East Keswick Neighbourhood Development Plan 2016 – 2028

Pre submission consultation draft May 2016

1 1.0 Introduction JUNE Parish Council decision to proceed with 2013 Neighbourhood Development Plan Foreword 1.1 Background to the Neighbourhood Development Plan The Localism Act of 2011 empowered communities such as East In 2011 a new Act of Parliament came into force, Keswick with the opportunity to shape the future development AUG Application for Neighbourhood Area to the Localism Act. One of its central tenets was of the parish by producing a Neighbourhood Development 2013 City Council the concept of a Neighbourhood Plan. It was an Plan (NDP). The NDP will be an official planning document and idea that a local community, properly constituted, incorporated into the Leeds City Council Local Plan, both being might want to take ownership of how its valid until 2028. All planning applications will be judged by OCT Neighbourhood Area designate by environment developed. Leeds Council reference to it and it is therefore essential that it is constructed in 2013 It will come as little surprise to those who know the form of legally enforceable policies. this parish, that within a year a number of keen East Keswick has several borders, including borders with MAY Consultation document sent to every parishioners had put themselves forward, ready Collingham and Bardsey. We have liaised with our neighbouring 2015 household and businee to do the work that would create East Keswick’s parishes. East Keswick’s Neighbourhood Development Plan Neighbourhood Plan. should not be treated in isolation due to these close borders A Neighbourhood Plan has to be created by a Contents with surrounding villages and it is important to note that the JULY Questionnaire completed and returned properly constituted community body, and the parish of East Keswick includes a small section of the western 2015 Foreword 1 Parish Council fits that remit. The Neighbourhood edge of the village of Collingham within the Neighbourhood Plan group is a subcommittee of the Parish Council. 1.0 Introduction 3 Area. OCT Analysis of consultation Our first meeting was in September 2012. A year 1.1 Background to the Neighbourhood Development Plan 3 The NDP will be informed by local community opinions on all 2015 later and we were ready for our first public meeting planning matters such as the style and design of new housing, 1.2 The Neighbourhood Development Planning process 3 weekend to gather the views of the community. the location and provision of new facilities; and the protection of Numerous other meetings and interactions 1.3 About the parish 4 the historic rural character of the parish of East Keswick. MAY Pre-submission Plan approved by Parish Council through the website and the village newsletter 2016 1.4 How the Neighbourhood Development Plan is organised 5 1.2 The Neighbourhood Development Planning process have resulted in the draft Neighbourhood Plan you The Neighbourhood Plan steering group has been keen to are about to read. 2.0 Vision and objectives 6 ensure progress has been communicated to parishioners at JUNE 6 week public consultation This current version of the Neighbourhood Plan 2.1 Conforming with national and local policy 6 every step of our journey and will continue to do so as the 2016 will be amended following this consultation 2.2 The vision for the future 7 Plan evolves further. The key actions are set out below. Key before we submit it to Leeds City Council for more consultation activity that has taken place includes public 2.3 Objectives 7 Amended Plan submitted to consultation and external examination by an exhibitions and consultations with the community in autumn Leeds City Council independent planning expert. In due course it will 3.0 Key themes and policies for the Plan 8 2013 and spring 2015. come back to the Parish Council as a final Plan. 3.1 Introduction 8 At that point, if you agree it represents the way Neighbourhood Development Plan 3.2 Housing (H) 8 you feel about the parish then we will have one completed and ready for examination more request of you. There will be a referendum 3.3 Building and village design (BVD) 10 day, similar to Election Day voting and subject to 3.4 Community services and facilities (CSF) 14 Neighbourhood Development Plan the same scrutiny and secrecy. Vote yes on that sent for independent examination day and the Neighbourhood Plan will then have 3.5 Employment and local businesses (ELB) 15 the legal weight to protect the parish you love and 3.6 Environment (E) 16 shape the way it grows over the decades ahead. Appendix 1 East Keswick Policies Maps 20 Referendum of East Keswick Parish Residents On behalf of all those who created this Plan, I hope you will be pleased with our effort and support our Appendix 2 East Keswick Village Character Assessment vision on the day. (separate document) Appendix 3 East Keswick Local Green Spaces Assessment (separate document) Andrew Batty Chairman, East Keswick Parish Council Map 1: Neighbourhood Area and Parish Boundary

1.2.1 The Neighbourhood Area Map 1 illustrates the boundary of the parish which is the designated Neighbourhood Area for this Plan. An application to Leeds City Council for the designation of the Neighbourhood Area was made in August 2013. The Neighbourhood Area was approved by Leeds City Council on 7th October 2013. The Plan and its policies can only apply to this area, not beyond.

