56 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan Environment 57 Environment
CHAPTER 5
INTRODUCTION
5.1 A pleasant and attractive environment is an essential element in maintaining and improving the quality of life of people living and working in the Borough. It is also central in people’s perception of the image of a place. A high quality environment is therefore a significant factor in helping to attract new investment in its various forms, it has a vital role to play in the regeneration of the Borough and has been identified as one of the three main objectives of the UDP strategy (Chapter 2). Strategic Guidance emphasised the need for the UDP to continue to safeguard what is best in both the urban and rural environments whilst reclaiming and improving mining, quarrying and declining attractive and exciting environment. derelict and despoiled land. extraction and manufacturing industries these are being 5.4 The UDP seeks to conserve and 5.2 The “Environment” is of course progressively tackled and the Borough improve the Borough’s Environment now firmly established at the top of as a whole has much which is worthy through attention to seven areas of national and international political of conservation and promotion ( in policy: agendas with public concern, and addition, mineral sites ,through efforts action by governments, over a wide by both the industry and regulatory * Protecting the Countryside range of issues relating to the future authorities, have seen substantial (SENV 1) health of the planet. The Public improvements to working practices * Protecting the Agricultural Attitude Survey highlighted the and restoration). The Borough has the Resource (SENV 2) concern amongst Doncaster residents largest area of countryside of any * Conserving the Landscape for the quality of the local Metropolitan Borough, much of it very (SENV 3) environment. The UDP does not, and attractive; an extremely important * Conserving the Built Heritage cannot, address all local environmental wildlife resource with some of the (SENV 4) issues but it will play a major role in Borough’s habitats enjoying an * Conserving the Wildlife Resource determining the appearance and international reputation; and a very (SENV 5) quality of Doncaster’s Environment, rich built heritage with numerous * Ensuring the quality of New through its policies and proposals for Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings Development (SENV 6) environmental improvement; for the and archaeological sites. New * Improving the Environment conservation of the Borough’s natural development is also contributing to an (SENV 7) and built heritage; and for new development.
5.3 The image of Doncaster has Public Attitude suffered, perhaps unfairly, from its association with colliery spoil heaps, Survey unsightly quarries, obsolete industrial buildings, derelict and degraded land Nearly 20% of people thought the Borough’s “poor image” was and polluted waterways. Whilst there a problem the Council should tackle. are parts of the Borough with problems resulting from the effects of coal 58 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
PROTECTING THE COUNTRYSIDE
SENV 1 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROTECT THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM UNNECESSARY AND INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT. GREEN BELT AND COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREAS ARE DESIGNATED WITHIN WHICH ONLY USES APPROPRIATE TO A RURAL AREA WILL BE PERMITTED. SUCH USES WILL BE EXPECTED TO CONSERVE AND WHEREVER POSSIBLE ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT.
5.5 It is, and has long been, national policy to protect the countryside from inappropriate development in order to safeguard its character and natural resources and so that development is directed towards urban areas where it can usually be accommodated more economically and with a more acceptable environmental impact.
