Development Plan. Under the Planning Acts the Development Plan is the primary consideration in deciding planning applications.

Development Plan Document (DPD) Documents prepared by the local planning authority setting out the main spatial strategy, policies and proposals for the area.

Examination The purpose of the Examination is to consider if the development plan is sound. The majority of representations made at Examination will usually be 'written representations'. However, in some instances a Planning Inspector may allow representations to be examined by way of oral hearings, for example round table discussions, informal hearing sessions and formal hearing sessions.

Greenfield Sites These are sites which have never been previously developed or used for an urban use, or are on land that has been brought into active or beneficial use for agriculture or forestry i.e. fully restored derelict land.

Green Infrastructure The Town and Country Planning Association defines this as the Sub-regional network of protected sites, nature reserves, greenspaces and greenway linkages. Green Infrastructure should provide (where possible) multi-functional uses, i.e, wildlife, recreational and cultural experience, as well as delivering ecological services, such as flood protection and microclimate control. It should also operate at all spatial scales from urban centres through to open countryside”

121 117

Housing Market Area (HMA) A geographical area which is relatively self-contained in terms of housing demand; i.e. a large percentage of people moving house or settling in the area will have sought a dwelling only in that area.

Index of Multiple Deprivation A ward-level index made up from six indicators (income; employment; health deprivation and disability; education; skills and training; housing; and geographical access to services). Index of Multiple Deprivation can help to identify areas for regeneration.

Issues and Options The preparation of issues and options papers are the first step in preparing the Local Development Framework. They suggest different ways to address the issues facing the Borough and help guide the preparation of Local Development Documents. All Issues and Options papers are open for public comment before the Preferred Options stage is reached.

Local Development Documents (LDDs) These will be Development Plan Documents (which form part of the statutory development plan) or Supplementary Planning Documents and will be contained within the Local Development Framework. Together they will deliver the spatial planning strategy for the area.

Local Development Framework (LDF) The Local Development Framework (LDF) is a non-statutory term used to describe a folder of documents, which includes all the local planning authority's local development documents. An LDF is comprised of: • Development Plan Documents (which form part of the statutory development plan) • Supplementary Planning Documents The Local Development Framework will also comprise of: • the Statement of Community Involvement • the Local Development Scheme • the Annual Monitoring Report

Local Development Scheme (LDS) A three year project plan outlining the Council’s programmed for preparing the Local Development Framework.

Local Strategic Partnership non strategy, multi-agency partnerships, which match local authority boundaries. LSP’s bring together at a local level, the different parts of the public, private, community and voluntary sectors; allowing different initiatives and services to support one another so that they can work together more effectively. Charnwood has two LSP’s, Charnwood Together and Leicestershire Together.

New growth point designed to provide support to local communities who wish to pursue large scale and sustainable growth, including new housing, through a partnership with Government. 29 areas were named as New Growth Points across the East, South East, South West, East Midlands and West Midlands. If all of the proposed growth is realised New Growth Points would contribute around 100,000 additional dwellings by 2016, an increase of around 32 per cent on previous plans for housing supply in these areas. They will share in £40m in 2007-08 for a first round of infrastructure projects and to support growth-related studies, masterplanning and capacity-building in the New Growth Points. This money will help overcome local infrastructure problems, unlock sites for new housing and enhance the local environment.

Principal Urban Area Identified in the Draft East Midlands Regional Plan as settlement conurbations that can develop into sustainable urban communities where people will wish to live work and invest. They are areas where significant levels of new development will be located. In Leicestershire the Principal Urban Area is Leicester.

122 118

Priority Neighbourhoods seek to reduce social exclusion and deprivation and increase educational attainment in those parts of the Borough identified as areas of relatively higher need. Priority neighbourhoods work with local people to improve quality of life in defined specific areas with a significant concentration of inequalities at a Borough level. The priority neighbourhoods in Charnwood Borough are Loughborough East, Loughborough West, Mountsorrel, South Charnwood (Syston and Thurmaston)

Regional Plan Statutory document that replaces Regional Planning Guidance and sets out regional strategies and policies.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) A site identified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) as an area of special interest by reason of any of its flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features (basically, plants, animals, and natural features relating to the Earth's structure).

Spatial planning Spatial planning goes beyond traditional land use planning to bring together and integrate policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they function. This will include policies which can impact on land use by influencing the demands on, or needs for, development, but which are not capable of being delivered solely or mainly through the granting or refusal of planning permission and which may be implemented by other means.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) Outlines the approach of the authority to involving the community in preparing the LDF and significant planning applications.

Sub Regional Centre: Centres identified in the Draft East Midlands Regional Plan for their ability to perform a complementary role to the Principal Urban Areas. They have been selected on the basis of their size, the range of services they provide, and their potential to accommodate further growth. They have the capacity to support sustainable development which should support the individual role and function of the Sub Regional Centre. Development in Sub Regional Centres should not be of a scale and character that prejudices the urban renaissance of the Principal Urban Area (Leicester).

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) Documents that expand on policies and proposals in Development Plan Documents.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) An appraisal of the social, economic and environmental implications of a strategy, policies and proposals. Will ensure that proposals contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.

Sustainable development Meeting our own needs without prejudicing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) a sequence of management practices and control structures designed to drain surface water in a more sustainable fashion than some conventional techniques.

Sustainable urban extension (SUE) The Planning Portal glossary defines an urban extension as development that involves the planned expansion of a city or town and can contribute to creating more sustainable patterns of development when located in the right place, with well-planned infrastructure including access to a range of facilities, and when developed at appropriate densities.

123 119

Appendix 3 – Participation events

Note: the yellow banding denotes the first two and a half weeks of the consultation period within which the Statement of Community Involvement requires events to be concentrated

LDF - Core Strategy DPD Further Consultation Contact Details October October November 6 weeks - Friday 24th October to Friday 5th December W ThThMF SSM T W Th F S S M T W Th F S S M T W Th

Settlements 1 9 13 20 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Presentation & Discussion Forums 7-9pm Thurmaston Eliz Park Sports P (R4) Syston Community Centre School Street (Brookside Suite) P Loughborough Town Hall - Victoria Room P Shepshed Glenmore centre P Hathern Hathern Community Centre, Pasture Lane P Exhibitions with Exh Trailer (10am-6pm) Thurmaston Asda, Barkby Thorpe Lane T Loughborough Tesco, Park Road T Shepshed Car park at Shepshed Library, Hall Croft T Exhibitions in Community Buildings (mix day/evenings/weekend) Loughborough Maxwell Drive Community Centre (10am - 2pm) dex Loughborough The Rushes, Unit corner of Biggin Street (10am - 4pm) dex Sileby Community Centre, High Street (1pm-5pm) dex Anstey Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road (7pm-9pm) eex Barrow upon Soar Parish Offices, High Street (10am - 2pm) dex Birstall Village Hall, School Lane (7pm - 9pm) (R4) eex Wymeswold Memorial Hall, Clay Street (7pm - 9pm) eex Rearsby Horse & Groom PH, Melton Road (10am - 2pm) dex Mountsorrel Memorial Hall, 105 Leicester Road (7pm - 9pm) eex Woodhouse Village Hall Annexe, Main Street (7pm - 9pm) eex Syston (weekend) Community Centre, School Street (Brookside Suite)(10am - 2pm) dex Quorn Quorn Village Hall, 64 Leicester Road(10am - 2pm) dex (R4) (R4) (R4) (R4) (R4) S

P: Presentation T: Exh Trailer dex: day exh eex: evening Thurm Syston Wreake Valley Wreake Syston Thurm Lough South West - Town Hall - Town West South Lough Loughborough H East/Woodbrook Vale West North Loughborough Mount Rothley Birstall Bradgate Quorn Barrow Sileby &Wolds QVH &Wolds Quorn Barrow Sileby Shep/Dishley/Hath - Robert Bakewell - Shep/Dishley/Hath LSP Board 5.30pm LSP Board

120

124 Appendix 2

Charnwood Borough Council

Charnwood 2026 Local Development Framework

Core Strategy Development Plan Document Further Consultation - Sustainability Appraisal

September 2008

125 1 Contents (page nos to be added)

Introduction and background The sustainability appraisal framework

Alternative Locations for Growth

ƒ East of Loughborough at Cotes ƒ East of Loughborough at Wymeswold ƒ West of Shepshed ƒ South of Loughborough ƒ South West of Loughborough ƒ North West of Loughborough ƒ North of Birstall ƒ South of Anstey and North of Glenfield ƒ East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton ƒ East of Thurmaston/South of Syston ƒ East of Thurmaston/South of Syston/North of Hamilton

Appraisal of Roads

ƒ East of Loughborough ƒ South of Loughborough ƒ West of Loughborough ƒ Thurmaston/Syston

Appraisal of topic areas

ƒ Settlement Hierarchy ƒ Transportation ƒ Green Infrastructure ƒ Regeneration (No alternative policy options were considered for this policy area). ƒ Design Quality (No alternative policy options were considered for this policy area). ƒ Affordable Housing ƒ Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation ƒ Renewable and Low Carbon Technology ƒ Town Centres and Retail ƒ Loughborough University ƒ Employment Provision

126 2 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Sustainability appraisal is a process to examine the potential social, economic and environmental impact of policies and proposals to ensure that they contribute towards sustainable development. The purpose of this document is to explain the sustainability implications of different locations for development in Charnwood and also to explain the implications of different policy approaches. This document accompanies ‘Charnwood 2026: Planning for Our Next Generation Core Strategy Further Consultation’, which will be consulted upon for 6 weeks from the end October to December 2008.

The rules1 governing how planning documents are prepared changed in June 2008 and now consultation around preferred options is intended to be more streamlined, focussing on principles, rather than very detailed policy wording. This sustainability appraisal is part of an ongoing process of refinement of alternative options and has helped the Council to arrive at a preferred way forward for consultation. It is not intended to be a final Sustainability Appraisal Report. This will be published in spring to accompany the final version of the Core Strategy and before it is submitted to the Secretary of State.

This sustainability appraisal draws on the work carried out by Charnwood Borough Council in the last 3 years in preparing its local development framework. It uses an assessment framework that was set out in the Scoping Report published in October 2005. This is available on the Council’s website at:

The Scoping Report is the first stage in the sustainability appraisal process and provides useful background information about the Borough including contextual information about different plans and programmes that the local development framework needs to consider. It also reflects the key issues to be addressed in the Core Strategy.

The assessment framework in the Scoping Report sets out the criteria for measuring the social economic and environmental effects of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document, and also explains how the assessment criteria were determined. The assessment criteria are included in table 1 and also set out more detailed sub objectives. It is against these criteria with their sub-objectives that the different locations for development and different approach to policies have been assessed. To reduce the amount of text the sub- objectives have not been reproduced in each sustainability appraisal matrix, however the sub-objectives have been considered in the appraisal work that has been done.

This Sustainability Appraisal document is intended to help the public and anyone interested in the planning process to comment on the Core Strategy document by setting out the sustainability implications of different policy approaches.

The rest of this document consists of a series of tables in which the different locations for growth and the different policy approaches are assessed against the sustainability appraisal framework criteria. The Core Strategy document refers to the outcome of this sustainability appraisal and explains how the Council has arrived at its preferred approach. Sustainability appraisal tables have been prepared for the following:

1 Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008

127 3 Sustainability Appraisal Framework

Sustainability Objective Sub Objectives Targets Indicator - (Core Indicators) 1 To maintain and enhance To conserve & enhance existing habitats; Change in areas and populations of biodiversity biodiversity, flora and fauna To create new habitats identified in UK, Leicestershire & importance, including: Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plans; (i) change in priority habitats and species (by type); To conserve & enhance species protected by UK, and Leicestershire and Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plans; (ii) change in areas designated for their intrinsic To maintain & enhance designated sites of nature environmental value including sites of international, conservation interest; national, regional or sub-regional significance. To increase connectivity of habitats. The area of land designated as an SSSI which is in ‘unfavourable condition’. 2 To maintain and enhance To minimise detrimental visual intrusion of development; Percentage of landscape character areas where landscape and townscape To minimise light pollution; there are marked changes or significant changes that character To maintain & enhance landscape character & are inconsistent with that character. distinctiveness identified in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Landscape & Woodland Strategy; To protect & enhance areas of relative tranquillity; To promote landscape schemes designed to respect the diversity of landscape and built character into new development. 3 To protect and improve To improve surface water quality as identified by the Number of planning permissions granted contrary surface and groundwater Environment Agency’s General Quality Assessment; to the advice of the Environment Agency on quality To protect quality of vulnerable groundwater resources. grounds of flood defence or water quality; Percentage of main rivers and canals rated as good or fair quality. 4 To minimise water To minimise the use and increase re-use & recycling of Number of new developments given planning consumption water in existing and planned development. permission that incorporate water reduction measures eg. Rainwater and greywater recycling. 5 To improve air quality To reduce inappropriate development in Air Quality Number of days of air pollution (i.e. limits Management Areas’’ exceeded); To mitigate and appropriately locate potentially air Population living in Air Quality Management Areas; polluting processes’ Number of businesses with a Company Travel Plan To reduce travel distances’ and percentage of workforce employed by To reduce the need to travel by car’ companies with a Travel Plan.; To reduce automotive movements related to logistical Number of schools with a School Travel Plan and supply and distribution. percentage of pupils attending schools with a Travel Plan; Number of new cycle routes developed during the year. 6 To conserve soil resources and To reduce loss of best and most versatile agricultural land; Number of developments incorporating soil loss quality To reduce contamination of land and soils due to minimisation measures; development, industrial processes or agriculture; Area of Agricultural Land Classification grading 1, 2 128 4 Sustainability Objective Sub Objectives Targets Indicator - (Core Indicators) To reduce loss of soils and increase local re-use of soils and 3a lost to development. through development; To protect geological SSSIs.

7 To reduce contributions to To reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; climate change Number of new developments given planning permission that incorporate sustainable drainage systems; Number of new developments given planning permission that mitigate against flood risk. 8 To reduce vulnerability to To reduce energy consumption; Percentage of new residential, commercial, retail climate change To increase building designed to be adaptable to climate and office developments built to a ‘good’, ‘very change (temperature extremes, storm events and good’, or ‘excellent’ BREEAM or EcoHomes rating. flooding); To minimise the risk of flooding to people and properties from rivers and watercourses. 9 To conserve and enhance the To increase re-use of built heritage including ‘buildings at Loss of Scheduled Ancient Monuments; historic and cultural risk’; Loss or damage to listed buildings and their settings; environment To protect & enhance sites, features, areas & settings of Number of listed buildings on the ‘at risk’ register. historical, archaeological and cultural value; To increase use of locally distinctive and diverse materials & style. 10 To increase the re-use of To increase the redevelopment of previously developed Percentage of new dwellings and conversions of previously developed land and land and buildings in sustainable locations; existing buildings, on previously developed land; buildings To increase the remediation and regeneration of Percentage of land developed for employment on contaminated land and buildings. previously developed land, by type. 11 To reduce the extraction of To increase restoration of mineral workings for For minerals planning authority only; new & increase the re-use of biodiversity, landscape and the general public; Production of primary land won aggregates; recycled minerals and To reduce use of minerals and increase the re-use of Production of secondary/recycled aggregates. aggregates resources materials on and off site; To increase the use of locally extracted minerals; To safeguard mineral reserves and sites enabling their bulk transport; To safeguard existing development from the environmental effects of mineral workings. 12 To manage waste in To reduce waste & increase the re-use, recycling and For waste planning authority only; accordance with the waste energy produced of waste; Capacity of new waste management facilities by hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. To increase the provision of waste infrastructure; type; household, commercial and To increase use of long lasting and recycled materials in Amount of municipal waste arising, and managed by industrial) building design; management type, and the percentage each To reduce hazardous waste. management type represents of the waste managed.

129 5 Sustainability Objective Sub Objectives Targets Indicator - (Core Indicators) 13 To minimise the use of energy To increase measures to ensure energy efficiency; Renewable energy capacity (MW) installed by type; and optimise the use of To increase use of renewable energy supplies; Energy use per household. renewable resources To increase supply of locally produced clean energy eg. combined heat and power. 14 To increase the population’s To increase access to retail centres, post offices, local Percentage of new residential development within access to a full range of public, food markets, commercial centres & employment for all; 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, private, community and To increase access to community facilities – libraries, primary and secondary school, employment and a voluntary services community centres, education, places of worship, major health centre; healthcare – for all; Percentage of residents defined as within a distance To increase access to services by more sustainable forms of 500m (15 minutes walk) of key local services; of transport – walking, cycling, bus and train; Amount of completed retail, office and leisure To reduce food miles development; Percentage of completed retail, office and leisure development in town centres. 15 To increase access to the To increase access to features of landscape, ecological Percentage of eligible open spaces managed to countryside, public open spaces and cultural heritage in a way that minimises damage to green flag award standard; and semi urban environments such features; Percentage of residents that are satisfied with the (eg parks) To increase interpretation facilities for features of quantity and quality of open space in their area landscape, ecological and cultural heritage; (BV119e); To increase linkages between open spaces and increase Access to green spaces in line with the standards permeability of the countryside and semi-urban set out in the Green Space Strategy. environments. 16 To promote a strong To increase community engagement and the capacity of Level of satisfaction within the community people community where people feel the local community to influence decisions; live in. they have a say in the future To increase the voluntary and community infrastructure; To increase racial equality and community cohesion. 17 To reduce crime, anti social To reduce anti-social behaviour; Vehicle crimes per 1000 population; behaviour and increase To reduce nuisance noise; Domestic burglaries per 1000 households; community safety To reduce fear of crime and actual crime; Number of noise complaints annually by type. To increase the use of design techniques to reduce crime. 18 To increase the population’s To increase access to sports, arts, culture and leisure Amount of completed retail, office and leisure access and opportunity to facilities; development; participate in culture, media To enhance local cultural diversity. Percentage of completed retail, office and leisure and sport in Charnwood development in town centres. 19 To ensure that the housing To increase the quality or upkeep of the existing housing Housing trajectory showing: stock meets the housing needs stock; (i) net additional dwellings over the previous five of all sections of the To ensure an adequate supply of a diverse range of year period or since the start of the relevant community housing types appropriate to the needs of the development plan document period, whichever is community; the longer; To increase the amount of housing that is affordable to all (ii) net additional dwellings for the current year; sections of the community; (iii) projected net additional dwellings up to the end To reduce homelessness. of the relevant development plan document period 130 6 Sustainability Objective Sub Objectives Targets Indicator - (Core Indicators) or over a ten year period from its adoption, whichever is the longer; (iv) the annual net additional dwelling requirement; and (v) annual average number of net additional dwellings needed to meet overall housing requirements, having regard to previous years’ performances; Percentage of new and converted dwellings on previously developed land; Percentage of new dwellings completed at: (i) less than 30 dwellings per hectare; (ii) between 30 and 50 dwellings per hectare; and (iii) Above 50 dwellings per hectare. Affordable housing completions; Number of unfit homes per 1000 dwellings. 20 To reduce poverty and social To reduce poverty and social exclusion across Percentage of the working age population who are exclusion Charnwood but particularly on those areas most affected. claiming key benefits (3); Proportion of the population who live in wards that rank within the most deprived – 10% and 25% Unemployment Rates. 21 To increase learning, skills and To improve access to opportunities for education, Proportion of young people (18 –24 year olds) in employability for all sectors of learning and skills training for all sections of the full time education or in employment the community community 22 To increase the vibrancy and To increase the attractiveness of town, district and local % of vacant dwellings; viability of settlements centres; Percentage of new residential development within To increase the sense of place; 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, To maintain settlement identity and prevent coalescence; primary and secondary school, employment and a To increase neighbourhood satisfaction levels; major health centre; To increase patterns of development and movement that Amount of completed retail, office and leisure helps to tackle congestion. development; Percentage of completed retail, office and leisure development in town centres. 23 To increase sustainable design To increase the use of sustainable design and construction Percentage of new residential, commercial, retail and construction techniques in all forms of development; and office developments built to a ‘good’, ‘very To increase number of developments that accord with good’, or ‘excellent’ BREEAM or EcoHomes rating. good, very good and excellent level of BREAAM assessment; To increase the use of innovative and adaptive design; To increase the use of exemplar projects to demonstrate good practice in sustainable deign and construction.

131 7 Sustainability Objective Sub Objectives Targets Indicator - (Core Indicators) 24 To increase healthy life styles To increase access to high quality healthcare facilities; Percentage of new residential development within To reduce health inequalities; 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, To increase healthy lifestyles through increased physical primary and secondary school, employment and a activity, improved diet and less smoking; major health centre; To reduce death rates. Death rates (Number of deaths per 1000 population) for cancer, circulatory disease, accidents and suicides. 25 To encourage a sustainable To increase competitiveness, productivity, progress and Amount of land developed for employment by economy investment of local firms; type; To increase inward investment; Amount of land developed for employment, by To ensure an adequate supply of a range of sites in terms type, which is in development and/or regeneration of type and quality for employment uses; areas defined in the local development framework; To increase the working environment through access to Percentage of land developed for employment, by non work related facilities; type, which is on previously developed land; To increase the culture of enterprise and innovation; Employment land supply by type; To increase infrastructure for information and Losses of employment land in: communications technology. (i) development/regeneration areas and (ii) local authority area. Amount of employment land lost to residential development; Percentage of working age people in employment; Percentage change in VAT registered businesses Average earnings; Average house prices year by type. 26 To increase efficient patterns of To reduce commuting and traffic congestion; Percentage of completed non-residential movement to support a To increase access to work by public transport, walking development complying with car parking standards sustainable economy and cycling; set out in the local development framework; To reduce journey time between key employment areas Annual average flow per 1000km of principal roads; and key transport interchanges; Travel to work journeys by mode. To increase efficiency in freight distribution; To increase working from home. 27 To reduce disparities in To increase diversification of the rural economy; Variation in key economic and social indicators at economic performance To increase the diverse range of job opportunities in ward level in the Borough (Index of Multiple urban and rural areas. Deprivation).

132 8 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: EAST LOUGHBOROUGH OPTION

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

East Loughborough – Growth based on Cotes

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: The scoring of this option relates solely to the impact of the urban development. The biodiversity, flora and fauna ª impact of the road has been assessed separately. This option is likely to have an impact upon the hydrological regime near to the river valley

Two SSSI at Loughborough Meadows (SK538218) and Cotes Grassland (SK554208); 1 Local Nature Reserve at Bishop Meadow (SK528218). The River Soar has been identified as a Strategic River Corridor and a Regional Biodiversity Enhancement Area by the EMRP. The river valley contains significant areas of ecological interest including 5 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km.

Cotes Grassland SSSI is designated for its neutral lowland grassland. This type of habitat is vulnerable to increased nutrient inputs such as from dog walking, nutrient deposition from increased traffic pollution and salt deposition from road gritting in winter. It is also vulnerable to changes in management, localised trampling and erosion, and changes in hydrology, including water quality.

Loughborough Meadows is the last example of a Lammas meadow (medieval flood meadow) in Leicestershire, and is of major historical significance as only six Lammas meadows are left in the British Isles. The Meadows have been managed by traditional methods for centuries providing long term ecological stability. Extensive winter flooding provides a natural nutrient input. Some areas are permanently wet and would be highly susceptible to changes in the hydrological regime. The Meadows may also be vulnerable to increased nutrient inputs and recreational pressure, as outlined above.

Although Bishop Meadow LNR (SK528218) is > 1 km away, it is a floodplain meadow also highly dependent on the hydrological regime. Both SSSI and LNR are lowland meadows, a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. Besides changes in hydrology, the greatest likely detrimental impact on the SSSI and LNR is direct land-take from the link road and this would apply to all options.

Other Section 74 habitats of principal importance which are found within the potential area for development or in its vicinity are rivers, ponds

133 9 East Loughborough – Growth based on Cotes

Objective Performance Commentary and hedgerows. Rivers and ponds can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, nutrient input and pollution. Ponds and hedgerows can be adversely affected by isolation and fragmentation at the landscape scale.

There are several linear features running across the site, such as small watercourses (Burton Brook, Walton Brook and brook north-east of Cotes) and hedgerows, which function as wildlife corridors. They provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. These features can be easily interrupted and their function diminished or entirely lost.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 3 statutory sites, non-statutory sites, 4 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives. To maintain and enhance Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Development would not affect the Charnwood Forest. However, the landform the landscape and ª immediately adjacent to the north and east of town is low lying, traditional river valley landscapes. The valley varies in width from about 1km in townscape character the Meadow Lane area to over 2km east of town. The overall area has a very open character, rural appearance and is open to views from roads, the railway line and footpaths. Built features are railway corridors, high voltage transmission lines, Cotes village, Cotes Mill and scattered farmsteads.

New highway provision required to serve the development option would pass through the sensitive river valley landscape and could introduce a number of large structures.

East of the river valley and east of the village of Cotes, the landform rises to the Wolds with the village of Hoton and Prestwold Park situated further up the valley slope to the east. It is difficult to envisage a form of development in this location that would not have significant adverse visual impact given the prominent, sloping landform.

Landscaping and screening could help assimilate an employment area off Meadow Lane into the wider urban form but the current rural character of the approach into Loughborough would be diminished.

None of the options are of a scale that is consistent with the settlement pattern on the eastern side of the town. Cotes, Hoton and Wymeswold are much smaller in scale and their rural settings would be much diminished. It would seem impossible to replicate this pattern of development whilst still providing development on the scale envisaged or needed to create a degree of self containment.

In terms of light pollution it could be argued that the area around Cotes is more likely to give rise to light pollution because a development on level ground or a relative plateau would have more scope for mitigation in terms of lighting impacts, such as screening and reduction of glare and sky glow, whereas a development on a slope would presumably be tiered and therefore there is a greater risk of the lit surfaces being visible by surrounding receptors. To protect and improve Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not surface and groundwater ? considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface sources. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be quality investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to manage surface water in a sustainable manner. Given the proximity of this site to the Cotes Grassland SSSI there could be potential for effects relating to surface water quality. This would need to be explored in further 134 10 East Loughborough – Growth based on Cotes

Objective Performance Commentary detail but could in principle be capable of mitigation. To minimise water Neutral Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There will be consumption opportunities to minimise water consumption in any new development through sustainable design techniques. To improve air quality Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Transport is one of the significant contributors to poorer air quality so development that Ø helps reduce the need to travel and provide alternatives to the car is desirable. All the options are of a size that should enable some improvement to existing public transport services.

Cote’s Site NW of A60: A site option east of Cotes would need significant new road infrastructure and could generate significant additional traffic. Demand management measures would be needed to reduce car use arising from easy access to an improved main road network. There would be potential for reductions in air quality around Cotes associated with new development.

The site is currently served by the A60 from the east and Meadow Lane from the north with both roads feeding into the Loughborough AQMA at Ratcliffe Road/Nottingham Road. Proposals for a new link road between the A60 Nottingham Rd and Meadow Lane in the town will remove through traffic from Ratcliffe Road. Development east of the town would add to traffic congestion, especially on the narrow Nottingham Rd and Meadow Lane corridors towards the town centre.

The distance between the railway station in Loughborough and the nearest point east of Cotes is about 2km. This suggests that a cycle and walking link could be put in place which would enable cycling between the western side of this site and the railway station2. The town centre is approximately 3-4km away which would suggest that cycling would be a possible form of transport for trips to the town centre and the facilities located there.

At present the half hourly South Notts bus service between Nottingham and Loughborough travels via Meadow Lane. Hourly services 8, 27 and 99 use the A60 through Cotes. This level of bus access does not offer a significant advantage over car use. There are no bus priority measures between this location and Loughborough town centre via the narrow Nottingham road corridor.

There is potential for effects on the SSSI associated with transport related emissions.

Development would need to fund cycling facilities currently lacking on the northern and eastern approaches into Loughborough apart from sections of cycle lane on Nottingham Rd.

A Travel Plan for the whole development could be required. To conserve soil resources Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Any development option to the east of the river valley either side of the A60 would take and quality ª Grade 2 best and most versatile agricultural land.

2 In the absence of local data, the following assumptions should be made about average journey speeds: 5 km/hr for people on foot, 10 km/hr for equestrians and 20 km/hr for cyclists. Source: The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 8 (page 3/1). Using this assumption a 10 minute walk would cover a distance of approximately 800m and a 10 minute cycle would cover a distance of approximately 3km. PPG 13 states that ‘walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level and offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly under 2 kilometres’ and that ‘cycling also has potential to substitute for short car trips, particularly those under 5km, and to form part of a longer journey by public transport’.

135 11 East Loughborough – Growth based on Cotes

Objective Performance Commentary To reduce contributions to See comments on air quality. climate change Ø Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable design and construction techniques. To reduce vulnerability to Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce climate change D energy and water consumption and construct buildings able to adapt to climate variations through sustainable design and construction techniques. Sustainable Urban Drainage systems will also help improve attenuation.

Adjacent to the river Soar floodplain and there are also areas at risk of flooding that run through the site, the land parcels identified take this into account.

Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to secure the highway improvements required to serve significant development east of the river valley that if it needed to be routed through the floodplain. Mitigation measures to ensure that development did not add to the risk of flooding would need to be investigated. The comment relating to possible road infrastructure applies to all the options on the eastern side of Loughborough. Our scoring relates solely to the impact of the urban development. The impact of road infrastructure on flooding has been assessed separately. To conserve and enhance Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Between Stanford Lane, Cotes and the river Soar is the site of the deserted medieval the historic and cultural Ø village of Cotes, a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) (SK 554208). Cotes village is an archaeological alert area including features of environment interest. Parts of Fishpond Spinney (SK55 21) are of acknowledged archaeological interest.

There are 4 listed buildings in Cotes. Development at this location will potentially impact on the setting of the SAM, e.g. through built development and increased traffic.

Development east of the river valley could come to within 1km of Hoton’s Conservation Area and increased traffic may affect the conservation area and its setting.

Prestwold Hall has an extensive historic park and garden, and includes a number of listed buildings. The introduction of urban development and increased traffic are likely to impact on the setting of the park.

Mitigation measures will have to be put in place to safeguard and where appropriate enhance the historic features. To increase the re-use of Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: This option involves the development of Greenfield land. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: This option falls within a mineral consultation area. new and increase the reuse D and recycling of minerals New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction (if minerals are workable) re-use and recycling of minerals and and aggregates resources aggregates resources through sustainable design and construction techniques. To manage waste in Neutral Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: This objective is neutral. New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use accordance with the waste and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. 136 12 East Loughborough – Growth based on Cotes

Objective Performance Commentary household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of New development will give the opportunity to incorporate measures to reduce energy consumption and increase the proportion of energy energy and optimise the © from renewable sources. use of renewable resources None of the areas adjoining the Loughborough built-up area have an average wind speed of 6m/s and above. The majority of the areas to the East of Cotes have a wind speed above 6 m/s. Areas within and adjoining Loughborough have an average wind speed of above 5 m/s and have good wind energy potential. There is an area of large scale wind energy generation potential to the East of Loughborough. (This area lies to the southwest of Stanford on Soar).

Wymeswold Airfield is an area of large scale wind energy generation potential. Cotes Mill (SK 553 203) on the River Soar has a head above 1.5m and has technical potential for small-scale hydro-electric power generation. This site lies to the East of Loughborough and may be remote from some potential development areas. To increase the Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: population’s access to a full × This option is of sufficient size to support a range of community facilities including a small secondary school. The Charnwood Borough Retail range of appropriate public, and Town Centre Study indicates that the scheme will also support a local centre but would not be of sufficient size to support a district private, community and centre/foodstore. Development at this location would however be outside the recommended distance for higher order services, including a voluntary services district centre/food superstore, the nearest store is Sainsburys at Ashby Road @ 3km away as the crow flies. To increase access to the Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: There is a network of rural footpaths and a bridleway from Stanford Lane to Hoton. countryside, open spaces × and semi urban The Green Space Strategy identifies the north east of Loughborough as being one area where residents do not live within 400m of a local environments (eg parks) park/distinct open space of 2.5ha+. There is also a lack of district park provision in north Loughborough. Land off Meadow Lane is not a realistic location given for such provision as much of the area is an SSSI and land liable to flood.

Development across the river valley would be about 2.5km by road from the Allsopps Lane site with potential to create an urban park. There would be scope for providing new open space as part of the development however this is likely to be geared more to the needs of new residents, rather than being something the wider community could utilise because of its likely scale. There is potential for a recreational to be enhanced along the strategic river corridor. To promote a strong Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: There may be objections to development of this Greenfield location. The effect depends community where people D on strategies adopted to integrate new development with existing communities. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime behaviour and increase through sustainable design and construction techniques. community safety To increase the Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Development east of the river valley would be about 3km from nearest major leisure, population’s access and × entertainment and cultural facilities in Loughborough town centre. Over 4km from facilities in Barrow upon Soar. This is outside of the opportunity to participate in suggested distance for such facilities. Development would be of insufficient size to justify such facilities. culture, media and sport There may be scope for the school to provide shared facilities, e.g. swimming pool and gym that would be open to the public out of school 137 13 East Loughborough – Growth based on Cotes

Objective Performance Commentary hours. To ensure that the housing Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: A development option east of Loughborough would be expected to accommodate stock meets the housing ×/D affordable housing to address needs identified in nearby communities. New housing development would be relatively close to where it is likely needs of all sections of the to be needed most. Separation caused by river valley may pose problems of access to affordable housing being located away from social community networks. Ability of location to deliver affordable housing where it will benefits more deprived communities depends on how it is implemented.

This option would have limited effect in terms of tackling rural housing. However, it may contribute to local housing needs for Loughborough and the Wolds villages. To reduce poverty and Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: The provision of an element of affordable housing would help contribute to this social exclusion Ø objective. Shepshed, Loughborough, the Soar Valley Villages and South Charnwood areas are identified as priorities in the Charnwood Renewal Framework. The extent to which development at this location helped to address social exclusion would depend on the quality of accessibility to higher order services and employment.

It is unlikely that development will be able to improve access to higher order services which will be located in Loughborough. The provision of employment on site would help to contribute to this objective but whether it could benefit existing deprived areas is uncertain due to its isolated location, the other side of the River Soar and beyond the limits of Loughborough. Good public transport links could help counter accessibility issues but walking and cycling access would still be very limited.

Planning obligations or voluntary agreements could be used to secure employment for the socially excluded. To increase learning, skills Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Development would be of sufficient size to support a primary school and a small and employability for all Ø secondary school and these could be capable of dual use as a venue for evening classes. sections of the community Employment land off Meadow Lane would be about 3km from Loughborough University. To increase the vibrancy Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Development around Cotes and the scale of growth would not be in keeping with the and viability of settlements ª existing character of the settlements in this location. To increase sustainable Neutral Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction design and construction techniques. To increase healthy life Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: A network of public footpaths and bridleways give access to parts of the local countryside styles × and the river valley. Due to distance from Loughborough, cycling may be an option for trips to Loughborough centre. The train station would be within an appropriate distance. Cycle lanes would be required. The nearest leisure centre is in Loughborough, approx. 3 km away and in barrow-upon-Soar approx. 4 km away as the crow flies.

A development option could incorporate recreational facilities, walking and cycling routes accessible to people living in north eastern Loughborough and Cotes and Hoton.

The development could support a doctors surgery. Loughborough hospital at Epinal Way is about 3.5km away. To encourage sustainable a Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: a mixed used development is anticipated, including some provision for employment. economy × Making provision for employment land will foster local economic growth.

138 14 East Loughborough – Growth based on Cotes

Objective Performance Commentary Employment area off Meadow Lane would adjoin Loughborough’s main employment areas and be close to housing areas. There are already substantial areas of employment land in north and east Loughborough.

A high quality employment area east of the river valley would be about 1.5km from the town’s main employment areas. This is a less suitable location for a Science Park because it is on the opposite side of the town, and over 5km, from the University. To increase efficient Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: Land off Meadow Lane is close to the rail station, and the distance to the nearest point patterns of movement to × east of Cotes is about 2km. Scope for a high quality bus link to Loughborough. Cycling may be an option for trips to Loughborough centre. support a sustainable The train station would be within an appropriate distance for walking and cycling for some residents but cycle lanes / pedestrian paths would economy be required.

A development option east of the river valley if built with significant new road infrastructure would have good links to the main road network. Demand management measures would be needed to reduce car use arising from improved road access. To reduce disparities in Cote’s Site NW of A60 and Cote’s Site SW of A60: A mixed use development is anticipated in this location however the employment and economic performance Ø facilities that will be provided may be no better than existing provision nearby in the town and remote from the existing deprived neighbourhoods identified in East Loughborough to benefit from them. Improved public transport links would be key. Distances would be too long to walk.

This site is poorly located in terms of proximity to the university and would therefore be less suitable as a location for spin off activity or other activity associated with the university. Any employment provision would need to be compatible with residential development.

139 15 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: EAST OF LOUGHBOROUGH OPTION: WYMESWOLD

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

East of Loughborough Option: Wymeswold Airfield

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance The scoring of this option relates solely to the impact of the urban development. The impact of the road has been assessed separately. This biodiversity, flora and fauna ª option is located away from the river valley and is less likely than other options to have an impact upon the hydrological regime near to important wildlife sites

Two SSSI at Loughborough Meadows (SK538218) and Cotes Grassland (SK554208); 1 Local Nature Reserve at Bishop Meadow (SK528218). Both SSSI and LNR are Lowland Meadows, a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. Although the Option Site is more than 1 km away, the greatest likely detrimental impact on the SSSI and LNR, besides changes in hydrology, would be through a direct land-take from the associated link road.

The Option Site contains significant areas of ecological interest including 13 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km, mainly comprising neutral lowland meadows.

Neutral lowland grassland, a Section 74 habitat of principal importance, is vulnerable to increased nutrient inputs such as from dog walking, nutrient deposition from increased traffic pollution and salt deposition from road gritting in winter. It is also vulnerable to changes in management, localised trampling and erosion, and changes in the hydrological regime, including water quality. Rivers, another Section 74 habitat of principal importance, can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, increased nutrient input and pollution.

Other Section 74 habitats of principal importance which are found within the Option Site or in its vicinity are ponds and hedgerows. Ponds can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, nutrient input and pollution. Ponds and hedgerows can be adversely affected by isolation and fragmentation at the landscape scale.

There are several linear features running across and on the edge of the site, such hedgerows, which function as wildlife corridors. They

140 16 East of Loughborough Option: Wymeswold Airfield

Objective Performance Commentary provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. These features can be easily interrupted and their function diminished or entirely lost.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 3 statutory sites, non-statutory sites, 4 section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should deliver biodiversity objectives. To maintain and enhance The airfield is on a plateau above Loughborough and therefore may not be visible from Loughborough, however it may be visible within the the landscape and ª wider Wolds area. The area east of the Airfield rises gradually to the east, in the direct of Melton Mowbray and may therefore also be visible townscape character within the wider Wolds area. Development on Wymeswold Airfield has the potential to significantly affect the character and rural separation and setting of the villages of Wymeswold, Hoton, and Burton on the Wolds through visual impact and through increases in traffic generated by the development. This option will also change the setting of Prestwold Park by surrounding about 40% of the boundary with urban development. Screening might help reduce visual effects but would itself alter the character of the Park’s setting. A decision would need to be made regarding whether the new development would be separated from the existing villages or whether there would be integration of new and old. The latter could be seen as coalescence of the villages and the new development.

Screening may be required as mitigation,. There will be issues in relation to integrating new development with the existing character of the fringe of Burton on the Wolds.

New highway provision required to serve the development option would pass through the sensitive Soar valley landscape and could introduce a number of large structures.

None of the options are of a scale that is consistent with the settlement pattern on the eastern side of the town. Cotes, Hoton and Wymeswold are much smaller in scale. It would seem impossible to replicate this pattern of development whilst still providing development on the scale envisaged or needed to create a degree of self containment.

There may be issues around light pollution but these should be capable of mitigation.

The area to the east of the existing industrial estate also seems to have a finer network of hedgerows associated with field boundaries. To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface and groundwater ? surface sources. quality Distance from the SSSI suggests that there may be less sensitivity in terms of potential run off, however this would need to determined through more detailed assessment. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to manage surface water in a sustainable manner.

The land slopes down towards Burton on the Wolds and there could there be a need for surface water attenuation measures. To minimise water Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption/impacts. There will be opportunities to minimise water consumption in any consumption new development through sustainable design techniques.

141 17 East of Loughborough Option: Wymeswold Airfield

Objective Performance Commentary To improve air quality Transport is one of the significant contributors to poorer air quality so development that helps reduce the need to travel and provide ª alternatives to the car is desirable. All the options are of a size that should enable some improvement to existing public transport services.

The sites are isolated from Loughborough (on average approximately 7km), making cycling and walking impractical between the sites and Loughborough3. The development will support a range of facilities, including a secondary school but is outside the recommended distance for higher order services. Development in this location could be expected to generate significant travel for the higher order needs of the new residents. Even with significant investment in public transport it is likely to be difficult to develop this location sustainably.

The presence of the industrial estate in the middle of the site effectively splits the site into two and might give rise to car based journeys within the site to access facilities. If the centre was to be located to the north of the industrial estate this might help address this issue by making the site accessible to a larger proportion of the new residents.

