Contents 1 Background 1 1 201 2 Introduction 3 3 National Policy Context 5 September 4 Regional Policy Context 15 , Paper 5 Local Policy Context 17 opic T 6 Key Issues in Neath Port Talbot 25 7 Current and future trends 41 8 Conclusions and Strategy Formulation 45 Environment and 9 Preferred Strategy 47 Change Appendices Climate A Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment 57 A.1 Introduction 57 A.2 National Policy, Guidance, Plans and Strategies 57 A.3 The Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment 62 A.3.1 Fluvial/River Flood Risk 62 A.3.2 Tidal Flood Risk 62 A.4 LDP Strategy on Flood Risk 63 A.5 How to comment 63 A.6 Maps 65 A.6.1 Development Advice Map for Neath Port Talbot 65 A.6.2 Shoreline Management Plan 66 A.6.3 Flood Risk Areas in Neath Port Talbot 68 Contents Climate Change and Environment Topic Paper, September 2011 1 . Background 1 Background 1 201 1.0.1 This is one of a range of emerging papers prepared to offer more detailed information and explain the approach of the plan in relation to different topics and issues September affecting the County Borough. This paper will look specifically at the Climate Change and , the Environment and encompasses a range of issues including the built environment, Paper natural heritage, flooding and pollution. It will explain the background which will help to identify objectives, issues, options and the preferred strategy for the LDP. The paper will opic T be developed as the preparation of the Deposit Plan proceeds and a final version will be published at the Deposit stage. 1.0.2 A Strategic Flood Consequences note is contained as an independent document Environment in Appendix A. and 1.0.3 The Pre-Deposit Plan is the first statutory stage of the LDP. The LDP shapes the future growth of communities in Neath Port Talbot and will set out the policies and Change land allocations against which planning applications will be assessed. 1.0.4 The Pre-Deposit Plan is also an important opportunity to comment on the strategies Climate that will shape the final Deposit Plan. The Deposit Plan is the second statutory stage of the plan and will allow a further period of formal public consultation. The Deposit Plan will be submitted to the Welsh Government, which will appoint an Independent Inspector to assess the soundness of the Plan in the Examination in Public. If the Inspector considers the Plan to be sound it will be recommended for adoption. Once adopted the LDP will supersede the Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan, and be the document which allocates sites for development and identifies policies which will be used to determine all planning applications in Neath Port Talbot. 1.0.5 The topic paper can be read in isolation or in conjunction with the other Topic papers and Background papers that have been prepared to give a full picture of Neath Port Talbot. 1.0.6 If you have any comments on this Topic Paper they can be submitted on line on the Council's website www.npt.gov.uk/ldp. Follow the LDP logo to the portal page and post your comments direct. Alternatively you may submit them in writing to the address below or via email to [email protected]. Comments will have to be received before midnight on 17th October 2011 and the name of the Topic Paper and specific paragraph to which the comment relates will need to be identified in your response. 1 1 . Background Climate LDP Team Change Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council The Quays Brunel Way and Baglan Energy Park Environment Neath SA11 2GG 01639 686821 T opic Paper , September 201 1 2 2 . Introduction 2 Introduction 1 201 2.0.1 Delivering sustainable development is a central principle of the Planning Process. This paper covers a range of issues and topics under the umbrella 'Climate Change and September Environment.' , 2.0.2 The Planning system has a key role in addressing environmental issues, ensuring Paper new developments and the urban form enable residents to reduce their ecological footprint opic T and where adverse impacts on the environment do occur taking this into account through mitigation measures. There are a number of challenges which the County Borough will face over coming years, including addressing the impacts of Climate Change, and integrating policies and strategies to promote and deliver sustainable development. Environment and 2.0.3 This paper will cover the following topic areas: Climate Change Change Built environment - including design, sustainable building standards and heritage Climate Natural heritage - including biodiversity, habitats, greenspace, seascapes and landscape Pollution - noise, air, land, light and water pollution Flooding - including Appendix A 'Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment' 2.0.4 In addition to this topic paper the LDP Pre-Deposit has been subject to a Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment which addresses in detail the anticipated impact of the Plan on a range of environmental, social and economic issues. The key findings are presented in the SEA/SA Interim Report. 