5.6 The countryside provides the setting for a number of potentially conflicting interests and activities including agriculture, mineral extraction, timber growing and, increasingly, recreation. The importance of conserving the countryside for the sake of its beauty, its diversity of landscape and wealth diversify the rural economy in the light difficult to sustain. On the other hand of wildlife and other resources is of the changing agricultural context. such areas often provide excellent widely recognised whilst changes in opportunities for various alternatives national agricultural policy and 5.8 The countryside policies of the to agriculture such as forestry, and practice have highlighted the need for UDP seek to take account of these recreation uses which can create a a more diverse and healthy rural changes, to conserve rather than buffer or transition area between the economy and the fact that the preserve the countryside, to strike an intensive land uses of urban areas and countryside is the home and workplace acceptable balance between the the open countryside with benefits for of a significant number of people. competing interests and above all to the environment, agriculture and maintain and enhance the quality of the access/recreation. Some of the UDP 5.7 The countryside has always been countryside in all its respects. policies therefore make reference to subject to change as the result of this particular aspect of the developments in, and the interplay 5.9 Doncaster’s “countryside” has countryside either in terms of priorities between, these various interests, but been defined close up to the built up for environmental improvement works the changes currently taking place are areas and proposed development sites, or by encouraging or directing certain particularly profound, most notably: because a) ample development land is developments to such areas. provided by these areas; b) the ·A lessening emphasis on the countryside provides an attractive 5.11 Not all of the Borough Council’s importance of agricultural production. setting for Doncaster’s built up areas countryside objectives can be pursued ·Increasing recreation pressure and thereby supports the regeneration solely through planning regulations; including proposals for a large number of the environment and economy; and agriculture and forestry for example and wide range of recreation and c) the countryside is a land use in its are largely outside its control as are leisure facilities in the countryside. own right and is recognised as such. many informal recreation activities. ·Continuing pressure for development Much depends therefore on education, of all kinds and notably a significant 5.10 The countryside immediately public awareness, direct improvement increase in proposals for the outside the urban areas, i.e. the “urban works, access and management conversion of rural farm buildings to fringe “, is often in need of agreements with landowners and the other uses, especially residential. improvement. It suffers from the controls they (including the Borough ·Increasing public awareness and effects of activities such as trespass, Council) exercise over their land. support for the conservation of the vandalism and fly tipping creating a There are many organisations involved countryside and its natural resources. poor visual relationship between town in this work including the Ministry of ·Growing recognition of the need to and country and making agriculture Agriculture, the Forestry Authority, Environment 59
the Countryside Commission, English Borough Council’s objectives; it will ENV 1 and ENV 2 respectively. It Nature, British Waterways Board, and be seen from the Proposals Map that should be noted that some very small local voluntary organisations. The two countryside designations have villages and hamlets have been Borough Council will work with them been used as the basis of this control. “washed over” by these designations to pursue its objectives on as many In the western “half” of the Borough and are therefore treated as fronts as necessary. the countryside is designated as countryside. Larger villages have been
“Green Belt”; in the eastern “half” it “inset” and are therefore excluded CHAPTER 5 5.12 Planning control is nevertheless is designated as “Countryside Policy from the Green Belt and Countryside central to the realisation of the Area”. These are explained in Policies Policy Area designations.
Green Belt Designation
ENV 1 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL MAINTAIN A GREEN BELT IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE BOROUGH THE GENERAL EXTENT OF WHICH IS DEFINED BY A LINE APPROXIMATING TO THAT OF THE EAST COAST MAIN RAILWAY LINE AND THE DETAILED BOUNDARIES OF WHICH ARE SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP. THE PURPOSES OF INCLUDING LAND IN THE DONCASTER GREEN BELT ARE: áTO REGULATE THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF URBAN AREAS IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNRESTRICTED SPRAWL; áTO PREVENT THE COALESCENCE OF EXISTING SETTLEMENTS; áTO ASSIST IN SAFEGUARDING THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM ENCROACHMENT; AND áTO ASSIST IN URBAN REGENERATION BY ENCOURAGING THE RECYCLING OF DERELICT AND OTHER URBAN LAND.