A Travel Plan for the whole development could be required. To conserve soil resources The Agricultural Land Classification Map (Preliminary) available through Multi Agency Geographical Information Centre (MAGIC) suggests that and quality Ø the airfield and land north of Burton on the Wolds is Grade 3 land. A detailed survey would be required to establish if the land was grade 3a or b.

The land immediately south of Wymeswold may include Grade 2 land but this will need to be confirmed through a more detailed survey. To reduce contributions to See comments on air quality climate change ª On average, private transport contributes 10% of the average person’s carbon footprint (excluding car manufacture) (source: Carbon Trust). The presence of the industrial estate means that it might be difficult to provide a centre that is accessible to all and that therefore encourages walking and cycling. The site is outside the recommended distance for higher order services.

New development provides the opportunity to provide buildings with a reduced carbon footprint but this could be achieved anywhere. To reduce vulnerability to New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct climate change D buildings able to adapt to climate variations through sustainable design and construction techniques. Sustainable Urban Drainage systems will also help improve attenuation.

The site is outside of the Soar floodplain, however mitigation measures would need to be investigated in relation to attenuation of surface water. Our scoring relates solely to the impact of the urban extension. The impact of the road on flooding has been assessed separately. To conserve and enhance The airfield is itself of local historic significance because of its role in World War 2. It may be sufficient to preserve the key features of the site the historic and cultural Ø through record but this would need to be discussed with English Heritage and other stakeholders. environment

3 In the absence of local data, the following assumptions should be made about average journey speeds: 5 km/hr for people on foot, 10 km/hr for equestrians and 20 km/hr for cyclists. Source: The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 8 (page 3/1). Using this assumption a 10 minute walk would cover a distance of approximately 800m and a 10 minute cycle would cover a distance of approximately 3km. PPG 13 states that ‘walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level and offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly under 2 kilometres’ and that ‘cycling also has potential to substitute for short car trips, particularly those under 5km, and to form part of a longer journey by public transport’.

142 18 East of Loughborough Option: Wymeswold Airfield

Objective Performance Commentary The site is close to Hoton and Wymeswold and may affect the setting of the Conservation Areas, for example if road widening is required to accommodate cycle and bus lanes.

Development at this location would also potentially affect the setting of Prestwold Park. The site abuts the north and east of the Park. See landscape and townscape objective.

The field pattern south of Wymeswold also contributes to the historic landscape character of the area. To increase the re-use of Area East of Wymeswold Airfield: This is a Greenfield site. The area around Burton on the Wolds is Greenfield. previously developed land ª and buildings Wymeswold Airfield and environs

×/ª Appraised on the basis that the airfield comprises a mix of Greenfield and brownfield land i.e. it contains elements that are Greenfield (including areas between the runways) and elements that are brownfield (including the runways). To reduce the extraction of Area East of Wymeswold Airfield: This option falls within a mineral consultation area. New development will give the opportunity to new and increase the reuse D encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources through sustainable design and construction and recycling of minerals techniques. and aggregates resources Wymeswold Airfield and environs: There may be scope for recycling aggregates on site, e.g. associated runways. However, there maybe some conflict between the desire to reuse and recycle as much material on site as possible on site and potential contamination issues associated with the former use as an airfield. To manage waste in Neutral This objective is neutral. New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and accordance with the waste construction techniques. hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of None of the areas adjoining the Loughborough built-up area have an average wind speed of 6m/s and above. The majority of the areas to the energy and optimise the © East of Cotes have a wind speed above 6 m/s. Areas within and adjoining Loughborough have an average wind speed of above 5 m/s and use of renewable resources have good wind energy potential. There is an area of large scale wind energy generation potential to the East of Loughborough. (This area lies to the southwest of Stanford on Soar).

Wymeswold Airfield is an area of large scale wind energy generation potential. Cotes Mill (SK 553 203) on the River Soar has a head above 1.5m and has technical potential for small-scale hydro-electric power generation. This site lies to the East of Loughborough and may be remote from some potential development areas.

.New development will give the opportunity to incorporate measures to reduce energy consumption and increase the proportion of energy from renewable sources. To increase the This option would be relatively remote from the jobs and services in Loughborough and other settlements, including the hospital, retail, population’s access to a full ª cultural, media and sport activities. Its location makes walking to jobs and service impractical and cycling much less attractive range of appropriate public, private, community and The Charnwood Retail and Town Centre study indicates that it is likely that new foodstore provision will be needed locally given the relative voluntary services isolation of this location from the existing main stores in Loughborough. It is anticipated that development would be anchored by a local 143 19 East of Loughborough Option: Wymeswold Airfield

Objective Performance Commentary centre or a small district centre. To increase access to the There would be scope for providing new open space as part of the development however this is likely to be geared more to the needs of countryside, open spaces × new residents, rather than being something the wider community could utilise because of its likely scale. There may be some potential for and semi urban access to Prestwold Hall historic park and garden. environments (eg parks) To promote a strong This option has the benefit of a single site and therefore should enable the new community to have its own identity but it would also impact community where people D on the sense of place and identity of communities at Hoton, Wymeswold and Burton on the Wolds. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. behaviour and increase community safety To increase the Development east of the river valley would be about 3km from nearest major leisure, entertainment and cultural facilities in Loughborough population’s access and ª town centre. Over 4km from facilities in Barrow upon Soar. This is outside of the suggested distance for such facilities. Development would opportunity to participate in be of insufficient size to justify such facilities. culture, media and sport There may be scope for the school to provide shared facilities, e.g. swimming pool and gym that would be open to the public out of school hours. To ensure that the housing A development option east of Loughborough would be expected to accommodate affordable housing to address affordable housing needs stock meets the housing Ø identified in nearby communities including the Wolds villages. New affordable housing would be located away from areas where it is needed needs of all sections of the the most. community To reduce poverty and The provision of an element of affordable housing would help contribute to this objective. Shepshed, Loughborough, the Soar Valley Villages social exclusion ª and South Charnwood areas are identified as priorities in the Charnwood Renewal Framework. The extent to which development at this location helped to address social exclusion would depend on the quality of accessibility to higher order services and employment.

It is unlikely that development will be able to improve access to higher order services which will be located in Loughborough. The provision of employment on site would help to contribute to this objective but whether it could benefit existing deprived areas is uncertain due to it’s isolated location, the other side of the River Soar and beyond the limits of Loughborough. Good public transport links could help counter accessibility issues but walking and cycling access would still be very limited.

Planning obligations or voluntary agreements could be used to secure employment for the socially excluded. To increase learning, skills Development would be of sufficient size to support a primary school and a small secondary school and these could be capable of dual use as a and employability for all ª venue for evening classes. sections of the community To increase the vibrancy The scale of growth would not be in keeping with the existing character of .the settlements in this location and would result in the and viability of settlements ª coalescence of three existing villages which could give rise to a negative effect on the vibrancy and sense of place of the villages. Development of the Wymeswold Airfield could create coalescence of the villages of Hoton, Wymeswold and Burton on the Wolds which could give rise to a negative effect on the vibrancy and sense of place of the villages. To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. 144 20 East of Loughborough Option: Wymeswold Airfield

Objective Performance Commentary design and construction To increase healthy life The relative isolation of the airfield from Loughborough (approx. 7 km) where recreational facilities are located is likely to discourage walking styles Ø and cycling into the town centre. Other recreational facilities exist within Barrow upon Soar which is over 5km as the crow flies. These distances are well above the recommended distance to a leisure centre. Cycle and pedestrian routes could be created between the site and existing villages to enable localised outdoor recreation.

The development (if considered as one) is of a scale sufficient enough to provide a small secondary school which could be capable of dual use to provide sports and recreation facilities for the new residents.

The development could support a doctor’s surgery. Loughborough hospital at Epinal Way is about 6.5 km away from the sites (as the crow flies). To encourage sustainable a A mixed used development is anticipated, including some provision for employment. This is not a suitable location for a Science Park because economy × it is on the opposite side of the town, and over 5km, from the University. It will be important to integrate the existing industrial estate into any new development. To increase efficient Demand management measures would be needed to reduce car use arising from existing access to the A60 north and A46 and improved patterns of movement to × road access in the form of a full or partial eastern distributor road between the A6 and A60.. Hourly bus services currently operate along the support a sustainable A60 but at present these are unlikely to present an attractive option to using the car and significant investment in bus infrastructure would be economy required. The distance from the site into the town centre is likely to discourage cycling and walking. To reduce disparities in A mixed use development is anticipated in this location. However the employment and facilities that will be provided would be no closer to economic performance Ø existing deprived neighbourhoods in East Loughborough than significant provision in the town centre, north and east Loughborough. Improved public transport links would be key. Distances would be too long to walk. This site is poorly located in terms of proximity to the university and would therefore be less suitable as a location for spin off activity or other activity associated with the university. Any employment provision would need to be compatible with residential development.

145 21 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: WEST OF SHEPSHED OPTION

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

West of Shepshed Option

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance There are two designated (Local Wildlife Sites - formerly SINCS) within this area: (a) a section of road side verges along Harborough Pit Farm biodiversity, flora and fauna ª Road and (b) the entire section of the Black Brook. Adjacent to the south of the site are Blackbrook Hill Farm Black Brook Spinney (2.6ha of ancient woodland), Hookhill (8.9ha of ancient woodland), White Horse Wood (9.3ha of ancient woodland) and Black Brook Meadow..

A further 7 locations within the area may meet the LWS criteria. Their designation would enhance the designation sites indicated within this area. Sympathetic management would allow movement of species of within and beyond this area.

Whilst the Blackbrook corridor could be retained, development could lead to the fragmentation and erosion of the various wildlife interests identified. To maintain and enhance Shepshed is just west of the M1 corridor at J23. Most of the urban area lies to the north of the A512. To the west of the town is an the landscape and ª undulating landform falling away beyond Tickow Lane to the valley of the Black Brook before rising to a prominent ridge beyond which lies the townscape character valley of Grace Dieu Brook and Belton.

Significant development on the western edge of Shepshed, would urbanise important areas of open land fringing the town and be difficult to assimilate given local topography..

A new access road to the A512 would have to pass through an area of Charnwood Forest countryside. To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface and groundwater ? surface sources. quality To minimise water New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There are opportunities to minimise water consumption through consumption O sustainable design techniques. 146 22 West of Shepshed Option

Objective Performance Commentary To improve air quality There are no AQMAs in Shepshed. Traffic would add to pressures on the A512 and M1 J23. This section of the M1 may be widened in Ø coming years.

There should be scope to reduce car use. The existing bus routes (4, 99 and 127) could be re-routed to serve this area with high frequency services between Loughborough and Shepshed., and less frequent services to Coalville.

The area is crossed by a section of the National Cycle Network Route 6 linking to Shepshed town centre and beyond to Loughborough.

Shepshed is remote from rail access with Loughborough station over 7km away, although bus service 4 provides a direct link. Some services and facilities are available within Shepshed. Loughborough Town Centre would be over 5km away. To conserve soil resources Most land around to the West of Shepshed is Grade 3 but further south towards the A512 Grade 2 land becomes significant. and quality Ø To reduce contributions to See comments on air quality above. climate change Ø New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct buildings able to adapt to climate variations and flooding through sustainable design and construction techniques. To reduce vulnerability to Land close to the Black Brook west of Tickow Lane/ Oakley Rd and north of Shepshed is at risk from flooding. climate change D To conserve and enhance Archaeological and historic interest sites are largely confined to locations within the town so there are unlikely to be significant harmful effects. the historic and cultural D environment To increase the re-use of This option involves the development of Greenfield land. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of The southern part of the area is within a mineral consultation area. new and increase the reuse D and recycling of minerals New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources and aggregates resources through sustainable design and construction techniques. To manage waste in Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. accordance with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of New development will give the opportunity to encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources through sustainable energy and optimise the © design and construction techniques. use of renewable resources All of the land to the West and South of Shepshed has wind speed above 6m/s and therefore has very good wind energy generation potential. Areas to the East of Shepshed have an average wind speed of 5 m/s or above and therefore have good wind energy potential. There is an large area of potential for large scale wind energy generation to the northwest of Shepshed which lies approximately 500m from the edge of Shepshed. There are no hydro sites which have a head above 1.5m within 1km of this location This location is close to significant areas of 147 23 West of Shepshed Option

Objective Performance Commentary woodland that lie to the West of the Borough. To increase the Areas nearest to Oakley Rd would be within about 0.5km of Shepshed Town Centre and the furthest parts over 2km away. population’s access to a full × Shepshed (population 12990), a Main Town proposed to be part of the Loughborough/ Shepshed Sub Regional Centre in the draft regional range of appropriate public, plan. The town offers a range of services and facilities. At August 2007 these included 1 large superstore and 2 main convenience stores, 2 private, community and doctors surgeries with a total of 8 doctors and 3 pharmacies, 3 dentists and 2 opticians, 2 post offices, 2 banks and 6 cash points, 15 pubs, 2 voluntary services petrol filling stations, an upper school and 4 primary schools, a library and a range of community and leisure facilities.

People in Shepshed regularly use services and facilities available in Loughborough, notably the town centre about 6km away well connected by bus services.

The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre study indicates that development in this area would create the need for a medium to large size store in the centre particularly given the distance to existing main stores in Loughborough and existing limited provision in Shepshed. Itself. This need could be met at locations within or on the edge of Shepshed town centre itself.. To increase access to the There are good footpath links into surrounding countryside and part of National Cycle Route 6 between Shepshed and Loughborough crosses countryside, open spaces × the area. The Green Space Strategy identifies a need for a district park of 10 to 20 ha in Shepshed and this strategic allocation provides the and semi urban opportunity to provide it. environments (eg parks) Large scale development would be able to provide new recreational facilities helping meet the deficiencies identified. To promote a strong There will be objections to development of this Greenfield location. The effect depends on strategies adopted to integrate new development community where people D with existing communities. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. behaviour and increase community safety To increase the Shepshed has a reasonable range of community and leisure facilities. However the nearest public leisure centre and cinema are in population’s access and × Loughborough town centre over 6km away. opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing New housing developments can help meet the housing needs of the community as there is more possibility of affordable housing being stock meets the housing × incorporated into larger residential sites. needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and Parts of south Shepshed are identified as being areas of deprivation. New employment would provide locally based jobs for the local social exclusion × community reducing the costs of commuting, and affordable housing could help improve access to the housing market. To increase learning, skills There are good education facilities in Shepshed at Hind Leys Upper School and 4 primary schools. Loughborough University/ College campus and employability for all × is about 4km to the west. sections of the community To increase the vibrancy Large scale development to the West of Shepshed would extend over a prominent ridgeline to the south east of Belton, reducing the and viability of settlements: Ø/D separation between Shepshed and the village from 2.5km to under 1km. 148 24 West of Shepshed Option

Objective Performance Commentary

Depends upon the mix of uses, location, design and layout. To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. design and construction To increase healthy life There is reasonable public access by public footpaths and good cycleway links between Loughborough and Shepshed, and westward from styles × Shepshed to Belton via NCR 6.

New development gives the opportunity to existing facilities in Shepshed to incorporate open space and extend access by walking and cycling routes.

The town has 2 doctors surgeries with a total of 8 doctors, plus 3 pharmacies, 3 dentists and 2 opticians. It is not known how much capacity is available. Epinal Way Hospital in Loughborough is about 6km away. To encourage sustainable a Employment development in this location has the potential to provide investment and employment opportunities to aid regeneration of economy × Shepshed. This location would enable travel to the site by modes of transport other than the car. Employment development in this location is also relatively close to Loughborough University, and may be attractive to more knowledge based industries.

The centre of Shepshed is in close proximity where a number of facilities and services can be found. To increase efficient Although development to the West of Shepshed would have good road access to M1 J23, it could also be well served by bus services. patterns of movement to × support a sustainable There are good cycle ways along NCN Route 6. economy To reduce disparities in Development in this location can provide employment opportunities for residents of Shepshed and help reduce levels of unemployment, but economic performance × given the location on the edge of Shepshed development is unlikely to encourage rural diversification.

Employment development in this location is also relatively close to Loughborough University, and may be attractive to more knowledge based industries.

149 25 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: SOUTH LOUGHBOROUGH OPTION – A6

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

South Loughborough Option – A6

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance Mucklin Wood is an Ancient Woodland and Local Wildlife Site. There are a further 4 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the Option Site. biodiversity, flora and fauna ª Lowland mixed woodland, found at Mucklin Wood, is a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. This type of habitat is vulnerable to increased visitor pressure, trampling, increased nutrient input such as from dog walking.

Other Section 74 habitats of principal importance with are found within the Option Site or in its vicinity are ponds, wet woodland and hedgerows, including at several Local Wildlife Sites such at and around Charnwood Water. Ponds and wet woodland can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, nutrient input, pollution and isolation at the landscape scale. Hedgerows can be adversely affected by fragmentation at the landscape scale.

There are several linear features running across part of the Option Site or in close proximity to it, such as a small watercourse (Poultey Brook) and a network of hedgerows linking with ancient woodland and connecting other habitats such as ponds and spinneys. They provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. These features can be easily interrupted and their function impaired or entirely lost.

The road would have a major impact through the severing of existing wildlife corridors, lead to habitat fragmentation and create a physical barrier to the dispersal of species.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 1ancient woodland and 4 non-statutory sites, 4 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives.

150 26 South Loughborough Option – A6

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance Much land in the south and east quadrant is well farmed land with an open landscape and designated as a green wedge providing strategic the landscape and Ø separation between Loughborough/Woodthorpe and Quorn. Built development is in the form of the small village of Woodthorpe and a townscape character scatter of farmsteads. The area is severed by rail and road corridors and crossed by electricity transmission lines. Eastward the character becomes traditional river valley landscape.

Parts of this development option already have urban influences and an urban fringe character. Significant development in this general location, however well screened, would have further urbanising impact on the landscape to the south of Loughborough. The required link road would also have an urbanising effect and noise impacts.

The development would further erode the rural setting of Woodthorpe. To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface and groundwater ? surface sources. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to quality manage surface water in a sustainable manner.

Potential effects on water levels and water quality at the Charnwood Pond Local Wildlife Site would need further consideration. To minimise water Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There will be opportunities to minimise water consumption in any new consumption development through sustainable design techniques. To improve air quality Transport is one of the significant contributors to poorer air quality so development that helps reduce the need to travel and provide © alternatives to the car is desirable. All the options are of a size that should enable some improvement to existing public transport services.

Land close to the A6 has good potential for a range of travel choices. The A6 (Loughborough to Leicester) is currently the Borough’s best served bus corridor including 10 min frequency weekday daytime services between the 2 towns (20 mins to Shepshed) plus half hourly services to Leicester via villages on the eastern edge of the Soar valley and hourly via Charnwood Forest villages. There is an inbound peak hour bus lane between the A6/ A6004 junction and Woodthorpe turn. No services use the A6004.

Cycle access between Loughborough and Quorn is in the form of National Cycle Route 6 alongside the A6 also alongside Epinal Way extension.

Loughborough Railway Station is about 3km away (outside the recommended distance) but there are currently no direct bus links – this could be addressed as part of the planning gain associated with any development of the site.

The A6/ A46 and Epinal Way/ A512 provide attractive traffic routes to the M1 that could encourage car use. Additional traffic could impact on identified AQMAs in Loughborough. To conserve soil resources Either side of Epinal Way is Grade 2 best and most versatile agricultural land. Land east of the A6 is Grade 4 and Grade 3. and quality ª To reduce contributions to See comments on air quality above. climate change © New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emission through sustainable design and construction techniques. To reduce vulnerability to and east of the A6 is within the Soar valley area known to be at significant risk from flooding. The area off Nanpantan Rd/Bramcote is adjacent climate change D to the Wood Brook similarly at risk from flooding. 151 27 South Loughborough Option – A6

Objective Performance Commentary

Mitigation measures would need to be investigated in relation to flood risk and attenuation of surface water. To conserve and enhance Woodthorpe village and surrounding land is an archaeological alert area. There is one listed building in Woodthorpe and 3 near Grange Park/ the historic and cultural D Bramcote Rd. Loughborough Cemetery is designated as a Conservation Area. environment Mitigation measures will have to be put in place to safeguard and where appropriate enhance the historic features. To increase the re-use of This option involves the development of Greenfield land. May be limited scope for incorporating existing buildings into the development. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of Land south east of Shelthorpe golf course within this option falls within a mineral consultation area. More information on the status of this new and increase the reuse D area is required. and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources through sustainable design and construction techniques. To manage waste in Neutral This objective is neutral across options - New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable accordance with the waste design and construction techniques. hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of New development will give the opportunity to incorporate measures to reduce energy consumption and increase the proportion of energy energy and optimise the © from renewable sources. use of renewable resources None of the areas adjoining the Loughborough built-up area have an average wind speed of 6m/s and above. Locations to the West and South of Loughborough are close to significant areas of woodland that lie to the West of the Borough. To increase the The site adjoins Loughborough offering a full range of services and facilities. The area around the A6 south of town is about 4 km from population’s access to a full © provision in Quorn village centre, and on an existing bus corridor. For distances under 5km cycling should be a possible mode of transport4 range of appropriate public, and a national cycle route runs alongside the A6. private, community and voluntary services Loughborough town centre is less than 2km from the area around the A6/ Epinal Way which is a walkable distance. The nearest existing local centre is at Shelthorpe about 1.5km away with good access by cycle and walking but no direct bus links at present.

The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre study indicates that due to the size of the SUE and its proximity to Loughborough town centre, the need for a local centre is not envisaged in this location.

4 In the absence of local data, the following assumptions should be made about average journey speeds: 5 km/hr for people on foot, 10 km/hr for equestrians and 20 km/hr for cyclists. Source: The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 8 (page 3/1). Using this assumption a 10 minute walk would cover a distance of approximately 800m and a 10 minute cycle would cover a distance of approximately 3km. PPG 13 states that ‘walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level and offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly under 2 kilometres’ and that ‘cycling also has potential to substitute for short car trips, particularly those under 5km, and to form part of a longer journey by public transport’.

152 28 South Loughborough Option – A6

Objective Performance Commentary To increase access to the The Greenspace Strategy identifies south Loughborough as being deficient in terms of a district park of 10-20 ha with Shelthorpe and the area countryside, open spaces × north west of Nanpantan Rd identified as lacking local parks/ distinct open spaces of 2.5 ha+. and semi urban environments (eg parks) Development could contribute to additional provision if required.

The area south of town is next to Shelthorpe public (mini) golf course and Charnwood Water. There are good footpath links eastward into the river valley to the canal corridor, and south towards Quorn and Woodhouse. There are no bridleways. There would be objections to development of this Greenfield location. The effect depends on strategies adopted to integrate new To promote a strong D development with existing communities. As an urban extension it will be important to integrate the new development with the existing town, community where people e.g. through provision of footpaths, cycleways, open space and community facilities. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. behaviour and increase community safety To increase the Easy access to facilities in Loughborough and Quorn. population’s access and © opportunity to participate in The area south of town is about 2km from Browns Lane leisure centre and other leisure, cultural and entertainment opportunities in the town culture, media and sport centre. This is about 0.5 km outside the suggested distance. It is adjacent to Shelthorpe Golf Course and Charnwood Water Local Wildlife Site. Public facilities in Quorn notably at Rawlins are about 3.5km away. Quorn FC’s ground is located on the northern edge of the village next to the A6. To ensure that the housing Potential in a large scale development to provide a range and mix of new housing to meet identified needs, including the need for affordable stock meets the housing © housing. There are areas of deprivation which are located in south Loughborough. Affordable housing would be located where there is needs of all sections of the higher need, where it is closer to existing social networks. community To reduce poverty and The area south of town is adjacent to Shelthorpe, an area with a relatively high level of deprivation. New development for employment would social exclusion © increase locally accessible employment opportunities. To increase learning, skills Development would be of sufficient size to support a primary school and a small secondary school and these could be capable of dual use as a and employability for all © venue for evening classes. Sites in south Loughborough are located closer to areas of higher deprivation and so offer greater potential to sections of the community improve learning and skills, than those sites with views into Charnwood Forest. To increase the vibrancy Sites along A6 Corridor: A sustainable urban extension in the area south of Loughborough could only be acceptable if it is demonstrated that and viability of settlements: ª the individual identities and separation of Loughborough, Quorn and Woodthorpe could be retained in line with green wedge policies. If this is achievable a green wedge definition would complement the new urban structure and safeguard strategically important areas of open land. To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. design and construction To increase healthy life Sites along A6 Corridor: The area south of the town would have good access to open land around the town and is well served by cycle links styles × (town centre is about 3km away, which is about 1km outside the preferred distance for cycling). It is close to a public golf course and Charnwood Water. To encourage a sustainable A mixed used development is anticipated, including some provision for employment. Making provision for employment land in this general economy × location could help rectify an apparent imbalance between housing and employment areas in the south of Loughborough close to an identified 153 29 South Loughborough Option – A6

Objective Performance Commentary Priority Area and reduce the distances people need to travel to work. South and south west Loughborough, Woodthorpe and Quorn are predominantly residential areas. To increase efficient The area in the vicinity of the A6 south of the town has good travel choices. patterns of movement to × support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in The area south of town is adjacent to Shelthorpe, an area with a relatively high level of deprivation. New development for employment would economic performance © increase locally accessible employment opportunities.

154 30 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: SOUTH WEST LOUGHBOROUGH OPTION – CHARNWOOD FOREST

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

South West Loughborough Option – Charnwood Forest

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance One SSSI at Beacon Hill, Hangingstone & Outwoods (SK512165). The Outwoods and Mucklin Wood (SK538163) are Ancient Woodland. biodiversity, flora and fauna ª There are another 2 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the Option Site.

Lowland mixed woodland, found at the Outwoods and Mucklin Wood, is a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. This type of habitat is vulnerable to increased visitor pressure, trampling, increased nutrient input such as from dog walking.

Pignut Spinney LWS (SK524176) is an area of neutral lowland grassland with a wet grassland plant community close to the Brook. This type of habitat is vulnerable to increased nutrient inputs such as from dog walking, nutrient deposition from increased traffic pollution and salt deposition from road gritting in winter. It is also vulnerable to changes in management, localised trampling and erosion, and changes in hydrology including water quality. Although this site is part of an existing public open space, there would be increased recreational pressures.

Other Section 74 habitats of principal importance with are found within the Option Site or in its vicinity are ponds and hedgerows. Ponds can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, nutrient input, pollution and isolation at the landscape scale. Hedgerows can be adversely affected by fragmentation at the landscape scale.

There are several linear features running across part of the Option Site or in close proximity to it, such as small watercourses (Wood Brook and Moat Brook) and a network of hedgerows linking with ancient woodland sites and connecting other habitats such as ponds and spinneys. They provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. These features can be easily interrupted and their function impaired or entirely lost.

The road would have a major impact through the severing of existing wildlife corridors, lead to habitat fragmentation and create a physical barrier to the dispersal of species. The impact of the road associated with the Option Site is dealt with in more details separately.

155 31 South West Loughborough Option – Charnwood Forest

Objective Performance Commentary

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 1 statutory site, 2 ancient woodland and non- statutory sites, 3 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives. To maintain and enhance To the west of Bramcote Rd and Grange Park land outside the town is well farmed, attractive countryside with Charnwood Forest providing the landscape and ª the scenic foreground to the Outwoods west of the town. Impact upon the landscape and setting for this site would be greater than for the townscape character sites along the A6 corridor. The site does not have any major urban influences and provides a quiet and tranquil setting for the surrounding housing estate. The required link road would also have an urbanising effect and would have a negative impact on the landscape character. To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface and groundwater ? surface sources. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to quality manage surface water in a sustainable manner.

Potential effects on water levels and water quality at the Charnwood Pond Local Wildlife Site would need further consideration. To minimise water Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There will be opportunities to minimise water consumption in any new consumption development through sustainable design techniques. To improve air quality Transport is one of the significant contributors to poorer air quality so development that helps reduce the need to travel and provide × alternatives to the car is desirable. All the options are of a size that should enable some improvement to existing public transport services.

The area in the vicinity of Nanpantan Road currently has limited travel choices and is within 1.75km of the nearest AQMA along Epinal Way in Loughborough. There would be a need to improve bus access to this location.

Land near Bramcote Rd would be close to the 30 min frequency 11 and 12 town services running via Valley Rd/ Forest Rd. There would be scope for improving these services.

Development could link into cycle routes towards the Town centre and nearby University. Loughborough station is about 4.5 km away across town but there are no direct bus links. It should be possible to cycle this distance5.

Good traffic access to M1 J23 about 3km away could encourage car use. Additional traffic could impact on identified AQMAs in Loughborough.

A Travel Plan for the whole development could be required. To conserve soil resources Grade 3. It is not known how much is Grade 3a and so best and most versatile agricultural land – more information is required. and quality Ø

5 In the absence of local data, the following assumptions should be made about average journey speeds: 5 km/hr for people on foot, 10 km/hr for equestrians and 20 km/hr for cyclists. Source: The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 8 (page 3/1). Using this assumption a 10 minute walk would cover a distance of approximately 800m and a 10 minute cycle would cover a distance of approximately 3km. PPG 13 states that ‘walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level and offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly under 2 kilometres’ and that ‘cycling also has potential to substitute for short car trips, particularly those under 5km, and to form part of a longer journey by public transport’. 156 32 South West Loughborough Option – Charnwood Forest

Objective Performance Commentary To reduce contributions to See comments on air quality above. climate change × New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emission through sustainable design and construction techniques. To reduce vulnerability to Land east of the A6 is within the Soar valley area known to be at significant risk from flooding. The area off Nanpantan Rd/ Bramcote is climate change D adjacent to the Wood Brook similarly at risk from flooding.

Mitigation measures would need to be investigated in relation to flood risk and attenuation of surface water. To conserve and enhance Woodthorpe village and surrounding land is an archaeological alert area. There is one listed building in Woodthorpe and 3 near Grange Park/ the historic and cultural D Bramcote Rd. Loughborough Cemetery is designated as a Conservation Area. environment Mitigation measures will have to be put in place to safeguard and where appropriate enhance the historic features. To increase the re-use of This option involves the development of Greenfield land. May be limited scope for incorporating existing buildings into the development. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of Land south east of Shelthorpe golf course within this option falls within a mineral consultation area. More information on the status of this new and increase the reuse D area is required. and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources through sustainable design and construction techniques. To manage waste in Neutral This objective is neutral across options - New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable accordance with the waste design and construction techniques. hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of New development will give the opportunity to incorporate measures to reduce energy consumption and increase the proportion of energy energy and optimise the © from renewable sources. use of renewable resources None of the areas adjoining the Loughborough built-up area have an average wind speed of 6m/s and above. Locations to the West and South of Loughborough are close to significant areas of woodland that lie to the West of the Borough. To increase the The town centre is about 3.5 km away from the Nanpantan Rd area with access by hourly bus services. It is about 2km to the local centre at population’s access to a full × Shelthorpe with half hourly bus services via Valley Rd. Traffic calming in the Valley Road area should facilitate cycle access. range of appropriate public, private, community and The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre study indicates that due to the size of the SUE and its proximity to Loughborough town voluntary services centre, the need for a local centre is not envisaged in this location.

The railway line cuts across a parcel and two other sites lie on the eastern side of the line. This could impact on actual journey distances and ease of access by foot and cycle. To increase access to the The area south of Nanpantan Rd would be adjacent to the Bramcote Rd open space and has good footpath and bridleway links to the countryside, open spaces × Outwoods. and semi urban 157 33 South West Loughborough Option – Charnwood Forest

Objective Performance Commentary environments (eg parks) Both areas would be adjacent to the new open space system being developed as part of the Grange Park housing area To promote a strong There would be objections to development of this Greenfield location. The effect depends on strategies adopted to integrate new community where people D development with existing communities. As an urban extension it will be important to integrate the new development with the existing town, feel they have a say in the e.g. through provision of footpaths, cycleways, open space and community facilities. future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. behaviour and increase community safety To increase the The area off Nanpantan Rd is about 2.5km from Browns Lane leisure centre (about a kilometre outside the suggested distance) and other population’s access and × leisure, cultural and entertainment opportunities in the town centre. It is adjacent to the Nanpantan Rd sports ground and Bramcote Rd open opportunity to participate in space. culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing Potential in a large scale development to provide a range and mix of new housing to meet identified needs, including the need for affordable stock meets the housing × housing. There are areas of deprivation which are located in south Loughborough. Affordable housing would be located where there is needs of all sections of the higher need, where it is closer to existing social networks. community To reduce poverty and The area south of Nanpantan Rd is not next to areas with a relatively high level of deprivation and therefore may not help address social exclusion × deprivation. The nearest area at Shelthorpe is about 2km away. Development here could be outward looking and integrate with the existing areas as an urban extension, potentially providing investment for the expansion of existing facilities e.g. schools in order to meet the needs of the new residents. To increase learning, skills Development would be of sufficient size to support a primary school and a small secondary school and these could be capable of dual use as a and employability for all × venue for evening classes. Sites in south Loughborough are located closer to areas of higher deprivation and so offer greater potential to sections of the community improve learning and skills, than those sites with views into Charnwood Forest. To increase the vibrancy The area south of Nanpantan Rd is not close to any other settlements but the area is close to the Outwoods located upslope about 0.75-1km and viability of settlements: Ø/D to the west.

To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. design and construction To increase healthy life The area south of Nanpantan Road has good footpath access to the Outwoods and is next to the Bramcote Rd open space. styles × New development gives the opportunity to incorporate open space, walking and cycling routes.

In terms of access to health related facilities, the development would support a doctor’s surgery (as would all the options). Loughborough hospital at Epinal Way is about 2.5km – 3.5km away from the different elements of the site. To encourage a sustainable A mixed used development is anticipated, including some provision for employment. Making provision for employment land in this general economy © location could help rectify an apparent imbalance between housing and employment areas in the south of Loughborough close to an identified Priority Area and reduce the distances people need to travel to work. South and south west Loughborough, Woodthorpe and Quorn are predominantly residential areas. To increase efficient The area south of Nanpantan Rd currently has limited travel choices. See the comments re air quality. patterns of movement to × 158 34 South West Loughborough Option – Charnwood Forest

Objective Performance Commentary support a sustainable Employment development would be close to significant housing areas and could reduce commuting trips. economy To reduce disparities in Area along A6 corridor is poorly located in terms of proximity to the university and would therefore be less suitable as a location for spin off economic performance © activity or other activity associated with the university. The area with views into Charnwood Forest has reasonable access to Loughborough University. Any employment provision would need to be compatible with residential development.

159 35 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: NORTH WEST LOUGHBOROUGH OPTION

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

West Loughborough Option

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance One SSSI at Oakley Wood (SK485217), which is also an Ancient Woodland, lies adjacent to the Borough boundary. There are 2 Local biodiversity, flora and fauna ª Wildlife Sites within the Option Site and another 4 Local Wildlife Sites in close proximity to it..

Lowland mixed woodland, found at Oakley Wood SSSI, is a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. This type of habitat is vulnerable to increased visitor pressure, trampling, increased nutrient input such as from dog walking. Oakley Wood would be surrounded on three sides by development / M1, potentially severing links with the surrounding countryside and resulting in its isolation.

Other Section 74 habitats of principal importance which are found within the Option Site or in its vicinity are wet woodland, lowland neutral grassland, ponds and hedgerows. Wet woodland and ponds can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, increased nutrient input, pollution and isolation at the landscape scale. Hedgerows can be adversely affected by fragmentation oat the landscape scale. Neutral lowland grassland found at the Hermitage, can be vulnerable to increased nutrients input, recreational pressure and changes in management.

There are several linear features running across the Option Site or in close proximity to it, such as the Black Brook Local Wildlife Site, woodland belts, such as Hathern Drive and the disused railway line, hedgerows, such as Pear Tree Lane. They function as wildlife corridors by providing connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. These features can easily be interrupted and their function diminished or entirely lost. Of particular concern is the possible removal of the south to north connectivity between habitats and the impairment of the west to east connectivity along the Black Brook which would result from the development of the Option Site.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 1 statutory site, 6 non-statutory sites, 5 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and major wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be carefully put in place to retain and protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of the new development and the restoration /

160 36 West Loughborough Option

Objective Performance Commentary enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives. The impact of the road associated with the Option Site is dealt with in more detail elsewhere. Crayfish, kingfisher and brook lamprey have been recorded along the Black Brook LWS.

There are a large number of ecological sites and important local populations associated with the area. Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 1 statutory site, 6 non-statutory sites, 5 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and major wildlife corridors. Potential new roads would cut across several wildlife corridors, including the Black Brook LWS, Pear Tree Lane and Hathern Drive. This option would need extremely careful design to ensure that existing sites of ecological interest are not detrimentally affected and wildlife corridors not severed. Sufficient buffer zones should be allowed and strong linkages between ecological sites maintained. The creation of new habitats as part of the new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives.

The impact of the road associated with the Option Site is dealt with in more details separately. To maintain and enhance Site closest to M1 Jn 23: The land to the east of the M1Motorway is subject to a number of urbanising influences, including the M1 itself and the landscape and Ø the roads associated with Junction 23. Garendon Park is a Registered Park and Garden and an important feature in landscape terms. The townscape character option could involve routeing a road through the western edge of the Park near the existing M1 and the development area nearby to the north could potentially affect its setting.

Development here would still leave a functional gap between Loughborough and Shepshed.

Sites SW of Hathern: These two land parcels seem divorced from the main urban area and if developed on their own would not constitute ª ‘natural’ extensions to Loughborough, Shepshed or Hathern. To protect and improve Site closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not surface and groundwater ? considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface sources. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be quality investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to manage surface water in a sustainable manner.

There are records of Otters in Black Brook and it will be important to avoid any impacts on water quality and the hydrological regime. To minimise water Neutral Site closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There are opportunities consumption to minimise water consumption through sustainable design techniques. To improve air quality Site closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: Given the location’s proximity to a range of jobs, services and facilities there should be × scope to reduce car use and thereby help avoid effects on air quality. The A512 currently carries a number of bus routes notably the 4, 99 and 125/ 127 ensuring high frequency services between Loughborough and Shepshed. High traffic flows on the A512 west of the town suggest potential for park and ride. The A6 is served by the half hourly Skylink and hourly Rainbow 5 bus services There are good cycleways between Loughborough and Shepshed on the north side of the A512 and across Garendon. The town centre is about 4km-5km from the sites, which is outside the suggested distance of 2km.

The sites are over 4.5km from the rail station but bus services 4 and the high frequency University Shuttle 7 provide direct links across town via the town centre.

Proximity to the M1 could encourage car use which could impact on air quality. If a link road is not provided traffic movements associated 161 37 West Loughborough Option

Objective Performance Commentary with the development could impact on Ashby Road/ Epinal Way AQMA. To conserve soil resources Site closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: West of Loughborough includes an area of Grade 2 best and most versatile agricultural land and quality Ø (west of Garendon Park) The remainder is Grade 3. There is no information on how much of this is grade 3a best and most versatile agricultural land. To reduce contributions to Site closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: See comments re air quality above. Effective demand management measures needed to climate change × reduce potential for high car use arising from good access to main road network.

New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable design and construction techniques but this comment applies to all of the options considered. To reduce vulnerability to Site closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce climate change D energy and water consumption and construct buildings able to adapt to climate variations through sustainable design and construction techniques. Sustainable Urban Drainage systems will also help improve attenuation.

The areas considered for development are outside of (but adjacent to) currently identified flood risk areas. To conserve and enhance Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: North of the A512 is Garendon historic park and garden containing one ancient the historic and cultural Ø monument: the Cistercian abbey & mansion, with fishpond and mound (SK 50141988). The M1 site lies adjacent to this. Development of environment this site could progress the designation of this site and provide opportunities for funding in order to protect and enhance the area for the future. The Greenspaces Strategy indicates Garendon Park has potential to provide ready access to a significant country park for residents in Shepshed and the west and north of Loughborough.

The setting of the park is already affected by urban influences, including the built up area of Loughborough and the M1. It is very difficult to assess potential effects at this level.

The growth option may require a new link road between the A512 and A6 north running through the edge of Garendon Park next to the M1 corridor. Any development located to the north of the Park would need to respect the setting of the Park.

Within the surrounding built up areas are 13 listed buildings (some are ‘at risk’) and 8 sites of archaeological interest. 2 listed buildings at Holywell Farm south of the A512 and a site of archaeological interest close to Snells Nook Lane. Development at this location would not directly impact on such features. To increase the re-use of Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: This option involves the development of Greenfield land. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: The areas north of Garendon Park and west of Snells Nook Lane close to the motorway new and increase the reuse D are mineral consultation areas. More information on the status of these areas is required. and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources through sustainable design and construction techniques. To manage waste in Neutral Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: There is a civic amenity site in Shepshed north of Butthole Lane accessed from Hathern accordance with the waste Rd, Shepshed. hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. 162 38 West Loughborough Option

Objective Performance Commentary household, commercial and New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. industrial) To minimise the use of Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: New development will give the opportunity to encourage energy efficiency and the use of energy and optimise the © renewable energy sources through sustainable design and construction techniques use of renewable resources None of the areas adjoining the Loughborough built-up area have an average wind speed of 6m/s and above. Locations to the West and South of Loughborough are close to significant areas of woodland that lie to the West of the Borough. Locations to the East of Loughborough are remote from significant areas of woodland To increase the This option is of sufficient size to support a range of community facilities including a small secondary school. The scheme will also support a population’s access to a full local centre but would not be of sufficient size to support a district centre or food superstore. The nearest superstore is at Thorpe Acre range of appropriate public, which is about 1.5 to 2km away (as the crow flies). private, community and voluntary services Schemes can be outward facing by providing some facilities within the new area that the existing areas can utilise. Development is split across a number of sites. For sites SW of Hathern, there will be limited opportunities to integrate development with existing urban areas, whereas sites closer to J23 offer better integration.