3 Introduction . 2 , September 2011 Paper Topic Environment and Change Climate 4 3 . National Policy Context 3 National Policy Context 1 201 Wales Spatial Plan (WSP) 2008 3.0.1 One of the key priorities for the Swansea Bay Waterfront and Western Valleys September Area, in which Neath Port Talbot lies, is to ensure that environmental protection and , enhancement are fully integrated. This includes protecting and enhancing the biodiversity Paper of the area and managing the risks of the disconnection and isolation of habitats from opic T changes in land use and climate. 3.0.2 The WSP recognises that the natural environment underpins the success of the Area and is central to the quality of life of residents, visitors and employees and is vital in Environment ensuring that we retain jobs, attract inward investment and diversify our local economy. and 3.0.3 In terms of the built environment, the Wales Spatial Plan states that the quality of design of buildings and public spaces in the area’s city, town centres and smaller Change settlements needs to be high, giving places wherever possible a distinct sense of identity, fostering a sense of civic pride and community. The overall aim of the Plan is to create a network of settlements with real character which complement each other and add strength Climate to the attractiveness of the city-region as a whole 3.0.4 It recognises the importance of the environment for its intrinsic value and for the economy and quality of life. The safeguarding and enhancing of the natural environment will attract people and retain them and preserve the foundations for the future. The Plan identifies a need to understand better how Wales’ great environmental assets can be used to benefit people and the economy. Furthermore, it is stated that mitigation and adaptation to climate change can give opportunities for environmental gain including biodiversity enhancements and habitat improvements. 3.0.5 A more detailed extract from the Wales Spatial Plan is provided in Appendix K of the Pre-Deposit Plan. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) (2011) 3.0.6 PPW identifies a number of broad objectives which reflect the sustainable development agenda and the Welsh Government's priorities: Promote resource-efficient and climate change resilient settlement patterns that minimise land-take (and especially extensions to the area of impermeable surfaces) and urban sprawl, especially through preference for the re-use of suitable previously developed land and buildings, wherever possible avoiding development on greenfield sites. 5 Locate developments so as to minimise the demand for travel, especially by private car. 3 . National Policy Context Climate Guide renewable and low carbon energy provision as part of an integrated approach including the location and design of new development, identify strategic sites to deliver Change enhanced standards, and ensure that public buildings (including major renovations) fulfill an exemplary role. and Support the need to tackle the causes of climate change by moving towards a low Environment carbon economy. This includes facilitating development that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases in a sustainable manner, provides for renewable and low carbon energy sources at all scales and facilitates low and zero carbon developments. T opic Minimise the risks posed by, or to, development on, or adjacent to, unstable or Paper contaminated land and land liable to flooding. This includes managing and seeking to mitigate the consequences of climate change by building resilience into the natural , September and built environment. Play an appropriate role to facilitate sustainable building standards (including zero carbon) that seek to minimise the sustainability and environmental impacts of buildings. 201 1 Play an appropriate role in securing the provision of infrastructure to form the physical basis for sustainable communities (including water supplies, sewerage and associated waste water treatment facilities, waste management facilities, energy supplies and distribution networks and telecommunications), while ensuring proper assessment of their sustainability impacts. Contribute to the protection and improvement of the environment, so as to improve the quality of life, and protect local and global ecosystems. In particular, planning should seek to ensure that development does not produce irreversible harmful effects on the natural environment and support measures that allow the natural heritage to adapt to the effects of climate change. The conservation and enhancement of statutorily designated areas and of the countryside and undeveloped coast; the conservation of biodiversity, habitats, and landscapes; the conservation of the best and most versatile agricultural land; and enhancement of the urban environment all need to be promoted. This can include the use of Green Wedges and local designations such as Special Landscape Areas.