5.13 Green Belts have been an appropriate for Green Belt designation definitions and distinctions such as important feature of the Planning than that in the west which is “the general extent of” and “Statutory system for many years and continue sandwiched between the adjacent Interim” are hereby dispensed with. to command widespread support. The urban centres of Wakefield, Barnsley, The status of the Green Belt shown on Borough Council hereby reaffirms its Rotherham and Doncaster and the Proposals Map applies equally commitment to the Green Belt in the therefore particularly sensitive to throughout its extent within the western part of the Borough. urban expansion and settlement Borough. coalescence. 5.14 The South Yorkshire Structure 5.17 The use of land in the Green Belt Plan established the general extent of · The countryside in the eastern half has a positive role to play in fulfilling the Green Belt in the Borough. In of the Borough is in a number of ways the following objectives: - broad terms this includes the open land more suitable for planned urban around and between the built up areas expansion than that in the west being ·to provide opportunities for access to in the western half of the Borough, that generally of a lower landscape and the open countryside for the urban is between the Borough’s western agricultural quality. population; boundary and a line approximating to ·The importance of protecting ·to provide opportunities for outdoor that of the existing Selby-Doncaster- countryside outside the Green Belt is sport and outdoor recreation near Retford railway line. This policy now widely acknowledged, notably in urban areas; reaffirms the existing general extent of central government guidance. ·to retain attractive landscapes and the Green Belt in the Borough. enhance landscapes near to where 5.16 Detailed Green Belt boundaries people live; 5.15 In proposing no change to the have been previously established on a ·to improve damaged and derelict land general extent of the Green Belt the statutory basis for those parts of the around urban areas; Borough Council has had regard to a Borough covered by the Mexborough- ·to secure nature conservation interest; number of factors: Conisbrough, Adwick-Bentley- ·to retain land in agricultural, forestry Sprotborough and Balby-Hexthorpe and related uses. ·Central Government guidance Local Plans. Elsewhere in the Borough These objectives are also pursued contained in PPG2 states: “Once the detailed boundaries have either not through other policies of the UDP general extent of a Green Belt has been defined or defined in old style been approved it should be altered Development Plans (which are now 5.18 The detailed boundaries have only in exceptional circumstances”. very out of date) or on a Draft non been defined in accordance with the ·The Strategic Guidance proposed no statutory basis in Interim Planning above purposes; account has also been alteration to the general extent of the Policy Statements. The UDP taken of the need to ensure a strong Green Belt in South Yorkshire. establishes for the first time a detailed degree of permanence, that is beyond · The countryside in the eastern half statutory boundary for all Green Belt the timescale of the UDP. PPG2 states of the Borough is considered less within the Borough. Previous “The essential characteristic of Green 60 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Belts is their permanence and their Its purpose is to ensure that Green Belt undermine the objective of boundary protection must be maintained as far boundaries will not have to be altered longevity. Furthermore PPG2 states as can be seen ahead... detailed at the end of the Plan period. The that “detailed Green Belt boundaries boundaries defined in adopted local Borough Council has concluded for defined in adopted Local Plans or plans... should be altered only the following reasons, that in earlier approved development plans exceptionally”. This has two Doncaster’s case it is not necessary or should be altered only exceptionally”. implications. Firstly, amendments to appropriate to provide safeguarded The preparation or review of a boundaries established in the Local land in order to ensure protection of Development Plan is not necessarily Plans referred to above have been the Green Belt for the longer an exceptional circumstance. limited. Secondly, it is necessary to timescale: establish new boundaries which will (iii) Where detailed Green Belt endure and which do not include land (i) Doncaster is not constrained by its boundaries are being defined for the which it is unnecessary to keep Green Belt in the way that many first time the Borough Council has had permanently open. metropolitan areas and Green Belt regard to development requirements, cities are. Approximately half of environmental and other planning 5.19 Wherever possible the detailed Doncaster’s countryside lies beyond considerations and is satisfied that boundaries of the inner edge of the the Green Belt and whilst the policies development allocations have been Green Belt have been defined so as to of the UDP seek to protect this made and boundaries drawn which follow existing physical features and countryside throughout the Plan period will obviate the need for Green Belt prominent landmarks. Such features (through the Countryside Policy Area boundary review for as far as can be have also been used to define the policies), this area offers excellent seen ahead. This has involved eastern outer edge where the East opportunities for planned expansion substantial allocations in some cases Coast Main Railway line does not beyond the Plan period thereby (e.g. Bawtry and Askern) and drawing form an appropriate boundary. The obviating the need to delete Green fairly tight boundaries elsewhere western outer edge is defined by the Belt. In addition, substantial (e.g.Tickhill and the smaller villages) Borough boundary and complements development potential already exists where long term policies of restraint Green Belt designations in in the western half of the Borough on are envisaged. neighbouring authorities. development allocations and other land inset within the Green Belt. 5.21 Areas of White land and similar 5.20 In preparing the UDP the urban fringe land which were included Borough Council has addressed the (ii) Statutory Green Belt boundaries in previous development plans have possible need to provide safeguarded have already been established for been replaced with Green Belt or other land (sometimes referred to as white much of Doncaster’s Green Belt area. allocations. Developers and the land) in accordance with PPG2 advice. Given that the sole purpose of general public are thus afforded a This is land between the urban area safeguarded land is to safeguard the considerable degree of certainty with and the Green Belt which may be longevity of Green Belt boundaries it regard to the location, type and needed to meet longer-term would be inappropriate to replace timescale of future development and development needs but which is established Green Belt with encouragement is afforded to unallocated in the current plan period. unallocated land; indeed it would regeneration priority sites. Countryside Policy Area Designation
ENV 2 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL MAINTAIN A COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE BOROUGH COVERING ALL COUNTRYSIDE OUTSIDE THE GREEN BELT. THE DETAILED BOUNDARIES ARE SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP.
