Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy - Draft Plan Local Development Framework Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy - Draft Plan Contents 1 Introduction 3 2 Portrait of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak 8 3 Spatial Vision, Aims and Objectives 18 4 The Spatial Strategy 25 5 Protecting Peak District Character 32 6 Supporting the Rural Economy and Enhancing Prosperity 44 7 Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Communities 60 8 Sub Area Strategies 80 9 Implementation and Monitoring 121 10 Glossary 156 Core Strategy Policies Core Strategy Policy CS 1 Sustainable Development Principles 26 Core Strategy Policy CS 2 Settlement Hierarchy 28 Core Strategy Policy CS 3 Landscape Character 35 Core Strategy Policy CS 4 Biodiversity 36 Core Strategy Policy CS 5 Design Quality 38 Core Strategy Policy CS 6 Built and Historic Environment 40 Core Strategy Policy CS 7 Green Infrastructure 43 Core Strategy Policy CS 8 Maintaining and Enhancing an Economic Base 48 Core Strategy Policy CS 9 Regenerating an Industrial Legacy 50 Core Strategy Policy CS 10 Countryside Development 51 Core Strategy Policy CS 11 Promoting Peak District Tourism and Culture 53 Core Strategy Policy CS 12 Retail and Town Centres 57 Core Strategy Policy CS 13 Strategic Housing Development 61 Core Strategy Policy CS 14 Affordable Housing 65 Core Strategy Policy CS 15 Exception Sites 66 Core Strategy Policy CS 16 Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Show People 67 Core Strategy Policy CS 17 Climate Change 70 Core Strategy Policy CS 18 Provision of Open Space and Recreation Facilities 71 Core Strategy Policy CS 19 Accessibility 77 Core Strategy Policy CS 20 Infrastructure 79 Core Strategy Policy CS 21 Glossopdale 85 Core Strategy Policy CS 22 High Peak Central Area 92 Core Strategy Policy CS 23 Buxton 99 Core Strategy Policy CS 24 Matlock/ Wirksworth 107 Core Strategy Policy CS 25 Ashbourne 115 Local Development Framework Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy - Draft Plan Contents Core Strategy Policy CS 26 Southern Parishes 120 Core Strategy Policy CS 27 Developer Contributions 122 Development Management Policies Development Management Policy DM 1 Existing Employment Land and Business Premises 49 Development Management Policy DM 2 Chalet Accommodation, Caravan and Camp Site Developments 54 Development Management Policy DM 3 Provision for Open Space and Outdoor Play Space in New Housing Developments 74 Local Development Framework Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy - Draft Plan 1 Introduction 1.1 The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy is a very important document, as it forms the planning framework for the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak communities outside of the Peak District National Park for the period up to 2026. Whilst necessarily conforming to the East Midlands Regional Plan and national policies, this Strategy has sought to address local needs, especially for housing and economic development, while ensuring that the very special quality of the District’s environment – both natural and built – are conserved and where possible enhanced. 1.2 The Core Strategy has been prepared working closely with partner organisations, including the Peak District National Park Authority, local communities and agencies, and following extensive consultation with local communities across the plan area. What is a Local Development Framework? 1.3 Local Development Frameworks were introduced by the Government in 2004 as part of a major shake-up of the planning system with Structure Plans and Local Plans replaced by a Regional Spatial Strategy and a Local Development Framework. The Local Development Framework is made up of a series of documents which combine to form the framework within which planning decisions are made. 1.4 Local Development Frameworks are very different from the Local Plans they will replace. Whilst the old plans were confined to addressing matters of land use, the new plans are intended to be “spatial”. This means that they must be concerned with places, and how they function and relate together. Spatial planning is about managing change in places with the aim of achieving the best quality of life for all without wasting scarce resources or spoiling the environment. 1.5 The new documents should recognise that the plans and strategies of a wide number of agencies can affect places; and as such this requires the local authorities to work more closely with these agencies to co-ordinate activities and work towards shared objectives. What is a Core Strategy ? 1.6 A Core Strategy is the key document within the Local Development Framework. It's role is to set out the spatial vision for the area over the whole plan period (up to 2026), together with “spatial” objectives and strategic policies designed to achieve the vision. It will be comprised of a number of key parts, including the vision and objectives for the area, together with a spatial strategy, main policies and a framework to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the plan. Local Development Framework 3 Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy - Draft Plan 1 Introduction 1.7 The Core Strategy is an important, strategic document and will provide the framework for the production of other Local Development Framework documents. Why Prepare a Joint Core Strategy ? 