Sites SW of Hathern: The sites are about 4 km from Loughborough and about 2km from Shepshed (as the crow flies). Loughborough has a Ø full range of services and facilities, whilst Shepshed provides a reasonable range of facilities for the town and immediate rural catchment. (Sites SW Hathern) Services and facilities in Loughborough town centre are about 3.5km away. The nearest existing local centre is at Gorse Covert (2.5km by road but only about 0.5km by cycle via the existing route across Garendon).

Shepshed town centre would be about 3km by road but as near as 2km by cycle route or direct bus route across Garendon.

© Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 This area is physically closer to Loughborough than the other sites included in the option however a cycle/public footpath link through (Sites closest to Garendon Park would be important to integrate the site with the rest of Loughborough. M1 Jn 23)

The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre study indicates that development in this location would require the provision of a local centre. To increase access to the Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: Public access in the area north of the A512 is limited to a few public/ permissive paths and countryside, open spaces © a section of National Cycle Route 6 across Garendon estate. Pear Tree Lane bridleway links Loughborough to Shepshed in the vicinity of the and semi urban Blackbrook. There are public footpaths through Holywell Farm to Snells `Nook Lane and from the south end of Snells Nook Lane north environments (eg parks) westward across Longcliff (private) golf course to the A512.

The Green Spaces Strategy identifies a deficiency in district park provision of 10 to 20 ha in the north and south of Loughborough and Shepshed. It also indicates Garendon Park has potential to provide ready access to a significant country park for residents in Shepshed and the west and north of Loughborough.

There are also deficiencies in local parks/ distinct open spaces in NW Loughborough between the town centre and later developments, east and south of Shepshed and north west of Nanpantan Rd/ Forest Rd. 163 39 West Loughborough Option

Objective Performance Commentary

Development in this location could contribute to new provision to help meet the deficiencies identified. This development option has land suitable for a significant park and is close to residents in Loughborough and Shepshed. To promote a strong Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 Sites SW of Hathern: There are likely to be objections to development of this Greenfield location. The effect community where people D depends on strategies adopted to integrate new development with existing communities. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through behaviour and increase sustainable design and construction techniques. community safety To increase the Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: Access to a range of cultural and entertainment opportunities in Loughborough, particularly population’s access and × within the town centre and to a lesser extent Shepshed. opportunity to participate in Hathern culture, media and sport © Facilities in Loughborough town centre would be about 3.5 km away and the range of sports facilities at the University and Burleigh Community College both about 1.75km away. There are reasonable facilities in Shepshed. Sites southwest of Hathern are less accessible to M1 some cultural and sporting facilities than those situated closest to J23 of M1 To ensure that the housing Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: A large scale development offers opportunities to provide a range and mix of new housing stock meets the housing × to meet identified needs, including the need for affordable housing. There are areas of deprivation which are located close to this option. needs of all sections of the Hathern Affordable housing would be located where there is higher need, where it is closer to existing social networks. community © M1 To reduce poverty and Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: This location is not adjoining areas known to have a relatively high level of deprivation but social exclusion × would provide affordable housing and a range of facilities and services. New development for employment will increase local employment Hathern opportunities and an outward looking scheme could improve access to some facilities. © Areas around Jn 23 of M1: This location does not adjoin, but is close to areas known to have a relatively high level of deprivation but would M1 provide affordable housing and a range of facilities and services. New development for employment will increase local employment opportunities and an outward looking scheme could improve access to some facilities. To increase learning, skills Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: This location is close to a range of education facilities being next to the University campus and employability for all × and the Burleigh/ Garendon/ De Lisle upper school sites. Hind Leys upper school in Shepshed would be easily accessible, the latter via NCR 6 sections of the community Hathern across Garendon. The nearest primary schools are at Booth Wood on Old Ashby Rd (about 1.5km) and Holywell north of Nanpantan Rd. © Newcroft PS in Shepshed could be within 1.5km if access were available via Coach Rd. Sites closest to J23 of the M1 offer better access to these educational institutions than sites SW of Hathern. M1

Development would be of sufficient size to support a primary school and a small secondary school and these could be capable of dual use as a venue for evening classes. To increase the vibrancy A sustainable urban extension in the area north of Garendon Park could only be acceptable if it is demonstrated that the individual identities and viability of settlements: ª and separation of Loughborough and Shepshed either side of the M1 corridor, and the similar relationships between both towns and Hathern, were retained in line with green wedge policies. If this is achievable a green wedge definition would be needed to complement the new urban ª 164 40 West Loughborough Option

Objective Performance Commentary structure and safeguard strategically important areas of open land. The delivery of a restored Garendon park with public access would contribute to meeting green wedge objectives and help integrate the new development. To increase sustainable Neutral Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: New development will provide the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction design and construction techniques. To increase healthy life Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: styles × There is reasonable public access by public footpaths in this location and very good cycleway links between Loughborough and Shepshed. New development provides the opportunity to incorporate significant open space including the restoration of the historic park in Garendon and to extend public access by walking and cycling routes in a location readily accessible to many people living in Shepshed and west Loughborough.

The nearest existing doctors’ surgeries would be at Maxwell Drive about 3km away if road access is provided to the A6 north of the town. Forest Edge (Old Ashby Rd) is about 1km away and Leicester Rd in Shepshed about 2.25km. It is not known how much spare capacity exists. Epinal Way Hospital is about 2.75km away. To encourage sustainable a Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: The provision of general employment land would be accessible to many people living in economy © Loughborough and Shepshed including by good quality bus and cycle provision and residents of Hathern. This area is well located in terms of proximity to the university and would be suitable as a location for spin off activity or other activity associated with the university To increase efficient Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: Although development in this location would have very good road access being next to patterns of movement to × M1 J23, the A6 and A512 it is near high frequency bus services along the A512 between Loughborough and Shepshed with direct bus services support a sustainable to the rail station and bus services along the A6. There could be potential for park and ride in the future. There is good cycleway provision economy between Loughborough and Shepshed on the north side of the A512 and across Garendon.

Housing in this location could be as close as 1km to main employment sites at the University and south of Shepshed. Employment development would be close to housing in Loughborough and Shepshed and a Science Park could be located adjacent to the University.

Potential for new link between A512 and A6 to provide access to existing employment areas in north Loughborough. To reduce disparities in Sites closest to M1 Jn 23 and Sites SW of Hathern: This site is well located in terms of proximity to the university and would be suitable as a economic performance © location for spin off activity or other activity associated with the university. Any employment provision would need to be compatible with residential development.

165 41 NORTH OF BIRSTALL 210HA 4000 HOMES OR AN EMPLOYMENT ALLOCATION

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

North of Birstall 210ha

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance There are no statutory or non statutory ecological sites within the Option Site. There are 6 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the Option biodiversity, flora and faun Ø Site.

The northern half of the Option Site is well wooded with many veteran trees and form part of a parkland habitat, a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. Large-scale development would not be compatible with the retention of these trees.

There is one main linear feature running north-east to south-west along the wooded banks of a small watercourse which functions as a wildlife corridor. Close to the Option Site’s western, northern and eastern boundaries are 3 major wildlife corridors respectively represented by the Great Central Railway, Rothley Brook and River Soar. The wildlife corridors provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, of particular importance in the context of climate change. These features can easily be interrupted and their function impaired or entirely lost.

The rest of the Option Site consists of farmland with small spinneys interlinked by hedgerows, a Section 74 habitat of principal importance which can easily be adversely affected by fragmentation.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect Section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives. To maintain and enhance This option falls on land close to the A6/A46 interchange designated as Countryside and some land east of the A6 falls within the Soar the landscape and ª Valley landscape character area. The land forms part of a wider tract of open land between Birstall and Rothley. Development in this area townscape character could have a significant visual impact upon the high, sloping landform in the vicinity of the A6, north of the A46; and on the village of Rothley. The village of Wanlip would be affected if development were located in the area south of the A46, east of the former A6. 166 42 North of Birstall 210ha

Objective Performance Commentary

Housing and employment uses at Birstall are currently contained south of the A46 which acts as a strong boundary to urban form. The A6 provides good car access to the site, however, in order to limit car borne trips public transport provision would need to be a strong theme of any development proposals. To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution surface and groundwater ? from surface sources. quality The site is adjacent to Rothley Brook and the River Soar. Attenuation of surface water will be necessary to avoid impact on water quality. To minimise water Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There are opportunities to minimise water consumption through consumption sustainable design techniques. To improve air quality The area is adjacent to the main 125/127 bus route between Loughborough and Leicester running at 10 minute frequency during the day × and hourly in the evenings and on Sundays. The nearest rail station is over 3km to the east in Syston. This distance should be cyclable but suitable cycle paths would be required to link into the local network. Cycle infrastructure is currently poor between Rothley and Syston. National Cycle Route 6 runs alongside the A6 on its way between Loughborough and Leicester and would provide a good cycling route between the site and Birstall. East to west links are planned as part of the Hallam Fields development, which will also provide a park and ride site serving Leicester. Proximity to the A46/A6 interchange offers easy access to the M1 and A46 and may result in additional vehicle journeys both long and short. Development in this location would be expected to generate significant travel movements in and out of Leicester.

With respect to employment a well researched public transport strategy would be vital in order to prevent a dependency on car travel for employees. A site wide Transport Plan could be required.

This location is more than 3.5km from the nearest current Air Quality Management Area at Abbey Lane in Leicester. To conserve soil resources This location comprises land designated grade 2 best and most versatile agricultural land. and quality ª To reduce contributions to The comments relating to air quality above are relevant. climate change × The close proximity to the A6 and A46 and distance from Birstall could give rise to car based journeys to access facilities. On average, private transport contributes 10% of the average person’s carbon footprint (excluding car manufacture).

The option adjoins the Birstall part of the Leicester Principal Urban Area. However, it is 6km from Leicester city centre and 13 km from Loughborough town centre. There are no bus services to key orbital destinations such as ASDA at Thurmaston or Tesco at Beaumont Leys.

New development provides the opportunity to provide buildings with a reduced carbon footprint but this could be achieved anywhere. To reduce vulnerability to New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct climate change D buildings able to adapt to climate variations through sustainable design and construction techniques. The site is adjacent to Rothley Brook and the River Soar. Attenuation of surface water will be necessary to avoid increased flood risk elsewhere. To conserve and enhance There are potentially 4 archaeological sites and an archaeological alert area in the general vicinity of the option. There is a Conservation the historic and cultural D Area within Rothley. Further information would be required in relation to these. There are also 2 listed buildings within this general location. 167 43 North of Birstall 210ha

Objective Performance Commentary environment The impact of any development on the identity and character of Birstall and Wanlip would need to be considered.

Until the height, scale, massing and layout of development for this option is known it is difficult to indicate whether there will be significant harmful effects. It may be possible to avoid some potential effects through careful layout and design . To increase the re-use of This option would involve the development of Greenfield land. previously developed land ª and buildings To minimise the extraction Much of the land in this general location falls within a mineral consultation area. More information on the status of these areas is required. of new and increase the D reuse and recycling of North and east of Birstall and west of Thurmaston are within the mineral consultation area for sand and gravel. There is a long history of minerals and aggregates extraction and restoration of former workings in these parts of the Soar and Wreake valleys. resources New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources through sustainable design and construction techniques. To manage waste in Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. accordance with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of All of the land adjoining the north of Hallamfields and the western part of Birstall has a wind speed above 6m/s and therefore has very good energy and optimise the © wind energy generation potential. Areas to the north East towards Wanlip and the Eastern part of Birstall have a an average wind speed of use of renewable resources 5 m/s or above and therefore have good wind energy potential. A large area of land to the north of the A46 / south of Rothley has potential for large scale wind energy generation potential. There are no hydro sites which have a head above 1.5m within 1km of this location. There are no significant areas of woodland in the vicinity of this location. There is an existing anaerobic digestion from waste facility at Wanlip that has the potential to expand. To increase the The location adjoins the Birstall part of the Leicester Principal Urban Area but it is about 6km away from City centre facilities. There are population’s access to a full × currently no bus services to key orbital destinations such as ASDA at Thurmaston or Tesco at Beaumont Leys. range of appropriate public, private, community and Birstall has convenience stores and other facilities and a range of leisure and community facilities and lie approximately 2.5 km south of the voluntary services site as the crow flies.

The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre Study indicates that it is likely that new convenience floorspace will be needed in the form of a single larger food store. This provision will depend on whether housing development taking place in Leicester City includes retail provision as part of its overall development and as such the two planning authorities will need to work closely together to meet the need.

To increase access to the The Green Space Strategy indicates people living in Birstall do not have access to a district park of 10-20 ha. Parts of north Birstall are not countryside, open spaces × currently within 400m of a local park/distinct open space of 2.5 ha+. The situation should improve in coming years with provision planned as and semi urban part of the Hallam Fields development. environments (eg parks) The central north part of Birstall is not served adequately by equipped play provision. 168 44 North of Birstall 210ha

Objective Performance Commentary

There may be scope to remedy some of these deficiencies as part of new development schemes.

Public footpaths give good access to the Watermead Country Park and the River Soar close by to the east, but elsewhere footpath links are less well developed. National Cycle Route 6 goes along the A6 and less trafficked routes towards Loughborough and Leicester. To promote a strong Depends upon the strategies adopted to integrate new development with existing communities. community where people D feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. behaviour and increase community safety To increase the The option is about 6km from Leicester city centre and 13km from Loughborough town centre where there is a wide range of cultural and population’s access and Ø entertainment opportunities. Beaumont Leys Leisure Centre is over 6km away and the Soar Valley Centre, Mountsorrel is about 4km to the opportunity to participate in north, and South Charnwood Swimming Pool is approximately 4km to the east in Syston. culture, media and sport

If the site were to be allocated for employment, then proximity to such facilities would be less of an issue. To ensure that the housing New development for housing in this location will help to ensure that needs including those for affordable housing are met. If an stock meets the housing × employment allocation is pursued there will be no contribution to this objective. needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and This location is not close to a specific area with a relatively high level of deprivation. However, new development for housing in this location social exclusion × will help to ensure that the housing needs including those for affordable housing. New development for employment will increase employment opportunities. To increase learning, skills Birstall has a secondary school/ community college on its north west edge and 2 primary schools. The location would be about 6km from and employability for all × education and training facilities in and around Leicester City Centre, including the University. sections of the community To increase the vibrancy This is likely to depend upon the mix of uses, design and integration into existing settlements. This is likely to be a neutral factor across all and viability of settlements: ª greenfield options.

However, this option is in an area where settlements are already relatively close together. The Hallam Fields development will take the built area of Birstall up to the A46, west of the A6. The gap between the A46 and Rothley is under 800m on either side of a prominent ridge. Wanlip is about 250 m from nearest housing areas in Birstall (but only 100m from the Longslade school site) and will be less than 200m from the park and ride site to be provided east of the A6. To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. design and construction To increase healthy life National Cycle Route 6 runs alongside the A6. Improved east to west links planned as part of Hallam Fields should improve cycle access styles × towards Castle Hill and Watermead Country Parks. There are good walking links within Watermead Country Park.

Health facilities (doctor’s surgery) are available at Birstall. Birstall is approximately 2.5 km from the site as the crow flies. If the site were 169 45 North of Birstall 210ha

Objective Performance Commentary developed for housing it is not of a scale large enough to include the provision of a new health centre (4 doctors) To encourage sustainable a Making provision for employment land will give the opportunity for economic growth. The site has good access to the strategic road economy × network and is likely to be attractive to inward investment and would also provide local employment opportunities which could reduce the need for out commuting. The size of the site would present opportunities for a variety of different types of employment use. It could present opportunities for hotel / conference / leisure facilities that employees could also make use of. To increase efficient The option is located along the main 125/127 bus route between Loughborough and Leicester which runs at 10 minute frequency during patterns of movement to × the day and hourly in the evenings and on Sundays. support a sustainable However, the option is located close to the junction of the A46/A6 where there is easy access to the M1 and A46. This may result in economy additional car and other vehicle journeys both long and short. There are likely to be implications for the A6/A46 junction.

Birstall has convenience stores and other facilities and a range of leisure and community facilities and lies approximately 2.5 km south of the site as the crow flies. This distance is likely to deter walking6 but cycling could be possible providing cycling paths lanes were provided to link into the local network.

Even if the site is allocated as an employment site it will be important to provide a range of services, e.g. food retail and leisure etc. To reduce disparities in An employment allocation at this location would contribute to this objective, although the location is not well connected to the deprived economic performance × neighbourhoods identified in Thurmaston and Syston. The strategic location of this site could make it attractive to a range of uses including B1, helping to diversify the range of jobs available in the Borough.

6 In the absence of local data, the following assumptions should be made about average journey speeds: 5 km/hr for people on foot, 10 km/hr for equestrians and 20 km/hr for cyclists. Source: The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 8 (page 3/1). Using this assumption a 10 minute walk would cover a distance of approximately 800m and a 10 minute cycle would cover a distance of approximately 3km. PPG 13 states that ‘walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level and offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly under 2 kilometres’ and that ‘cycling also has potential to substitute for short car trips, particularly those under 5km, and to form part of a longer journey by public transport’.

170 46 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: ANSTEY/GLENFIELD

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Anstey/Glenfield Option

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance Glenfield Option biodiversity, flora and fauna Ø The Option Site is in close proximity to Rothley Brook which is a Local Wildlife Site. Protected species such as the otter and white- clawed crayfish have been recorded along the Brook. The farmland comprises a network of hedgerows and a number of veteran trees, which would individually qualify as Local Wildlife Sites. Hedgerows are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. The Brook and hedgerows are linear features which provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. These features can be easily interrupted and their function impaired or entirely lost.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 1 non-statutory site, 1 habitat of principal importance and a number of veteran trees. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing features of ecological interest. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should deliver biodiversity objectives.

Anstey Option Bradgate Park SSSI (SK537108) comes within about 700 m and Sheet Hedges Wood SSSI (SK529087) less than 500 m of the Option Site. Within the option site is 1 Local Wildlife Site - Rothley Brook.

Sheet Hedges Wood is an area of lowland mixed deciduous woodland, a Section 74 habitat of principal importance. Although the Wood is some distance away from the Option Site, there would be increased recreational pressure. This type of habitat is vulnerable to increased nutrient input such as from dog walking, localised trampling and erosion.

The farmland comprises a network of hedgerows with a number of veteran trees, some of which would individually qualify as Local

171 47 Anstey/Glenfield Option

Objective Performance Commentary Wildlife Sites. Hedgerows are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance, which can be adversely affected by fragmentation.

Linear features running across the Option Site, such as small watercourse and hedgerows functions as wildlife corridors, which provides connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. Wildlife corridors can easily be interrupted and their function diminished if not entirely lost.

Development of the location would result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 1 statutory site, 1non-statutory site, 2 Section 74 habitat of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing features of ecological interest. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should deliver biodiversity objectives. To maintain and enhance the Closest to Anstey this area comprises part of the valley of the Rothley Brook. This is separated from an undulating landform rising landscape and townscape ª southward towards Leicester by the A46 corridor and interchange. Although rural in character there are urbanising influences in the form character of main roads (A46, Gorse Hill) electricity transmission lines and ribbon housing development. In views from the north this appears as a significant open area fringing Leicester between major development areas notably County Hall/ Glenfield Hospital and Beaumont Leys housing and employment areas. Development is likely to appear prominent especially in views from the north. The area provides a setting to the village of Anstey and is also a buffer to the edge of the urban area. Of Leicester. Blaby District Council highlighted that it is important that Anstey and Glenfield retain their distinct identity and that any future development does not result in coalescence. To protect and improve surface The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution and groundwater quality ? from surface sources. To minimise water consumption Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There opportunities to minimise water consumption through sustainable design techniques. To improve air quality The close proximity of development in this location to established housing and employment areas in Leicester and Anstey could reduce Ø the need to travel and distances travelled.

Scope for good bus use utilising or enhancing high frequency 74 services between Anstey and Leicester and other services between Leicester and Loughborough via rural villages. Effective demand management measures would be needed to reduce likelihood of high car use arising from proximity to main road network via A46 interchange and A50. The location is remote from the rail network.

Area is about 2.5km from nearest AQMA at New Parks Boulevard/ A50 junction in Leicester. To conserve soil resources and Greenfield location but does not contain best and most versatile agricultural land. quality × To reduce contributions to The comments relating to air quality above are relevant. climate change Ø New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable design and construction techniques. To reduce vulnerability to Land in this location is within and adjacent to the valley of Rothley Brook known to be at risk from flooding. It is not known whether it climate change D would be possible to incorporate mitigation measures as needed.

New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct buildings able to adapt to climate variations and flooding through sustainable design and construction techniques.

172 48 Anstey/Glenfield Option

Objective Performance Commentary To conserve and enhance the Location is not close to any conservation areas or listed buildings. historic and cultural D environment Parts of Anstey Pastures (SK55 07) and Old Park Pale (SK55 07) are defined as areas of archaeological significance. Until the scale and extent of development for this option is known it is difficult to indicate whether either there will be significant harmful effects. To increase the re-use of There is no previously developed land and buildings in this Greenfield location. previously developed land and ª buildings No known evidence of contamination. To reduce the extraction of No mineral consultation areas affect this location. new and increase the reuse and D recycling of minerals and New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates aggregates resources resources through sustainable design and construction techniques. To manage waste in accordance Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of energy New development will give the opportunity to encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources through sustainable and optimise the use of © design and construction techniques. All of the areas within and adjoining Anstey have an average wind speed of 6m/s or above and renewable resources therefore have very good wind energy generation potential. There is technical potential for large scale wind energy generation 500m to the north of Anstey, but there may be landscape character constraints in terms of the Charnwood Forest. There are no hydro sites which have a head above 1.5m within 1km of this location. This location is close to significant areas of woodland that lie to the West of the Borough. To increase the population’s The location is close to main bus routes to and from Leicester City Centre about 3km away. Housing in this location would be within 800 access to a full range of © m of employment opportunities at Beaumont Leys, County Hall and Glenfrith Hospital. Same distance from services at County Hall and appropriate public, private, the hospital. about 1km from Beaumont Leys shopping centre, including large food superstore, and within 1.5km of services and facilities community and voluntary in Anstey village centre. services Employment in this location would be within 800 m of housing at Glenfield and Beaumont Leys and about 1km from Anstey village.

All these distances are relatively short and suitable for walking, cycling and bus.

The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre Study indicates that new floor space should firstly be focussed within on the edge of Anstey District Centre. If no such site is available then the food store could be developed along with a local centre of a scale which would not detract from the vitality and viability. of Anstey District Centre. To increase access to the Location is within 1km of the Castle Hill Country Park and is crossed by a network of rural footpaths connecting local communities. countryside, open spaces and × Potential to extend recreational provision in this urban fringe location as part of a development scheme. This option has good access to semi urban environments (eg Bradgate Park. parks) To promote a strong Development in this location would function as part of the Leicester Principal Urban Area rather than Anstey. Depends upon the community where people feel D strategies adopted to integrate new development with existing communities. they have a say in the future 173 49 Anstey/Glenfield Option

Objective Performance Commentary To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction behaviour and increase techniques. community safety To increase the population’s The nearest leisure centre is at Beaumont Leys about 1 km away. A variety of recreation areas, playing fields exist in Anstey, Glenfield and access and opportunity to × Beaumont Leys. participate in culture, media and sport Other leisure, cultural and entertainment opportunities in Leicester city centre are about 3 km away To ensure that the housing New development for housing in this location will help to ensure that needs including affordable housing are met. stock meets the housing needs × of all sections of the community A strategy of urban concentration would do little to tackle rural housing needs. To reduce poverty and social No output areas of Anstey display high indices of deprivation. Location is close to areas of significant deprivation at Beaumont Leys & exclusion × New Parks. New development for employment will increase employment opportunities in an accessible location. To increase learning, skills and Location is about 2km from Anstey Martin High School and about 1km from the village’s Latimer St Primary School. The location is about employability for all sections of × 3 to 4 km from education and training opportunities at Leicester University/ City Centre. the community To increase the vibrancy and The actual impact would depend upon the mix of uses, design and integration into the existing urban form. Development here would viability of settlements: ª form part of the Leicester Principal Urban Area rather than Anstey. As a result the village would be expected to retain its existing form and character, but the gaps between Anstey village and Leicester/ Glenfield would be reduced from about 1.5 km to as little as 0.5 km.

Development in this location would encroach into the green wedge area between Anstey, Glenfield and Leicester. However, strategic planning policy indicates that green wedge boundaries are reviewable. To increase sustainable design Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. and construction To increase healthy life styles There are a number of local footpaths linking Anstey/ Glenfield and Leicester. × Parts of this location are within 800 metres of Glenfield hospital and within 1.5km of health centres at Anstey and Glenfield, although capacity is unknown. Direct links by bus to Anstey. Short distances to the hospital would be suitable for cycling and To encourage sustainable a An employment area in this location could develop linkages with existing provision at Beaumont Leys/ Gorse Hill in Leicester and would economy × be close to a range of local services with good bus links to Leicester and Anstey. To increase efficient patterns of Scope for good bus use utilising high frequency services between Anstey and Leicester via Leicester Rd, and Gorse Hill, Anstey. Close to movement to support a × hourly bus services 120 & 123 from Leicester to Loughborough town centre via Gynsills Lane. Effective demand management measures sustainable economy would be needed to reduce potential for high car use arising from proximity to main road network. There is likely to be an impact on the A46 junctions at Glenfield and in particular at Anstey. Cycle facilities are lacking. Rail provision is remote. To reduce disparities in This option is unlikely to encourage diversification of the rural economy. The locational strategy set at national, regional and county level is economic performance × one of urban concentration. However new employment opportunities in this location would compensate for the loss of employment sites in Anstey. This option offers very good access to the strategic road network and public transport and therefore would be very attractive to investors and innovative companies. This option has the potential to be sited within attractive landscaped setting, which would be potentially attractive to investors.

174 50 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: EAST OF THURMASTON/NORTH OF HAMILTON OPTION

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance There are no statutory or non-statutory ecological sites within the Option Site. There are 7 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the Option biodiversity, flora and fauna Ø Site. Three sites have been notified for their wetland habitats including wet woodland, grassland and fen. The remaining four have been notified for their population assemblages of great crested newt, a European protected species and Section 74 species of principal importance. There is a network of field ponds within the Option Site and in its vicinity which are likely to support this species.

Ponds are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance, and can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, nutrient input and pollution, as well as isolation and fragmentation at the landscape scale.

The Option Site consists of an extensive area farmland with hedgerows and small areas of secondary and plantation woodland, particularly bounding Thurmaston and the Leicester urban area. Hedgerows are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance and can be adversely affected by fragmentation.

There are several linear features running across the Option Site, such as small watercourses (Melton Brook and Barkby Brook) associated with tree cover, and hedgerows, which function as wildlife corridors. They provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, of particular importance in the context of climate change. These features can easily be interrupted and their function diminished or entirely lost.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 2 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives

175 51 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option

Objective Performance Commentary The impact of the road associated with the Option Site is dealt with in more details separately.

This option would have some negative impact upon biodiversity but this is similar to the impact of other Thurmaston options. The Thurmaston options would be the least critical in relation to the impact on species, although there could be some impact on habitat connectivity. To maintain and enhance This option would include land within the bowl in the landscape east of Thurmaston, which would limit views from the nearby villages. the landscape and ª However it also includes the land on top of the ridge at Hamilton on a down slope, which would be visible and intrusive on the landscape townscape character there, although this would be a localised impact effecting Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface and groundwater ? surface sources. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to quality manage surface water in a sustainable manner. To minimise water Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There opportunities to minimise water consumption through sustainable consumption design techniques. To improve air quality The potential to minimise the need to travel by car, as with all the options is dependent on the package of transport measures. This option Ø would utilise current city bus routes which could be extended. The potential new road infrastructure to support this option could help to alleviate the air quality issues in Syston. To conserve soil resources This greenfield location is mainly Grade 3 agricultural land but it is not known how much is Grade 3a best and most versatile agricultural land. and quality × There is a pocket of Grade 2 best and most versatile agricultural land adjacent to Hamilton. To reduce contributions to The comments relating to air quality above are relevant. There may be scope for good bus use utilising some of the high frequency services climate change × between Melton Mowbray/ East Goscote/ Syston/ /Thurmaston/ Hamilton and Leicester or providing dedicated new routes. If the development could fund a new rail station at Thurmaston it is uncertain trains would serve it. Cycle facilities are currently restricted to the vicinity of the A607 interchange. Effective demand management measures would be needed to reduce potential for high car use arising from good access to main road network.

A Travel Plan for the whole development could be required.

New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emission through sustainable design and construction techniques. To reduce vulnerability to New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct climate change Ø buildings able to adapt to climate variations through sustainable design and construction techniques. Preliminary finding of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment indicate a potentially significant drainage issue with Thurmaston Dyke under the Leicester railway line. It is not known how far this could be mitigated through Sustainable Urban Drainage systems.

Land in this location within and adjacent to the valley of Melton Brook is known to be at risk from flooding. It is not known whether it would be possible to incorporate mitigation measures as needed, such as measures to reduce the risk of flooding here and in other areas. To conserve and enhance There is a Conservation Area covering Barkby and Barkby Thorpe and land in between. Listed buildings are situated in and around Barkby. the historic and cultural ª environment There is significant archaeological interest in the form of the deserted medieval village of Hamilton (SK 64340740) and a roman villa at Hamilton Grounds Farm (SK 646074) which are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) plus in the area south of Barkby Thorpe (SK 6350925). 176 52 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option

Objective Performance Commentary

Development offers the potential to secure the conservation and enhancement of these important historic features although further investigation would be required to assess whether there is potential to affect the setting of the SAMs in the vicinity of Hamilton and the Conservation Area at Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. To increase the re-use of There is no previously developed land and buildings in this Greenfield location. previously developed land ª and buildings No known evidence of contamination. To minimise the extraction Land surrounding Barkby Thorpe is part of a mineral consultation area. More information on the status of this area required. of new and increase the D reuse and recycling of New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources minerals and aggregates through sustainable design and construction techniques. resources To manage waste in New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. accordance with the waste © There is potential to make use of waste arisings from the development to generate power hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of All of the land within this broad area has a wind speed above 6m/s and therefore has very good wind energy generation potential. Three energy and optimise the © broad areas: one south of Barkby Thorpe; one west of Barkby Thorpe the third immediately south of Beeby have potential for large scale use of renewable resources wind energy generation. (The third area to the south of Beeby may only be relevant to an urban extension which extended eastwards There are no hydro sites which have a head above 1.5m within 1km of this location. There are no significant areas of woodland in the vicinity of this location. To increase the Western parts of this location and the area close to Hamilton are reasonably close to current main bus routes to and from Leicester City population’s access to a full © Centre about 4.5km away. range of appropriate public, private, community and A location adjoining Thurmaston (population 8979) would have ready access to a superstore and 3 convenience stores a comparison goods voluntary services retail park, 3 doctors surgeries (10 doctors), 2 pharmacies. I dentist, 1 optician, 2 post offices, 2 banks, 6 pubs, I petrol filling station, I upper school, 3 primary schools, 1 library and a range of community and leisure facilities.

Housing adjoining Thurmaston could be within 2km of employment opportunities at Thurmaston and north east Leicester, about 1.5km from shopping facilities at Asda/ retail park, about 2.5km from Syston town centre. Employment in this location would be adjacent to existing housing at Thurmaston, Syston and in north east Leicester. The area south of Barkby Thorpe would be approximately 2km from Hamilton District Centre. The area near Hamilton would be under 1.5km from the Hamilton District Centre. All these distances are relatively short and could be made by walking, cycling and bus.

A large scale development option could contribute to improved community facilities. The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre study anticipates the requirement for one new local centre within the Sustainable Urban Extension

A strategy of urban concentration could limit opportunities for development in rural areas to support local services.

177 53 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option

Objective Performance Commentary To increase access to the Land east and north of Thurmaston is within 1.5km of Watermead Country Park. There are no access routes across land north of countryside, open spaces × Thurmaston. There are some footpaths to the east of Thurmaston mainly linking to Barkby/ Barkby Thorpe. and semi urban environments (eg parks) The area near Hamilton adjoins public open space within the Hamilton development area and would be close to footpath and bridleway links between Barkby/ Barkby Thorpe and Hamilton. It would be about 3.5km from Watermead Country Park and about 2km from Humberstone Heights Golf Course.

Charnwood’s Green Space Strategy identifies some local deficiencies:

- people living in south Thurmaston are not within 400 metres of a local park/ distinct open space, and this area lacks equipped play provision. - Thurmaston has no allotment provision. - a district park of 10 to 20 ha in Syston. - Barkby Thorpe lacks a local recreation ground.

Potential to extend recreational provision in this urban fringe location as part of a development scheme, especially east Thurmaston and Barkby Thorpe area. To promote a strong This development would function as part of the wider Leicester PUA, especially near Hamilton. The impact depends on strategies adopted to community where people D integrate new development with existing communities. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. behaviour and increase community safety To increase the The nearest Leisure Centre is at Cossington Street in Leicester which is approximately 4km away. This is beyond the recommended distance population’s access and × of 1,500m. South Charnwood Swimming pool is 3km away from the part of the Option near Thurmaston. The Elizabeth Park Sports and opportunity to participate in Community Centre in Thurmaston and lies within 1,500m of a significant proportion of the Option to the east of Thurmaston. The centre lies culture, media and sport approximately 4km from the part of the Option near Hamilton. Other leisure, cultural and entertainment opportunities in the City centre are about 4.5km to the south.

A range of existing recreation areas, playing fields etc in Thurmaston and NE Leicester, including Humberstone Heights Golf Course.

The potential for new development to contribute to new leisure facilities, possible as part of a shared educational facility should be explored.

A strategy of urban concentration could limit opportunities for the development of cultural and leisure activities in rural areas. To ensure that the housing A large scale development offers opportunities to provide a range and mix of new housing to meet identified needs, including the need for stock meets the housing × affordable housing. needs of all sections of the community This option could help needs in nearby small villages in south east Charnwood but would do little to tackle wider rural housing needs.

178 54 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option

Objective Performance Commentary To reduce poverty and Parts of north east Thurmaston and Syston display high indices of deprivation. New development for employment would increase job social exclusion © opportunities in an accessible location. The provision of an element of affordable housing would also help contribute to this objective. The extent to which development at this location helped to address social exclusion would depend on the quality of accessibility to higher order services and employment. Planning obligations or voluntary agreements could be used to secure employment for the socially excluded. To increase learning, skills The area north of Thurmaston would be adjacent to the Roundhill College site. The area east of Thurmaston would be about 1.5km from the and employability for all × Roundhill College site. sections of the community Development close to Hamilton could be adjacent to Hamilton Community College. The overall location is about 6km from Leicester University/ City Centre education and training opportunities.

The quantum of development would be sufficient to support a primary school and possibly a small secondary school and these could be capable of dual use as a venue for evening classes. This option has the potential to integrate with the surrounding areas and provide facilities which could benefit existing communities – an outward looking scheme. To increase the vibrancy A sustainable urban extension in the area east of Thurmaston could only be acceptable if it is demonstrated that the individual identities and and viability of settlements: Ø separation of Thurmaston, Syston, Barkby, Barkby Thorpe and Hamilton in Leicester, were retained in line with green wedge policies. If this is achievable a green wedge definition would be needed to complement the new urban structure and safeguard strategically important areas of open land. The delivery of extensive green infrastructure permeating the development with public access would contribute to meeting green wedge objectives and help integrate the new and existing developments

The actual impact would depend upon the mix of uses, design, integration into the existing urban form Development would form part of the Leicester PUA. Coming to a view on the scope for development in this area would need to take account of landform and existing separation between communities:

- north Thurmaston to south Syston, east of Melton Rd 400m - east Thurmaston to Barkby/ Barkby Thorpe 200m To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. design and construction To increase healthy life There are a number of local footpaths in the area east of Thurmaston and north of Leicester. styles × This location is within 5km of Leicester General hospital and within 1.5km of the nearest health centre at Thurmaston. Other nearby health centres are at Syston (about 2.5km) and in Leicester (about 2.5km) both of which are outside of the recommended distance of 1,000m however the development could support a doctors surgery.

New development gives the opportunity to incorporate improved open space, walking and cycling routes. To encourage a sustainable A mixed used development is anticipated, including some provision for employment. An employment area close to east Thurmaston could economy × develop linkages with existing provision close to the A607. There is also an opportunity to locate next to existing provision at Troon/ Hamilton in Leicester. Development, depending on location, could be close to a range of local services and have, or develop, good bus links to Leicester and Syston/ East Goscote.

Urban concentration strategy would do little to support rural enterprise.

179 55 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option

Objective Performance Commentary To increase efficient Scope for good bus use especially in areas north and east of Thurmaston utilising high frequency services between Thurmaston and Leicester. patterns of movement to × Effective demand management measures would be needed to reduce potential for high car use arising from proximity to main road network. support a sustainable Cycle facilities are relatively lacking at present and would require improvement as part of a development-wide Travel Plan. There is a range of economy existing facilities within walking distance from the development areas (on average 1km distance). The site at Hamilton is closest to existing facilities: Hamilton District Centre is approx. 1km away as the crow flies. Housing adjoining Thurmaston could be within 2km of employment opportunities at Thurmaston and north east Leicester, about 1.5km from shopping facilities at Asda/ retail park. These distances are considered walkable. The nearest rail station is at Syston about 4km to the north, which is outside the recommended distance of 800m. It is doubtful rail services would stop at a new station at Thurmaston, even if it were viable to provide as part of a new development.

New employment in this location would be close to significant housing areas in north east Leicester and neighbouring settlements. To reduce disparities in A mixed use development is anticipated in this location. Employment and facilities that will be provided could be accessible to existing economic performance × deprived neighbourhoods identified in Thurmaston and Syston. Any employment provision would need to be compatible with residential development.

180 56 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: EAST OF THURMASTON/SOUTH OF SYSTON OPTION

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

East of Thurmaston/South of Syston

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance There are no statutory or non-statutory ecological sites within the Option Site. There are 7 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the Option biodiversity, flora and fauna Ø Site. Three sites have been notified for their wetland habitats including wet woodland, grassland and fen. The remaining four have been notified for their population assemblages of great crested newt, a European protected species and Section 74 species of principal importance. There is a network of field ponds within the Option Site and in its vicinity which are likely to support this species.

Ponds are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance, and can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, nutrient input and pollution, as well as isolation and fragmentation at the landscape scale.

The Option Site consists of an extensive area farmland with hedgerows and small areas of secondary and plantation woodland, particularly bounding Thurmaston and the Leicester urban area. Hedgerows are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance and can be adversely affected by fragmentation.

There are several linear features running across the Option Site, such as small watercourses (Melton Brook and Barkby Brook) associated with tree cover, and hedgerows, which function as wildlife corridors. They provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, of particular importance in the context of climate change. These features can easily be interrupted and their function diminished or entirely lost.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 2 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives

181 57 East of Thurmaston/South of Syston

Objective Performance Commentary There would be some negative impact upon biodiversity but this is similar to the impact of all the options. The Thurmaston options would be the least critical in relation to the impact on species, although there could be some impact on habitat connectivity.

The impact of the road associated with the Option Site is dealt with in more details separately. To maintain and enhance This option would include land within the bowl in the landscape east of Thurmaston, which would limit views from the nearby villages. The the landscape and Ø landscape south of Syston is also flatter than the other options and has urban influences of Thurmaston and Syston so would have the least townscape character landscape impact of the options To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface and groundwater ? surface sources. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to quality manage surface water in a sustainable manner. To minimise water Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There opportunities to minimise water consumption through sustainable consumption design techniques. To improve air quality The potential to minimise the need to travel by car, as with all the options dependent on the package of transport measures. For this option Ø bus routes would need to be extended and there is reasonable access to the railway station at Syston. This option, due to its distance, a lack of current bus routes and infrequent rail services, has the least access by non-car modes to services in Leicester. Potential road infrastructure could help air quality issues in Syston. To conserve soil resources This option has some areas of grade II but is predominantly grade III agricultural land and therefore more impact on soil resources than the and quality Ø other options, with exception of Birstall. To reduce contributions to The comments relating to air quality above are relevant. climate change Ø New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emission through sustainable design and construction techniques. To reduce vulnerability to New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct climate change Ø buildings able to adapt to climate variations through sustainable design and construction techniques.