THE PURPOSES OF THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY ARE:
áTO ASSIST IN SAFEGUARDING THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM ENCROACHMENT áTO PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE SETTING FOR TOWNS AND VILLAGES áTO PREVENT SETTLEMENTS FROM COALESCING áTO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION NEAR URBAN AREAS áTO RETAIN LAND IN AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURE CONSERVATION USES áTO PROTECT OTHER NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES áTO ASSIST REGENERATION BY DIRECTING DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS URBAN AREAS AND STRATEGIC ALLOCATIONS áTO HELP SUSTAIN RURAL COMMUNITIES AND A DIVERSE RURAL ECONOMY Environment 61
5.22 The South Yorkshire Structure Plan contained no specific policies for the protection of the countryside outside the Green Belt. The Thorne- Stainforth-Hatfield and Armthorpe- Edenthorpe-Kirk Sandall-Barnby Dun
and Adjoining Areas Local Plans and CHAPTER 5 the Interim Planning Policy statements have sought (very successfully) to protect the countryside in these areas using a variety of designations (Agricultural Policy Area, Urban Fringe Policy Area, Countryside Policy Area, Strategic Rural Gaps) and development control policies which differ very little from those operated within the Green Belt. Given the decreasing emphasis on the importance of agricultural production and the growing recognition of the need to protect the countryside for its own sake, it is considered appropriate as can be seen ahead. There is no such in the development control policies to designate the countryside beyond requirement however for the ENV3 - ENV14 the Green Belt as ‘Countryside Policy boundaries of the Countryside Policy Area’. Area to endure beyond the plan period. 5.25 The Borough Council will protect (iii) The general presumption against all land designated as Green Belt or 5.23 The Countryside Policy Area inappropriate development embodied Countryside Policy Area from shares many similar purposes with the in Government Guidance applies only inappropriate development throughout Green Belt including safeguarding the to Green Belts. the life of the UDP. Green Belt and countryside from encroachment and Countryside Policy Area boundaries assisting in urban regeneration; it also (iv) Whilst there are many issues of have been established which have plays a similar positive role in development control which apply sought a careful balance between the fulfilling a number of objectives equally to Green Belt and the protection of the countryside, the including providing for attractive, countryside beyond, PPG2 contains protection of the form and amenities economically healthy settlements and specific detailed guidance on certain of urban areas and the provision of an helping to retain agriculture, forestry, types of development which is peculiar adequate supply of land for housing, nature conservation uses and other non to Green Belts and which is reflected industry and other developments. renewable resources.