2 3 The Laurence Academy flourished in the latter part of the nineteenth century up to the death of Joseph Laurence in 1886. It prepared young men for the Methodist Ministry and teaching in various parts of the British Empire and in particular Newfoundland. The present Methodist Chapel was built as a memorial to Joseph Laurence by his former pupils around the world and is a significant landmark in the village. 1.3.2 East Keswick today East Keswick village lies on a country lane which meanders between Collingham and Shadwell. The community comprises some 1146 people (2011 Census), two pubs, two churches, a twice weekly post office, village hall, two hairdressers, beauty salon and butchers. A small extension of Collingham village also lies within the parish situated along the Road (Wharfe Rein, Wharfe Bank and part of Hillcrest). This area comprises quiet residential cul-de-sacs extending north from the main road towards the River Wharfe. 1.4 How the Neighbourhood Development Plan is organised The village is a conservation area surrounded by rich farmland and numerous attractive walks. Its history has been The Neighbourhood Development Plan is set out as follows: chronicled in a highly acclaimed Millennium Book and it • Chapter 2: the vision for the future of the parish and a set enjoys its own Wildlife Trust which manages large tracts of of objectives to realise that vision. local land. • Chapter 3: the policies for achieving the objectives, According to the 2011 Census, the parish of East Keswick has substantiated by evidence and cross referenced to a population of 1146 people, of which 97% are from a white been destroyed in the interests of efficient arable production. national and local policy, to which the policies need to ethnic group. Of the 471 households, 370 households have Since the Second World War, this has profoundly changed broadly conform. access to one or two cars or vans and 67 households have 1.3 About the parish the character of the countryside around the village. • Appendices: the materials referred to in the main body 1.3.1 A brief history of East Keswick access to at least three cars or vans. 34 households do not There are a number of former sandstone quarries around of the NDP. Appendix One is included in this document, Four miles south west of , at the heart of the have access to a car or van. The Census shows that 4% of the the village. In times before bulk road transport it was more whereas Appendices Two and Three form separate so-called ‘golden triangle’ of Wetherby, Harrogate and Leeds population are between the ages of 20-24, 7% are between economical to exploit local building materials rather than documents due to their size. Further information that is is the idyllic location of the Lower Wharfedale village of East the ages of 25-34, 12% are between the ages of 35-44, 25% to transport them over long distances. This explains why too extensive to be included in this document is either Keswick. are between the ages of 45-59, 17% are between the ages of most of the buildings in the historical core of the village are 60-69 and 13% are 70 and over. listed as annexes and/or is accessible on the East Keswick East Keswick is an ancient village and is mentioned as constructed of sandstone. Rail and improved road transport village website: www.eastkeswick.org.uk. There is low unemployment in the parish. The majority “Chesinc” in the Domesday Book under Tor the Saxon lord. made it easier to import materials from further afield and of people are employed, self-employed or retired. A full The original siting of the village may have been in part in more recent developments there is greater diversity in breakdown of the population by age and economic activity due to the concentration of springs rising to the surface in building materials. the area, as shown by the number of pumps and wells still is presented by the charts below. The coming of the North Eastern Railway and its associated evident today in the village. nearby station at Bardsey in 1876 began a trend towards The area has been related to agriculture and its associated commuting to work from the village and this has continued 300 (Economic Activity chart trades from the earliest times until relatively recently, when at a greater pace with the use of cars in modern times. based on 877 responses). its population largely ceased to be employed in agriculture. 250 Source: UK Census Data 2011 The village no longer has a school of its own, but in the The footpaths and lanes around East Keswick provided past there were several schools, beginning with a Sunday strong links to Harewood which appears to have been the 200 School which opened in 1814 at the instigation of one of centre of legal, administrative, agricultural and ecclesiastical the residents and the Vicar of Harewood. This school, which 150 activity for the village for much of its history. Most of the was located in Moor Lane close to Burns Farm, developed land in the parish belonged to the Harewood Estate until into a full day school for local children and by 1851 there 100 1950, when death duties resulted in much of the land in and were some 40 pupils paying a penny a week to attend. The around East Keswick being sold. 50 resulting Primary School closed in 1990. The renowned Many of the smaller farms in the area have now been Laurence family’s school and academy operated in School 0 amalgamated with larger agricultural holdings and the House (a building dating from 1696), which can still be seen Self

farmhouses and some land sold off for development. in School Lane. Age breakdown by population Other Retired working Full Time Full Part Time Part Employee Employee Employee (Working) Employed

The intensification and increasing commercialisation of term Long or disabled aged 16-24 aged 50-74 unemployed Unemployed Unemployed Unemployed l l l Unemployed 20-24 25-34 35-44 Looking after Never worked Never Students - not Students Long term sick term Long