There are potentially significant drainage issues with the Thurmaston Dyke under the railway line in terms of the capacity of this culvert To conserve and enhance There is a Conservation Area covering Barkby and Barkby Thorpe and land in between. Listed buildings are situated in and around Barkby. the historic and cultural Ø environment This option would also have some impact on the historic environment due to its location close to the deserted mediaeval village at Hamilton and associated archaeological interests. To increase the re-use of This is a greenfield location and there is no potential to maximise the use of brownfield land. previously developed land ª and buildings To minimise the extraction Land surrounding Barkby Thorpe is part of a mineral consultation area. More information on the status of this area required. of new and increase the D reuse and recycling of New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources minerals and aggregates through sustainable design and construction techniques. resources To manage waste in New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. accordance with the waste © There is potential to make use of waste arisings from the development to generate power hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. 182 58 East of Thurmaston/South of Syston

Objective Performance Commentary household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of All of the land within this broad area has a wind speed above 6m/s and therefore has very good wind energy generation potential. Three energy and optimise the © broad areas: one south of Barkby Thorpe; one west of Barkby Thorpe the third immediately south of Beeby have potential for large scale use of renewable resources wind energy generation. (The third area to the south of Beeby may only be relevant to an urban extension which extended eastwards There are no hydro sites which have a head above 1.5m within 1km of this location. There are no significant areas of woodland in the vicinity of this location. To increase the This option would have reasonable access to employment, healthcare, retail provision and a range of cultural, media and sport activities in the population’s access to a full × city centre, Thurmaston and Syston. The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre study anticipates the requirement for one new local range of appropriate public, centre within the Sustainable Urban Extension. private, community and voluntary services To increase access to the This option (like all other Thurmaston options) has good access to the countryside. It also has good access to Watermead Country Park and countryside, open spaces × provides an opportunity to improve access for whole community. There is good access to Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre, the swimming and semi urban pool at Syston and to Leicester City Centre. New open space provision would be accessible to existing residents reducing the current environments (eg parks) deficiency, potentially reducing health inequalities To promote a strong This development would function as part of the wider Leicester PUA, especially near Hamilton. The impact depends on strategies adopted to community where people D integrate new development with existing communities. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. behaviour and increase community safety To increase the This option would have reasonable access to a range of cultural, media and sport activities in the city centre, Thurmaston and Syston. population’s access and × opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing A large scale development offers opportunities to provide a range and mix of new housing to meet identified needs, including the need for stock meets the housing × affordable housing. needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and This option is very close to some of the most deprived communities in Thurmaston, which is identified as a priority neighbourhood. The social exclusion © options around Thurmaston offer the greatest potential for integrated development with the existing community, and for new infrastructure, facilities and affordable housing, to benefit deprived households. To increase learning, skills This option has the potential to provide education and training through new schools and work based training in new employment areas. and employability for all × There potential for these options around Thurmaston to improve the skills and employability of deprived households. sections of the community To increase vibrancy and This option would have more impact on the settlement identity than the other Thurmaston options as it would further join Syston and viability of settlements Ø Thurmaston and would also impact on the identity of Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. 183 59 East of Thurmaston/South of Syston

Objective Performance Commentary design and construction To increase healthy life This option would have reasonable access to healthcare, and sport activities in the city centre, Thurmaston and Syston. New open space styles × provision would be accessible to existing residents reducing the current deficiency, potentially reducing health inequalities. To encourage a sustainable As with all the options this option has the potential to provide education and training through new schools and work based training in new economy × employment areas. There potential for these options around Thurmaston to improve the skills and employability of deprived households. To increase efficient This option has the potential to minimise the need to travel by car, as with all the options dependent on the package of transport measures. patterns of movement to Ø For this option bus routes would need to be extended and there is reasonable access to the railway station at Syston. This option, due to its support a sustainable distance, a lack of current bus routes and infrequent rail services, has the least access by non-car modes to services in Leicester. Potential road economy infrastructure could help air quality issues in Syston. To reduce disparities in This option is potentially attractive to investors with access to the strategic road network and an attractive landscaped setting. The proximity economic performance × to existing employment areas in Thurmaston may also create an opportunity for the clustering of more innovative companies.

184 60 COMPARISON OF DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH: EAST OF THURMASTON/SOUTH OF SYSTON/NORTH OF HAMILTON

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option – Growth based on

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance There are no statutory or non-statutory ecological sites within the Option Site. There are 7 Local Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the Option biodiversity, flora and fauna Ø Site. Three sites have been notified for their wetland habitats including wet woodland, grassland and fen. The remaining four have been notified for their population assemblages of great crested newt, a European protected species and Section 74 species of principal importance. There is a network of field ponds within the Option Site and in its vicinity which are likely to support this species.

Ponds are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance, and can be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, nutrient input and pollution, as well as isolation and fragmentation at the landscape scale.

The Option Site consists of an extensive area farmland with hedgerows and small areas of secondary and plantation woodland, particularly bounding Thurmaston and the Leicester urban area. Hedgerows are a Section 74 habitat of principal importance and can be adversely affected by fragmentation.

There are several linear features running across the Option Site, such as small watercourses (Melton Brook and Barkby Brook) associated with tree cover, and hedgerows, which function as wildlife corridors. They provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement and dispersal at the landscape scale, of particular importance in the context of climate change. These features can easily be interrupted and their function diminished or entirely lost.

Development in this location will result in the loss of greenfield land and potentially affect 2 Section 74 habitats of principal importance and wildlife corridors. Mitigation measures would need to be put in place to retain and protect existing habitats, species and wildlife corridors. The creation of new habitats as part of new development and the restoration / enhancement of the biodiversity network should seek to deliver biodiversity objectives

185 61 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option – Growth based on

Objective Performance Commentary There would be some negative impact upon biodiversity but this is similar to the impact of all the options. The Thurmaston options would be the least critical in relation to the impact on species, although there could be some impact on habitat connectivity. To maintain and enhance This option includes the bowl in the landscape east of Thurmaston, the flatter landscape south of Syston and the prominent ridgeline at the landscape and ª Hamilton. The effect of spreading development would mean this option would be worse than the other options around Thurmaston for townscape character landscape impact. To protect and improve The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface and groundwater ? surface sources. Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to quality manage surface water in a sustainable manner. To minimise water Neutral New development will result in an increase in water consumption. There opportunities to minimise water consumption through sustainable consumption design techniques To improve air quality The potential to minimise the need to travel by car, as with all the options dependent on the package of transport measures. This option Ø would utilise current bus routes which could be extended. It provides a similar opportunity to minimise the need to travel by car as the Thurmaston/Hamilton options. The potential new road infrastructure to support this option could help to alleviate the air quality issues in Syston. To conserve soil resources This option has some areas of grade II but is predominantly grade III agricultural land. This would have less impact on soil resources than the and quality × Birstall or Thurmaston/Syston options; To reduce contributions to The comments relating to air quality above are relevant climate change × To reduce vulnerability to New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct climate change Ø buildings able to adapt to climate variations through sustainable design and construction techniques.

There are potentially significant drainage issues with the Thurmaston Dyke under the railway line in terms of the capacity of this culvert. To conserve and enhance There is a Conservation Area covering Barkby and Barkby Thorpe and land in between. Listed buildings are situated in and around Barkby. the historic and cultural ª environment English Heritage have raised serious concerns about the impact of this option on the deserted mediaeval village at Hamilton and associated archaeological interests To increase the re-use of This is a greenfield location and there is no potential to maximise the use of brownfield land previously developed land ª and buildings To minimise the extraction Land surrounding Barkby Thorpe is part of a mineral consultation area. More information on the status of this area required. of new and increase the D reuse and recycling of New development will give the opportunity to encourage sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources minerals and aggregates through sustainable design and construction techniques. resources To manage waste in New development will give the opportunity to reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques. accordance with the waste © There is potential to make use of waste arisings from the development to generate power hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial)

186 62 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option – Growth based on

Objective Performance Commentary To minimise the use of All of the land within this broad area has a wind speed above 6m/s and therefore has very good wind energy generation potential. Three energy and optimise the © broad areas: one south of Barkby Thorpe; one west of Barkby Thorpe the third immediately south of Beeby have potential for large scale use of renewable resources wind energy generation. (The third area to the south of Beeby may only be relevant to an urban extension which extended eastwards There are no hydro sites which have a head above 1.5m within 1km of this location. There are no significant areas of woodland in the vicinity of this location. To increase the This option would have reasonable access to employment, healthcare, retail provision and a range of cultural, media and sport activities in the population’s access to a full © city centre, Thurmaston, Hamilton and Syston. This option does not offer as good access to higher order services, including hospitals and range of appropriate public, employment as the Thurmaston/Hamilton and north of Glenfield option, as parts of this option are marginally further away from the city private, community and centre. The Charnwood Borough Retail and Town Centre study anticipates the requirement for one new local centre within the Sustainable voluntary services Urban Extension To increase access to the This option (like all other Thurmaston options) has good access to the countryside. It also has good access to Watermead Country Park and countryside, open spaces × provides an opportunity to improve access for whole community. There is good access to Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre, the swimming and semi urban pool at Syston and to Leicester City Centre. New open space provision would be accessible to existing residents, reducing the current environments (eg parks) deficiency and health inequalities. To promote a strong This development would function as part of the wider Leicester PUA, especially near Hamilton. The impact depends on strategies adopted to community where people D integrate new development with existing communities. feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social Neutral New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques behaviour and increase community safety To increase the This option would have reasonable access to a range of cultural, media and sport activities in the city centre, Thurmaston, Hamilton and population’s access and × Syston. This option does not offer as good access to higher order services as the Thurmaston/Hamilton and north of Glenfield option, as opportunity to participate in parts of this option are marginally further away from the city centre culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing A large scale development offers opportunities to provide a range and mix of new housing to meet identified needs, including the need for stock meets the housing × affordable housing. needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and This option is very close to some of the most deprived communities in Thurmaston, which is identified as a priority neighbourhood. The social exclusion © options around Thurmaston offer the greatest potential for integrated development which has links with the existing community, and for new infrastructure, facilities and affordable housing to benefit deprived households. To increase learning, skills As with all the options this option has the potential to provide education and training through new schools and work based training in new and employability for all × employment areas. There potential for these options around Thurmaston to improve the skills and employability of deprived households sections of the community To increase the vibrancy This option would also have an impact on the settlement identity of Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. and viability of settlements: Ø

To increase sustainable Neutral New development will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques. design and construction 187 63 East of Thurmaston/North of Hamilton Option – Growth based on

Objective Performance Commentary To increase healthy life This option would have reasonable access to healthcare, and sport activities in the city centre, Thurmaston, Hamilton and Syston. This option styles × does not offer as good access to higher order services, including hospitals as the Thurmaston/Hamilton and north of Glenfield option, as parts of this option are marginally further away from the city centre. To encourage a sustainable This option is potentially attractive to investors with access to the strategic road network and an attractive landscaped setting. The proximity economy × to existing employment areas in Thurmaston may also create an opportunity for the clustering of more innovative companies. To increase efficient The potential to minimise the need to travel by car, as with all the options dependent on the package of transport measures. This option patterns of movement to × would utilise current bus routes which could be extended. It provides a similar opportunity to minimise the need to travel by car as the support a sustainable Thurmaston/Hamilton options. economy To reduce disparities in A mixed use development is anticipated in this location. Employment and facilities that will be provided could be accessible to existing economic performance × deprived neighbourhoods identified in Thurmaston and Syston. Any employment provision would need to be compatible with residential development.

188 64 APPRAISAL OF ROADS: EAST OF LOUGHBOROUGH RELIEF ROAD

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

East of Loughborough Relief Road

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance Both Inner & Outer Routes: the alignment common to both routes would result in the loss of 2 Local Wildlife Sites which are in the direct line biodiversity, flora and fauna ª of the road. A further 5 Local Wildlife Sites would likely be affected as they are in close proximity to the road, i.e. 180 m to 250 m, and are habitats typically associated with the floodplain. The proximity of the road to Charnwood Water (SK546183) (65 m from the road), would likely have a detrimental effect on the largest known breeding population in Charnwood of common toad Bufo bufo, a Section 74 species of principal importance. The road would also have an impact on the River Soar, the Grand Union Canal and Hermitage Brook, by either crossing or running close by (less than 200 m to the River Soar), through increased nutrient deposition, waterborne and airborne pollution, salt deposition from road gritting in winter, and would affect water quality.

Rivers, ponds, wet woodland, lowland neutral grassland and hedgerows, which all are Section 74 of principal importance, would be detrimentally affected by this route.

The severance of hedgerows and other linear features such as watercourses which function as wildlife corridors would potentially affect biodiversity including protected species such as bats, the otter and badger.

Outer Route: the alignment would sever Loughborough Meadows SSSI (SK538218) in 1 location and likely require some encroachment at ª another 2 locations on the SSSI to enable the crossing of the mainland railway line. The route would directly run through 2 Local Wildlife Sites, including Bishop Meadow (SK528218) which is also a Local Nature Reserve. The River Soar and the Black Brook, which are another 2 LWS, would be in direct line of the road. The River Soar has also been identified as a Regional Strategic River Corridor and a Biodiversity Enhancement Area.

The land take needed to bridge the River Soar, the Black Brook and elevate the mainland railway line in close proximity to Loughborough Meadows SSSI, as well as raise the road above the floodplain would need to be substantial.

189 65 East of Loughborough Relief Road

Objective Performance Commentary

The hydrological regime of habitats within the floodplain is key to their wildlife interest and would be disrupted by this alignment. Pollution from the road could further reach the SSSI and LWS via surface water runoff and spray and via airborne emission from vehicles.

Rivers, ponds, lowland neutral grassland and hedgerows, which all are Section 74 of principal importance, would be detrimentally affected by this route.

The route would further lead to the loss of greenfield land, which supports Section 74 species such as reed bunting, song thrush, skylark and barn owl, as well as a breeding colony of sand martin.

ª Inner Route (Burder Street Link): This alignment would cross the Hermitage Brook once more, the Wood Brook, Grand Union Canal and Black Brook. The watercourses function as wildlife corridors and their crossing would potentially affect biodiversity including protected species such as bats and the otter.

Inner Route (Via Sewage Plant & Bakewell Road): This alignment would sever Loughborough Meadows SSSI and likely require some ª encroachment at another location on the SSSI to enable the crossing of the mainland railway line.

The hydrological regime of habitats within the floodplain is key to their wildlife interest and would be disrupted by this alignment. Pollution from the road could further reach the SSSI via surface water runoff and spray and via airborne emission from vehicles.

Rivers, lowland neutral grassland and hedgerows, which all are Section 74 of principal importance, would be detrimentally affected by this route.

This alignment would cross the Hermitage Brook once more, the Wood Brook, Grand Union Canal and Black Brook. The watercourses function as wildlife corridors and their crossing would potentially affect biodiversity including protected species such as bats and the otter. To maintain and enhance Outer route: although a detailed landscape and visual assessment would be necessary to identify specific effects, the outer route is likely to give the landscape and ª rise to effects relating to lighting, signage, noise as the effect the road itself will have on the landscape character. This alignment passes through townscape character more open countryside and would cut through the Soar Valley to a greater extent than the inner route. A number of significant bridge structures with large visual impacts are likely to be needed.. Ø Inner route: this alignment would have less of an impact on the Soar Valley but will still pass through a rural area to the south, with potentially significant landscape and visual effects relating to lighting and signage and the road itself. North East of the town centre the alignment could affect residential dwellings. It could involve significant demolition of existing buildings, the provision of new bridges and upgrading of some roads that are currently low standard. To protect and improve For both alignments there is potential for negative effects on surface water quality however the degree to which these could be mitigated is surface and groundwater ? uncertain. Groundwater is less sensitive because the underlying geology is not utilised as an aquifer for drinking water. quality To minimise water There is no relationship between the alignments and this objective. consumption O

190 66 East of Loughborough Relief Road

Objective Performance Commentary To improve air quality Both alignments would relieve traffic congestion in the town centre which should help improve air quality within the urban area. The degree of × benefit would be dependent on how much traffic can be diverted but a s technical study undertaken earlier in 20077 indicates that the benefit could be significant for many roads in the centre of Loughborough. To conserve soil resources Both alignments would take land that is classed as grade 4 agricultural land. The southern most point of the road could take some grade 2 and quality × land. Both alignments would sever farmland potentially making some land less viable. The outer route would have a greater effect in this respect. To reduce contributions to On one hand improved vehicle flow in the town centre could reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. On the other hand the new climate change ? road might encourage more journeys by car by making journeys by car easier. It should only be provided in part or in total if justified as part of an integrated package of measures to mitigate the impact of development. To reduce vulnerability to ª Outer route: this alignment is located within the floodplain of the River Soar and would therefore decrease the volume of functional floodplain climate change and contribute to an increase in flood risk. The road itself would be vulnerable to flooding, thereby making it dangerous and unusable during these periods unless the road is designed in such a way to avoid flood risk.

Inner route: The same comments apply as above but to a lesser extent because parts of the route pass through areas which are classed as being at a lower risk of flooding. To conserve and enhance Neither alignment appears to affect the setting of any scheduled ancient monuments or pass through any areas identified for their the historic and cultural × archaeological potential. More detailed consideration would be given to this issue through an Environmental Impact Assessment. environment To increase the re-use of Outer route: this alignment would take entirely greenfield land and is therefore working against this objective. previously developed land ª and buildings Ø Inner route: this alignment has less effect on greenfield land. Significant portions of the route pass through what appear to be existing built-up areas. Part of the route between the A60 and A6(S) may pass through a former landfill site. To reduce the extraction of Performance is dependant on the source of material for the road. The outer route might be more resource intensive because it is longer and new and increase the reuse D may require more bridges and building up above existing levels to avoid risk of flooding. and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources To manage waste in Performance is dependant on a construction and environmental management plan. accordance with the waste D hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of There is potential for lighting to be powered from renewable sources. Resource use is dependent on the source of materials and the potential energy and optimise the D for use of recycled materials. use of renewable resources To increase the The relief road may help improve access to facilities within the town centre through alleviating congestion. It could also encourage walking and population’s access to a full D cycling within the town centre by improving the environment within the town. It should only be provided in part or in total if justified as part

7 East Midlands Draft Regional Plan, Further Assessment of Highways and Transportation Implications of Sustainable Urban Extensions at Selected Broad Locations in Leicestershire Technical Report, Leicestershire County Council, April 2007

191 67 East of Loughborough Relief Road

Objective Performance Commentary range of appropriate public, of an integrated package of measures to mitigate the impact of development. Otherwise it could encourage car use private, community and voluntary services To increase access to the There may be potential to create a linear park along the route of the new road. countryside, open spaces ? and semi urban Ø The road will intersect several footpaths and bridleways which would result in a reduction in access to the countryside. Mitigation measures environments (eg parks) /? will be required to ensure that disruption of routes is minimised and rights of way are retained. To promote a strong There would be potential for more detailed public consultation on the route alignment. community where people D feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social There may be potential for reducing road traffic accidents in the town centre through alleviating congestion. behaviour and increase ? community safety To increase the The relief road may help improve access to facilities within the town centre through alleviating congestion. population’s access and D opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing There is no relationship with this objective. stock meets the housing O needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and There is no relationship with this objective. social exclusion O To increase learning, skills There may be some scope to employ local labour and improve skills through construction. and employability for all D sections of the community To increase the vibrancy There is potential benefit through relieving congestion within the centre. although being the shortest route around the town it could induce and viability of settlements ×/? higher traffic levels.

ª However, there is also potential for local disbenefit along the north eastern side of Loughborough as the inner route passes existing Ø communities.

There is also potential for negative effects as the outer route passes nearer to the village of Cotes. To increase sustainable This is dependent on a construction and environmental management plan. design and construction D To increase healthy life There is a potential to encourage walking and cycling in the town centre through relieving congestion and improving the environment within styles ? the centre. To encourage a sustainable Outer route: this appears to have no impact on existing businesses, see below. economy ? 192 68 East of Loughborough Relief Road

Objective Performance Commentary Inner route: this alignment would appear to impact on a number of existing businesses and premises so it would be important to ensure that ? these are suitably relocated. To increase efficient The road should alleviate some congestion within the town centre, making road journeys within and past Loughborough easier. It could patterns of movement to × improve road access to employment areas. support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in Inner route: this alignment appears to affect existing industrial areas and could reduce the land available for employment uses in these areas. economic performance ? Both: the road could also make the area more attractive for distribution uses which could affect employment densities.

The road may result in lower traffic flows through parts of deprived areas but junctions on and off it could encourage traffic through parts of this areas. The potential for the road to address deprivation in parts of Loughborough, particularly in the east is uncertain because the reasons for these areas being identified as deprived have not been fully explored.

193 69 APPRAISAL OF ROADS: SOUTH OF LOUGHBOROUGH LINK ROAD

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

South of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance Option A: the route passes about 85 m to the Outwoods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SK512165) at the junction with Forest Road and biodiversity, flora and fauna ª some 250 m from the Ancient Woodland to the east of the Outwoods. It skirts Mucklin Wood (SK538163), which is a Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. It also passes about 65 m from a field pond and skirts Welland Plantation.

Lowland mixed deciduous woodland, hedgerows and ponds are Section 74 habitat of principal importance which be adversely affected by changes in hydrology, increased nutrient deposition from increased traffic pollution and salt deposition from road gritting in winter. They are also vulnerable to change in management, localised trampling and erosion, as well as isolation and fragmentation at the landscape scale. Due to its close proximity, the road is highly likely to have a detrimental impact on these habitats.

The route intersects Wood Brook and Moat Brook. The Brooks, with their associated tree cover, act as strong wildlife corridors and are known to support species such as bullhead, Tinodes pallidulus (a UK Red Data Book caddis fly) and kingfisher. The brooks may also qualify as Local Wildlife Sites but they haven’t been assessed yet. The route also intersects the Great Central Railway which functions as a wildlife corridor.

There is a strong network of hedgerows linking with other habitats and providing wildlife corridors of importance for the movement of species and their dispersal at the landscape scale, of particular importance in the context of climate change. The road would disrupt the strong hedgerow network and other linear features and potentially affect species such as bats and badgers which have often been recorded in this area.

The road would likely act as a barrier preventing connection between habitats along a south to north axis and lead to their isolation. Ecological corridors could be retained / created to maintain ecological connections, but they would still need to ‘bridge’ the road in many locations.

194 70 South of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary

Option B: as above + an area of public open space forming a corridor on by the side of a small watercourse would be severed by the road.

ª Robust mitigation measures will be required to protect not only these sites but also their connectivity and the species they support. There may also be some potential for habitat creation and enhancement / restoration of the biodiversity network at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change. To maintain and enhance A landscape and visual assessment would be required to identify specific effects. To the west the road will pass through an area of currently the landscape and ª/? open countryside which looks across to the Charnwood Forest area from south western Loughborough. However, the road is enabling townscape character infrastructure for new development and will be a perimeter road for development between the road and the town. The link road would have an urbanising effect and has potential for noise and lighting impacts on existing residents to the south and south west of Loughborough. There is potential for cumulative effects on Woodthorpe village.

To protect and improve Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to manage surface surface and groundwater ? water in a sustainable manner. Groundwater is less sensitive because the underlying geology is not utilised as an aquifer for drinking water. quality To minimise water There is no relationship with this objective. consumption O To improve air quality The road may also provide some relief for congestion within Loughborough town centre. It will be important that direct cycle and pedestrian ? links are put in place to encourage walking and cycling to District Centres and Loughborough town centre. In order to avoid encouraging car use the road should only be considered as part of an integrated package of measures designed to help reduce car dependency. To conserve soil resources The road would pass through areas classed as grade 3 and Grade 2 agricultural land and a soil assessment would be required to determine and quality Ø whether the Grade 3a land would also be classified as grade 3a best and most versatile land. The road will sever farmland potentially making some land less viable. To reduce contributions to The purpose may provide some relief for but its main function would be to serve the development to the south and south west of climate change D Loughborough. It should also provide cycle and walking infrastructure and therefore does not work against this objective. To reduce vulnerability to Potential for sustainable drainage systems would need to be investigated and appropriate methods put in place in order to manage surface climate change × water in a sustainable manner. The road does not appear to pass through an area at risk from flooding. To conserve and enhance Woodthorpe village and surrounding land is an archaeological alert area. There is one listed building in Woodthorpe and 3 near Grange Park/ the historic and cultural ×/? Bramcote Rd. An archaeological assessment would be required. Mitigation measures will have to be put in place to safeguard the historic environment features and deal with any archaeology discovered in an appropriate way. To increase the re-use of The road would take entirely greenfield land and is therefore working against this objective. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of Performance is dependant on the source of material for the road. new and increase the reuse D and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources

195 71 South of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary To manage waste in Performance is dependant on a construction and environmental management plan. accordance with the waste D hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of There is potential for lighting to be powered from renewable sources. Resource use is dependent on the source of materials and the potential energy and optimise the D for use of recycled materials. use of renewable resources To increase the The purpose of the road is to enable development to the south and south west of Loughborough and as such it will provide access for the population’s access to a full D new residents to facilities in the town centre by car and by public transport. Direct pedestrian and cycle links into town and district centres in range of appropriate public, the west of Loughborough will be required as well as paths along the route of the road. private, community and voluntary services To increase access to the Option A: The road would intersect a number of footpaths and a bridleway connecting the Loughborough urban area with the wider countryside, open spaces ª/? countryside. Mitigation measures would be required to ensure that rights of way are maintained and access to the countryside is therefore not and semi urban reduced. environments (eg parks) The alignment of the road would result in the village of Woodthorpe being isolated from the wider countryside so the south.

Option B: As above and the alignment of the road would result in the village of Woodthorpe being isolated from the wider countryside so the south. To promote a strong There would be potential for more detailed public consultation on the route alignment. community where people D feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social . Minimising vehicle speeds along the route and providing crossing points would help safety. The road may help reduce traffic accidents on behaviour and increase D other roads. community safety To increase the The link road will provide access to facilities within Loughborough via a range of modes however, more direct cycle and pedestrian routes into population’s access and × Loughborough will be required. opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing There is no relationship with this objective. stock meets the housing O needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and There is no relationship with this objective. social exclusion O To increase learning, skills There may be some scope to employ local labour and improve skills through construction. and employability for all D 196 72 South of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary sections of the community To increase the vibrancy The impact on existing housing areas and Woodthorpe would depend on the routeing and design of the road and viability of settlements ª Both options could have negative effects on the village of Woodthorpe, which in the case of Option A especially, would be enclosed on three sides by roads. Both options could result in isolating the village from the wider countryside and potentially resulting in a cumulative impact on the village with respect to noise and light pollution. To increase sustainable This is dependent on a construction and environmental management plan. design and construction D To increase healthy life The road should include cycle and pedestrian paths which would enable walking and cycling within the area and linking into local network. The styles ×/? road will enable access to Loughborough’s leisure centres. A number of important footpaths cross the route of the road towards Charnwood Forest. Consideration needed to mitigating their severance by the road To encourage a sustainable The route does not pass near to any existing employment areas. The road could potentially make journeys easier for vehicles travelling south economy ? from west Loughborough. To increase efficient The road is required to enable development to the south of Loughborough and does not work against this objective. It should provide patterns of movement to × walking and cycling links for the new development linking into local networks. support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in The road should provide access to employment and facilities, via a range of modes but the road alone will not itself work towards this economic performance O objective.

197 73 APPRAISAL OF ROADS: WEST OF LOUGHBOROUGH LINK ROAD

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

West of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary To maintain and enhance The road will intersect 2 Local Wildlife Sites, the Black Brook and part of the Hermitage Estate (SK496200). biodiversity, flora and fauna ª The road will also result in the severance of a high number of woodland belts and hedgerows such as along the A512, the disused railway line, Hathern Drive (twice), Pear Tree Lane, as well as the Hermitage Brook. All these sites, including the 2 Local Wildlife Sites, form linear features running across the site and functioning as wildlife corridors. They provide connectivity between habitats and routes for species movement at the landscape scales, such as badgers and bats which are known to have maternity roosts on the outskirts of the area. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change. These features would be interrupted by the road and their function impaired if not entirely lost.

The road will also take land from Home Covert East, a small area of woodland to the west of Stonebow Bridge and skirts Bailey’s Plantation. Hedgerows and lowland mixed deciduous woodland are Section 74 habitat of principal importance which can be adversely affected by fragmentation. Lowland mixed deciduous woodland is vulnerable to nutrient deposition form increased traffic airborne and waterborne pollution and salt deposition form road gritting in winter.

The water quality of the watercourses, which support species such as kingfisher, white-clawed crayfish and otter, could be detrimentally by the new road.

The road would likely act as a barrier preventing connection between habitats along a south to north axis and lead to their isolation. Ecological corridors could be retained / created to maintain ecological connections, but they would still need to ‘bridge’ the road in many locations.

Robust mitigation measures will be required to protect not only these sites but also their connectivity and the species they support.. There may also be some potential for habitat creation and enhancement / restoration of the biodiversity network at the landscape scale, particularly

198 74 West of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary in the context of climate change. To maintain and enhance A landscape and visual assessment would be required to identify specific effects however, the area through which the road would pass may the landscape and ª/? not be seen as being sensitive to impacts from the road because it is already affected by the M1 motorway to the west. townscape character The road could affect residents of Hathern. Routeing of the road and mitigation measures would need to minise adverse impacts.

The road would probably need to be routed through the edge of Garendon Park To protect and improve There is potential for negative effects on surface water quality, particularly on Black Brook, however the degree to which this could be surface and groundwater ? mitigated is uncertain. Groundwater is less sensitive because the underlying geology is not utilised as an aquifer for drinking water. quality To minimise water There is no relationship between the alignments and this objective. consumption O To improve air quality The road may provide some relief for traffic congestion in the town centre but the main benefit is from the road functioning as a relief road ? for traffic exiting the motorway and travelling to employment areas and destinations in north Loughborough. The road would also provide a link to the motorway from north of Loughborough avoiding the town centre and therefore potentially improving air quality in the centre. The degree of benefit would be dependent on how much traffic can be diverted. The road could also facilitate motorway commuting by improving access to it from areas north of Loughborough. The road insects the cycle route between Shepshed and Loughborough and mitigation would be required to ensure that this route remains connected. It should only be provided as part of package of integrated transport measures designed to help mitigate the impact of the development. To conserve soil resources The road would mainly pass through areas classed as grade 3 agricultural land and a soil assessment would be required to determine whether and quality Ø this could be classified as grade 3a, best and most versatile land. The road would take some Grade 2 land. The road sever farmland potentially making some land less viable. The outer route would have a greater effect in this respect. To reduce contributions to See comments relating to air quality. On one hand improved vehicle flow in the town centre could reduce emissions that contribute to climate change ? climate change. On the other hand the new road might encourage more journeys by car by making motorway commuting easier. To reduce vulnerability to The road passes through an area at risk from flooding at Black Brook and measures will be needed to ensure that the road does not increase climate change Ø/? flood risk and is not vulnerable to flooding. To conserve and enhance The road would probably need to be routed through the edge of Garendon Park next to the M! and J23. Garendon Park is a registered Park the historic and cultural ª and Garden and there may be a significant negative impact on the character of park.if the route is not carefully routed and adequate mitigation environment measures implemented. To increase the re-use of The road would take entirely greenfield land and is therefore working against this objective. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of Performance is dependant on the source of material for the road. new and increase the reuse D and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources To manage waste in Performance is dependant on a construction and environmental management plan. accordance with the waste D hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) 199 75 West of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary To minimise the use of There is potential for lighting to be powered from renewable sources. Resource use is dependent on the source of materials and the potential energy and optimise the D for use of recycled materials. use of renewable resources To increase the The link road may help improve access to facilities within the town centre if it provides wider traffic relief. It could also encourage walking and population’s access to a full D cycling within the town centre by improving the environment within the town. range of appropriate public, private, community and voluntary services To increase access to the The road would intersect a bridleway and the cycleway/footpath between Shepshed and Loughborough (plus a shorter path near Hathern). countryside, open spaces ? Mitigation measures would be required to ensure that rights of way are maintained and access to the countryside is therefore not reduced. and semi urban There is currently no public access to Garendon Park. environments (eg parks) Designing the road with provision of safe cycling and walking routes could facilitate safer access to main destinations in north Loughborough, the university and science park To promote a strong There would be detailed public consultation on the route alignment and design. community where people D feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social There may be potential for reducing road traffic accidents in parts of the town through alleviating congestion. behaviour and increase ? community safety To increase the The relief road may help improve access to facilities within the town centre through alleviating congestion. population’s access and D opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing There is no relationship with this objective. stock meets the housing O needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and There is no relationship with this objective. social exclusion O To increase learning, skills There may be some scope to employ local labour and improve skills through construction. and employability for all D sections of the community To increase the vibrancy There is potential for a strategic benefit for Loughborough as a whole through relieving congestion within parts of the town. and viability of settlements ×/?

To increase sustainable This is dependent on a construction and environmental management plan. design and construction D To increase healthy life There is a potential to encourage walking and cycling within and to the town centre through relieving congestion and improving the styles ×/? environment within the centre and the provision of an improved cycle / pedestrian network. 200 76 West of Loughborough Link Road

Objective Performance Commentary To encourage a sustainable The route would facilitate access to and between employment areas in north of the town, the University and science park. However, it may economy ? improve access to the motorway for businesses in the north of Loughborough. This could encourage motorway travel. To increase efficient The road could alleviate some congestion in parts of the town, making road journeys within and past Loughborough easier. patterns of movement to × support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in The road could benefit businesses in Loughborough which could also benefit the areas to the west of Loughborough identified as deprived. economic performance ? However, the reasons for these areas being identified as being deprived have not been fully explored and therefore the potential for the road to benefit these communities is uncertain.

The road could make the area more attractive for distribution uses which could affect employment densities.

201 77 APPRAISAL OF ROADS: THURMASTON/SYSTON LINK ROAD

Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Thurmaston/Syston Link Road Performance Commentary Objective To maintain and enhance The route would not pass through or near any designated nature conservation sites. It would, however, disrupt the hedgerow network and biodiversity, flora and fauna Ø/D other linear features and therefore has potential to affect protected species, for example, bats and badgers which have been recorded

The route intersects Barkby Brook and Melton Brook and runs very close to a section of Barkby Brook. The Brooks act as wildlife corridors and are known to support protected species such as water vole, otter and kingfisher. The brooks may also qualify as Local Wildlife Sites but they haven’t been assessed yet.

Robust mitigation measures will be required to protect these sites and the species they support and to prevent detrimental impacts. There is also potential for habitat creation and enhancement / restoration of the biodiversity network at the landscape scale, particularly in the context of climate change.

To maintain and enhance The passes through open countryside although it would be built in association with a major development site east of Thurmaston and would the landscape and ª skirt the outside of this site. However, the road will pass through open countryside where it bypasses Barkby and Syston. The potential townscape character Perhaps a red lined negative impact of a new road corridor around the edge of Barkby with its extensive historic interest and Barkby Thorpe in terms of visual arrow? intrusion, noise, light and change in landscape character would be significantly offset by the removal of traffic from the poor standard roads through the villages Screening of the road could mitigate for some of the potential effects. To protect and improve There is potential for negative effects on surface water quality however the degree to which these could be mitigated is uncertain. surface and groundwater ? Groundwater is less sensitive because the underlying geology is not utilised as an aquifer for drinking water. quality To minimise water There is no relationship between the alignments and this objective. consumption O 202 78 Thurmaston/Syston Link Road Performance Commentary Objective To improve air quality According to a technical study2 the road is predicted to remove some traffic in Syston. It should also provide improved cycle and pedestrian × infrastructure linking Syston, Thurmaston and Hamilton. It should also enable bus services to serve new development at Thurmaston and Hamilton. However, the road could also encourage car use by improving access in the area by car. To conserve soil resources The road passes through Grade 3 agricultural land east of Thurmaston and an assessment would be required to determine whether this land and quality Ø/? was classified as Grade 3a best and most versatile agricultural land. Where the road passes Syston, this land is classed as Grade 2. The road has potential to sever farmland potentially making some land less viable. To reduce contributions to On one hand improved vehicle flow in Syston and reduced traffic through Barkby and Barkby Thorpe could reduce emissions that contribute climate change ? to climate change. On the other hand the new road might encourage more journeys by car by making journeys by car easier. The road should only be provided if justified as part of an integrated package of measures to mitigate the impact of development. To reduce vulnerability to The road passes through small areas at risk from flooding (at Barkby Brook and Melton Brook) and measures will be needed to ensure that climate change Ø the road does not increase flood risk and is not vulnerable to flooding. To conserve and enhance The road does not pass near to any scheduled ancient monuments. The route does pass through an area identified as an archaeological site to the historic and cultural ª the route of Barkby. This will require archaeological assessment and recording of artefacts in situ if necessary. More detailed consideration environment would be given to this issue through an Environmental Impact Assessment. There is a potential to affect the setting of the Barkby and Barkby Thorpe Conservation Area. To increase the re-use of The road would take entirely greenfield land and is therefore working against this objective. previously developed land ª and buildings To reduce the extraction of Performance is dependant on the source of material for the road. new and increase the reuse D and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources To manage waste in Performance is dependant on a construction and environmental management plan. accordance with the waste D hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of There is potential for lighting to be powered from renewable sources. Resource use is dependent on the source of materials and the potential energy and optimise the D for use of recycled materials. use of renewable resources To increase the The road is predicted to improve linkages between Syston, Thurmaston and Hamilton which would provide existing residents with better population’s access to a full D access to employment and other facilities. However, there is a risk that the link road could encourage car use at the expense of travel by other range of appropriate public, modes. This adverse impact could be reduced if high quality public transport measures were provided linking these areas with surrounding private, community and areas and the centre of Leicester and Fosse Park area. The road could improve the cycling and walking environment within Syston centre voluntary services through removing some traffic. To increase access to the The road will intersect several footpaths and bridleways which would result in a reduction in access to the countryside. Mitigation measures countryside, open spaces Ø will be required to ensure that disruption of routes is minimised and rights of way are retained. and semi urban environments (eg parks)

203 79 Thurmaston/Syston Link Road Performance Commentary Objective To promote a strong There would be potential for more detailed public consultation on the route alignment. community where people D feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social There may be potential for reducing road traffic accidents in the area (Syston in particular) through alleviating congestion and reducing rat- behaviour and increase ×/? running. community safety To increase the The link road is expected to improve access to facilities in Leicester and Syston but being attractive for car use may reduce cycling and population’s access and × walking trips. With appropriate traffic management measures areas relieved of traffic may be more attractive for cycling and walking. opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport To ensure that the housing There is no relationship with this objective. stock meets the housing O needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and There is no relationship with this objective. social exclusion O To increase learning, skills There may be some scope to employ local labour and improve skills through construction. and employability for all D sections of the community To increase the vibrancy There is potential benefit for Syston, Barkby and Barkby Thorpe through reducing traffic through these communities. and viability of settlements ×/?

To increase sustainable This is dependent on a construction and environmental management plan. design and construction D To increase healthy life There is a potential to create good walking and cycling routes connecting Syston, Thurmaston and Hamilton associated with the road which styles × could encourage walking and cycling. Walking and cycling may also become more attractive in Syston centre with the reduction in traffic the road is expected to bring. However, it will be important that cycling and walking networks are linked with new development in order to encourage walking and cycling and in order to avoid increased use of the car. To encourage a sustainable The road appears to pass through an employment area at it’s southernmost point. If these businesses can be accommodated the road should economy ×/? benefit businesses in the area through improving access and relieving traffic levels in Syston. To increase efficient The road may alleviate traffic levels within Syston centre, making road journeys within Syston easier. The road should create a link between patterns of movement to × Syston, Thurmaston and Hamilton enabling walking and cycling if this infrastructure is put in place with the road, and through provision of support a sustainable public transport services. There is a significant risk that the road could encourage car use by making journeys between these areas easier by economy car. It should only be provided if justified as part of an integrated package of measures. To reduce disparities in Thurmaston and Syston contain areas of deprivation. The road will improve car and lorry access in the area and help to reduce traffic levels in economic performance ×/? Syston. This could benefit businesses in the area and increase access to employment, services and facilities. However, the reasons for these areas being identified as deprived have not been fully explored and therefore there is uncertainty over how the road will benefit them.