5.24 Central Government Guidance Key recognises that policies for controlling development apply with equal force to Fact Green belt and Countryside outside Green Belt. There are a number of important differences however DONCASTER COUNTRYSIDE between the Green belt and the Doncaster has the largest area of countryside of all the Countryside Policy Area: metropolitan authorities, the larger part of the Borough is in fact rural in character. Most of the countryside is intensively (i) One of the purposes of the farmed reflecting the high proportion of good quality agricultural Doncaster Green Belt is to prevent the land but it also contains attractive villages, hamlets, other well coalescence of large neighbouring established buildings standing in their own grounds, woodlands, urban areas. The countryside in the country parks, nature reserves, golf courses, and othe recreation eastern ‘half’ of Doncaster is not facilities and hundreds of miles of public rights of way. Much of subject to such pressures which is why its landscape is extremely attractive, particularly in the western it was excluded from the General half of the Borough, and it is a considerable asset in promoting Extent of the South Yorkshire Green the Borough to potential developers, visitors and residents as Belt. The Countryside Policy Area well as a much appreciated resource for the people who already does however play an important role live and work in the Borough. In contrast the countryside also in preventing the coalescence of contains limited but significant areas of degraded landscape smaller settlements. largely as a result of existing or former mineral workings some of which are subject to restoration conditions but some of which (ii) An essential characteristic of Green are derelict and require urgent attention. belts is their permanence and their protection must be maintained as far 62 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
General Development Control Policies
ENV 3 WITHIN THE GREEN BELT, AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED, EXCEPT IN VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN:
a) AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICIES ENV5 AND ENV6;
b) OUTDOOR SPORT AND OUTDOOR RECREATION INCLUDING ESSENTIAL FACILITIES FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENT SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICY ENV7;
c) CEMETERIES AND OTHER USES OF LAND (INCLUDING ESSENTIAL FACILITIES WHICH ARE GENUINELY REQUIRED FOR SUCH USES) WHICH PRESERVE THE OPENNESS OF THE GREEN BELT AND WHICH DO NOT CONFLICT WITH THE PURPOSES OF INCLUDING LAND IN IT;
d) LIMITED INFILLING IN EXISTING VILLAGES SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICY ENV9;
e) THE REUSE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICY ENV10;
f) LIMITED EXTENSION, ALTERATION OR REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING DWELLINGS SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICIES ENV13 AND ENV14.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FALLING WITHIN CATEGORIES a) TO f) WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTABLE IN PRINCIPLE WHERE THEY WOULD NOT BE VISUALLY DETRIMENTAL BY REASON OF THEIR SITING, MATERIALS OR DESIGN, AND WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO UNACCEPTABLE HIGHWAY OR AMENITY PROBLEMS AND WOULD NOT CONFLICT WITH OTHER POLICIES OF THE UDP.
5.26 Policy ENV3 sets down the the Green Belt. Proposals for where they are found. Their extraction Borough Council’s overall development which would not is a temporary activity and need not development control policy within the prejudice the purposes of including be incompatible with the purposes of Green Belt. It reflects Government land in the Green Belt will including land in the Green Belt Guidance on Green Belts as set down nevertheless be refused if they would provided that high environmental in PPG2. The general policies injure the visual amenity of the Green standards are maintained (the controlling development in the Belt by reason of their siting, materials development should be carried out in countryside apply with equal force in or design. such a way that it contributes as far as Green Belts but there is in addition a possible to the objectives of the use of general presumption against 5.27 All development proposals within land in the Green Belt) and that the inappropriate development within the Green Belt must satisfy Policy site is well restored. This requirement them and such development will not ENV3. Certain types of development will apply to other significant be approved except in very special proposals must also satisfy additional development in the Green Belt (e.g. circumstances. Inappropriate policies as cross referenced within waste tipping, road and other development is, by definition, harmful ENV3 i.e.: ENV5 (Agricultural infrastructure development). Mineral to the Green Belt. The construction dwellings); ENV6 (agricultural extraction and landfill operations and of new buildings is inappropriate buildings); ENV7 (recreation and their ancillary developments such as unless it is for the purposes as set down leisure proposals); ENV9 (infilling); screening and washing plants may in the policy. Engineering and other ENV10 (conversion of rural therefore be acceptable in the Green operations and the making of any buildings); ENV13 (replacement Belt subject to this requirement and material change in the use of land are dwellings); and ENV14 (alterations to compliance with the relevant inappropriate development unless they and extensions to dwellings). minerals and waste disposal policies maintain openness and do not conflict of the UDP. with the purposes of including land in 5.28 Minerals can be worked only Environment 63
ENV 4 WITHIN THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA, AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED, FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN: a) AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, OUTDOOR RECREATION AND LEISURE,
CEMETERIES,ESSENTIAL SERVICE PROVISION BY STATUTORY CHAPTER 5 UNDETAKERS, OR OTHER USES APPROPRIATE TO A RURAL AREA, SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICIES ENV 5 - ENV 8.