agriculture has also meant that historic field boundaries have home or family

l 45-59 l 60-69 l 70 + Time Student Full

4 5 2.3 Objectives In order to see the vision realised, the NDP has the following objectives: • To protect the countryside and rural environment in order to maintain the visual quality, traditional look and distinctive character of East Keswick as a “fine example of an old farming village” being a part of the Special Landscape Area. • To preserve green spaces in the parish, so that both The NPPF policies which are particularly relevant residents and visitors can benefit from opportunities to this NDP are: for outdoor recreation and leisure. • The presumption in favour of sustainable development • To protect wildlife habitats and the biodiversity in • Delivering a wide choice of high quality homes order to conserve its natural richness and the health • Requiring good design of the local ecosystem. • Promoting healthy communities • To develop additional dedicated pathways and cycle • Protecting green belt routes, providing easy and safe access to facilities, • Conserving and enhancing the natural environment. countryside and neighbouring parishes, in particular Bardsey, Collingham and Harewood. • The twelve core land-use planning principles, i.e.: 1) be genuinely plan led; • To ensure an adequate supply of smaller homes to meet the needs of the parish. 2) not simply about scrutiny; 3) proactively drive and support sustainable economic • To place a high priority on energy efficiency in relation to the design of new homes and to support development; 2.2 The vision for the future initiatives enhancing the ‘green credentials’ of the 4) secure high quality design and a good standard of Following the extensive consultations undertaken parish. amenity; during the process of preparing this Plan, the following • To work to improve parish amenities and to ensure 5) take account of the different roles and characters of Vision has been developed to guide development and there is no further loss or reduction. Wherever different areas; growth in the parish over the coming years to 2028. practical, to encourage new amenities to become 6) support the transition to a low-carbon future; established and to encourage the development of 7) conserve and enhance the natural environment and new recreational facilities for younger residents. reduce pollution; “In 2028 East Keswick will be a • To encourage new business start-ups and to enable 8) re-use previously developed (brownfield) land; community with a historic rural home working. 9) promote mixed use developments and encourage multi- character, a good range of high functionality for land use; • To encourage the sustainability of the agricultural industry through farm diversification. 2.0 Vision and objectives 10) conserve heritage assets; quality homes and community In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan 2.1 Conforming with national and local policy 11) make the fullest possible use of public transport, walking facilities fulfilling local needs. It was consulted on. 98% of respondents agreed with the According to legislation, although the NDP reflects local and cycling; will maintain and develop local draft objectives. issues, concerns and priorities, it must also be in general 12) support local strategies for health, social and cultural services, with a network of safe conformity with national and local planning policy. The wellbeing for all. The following section sets out the policies whereby we following key strategic documents have been taken into pedestrian routes, and support will see this vision and objectives delivered over the 2.1.2 Leeds City Council Core Strategy account when writing the policies for the NDP. planned period. Leeds City Council Core Strategy is a document that for a variety of locally based 2.1.1 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the strategic policy framework for the city to employment opportunities. It will The NPPF sets out the Government’s expectation that “a 2028. It sets out a vision for the future of the city as well be a parish which will continue to positive approach should be taken to achieving sustainable as strategic policy that this Neighbourhood Plan must development through seeking economic, social and broadly conform with. The Core Strategy is one of a suite improve and extend the protection environmental gains jointly and simultaneously through of documents which when complete and taken together of wildlife habitats and biodiversity the planning system”. Published in March 2012 by the will form the Leeds Local Development Plan. Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), and conserve the green space in The Core Strategy was adopted on 12th November 2014. the NPPF sets out the Government’s planning policies Leeds City Council planning officers have provided valuable and around the parish.” for and how these are to be applied. It replaces support through the neighbourhood planning process and previous guidance, notes and circulars, although some still will be involved in the review process of this Plan in due remain in place until further detailed policy is published. In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan course to ensure that policies continue to be aligned. Critically, the NPPF must be taken into account in the was consulted on. 98% of respondents agreed with the preparation of all new local plans, including this NDP. vision.