1.8 The preparation of a Core Strategy has to be founded upon a robust and credible evidence base. Policies and proposals within the Core Strategy must be justifiable and represent the most appropriate strategy when considered against all reasonable alternatives. The evidence base is essential to demonstrate that the Council has a detailed understanding of the issues for its area and that the delivery of housing, employment, retail and other requirements are not compromised by a lack of sites, or infrastructure constraints for example. The evidence base should contain two elements: Participation: evidence of the views of the local community and others who have a stake in the future of the area; Research/fact finding: evidence that the choices made by the plan are supported by background facts. 1.9 Since the 2007 a wide range of studies have been commissioned by Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council and the Peak District National Park Authority to inform the emerging Local Development Frameworks within the Peak Sub Region: The East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (2009) The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-2014 Derbyshire Dales Rural Accessibility Study (2009) Green Infrastructure Assessment (2009) Peak Sub Region Climate Change Study – Focusing on the Capacity and Potential for Renewable and Low Carbon Technologies (2009) Peak Sub Region PPG17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study (2009) Peak Sub Region Retail Study and Town Centre Assessment (2009) Peak Sub Region Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (2009) Derbyshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (2008) Peak Sub Region Employment Land Review (2008) Peak Sub Region Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2008) Peak Sub Region Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2008) Ashbourne Economic Assessment (2007) Peak Sub Region Housing Needs Survey (2007) Affordable Housing Viability Assessment (2010) 1.10 The details of the reports included within the evidence base can be found http://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk and http://www.highpeak.gov.uk 1.11 The evidence base suggests that there are many similar issues and challenges facing the two areas, as such Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council agreed to prepare a Joint Core Strategy for the area which they are the planning authorities. Sustainability Appraisal 4 Local Development Framework Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy - Draft Plan 1 Introduction 1.12 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that the Core Strategy and other Development Plan Documents are subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (SA). The purpose of the SA is to promote sustainable development by the integration of economic, social and environmental considerations into the preparation of the Joint Core Strategy. 1.13 The SA process has contributed directly to the development of policies set out in this draft document. As a result the approach to growth adopted across the Core Strategy will deliver development that is sustainable in the long term. The methodology and findings of the SA are documented in the draft SA report that is being consulted on alongside this draft Core Strategy. Habitats Regulations Assessment 1.14 As a plan or project which may have a significant effect on a European site (Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)) the Core Strategy has been subject to a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) as required under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). Its purpose being to determine whether or not any significant effects are likely to be generated and to identify ways in which they can be avoided. 1.15 The draft HRA report is available as a document supporting the draft Sustainability Appraisal Report for the Core Strategy. The draft HRA report has identified a number of issues that have been taken into account in the preparation of the policies set out in this plan. Purpose of the Document 1.16 This document has been prepared for consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including members of the public, parish councils and the development industry. It has been prepared following two periods of public consultation during 2009; Issues and Options (March to May 2009 ) and Growth Options (August to October 2009). The outcomes of these previous consultations have influenced the contents of this document. 1.17 The policies and proposals set out in this consultation document are the two local planning authorities preferred options for the development of the plan area for the period up to 2026. 1.18 The consultation period runs for six weeks from 3rd June 2010 to 15th July 2010. Have Your Say 1.19 We would like to know your views on the draft plan by 15 July 2010.