b) INFILLING DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SETTLEMENTS WASHED OVER BY THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICY ENV 9.
c) THE RE-USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICY ENV 10.
d) SMALL SCALE EXTENSION OR EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICY ENV 11
e) MINOR RETAIL DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATE TO A RURAL AREA SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICY ENV 12.
f) REPLACEMENT OF, OR ALTERATION OR EXTENSION TO, A EXISTING DWELLING SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS INCLUDED IN POLICIES ENV 13 AND ENV 14.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FALLING WITHIN CATEGORIES a) TO f) WILL BE ACCEPTABLE IN PRINCIPLE ONLY WHERE: i) IT WOULD NOT PREJUDICE BY REASON OF ITS NATURE, SCALE, SITING OR DESIGN, THE PURPOSES OF THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA AND IN PARTICULAR WOULD NOT LEAD TOWARDS THE PHYSICAL OR VISUAL COALESCENCE OF SETTLEMENTS; AND ii) IT WOULD NOT CREATE OR AGGRAVATE HIGHWAY OR AMENITY PROBLEMS; AND iii) IT IS SITED, DESIGNED AND, WHERE NECESSARY, SCREENED SO AS TO MINIMISE ITS IMPACT ON AND WHEREVER POSSIBLE ENHANCE THE CHARACTER, LANDSCAPE AND NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
5.29 Policy ENV 4 sets down the satisfy additional policies as cross- that high environmental standards are Borough Council’s overall referenced within Policy ENV4 i.e. maintained (the development should development control policy within the ENV5 (Agricultural dwellings); ENV6 be carried out in such a way that it Countryside Policy Area. It reflects (Agricultural buildings); ENV7 contributes as far as possible to the Government Guidance on the control (recreation and leisure proposals); objectives of the use of land in the of development in the countryside as ENV8 (Touring caravans and camping Countryside Policy Area) and that the set down in PPG7 and other Planning facilities); ENV9 (Infilling); ENV10 site is well restored. This requirement Policy Guidance. It is based on the (Conversion of rural buildings); will apply to other significant guiding principle that development in ENV11 (Employment uses); ENV12 development in the Countryside Policy the countryside should both benefit (retail development); ENV13 Area (e.g. waste tipping, road and economic activity and maintain or (replacement dwellings) and ENV14 other infrastructure development). enhance the environment. It is (alterations and extensions to Mineral extraction and landfill designed to achieve the purposes of the dwellings). operations and their ancillary Countryside Policy Area as set down developments such as screening and in Policy ENV2 and to achieve good 5.31As in the Green Belt mineral washing plants may therefore be quality development which respects extraction may be acceptable in the acceptable in the Countryside Policy the character of the countryside. Countryside Policy Area. Minerals Area subject to this requirement and can be worked only where they are to compliance with the relevant 5.30 All development proposals within found. Their extraction is a temporary minerals and waste disposal policies the Countryside Policy Area must activity and need not be incompatible of the UDP. satisfy Policy ENV4. Certain types of with the purposes of including land in development proposals must also the Countryside Policy Area provided 64 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Agricultural Dwellings
ENV 5 WITHIN THE GREEN BELT OR COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA NEW DWELLINGS WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE A GENUINE AGRICULTURAL OR FORESTRY REASON CAN BE DEMONSTRATED, SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH POLICY ENV 3 OR POLICY ENV 4 (AS APPROPRIATE) AND TO THE ATTACHMENT OF AN APPROPRIATE OCCUPANCY CONDITION AND PROVIDED THAT WHEREVER POSSIBLE THE DWELLING IS LOCATED WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF THE SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT AND IS ADJACENT TO EXISTING BUILDINGS. IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES, PLANNING OBLIGATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED TO TIE THE DWELLING TO ADJACENT FARM BUILDINGS.