6 7 3.0 Key themes and Findings from the public consultation (2013) were as follows: • 58% of respondents agreed that the current mix of policies for the Plan housing is about right in the village. Comments that were 3.1 Introduction submitted included requests for lower cost housing for 3.2.2 Enhancing energy efficiency of new homes ‘starter homes’ and for older people looking to downsize; All Neighbourhood Plans must meet the basic conditions i. Issues building smaller 1-3 bedroom units rather than large as set out in planning legislation. The basic conditions deal In 2009, buildings accounted for about 43% of all the UK’s detached houses and a requirement for bungalows, flats with matters such as: carbon emissions. Buildings and other developments or terraces to house the ageing population. • general conformity with strategic local policy can also damage the environment, through poor • There was an almost equal split, (with 51% in favour), waste management and/or inefficient use of resources. • regard to national policy between respondents on the issue that any new Government recognises the need to reduce carbon • contributing to achievement of sustainable development development should be reserved for the use of local emissions from buildings and make sure that planning • compatibility with EU Obligations people. policies help to protect and improve the natural and built • compatibility with Human Rights requirements There were no sites for housing proposed in the parish of environment. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (sections East Keswick through the call for sites for the Leeds Strategic New developments with enhanced energy efficiency 183 – 185) refers to Neighbourhood Plans and states that Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) 2014. will create homes for the future that contribute to the plans must be in ‘general conformity’ with the strategic 3.2 Housing (H) In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was sustainability of the parish and the wider city. policies of the Local Plan. East Keswick’s Neighbourhood Policies consulted on. 87% of respondents agreed with this draft ii. Evidence Plan will meet the basic conditions and work within national H1: Adequate provision of new homes policy. The consultation process has indicated that the community guidelines. H2: Enhancing energy efficiency of new homes is in support of supporting developments that include The following sections sets out the policies in the following enhanced energy efficiencies. In May 2015 the first draft Objectives addressed iii. Policy way: of the Neighbourhood Plan was consulted on and 93% of • To ensure an adequate supply of smaller homes to H1: Adequate provision of new housing respondents agreed with this policy. • Themes: policies are ordered into five themes: meet the needs of the parish. Proposals for new housing developments will be The Leeds Core Strategy spatial vision seeks to ensure a. Housing (H) • To place a high priority on energy efficiency in relation supported where the proposed developments: Leeds is resilient to climate change through the use of b. Building and village design (BVD) to the design of new homes and to support initiatives a. Are for no more than 10 units per development. innovative techniques and efficient use of natural resources. enhancing the ‘green credentials’ of the parish. Furthermore, the objectives supporting this vision makes c. Community services and facilities (CSF) b. Can demonstrate that local infrastructure has reference to the need to manage environmental resources 3.2.1 Adequate provision of new homes adequate carrying capacity. d. Employment and local businesses (ELB) by “making efficient use of natural resources, including the i. Issues e. Environment (E) c. Will provide a range of housing meeting identified implementation of sustainable design and construction The parish has limited opportunities for building new local needs, including: techniques”. • Summary of policies – a list of policies within each homes due to Green Belt and is not identified in the Leeds theme. Core Strategy as a community required to accept new • smaller dwellings of 1-2 bedrooms e.g. for single person households, older people households, • Objectives: the objectives addressed by the policies. homes to meet city wide targets. iii. Policy couples without dependent children, younger people H2: Enhancing energy efficiency • Issues – a description of the issues each policy is As the Neighbourhood Planning Group did not wish to to buy and/or to rent; designed to address. consider setting a housing target in the Neighbourhood New residential development should be built to high • single storey dwellings; which are especially welcome • Evidence – a description of the evidence that supports Plan, a report was commissioned to provide housing needs sustainability standards. Proposals for all new homes should due to the limited supply and high demand; the policy. advice for East Keswick . meet or exceed standards established by the Code for • Policy: a description of each policy. ii. Evidence • the provision of specialist care housing for the elderly Sustainable Homes Level 4, or any equivalent standards put will be supported where there is evidence of need. in place in the future. • Conformity references: each policy concludes with a The findings from the AECOM report* are summarised as summary of how the policy is in conformity with key follows: Conformity reference: NPPF: 17, 47, 52, 55; Leeds Core Conformity references: NPPF: 93-96; Leeds Core Strategy: parts of the National Planning Policy Framework and Strategy: Spatial Policy 6, 10; Policy H2, H4, T2, G4, EN5 Policy EN3 Leeds City Council’s Core Strategy. • The parish of East Keswick is designated as a villages/ rural settlement type in the Leeds Core Strategy; • With a population of 1146, East Keswick could theoretically be expected to reasonably accommodate 24.5 units over the Core Strategy period; • There is no statutory requirement for East Keswick to deliver any specific amount of new housing as a villages/rural settlement type; • There is no evidence of need for East Keswick to seek to raise the minimum affordability threshold (for affordable housing) beyond 35% of the new units to be provided over the Plan period.

8 9 in and around the village. The Village Character Assessment adds value to the Village Design Statement (2002) and identifies the following key character attributes of the parish which help make the village so special: • a large part of the village is designated as a Conservation Area (see map 2); • there are nine listed buildings within the parish of East Keswick; • the Green Belt boundary is tightly drawn around the built up areas; • the countryside surrounding the built up areas is designated as a Special Landscape Area, the visual character and amenity of which is specially protected in local policy; • the Parish of East Keswick includes one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (Keswick Fitts) and two Sites of Ecological or Geological Interest (SEGI) (Ox Close Wood and the River Wharfe upstream and downstream); • Keswick Marsh is designated as a Leeds Nature Area and Frank Shires Quarry is currently protected as a site of local iii. Policy f) Protecting natural assets, and enhancing the natural conservation interest; BVD1: Character and design environment and biodiversity. Encourage wildlife • Ox Close Wood, Keswick Marsh and Frank Shires Meadow corridors and create havens for wildlife. Proposals must preserve and enhance East Keswick by: and Quarry and the Ellikers are managed by the East g) Considering the visual impact of proposals on key views 3.3 Building and village design (BVD) Keswick Wildlife Trust; a) Recognising and reinforcing the distinct local character and vistas and minimising adverse impacts on these in relation to height, scale, spacing, layout, orientation, Policies • there is a network of existing public footpaths and other views. design, and materials of buildings. BVD1: Character and design rights of way in and around the village which form an h) Incorporating landscaping to enable the visual impact BVD2: Ensuring a positive relationship with the surrounding attraction to visitors as well as local residents and there b) Respecting and protecting local heritage assets and their of the development and to ensure that proposals merge landscape are opportunities for significant enhancements to that settings, particularly in the Conservation Area and listed into the existing village context. Landscaping schemes BVD3: Unlit Villages network. buildings. should seek to include native species. Objectives addressed c) Seek to retain existing buildings and structures which i) Seek to retain mature or important trees. Development make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area. • To protect the countryside and rural environment in that damages or results in the loss of ancient trees or These are detailed in Appendix 2 Village Character order to maintain the visual quality, traditional look and trees of good arboricultural and/or amenity value will not Assessment. Where the demolition of existing buildings distinctive character of East Keswick as a “fine example normally be permitted unless justified by professional and structures is proposed, a clear and convincing of an old farming village” being a part of the Special tree survey and arboricultural statement. Where removal rationale should be provided, which demonstrates that Landscape Area. of a tree(s) of recognised importance can be justified, the benefits associated with the removal of the building a replacement(s) of similar amenity value and maturity • To place a high priority on energy efficiency in relation or structure outweighs any harm to the Conservation should be provided on site. to the design of new homes and to support initiatives Area. enhancing the ‘green credentials’ of the parish and in j) Providing adequate off-street parking taking into d) In and adjacent to the Conservation Area, utilise particular the generation of energy from renewable consideration the type of development, the accessibility appropriate materials which are in keeping with the sources, energy efficiency and recycling. of the location, and the requirements of local parking character of the Conservation Area. Natural sandstone standards. Parking provision should be designed into 3.3.1 Character and design should normally be used on external walls and any the scheme to minimise its visual impact upon the i. Issues boundary walls. Blue slate, stone or clay pantiles streetscape. New developments must respect the rural nature of the should generally be used as roofing materials on all community and its setting by actively encouraging the buildings and extensions. Windows and doors should be k) Ensuring boundary treatments and street furniture reflect incorporation of natural enhancement in any development. of a design and appearance which reflects the traditional the distinct local character in relation to materials and Valued conservation and heritage sites must be protected. styles seen elsewhere within the conservation area. design. ii. Evidence e) Respecting and protecting other non-designated l) Ensuring that development proposals include an ecology In March 2015 the Neighbourhood Plan steering group Map 2: East Keswick Conservation Area buildings which make a significant contribution to the report and comply with any recommendations made. commissioned a Village Character Assessment (see Appendix local character. In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was 2) to help guide the design of new development proposals consulted on. 100% of respondents agreed with this draft and to inform decisions taken in relation to development Conformity references: NPPF: 35, 55-65, 109, 118, 126-141; Leeds Core Strategy: Policy P1, P11, G2 policy.