204 80 Key to Matrices – Please Note that due to technical difficulties this Matrix is to be presented in completed form to cabinet on 25th September 2008

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Future Growth Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 3: Option 2: Apply a restrictive approach to As Option 2 but also allow for As Option 1 but also allow small market housing and limit market housing developments of up scale market housing infill of up to 2 OBJECTIVE development to small scale schemes to 10 dwellings within the existing Overall Commentary dwellings within an existing built-up addressing proven local affordable limits to development of settlements area of a settlement to help support housing, community and where four or more key services and the local community employment needs facilities are available To maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna To maintain and enhance landscape and townscape character To protect and improve surface and groundwater quality To minimise water consumption To improve air quality To conserve soil resources and quality To reduce contributions to climate change To reduce vulnerability to climate change To conserve and enhance the historic and cultural environment To increase the re-use of previously developed land and buildings To reduce the extraction of new & increase the re-use of recycled minerals and aggregates resources To manage waste in accordance with

205 81 Future Growth Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 3: Option 2: Apply a restrictive approach to As Option 2 but also allow for As Option 1 but also allow small market housing and limit market housing developments of up scale market housing infill of up to 2 OBJECTIVE development to small scale schemes to 10 dwellings within the existing Overall Commentary dwellings within an existing built-up addressing proven local affordable limits to development of settlements area of a settlement to help support housing, community and where four or more key services and the local community employment needs facilities are available the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of energy and optimise the use of renewable resources To increase the population’s access to a full range of public, private, community and voluntary services To increase access to the countryside, public open spaces and semi urban environments (eg parks) To promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social behaviour and increase community safety To increase the population’s access and opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport in Charnwood To ensure that the housing stock meets the housing needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and social exclusion To increase learning, skills and employability for all sectors of the community To increase the vibrancy and viability of settlements To increase sustainable design and construction

206 82 Future Growth Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 3: Option 2: Apply a restrictive approach to As Option 2 but also allow for As Option 1 but also allow small market housing and limit market housing developments of up scale market housing infill of up to 2 OBJECTIVE development to small scale schemes to 10 dwellings within the existing Overall Commentary dwellings within an existing built-up addressing proven local affordable limits to development of settlements area of a settlement to help support housing, community and where four or more key services and the local community employment needs facilities are available To increase healthy life styles To encourage a sustainable economy To increase efficient patterns of movement to support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in economic performance

207 83 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Settlement Hierarchy - Alternative Proposals future growth of Service Centres Option 1: Option 3: Allow suitable housing developments Option 2: As Option 2 but also make large scale Greenfield within the limits to developments As Option 1 but also make provision for allocation(s) of 150-500 dwellings in those Service without any limit on individual scheme OBJECTIVE new employment land of around 2ha to Centres where this could help address specific Overall Commentary size provided adequate services, boost local job opportunities and local issues and provided adequate services, facilities and infrastructure are available improve self containment of a community facilities and infrastructure are available or can be or can be made available as a result of made available as a result of the development the development To maintain and enhance Option 3 would have the biodiversity, flora & fauna © © D most impact on biodiversity, Concentrating new development Concentrating new development within Depends on location. There would be an flora and fauna but this would within Service Centres should reduce Service Centres should reduce adverse opportunity to locate greenfield sites which would be dependent on location adverse impacts as most areas of impacts as most areas of significant have the minimum impact of biodiversity, flora and significant interest are located outside interest are located outside settlements. fauna settlements. To maintain and enhance Care is needed to ensure that landscape and townscape D D D development does not character All schemes will be required to meet All schemes will be required to meet high All schemes will be required to meet high damage townscape character high standards of design standards of design standards of design. by poor quality design. To protect and improve There is not considered to be surface and groundwater O O O a strong link between this quality The groundwater beneath the Borough The groundwater beneath the Borough The groundwater beneath the Borough does not objective and the future does not supply drinking water and it is does not supply drinking water and it is supply drinking water and it is not considered to growth of service centres not considered to be particularly not considered to be particularly be particularly susceptible to pollution fro surface susceptible to pollution fro surface susceptible to pollution fro surface sources sources sources To minimise water Neutral Neutral Neutral This is a neutral factor across consumption There will be opportunities to minimise There will be opportunities to minimise There will be opportunities to minimise water the options water consumption in new water consumption in new development consumption in new development through 208 84 Settlement Hierarchy - Alternative Proposals future growth of Service Centres Option 1: Option 3: Allow suitable housing developments Option 2: As Option 2 but also make large scale Greenfield within the limits to developments As Option 1 but also make provision for allocation(s) of 150-500 dwellings in those Service without any limit on individual scheme OBJECTIVE new employment land of around 2ha to Centres where this could help address specific Overall Commentary size provided adequate services, boost local job opportunities and local issues and provided adequate services, facilities and infrastructure are available improve self containment of a community facilities and infrastructure are available or can be or can be made available as a result of made available as a result of the development the development development through sustainable through sustainable design sustainable design design To improve air quality All of the options would © © © perform well against this Concentrating development in main Concentrating development in main Concentrating development in main urban areas objective as the concentrating urban areas and Service Centres urban areas and Service Centres generally and Service Centres generally served by bus of development in main urban generally served by bus and/or rail served by bus and/or rail should reduce and/or rail should reduce the need to travel and areas and service centres should reduce the need to travel and the need to travel and distance travelled distance travelled by car with shorter distances to should reduce the need to distance travelled by car with shorter by car with shorter distances to jobs, jobs, services and facilities which in turn would travel. distances to jobs, services and facilities services and facilities which in turn would improve air quality which in turn would improve air quality improve air quality To conserve soil Sites within urban areas and resources and quality © © D service centres will not use Concentrating new development Concentrating new development within Allocating sites on greenfield locations may lead to best and most versatile within Service Centres should reduce Service Centres should reduce adverse the loss of grade 2 or Grade 3 agricultural land but agricultural land (all of the adverse impacts on soil resources and impacts on soil resources and quality there would be an opportunity to minimise this options). Sites outside built quality possibility up areas may impact on best and most versatile land (Option 3) To reduce contributions All of the options would to climate change © © © perform well against this Concentrating development in main Concentrating development in main Concentrating development in main urban areas objective as the concentrating urban areas and Service Centres urban areas and Service Centres generally and Service Centres generally served by bus of development in main urban generally served by bus and/or rail served by bus and/or rail should reduce and/or rail should reduce the need to travel and areas and service centres should reduce the need to travel and the need to travel and distance travelled distance travelled by car with shorter distances to should reduce the need to distance travelled by car with shorter by car with shorter distances to jobs, jobs, services and facilities which in turn would travel. distances to jobs, services and facilities services and facilities which in turn would improve air quality and reduce contributions to which in turn would improve air quality improve air quality and reduce climate change and reduce contributions to climate contributions to climate change change To reduce vulnerability to All of the options would climate change © © © perform well against this Concentrating development in main Concentrating development in main Concentrating development in main urban areas objective as the concentrating urban areas and Service Centres urban areas and Service Centres generally and Service Centres generally served by bus of development in main urban generally served by bus and/or rail served by bus and/or rail should reduce and/or rail should reduce the need to travel and 209 85 Settlement Hierarchy - Alternative Proposals future growth of Service Centres Option 1: Option 3: Allow suitable housing developments Option 2: As Option 2 but also make large scale Greenfield within the limits to developments As Option 1 but also make provision for allocation(s) of 150-500 dwellings in those Service without any limit on individual scheme OBJECTIVE new employment land of around 2ha to Centres where this could help address specific Overall Commentary size provided adequate services, boost local job opportunities and local issues and provided adequate services, facilities and infrastructure are available improve self containment of a community facilities and infrastructure are available or can be or can be made available as a result of made available as a result of the development the development should reduce the need to travel and the need to travel and distance travelled distance travelled by car with shorter distances to areas and service centres distance travelled by car with shorter by car with shorter distances to jobs, jobs, services and facilities which in turn would should reduce the need to distances to jobs, services and facilities services and facilities which in turn would improve air quality and reduce contributions to travel. which in turn would improve air quality improve air quality and reduce climate change and reduce contributions to climate contributions to climate change change New development will give the opportunity to New development will give the reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy New development will give the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas and water consumption and construct buildings opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water able to adapt to climate variations and flooding emissions, reduce energy and water consumption and construct buildings able through sustainable design and construction consumption and construct buildings to adapt to climate variations and techniques able to adapt to climate variations and flooding through sustainable design and flooding through sustainable design and construction techniques construction techniques To conserve & enhance Success against this objective the historic and cultural D D D would be dependent on environment Depends on location Depends on location Depends on location location To increase the reuse of All of the options perform previously developed © © ©/Ø well against this objective. land and buildings Concentrating development in urban Concentrating development in urban Concentrating development in urban areas and Option 3 would have a areas and service centres offers further areas and service centres offers further service centres offers further opportunities for negative affect on this opportunities for beneficial use of opportunities for beneficial use of beneficial use of previously objective as it would previously developed/contaminated previously developed/contaminated land developed/contaminated land in sustainable incorporate the use of land in sustainable locations in sustainable locations locations greenfield land

This option would also mean that some greenfield land would also be used. To minimise the Option 3 may have an affect extraction of new & O O D on this object but it would increase the re-use and Mineral consultation areas are not Mineral consultation areas are not found Mineral consultation areas are not found within depend on location recycling of minerals and found within built up areas within built up areas built up areas but may affect land adjoining urban aggregates resources areas and service centres but this will depend on the location. To manage waste in Neutral Neutral Neutral This is a neutral factor across

210 86 Settlement Hierarchy - Alternative Proposals future growth of Service Centres Option 1: Option 3: Allow suitable housing developments Option 2: As Option 2 but also make large scale Greenfield within the limits to developments As Option 1 but also make provision for allocation(s) of 150-500 dwellings in those Service without any limit on individual scheme OBJECTIVE new employment land of around 2ha to Centres where this could help address specific Overall Commentary size provided adequate services, boost local job opportunities and local issues and provided adequate services, facilities and infrastructure are available improve self containment of a community facilities and infrastructure are available or can be or can be made available as a result of made available as a result of the development the development accordance with the New development will give the New development will give the New development will give the opportunity to the options waste hierarchy in all opportunity to reduce, reuse and opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle reduce, reuse and recycle waste through sectors (ie. household, recycle waste through sustainable waste through sustainable design and sustainable design and construction techniques commercial and design and construction techniques construction techniques industrial) To minimise the use of Neutral Neutral Neutral This is a neutral factor across energy and optimise the New development will give the New development will give the New development will give the opportunity to the options use of renewable opportunity to encourage energy opportunity to encourage energy encourage energy efficiency and the use of resources efficiency and the use of renewable efficiency and the use of renewable renewable energy sources through sustainable energy sources through sustainable energy sources through sustainable design design and construction techniques design and construction techniques and construction techniques To increase the Option 3 would perform best population’s access to a × × © against this objective because full range of appropriate Concentration of development within Concentration of development within Concentration of development within urban areas it would give more of an public, private, urban areas and service centres offers urban areas and service centres offers the and service centres offers the best prospects for opportunity for a larger community and voluntary the best prospects for improved access best prospects for improved access improved access because these are places where population to have access to services because these are places where because these are places where services services and facilities are concentrated. range of services and facilities services and facilities are concentrated. and facilities are concentrated. The allocation of greenfield land will ensure that development is located in the most sustainable locations where there is best access to a range of facilities. To increase access to the Neutral Neutral Neutral This is a neutral factor across countryside, open spaces All options would allow access to the All options would allow access to the All options would allow access to the countryside. the options and semi urban countryside. Access to existing areas countryside. Access to existing areas of Access to existing areas of open space would environments (eg parks) of open space would depend on open space would depend on location depend on location location To promote a strong All of the options perform community where people × × © well against this objective in feel they have a say in the All of the options allow people to feel All of the options allow people to feel All of the options allow people to feel that they allowing people to feel that future that they have a say in the future that they have a say in the future have a say in the future development of the they have a say in the future development of the Borough development of the Borough Borough development of the Borough

Providing for greenfield sites in a planned way

211 87 Settlement Hierarchy - Alternative Proposals future growth of Service Centres Option 1: Option 3: Allow suitable housing developments Option 2: As Option 2 but also make large scale Greenfield within the limits to developments As Option 1 but also make provision for allocation(s) of 150-500 dwellings in those Service without any limit on individual scheme OBJECTIVE new employment land of around 2ha to Centres where this could help address specific Overall Commentary size provided adequate services, boost local job opportunities and local issues and provided adequate services, facilities and infrastructure are available improve self containment of a community facilities and infrastructure are available or can be or can be made available as a result of made available as a result of the development the development would give members of the public a say during the consultation process and increases the capacity to influence decisions To reduce crime, anti All of the options would social behaviour and × × × perform well against this increase community Planned New site provision could give Planned New site provision could give Planned New site provision could give the objective as planned safety the opportunity to reduce crime and the opportunity to reduce crime and the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime development can be designed the fear of crime through sustainable fear of crime through sustainable design through sustainable design and construction to design out crime design and construction techniques and construction techniques techniques To increase the A strategy of urban population’s access and × × © concentration will provide for opportunity to participate Concentration of development within Concentration of development within Concentration of development within urban areas easy access to cultural and in culture, media and urban areas and service centres offers urban areas and service centres offers the and service centres offers the best prospects for entertainment opportunities. sport in Charnwood the best prospects for improved access best prospects for improved access improved access because these are places where Service centres generally have because these are places where because these are places where services services and facilities are concentrated. good access to at least one of services and facilities are concentrated. and facilities are concentrated. these main urban areas. The allocation of greenfield land will ensure that Development in service development is located in the most sustainable centres could create locations where there is best access to a range of opportunities for the facilities. development of cultural and leisure opportunities in rural areas To ensure that the All of the options would housing stock meets the × × © perform well against this housing needs of all Concentration of development within Concentration of development within Concentration of development within urban areas objective as further sections of the urban areas and service centres offers urban areas and service centres offers the and service centres offers the best prospects for regeneration schemes in main community the best prospects for the housing best prospects for the housing stock to the housing stock to meet the housing needs of all urban areas and service stock to meet the housing needs of all meet the housing needs of all sections of sections of the community. centres would improve the sections of the community. the community. availability of affordable The allocation of greenfield land will ensure that housing and widen choice and development is located in the most sustainable variety of market housing. location where there is best access to a range of facilities To reduce poverty and × × © All of the options would 212 88 Settlement Hierarchy - Alternative Proposals future growth of Service Centres Option 1: Option 3: Allow suitable housing developments Option 2: As Option 2 but also make large scale Greenfield within the limits to developments As Option 1 but also make provision for allocation(s) of 150-500 dwellings in those Service without any limit on individual scheme OBJECTIVE new employment land of around 2ha to Centres where this could help address specific Overall Commentary size provided adequate services, boost local job opportunities and local issues and provided adequate services, facilities and infrastructure are available improve self containment of a community facilities and infrastructure are available or can be or can be made available as a result of made available as a result of the development the development social exclusion Concentration of development within Concentration of development within Concentration of development within urban areas perform well against this urban areas and service centres offers urban areas and service centres offers the and service centres offers the best prospects for objective as parts of main the best prospects for the housing best prospects for the housing stock to the housing stock to meet the housing needs of all urban areas and some service stock to meet the housing needs of all meet the housing needs of all sections of sections of the community and reduce poverty centres experience varying sections of the community and reduce the community and reduce poverty and and social exclusion degrees of deprivation across poverty and social exclusion social exclusion a range of socio economic The allocation of greenfield land will ensure that factors. Regeneration development is located where it is most needed schemes could create to reduce poverty and social exclusion employment, improve housing and services in locations readily accessible by those in need including those without access to a car To increase learning, skills All of the options would and employability for all × × © perform well against this sections of the Allocating housing in urban areas and Allocating housing in urban areas and Allocating housing in urban areas and service objective as people living in or community service centres would mean that there service centres would mean that there centres would mean that there would be better close to main urban areas and would be better access to learning and would be better access to learning and access to learning and training opportunities. service centres generally have training opportunities training opportunities good access to learning and The allocation of greenfield land will ensure that training opportunities development is located closed to employment and education facilities. To increase the vibrancy All of the options would and viability of © © © perform well against this settlements Site allocation in urban areas and Site allocation in urban areas and service Site allocation in urban areas and service centres objective service centres would increase the centres would increase the attractiveness would increase the attractiveness and vitality of attractiveness and vitality of these areas and vitality of these areas these areas To increase sustainable Neutral Neutral Neutral This is a neutral factor across design and construction New development will give the New development will give the New development will give the opportunity to the options opportunity to encourage energy opportunity to encourage energy encourage energy efficiency and the use of efficiency and the use of renewable efficiency and the use of renewable renewable energy sources through sustainable energy sources through sustainable energy sources through sustainable design design and construction techniques design and construction techniques and construction techniques To increase healthy © © © All of the options would 213 89 Settlement Hierarchy - Alternative Proposals future growth of Service Centres Option 1: Option 3: Allow suitable housing developments Option 2: As Option 2 but also make large scale Greenfield within the limits to developments As Option 1 but also make provision for allocation(s) of 150-500 dwellings in those Service without any limit on individual scheme OBJECTIVE new employment land of around 2ha to Centres where this could help address specific Overall Commentary size provided adequate services, boost local job opportunities and local issues and provided adequate services, facilities and infrastructure are available improve self containment of a community facilities and infrastructure are available or can be or can be made available as a result of made available as a result of the development the development lifestyles Allocating land in urban areas and Allocating land in urban areas and service Allocating land in urban areas and service centres perform well against this service centres means that there is a centres means that there is a greater means that there is a greater likelihood of reducing objective greater likelihood of reducing the need likelihood of reducing the need to travel the need to travel to work by car which would to travel to work by car which would to work by car which would increase increase healthy like styles increase healthy like styles healthy like styles To encourage a Option 3 performs best sustainable economy × × © against this objective as it Allocating land in urban areas and Allocating land in urban areas and service The ability to allocate greenfield land for dwellings could potential benefit a service centres mean that there is a centres mean that there is a greater in some service centres and urban areas would larger population greater likelihood of houses being built likelihood of houses being built near to a mean that there is a greater opportunity of near to a range of services and range of services and employment allowing people to have the best access to a range employment facilities, reducing the facilities, reducing the need to travel to of service and employment facilities, reducing the need to travel to work by car which work by car which would encourage a need to travel to work by car which would would encourage a sustainable sustainable economy encourage a sustainable economy economy To encourage efficient Option 3 performs best patterns of movement to × × © against this objective as it support a sustainable Allocating land in urban areas and Allocating land in urban areas and service The ability to allocate greenfield land for dwellings could potential benefit a economy service centres mean that there is a centres mean that there is a greater in some service centres and urban areas would larger population greater likelihood of houses being built likelihood of houses being built near to a mean that there is a greater opportunity of near to a range of services and range of services and employment allowing people to have the best access to a range employment facilities, reducing the facilities, reducing the need to travel to of service and employment facilities, reducing the need to travel to work by car which work by car which would encourage a need to travel to work by car which would would encourage a sustainable sustainable economy encourage a sustainable economy economy To reduce disparities in All of the options would economic performance © © © perform well against this Allocating land in urban areas and Allocating land in urban areas and service Allocating land in urban areas and service centres objective. service centres mean that there is a centres mean that there is a greater mean that there is a greater likelihood of houses greater likelihood of houses being built likelihood of houses being built near to being built near to employment opportunities near to employment opportunities employment opportunities

214 90 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Option 1: As with the option 2 (below), but with less emphasis on restraint of the car to achieve them Option 2: Require rigorous application of measures to manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes

Transportation - Managing Travel Demand and Widening Transport Choice Option 2: Option 1: Require rigorous application of measures to As with the option 2 but with less emphasis on manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on Sustainability Objective Overall Commentary restraint of the car to achieve them parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes

To maintain and enhance There is no significant difference between the biodiversity, flora and fauna D D options. Where use of existing roads and transport Where use of existing roads and transport infrastructure is maximised & the need for new infrastructure is maximised & the need for new transport routes is avoided biodiversity should be transport routes is avoided biodiversity should be safeguarded. safeguarded.

However where new roadspace or other transport However where new roadspace or other transport routes are justified in relation to development there routes are justified in relation to development there could be a negative impact on biodiversity. could be a negative impact on biodiversity. To maintain and enhance There is no significant difference between the landscape and townscape D D options. character By maximising use of existing transport infrastructure By maximising use of existing transport infrastructure and avoiding the need for new transport routes the and avoiding the need for new transport routes the character of landscapes and townscape should be character of landscapes and townscape should be safeguarded, although traffic noise may increase. safeguarded, although traffic noise may increase.

In cases where new roadspace or other transport In cases where new roadspace or other transport routes are justified there may be a negative impact on routes are justified there may be a negative impact on the landscape and townscape in terms of visual the landscape and townscape in terms of visual 215 91 Transportation - Managing Travel Demand and Widening Transport Choice Option 2: Option 1: Require rigorous application of measures to As with the option 2 but with less emphasis on manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on Sustainability Objective Overall Commentary restraint of the car to achieve them parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes

intrusion, noise, lighting etc. With good design it should intrusion, noise, lighting etc. With good design it should be possible to complement the character of a locality be possible to complement the character of a locality and minimise intrusiveness of the scheme and and minimise intrusiveness of the scheme and associated signage, lighting etc. associated signage, lighting etc. To protect and improve Neutral factor surface and groundwater O O quality The groundwater beneath the Borough does not The groundwater beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface particularly susceptible to pollution from surface sources. sources. To minimise water Neutral factor consumption O O Building transport infrastructure will result in increased Building transport infrastructure will result in increased water consumption. There will be opportunities to water consumption. There will be opportunities to minimise water consumption through sustainable minimise water consumption through sustainable design. design. To improve air quality Option 2 would perform better than option 1 × © against the sustainability objective of improving air More travel by sustainable modes such as public More travel by sustainable modes such as public quality. transport, cycling and walking and careful location and transport, cycling and walking and careful location and design of new development will help reduce travel by design of new development will help reduce travel by car and cut emissions. car and cut emissions.

More restraint measures can help successfully reduce traffic pressures particularly in urban areas. As a result traffic including lorries and buses would move more freely reducing emissions further.

Increasing significantly the number of low emission vehicles will also help improve air quality. To conserve soil resources Not a significant factor and quality D D New transport routes could need to pass through New transport routes could need to pass through areas of best and most versatile land but land take areas of best and most versatile land but land take unlikely to be significant unlikely to be significant To reduce contributions to Option 2 would perform better than option 1 climate change × © against the sustainability objective of reducing 216 92 Transportation - Managing Travel Demand and Widening Transport Choice Option 2: Option 1: Require rigorous application of measures to As with the option 2 but with less emphasis on manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on Sustainability Objective Overall Commentary restraint of the car to achieve them parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes

See the comments re air quality above See the comments re air quality above contributions to climate change. To reduce vulnerability to There is no difference between the options. climate change D D Increased travel by public transport, cycling and walking Increased travel by public transport, cycling and walking should reduce energy consumption by helping reduce should reduce energy consumption by helping reduce car use. car use. The CS policies could have a more positive impact on this issue. New transport routes may need to pass through flood risk areas. Care needed to ensure they can be designed New transport routes may need to pass through flood to mitigate any flood risk risk areas. Care needed to ensure they can be designed to mitigate any flood risk. To conserve and enhance There is no significant difference between the the historic and cultural D D options. environment Increased travel by public transport, cycling and walking Increased travel by public transport, cycling and walking should help reduce traffic growth and so reduce should help reduce traffic growth and so reduce adverse impacts such as air pollution and vibration adverse impacts such as air pollution and vibration potentially harmful to historic environments. The potentially harmful to historic environments. The policies could have a more positive impact on this policies could have a more positive impact on this issue. issue.

New transport routes may be routed through historic New transport routes may be routed through historic environments. Careful design needed to mitigate environments. Careful design needed to mitigate adverse impacts. adverse impacts. To increase the re-use of Both options would encourage the re-use of previously developed land © © previously developed land and buildings. and buildings Implementation of this policy should encourage use of Implementation of this policy should encourage use of brown field sites because they are usually better served brown field sites because they are usually better served by non car modes. by non car modes. To minimise the extraction There is no significant difference between the of new & increase the re- D D options. use of recycled minerals and Construction of new transport routes usually utilises Construction of new transport routes usually utilises aggregates resources mineral resources although there is evidence of mineral resources although there is evidence of increased use of recycled materials. increased use of recycled materials. To manage waste in There is no significant difference between the accordance with the waste × × options. hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. There is evidence of increased use of recycled materials There is evidence of increased use of recycled materials household, commercial and in the construction of new transport routes. in the construction of new transport routes. 217 93 Transportation - Managing Travel Demand and Widening Transport Choice Option 2: Option 1: Require rigorous application of measures to As with the option 2 but with less emphasis on manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on Sustainability Objective Overall Commentary restraint of the car to achieve them parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes industrial) To minimise the use of There is no significant difference between the energy and optimise the use × × options. of renewable energy Increased travel by public transport, walking and cycling Increased travel by public transport, walking and cycling resources and ensuring development is in locations well served by and ensuring development is in locations well served by these modes should help improve energy efficiency. these modes should help improve energy efficiency. To increase the population’s Option 2 would perform better than option 1 access to a full range of × © against the sustainability objective of increasing the public, private, community More people using public transport should enable More people using public transport should enable population’s access to a full range of public, private and voluntary services further improvement of services enabling better further improvement of services enabling better and community services. accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for people without access to a car. Better, continuous and people without access to a car. Better, continuous and comprehensive cycle and footway networks are also comprehensive cycle and footway networks are also more likely to be used to access services and facilities. more likely to be used to access services and facilities.

There is significant scope for initiatives to improve accessibility applying the range of measures set out in this approach. To increase access to the There is no significant difference between the countryside, public open × × options. spaces and semi urban Continuous and comprehensive cycle and footway Continuous and comprehensive cycle and footway environments (eg parks) networks are will help people access open spaces and networks are will help people access open spaces and the countryside. the countryside. To promote a strong No significant relationship community where people O O feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social There is no significant difference between the behaviour and increase × × options. community safety More people using public transport, walking and cycling More people using public transport, walking and cycling can help improve natural surveillance in the public can help improve natural surveillance in the public realm and on public transport so helping improve realm and on public transport so helping improve public safety public safety. To increase the population’s Option 2 would perform better than option 1 access and opportunity to × © against the sustainability objective of increasing the participate in culture, media More people using public transport should enable More people using public transport should enable population’s access and opportunity to participate and sport in Charnwood further improvement of services enabling better further improvement of services enabling better in culture media and sport.. 218 94 Transportation - Managing Travel Demand and Widening Transport Choice Option 2: Option 1: Require rigorous application of measures to As with the option 2 but with less emphasis on manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on Sustainability Objective Overall Commentary restraint of the car to achieve them parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes

accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for people without access to a car. people without access to a car.

Continuous and comprehensive cycle and footway Continuous and comprehensive cycle and footway networks are also more likely to be used to access networks are also more likely to be used to access services and facilities services and facilities.

The policy suggests significant scope for further initiatives to improve accessibility. To ensure that the housing No significant relationship stock meets the housing O O needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and Option 2 would perform better than option 1 social exclusion × © against the sustainability objective of reducing More people using public transport should enable More people using public transport should enable poverty and social exclusion. further improvement of services enabling better further improvement of services enabling better accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for people without access to a car. people without access to a car.

The policy offers significant scope for further initiatives to improve accessibility. To increase learning, skills Option 2 would perform better than option 1 and employability for all × © against the sustainability objective of increasing sectors of the community More people using public transport should enable More people using public transport should enable learning skills and employability of all sections of further improvement of services enabling better further improvement of services enabling better the community. accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for accessibility to services and facilities, in particular for people without access to a car. people without access to a car. Continuous and comprehensive cycle and footway networks are also more likely to be used to access Continuous and comprehensive cycle and footway services and facilities networks are also more likely to be used to access services and facilities.

The policy suggests significant scope for further initiatives to improve accessibility To increase the vibrancy × × There is no significant difference between the 219 95 Transportation - Managing Travel Demand and Widening Transport Choice Option 2: Option 1: Require rigorous application of measures to As with the option 2 but with less emphasis on manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on Sustainability Objective Overall Commentary restraint of the car to achieve them parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes and viability of settlements More people using public transport, cycling and walking More people using public transport, cycling and walking options. should make town centres more people friendly places. should make town centres more people friendly places. In some town centres better managed car parking and possibly increased provision in particular for short stay In some town centres better managed car parking and users may be needed to support economic vitality and possibly increased provision in particular for short stay viability. users may be needed to support economic vitality and viability.. To increase sustainable No significant relationship. design and construction O O New transport infrastructure schemes will give the New transport infrastructure schemes will give the opportunity to use sustainable design and construction opportunity to use sustainable design and construction techniques (see Leading in Design SPD). techniques (see Leading in Design SPD). To increase healthy life Both options would contribute towards this styles © © sustainability objective. Reducing adverse traffic impacts can improve air quality Reducing adverse traffic impacts can improve air quality a major contributory factor in some health problems a major contributory factor in some health problems such as asthma. The health benefits of increased cycling such as asthma. The health benefits of increased cycling and walking activity outweigh any perceived safety risks. and walking activity outweigh any perceived safety risks.

The policy if successfully implemented should increase the health benefits. To encourage a sustainable Option 2 would perform better than option 1 economy × © against the sustainability objective of encouraging a Increased use of sustainable travel modes should The increased use of restraint measures to cut sustainable economy. reduce time lost in delays on congested roads. This can unnecessary car journeys and Increased use of yield clear benefits for the local economy. sustainable travel modes should reduce adverse traffic time lost in delays on congested roads. This can yield clear benefits for the local economy.

There is significant scope for further initiatives to support a sustainable economy. To increase efficient Option 2 would perform better than option 1 patterns of movement to × © against the sustainability objective of increasing support a sustainable Increased use of public transport, cycling and walking Increased use of public transport, cycling and walking efficient patterns of movement to support a economy and a strategy of directing development to locations and a strategy of directing development to locations sustainable economy. well served by these modes should help reduce well served by these modes should help reduce commuting and congestion in a sustainable manner and commuting and congestion in a sustainable manner and 220 96 Transportation - Managing Travel Demand and Widening Transport Choice Option 2: Option 1: Require rigorous application of measures to As with the option 2 but with less emphasis on manage car use such as travel plans, restrictions on Sustainability Objective Overall Commentary restraint of the car to achieve them parking in new developments, alongside high quality provision of non-car modes

improve the reliability and efficiency of bus services improve the reliability and efficiency of bus services linking employment areas to rail stations. linking employment areas to rail stations.

Developing more demand management measures should enable increased homeworking and other initiatives. To reduce disparities in There is no significant difference between the economic performance × × options. Better public transport can improve the accessibility of Better public transport can improve the accessibility of people to job opportunities in urban and rural areas. people to job opportunities in urban and rural areas.

221 97 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation To maintain and enhance Both approaches have the potential to have biodiversity, flora and fauna © © a significantly positive effect in terms of Policy on biodiversity will help to ensure those areas rich Significant funding exists through National Growth maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, flora in diversity to be conserved and enhanced. In addition, Point, and having a green infrastructure approach will and fauna. Option 2 may perform better the opportunity will be taken to secure the provision of maximise the ability to secure funding to the green against this objective. nature conservation interest as part of the provision of infrastructure network, including for wildlife green space networks. protection and enhancement.

The proposed approach to the provision of green infrastructure with improvements being focussed on the strategic biodiversity networks would maximise the effectiveness of additions to the borough’s biodiversity as a whole. To maintain and enhance Both approaches have the potential to have landscape and townscape © © a significantly positive effect in terms of character There is a strict control over development in the A more coordinated approach to the provision of maintaining and enhancing landscape and countryside. Development that is considered acceptable Green Infrastructure may allow for wider landscape townscape character. Option 2 may needs to have consideration to features such as improvements, focussed in key strategic areas. The perform better against this objective. biodiversity, views, settlement pattern and local setting of key urban areas may be enhanced through vernacular so that landscape character and distinctiveness a more coordinated approach to Green is maintained and enhanced. Infrastructure in Green Wedges.

Planting in the National Forest around development can help to assimilate it within the countryside.

222 98 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation One aim of the green wedges is to prevent coalescence and maintain the physical identity of settlements adjoining Leicester and Loughborough. This helps those existing urban areas with green wedge surrounding them to retain their character and distinctiveness

Open spaces within development can enhance the quality and character and can become a valuable recreational facility. To protect and improve surface No significant relationship No significant relationship No significant relationship and groundwater quality To minimise water consumption No significant relationship No significant relationship No significant relationship To improve air quality Both approaches have the potential to have © © a significantly positive effect in terms of Trees can help improve air quality by taking up the Trees and other elements of green infrastructure can improving air quality. Option 2 may perform carbon monoxide. Through securing woodland when act to absorb some pollutants, and can help to better against this objective permitting any new development may help to improve air improve local air quality. quality in that area. A coordinated approach to green infrastructure has Green Wedge policies are a tool, which can help direct greater potential for the multiple benefits of green future urban growth. They can therefore help prevent infrastructure to be identified and then maximised as unsustainable development and lead it to the most new development is planned. sustainable locations. This can lead to reduced travel times by car as employment, housing and facilities are This approach also includes the identification of located in close proximity to each other. green wedges which can help to direct development so that it forms part of a sustainable pattern of development. To conserve soil resources and Both approaches have the potential to have quality × × a marginally positive effect in terms of Land in the countryside is often agricultural land and this Conserving soil resources and quality would be improving air quality. Option 2 may perform countryside policy will help to restrict large amounts of considered as part of a green infrastructure strategy, better against this objective inappropriate development in these locations, preserving allowing this sustainability objective to be considered agricultural land. in an integrated way as part of the planning process.

Large proportions of the green wedge will consist of agricultural land. Once designated a green wedge there is a presumption against inappropriate development within them, which will help safeguard agricultural land

223 99 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation To reduce contributions to Both approaches have the potential to have climate change © © a significantly positive effect in terms of Restricting development in the countryside supports the This policy approach would support the principle of improving air quality. Option 2 may perform urban concentration locational strategy, which aims to urban concentration. better against this objective minimise travel by concentrating development in urban areas. Large areas of green infrastructure such as Charnwood and the National Forest have the Large areas of green infrastructure such as Charnwood capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, the development and the National Forest have the capacity to absorb of which can help to reduce contributions to climate carbon dioxide, the development of which can help to change. reduce contributions to climate change. Significant funding exists through National Growth Point, and having a green infrastructure approach will maximise the ability to secure funding to the green infrastructure network which can have a significantly positive effect against this objective. To reduce vulnerability to climate Both approaches have the potential to have change × © a positive effect in terms of reducing Trees and other elements of green infrastructure can help Trees and other elements of green infrastructure can vulnerability to climate change. Option 2 to attenuate surface water run-off, and can help to help to attenuate surface water run-off, and can help would perform better against this objective. reduce flooding. to reduce flooding.

Areas of green space between buildings can help to Areas of green space between buildings can help to promote urban cooling, reducing the impact of rising promote urban cooling, reducing the impact of rising temperatures. temperatures.

A coordinated approach to green infrastructure has greater potential for the multiple benefits of green infrastructure to be identified and then maximised as new development is planned. To conserve and enhance the Both approaches have the potential to have historic and cultural environment × × a marginally positive effect in terms of The approach is to re-use existing buildings where The historic and cultural environment would be reducing vulnerability to climate change. appropriate, which will help protect the built heritage considered as part of a green infrastructure strategy, Option 2 may perform better against this allowing this sustainability objective to be considered objective. The policy on Charnwood Forest indicates that in an integrated way as part of the planning process. development will be strictly controlled and will only be permitted where it does not damage the landscape of Charnwood Forest. There will be a presumption against 224 100 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation inappropriate development and development which only accords with the policy will be permitted.

Leisure and Recreation policy aims to safeguard existing leisure facilities and open spaces and where appropriate improved. The supporting text refers to Charnwood Forest and Watermead Country Park which gives residents access to open space.

The creation of open spaces will enhance historic and cultural environments. To increase the re-use of Both approaches have a marginally positive previously developed land and × × effect against the objective of re-using buildings Within the countryside there is a presumption against This policy approach would support the principle of previously developed land and buildings. inappropriate development. Permission will only be urban concentration and directing development into granted where it is considered the use is acceptable. This sustainable patterns of development. therefore can encourage the reuse of brownfield land within urban settlements for development such as housing.

Green Wedges can help increase development on brownfield sites, which are in sustainable locations. Green Wedges help guide development to the most sustainable locations and through their existence they can help locate development into existing urban areas or adjacent to urban areas providing sustainable development as facilities and amenities are in close proximity.

The proposed green wedges will help guide development to the larger urban settlements within the Borough such as Loughborough where there are facilities, amenities, housing and employment which can help reduce travel times. To reduce the extraction of new No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. & increase the re-use of recycled minerals and aggregates resources To manage waste in accordance No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship.

225 101 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of energy No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. and optimise the use of renewable resources To increase the population’s No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. access to a full range of public, private, community and voluntary services To increase access to the Both approaches have the potential to have countryside, public open spaces © © a significantly positive effect in terms of and semi urban environments (eg The approach of ensuring the countryside is protected Significant funding exists through National Growth increasing access to the countryside and parks) for its own sake will ensure that access to open space for Point, and having a green infrastructure approach will public open spaces. Option 2 may perform the Borough’s population is maintained. maximise the ability to secure funding to the green better against this objective. infrastructure network, including for public open The National Forest is located within Charnwood Forest spaces and semi-urban environments. in Charnwood borough. These areas are a large expanse of open space with a number of walks and outdoor A coordinated approach to the provision of Green recreation attractions. It helps improve the quality of life Infrastructure would allow for the delivery of a for residents as it provides outdoor recreation and helps network of interlinked green spaces. encourage people into the forest. This helps protect and retain it for the future.

Permission will be resisted for the creation of leisure and tourism facilities within the National Forest.

Charnwood Forest is a large expanse of open space with a large number of walks and outdoor recreation attractions. It helps improve the quality of life for residents as it provides outdoor recreation and helps encourage people into the forest. The policy aims to protect Charnwood Forest and retain it for future use.

Any new development permitted within Charnwood Forest would have a good linkage to the countryside. To promote a strong community Both approaches have the potential to have where people feel they have a say × × a marginally positive effect in terms of 226 102 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation in the future The creation of spaces and the restoration of parks The creation of spaces and the restoration of parks promoting a. strong community where provide places for people to meet, which can help, provide places for people to meet, which can help, people feel they have a say in the future. promote a strong community. promote a strong community. Option 2 may perform better against this objective To reduce crime, anti social No significant relationship No significant relationship No significant relationship behaviour and increase community safety To increase the population’s Both approaches have the potential to have access and opportunity to © © a significantly positive effect in terms of participate in culture, media and Within the countryside there are a range of leisure and A strategic approach to the delivery of Green increasing .the population’s access and sport in Charnwood sports facilities available. It is considered that small scale Infrastructure would allow for appropriate opportunity to participate in culture, media development for leisure and land extensive outdoor recreational facilities within easy reach of urban and and sport in Charnwood. Option 2 may recreational uses that do not involve substantial built rural settlements. This approach would be perform better against this objective. development would be acceptable uses within the supported through the management of land to countryside. This enables increased access to sport and ensure it contributes to the quality of life of nearby leisure facilities. residents.

Permission will be resisted for the creation of leisure and A coordinated approach to green infrastructure has tourism facilities within the National Forest. greater potential for the multiple benefits of green infrastructure to be identified and then maximised as Charnwood Forest is a major outdoor recreation new development is planned attraction. Within this area there is access to a number of leisure facilities, including golf courses and horse riding. In addition to this there are a number of walks, which increases access to leisure activities in Charnwood.

Permission will be resisted for the creation of leisure and tourism facilities in Charnwood Forest.

Within green wedges uses will be encouraged that provide appropriate recreational facilities within easy reach of urban residents and promote the positive management of land to ensure that green wedges remain or are enhanced as attractive contributions to the quality of life of nearby urban residents.

New leisure facilities, open spaces and expansion of the university’s recreational facilities will increase access to

227 103 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation sports and leisure facilities. To ensure that the housing stock No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. meets the housing needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and social No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. exclusion To increase learning, skills and Enabling some affordable housing within the countryside No significant relationship. No significant relationship. employability for all sectors of the will help reduce poverty and social exclusion. community Provisions will be made in green wedges for the retention or creation of green links between urban spaces and the countryside and for the retention and enhancement of public access facilities so all the community have the opportunity of accessing open space.

Safeguarding and improving open spaces can give access to open spaces for more people. To increase the vibrancy and Both approaches have the potential to have viability of settlements © © a significantly positive effect in terms of Preventing inappropriate development in the countryside Green infrastructure in the form of appropriate increasing the vibrancy and viability of will push the development towards urban areas and development in the countryside and appropriately settlements. Option 2 may perform better brownfield land which can increase the attractiveness of managed green wedges can help to maintain the against this objective. that settlement and help to maintain its identity and identities of settlements. prevent coalescence. Significant funding exists through National Growth The siting, scale, design and material of any new Point. Having a green infrastructure approach will development within Charnwood Forest should maximise the ability to secure funding to the green complement the character of the surrounding landscape infrastructure network, including the improved and minimise any detrimental harm to the character of management of land within green wedges which may the forest. increase the vibrancy and viability of settlements.

Through the provision of Green Wedges they can help guide and locate new development into existing urban settlements, which can increase their attractiveness and sense of place of designed correctly.

Green wedges are able to maintain settlement identity and prevent coalescence of settlements restricting 228 104 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation development within the designated areas.