AN OCCUPANCY CONDITION WILL NOT NORMALLY BE REMOVED UNLESS IT CAN BE CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT THE LONG TERM LAND USE NEED FOR THE CONDITION NO LONGER EXISTS IN THE LOCALITY. WHEN GRANTING PERMISSION FOR A SECOND AGRICULTURAL DWELLING ON AN AGRICULTURAL UNIT THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE OCCUPANCY CONDITIONS TO BE PLACED ON BOTH DWELLINGS.
5.32 There is a general presumption caravans, need careful siting to condition and where appropriate a against residential development in the minimise their impact on the landscape Section 106 Agreement under the Green Belt and such development is and a site adjacent to an existing group Town and Country Planning Act 1990. not normally permitted in the of farm buildings should, wherever These will ,respectively ,restrict use of Countryside Policy Area (except for possible, be chosen. This will, in the dwelling to a person employed for infilling in accordance with Policy addition, enable existing public the agreed purposes or their ENV 9). In most instances agricultural services, facilities and highway access dependents and tie the dwelling to the workers, like other employees in rural to be used. Where such a location is associated agricultural buildings and areas, will be expected to live in not practical, siting must have regard land, in order that (a) the dwelling is dwellings within settlements and to existing features such as farm kept available to meet the identified indeed there are usually domestic and buildings, the contours of the land, agricultural or other need and(b) so social advantages in doing so. trees and hedgerows, supplemented that the general policy presumption However there are certain restricted where necessary by new planting. In against residential development in the circumstances where it may be accordance with Green Belt and countryside is not undermined. necessary to allow isolated new Countryside Policy Area objectives, dwellings in association with Planning Permission will not be 5.37 Appropriate circumstances where agriculture or other appropriate use to granted where it would lead towards a section 106 agreement will be be located actually on the holding/site the physical or visual coalescence of required will be addressed in detail for the proper management of the settlements. through supplementary Planning farm/operation. “Agricultural need” Guidance. In general however this will will be assessed on the basis of the 5.35 New dwellings in the countryside be where the holding or part of the criteria set out in National Planning should be in keeping with the character holding was included in the policy Guidance. Other claims will of the area in terms of scale, design, justification for the dwelling and the have to show a need to provide colour and use of external materials Borough Council is concerned that the permanent attendance to safeguard and landscaping. In accordance with size of the holding is such that the machinery or property. PPG7 new agricultural dwellings further sale of any part of it could should be of a size commensurate with affect its viability as an agricultural 5.33 In the case of new farm holdings the established functional requirement unit. The Borough Council will or other appropriate operations where of the holding. Dwellings which are consider any reasonable argument for the viability is in doubt, planning unusually large in relation to the selling off parcels of land but the permission may be granted for agricultural needs of the unit, or additional control will give it the temporary accommodation for a unusually expensive to construct in opportunity to review the viability and limited period to enable the viability relation to the income it can sustain in sustainability of the operation i.e. the of the holding/operation to be the long term, will not normally be only reason for originally allowing the assessed. This will allow the Borough permitted. The Borough Council will dwelling. Council to give proper consideration produce supplementary Planning to the need for a permanent dwelling. Guidance on this issue.
5.34 New agricultural dwellings, 5.36 Where planning permission is including temporary residential granted, it will be subject to a Environment 65
5.38 The Borough Council will have exceptional circumstances when it can measures have been taken to sell or regard to these policy objectives when be clearly demonstrated that such a pass on the dwelling with the condition considering applications to remove condition has outlived its usefulness attached, will the Borough Council occupancy conditions. Only in and that appropriate and satisfactory consider removing a condition.