10 11 3.3.2 Ensuring a positive relationship with the surrounding landscape i. Issues iii. Policy The community of East Keswick highly value the BVD2: Ensuring a positive relationship with the surrounding countryside, the gateway points and the surrounding landscape views afforded to those looking towards the village. Proposals located at the gateways of the built up areas or Through the consultation process it has been made clear in other prominent sites in the parish which can be viewed that the community want to protect these access points from the surrounding countryside should: and views. a) Be of appropriate massing, height, orientation and ii.Evidence scale so that it sits comfortably in its setting and does not Gateways provide important local landmarks, for example overwhelm or adversely impact the visual quality of the relating to and informing where a village or built up area surrounding landscape; and begins, or marking a parish boundary. Gateways can be used to informally demarcate the extent of historic b) Include landscaping schemes which achieve development of a village, as well as to ask those entering a satisfactory visual transition between the built an area to behave in a certain way, for example to slow development and surrounding natural and green down if driving, or to welcome visitors. landscape, for example including trees, verges, walls, hedgerows and ponds. In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was consulted on. 100% of respondents agreed with this Conformity references: NPPF: 17, 59, 61; policy. Leeds Core Strategy: Policy P11, P12 There are two primary gateways, three secondary gateways and four key views into East Keswick village. 3.3.3 Unlit villages Gateways: View 1: View 3: i. Issues • Primary Gateway 1 East facing towards East Keswick village West facing towards East Keswick village East Keswick village is unlit by streetlights. This contributes at Crabtree Lane (via the A659, Harewood Road) This view is below the sight line Important view into East Keswick showing tree belt and to the character of the village and is well supported • Primary Gateway 2 from Wike Lane. village wrapping round hillside. by residents. Newer developments have had low level • Secondary Gateway 1 from Moor Lane lighting incorporated but this should only continue where • Secondary Gateway 2 residents are in favour and where installation does not from Lumby Lane, at Cleavesty Lane/The Grove junction detract from the rest of the unlit area. • Secondary Gateway 3 The area of housing at Wharfe Rein/Hill Crest also does not A659, from Collingham, at Hillcrest have street lighting and is therefore covered by this policy Views: area. • East facing towards East Keswick village ii. Evidence • North facing towards East Keswick village In 2006 a consultation was held by the Parish Council • West facing towards East Keswick village to determine whether the village should remain unlit. • South facing towards East Keswick village Following this, the Council resolved not to apply to Leeds City Council for street lighting and for the village to remain unlit. In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was consulted on 98% of respondents agreed with this draft policy.

iii. Policy BVD3: Unlit Village View 2: View 4: In order to conserve its rural character, new development North facing towards East Keswick village South facing view towards in the parish should respect and maintain the unlit nature of the built up area. New street lighting will not This view is across fields and a public footpath which is used East Keswick Village be supported and new security and other domestic or by walkers and local children attening Bardsey Primary School Important view into East Keswick showing tree belt commercial lighting should be carefully designed so that it and village wrapping round hillside. does not create unnecessary light pollution. Conformity references: NPPF: 125; Leeds Core Strategy: Map 3: Gateways and views Policy P11 Key View corridor Gateway