Creating open space within new development adds positively to the attractiveness of that area. It can help create a settlement identity and help achieve neighbourhood satisfaction levels. To increase sustainable design No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. and construction To increase healthy life styles Both approaches have the potential to have © © a significantly positive effect in terms of Protecting the countryside from inappropriate Green Infrastructure including, Green wedges, increasing healthy lifestyles. Option 2 may development can help increase healthy lifestyles. footpaths, parks, recreational land, and areas of perform better against this objective. Development of small scale recreational facilities can be countryside are areas which areas for recreation permitted in the countryside enabling the community to thereby providing the opportunity for people to live have access to them. healthier lifestyles.

In addition, there are a number of existing leisure facilities A coordinated approach to green infrastructure has in the countryside, including walking which enables the greater potential for the multiple benefits of green community to have a healthy lifestyle. infrastructure to be identified and then maximised as new development is planned The Charnwood Forest is a popular recreation area where residents in the Borough are able to visit the Forest, which can help create healthier lifestyles. Protecting this resource will retain it for future use.

Green Wedges can provide areas of open land which provide for public access and recreational activities and enable links between the countryside and the urban area which contributes to the quality of life for all people living in urban areas and helps increase a healthier lifestyle. To encourage a sustainable Both approaches have the potential to have economy × × a marginally positive effect in terms of Small scale development for employment is considered The provision of green infrastructure as part of an encouraging a sustainable economy. Option acceptable within the countryside which could provide attractive, well planned environment can help to 2 may perform better against this objective job opportunities for people living in nearby settlements attract inward investment, and to encourage a which could reduce travel distances. However, due to its sustainable economy. location in the countryside, could result in increase in traffic distances especially as public transport may be

229 105 Green Infrastructure Option 1: Separate policies for National Forest, Charnwood Forest, Option 2: Overall Commentary Countryside and Landscape, Settlement Identity, Combined Green Infrastructure Approach Biodiversity, Leisure and Recreation unlikely to stop there. To increase efficient patterns of No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. movement to support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in economic No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. performance

230 106 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Regeneration Option 2: Option 1: Focus regeneration efforts on meeting the specific needs Business as usual – Focus regeneration efforts on arising from deprivation in the Priority Neighbourhoods, OBJECTIVE meeting the specific needs arising from deprivation in Overall Commentary Sileby and Shepshed but work with partners and other the Priority Neighbourhoods, Sileby and Shepshed agencies to make positive interventions to improve the

built environment and promote economic development. To maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To maintain and enhance landscape and townscape character O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To protect and improve surface and groundwater quality O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To minimise water consumption O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To improve air quality Ø × This option would be restricted to Improving quality Improving quality of life for residents living in areas of

231 107 Regeneration Option 2: Option 1: Focus regeneration efforts on meeting the specific needs Business as usual – Focus regeneration efforts on arising from deprivation in the Priority Neighbourhoods, OBJECTIVE meeting the specific needs arising from deprivation in Overall Commentary Sileby and Shepshed but work with partners and other the Priority Neighbourhoods, Sileby and Shepshed agencies to make positive interventions to improve the

built environment and promote economic development. of life for residents living and providing local job relative deprivation by providing local job opportunities opportunities and improving public transport, cycling and improving public transport, cycling and walking links and walking links to facilities in priority to facilities will help to reduce car use and thus impact neighbourhoods only. This would therefore help to of air quality reduce car use and thus impact of air quality on limited parts of the population To conserve soil resources and quality O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To reduce contributions to climate change ×/Ø × This option would be restricted to Improving quality Improving quality of life for residents living in areas of of life for residents living and providing local job relative deprivation by providing local job opportunities opportunities and improving public transport, cycling and improving public transport, cycling and walking links and walking links to facilities in priority to facilities will help to reduce car use and thus impact neighbourhoods only. This would therefore help to of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. reduce car use and thus impact of air quality greenhouse gas emissions on limited parts of the Any new development gives the opportunity to population introduce measures to increase renewable energy sources Any new development gives the opportunity to introduce measures to increase renewable energy sources To reduce vulnerability to climate change × × New development gives the opportunity to New development gives the opportunity to introduce introduce measures to prevent flood risk, build measures to prevent flood risk, build adaptable buildings, adaptable buildings, increase energy efficiency and increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable the use of renewable energy sources energy sources To conserve and enhance the historic and cultural environment O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective

232 108 Regeneration Option 2: Option 1: Focus regeneration efforts on meeting the specific needs Business as usual – Focus regeneration efforts on arising from deprivation in the Priority Neighbourhoods, OBJECTIVE meeting the specific needs arising from deprivation in Overall Commentary Sileby and Shepshed but work with partners and other the Priority Neighbourhoods, Sileby and Shepshed agencies to make positive interventions to improve the

built environment and promote economic development. To increase the re-use of previously developed land and buildings ×/Ø © Focusing regeneration on the priority Focusing regeneration on all areas of the Borough would neighbourhoods would mean that there is scope to mean that the scope to re-use previously developed re-use previously developed land and buildings but it land and buildings would be increased would only be focused in these areas To reduce the extraction of new & increase the re-use of recycled minerals O O and aggregates resources No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. O O household, commercial and industrial) No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To minimise the use of energy and optimise the use of renewable resources O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To increase the population’s access to a full range of public, private, community × © and voluntary services Focusing regeneration in the priority neighbourhoods A more holistic to regeneration the population of the would mean that a limit population would benefit Borough would benefit from an increased access to a full from any improvements in access a full range of range of public, private, community and voluntary public, private, community and voluntary services. services To increase access to the countryside, Improving quality of life for residents living in areas of public open spaces and semi urban relative deprivation by providing local job environments (eg parks) opportunities, securing improved community facilities and improving public transport, cycling and walking links to facilities will help to contribute to this objective. However, this To promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future To reduce crime, anti social behaviour and increase community safety 233 109 Regeneration Option 2: Option 1: Focus regeneration efforts on meeting the specific needs Business as usual – Focus regeneration efforts on arising from deprivation in the Priority Neighbourhoods, OBJECTIVE meeting the specific needs arising from deprivation in Overall Commentary Sileby and Shepshed but work with partners and other the Priority Neighbourhoods, Sileby and Shepshed agencies to make positive interventions to improve the

built environment and promote economic development. To increase the population’s access and opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport in Charnwood To ensure that the housing stock meets the housing needs of all sections of the community To reduce poverty and social exclusion To increase learning, skills and employability for all sectors of the community To increase the vibrancy and viability of settlements To increase sustainable design and construction O O No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to No significant relationship. Improving quality of life to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to residents living in areas of deprivation is unlikely to affect affect this objective this objective To increase healthy life styles To encourage a sustainable economy To increase efficient patterns of movement to support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in economic performance

234 110 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Affordable Housing - Alternative Approaches to Affordable Housing Provision Varying requirements of affordable houses Requiring affordable housing to be provided at according to affordable housing need in the Overall Commentary the same percentage across the Borough. area and according to viability of each area. To maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora and Neither of the proposed options have a fauna O O significant relationship with the sustainability Performance against this sustainability criterion Performance against this sustainability criterion objective of maintaining and enhancing is dependent upon the particular biodiversity is dependent upon the particular biodiversity biodiversity, flora and fauna. interest of each individual development site. interest of each individual development site. There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the policy. policy. To maintain and enhance landscape and Having a variable requirement for affordable townscape character × © housing would allows better performance All schemes will be required to meet high All schemes will be required to meet high against the sustainability objective of standards of design, and would have a standards of design. Varying affordable housing maintaining and enhancing landscape and marginally positive effect towards the objective requirements according to viability may allow townscape character. for the very highest quality design in locations with less market viability. To protect and improve surface and Neither of the proposed options have a groundwater quality O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of protecting and improving surface relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the and groundwater quality. policy. policy. To minimise water consumption Neither of the proposed options have a O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of minimising water consumption. relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the policy. policy. To improve air quality O O Neither of the proposed options have a 235 111 Affordable Housing - Alternative Approaches to Affordable Housing Provision Varying requirements of affordable houses Requiring affordable housing to be provided at according to affordable housing need in the Overall Commentary the same percentage across the Borough. area and according to viability of each area. There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant significant relationship with the sustainability relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the objective of improving air quality. policy. policy. To conserve soil resources and quality Neither of the proposed options have a O O significant relationship with the sustainability Performance against this sustainability criterion Performance against this sustainability criterion objective of conserving soil resources and is dependent upon the particular soil resource is dependent upon the particular soil resource quality. and quality of each individual development site. and quality of each individual development site. There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the policy. policy To reduce contributions to climate change Neither of the proposed options have a O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of reducing contributions to climate relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the change. policy. policy. To reduce vulnerability to climate change Neither of the proposed options have a O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of reducing vulnerability to climate relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the change. policy. policy. To conserve and enhance the historic and Having a variable requirement for affordable cultural environment × © housing would allows better performance All schemes will be required to meet high All schemes will be required to meet high against the sustainability objective of conserving standards of design, reflecting its historical standards of design, reflecting its historical and enhancing the historic and cultural context and would have a marginally positive context. Varying affordable housing environment. effect towards the objective. requirements according to viability may allow for the very highest quality design in locations with less market viability. To increase the re-use of previously developed Having a variable requirement for affordable land and buildings Ø × housing would allows better performance Some brownfield sites may have marginal Some brownfield sites may have marginal against the sustainability objective of increasing market viability, and a standard requirement for market viability, and a variable requirement for the re-use of previously developed land and affordable housing may prevent some affordable housing may allow for some buildings. brownfield sites from being developed which brownfield sites to be developed which have have marginal viability. marginal viability. To minimise the extraction of new & increase Neither of the proposed options have a the re-use of recycled minerals and aggregates O O significant relationship with the sustainability resources There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of minimising the extraction aggregate relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the resources. 236 112 Affordable Housing - Alternative Approaches to Affordable Housing Provision Varying requirements of affordable houses Requiring affordable housing to be provided at according to affordable housing need in the Overall Commentary the same percentage across the Borough. area and according to viability of each area. policy. policy. To manage waste in accordance with the waste Neither of the proposed options have a hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, O O significant relationship with the sustainability commercial and industrial) There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of managing waste in accordance with relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the the waste hierarchy. policy policy To minimise the use of energy and optimise Neither of the proposed options have a the use of renewable resources O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of minimising the use of energy and relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the optimise the use of renewable resources. policy policy To increase the population’s access to a full Neither of the proposed options have a range of public, private, community and O O significant relationship with the sustainability voluntary services There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of increasing the population’s access relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the to a full range of public, private, community and policy policy voluntary services. To increase access to the countryside, public Neither of the proposed options have a open spaces and semi urban environments (eg O O significant relationship with the sustainability parks) There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of increasing access to the relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the countryside, public open spaces and semi urban policy policy environments. To promote a strong community where people Neither of the proposed options have a feel they have a say in the future O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of promoting promote a strong relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the community where people feel they have a say policy policy in the future. To reduce crime, anti social behaviour and Neither of the proposed options have a increase community safety O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of reducing reduce crime, anti social relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the behaviour and increase community safety. policy policy To increase the population’s access and Neither of the proposed options have a opportunity to participate in culture, media and O O significant relationship with the sustainability sport in Charnwood There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of increasing the population’s access relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the and opportunity to participate in culture, media policy policy and sport in Charnwood. To ensure that the housing stock meets the Having a variable requirement for affordable housing needs of all sections of the community × © housing would allow better performance Requiring affordable housing to be provided as Varying requirements for affordable housing will against the sustainability objective of ensuring part of development will have a positive effect maximise positive effects towards this criterion, 237 113 Affordable Housing - Alternative Approaches to Affordable Housing Provision Varying requirements of affordable houses Requiring affordable housing to be provided at according to affordable housing need in the Overall Commentary the same percentage across the Borough. area and according to viability of each area. towards this objective as it will result in a as it will allow affordable housing to be that the housing stock meets the housing needs supply of housing types appropriate to the delivered in areas of high need so that it is of all sections of the community needs of the community, and could help to appropriate to the needs of each community. reduce homelessness. To reduce poverty and social exclusion Varying requirements for affordable housing will × © maximise positive effects towards this objective Requiring affordable housing to be provided as Varying requirements for affordable housing will of reducing poverty and social exclusion. part of development will have a positive effect maximise positive effects towards this towards this objective as it will result in a objective, as it will allow affordable housing to supply of housing types appropriate to the be delivered in areas of high need so that it is needs of the community, helping to reduce appropriate to the needs of each community, poverty and social exclusion. helping to reduce poverty and social exclusion. To increase learning, skills and employability for There is no relationship or no significant all sectors of the community O O relationship between the objective and the There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant policy. relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the policy policy To increase the vibrancy and viability of Having a variable requirement for affordable settlements × © housing would allow better performance The provision of affordable housing helps to Varying requirements for affordable housing will against the sustainability objective of increasing provide a balanced sustainable community maximise the delivery of affordable housing and the vibrancy and viability of settlements. contributing towards this objective. help to provide a balanced sustainable community contributing towards this objective. To increase sustainable design and construction Neither of the proposed options have a O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of increasing sustainable design and relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the construction. policy policy To increase healthy life styles Having a variable requirement for affordable × © housing would allow better performance Requiring affordable housing to be provided as Varying requirements for affordable housing will against the sustainability objective of increasing part of development will have a positive effect maximise the delivery of affordable housing and healthy life styles. towards this objective as the provision of good will have a positive effect towards this objective quality housing can help to reduce health as the provision of good quality housing can inequalities. help to reduce health inequalities. To encourage a sustainable economy Neither of the proposed options have a O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of encouraging a sustainable relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the economy. policy policy 238 114 Affordable Housing - Alternative Approaches to Affordable Housing Provision Varying requirements of affordable houses Requiring affordable housing to be provided at according to affordable housing need in the Overall Commentary the same percentage across the Borough. area and according to viability of each area. To increase efficient patterns of movement to Neither of the proposed options have a support a sustainable economy O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of increasing efficient patterns of relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the movement to support a sustainable economy policy policy To reduce disparities in economic performance Neither of the proposed options have a O O significant relationship with the sustainability There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant objective of reducing disparities in economic relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the performance. policy policy

239 115 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Settlement Hierarchy Two options are considered for this policy. Under both options the majority of new development will be directed to locations within or adjoining Loughborough/ Shepshed, Birstall and Thurmaston and other locations adjoining the Leicester Principal Urban Area. Option 1 would provide greater flexibility in terms of locating development outside of Service Centres.

Options 1 Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements Below Service Centre Option 1 would allow some limited provision for the development needs of Service Centres and settlements of 3 or more services, in keeping with their scale and their character. Under Option 1 Development may exceptionally be permitted in a settlement with two or fewer key services and facilities in cases where no suitable sites are available in nearby higher order settlements. Development would be restricted to small scale schemes meeting proven local affordable housing needs, providing community facilities or diversifying the rural economy.

Option 2 More Restrictive Approach to Development in Settlements Below Service Centre Under Option 2 there would still be an allowance for development in Service Centres but In other settlements with 3 or more services, new development will be restricted to small scale schemes meeting proven local needs for housing, community or employment provision.

Option 1 might result in around 500 more homes being provided in settlements that are not classed as Service Centres.

Affordable Housing - Affordable Housing Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 2: Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements More Restrictive Approach to Development in Overall Commentary Below Service Centre Settlements Below Service Centre To maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora There is no overall difference between the two and fauna D D policy approaches in terms of how they There maybe a correlation between villages and There maybe a correlation between villages maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora and higher levels of species diversity, flora and fauna and higher levels of species diversity, flora and fauna but the significance of this will depend on the fauna but the significance of this will depend on characteristics of the sites selected for the characteristics of the sites selected for development development To maintain and enhance landscape and Overall there is not considered to be a townscape character × × difference between the 2 options in terms of The use of brownfield sites in smaller settlements Development in larger villages will affect the their potential to maintain and enhance will reduce the need to extend towns into open townscape qualities of these settlements; landscape and townscape character 240 116 Affordable Housing - Affordable Housing Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 2: Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements More Restrictive Approach to Development in Overall Commentary Below Service Centre Settlements Below Service Centre and rural landscapes of surrounding countryside/ however design would be expected to green wedges. Increased levels of developments maintain and enhance this character. in villages below Service Centre level may increase light pollution in more rural/sensitive areas, however this is not considered to be a very a significant factor. Increased levels of development in smaller villages will affect the townscape qualities of these settlements, however design would be expected to maintain and enhance this character. To protect and improve surface and Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral groundwater quality across both options To minimise water consumption Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across both options To improve air quality Option 2 has more potential than option 1 to Ø × positively contribute towards the achievement In general terms concentration of development in In general terms concentration of development of this objective by decreasing the need to main urban areas and Service Centres generally in main urban areas and Service Centres travel and reducing the distances travelled by better served by bus and/ or rail should reduce the generally better served by bus and/ or rail car. need to travel and distances travelled by car with should reduce the need to travel and distances shorter distances to jobs, services and facilities. travelled by car with shorter distances to jobs, services and facilities. Option 1 may not positively contribute towards the improvement of air quality; as it may increase There should be a greater propensity for the need to travel and distances travelled by car. cycling, walking and use of public transport because many locations should be within convenient walking distance of good quality bus routes, and some close to rail stations. However urban concentration could have a negative impact on air quality in designated AQMAs in Loughborough. Mitigation measures will be needed if development would add to problems here. Option 2 may contribute towards the improvement of air quality by decreasing the need to travel and reducing the distances travelled by car. To conserve soil resources and quality Option 1 provides limited potential to minimise × D the need for further greenfield development in The use of brownfield sites in rural locations will Depends on location as which affect the best other parts of the borough, and may perform reduce the need to extend towns into open and and most versatile agricultural land. marginally more positively than option in terms

241 117 Affordable Housing - Affordable Housing Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 2: Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements More Restrictive Approach to Development in Overall Commentary Below Service Centre Settlements Below Service Centre rural landscapes of surrounding countryside. of conserving soil resources and quality. Depends on location as which affects the best and most versatile agricultural land. To reduce contributions to climate change Option 2 has more potential than option 1 to Ø × positively contribute towards the achievement In general terms concentration of development in In general terms concentration of development of this objective by decreasing the need to main urban areas and Service Centres generally in main urban areas and Service Centres travel and reducing the distances travelled by better served by bus and/ or rail should reduce the generally better served by bus and/ or rail car need to travel and distances travelled by car with should reduce the need to travel and distances shorter distances to jobs, services and facilities. travelled by car with shorter distances to jobs, services and facilities. Option 1 may not reduce contributions to climate change, as it may increase the need to travel and There should be a greater propensity for increase distances travelled by car. cycling, walking and use of public transport because many locations should be within convenient walking distance of good quality. Option 2 may reduce contributions to climate change by decreasing the need to travel and reducing the distances travelled by car. To reduce vulnerability to climate change Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral New development will give the opportunity to New development will give the opportunity to across both options construct buildings able to adapt to climate construct buildings able to adapt to climate variations and flooding through sustainable design variations and flooding through sustainable and construction techniques (see Leading in design and construction techniques (see Design SPD). Some smaller settlements are within Leading in Design SPD). Parts of some main or close to areas at risk from flooding urban areas and Service Centres are within or close to areas at risk from flooding To conserve and enhance the historic and Performance against is dependent on location. cultural environment D D Sensitively designed development and Sensitively designed development and regeneration schemes in smaller villages could regeneration schemes in smaller villages could enable refurbishment of listed buildings, help enable refurbishment of listed buildings, help conserve or enhance conservation areas and conserve or enhance conservation areas and provide local distinctiveness. This is dependent provide local distinctiveness. This is dependent upon location. upon location To increase the re-use of previously Development in smaller settlements is likely to developed land and buildings × Ø be on brownfield land and increase the Development in smaller settlements is likely to be There may be greater requirement for opportunity to use brownfield development on brownfield land and increase the opportunity greenfield development compared to option 1 across the borough. Option 1 may perform to use brownfield development across the however this may be marginal. 242 118 Affordable Housing - Affordable Housing Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 2: Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements More Restrictive Approach to Development in Overall Commentary Below Service Centre Settlements Below Service Centre borough, which contributes towards this objective. marginally better against this sustainability objective than option 2. To reduce the extraction of new & The objective of reducing the extraction of increase the re-use of recycled minerals D D new & increasing the re-use of recycled and aggregates resources minerals and aggregates resources is dependent upon location. To manage waste in accordance with the Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, New development will give the opportunity to New development will give the opportunity to across both options commercial and industrial) reduce, re-use and recycle waste through reduce, re-use and recycle waste through sustainable design and construction techniques sustainable design and construction techniques To minimise the use of energy and optimise Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral the use of renewable resources across both options. To increase the population’s access to a full Option 2 would perform better against this range of public, private, community and ª Ø objective as there would be greater potential voluntary services Allowing development in settlements with fewest Only allowing development in settlements to access a range of public, private, community services and facilities may not be consistent with which have 3 or more services and facilities and voluntary services. this objective as it would mean people would need would mean that people would need to travel to travel to other settlements to access to a full to other settlements to access to a full range of range of public, private, community and voluntary public, private, community and voluntary services services To increase access to the countryside, Both options would allow access to the public open spaces and semi urban D D countryside. Access to existing areas of open environments (eg parks) Both options would allow access to the Both options would allow access to the space would depend on location. The small countryside. Access to existing areas of open countryside. Access to existing areas of open scale of development in both options would space would depend on location. The small scale space would depend on location. The small mean that there would be limited potential to of development in both options would mean that scale of development in both options would contribute towards gaps in areas of Green there would be limited potential to contribute mean that there would be limited potential to Infrastructure. towards gaps in areas of Green Infrastructure. contribute towards gaps in areas of Green Infrastructure. To promote a strong community where Both of the options would have a marginally people feel they have a say in the future × × positive effect towards the sustainability Development and regeneration schemes can help Development and regeneration schemes can objective. Development and regeneration improve environments, create local employment help improve environments, create local schemes can help improve environments, opportunities, contribute to improved services and employment opportunities, contribute to create local employment opportunities, facilities and in doing so strengthen communities. improved services and facilities and in doing so contribute to improved services and facilities Development is of a limited scale and so potential strengthen communities. Development is of a and in doing so strengthen communities. . to affect this objective would be limited. limited scale and so potential to affect this objective would be limited. To reduce crime, anti social behaviour and × × New development will give the opportunity to 243 119 Affordable Housing - Affordable Housing Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 2: Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements More Restrictive Approach to Development in Overall Commentary Below Service Centre Settlements Below Service Centre increase community safety New development will give the opportunity to New development will give the opportunity to reduce crime and the fear of crime through reduce crime and the fear of crime through reduce crime and the fear of crime through sustainable design and construction techniques. sustainable design and construction techniques. sustainable design and construction techniques. There would be a marginal effect against this There would be a marginal effect against this There would be a marginal effect against this sustainability objective. sustainability objective. sustainability objective. To increase the population’s access and Overall option 2 performs better in terms of opportunity to participate in culture, media ª Ø increasing the population’s access and and sport in Charnwood This policy option may not be consistent with this Compared to option 1, there may be greater opportunity to participate in culture, media and sustainability objective as access to sports, arts, and access to sports, arts, and culture and leisure sport in Charnwood, however neither option culture and leisure facilities is more restricted in facilities. There may be little potential for the perform positively against this sustainability smaller settlements. There may be less potential development of facilities due to population size objective. for the development of facilities due to population of these settlements. size of these settlements. To ensure that the housing stock meets the Both options have a significant positive effect housing needs of all sections of the © © towards the objective of ensuring that the community This option would allow for affordable housing to This option would allow for affordable housing housing stock meets the housing needs of all be delivered in rural areas where there was an to be delivered in rural areas where there was sections of the community. identified local need. This option may allow an identified local need greater choice for where people choose to live. To reduce poverty and social exclusion Overall both options may have significantly © © positive and negatives effects against the This option would allow for affordable housing to This option would allow for affordable housing objective of reducing poverty and social be delivered in rural areas where there was an to be delivered in rural areas where there was exclusion. identified local need. This option may allow an identified local need Housing may be greater choice for where people choose to live. provided in locations that are less well served Housing may be provided in locations that are less by services and facilities and may not be well served by services and facilities and may not consistent with the objective of reducing be consistent with the objective of reducing poverty and social exclusion. poverty and social exclusion. To increase learning, skills and employability Overall option 2 performs better in terms of for all sectors of the community ª Ø increasing opportunities for learning, skills and This policy option may not be consistent with this Compared to option 1, opportunities for employment, however neither option perform sustainability objective as access to opportunities learning skills and employment. There may be positively against this sustainability objective for learning skills and employment is more little potential for the development of facilities restricted in smaller settlements. There may be due to population size of these settlements less potential for the development of facilities due to population size of these settlements. To increase the vibrancy and viability of Performance against is dependent on how the settlements D D policy is implemented. Development in villages may improve the Development in villages may improve the 244 120 Affordable Housing - Affordable Housing Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 2: Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements More Restrictive Approach to Development in Overall Commentary Below Service Centre Settlements Below Service Centre attractiveness of these settlements in terms of attractiveness of these settlements in terms of vibrancy and viability; however, this depends on vibrancy and viability; however, this depends on how the policy is implemented how the policy is implemented. To increase sustainable design and Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral construction New development will give the opportunity to use New development will give the opportunity to across both options sustainable design and construction techniques use sustainable design and construction techniques To increase healthy life styles Overall option 2 performs better in terms of ª Ø increasing healthy lifestyles, however neither This policy option may not be consistent with this This policy option may not be consistent with option perform positively against this sustainability objective as access healthcare facilities this sustainability objective as access healthcare sustainability objective. Access to Green is more restricted in smaller settlements facilities is more restricted in smaller Infrastructure is dependent upon location. settlements Development in villages below Service Centre level is unlikely to be of sufficient size to include Development in villages below Service Centre additional provision of healthcare facilities as part level is unlikely to be of sufficient size to include of the new development but new development additional provision of healthcare facilities as might help maintain the need for existing facilities. part of the new development but new development might help maintain existing Being located near to the green infrastructure facilities. Being located next to green network is likely to help to increase healthy infrastructure is likely to help improve healthy lifestyles. Access to Green Infrastructure is lifestyles. Access to Green Infrastructure is dependent upon location. dependent upon location To encourage a sustainable economy Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral It is unlikely that the development in villages would It is unlikely that the development in villages across both options include employment provision. would include employment provision To increase efficient patterns of movement Option 2 would perform better than option 1 to support a sustainable economy Ø × in terms of increasing efficient patterns of In general terms concentration of development in In general terms concentration of development movement to support a sustainable economy. main urban areas and Service Centres generally in main urban areas and Service Centres better served by bus and/ or rail should reduce the generally better served by bus and/or rail need to travel and distances travelled by car with should reduce the need to travel and distances shorter distances to jobs, services and facilities. travelled by car with shorter distances to jobs, services and facilities. There should be a greater propensity for cycling, walking and use of public transport because many There should be a greater propensity for locations should be within convenient walking cycling, walking and use of public transport distance of good quality bus routes, and some because many locations should be within close to rail stations. Option 1 may increase convenient walking distance of good quality.

245 121 Affordable Housing - Affordable Housing Options Below Service Centre Option 1: Option 2: Greater Flexibility for Development in Settlements More Restrictive Approach to Development in Overall Commentary Below Service Centre Settlements Below Service Centre efficient patterns of movement, as it may increase Option 2 may increase efficient patterns by the need to travel and increase distances travelled decreasing the need to travel and reducing the by car. distances travelled by car. To reduce disparities in economic Neutral Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral performance It is unlikely that the development in villages would It is unlikely that the development in villages across both options include employment provision. would include employment provision.

246 122 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision To maintain and enhance Difficult to assess the likely biodiversity, flora and fauna ª D D D impact of gypsy, traveller and Not allocating land for sites Providing for gypsy, traveller It is recognised that some Sites in more rural locations showpeople sites on this means that there is greater and showpeople sites as part urban sites may have may be detrimental, but this objective as only option 2 likelihood of unauthorised of SUE provision will enable a biodiversity interests and so is dependent on location. provides any indication as to gypsy, traveller and comprehensive development there may be need to lessen a potential site location. showpeople sites which could proposal to be considered the potential impacts through impact on the objective. and the impact on mitigation measures on sustainability objectives will be relevant sites. Not allocating land for gypsy, similar to that for the SUE as traveller and showpeople a whole. sites would mean that there is no scope to plan for sites to ensure that they are designed and in locations which minimise the impact upon biodiversity, flora and fauna. To maintain and enhance Difficult to assess the likely landscape and townscape ª D D D impact of gypsy, traveller and character Not allocating land for gypsy, Providing for gypsy, traveller Provision of gypsy, traveller Provision of sites in more showpeople sites on this traveller and showpeople and showpeople sites as part and showpeople sites in rural areas may have a objective as only option 2 sites means that there is of SUE provision will enable a urban locations may reduce detrimental impact upon provides any indication as to greater likelihood of comprehensive development the impact upon wider wider landscape. Design a potential site location. unauthorised sites. proposal to be considered landscape, but may have a policy in the Core strategy and the impact on detrimental impact upon will be important to ensure 247 123 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision Not allocating land for sites sustainability objectives will be townscapes if poorly development uses good would mean that there is not similar to that for the SUE as designed. Design policy in design principles and the scope to locate and a whole. the Core strategy will be responds to local context. design sites in a way which important to ensure minimises impact upon the development uses good landscape and townscape. design principles and responds to local context. To protect and improve surface Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral This is a neutral factor across and groundwater quality Not allocating land for sites The groundwater beneath The groundwater beneath The groundwater beneath the options. means that there is greater the Borough does not supply the Borough does not supply the Borough does not supply likelihood of unauthorised drinking water and it is not drinking water and it is not drinking water and it is not sites. considered to be particularly considered to be particularly considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from susceptible to pollution from susceptible to pollution from However, the groundwater surface sources. surface sources. surface sources. beneath the Borough does not supply drinking water and it is not considered to be particularly susceptible to pollution from surface sources.

There is some risk that unauthorised sites may cause some negative impact upon groundwater quality depending on where they are located and pollution is dealt with. To minimise water consumption The code for sustainable Ø © × × homes will begin to impact Not allocating land for sites Planning for sites as part of There may be some limited There may be some limited on the energy efficiency of means that there is greater wider SUE schemes provides scope for planned scope for planned new dwellings by 2013 and likelihood of unauthorised the greatest potential for development to reduce water development to reduce water code six will be mandatory by sites. linking with Sustainable urban consumption. consumption. 2016. The code requires There may be some limited drainage schemes and grey developers to minimise water scope for planned water reclamation due to the consumption and to integrate development to reduce economies of scale involved water recycling as part of water consumption. development schemes.

248 124 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision To improve air quality Generally speaking focusing Ø © × Ø new sites close to existing or Not allocating land for sites Planning for sites as part of Urban locations have better Rural locations do not have proposed services and means that there is greater overall SUEs provides better access to public transport, as good access to public facilities will lessen the need likelihood of unauthorised access to public transport, cycling and walking facilities transport. Distances to key to travel by private car and sites. cycling and walking facilities as and so there is the potential facilities tend to be longer this will help to limit air well as services and to reduce car use and its and less suitable for walking pollution in the borough. It is Not allocating land for gypsy community facilities. There is effects upon air quality. These and cycling. More rural recognised that showpeople and traveller sites would therefore potential to reduce locations may be less well locations tend to encourage may be more suited to reduce the potential for gypsy car use and its impact on air suited to showpeople who the use of the private car and locations in rural locations and traveller sites to be quality. SUE locations may be maintain livestock. its effects on air quality. Sites where they have livestock. located in sustainable suitable for showpeople with in rural areas may be more locations reducing the need livestock where suitable sites appropriate for showpeople to travel by car. on the edge of the who have livestock countryside can be found To conserve soil resources and Option 3 urban quality ª ª © D concentration performs the Not allocating land for sites Allocating sites as part of SUE Development in urban areas Performance against this best against this criterion. means that there is greater options may lead to the loss offers the opportunity for criterion will be dependent Options 1 and 2 perform the likelihood of unauthorised of grade 2 or Grade 3 beneficial use of previously upon whether previously least well against the sites. agricultural land developed/contaminated developed sites can be found objective of conserving soil land. in rural locations. In order to resources and quality. Not allocating land for sites minimise the loss of soil would mean that there is no resources and quality. scope to locate sites away from the best and most versatile agricultural land. To reduce contributions to climate Option 2 (provision with change ª © × Ø sustainable urban extensions Not allocating land for sites Planning for sites as part of Urban locations have better Rural locations do not have performs the best against this means that there is greater overall SUEs provides better access to public transport, as good access to public objective. Option 1 (no likelihood of unauthorised access to public transport, cycling and walking facilities transport. Distances to key provision) performs the worst sites. cycling and walking facilities as and so there is the potential facilities tend to be longer against the objective of well as services and to reduce car use and its and less suitable for walking reducing contributions to Not allocating land for gypsy community facilities. There is effects upon carbon and cycling. More rural climate change. and traveller sites would therefore potential to reduce emissions. The opportunities locations tend to encourage reduce the potential for gypsy car use and its impact on air to benefit from economies of the use of the private car and and traveller sites to be quality. Planning for a scale in relation to measures its effects on carbon located in sustainable sustainable urban extension to mitigate or adapt to emissions. Sites in rural areas locations reducing the need provides an opportunity to climate change are less may be more appropriate for 249 125 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision to travel by car. benefit from economies of obvious than for option 2 showpeople who have scale to further reduce the livestock impact of development on These locations may be less the climate through schemes well suited to showpeople such as district heating/power, who maintain livestock. SUDs and grey water recycling

SUE locations may be suitable for showpeople with livestock where suitable sites on the edge of the countryside can be found To reduce vulnerability to climate Option 1 (no provision) change ª D D D performs the worst against Not allocating land for sites Performance against this Performance against this Performance against this the objective of reducing the means that there is greater criterion is dependent upon criterion is dependent upon criterion is dependent upon vulnerability to climate likelihood of unauthorised location in relation to areas of location in relation to areas of location in relation to areas of change. For all the other sites. flooding. flooding. flooding. options performance against this objective depends on Not allocating sites for gypsy location in relation to areas of and traveller sites would flooding. remove the scope to locate development away from areas of floodplain. To conserve and enhance the Option 1 (no provision) historic and cultural environment ª D D D performs the worst against Not allocating land for sites Performance against this Performance against this Performance against this the objective of conserving means that there is greater criterion is dependent upon criterion is dependent upon criterion is dependent upon and enhancing the historic likelihood of unauthorised location in relation to historic location in relation to historic location in relation to historic and cultural environment. sites. or cultural assets. or cultural assets. or cultural assets. For all the other options performance against this Not allocating sites for gypsy objective depends on and traveller sites would location in relation to areas of remove the scope to locate historical and cultural development where it importance. minimises the impact upon the historic and cultural environment.

250 126 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision To increase the re-use of Option 3 (urban previously developed land and ª ª × D concentration) performs the buildings Not allocating land for sites Development in SUEs is Development in urban areas Performance against this best against the objective of means that there is greater unlikely to make use of any offers the opportunity for criterion will be dependent increasing the re-use of likelihood of unauthorised significant previously beneficial use of previously upon whether previously previously developed land sites. developed/contaminated developed/contaminated land developed sites can be found and buildings. Options 1 and land. where this is located in in rural locations. 2 perform the worst against Not allocating sites for gypsy suitable places. this objective. and traveller sites would remove the scope to locate development where it maximises the re-use of brownfield land. To reduce the extraction of new Option 1 would perform & increase the re-use of recycled ª O O O negatively against the minerals and aggregates resources Not allocating land for sites New development will give New development will give New development will give objective of reducing the means that there is greater the opportunity to encourage the opportunity to encourage the opportunity to encourage extraction of minerals. All likelihood of unauthorised sustainable extraction, re-use sustainable extraction, re-use sustainable extraction, re-use the other options would not sites. These may be found on and recycling of minerals and and recycling of minerals and and recycling of minerals and have a significant relationship mineral sites and there is a aggregates resources through aggregates resources through aggregates resources through with this objective. chance that they could affect sustainable design and sustainable design and sustainable design and the operation of mineral construction techniques. construction techniques. construction techniques. operations or affect sensitive areas or areas landscaped under remediation conditions. To manage waste in accordance Option 2 (provision within with the waste hierarchy in all ª © × Ø SUEs) would perform the sectors (i.e. household, Not allocating land for sites Planned new site provision Planned new site provision Planned new site provision best against this sustainability commercial and industrial) means that there is greater will give the opportunity to will give the opportunity to will give the opportunity to objective. Option 1 (no likelihood of unauthorised reduce, re-use and recycle reduce, re-use and recycle reduce, re-use and recycle provision) would perform the sites and incidence negligent waste through sustainable waste through sustainable waste through sustainable worst against the objective of waste disposal. design and construction design and construction design and construction managing waste in techniques (see Leading in techniques (see Leading in techniques (see Leading in accordance with the waste Design SPD). SUEs provide Design SPD). It will be Design SPD). It will be hierarchy. the greatest opportunity for important to ensure that important to ensure that the local reuse of waste smaller schemes incorporate smaller schemes incorporate through schemes such as sustainable practises that help sustainable practises that help incineration for CHP or minimise and avoid waste and minimise and avoid waste. district composting. tap into opportunities that The remoteness of some exist near by. rural areas may make the 251 127 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision collection of waste unsustainable To minimise the use of energy and Option 2 (provision within optimise the use of renewable ª © × × SUEs) would perform the resources Not allocating sites for gypsy, New development is likely to New development is likely to New development is likely to best against this objective of traveller and showpeople result in an increase in energy result in an increase in energy result in an increase in energy minimising energy use and sites would remove the use but this could be use but this could be use but this could be optimising the use of scope to reduce energy use minimised through sustainable minimised through sustainable minimised through sustainable renewable energy. Option 1 and optimise the use of design and construction. SUE design and construction. design and construction. (no provision) would perform renewable resources through locations provide an the worst against this the planning process. opportunity to objective. comprehensively plan for zero carbon development To increase the population’s Options 2 and 3 would access to a full range of public, ª © © Ø perform the best against the private, community and voluntary Under this option there is a Planning for sites as part of Sites located in urban areas Rural locations do not have objective of increasing the services risk that unauthorised sites overall SUEs provides the are likely to have reasonable as good access to public population’s access to a full would result in poor access greatest opportunity to plan walking, cycling and public transport. Distances to key range of public, private, to basic amenities and for mixed and balanced transport access to a full facilities tend to be longer community and voluntary services for gypsies, travellers communities with access to range of services and facilities. and less suitable for walking services. Option 1 would and showpeople. public transport, cycling and and cycling. perform the worst against this walking facilities as well as objective. new services and community facilities. To increase access to the Option 2 (provision within countryside, public open spaces ? © D D SUEs) would perform the and semi urban environments (eg Not allocating land for sites SUE locations provide the Access to the countryside Access to the countryside best against the objective of parks) means that there is greater best opportunity to plan for a and public open spaces is and public open spaces is increasing access to the likelihood of unauthorised comprehensive development dependent upon location. dependent upon location. countryside. For options 3 sites. that includes new open space and 4 it would depend on and maximises the potential how the policy is Unauthorised sites can often for linkages to green implemented. It is not known be found within areas of infrastructure. All SUE how option 1 would perform. countryside or on highway locations are within or on the verges in remoter parts of the edge of the countryside district. As such access to the countryside in these cases is good. However access is not always legal which may lead to problems of trespass and 252 128 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision verges present a safety issue for children and traffic.

Providing for gypsy and traveller sites in a planned way can ensure that sites are integrated with existing or new open space and for linkages to be made with green infrastructure. To promote a strong community Options 2, 3 and 4 would all where people feel they have a say ª © © © have a significantly positive in the future Not allocating sites would Although there may be the Although there may be the Although there may be the effect against promoting a mean that there would be no potential for objections from potential for objections from potential for objections from strong community, where objections to the site new traveller site provision, new traveller site provision, new traveller site provision, people feel they have a say in development during the LDF planned provision through planned provision through planned provision through the future. Option 1 (no process. There would the LDF allows for the the LDF allows for the the LDF allows for the provision) would have a however be the risk that engagement with the engagement with the engagement with the significantly negative effect unauthorised developments community, and increases community, and increases community, and increases against this objective. would take place, which capacity to influence capacity to influence capacity to influence would decrease community decisions. decisions. decisions. engagement and the capacity of the local community to influence decisions. To reduce crime, anti social Option 2 would perform the behaviour and increase community ª © × × best against this objective of safety Not allocating land for sites Planning for gypsy, traveller Planned New site provision Planned New site provision reducing crime and antisocial means that there is greater and showpeople as part of a could give the opportunity to could l give the opportunity behaviour, whilst option 1 likelihood of unauthorised SUE provides an opportunity reduce crime and the fear of to reduce crime and the fear would perform the worst sites. This may lead to to integrate them as part of a crime through sustainable of crime through sustainable having a significantly negative incidences of anti-social new community. It would also design and construction design and construction impact against this objective. behaviour either from the site give the opportunity to techniques (see Leading in techniques (see Leading in or from existing communities reduce crime and the fear of Design SPD). However, Design SPD). However, there opposed to the encampment crime through sustainable there is less opportunity to is less opportunity to and an increase in the fear of design and construction overcome prejudice and overcome prejudice and crime. techniques (see Leading in NIMBYism NIMBYism Design SPD). To increase the population’s Options 2 and 3 perform the access and opportunity to ª © © × best against the sustainability

253 129 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision participate in culture, media and Under this option it is likely Under this option it is likely Under this option it is likely This option offers less objective of increasing access sport in Charnwood that there would be poor that there would be an that there would be an potential to access facilities to culture, media and sport. access to basic amenities and opportunity for gypsy and opportunity for gypsy and for culture media and sport, Option 1 would perform the services for gypsies, travellers travellers to gain access to travellers to gain access to other than by private least well against this and showpeople. venues for culture, media and venues for culture, media and transport. Planned provision objective. sport sport. would however offer the potential for sites to be located close to reasonable transport routes, and facilities in smaller settlements. To ensure that the housing stock Options, 2, 3 and 4 perform meets the housing needs of all ª © © © the best against the objective sections of the community There is an identified need This option would allow for This option would allow for This option would allow for of ensuring that housing for gypsy, traveller and the planned provision of the planned provision of the planned provision of needs of all sections of the showpeople accommodation gypsy and traveller sites to gypsy and traveller sites to gypsy and traveller sites to community are met. Option in the Borough which would meet and identified need. meet and identified need. meet and identified need. 1 performs the least well not be met under this option. against this objective. To reduce poverty and social Option 2 perform the best exclusion ª © × × against the objective of It is likely that there would be The planned provision of The planned provision of The planned provision of reducing poverty and social poor access to basic gypsy, traveller and gypsy, traveller and gypsy and traveller sites exclusion, whilst option 1 amenities and services for showpeople sites would help showpeople sites would help would help to reduce social would perform the worst and gypsies, travellers and to reduce social exclusion. to reduce social exclusion. exclusion. Provision in rural would have a significantly showpeople, living on Provision in urban areas Provision in urban areas areas offers potential for negative impact against this unauthorised sites. offers potential for integration offers potential for integration integration with the host objective. within a new community. with the host community community although it is although it is accepted that accepted that prejudice and prejudice and NIMBYism will NIMBYism will be difficult to be difficult to overcome in overcome in some areas. some areas To increase learning, skills and Option 2 perform the best employability for all sectors of the ª © × ? against the objective of community Under this option it is likely Planned provision as part of Meeting the identified need Meeting the identified need in increasing learning, skills and that there would be poor SUEs will increase the within urban areas provides a a dispersed way makes it less employability, whilst option 1 access to basic amenities and opportunity to access linkage to a network of likely that all sites will be able would perform the worst and services for gypsies, travellers education and employability existing educational facilities to benefit from the same would have significantly and showpeople. for all sectors of the gypsy, and jobs. level of access to education, negative impact against this traveller and showpeople training and jobs without objective. community reliance on transportation.

254 130 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision To increase the vibrancy and Options 2, 3 and 4 would viability of settlements ª × × × have a marginally positive Not allocating land for sites Planned provision may offer Planned provision may offer Planned provision may offer effect against this objective means that there is greater the potential for schemes to the potential for schemes to the potential for schemes to whilst option 1 would have a likelihood of unauthorised be designed and sited to be designed and sited to be designed and sited to significantly negative effect in sites. minimise the impact upon minimise the impact upon minimise the impact upon terms of increasing the settlement identity. Impact settlement identity. Impact settlement identity. Impact vibrancy and viability of Not allocating land for sites upon vibrancy of settlements upon vibrancy of settlements upon vibrancy of settlements settlements. would mean that there is no depends on location depends on location. depends on location. scope to locate and design sites in a way which minimises impact upon the landscape and townscape. Unauthorised encampments may cause resentment amongst the local community To increase sustainable design and Options 2, 3 and 4 perform construction ª © © © the best against the objective There is very little Allocating sites for gypsy, Allocating sites for gypsy, Allocating sites for gypsy, of increasing sustainable opportunity to incorporate travellers and showpeople travellers and showpeople travellers and showpeople design and construction, sustainable design and will give the opportunity to will give the opportunity to will give the opportunity to whilst option 1 performs the construction techniques in use sustainable design and use sustainable design and use sustainable design and worst and would have a unauthorised sites. construction techniques (see construction techniques (see construction techniques (see significantly negative impact Leading in Design SPD). Leading in Design SPD). Leading in Design SPD). against this objective,

To increase healthy life styles Options 2 and 3 would ª © © × perform the best against this Under this option it is likely The allocation of gypsy, The allocation of gypsy, The allocation of gypsy, objective and would have a that gypsy and travellers traveller and showpeople traveller and showpeople traveller and showpeople significantly positive impact. would have poor access to sites in SUE areas offers sites in urban areas offers sites in more dispersed areas Option 1 would have a services and facilities such as greatest potential for access greatest potential for access offers less potential for access significantly negative impact healthcare and leisure facilities to services and facilities such to services and facilities such to services and facilities such and would perform the worst which may help to increase as healthcare and leisure as healthcare and leisure as healthcare and leisure against the objective of healthy lifestyles. facilities which may help to facilities which may help to facilities which may help to increasing healthy lifestyles. increase healthy lifestyles. increase healthy lifestyles. increase healthy lifestyles. To encourage a sustainable There is not considered to be economy O O O O a strong link between this There is not considered to be There is not considered to be There is not considered to be There is not considered to be objective and the provision of a strong link between this a strong link between this a strong link between this a strong link between this gypsy, traveller and objective and the provision of objective and the provision of objective and the provision of objective and the provision of 255 131 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation - Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sustainability Appraisal Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 No provision SUE provision Urban concentration Dispersed Provision Overall Commentary Provision gypsy, traveller and gypsy, traveller and gypsy, traveller and gypsy, traveller and showpeople sites. showpeople sites. showpeople sites. showpeople sites. showpeople sites. To increase efficient patterns of Options 2 and 3 would movement to support a ª © © Ø perform the best against this sustainable economy Not allocating land for gypsy Allocating sites in SUE areas Allocating sites in urban areas The location of gypsy and objective and would have a and traveller sites would would maximise the would maximise the traveller sites in more significantly positive impact. reduce the potential for gypsy opportunity for journeys to opportunity for journeys to dispersed locations reduces Option 1 would have a and traveller sites to be be made by non-car modes be made by non-car modes the potential for modes of significantly negative impact located in sustainable of transport, which may help of transport, which may help transport other than the and would perform the worst locations which could reduce to increase efficient patterns to increase efficient patterns private car to be used. against the objective of the need to travel by car. It is of movement. of movement. increasing efficient patterns of noted that showpeople may movement to support a live and work on the same sustainable economy. site for part of the year. To reduce disparities in economic There is not considered to be performance O O O O a strong link between this There is not considered to be There is not considered to be There is not considered to be There is not considered to be objective and the provision of a strong link between this a strong link between this a strong link between this a strong link between this gypsy and traveller sites. objective and the provision of objective and the provision of objective and the provision of objective and the provision of gypsy and traveller sites. gypsy and traveller sites. gypsy and traveller sites. gypsy and traveller sites.

256 132 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Alternative Approaches to Environmental Performance of New Buildings Option 1: Option 2: Carry out minimum environmental standards In addition to environmental standards set out through building regulations and include 10% in option 1 set higher standards for energy Overall Commentary requirement for energy of major new performance in sustainable urban extensions/ development to be met through on-site areas having greater potential for renewable/ renewable/low carbon energy. low carbon energy generation. To maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora There is no significant difference between the and fauna × × performances of the two options against this Having 10% requirement for energy of new Having 10% requirement for energy of new sustainability objective. development to be met through on-site development to be met through on-site renewable energy may limit localised renewable energy may limit localised emissions and contribute towards this emissions. In addition to this encouraging a objective. higher level of environmental performance in certain locations around the borough will contribute towards this objective. To maintain and enhance landscape and There is no significant difference between the townscape character Ø/D Ø/D performances of the two options against this Small scale renewable energy installations do Small scale renewable energy installations do sustainability objective. have the potential to affect landscape and have the potential to affect landscape and townscape character, but this is dependent townscape character, but this is dependent upon how they are designed into the upon how they are designed into the development.. development. To protect and improve surface and There is no significant difference between the groundwater quality O O performances of the two options against this Code For Sustainable Homes includes specific Code For Sustainable Homes/BREEAM sustainability objective. credits for surface water run-off. include specific credits for surface water run- off. Introduction of specific code standards for water run-off would increase performance against this criterion.

257 133 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Alternative Approaches to Environmental Performance of New Buildings Option 1: Option 2: Carry out minimum environmental standards In addition to environmental standards set out through building regulations and include 10% in option 1 set higher standards for energy Overall Commentary requirement for energy of major new performance in sustainable urban extensions/ development to be met through on-site areas having greater potential for renewable/ renewable/low carbon energy. low carbon energy generation. To minimise water consumption There is no relationship or no significant O O relationship between the objective and the policy Code For Sustainable Homes includes specific Code For Sustainable Homes/BREEAM credits for surface water consumption. include specific credits for water consumption. Introduction of specific code standards would Introduction of specific code standards would increase performance against this criterion increase performance against this criterion. To improve air quality Option 2 would perform better against this O × criterion. The Code For Sustainable Homes include The Code For Sustainable Homes/BREEAM specific credits for pollution and higher include specific credits for pollution and standards for energy/CO2 emissions. higher standards for energy/CO2 emissions. Introduction of higher code standards would increase performance against this criterion. To conserve soil resources and quality There is no relationship or no significant O O relationship between the objective and the policy No significant relationship. No significant relationship. To reduce contributions to climate change Option 2 would perform better than option 1 in × © terms of reducing contributions to climate change. The requirement that 10% of energy Code For Sustainable Homes/BREEAM requirements should come from on-site include specific credits for pollution and renewable energy contributes towards this higher standards for energy/CO2 emissions. objective. Introduction of higher code standards would increase performance against this criterion compared with option 1. To reduce vulnerability to climate change There is no relationship or no significant O O relationship between the objective and the policy The policy approach goes part of the way The policy approach goes part of the way towards a climate change adaptation strategy. towards a climate change adaptation strategy. Other considerations include subsidence risk, Other considerations include subsidence risk, provision of shade, and the design of buildings provision of shade, and the design of buildings to withstand extreme weather events. to withstand extreme weather events.

The Code for Sustainable Homes includes The Code for Sustainable Homes includes some credits for aspects of summer cooling some credits for aspects of summer cooling and the introduction of a higher code may and the introduction of a higher code may increase performance against this criterion. increase performance against this criterion..

258 134 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Alternative Approaches to Environmental Performance of New Buildings Option 1: Option 2: Carry out minimum environmental standards In addition to environmental standards set out through building regulations and include 10% in option 1 set higher standards for energy Overall Commentary requirement for energy of major new performance in sustainable urban extensions/ development to be met through on-site areas having greater potential for renewable/ renewable/low carbon energy. low carbon energy generation. To conserve and enhance the historic and Both options have the potential to have a cultural environment Ø Ø marginally negative effect against the objective of Small scale renewable energy installations do Small scale renewable energy installations do conserving and enhancing the historic and cultural have the potential to affect the historic and have the potential to affect the historic and environment. cultural environment, but this is dependent cultural environment, but this is dependent upon how they are designed into new upon how they are designed into new development. development. To increase the re-use of previously developed land and buildings O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. To reduce the extraction of new & increase the re-use of recycled minerals and O O O aggregates resources The Code For Sustainable Homes include The Code For Sustainable Homes/BREEAM No significant relationship. specific credits for materials which achieve a include specific credits for materials which Green Guide rating. achieve a Green Guide rating. Introduction of specific code standards may increase performance against this criterion. To manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, O O O commercial and industrial) The Code For Sustainable Homes/BREEAM The Code For Sustainable Homes/BREEAM No significant relationship. include specific credits for waste and recycling. include specific credits for waste and recycling. Introduction of specific higher code standards Introduction of specific higher code standards may increase performance against this may increase performance against this criterion. criterion To minimise the use of energy and optimise Option 2 would perform better than option 1 in the use of renewable resources × © terms of minimising the use of energy and Achieving a certain level of energy Achieving a certain level of energy optimising the use of renewable energy. conservation will become mandatory through conservation will become mandatory through building regulations/ Code for Sustainable building regulations/ Code for Sustainable Homes. It will be important for a policy to Homes. It will be important for a policy to refer to the energy hierarchy in order to refer to the energy hierarchy in order to minimise the use of energy through using minimise the use of energy through using sustainable design and construction sustainable design and construction technologies. Incorporating energy efficient technologies. design solutions and incorporate renewable energy requirements is likely to contribute Setting higher standards for environmental towards this objective. performance in sustainable urban extensions/ 259 135 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Alternative Approaches to Environmental Performance of New Buildings Option 1: Option 2: Carry out minimum environmental standards In addition to environmental standards set out through building regulations and include 10% in option 1 set higher standards for energy Overall Commentary requirement for energy of major new performance in sustainable urban extensions/ development to be met through on-site areas having greater potential for renewable/ renewable/low carbon energy. low carbon energy generation. areas having greater potential for renewable / low carbon energy generation is likely to contribute greatly towards this objective. To increase the population’s access to a full range of public, private, community and O O O voluntary services No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase access to the countryside, public open spaces and semi urban environments O O O (eg parks) No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce crime, anti social behaviour and increase community safety O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase the population’s access and opportunity to participate in culture, media O O O and sport in Charnwood No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To ensure that the housing stock meets the Both options have a marginally positive effect housing needs of all sections of the × × against the objective of ensuring the housing stock community The 10% requirement for energy of new The introduction of environmental standards meets the housing needs of all sections of the development to be met through on-site through the Core Strategy has the potential community. renewable energy is set out in the Regional to affect the delivery of housing by Plan. As development will have to conform introducing higher development costs. The to the Regional Plan requiring this approach Renewable/ Low Carbon Energy Feasibility of a 10% requirement for energy of new Study for Charnwood has identified significant development to be met through on-site opportunities within urban extensions for renewable energy is not considered to impact certain types of energy generation. The upon the delivery of housing objective of delivering housing for all sections of the community will depend on how The Code For Sustainable Homes includes opportunities for low carbon energy specific credits for lifetime homes including generation are utilised. points for accessibility and adaptability. The Code For Sustainable Homes includes specific credits for lifetime homes including points for accessibility and adaptability.

260 136 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Alternative Approaches to Environmental Performance of New Buildings Option 1: Option 2: Carry out minimum environmental standards In addition to environmental standards set out through building regulations and include 10% in option 1 set higher standards for energy Overall Commentary requirement for energy of major new performance in sustainable urban extensions/ development to be met through on-site areas having greater potential for renewable/ renewable/low carbon energy. low carbon energy generation. To reduce poverty and social exclusion Option 2 has the potential to reduce fuel bills for × ©/D/Ø those in poverty, but may make housing more Requiring sustainable design and construction The introduction of environmental standards expensive. The difference between the options technologies that incorporate energy will help through the Core Strategy is likely to increase depends on how policy is implemented. to reduce energy costs and contribute the number of homes that are energy towards this objective. efficient, and reduce energy costs, improving performance against this sustainability objective. Increased environmental performance may increase the purchase cost of housing, but this is dependent on how costs are passed on through the development process. To increase learning, skills and employability for all sectors of the community O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. To increase the vibrancy and viability of settlements O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. To increase sustainable design and Option 2 performs better than option 1 in terms of construction × © increasing sustainable design and construction. This option is the minimum needed to meet The introduction of environmental standards national and regional requirements. through the Core Strategy is likely to increase performance against this sustainability objective.

Requiring a higher standard for non-residential buildings is likely to increase performance against this objective. To increase healthy life styles Option 2 performs better than option 1 in terms of × © increasing healthy lifestyles. Providing more affordable warmth through Providing more affordable warmth through renewable energy generation can increase renewable energy generation can increase healthy lifestyles. healthy lifestyles.

This option is the minimum needed to meet The introduction of environmental standards national and regional requirements through the Core Strategy is likely to increase performance against this sustainability 261 137 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Alternative Approaches to Environmental Performance of New Buildings Option 1: Option 2: Carry out minimum environmental standards In addition to environmental standards set out through building regulations and include 10% in option 1 set higher standards for energy Overall Commentary requirement for energy of major new performance in sustainable urban extensions/ development to be met through on-site areas having greater potential for renewable/ renewable/low carbon energy. low carbon energy generation. objective To encourage a sustainable economy O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase efficient patterns of movement to support a sustainable economy O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce disparities in economic performance O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship

262 138 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Sustainability Appraisal of Alternative Options For Large Scale Renewable Energy Installations Option1: Business as unusual approach to large-scale Option 2 renewable energy Installations which includes a Include positively worded policy for large-scale Overall Commentary criteria based policy, but which is not positively renewable energy installations worded in support of large-scale renewable energy installations To maintain and enhance biodiversity, flora Both options would have potential to have and fauna Ø/D Ø marginally negative effect against the Large scale renewable energy installations; including Large scale renewable energy installations, objective of maintaining and enhancing wind turbines, hydro energy sites and biomass including wind turbines, hydro energy sites and biodiversity, flora and fauna. For option 1 energy all have the potential to negatively affect biomass energy all have the potential to negatively it may depend how this approach is biodiversity. Impacts may include disruption to the affect biodiversity. Impacts may include disruption implemented. movement of species, possible emission of to the movement of species, possible emission of pollutants and, in the case of hydro sites, changes to pollutants and, in the case of hydro sites, changes hydrological regime of certain habitats. to hydrological regime of certain habitats.

A business as usual approach to large scale However, policy approach would only allow for renewable energy installations has less potential for such proposals if negative effects could be a negative effect against this sustainability objective. adequately mitigated. To maintain and enhance landscape and Option 2 would have a significantly townscape character Ø ª negative effect against the objective of Large scale renewable energy installations, Large scale renewable energy installations, maintaining and enhancing landscape and particularly wind turbines, have the potential to particularly wind turbines, have the potential to townscape character. Option may have a have a very significant impact upon townscape and have a very significant impact upon townscape and marginally negative effect against this landscape character. Such structures may be visible landscape character. Such structures may be objective. from a wide area. visible from a wide area.

A business as usual approach to large scale renewable energy installations has less potential for 263 139 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Sustainability Appraisal of Alternative Options For Large Scale Renewable Energy Installations Option1: Business as unusual approach to large-scale Option 2 renewable energy Installations which includes a Include positively worded policy for large-scale Overall Commentary criteria based policy, but which is not positively renewable energy installations worded in support of large-scale renewable energy installations a negative effect against this sustainability objective. To protect and improve surface and Both options have potential to have a groundwater quality D/Ø D/Ø marginally negative effect against this Hydro energy sites may have the potential to have Hydro energy sites may have the potential to have objective of protecting and improving a negative impact upon surface and groundwater a negative impact upon surface and groundwater surface and ground water quality; however quality. However, policy approach would only quality. However, policy approach would only this depends on how schemes are allow for such proposals if negative effects could be allow for such proposals if negative effects could implemented. adequately mitigated. be adequately mitigated.

A business as usual approach to large scale renewable energy installations has less potential for a negative effect against this sustainability objective. To minimise water consumption O O O No significant impact. No significant impact. No significant impact To improve air quality Both options have potential to have a D/Ø D/ª marginally negative effect against this Some forms of renewable / low carbon technology Some forms of renewable / low carbon technology objective of improving air quality; however such as biomass/ energy from waste have the such as biomass/ energy from waste have the this depends on how schemes are potential to negatively affect air quality which would potential to negatively affect air quality which implemented. need to be mitigated. Large-scale renewable would need to be mitigated. Large-scale energy may reduce overall emissions into the air renewable energy may reduce overall emissions however these might not be felt locally. into the air however these might not be felt locally.

A business as usual approach to large scale renewable energy installations has less potential for a negative effect against this sustainability objective. To conserve soil resources and quality O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce contributions to climate change Option 2 would have a significantly × © positive effect against the objective of A business as usual approach to large scale A positive policy approach to large scale reducing contributions to climate change renewable energy installations has less potential for renewable energy installations can make a and would perform better than option 1. a positive effect against reducing contributions to significant effect reducing greenhouse gas climate change. emissions.

264 140 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Sustainability Appraisal of Alternative Options For Large Scale Renewable Energy Installations Option1: Business as unusual approach to large-scale Option 2 renewable energy Installations which includes a Include positively worded policy for large-scale Overall Commentary criteria based policy, but which is not positively renewable energy installations worded in support of large-scale renewable energy installations To reduce vulnerability to climate change Both options have potential to have a D/Ø D/Ø marginally negative effect against this New hydro energy sites may affect flooding, but his New hydro energy sites may affect flooding, but objective reducing vulnerability to climate will be dependent upon the site and the design of his will be dependent upon the site and the design change; however this depends on how the scheme. of the scheme. schemes are implemented

However, policy approach would only allow for However, policy approach would only allow for such proposals if negative effects could be such proposals if negative effects could be adequately mitigated. A business as usual approach adequately mitigated. to large scale renewable energy installations has less potential for a negative effect against this sustainability objective. To conserve and enhance the historic and Both options have the potential to have a cultural environment D/Ø/ª D/Ø/ª significantly negative effect upon the Large-scale renewable energy installations do have Large-scale renewable energy installations do have historic and cultural environment, but the potential to affect the historic and cultural the potential to affect the historic and cultural there is greater potential for negative environment, but this is dependent upon where environment, but this is dependent upon where effects in option 2. they are sited and how they are designed. A they are sited and how they are designed. business as usual approach to large scale renewable energy installations has less potential for a negative effect against this sustainability objective. To increase the re-use of previously developed land and buildings O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce the extraction of new & increase the re-use of recycled minerals O O O and aggregates resources No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. household, O O O commercial and industrial) No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To minimise the use of energy and optimise Option 2 would perform better than the use of renewable resources × © option 1 against the objective of A business as usual approach to large scale A positive policy approach to large scale minimising the use of energy and renewable energy installations has less potential for renewable energy installations can make a optimising the use of renewable resources. a positive effect against this sustainability objective. significant contribution towards this sustainability objective.

265 141 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Sustainability Appraisal of Alternative Options For Large Scale Renewable Energy Installations Option1: Business as unusual approach to large-scale Option 2 renewable energy Installations which includes a Include positively worded policy for large-scale Overall Commentary criteria based policy, but which is not positively renewable energy installations worded in support of large-scale renewable energy installations To increase the population’s access to a full range of public, private, community and O O O voluntary services No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase access to the countryside, public open spaces and semi urban O O O environments (eg parks) No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce crime, anti social behaviour and increase community safety O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase the population’s access and opportunity to participate in culture, media O O O and sport in Charnwood No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To ensure that the housing stock meets the housing needs of all sections of the O O O community No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce poverty and social exclusion O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase learning, skills and employability for all sectors of the community O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase the vibrancy and viability of settlements O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase sustainable design and construction O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase healthy life styles O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To encourage a sustainable economy O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship

266 142 Renewable & Low Carbon Technology - Sustainability Appraisal of Alternative Options For Large Scale Renewable Energy Installations Option1: Business as unusual approach to large-scale Option 2 renewable energy Installations which includes a Include positively worded policy for large-scale Overall Commentary criteria based policy, but which is not positively renewable energy installations worded in support of large-scale renewable energy installations To increase efficient patterns of movement to support a sustainable economy O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce disparities in economic performance O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship

267 143 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Town Centres & Retail - Control Over Town Centre Uses within Loughborough Town Centre Option1: Business As Usual. Stricter Controls Over Option 2: Proposed Policy Amendment Non-Retails Uses Within Core Frontages of Relaxation of town centre uses to allow for a greater Overall Commentary Loughborough Town Centre proportion of non-retail uses. To maintain and enhance biodiversity, There is no relationship or no significant flora and fauna O O relationship between the objective and Major town centre development may be able to Major town centre development may be able to the policy contribute towards the provision of improved Green contribute towards the provision of improved Green Infrastructure; however having a stricter control over Infrastructure; however having a more relaxed non retail uses within the town centre is unlikely to control over non retail uses within the town centre is have a significant relationship to this sustainability unlikely to have a significant impact relationship to objective. this sustainability objective. To maintain and enhance landscape and Both options have the potential to have townscape character ×/Ø/D ×/Ø/D negative and positive effects against the The nature of town centre uses in Loughborough is Having a greater proportion of non-retail uses in objective of maintaining and enhancing likely to change which is likely to have an impact upon core frontages is likely to change the appearance landscape and townscape character. townscape character. Maintaining the business as and/ or character of the townscape. The appearance The effects would depend upon how usual approach may lead to increased vacancy rates in of the units with different uses will depend upon the other issues such as effective design some locations within the town centre which would design policies within Core strategy and other policies. affect the townscape character. Development Plan Documents. The proposed policy may lead to a reduction in vacancy rates in some locations across the town centre, and may provide activity across different parts of the day. To protect and improve surface and There is no relationship or no significant groundwater quality O O relationship between the objective and No significant relationship. No significant relationship. the policy To minimise water consumption There is no relationship or no significant O O relationship between the objective and No significant relationship. No significant relationship. the policy

268 144 Town Centres & Retail - Control Over Town Centre Uses within Loughborough Town Centre Option1: Business As Usual. Stricter Controls Over Option 2: Proposed Policy Amendment Non-Retails Uses Within Core Frontages of Relaxation of town centre uses to allow for a greater Overall Commentary Loughborough Town Centre proportion of non-retail uses. To improve air quality There is no relationship or no significant O O relationship between the objective and No significant relationship. No significant relationship. the policy

Both approaches will lead to the concentration of Both approaches will lead to the concentration of town centre uses to Loughborough town centre town centre uses to Loughborough town centre ensuring that such facilities are accessible by foot, cycle ensuring that such facilities are accessible by foot, and by public transport, and so support the objective cycle and by public transport, and so support the of improving air quality. objective of improving air quality. To conserve soil resources and quality There is no relationship or no significant O O relationship between the objective and No significant relationship. No significant relationship. the policy To reduce contributions to climate There is no relationship or no significant change O O relationship between the objective and No significant relationship. No significant relationship. the policy

See comments above on to improve air quality. See comments above on to improve air quality. Policies on sustainable design and managing Policies on sustainable design and managing environmental resources are also relevant. environmental resources are also relevant. To reduce vulnerability to climate change There is no relationship or no significant O O relationship between the objective and No significant relationship. No significant relationship. the policy

See comments above on to improve air quality. See comments above on to improve air quality. Policies on sustainable design and managing Policies on sustainable design and managing environmental resources are also relevant. environmental resources are also relevant. To conserve and enhance the historic and The effect on conserving and enhancing cultural environment D D the historic and cultural environment The effect on this objective depends on the The effect on this objective depends on the depends on the implementation of implementation of careful design to ensure that implementation of careful design to ensure that careful design to ensure that historic historic and cultural features of local distinctiveness historic and cultural features of local distinctiveness and cultural features of local are not lost through the redevelopment of town are not lost through the redevelopment of town distinctiveness are not lost through the centre buildings. centre buildings. redevelopment of town centre buildings To increase the re-use of previously Both options have the potential to have developed land and buildings × × a marginally positive effect against the The business as usual approach keeps as its focus of The intention of this policy is to direct new retail, objective of increasing the re-use of new town centre uses within Loughborough town leisure, cultural activities (and business in previously developed land and buildings. centre, which likely to increase the re-use of Loughborough) activities to Loughborough town previously developed land and buildings. centre, and existing District and Local Centres. It is 269 145 Town Centres & Retail - Control Over Town Centre Uses within Loughborough Town Centre Option1: Business As Usual. Stricter Controls Over Option 2: Proposed Policy Amendment Non-Retails Uses Within Core Frontages of Relaxation of town centre uses to allow for a greater Overall Commentary Loughborough Town Centre proportion of non-retail uses. likely that development in these locations will be on previously developed land and buildings. By allowing a greater range of town centre uses within the town centre frontages may encourage better performance against this objective. To minimise the extraction of new & increase the re-use of recycled minerals O O O and aggregates resources No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy in all sectors (i.e. O O O household, commercial and industrial) No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To minimise the use of energy and optimise the use of renewable resources O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase the population’s access to a Both options have the potential to have full range of public, private, community ×/Ø ×/Ø negative and positive effects against the and voluntary services The policy still has as its main aim to support the The policy still has as its main aim to support the objective of increasing population’s vitality and viability of Loughborough Town Centre, vitality and viability of Loughborough Town Centre, access to a full range of public, private, District and Local Centres. Maintaining stricter District and Local Centres. The relaxation of the community and voluntary services.. control over non-retail uses within core frontages of town centre policy on non-retail for other uses the town centre may mean that are greater retail reflects trends in how town centres are used. It may opportunities, but may also lead to increased vacancy lead to a reduction in retail choice in Loughborough rates in some locations as the nature of town centre town centre. It may also mean that the town centre uses in Loughborough’s changes over the plan period. is better catered for in non retail uses, and therefore It may also mean that the town centre is less well may increase the population’s access to a full range catered for in non retail uses, and therefore may not of public, private, community and voluntary services. increase the population’s access to a full range of public, private, community and voluntary services. The concentration of new town centre uses to Loughborough town centre ensures that such The concentration of new town centre uses to facilities are accessible by foot, cycle and by public Loughborough town centre ensures that such facilities transport, and so support this sustainability objective. are accessible by foot, cycle and by public transport, and so support this sustainability objective. To increase access to the countryside, public open spaces and semi urban O O O environments (eg parks) Major town centre development may be able to Major town centre development may be able to Major town centre development may contribute towards the provision of improved Green contribute towards the provision of improved Green be able to contribute towards the Infrastructure; however having stricter controls over Infrastructure; however having a more relaxed provision of improved Green non retail uses within the town centre is unlikely to control over non retail uses within the town centre is Infrastructure; however having a more

270 146 Town Centres & Retail - Control Over Town Centre Uses within Loughborough Town Centre Option1: Business As Usual. Stricter Controls Over Option 2: Proposed Policy Amendment Non-Retails Uses Within Core Frontages of Relaxation of town centre uses to allow for a greater Overall Commentary Loughborough Town Centre proportion of non-retail uses. have a significant impact relationship to this unlikely to have a significant impact relationship to relaxed control over non retail uses sustainability objective. this sustainability objective. within the town centre is unlikely to have a significant impact relationship to this sustainability objective. To promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future O O O The policy’s aim of supporting vital and viable town, The policy’s aim of supporting vital and viable town, The policy’s aim of supporting vital and district and local centres supports the objective of district and local centres supports the objective of viable town, district and local centres promoting a strong community; however having promoting a strong community; however having a supports the objective of promoting a stricter controls over non retail uses within the town more relaxed control over non retail uses within the strong community; however having a centre is unlikely to have a significant impact town centre is unlikely to have a significant impact more relaxed control over non retail relationship to this sustainability objective. relationship to this sustainability objective. uses within the town centre is unlikely to have a significant impact relationship to this sustainability objective. To reduce crime, anti social behaviour Option 2 would have a significantly and increase community safety Ø/D D/© positive effect towards the objective of Maintaining stricter control over non-retail uses within A relaxation of the town centre policy on non-retail reducing crime, anti-social behaviour core frontages of the town centre may mean that for other uses reflects trends in how town centres and increasing community safety. there are increased vacancy rates in some locations are used, and may mean that vacancy rates are within the town centre as the nature of town centre lower, and thereby reduce the fear of crime in the uses in Loughborough’s change over the plan period. town centre. Maintaining stricter control over non- A higher level of vacancy rates may contribute retail uses within core frontages of the town centre towards a greater fear of crime. Maintaining stricter may encourage a broader evening economy which control over non-retail uses within core frontages of may reduce fear of crime in the evening. the town centre would not encourage a broader evening economy which may reduce fear of crime in the evening. To increase the population’s access and opportunity to participate in culture, O O O media and sport in Charnwood No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship. To ensure that the housing stock meets the housing needs of all sections of the O O O community No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship.

This policy does not restrict residential development This policy does not restrict residential development in Loughborough town centre, district and local in Loughborough town centre, district and local centres but it does not actively encourage centres but it does not actively encourage development of housing in these locations. development of housing in these locations. To reduce poverty and social exclusion Ø × Option 2 would help to promote the 271 147 Town Centres & Retail - Control Over Town Centre Uses within Loughborough Town Centre Option1: Business As Usual. Stricter Controls Over Option 2: Proposed Policy Amendment Non-Retails Uses Within Core Frontages of Relaxation of town centre uses to allow for a greater Overall Commentary Loughborough Town Centre proportion of non-retail uses. Maintaining stricter control over non-retail uses within A relaxation of the town centre policy on non-retail vitality and viability of Loughborough core frontages of the town centre may mean that for other uses reflects trends in how town centres town centre, and may mean that more there are increased vacancy rates as the nature of are used, and may mean that vacancy rates are people are employed in the town town centre uses in Loughborough’s change over the lower, and may also mean that the town centre has centre, having a positive effect against plan period. It may also mean that the town centre is more non retail uses. Such non retail uses have the the objective of reducing poverty and less well catered for in non retail uses. A stricter potential to provide employment. Having more social exclusion. control over core retail frontages may prevent certain relaxed control over non-retail uses within core types of non-retail uses from developing in the town frontages of the town centre may have a marginally centre, which have the potential to provide positive effect against this sustainability objective.. employment. A stricter control over town centre uses may have a marginally negative effect against this sustainability objective. To increase learning, skills and employability for all sectors of the O O O community No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship.

This policy does not restrict opportunities for This policy does not restrict opportunities for education, training and skills training in Loughborough education, training and skills training in Loughborough town centre, district and local centres but it does not town centre, district and local centres but it does not actively encourage such activity. actively encourage such activity. To increase the vibrancy and viability of Option 2 would have a significantly settlements Ø © positive effect in terms of increasing the The changing nature of town centre uses in A relaxation of the town centre policy on non-retail vibrancy and viability of settlements and Loughborough is likely to have an impact upon the uses within the town centre reflects trends in how would perform better than option 1 attractiveness of the town centre. Maintaining the town centres are used. A more relaxed approach to which is likely to have a marginally business as usual approach may reduce opportunities non retail uses may increase the range of activities negative effect against this objective. to develop a broader evening economy and may lead that are on offer, reduce vacancy levels, and develop to increased vacancy rates in some locations within a broader evening economy which may increase the the town centre which would detract from the attractiveness of the town centre. attractiveness of the town centre. To increase sustainable design and construction O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase healthy life styles O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To encourage a sustainable economy Option 2 would have a significantly Ø © positive effect in terms of encouraging a The changing nature of town centre uses in A relaxation of the town centre policy on non-retail sustainable economy and would Loughborough is likely to have an impact upon the uses within the town centre reflects trends in how perform better than option 1 which is 272 148 Town Centres & Retail - Control Over Town Centre Uses within Loughborough Town Centre Option1: Business As Usual. Stricter Controls Over Option 2: Proposed Policy Amendment Non-Retails Uses Within Core Frontages of Relaxation of town centre uses to allow for a greater Overall Commentary Loughborough Town Centre proportion of non-retail uses. attractiveness of the town centre. Maintaining the town centres are used. A more relaxed approach to likely to have a marginally negative business as usual approach may reduce opportunities non retail uses may increase the range of activities effect against this objective. to develop a broader evening economy and may lead that are on offer, and develop a broader evening to increased vacancy rates in some locations within economy which may have a marginally positive effect the town centre which would have a marginally against this objective. negative effect against this objective. To increase efficient patterns of movement to support a sustainable O O O economy No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship.

Both approaches will lead to the concentration of Both approaches will lead to the concentration of town centre uses to Loughborough town centre town centre uses to Loughborough town centre ensuring that such facilities are accessible by foot, cycle ensuring that such facilities are accessible by foot, and by public transport, and so support the objective cycle and by public transport, and so support the of increasing patterns of movement to support a objective of increasing patterns of movement to sustainable economy. support a sustainable economy. To reduce disparities in economic Option 2 would have a marginally performance Ø × positive effect in terms of encouraging a A stricter control over core retail frontages may A relaxation of the town centre policy on non-retail sustainable economy and would prevent certain types of non-retail uses from for other uses reflects trends in how town centres perform better than option 1 which is developing in the town centre, which have the are use, and may also mean that the town centre has likely to have a marginally negative potential to provide employment. A stricter control more non retail uses. Such non retail uses have the effect against this objective. over town centre uses may have a marginally negative potential to provide employment. Having more effect against this sustainability objective. relaxed control over non-retail uses within core frontages of the town centre may have a marginally positive effect against this sustainability objective.

273 149 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Town Centres & Retail - Alternatives for New Comparison Retail Floorspace Business As Usual Option 2 Option 1 Significant new comparison retail development is Overall Commentary Focussing new retail floorspace on Loughborough town focussed on Loughborough town centre and less to centre and district centres district centres To maintain and enhance Neutral Neutral This is a neutral factor across both options. biodiversity, flora and fauna Major town centre development may be able to Major town centre development may be able to contribute towards the provision of improved Green contribute towards the provision of improved Green Infrastructure. Infrastructure To maintain and enhance Both approaches have the potential for landscape and townscape ×/Ø ×/Ø marginally negative or marginally positive character Spreading retail development across Loughborough town The focussing of new retail provision in Loughborough effects in terms of maintaining or enhancing centre and across district centres allows the potential for town centre may encourage redevelopment of sites landscape or townscape character. redevelopment opportunities across the borough. within the town centre, maintaining and enhancing the character of the townscape. Increasing pressures from larger competing centres such as Nottingham and Leicester may mean that spreading Focussing new retail development away from existing new retail development more widely may mean district centres may limit potential for redevelopment Loughborough is less able to compete against these in district centres. It may be more difficult to maintain higher order cities, and therefore limit redevelopment and enhance townscape character in these locations. opportunities. To protect and improve surface and groundwater quality O O O No significant relationship No significant relationship No significant relationship To minimise water consumption O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To improve air quality Both options have the potential to have ×/Ø ©/Ø both positive and negative effects in terms Allowing for retail development to be more widely Opportunities for access by different forms of of improving air quality. Option 2 has the

274 150 Town Centres & Retail - Alternatives for New Comparison Retail Floorspace Business As Usual Option 2 Option 1 Significant new comparison retail development is Overall Commentary Focussing new retail floorspace on Loughborough town focussed on Loughborough town centre and less to centre and district centres district centres distributed around the Borough may reduce the distances transport are greater in Loughborough town centre greatest potential to reduce the use of the that people will need to travel to carry out their than elsewhere in the Borough. There are also car, and has the potential to improve air shopping. District centres are however generally speaking opportunities for a greater range of shopping and quality. less well served by public transport, and provide less linked trips to be made, and so support the objective opportunity for linked trip to be made. of improving air quality.

The approach allows for significant retail development to take place in Loughborough Town Centre ensuring that such facilities are accessible by foot, cycle and by public transport, and so support the objective of improving air quality. To conserve soil resources and quality O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To reduce contributions to Both options have the potential to have climate change ×/Ø ©/Ø both positive and negative effects in terms See comments above on to improve air quality. Policies See comments above on to improve air quality. of reducing contributions to climate change. on sustainable design and managing environmental Policies on sustainable design and managing Option 2 has the greatest potential to resources are also relevant. environmental resources are also relevant. reduce the use of the car, and has the potential to reduce contributions to climate change. To reduce vulnerability to climate change O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To conserve and enhance the Both options would have the potential to historic and cultural environment ×/Ø ×/Ø have either marginally negative or marginally The effect on this objective depends on the The effect on this objective depends on the positive effects against the objective of implementation of careful design to ensure that historic implementation of careful design to ensure that conserving or enhancing the historic and and cultural features of local distinctiveness are not lost historic and cultural features of local distinctiveness cultural environment. through the redevelopment of town centre buildings. are not lost through the redevelopment of town centre buildings. Spreading retail development across Loughborough town centre and across district centres allows the potential for The focussing of new retail provision in Loughborough enhancement of the historic and cultural environment town centre may encourage redevelopment of sites across the borough through redevelopment within the town centre, with potential for enhancing opportunities. the historic and cultural environment.