12 13 iii.Policy ELB1: Start-ups and home working Proposals and initiatives promoting business activities in the parish will be encouraged, provided that proposals respect the local environment and can demonstrate that: • business activity will not cause inconvenience to neighbours; and • business activity does not generate unreasonable regular noise issues for neighbouring properties. Conformity references: NPPF 17, 21, 28; Leeds Core Strategy: Spatial Policy 83.5.2

Farm diversification 3.4 Community services and facilities (CSF) i. Issues Policies The agricultural industry is a key element of East Keswick’s CSF1: Maintenance of community amenities iii. Policy heritage and character. This Plan seeks to support farmers CSF2: Recreational facilities for the younger people CSF1: Maintenance of community amenities by encouraging industry sustainability through farm Objectives addressed diversification, where this has low impact upon the a) Proposals for development which result in the loss or countryside environment and does not create any other • To work to improve village amenities and to ensure there reduction of those identified community amenities will unreasonable impacts for the local community. is no further loss or reduction. Wherever practical, to be resisted. 3.5 Employment and local businesses (ELB) encourage new amenities to become established and to ii. Evidence b) Establishment of new amenities meeting the needs of Policies encourage the development of new recreational facilities The village is surrounded by farmland, primarily arable the community will be supported where an evidence of for younger residents. ELB1: Small business development but with some grazing too. Very little of the landscape is need can be established. ELB2: Farm diversification woodland or in other uses apart from agriculture. Some 3.4.1 Maintenance of community amenities Conformity references: NPPF: 28, 70; Leeds Core farms have already diversified from agriculture, for example Objectives addressed i. Issues Strategy: Policy P9 the fishponds off Moor Lane. As with many rural communities, East Keswick has a limited • To encourage new business start-ups and to enable In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was range of amenities remaining. Those that do so are well used 3.4.2 Recreational facilities for younger people home working. consulted on. 100% of respondents agreed with this draft and important to the community. These facilities are: i. Issues • To encourage the sustainability of the agricultural policy. • St Mary Magdalene - Anglican Church According to the 2011 Census, East Keswick has a population industry through farm diversification. Leeds City’s spatial vision recognises the role agriculture • Children’s playground of 1146, of which 133 (12%) are between the ages of 11 and plays in providing the city with a “distinctive green • Sports Club 18. There is strong community support for the provision of environment.” 3.5.1 Small business development • Methodist Church recreational facilities which are focused on this age group. At present, while a very well equipped new play area has been • The Duke of Wellington Public House i. Issues provided for under 12s, there is little to engage the older age The parish council and Neighbourhood Plan steering group iii. Policy • The Old Star Public House groups, either indoor or outdoor. are keen to promote new business start-ups in the area and ELB2: Farm diversification • Tennis club ii.Evidence to encourage home working to grow and support the local Farms seeking to diversify their business will be supported • Village Hall In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was economy. The parish has few small businesses in evidence, although there are a number of homeworkers and of course where such new activity does not result in: ii. Evidence consulted on. 96% of respondents agreed with this draft the farming community supports a range of business both The Leeds Core Strategy’s place-making objectives support policy. a) Significant additional traffic movements, particularly on and off farm. the provision of community infrastructure, including heavy goods vehicles. iv. Policy community facilities, health, education and training spaces. More local opportunities for working would be beneficial b) Parking or congestion problems. CSF2: Recreational facilities for younger people In addition the strategy promotes the concept of local to all age groups and service sector businesses in particular Developments providing opportunities for the improvement c) Any other nuisance or negative impacts upon centres providing local services in the community, such as have the potential of providing wider benefits for the of leisure, recreation and sport activities for younger people neighbouring properties or across the parish as a whole. leisure, economic development and community facilities. community. in the parish will be encouraged. Development of such d) The loss of best or most versatile agricultural land. In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was facilities should focus on the 11-18 years age group. ii. Evidence consulted on. 100% of respondents agreed with this draft In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was Conformity references: NPPF 17, 21, 28, 35, 112; Leeds Core Conformity references: NPPF 28, 70; Leeds Core Strategy: policy. consulted on. 97% of respondents agreed with this policy. Strategy: Spatial Policy 8 Policy P9

14 15 3.6 Environment (E) Policies E1: Special Landscape Area 3.6.2 Green corridors E2: Green corridors i. Issues E3: Local Green Spaces Although the parishes of East Keswick, Collingham and E4: Conservation of wildlife habitats and biodiversity Bardsey are physically very close to each other, they are, of E5: Movement and accessibility course, separate and distinctive communities. For example, Objectives addressed each parish is producing a separate Neighbourhood Development Plan. One key method to maintain the • To protect the countryside and rural environment in separation of the communities is to identify and maintain order to maintain the visual quality, traditional look and ‘green corridors’ which, not only serve multi-functional roles distinctive character of East Keswick as a “fine example from a green infrastructure perspective, but are also in place of an old farming village” being a part of the Special to ensure that the separate built up areas do not merge over Landscape Area. In the current Core Strategy, the long term spatial vision time. • To preserve green spaces in the parish, so that both includes the view that the smaller communities surrounding These are shown as green hatching on the East Keswick’s residents and visitors can benefit from opportunities for the main urban area, such as East Keswick, will be “separated ii. Evidence green corridors map (map 6 below). a. Regional green corridors - In 2010 Natural England outdoor recreation and leisure. Specific attention should by agricultural land, woodland, valuable green spaces, There is a further green corridor, “Blacksmiths Field”, between produced maps of the green infrastructure corridors for be paid to mature trees and roadside verges, which also habitats and amenity areas” as well as having “a wide East Keswick and Bardsey which provides a buffer zone . The area to the north of the provide a critical support for wildlife. network of multi-functional Green Infrastructure.” These between the two villages. This corridor is within the policy parish has been mapped as a strategic regional green • To protect wildlife habitats and the biodiversity in order aspects of the vision for the future of the city are further intentions of this Plan but is fully located in Bardsey parish, as infrastructure corridor. This regional green corridor (R17 to conserve its natural richness and the health of the local substantiated by Core Strategy objectives 17 and 21. is part of the railway corridor. ecosystem. on map 5), refers to the River Wharfe corridor that starts The Leeds Landscape Assessment indicates that the majority • To develop additional dedicated pathways and cycle in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and runs In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was of the parish of East Keswick falls within MGP1 Hollin Hall routes, providing easy and safe access to facilities, to the north of Leeds joining the Ouse corridor to the consulted on. 98% of respondents agreed with this draft Plateau . The overall management strategy for this area countryside and neighbouring parishes, in particular south of York. The whole of the corridor is rich in terms policy. is to enhance through restoration, where the traditional Bardsey, Collingham and Harewood. of cultural heritage, wildlife and recreational assets. The farmhouse features were beginning to break down and to corridor demonstrates much agricultural use, developing 3.6.1 Special Landscape Area maintain the area through small scale planting around the from low intensity grazing in the north of the corridor to existing copses and small plantations or as screening for i.Issues more intensive arable to the south. This corridor is also farm buildings. The characteristic open nature should be The parish of East Keswick lies within high quality shown as a green shaded area on the East Keswick green maintained. The report recommended that a programme of countryside, which enjoys special protection as it has been corridors map (map 6). tree planting to restore the visually important line of trees identified as a Special Landscape Area. The preservation and along Harewood Avenue should be instigated. Additional maintenance of the beautiful surrounding countryside is areas of coniferous plantation should be discouraged whilst very important to the community, providing as it does the the diversification of existing areas should be encouraged, backcloth to the villages of East Keswick and Collingham, including the softening of edges through deciduous as well as serving valuable roles for outdoor recreation, planting. biodiversity, produce from the land and other ecosystem services. In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was consulted on. 98% of respondents agreed with this draft ii.Evidence policy. Map 6: East Keswick’s green corridors Leeds Core Strategy’s Local Plan Proposals Map (2013) for East Keswick clearly shows the countryside surrounding East Keswick as a designated Special Landscape Area. iii. Policy iii. Policy E1: Special Landscape Area E2: Green corridors Any development within the Special Landscape Area must The following defined green corridors are identified on the not substantially affect the visual quality and character Map 5: Regional green corridors Policies Map: of East Keswick. The visual quality and character is largely b. Local green corridors - Multi-functional local green • River Wharfe defined by the following characteristics: corridors will be used to protect the borders of East • Former railway • Farmed countryside, interspersed with small woods and Keswick and prevent ribbon development between • Keswick Beck copses; parishes which would affect the rural character of the • Harewood Avenue • Listed buildings and historic farmed landscapes; local area. Within the Neighbourhood Area, the following • River Wharfe valley Development which would sever, block or prejudice the four local green corridors have been identified; • Small becks forming green corridors operation of these links as multifunctional wildlife, amenity • River Wharfe – includes borders with Collingham • Field boundaries formed by hedgerows and recreational resources will be resisted. • Dismantled railway Conformity reference: NPPF: 17, 61; Leeds Core Strategy: • Keswick Beck – includes borders with Bardsey Conformity reference: NPPF: 17, 55, 61 Leeds Core Strategy: Policy P11, P12, G2, G8 • Harewood Avenue Policy P11, P12, G2, G8 Map 4: Special Landscape Area