Increasing pressures from larger competing centres such Focussing new retail development away from existing as Nottingham and Leicester may mean that spreading district centres may limit potential for redevelopment 275 151 Town Centres & Retail - Alternatives for New Comparison Retail Floorspace Business As Usual Option 2 Option 1 Significant new comparison retail development is Overall Commentary Focussing new retail floorspace on Loughborough town focussed on Loughborough town centre and less to centre and district centres district centres new retail development more widely may mean in district centres. It may be more difficult therefore Loughborough is less able to compete against these to secure enhancement to the historic and cultural higher order cities, and therefore limit redevelopment environment. opportunities, and therefore potential enhancements to the historic and cultural environment in Loughborough. To increase the re-use of Both options have similar potential to previously developed land and × × increase the re-use of previously developed buildings The intention of this policy is to direct new retail, leisure, The intention of this policy is to direct new retail, land and buildings. cultural activities (and business in Loughborough) leisure, cultural activities (and business in activities to Loughborough town centre, and existing Loughborough) activities to Loughborough town District and Local Centres. It is likely that development in centre, with limited development in existing District these locations will be on previously developed land and and Local Centres. It is likely that development in buildings. these locations will be on previously developed land and buildings. To minimise the extraction of new & increase the re-use of O O O recycled minerals and aggregates No significant relationship No significant relationship No significant relationship resources To manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy in all O O O sectors (i.e. household, No significant relationship No significant relationship No significant relationship commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of energy Option 2 may have some potential to and optimise the use of O × minimise the use of energy and optimise renewable resources No significant relationship The focussing of retail development into the use of renewable sources, and may Loughborough town centre may increase the have a marginally positive effect against this potential for Combined Heat and Power by having objective. schemes that are large enough for this technology to be viable. To increase the population’s Both options have the potential to have access to a full range of public, ×/Ø ©/Ø both positive and negative effects against private, community and voluntary Allowing for retail development to be more widely Opportunities for access by different forms of the objective of increasing the population’s services distributed around the Borough may reduce the distances transport are greater in Loughborough town centre access to a full range of public, private, that people will need to travel to carry out their than elsewhere in the Borough. There are also community and voluntary services. Option shopping. District centres are however generally speaking opportunities for a greater range of shopping and 2 has potential for a significantly positive less well served by public transport, and provide less linked trips to be made, and so support the objective effect towards this objective. opportunity for linked trips to be made. of increasing the population’s access to a full range of public, private, community and voluntary services. The Charnwood Retail and Town Centre Study indicates 276 152 Town Centres & Retail - Alternatives for New Comparison Retail Floorspace Business As Usual Option 2 Option 1 Significant new comparison retail development is Overall Commentary Focussing new retail floorspace on Loughborough town focussed on Loughborough town centre and less to centre and district centres district centres that generally speaking District Centres within the The Charnwood Retail and Town Centre Study Borough are in good health and serving the needs of their indicates that generally speaking District Centres local population. The exceptions are Sileby and within the Borough are in good health and serving the Shepshed which may require support for their retail needs of their local population. The exceptions are function. Sileby and Shepshed which may require support for their retail function. The policy approach needs to The approach allows for significant retail development to allow for retail development which would help to take place in Loughborough Town Centre ensuring that support the retail provision within Shepshed and such facilities are accessible by foot, cycle and by public Sileby. transport, and so support the objective of increasing the population’s access to a full range of public, private, community and voluntary services. To increase access to the Neutral Neutral Neutral countryside, public open spaces Major town centre development may be able to Major town centre development may be able to Major town centre development may be and semi urban environments (eg contribute towards the provision of improved Green contribute towards the provision of improved Green able to contribute towards the provision of parks) Infrastructure. Infrastructure. improved Green Infrastructure To promote a strong community Neutral Neutral Neutral where people feel they have a say The policy’s aim of supporting vital and viable town, The policy’s aim of supporting vital and viable town, The policy’s aim of supporting vital and in the future district and local centres supports the objective of district and local centres supports the objective of viable town, district and local centres promoting a strong community. promoting a strong community. supports the objective of promoting a strong community To reduce crime, anti social Neutral Neutral Neutral behaviour and increase The policy recognises the part of maintaining and The policy recognises the part of maintaining and The policy recognises the part of community safety enhancing Loughborough town centre and district centres enhancing Loughborough town centre and district maintaining and enhancing Loughborough as the focus for retailing, leisure and cultural activities (and centres as the focus for, leisure and cultural activities town centre and district centres as the business in Loughborough) is working with relevant (and retailing and business in Loughborough) is focus for, leisure and cultural activities (and partners to ensure that a safe environment is provided. working with relevant partners to ensure that a safe retailing and business in Loughborough) is environment is provided. working with relevant partners to ensure that a safe environment is provided. To increase the population’s Neutral Neutral Neutral access and opportunity to Many cultural and media activities tend to be focussed on Many cultural and media activities tend to be focussed Many cultural and media activities tend to participate in culture, media and Loughborough town centre, but can also be found on Loughborough town centre, but can also be found be focussed on Loughborough town centre, sport in Charnwood elsewhere in the borough. Sporting activities tend to be elsewhere in the borough. Sporting activities tend to but can also be found elsewhere in the more evenly spread across the borough. The policy’s be more evenly spread across the borough. The borough. Sporting activities tend to be aim of supporting vital and viable town, district and local policy’s aim of supporting vital and viable town, district more evenly spread across the borough. centres supports the objective of increasing the and local centres supports the objective of increasing The policy’s aim of supporting vital and population’s access and opportunity to participate in the population’s access and opportunity to participate viable town, district and local centres culture, media and sport in Charnwood. in culture, media and sport in Charnwood. supports the objective of increasing the 277 153 Town Centres & Retail - Alternatives for New Comparison Retail Floorspace Business As Usual Option 2 Option 1 Significant new comparison retail development is Overall Commentary Focussing new retail floorspace on Loughborough town focussed on Loughborough town centre and less to centre and district centres district centres population’s access and opportunity to participate in culture, media and sport in Charnwood. To ensure that the housing stock Neutral Neutral Neutral meets the housing needs of all This policy does not restrict residential development in This policy does not restrict residential development This policy does not restrict residential sections of the community Loughborough town centre, district and local centres but in Loughborough town centre, district and local development in Loughborough town it does not actively encourage development of housing in centres but it does not actively encourage centre, district and local centres but it does these locations. development of housing in these locations. not actively encourage development of housing in these locations To reduce poverty and social Both policy approaches have the potential exclusion ×/Ø ×/Ø to have positive and negative effects in Allowing for retail development to be more widely Opportunities for access by different forms of terms of reducing poverty and social distributed around the Borough may reduce the distances transport are greater in Loughborough town centre exclusion. that people will need to travel to carry out their than elsewhere in the Borough. There are also shopping. District centres are however generally speaking opportunities for a greater range of shopping and less well served by public transport, and provide less linked trips to be made. opportunity for linked trip to be made. Not allowing significant development to take place in The approach allows for significant retail development to district centres may limit the access for shopping in take place in Loughborough Town Centre ensuring that some parts of the borough. such facilities are accessible by foot, cycle and by public transport, and so allow access across the whole of the community. To increase learning, skills and Neutral Neutral Neutral employability for all sectors of the This policy does not restrict opportunities for education, This policy does not restrict opportunities for This policy does not restrict opportunities community training and skills training in Loughborough town centre, education, training and skills training in Loughborough for education, training and skills training in district and local centres but it does not actively town centre, district and local centres but it does not Loughborough town centre, district and encourage such activity actively encourage such activity local centres but it does not actively encourage such activity To increase the vibrancy and Both policy approaches have the potential viability of settlements ×/Ø ©/Ø to have positive effects against this Maintaining and enhancing Loughborough town centre, Focussing significant new retail development in objective. Overall option 2 performs better, district centres and local centres as the focus for retailing, Loughborough town centre promotes its vibrancy and as it allows the maximum opportunity to leisure and cultural activities (and business in viability, particularly in relation to competing larger sustain the vibrancy and viability of Loughborough) through measures set out in the policy higher order centres such as Leicester and Loughborough Town Centre, whilst will contribute towards this objective. Loughborough’s Nottingham. allowing for development in those District vibrancy and viability may be affected by growth in higher Centres which have weaker vitality and order centres such as Nottingham and Leicester. Focussing significant new retail development at viability. 278 154 Town Centres & Retail - Alternatives for New Comparison Retail Floorspace Business As Usual Option 2 Option 1 Significant new comparison retail development is Overall Commentary Focussing new retail floorspace on Loughborough town focussed on Loughborough town centre and less to centre and district centres district centres Loughborough may limit the potential to increase the The approach allows for the concentration of town vibrancy and viability of settlements in other parts of centre uses in locations more accessible by public the borough. transport, walking and cycling, and therefore the Concentrating town centre uses in locations more likelihood of reduced car use is increased and so there is accessible by public transport, walking and cycling, and the potential for a reduction in traffic congestion. therefore the likelihood of reduced car use, is increased and so there is the potential for a reduction The Charnwood Retail and Town Centre Study indicates in traffic congestion. that generally speaking District Centres within the Borough are in good health and serving the needs of their The Charnwood Retail and Town Centre Study local population. The exceptions are Sileby and indicates that generally speaking District Centres Shepshed which may require support for their retail within the Borough are in good health and serving the function. The policy approach allows for retail needs of their local population. The exceptions are development which would help to support the retail Sileby and Shepshed which may require support for provision within Shepshed and Sileby. their retail function. The policy approach allows for retail development which would help to support the retail provision within Shepshed and Sileby. To increase sustainable design and construction O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To increase healthy life styles O O O No significant relationship. No significant relationship. No significant relationship To encourage a sustainable Option 2 would perform better against the economy × © sustainability objective of encouraging a Maintaining and enhancing Loughborough town centre, Maintaining and enhancing Loughborough town sustainable economy district and local centres as the focus for retailing, leisure, centre, district and local centres as the focus for and cultural activities (and business in Loughborough) will leisure, and cultural activities (and comparison retail contribute towards the economic base of Charnwood. and business in Loughborough) will contribute towards the economic base of Charnwood. To increase efficient patterns of Both options have the potential to have movement to support a ×/Ø ©/Ø both positive and negative effects in terms sustainable economy Allowing for retail development to be more widely Opportunities for access by different forms of of increasing efficient patterns of movement distributed around the Borough may reduce the distances transport are greater in Loughborough town centre to support a sustainable economy. Option that people will need to travel to carry out their than elsewhere in the Borough. There are also 2 has the greatest potential to reduce the shopping. District centres are however generally speaking opportunities for a greater range of shopping and use of the car, and has the potential to have less well served by public transport, and provide less linked trips to be made, and so support the objective a significantly positive effect against this opportunity for linked trip to be made. of improving air quality. objective..

279 155 Town Centres & Retail - Alternatives for New Comparison Retail Floorspace Business As Usual Option 2 Option 1 Significant new comparison retail development is Overall Commentary Focussing new retail floorspace on Loughborough town focussed on Loughborough town centre and less to centre and district centres district centres The approach allows for significant comparison retail development to take place in Loughborough Town Centre ensuring that such facilities are accessible by foot, cycle and by public transport, and so support the objective of increasing efficient patterns of movement to support a sustainable economy To reduce disparities in economic Both options would have a marginally performance × × positive effect against the objective of Maintaining and enhancing Loughborough town centre, Maintaining and enhancing Loughborough town reducing disparities in economic district and local centres as the focus for retailing, leisure, centre, district and local centres as the focus for performance. and cultural activities (and business in Loughborough) will leisure, and cultural activities (and comparison retail contribute towards the economic base of Charnwood. and business in Loughborough) will contribute Concentrating such activities in locations more accessible towards the economic base of Charnwood. by public transport, walking and cycling will make it easier for those without a car to access these services.

280 156 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. To maintain and enhance All of the options may have biodiversity, flora & fauna D D D effects against this objective, There is potential for biodiversity on There is potential for biodiversity on There is potential for biodiversity on brownfield but this would be dependent brownfield and greenfield locations. brownfield and greenfield locations. and greenfield locations. Potential effects against upon location. Potential effects against this Potential effects against this sustainability this sustainability objective depend on the specific sustainability objective depend on objective depend on the specific location. location. the specific location. To maintain and enhance Option 1 performs the best. l landscape and townscape Ø/D ª/D ª/D for greenfield development character This option has greater potential for This option has less potential for green field This option may involve greenfield development which has the potential to green field development, and greater development and less potential to affect and has some potential to affect landscape have a negative effect upon potential to affect landscape landscape character. All new purpose built character. All new development will be expected landscape character Options 2 character. All new development will student accommodation will be expected to comply with design policies and be designed to and 3 may involve more be expected to comply with design to comply with design policies and be be sensitive to landscape and townscape character. unmanaged student policies and be designed to be designed to be sensitive to landscape and This option may involve more unmanaged student accommodation compared to sensitive to landscape and townscape character. This option may accommodation compared to option 1, and so this option 1, and so option 2 and townscape character. involve more unmanaged student option has less scope to ensure good design 3 have less scope to ensure accommodation compared to option 1, and through the planning process. good design through the 281 157 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. so this option has less scope to ensure planning process. good design through the planning process. To protect and improve surface and groundwater O O O O quality There is no relationship or no There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant relationship between the relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the policy. significant relationship objective and the policy. policy. between the objective and the policy options. To minimise water New build schemes provide consumption × O O more opportunity to respond New build schemes provide more There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant to this objective. Options 1 opportunity to respond to this relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the policy. and 2 have no significant objective This option has the policy. relationship to this objective, greatest potential for new build whilst option 1 has the schemes, and so may have a potential for a marginally marginally positive effect towards the positive effect towards the objective. objective. To increase air quality With more student provision × D/Ø/× × on campus there would be This option would allow the Option 2 with more dispersed provision This option would allow the potential for walking more trips into town. With potential for walking and cycling, and from performs less well against this and cycling, and there would be good access to more student provision in there would be good access to sustainability objective. public transport provision within Loughborough. town means there would public transport provision within more trips to campus. The Loughborough. key will be provision of high quality public transport links. Transport links between the University and the town centre tend to be better than to other parts of Loughborough and so option 2 with more dispersed 282 158 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. provision performs less well against this sustainability objective. To conserve soil Option 1 has the greatest resources and quality Ø × × potential to affect greenfield Option 1 is likely to have the This option has less potential to affect This option has less potential to affect greenfield locations and so performs less greatest potential to affect greenfield greenfield locations and so may have a locations and so may have a marginally positive well than the other two locations, and has the potential to marginally positive effect against this effect against this sustainability objective. options in terms of its effect have a marginally negative effect sustainability objective. upon conserving soil against this sustainability objective. resources and quality. To reduce contributions With all options there is the to climate change × D/Ø/× × potential for walking and This option would allow the Option 2 with more dispersed provision This option would allow the potential for walking cycling as a means of potential for walking and cycling, and from performs less well against this and cycling, and there would be good access to transport. With more student there would be good access to sustainability objective. public transport provision between the campus provision on campus there public transport provision within and the town centre. would be more trips into Loughborough. town. With more student provision in town means there would more trips to campus. The key will be provision of high quality public transport links. Public transport links between the University and the town centre tend to be better than to other parts of Loughborough and so option 2 with more dispersed provision performs less well against this sustainability objective. 283 159 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. To reduce vulnerability to New build accommodation climate change × Ø Ø has greater potential to be New build accommodation has New build accommodation has greater New build accommodation has greater potential designed to mitigate against greater potential to be designed to potential to be designed to mitigate against to be designed to mitigate against the effects of the effects of climate change. mitigate against the effects of climate the effects of climate change. There is a climate change. There is a higher flood risk in the There is a higher flood risk in change. There is a higher flood risk higher flood risk in the town centre than on town centre than on the campus, and therefore the town centre than on the in the town centre than on the the campus, and therefore increased increased vulnerability to climate change. campus, and therefore campus, and therefore increased vulnerability to climate change. increased vulnerability to vulnerability to climate change. climate change. Options 2 and 3 therefore perform less well against this sustainability objective. To conserve & enhance Options 2 and 3 provide the historic and cultural D × × greater potential to involve environment The university campus contains a Options 2 and 3 provide greater potential Options 2 and 3 provide greater potential to the re-use and adaptation of more limited number of historic to involve the re-use and adaptation of the involve the re-use and adaptation of the existing the existing building stock, and buildings compared to the town existing building stock, and may provide building stock, and may provide scope to provide may provide scope to provide centre. scope to provide an appropriate an appropriate economical use for the historic and an appropriate economical economical use for the historic and cultural cultural environment use for features within the environment. historical and cultural environment. To increase the reuse of Options 2 and 3 perform previously developed Ø © © better as there is greater land and buildings This option is likely to involve the This option is likely to involve greater use of This option is likely to involve greater use of potential for the reuse of greater use of green field land. previously developed land and buildings. previously developed land and buildings previously developed land and buildings. To minimise the New build provides the extraction of new & D × × opportunity to used recycled increase the re-use and New build provides the opportunity New build provides the opportunity to use New build provides the opportunity to use materials but using existing recycling of minerals and to use recycled materials but using recycled materials but using existing housing recycled materials but using existing housing housing reduces the need to aggregates resources existing housing reduces the need to reduces the need to use resources. reduces the need to use resources. use resources. 284 160 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. use resources. To manage waste in All options provide some accordance with the D D D scope for such facilities. waste hierarchy in all sectors (ie. household, commercial and industrial) To minimise the use of There is greater scope to energy and optimise the © × × minimise energy and optimise use of renewable This option is likely to involve more There is some scope to through new build There is some scope to through new build use of renewable resources resources new build where there is greater construction to minimise energy and construction to minimise energy and optimise use where new build is involved scope to minimise energy and optimise use of renewable resources. of renewable resources irrespective of location. optimise use of renewable resources. To increase the For all locations it will depend population’s access to a D D D on quality of access to town full range of appropriate centre (from the University) public, private, and the University (from the community and voluntary town centre). Creating a services critical mass of students could help provide services specifically for them. Accommodating students within the town could also help support existing facilities. To increase access to the Planned new purpose built countryside, open spaces × Ø Ø accommodation has greater and semi urban Option 1 is likely to involve more Option 2 is likely to involve less purpose Option 3 is likely to involve less purpose built potential be located close to environments (eg parks) purpose built accommodation which built accommodation and so there is less accommodation and so there is less potential for the green infrastructure has greater potential be located potential for development to be located development to be located close to the green network and also to provide close to the green infrastructure close to the green infrastructure network infrastructure network and also there is less greater opportunities for the network and also provides greater and also there is less opportunity for the opportunity for the green infrastructure network green infrastructure network 285 161 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. opportunity for the green green infrastructure network to be to be enhanced. to be enhanced. infrastructure network to be enhanced. enhanced. To promote a strong Provision of facilities on community where people © Ø © campus or in dedicated feel they have a say in the Provision of facilities on campus or in This option would involve less purpose built This option would involve less purpose built accommodation would help future dedicated accommodation would student accommodation than option 1. A student accommodation than option 1; however create a strong student help create a strong student greater concentration of students in purpose built accommodation would be focussed community. community. unmanaged accommodation might work on the town centre as part of mixed use schemes. against this objective in affected areas by This option has the potential to reduce the A greater concentration of creating a transitory population. transitory population in more residential parts of students in unmanaged Loughborough, and would enable schemes to have accommodation might work year round activity, contributing towards a against this objective in stronger community. affected areas by creating a transitory population. To reduce crime, anti Options 1 and 3 would have social behaviour and © Ø © a significantly positive impact increase community Provision of facilities on campus or in This option would involve less purpose built Purpose built accommodation would be focussed against the objective of safety dedicated accommodation would student accommodation than option 1. A on the town centre as part of mixed use schemes. reducing crime, anti social help create a strong student greater concentration of students in This option has the potential to reduce the behaviour and increase community, and would reduce the unmanaged accommodation might work transitory population in other parts of community safety. transitory community in communities against this objective in affected areas by Loughborough, enable schemes to have year in Loughborough. creating a transitory population. round activity, thereby reducing crime, anti social behaviour and increase community safety. To increase the Cultural, media and sporting population’s access and × × × opportunities exist across the opportunity to participate town and on the university in culture, media and campus. sport in Charnwood To ensure that the Option 1 would involve more housing stock meets the © Ø Ø purpose built accommodation 286 162 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. housing needs of all and would help to free up the sections of the existing housing stock for community non-students. To reduce poverty and There is no relationship or no social exclusion O O O significant relationship between the objective and the policy area. To increase learning, skills Option 1 may have the and employability for all D O O potential for dual use of new sections of the Purpose built accommodation might There is no relationship or no significant There is no relationship or no significant purpose built community be used by others during holidays relationship between the objective and the relationship between the objective and the policy accommodation, but this enabling them to access courses etc policy would depend on how the at the University. proposals were implemented. To increase the vibrancy Reducing student presence in and viability of © Ø © residential areas might settlements This option has the greatest potential This option has the least potential to This option has potential to reduce the transitory increase satisfaction in these to reduce the transitory population reduce the transitory population in population in residential areas of the town and areas. in residential areas of the town, residential areas of the town, which may would help in the mixed use regeneration of the which can have a positive effect have a marginally negative effect upon the town centre. upon the vibrancy and viability of vibrancy and viability of Loughborough. Loughborough. To increase sustainable There is greater scope design and construction © × × increase sustainable design and construction where new build is involved irrespective of location. To increase healthy Option 1 has greater potential lifestyles × Ø Ø to increase healthy lifestyles Being located next to the green Being located next to the green Being located next to the green infrastructure than the other two options as infrastructure network is likely to infrastructure network is likely to help to network is likely to help to increase healthy there is greater potential be help to increase healthy lifestyles. increase healthy lifestyles Option 2 is likely lifestyles. Option 3 is likely to involve less purpose located close to the green 287 163 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. Option 1 is likely to involve more to involve less purpose built built accommodation and so there is less potential infrastructure network and purpose built accommodation which accommodation and so there is less for development to be located close to the green greater opportunity for the has greater potential be located potential for development to be located infrastructure network and also there is less green infrastructure network close to the green infrastructure close to the green infrastructure network opportunity for the green infrastructure network to be enhanced network and also provides greater and also there is less opportunity for the to be enhanced. opportunity for the green green infrastructure network to be infrastructure network to be enhanced. enhanced. To encourage a Option 3 has to potential to sustainable economy × × © regenerate of the town centre, as part of mixed schemes redevelopment opportunities. There is less potential in options 1 and 2. To encourage efficient With all options there is the patterns of movement to × D/Ø/× × potential for walking and support a sustainable This option would allow the Option 2 with more dispersed provision This option would allow the potential for walking cycling as a means of economy potential for walking and cycling, and from performs less well against this and cycling, and there would be good access to transport. With more student there would be good access to sustainability objective. public transport provision between the campus provision on campus there public transport provision within and the town centre. would be more trips into Loughborough. town. With more student provision in town means there would more trips to campus. The key will be provision of high quality public transport links. Public transport links between the University and the town centre tend to be better than to other parts of Loughborough and so option 288 164 Loughborough University - Alternative Proposals Student Housing Provision In Loughborough Option 3: Option 2: University is not the primary location for new University is not the primary location for purpose built student accommodation. This new purpose built student accommodation. would mean that a greater proportion of student This would mean that a greater proportion Option 1: accommodation would be provided outside the of student accommodation would be OBJECTIVE University is the primary location for campus (both purpose built and unmanaged Overall Commentary provided outside the campus (both new purpose built accommodation accommodation). New purpose built student purpose built and unmanaged accommodation would be focussed on the town accommodation). There would be no where it is part of a mixed use scheme, which focus for new purpose built student contributes to the regeneration of the town accommodation. centre. 2 with more dispersed provision performs less well against this sustainability objective. To reduce disparities in Neutral Neutral Neutral Performance against this economic performance objective is neutral across all options

289 165 Key to Matrices

Effect depends on how the There is no relationship or no Significant negative effect (i.e. a Significant positive effect (i.e. a policy is implemented (one significant relationship between the ª move away from the objective) © move towards the objective) D O form of uncertainty) objective and the policy It is not known whether the policy will move towards or Denotes a temporary effect Marginal negative effect (i.e. a Marginal positive effect (i.e. a away from the objective Effects are permanent if this symbol is Ø move away from the objective) × move towards the objective) ? T (another form of not used. uncertainty) Neutral Performance against this objective is neutral across all options

Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. To maintain and Option 1 is the better enhance biodiversity, © D D D option as it would have the flora and fauna Not allocating land for It is recognised that development It is recognised that development It is recognised that least impact on biodiversity, employment means less land will have an impact on will have an impact on biodiversity, development will have an flora and fauna. However would be required overall and biodiversity, flora and fauna. flora and fauna. However, this can impact on biodiversity, flora and this needs to be balanced the impact on this objective However, this can be mitigated. be mitigated. fauna. However, this can be against the requirement for would be less. mitigated. further employment sites and in this context options 2 to 4 would be present a similar impact depending on the site specific biodiversity, flora and fauna present. To maintain and All of the options depend enhance landscape D D D D on the specific approach and townscape Not allocating land for The Design policy in the Core The Design policy in the Core Provision of sites in more rural taken. The impact of all character employment sites means that strategy will be important to strategy will be important to areas may have a detrimental new sites would depend on there is less opportunity to create ensure development uses good ensure development uses good impact upon wider landscape. a design policy which mixed and balanced design principles and responds to design principles and responds to Design policy in the Core would protect and enhance 290 166 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. developments that can improve local context in order to maintain local context in order to maintain strategy will be important to townscape and landscape townscape and landscape and enhance landscape and and enhance landscape and ensure development uses good character. character. However, much would townscape character townscape character design principles and responds depend on how other land use to local context policies were implemented and how this related to the existing provision of employment land.

To protect and None of the options improve surface and O O O O would have a significant groundwater quality The groundwater beneath the The groundwater beneath the The groundwater beneath the The groundwater beneath the relationship with this Borough does not supply drinking Borough does not supply drinking Borough does not supply drinking Borough does not supply objective. water and it is not considered to water and it is not considered to water and it is not considered to drinking water and it is not be particularly susceptible to be particularly susceptible to be particularly susceptible to considered to be particularly pollution from surface sources. pollution from surface sources. pollution from surface sources. susceptible to pollution from surface sources.

To minimise water Option 2 performs best consumption Neutral /× © × × against this objective for No planned provision for Planning employment sites as part There may be some limited scope There may be some limited minimising water employment development will of wider SUE schemes provides for planned development to scope for planned development consumption. Option 1 marginally reduce the overall the greatest potential for linking reduce water consumption. to reduce water consumption. performs worst as there requirement for water in the with grey water reclamation would not be the potential Borough but this is negligible. schemes due to the economies to plan to minimise water of scale involved consumption on existing sites or windfall sites. To improve air Option 1 performs worst quality Ø © × × against this objective as Not allocating land for Allocating land for employment Allocating land for employment A wider distribution of there would not be the employment means that existing sites in SUE’s means that there is sites in urban areas means that employment land may help to potential to plan to residents will have less a greater likelihood of creating there is a likelihood of creating support smaller settlements by improve air quality. Option opportunity to access jobs close sustainable locations by increasing sustainable locations by increasing providing local jobs and 2 performs best as there 291 167 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. to where they live within the access to work by public access to work by public transport minimising the need to travel to would be a great likelihood settlements of the Borough and transport and reducing journey and reducing journey times larger centres thereby reducing of creating sustainable to make use of more sustainable times the need to travel by car locations which would forms of transport such as cycling, reduce the need to travel walking or buses and would reduce journey times To conserve soil Option 1 performs best as resources and quality © Ø Ø/© Ø/© it does not involve the use Not allocating sites for Allocating sites as part of SUE Allocating sites as part of SUE Allocating sites as part of SUE of land at all. Option 2 employment land would mean options may lead to the loss of options may lead to the loss of options may lead to the loss of performs worst against this that the impact on soil resources grade 2 or grade 3 agricultural grade 2 or grade 3 agricultural land grade 2 or Grade 3 agricultural objective as the SUE will be minimised land land locations are predominantly Development in urban areas offers greenfield sites. the opportunity for beneficial use Development in existing of previously developed land. settlements offers the opportunity for beneficial use of previously developed land. To reduce Option 2 would perform contributions to Ø © D D best against the objective climate change The main impact of not allocating Locating employment sites in The effect of this objective is The effect of this objective is of reducing contributions employment in terms of this SUE’s and improving existing dependent on the implementation dependent on the to climate change. It is objective are that some people employment sites would give the of careful design for employment implementation of careful difficult to assess the likely will continue to commute out of ability to design and locate sites buildings design for employment buildings impact of the other options the Borough to work with which would have the least on this objective as all of consequent effects on the climate impact on climate change the site would be arising from greenhouse gases dependent on a design policy for employment buildings. To reduce Option 1 would perform vulnerability to ª D D D worse against the objective. climate change By not providing employment The effect of this objective is The effect of this objective is The effect of this objective is It is difficult to assess the land, the Borough would not be dependent on the dependent on the implementation dependent on the likely impact of the other 292 168 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. any more vulnerable to the implementation of careful design of careful design for employment implementation of careful options on this objective as effects of climate change than it is for employment buildings and buildings and consideration of the design for employment buildings all of the site would at present. consideration of the flood risk in flood risk in each SUE area. and consideration of the flood depend on the detailed each SUE area. risk in each SUE area. masterplan for the SUE sites and the specific locations of individual sites elsewhere. In many cases, the risk will be able to be mitigated to an acceptable level.. To conserve and Option 1 would perform enhance the historic ª D/Ø D D worse against the objective and cultural No employment provision would The effect of this objective is The effect of this objective is The effect of this objective is of conserving and environment not provide an opportunity to dependent on the masterplanning dependent on the implementation dependent on the enhancing the historic and form part of a regeneration process which will seek to ensure of careful design to ensure that implementation of careful cultural environment. scheme to move towards this that historic and cultural features historic and cultural features of design to ensure that historic However Option 2 has objective of local distinctiveness are not local distinctiveness are not lost and cultural features of local potential to score poorly lost through employment through employment distinctiveness are not lost depending on the development. The Garendon development. through employment treatment of specific assets Park and Gardens and the development. in masterplans. It is difficult Hamilton ancient village are Planning for the location of to assess the likely impact potentially vulnerable. employment sites would mean that Planning for the location of of options 3 and 4 on this there is the ability to ensure that employment sites would mean objective as all of the site policies are put in place to protect that there is the ability to would depend on a design the historic and cultural heritage. ensure that policies are put in policy for employment place to protect the historic and buildings. cultural heritage. To increase the re- Option 2 would perform use of previously © ª © D worst against this objective developed land and Not allocating sites for By allocating land as part of the Development in urban areas offers Performance against this as SUEs are predominantly buildings employment would remove the SUE’s there is unlikely to be the the best opportunity for beneficial criterion will be dependent located in the Countryside, scope to locate development opportunity to make the most of use of previously developed land upon whether previously adjoining built up areas. 293 169 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. where it maximises the re-use of previously developed land. developed sites can be found in brownfield land. smaller settlements locations. To reduce the It is difficult to assess the extraction of new & O D D D likely impact of the other increase the re-use Not making provision for The effect of this objective is The effect of this objective is The effect of this objective is options on this objective as of recycled minerals employment land is unlikely to dependent on the dependent on the implementation dependent on the all of the site would and aggregates make a significant contribution to implementation of careful design of careful design to ensure that implementation of careful depend on a design policy resources this objective. to ensure that employment employment developments use design to ensure that for employment buildings developments use recycled recycled minerals and aggregates employment developments use minerals and aggregates recycled minerals and aggregates To manage waste in Option 2 presents the best accordance with the ª © D D opportunity to fulfil this waste hierarchy in all Not making provision for SUES provide the best This option is dependent on a This option is dependent on a objective. sectors (i.e. employment land may remove an opportunity to plan for new sound policy being implemented to sound policy being household, opportunity for waste employment sites that can reduce waste and increase the re- implemented to reduce waste commercial and management facilities to be process the waste arising from use, recycling and energy produced and increase the re-use, industrial) accommodated within the development and process it for of waste in new developments recycling and energy produced Borough. the wider benefit of the host of waste in new developments community To minimise the use Option 1 would perform of energy and Ø © D D worst against this objective. optimise the use of Not allocating land for SUES provide the best Allocating land for employment Allocating land for employment Option 2 would perform renewable resources employment sites means that opportunity to plan for mixed sites provides an opportunity to sites provides an opportunity to best because it would there is greater likelihood that use sustainable communities with the ability to located the site that the ability to located the site ensure that employment people will continue to commute new employment sites that can would optimise the use of that would optimise the use of land is located in areas that to less sustainable locations for process the waste arising from renewable resources but in terms renewable resources but in would optimise the use of work. development and process it for of minimising the energy terms of minimising the energy renewably resources the wider energy needs of the consumption from commuting, consumption from commuting, host community much would depend on the much would depend on the relationship of sites to the relationship of sites to the workforce. workforce.

294 170 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. To increase the Option 2 performs best population’s access O © × D against this objective as to a full range of Difficult to see how the provision Allocating land for employment Allocating land for employment This option is dependent on locating employment site in public, private, of employment land has much sites in SUE’s means that there is sites in urban areas means that whether existing settlements SUE’s would create more community and connection with this objective.. a greater likelihood of creating there is a greater likelihood of provide a range of public, sustainable communities voluntary services sustainable locations near to a full creating sustainable locations near private, community and with access to full range range of public, private and to a full range of public, private and voluntary services. facilities and services. community services and by community services and by increasing access to work by increasing access to work by public public transport and reducing transport and reducing journey journey times. times. To increase access to Option 2 performs best the countryside, O © D D against this objective as public open spaces Difficult to see how the provision Providing for employment sites in Providing small local employment Providing small local locating employment site in and semi urban of employment land has much a planned way as part of SUEs sites is not always an obvious way employment sites is not always SUE’s would create more environments (eg connection with this objective.. can ensure that linkages are made to increase access to open space an obvious way to increase sustainable communities parks) between green infrastructure and the countryside. Much will access to open space and the with access to full range assets including providing access depend on each specific allocation. countryside. Much will depend facilities and services to the countryside and other on each specific allocation. areas of open space To promote a strong Option 1 would perform community where O © © © worst against this objective people feel they have Difficult to see how the provision Providing for employment sites in Providing for employment sites in a Providing for employment sites as there would be no a say in the future of employment land has any a planned way would give planned way would give members in a planned way would give community engagement in connection with this objective. members of the public a say of the public a say during the members of the public a say the allocation of during the consultation process consultation process and increases during the consultation process employment sites and increases the capacity to the capacity to influence decisions and increases the capacity to influence decisions influence decisions To reduce crime, anti All of the options would social behaviour and × © × × give the opportunity to increase community Some employment sites may Planned employment provision as Planned New site provision could Planned New site provision incorporate policies to safety increase the opportunity for part of SUEs gives an opportunity give the opportunity to reduce could give the opportunity to design out crime although crime and disorder particularly for crime and disorder to be crime and the fear of crime reduce crime and the fear of 295 171 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. where they adjoin residential planned out from the outset through sustainable design and crime through sustainable Option 2 provides the areas. Not providing employment through masterplanning and construction techniques design and construction greatest opportunity. land removes this interface and in sustainable design and techniques this context would contribute construction techniques towards the objective

To increase the All the options would not population’s access O O O O have a significant and opportunity to There is not considered to be a There is not considered to be a There is not considered to be a There is not considered to be a relationship with this participate in culture, strong link between this objective strong link between this objective strong link between this objective strong link between this objective. media and sport in and the provision of employment and the provision of employment and the provision of employment objective and the provision of Charnwood sites. sites. sites. employment sites. To ensure that the All the options would not housing stock meets O O O O have a significant the housing needs of There is not considered to be a There is not considered to be a There is not considered to be a There is not considered to be a relationship with this all sections of the strong link between this objective strong link between this objective strong link between this objective strong link between this objective. community and the provision of employment and the provision of employment and the provision of employment objective and the provision of sites. sites. sites. employment sites. To reduce poverty Option 1 would perform and social exclusion ª © × × worst against this objective Not allocating land for Providing for employment sites in Providing for employment sites in a Providing for employment sites because not making any employment sites means that the as part of SUEs would ensure planned way would ensure that in a planned way across all provision would not help future need for jobs and inward that site are located in the parts site are located in the parts of the existing settlements would to reduce social exclusion investment would not be met of the Borough that will Borough that are most likely to ensure that site are located in and poverty and the Council would not be contribute to the prosperity and reduce poverty and social the parts of the Borough that able to target jobs close to those community cohesion of the host exclusion are most likely to reduce areas that are in the greatest communities and particularly poverty and social exclusion need. those in priority neighbourhoods

To increase learning, Option 1 would perform skills and ª D D D worst against this objective employability for all Not allocating land for This option is dependent on the This option is dependent on the This option is dependent on the because unplanned 296 172 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. sectors of the employment sites means that work of partners in linking new work of partners in linking new work of partners in linking new employment development community there is a reduced likelihood that jobs to educational opportunities jobs to educational opportunities jobs to educational would be less likely to be this objective can be met. as part of a multi-agency as part of a multi-agency approach. opportunities as part of a multi- located near to the approach. agency approach. workforce To increase the Option 1 would perform vibrancy and viability ª © © © worst against this objective of settlements Not allocating land for Providing for employment sites in Providing for employment sites in a A wider distribution of because unplanned employment sites means that a planned way would increase planned way would increase the employment land may help to development could there is a greater likelihood that the vibrancy and viability of the vibrancy and viability of settlements support smaller settlements by undermine the ability of settlements will be less well- SUE and the host community. providing local jobs and settlements in North placed to compete with other minimising the need to travel to Charnwood to compete town ands cities in terms of being larger centres. with other towns and cities able to attract businesses. in being able to attract business. To increase Options 2, 3 and 4 would sustainable design ª © × × perform well against this and construction Not providing employment land Allocating sites for employment Allocating sites for employment Allocating sites for employment objective because these 3 will mean that this indicator as part SUEs will give the fullest will give the opportunity to use will give the opportunity to use options would give the cannot be met opportunity to implement the sustainable design and construction sustainable design and opportunity to use latest sustainable design and techniques. construction techniques. sustainable design and construction techniques. construction techniques. To increase healthy Option 1 would perform life styles ª © × × worst against this objective Not allocating land for Allocating land for employment Allocating land for employment Allocating land for employment because there is greater employment sites means that sites as pat of SUEs means that sites means that there is a sites means that there is a likelihood of not locating there is greater likelihood of not there is a greater likelihood of likelihood or reducing the need to likelihood or reducing the need employment sites in areas locating employment sites in reducing the need to travel to travel to work by car which would to travel to work by car which which would reduce the areas which would reduce the work by car which would increase healthy like styles would increase healthy like need to travel to work by need to travel to work by car increase healthy life styles styles car which could impact of which could impact of healthy healthy lifestyles lifestyles.

297 173 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. To encourage a Option 2 would perform sustainable economy ª © × × best against this objective Not allocating land for Allocating land for employment Allocating land for employment A wider distribution of because of the opportunity employment sites means that sites as part of SUEs means that sites means that there is an employment land may help to to create sustainable there is greater likelihood of an there is a greater likelihood of opportunity to locate sites close to support smaller settlements by communities. inadequate supply of a range of creating sustainable locations to existing areas of population, providing local jobs and sites of different types and quality. increase competitiveness and to increasing the likelihood of creating minimising the need to travel to ensure an appropriate and sustainable land use patterns larger centres but their more Not allocating land for amount of supply of a range of However, the location of sites will peripheral location is less likely employment sites means there is sites. need to be in locations that are to be attractive to inward a greater risk of not being able to attractive to inward investors as investors and larger firm’s. plan for infrastructure provision well as indigenous business to and communication technology achieve a truly sustainable for employment.. economy. To increase efficient Option 2 would perform patterns of ª © × × best against this objective movement to Not allocating land for Allocating land for employment Allocating sites for employment in A wider distribution of because of the opportunity support a sustainable employment sites would reduce sites in SUEs means there is a urban areas would need to be in employment land may help to to create sustainable economy the potential for employment greater likelihood of creating locations that support the ambition support smaller settlements by communities land to be located in sustainable sustainable locations by increasing for mixed use sustainable urban providing local jobs and locations which could reduce the access to work by public extensions and would not give the minimising the need to travel to number of car-based trips. transport and reducing journey ability to plan comprehensively for larger centres but their more times zero carbon development. This peripheral location is less likely may be difficult to square with to be attractive to inward where the opportunity sites exist investors and larger firms and or where need arises. could promote an increase in commuting To reduce disparities Option 1 would perform in economic ª © × × worst against this objective performance Not allocating land for Providing for employment sites as Concentrating employment A wider distribution of because unplanned employment sites means that part of SUEs provides a provision in urban areas will also employment land may help to employment development there is greater likelihood of concentration of employment provide opportunities for inward support smaller settlements by could exacerbate the exacerbating the existing uneven land that will be attractive to investment but to a lesser extent providing local jobs and 298 174 Employment Provision Option 4: Allocate land as recommended Option 3: Option 2: by the Leicester and Allocate land as recommended by Allocate land and distribute it, as Leicestershire HMA the Leicester and Leicestershire Option 1: recommended by the Leicester Employment Land Study and Objective HMA Employment Land Study and Overall Commentary No provision and Leicestershire HMA distribute it within all existing distribute it within existing Employment Land Study, settlements in accordance with settlements concentrating it in focussing on SUE locations the proposed settlement urban areas hierarchy, as per settlement hierarchy. spread of employment land in the investors and ensures the best than option 2. There is less chance minimising the need to travel to existing uneven spread of Borough, which could impact on opportunity to maximise future of being able to create the added larger centres but their more employment land. this objective. growth and prosperity. Providing value that arises from peripheral location is less likely land in an SUE in North concentrating employment land in to be attractive to inward Charnwood will help balance the a single location. investors and larger firms. current disparities between north and south Charnwood in terms of office space provision.

299 175

300