16 17 3.6.3 Local Green Spaces iii. Policy i. Issues E3: Local Green Spaces The parish has many green spaces, formal and non-formal, The following green spaces have been identified and as well as excellent access to the surrounding countryside. designated as Local Green Spaces:. These serve to provide opportunities for the community to 1. Land adjoining the Village Hall. undertake informal recreation and healthy outdoor activity, 2. Land off Church Drive. as well as providing additional green infrastructure functions. 3. Land adjoining Keswick Marsh 4. Land bounded by Crabtree Lane and Allerton Drive ii. Evidence 5. Keswick Marsh. In 2015 the Neighbourhood Plan steering group carried out 6. Frank Shires Meadow and Quarry. a green space assessment, using an assessment framework 7. The Ellikers which covered the whole of the parish. The assessment 8. War memorial plots on Whitegate and Crabtree Lane. findings are detailed in Appendix 3. The assessment was 9. Ox Close Wood. based upon the 3 key criteria as set out in the NPPF, that is: 10. East Keswick Sports Field. “The Local Green Space designation will not be 11. Land off Lumby Lane. Map 9: Definitive Map for East Keswick 12. Carr Green playground, tennis courts, footpath and appropriate for most green areas or open space. land bordering these to the fence/hedgerow In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was The designation should only be used: In all instances, development will not be permitted that consulted on. 98% of respondents agreed with this draft adversely affects the value of these sites to the community. policy. • where the green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves; Conformity references: NPPF: 17, 76-77; Leeds Core Strategy: G4, G6 • where the green area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular 3.6.4 Conservation of wildlife habitats and biodiversity local significance, for example because of its i. Issues beauty, historic significance, recreational value The high quality countryside surrounding East Keswick is supported by extensive habitats which provide a rich (including as a playing field), tranquillity or biodiversity throughout the parish. The protection of richness of its wildlife; and habitats is a high priority to ensure the perpetuation of • where the green area concerned is local in wildlife that contributes to the special character of the parish. character and is not an extensive tract of land.” ii. Evidence Leeds Core Strategy recognises that the City’s environmental The Leeds Core Strategy Objective 21 refers to the need to resources are crucial, not just in ensuring quality of life, protect and enhance green space and to find opportunities but also sustaining life itself. Biodiversity in Leeds is not to improve their functionality. constrained to designated nature conservation sites or Furthermore, the Leeds Open Space, Sport and Recreation merely concerned with rare or threatened species or Assessment (2011) clearly shows East Keswick as being habitats, it is equally about ensuring that widespread and deficient in accessible green space, as illustrated in Map 7. common species remain an integral part of a sustainable natural environment. The Leeds Habitat Network seeks to show where the most important ecological areas and iii. Policy ecological corridors are in relation to each other (see Map E5: Movement and accessibility 8). The parish of East Keswick has a number of key areas, Map 8: Leeds Habitats Network including Ox Close Wood, Keswick Marsh, Frank Shires 3.6.5 Movement and accessibility a. Any proposals for development should seek to retain Meadow and Quarry, the Ellikers and Keswick Beck that and, where possible, enhance existing pedestrian, cyclists i. Issues provide vital support to local habitats and wildlife. and horse-riding routes. Proposals which result in their Movement within the parish should be accessible to all. removal in part or whole will be resisted. The first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was consulted on As most residential areas are near the countryside, the and 100% of respondents agreed with this draft policy. community highly values the protection and maintenance of b. Proposals seeking to improve, replace or add to the the existing network of local footpaths, footways, cycle routes existing network of local footpaths, footways, cycle iii. Policy and bridleways. From the consultation process, it is clear that routes and bridleways will be supported. Where feasible, E4: Conservation of wildlife habitats and biodiversity the parishioners would support any work to further expand footpaths and bridleways should be designed to enable All new developments should provide opportunities to these networks for the benefit of the community. access for all. enhance and support biodiversity on or adjacent to the ii. Evidence c. Support will be given for the establishment of a cycle development site. This includes preserving or creating Map 7: Access to green and amenity space Within the Neighbourhood Area, there are a number of route on the former railway line from Bardsey to wildlife habitats, including trees, verges, walls, hedgerows approved footpaths, footways, cycle routes and bridleways. Collingham. In May 2015 the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan was and ponds. consulted on. 98% of respondents agreed with this draft These public rights of way are shown on the Definitive Map Conformity references: NPPF: 35, 58; Leeds Core Strategy: Conformity references: NPPF: 109-110, 113-118; Leeds Core policy. (Map 9). Policy T2 Strategy: Policy G2, G8

18 19 Appendix 1 East Keswick Policies Maps Proposed Local Green Spaces

[ K

0 0.25 0.5 1 Kilometres

Local Green Spaces Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Local Green Spaces overview

[ [ Key: Local green corridor SEGI 33 Ox Close Wood

Regional green corridor Proposed new cycle route

Site of local conservation interest - Frank Shires Quarry Conservation Area

Local Green Space LNA 061 Keswick Marsh

SSS1 015 Keswick Fitts Community facility

SEGI 37 River Wharfe upstream and downstream

0 20 40 80 0 10 20 40 Metres Metres

Local Green Space Local Green Spaces Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Allerton Drive Carr Green

20 21 [ [ [ [

050 100 200 0 25 50 100 025 50 100 010 20 40 Metres Metres Metres Metres

Local Green Space Local Green Space Local Green Space Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Local Green Space Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Church Drive Ellikers Ox Close Sports Field

[ [ [ [

010 20 40 025 50 100 0 10 20 40 0 15 30 60 Metres Metres Metres Metres

Local Green Space Local Green Space Local Green Space Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Local Green Space Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Frank Shires Keswick Marsh Village Hall War Memorial Crabtree

[ [ [

0 10 20 40 020 40 80 05 10 20 Metres Metres Metres

Local Green Space Local Green Space Local Green Space Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Lumby Lane Moor Lane, St Marys Garth War Memorial Whitegates

22 23 This publication has been grant aided by Locality

Published by East Keswick Neighbourhood Plan Group, a sub group of East Keswick Parish Council

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