Agricultural Buildings
CHAPTER 5
ENV 6 AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS (EXCLUDING DWELLINGS) REQUIRING PLANNING PERMISSION OR NOTIFICATION WILL NORMALLY BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT:
a) WHEREVER POSSIBLE AND REASONABLE THE DEVELOPMENT IS SITED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO EXISTING BUILDINGS, AND OR UTILISES EXISTING LAND FORMS AND VEGETATION TO MINIMISE ITS IMPACT; AND
b) THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT SIGNIFICANTLY DETRACT FROM VIEWS ACROSS OPEN COUNTRYSIDE OR THE SETTING OF A SETTLEMENT AND COMPLIES WITH POLICY ENV 3/ENV 4 (AS APPROPRIATE); AND
c) THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT IS MINIMISED BY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO DESIGN, SCALE, TYPE AND COLOUR OF MATERIALS AND TO LANDSCAPING. A PARTICULARLY HIGH STANDARD OF DESIGN AND MATERIALS WILL BE REQUIRED IN AREAS OF SPECIAL LANDSCAPE VALUE; AND
d) IN THE CASE OF BUILDINGS TO BE USED FOR LIVESTOCK OR FOR THE STORAGE OF SLURRY OR SEWAGE SLUDGE, THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LOSS OF AMENITY FOR OCCUPIERS OF PROTECTED BUILDINGS.
5.39 Doncaster has a thriving especially when the proposed building ENV 7 applies. Farm shops are dealt agricultural industry and the Borough would be visible from public vantage with under Policy ENV 12. There are Council will take a positive view of points or footpaths. Policy ENV 17 an increasing number of applications proposals requiring permission or applies. Where a building requires for glass houses in association with the notification. However many modern notification the Council will generally development of horticulture farm buildings, because of their scale only require a reserved matters particularly in the East and South-East and prefabricated construction can application where the proposal is on a of the Borough. Where the Borough have a very damaging impact on the virgin greenfield site or within an Area Council is satisfied as to the viability countryside. All farm buildings, of Special Landscape Value or where of the concern, planning permission whether requiring planning permission it is to be visible from a highway. will usually only be granted subject to or not should therefore be carefully (*)Protected buildings include most a Section 106 Agreement to secure sited, designed and screened to ensure residential and other permanent sufficient capital investment allied to that the natural heritage and visual buildings normally occupied by people a five year programme. Such amenity of the Green Belt or but exclude farm dwellings. Under the developments often eventually result Countryside Policy Area is not General Development Order 1995 (as in pressure for a small retail element adversely affected. In the case of amended) planning permission is which may or may not prove buildings to be used for livestock or required for development (erection or acceptable, access and car parking for the storage of slurry or sewage alteration) of a unit used, or to be used, arrangements being particularly sludge it is important that the amenities for livestock or the storage of slurry important issues. Applications for of people residing in or occupying or sewage sludge within 400m of a dwellings related to such “protected” (*) buildings are “protected” building (and this developments will again be considered safeguarded. In accordance with Green includes the use for these purposes of in the context of Policy ENV5. Belt and Countryside Policy Area units resulting from permitted objectives, planning permission will development rights within 5 years of not be granted for development which this development). would lead to the physical or visual coalescence of settlements. Design/ 5.40 Non agricultural horse related siting considerations are also developments such as stables, field particularly important in Areas of shelters, riding schools and stud farms, Special Landscape Value and require planning permission. Policy 66 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Recreation and Leisure Developments
ENV 7 WITHIN THE GREEN BELT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ESSENTIAL FACILITIES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT AND OUTDOOR RECREATION INCLUDING SMALL ANCILLARY BUILDINGS, UNOBTRUSIVE SPECTATOR ACCOMMODATION AND OTHER ESSENTIAL FACILITIES, WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THE DEVELOPMENT IS GENUINELY REQUIRED AND THE DEVELOPMENT PRESERVES THE OPENNESS OF THE GREEN BELT. IN THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE USES WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT:
a) THE USES WOULD BE PREDOMINANTLY OUTDOOR AND WOULD HAVE A LOW PROPORTION OF BUILDING AREA IN RELATION TO LAND AREA; AND
b) ANCILLARY FACILITIES (CLUBHOUSES, VISITOR CENTRES, CAR PARKING ETC) WOULD NOT EXCEED THOSE WHICH ARE REASONABLE AND SUFFICIENT FOR THE USERS OF THE MAIN FACILITIES AND ARE SITED DESIGNED AND SCREENED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.
SUCH DEVELOPMENT AS IS PERMITTED SHOULD BE LOCATED AND DESIGNED TO ENSURE HARMONY WITH THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE AND IN PARTICULAR SO AS TO NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE LANDSCAPE, AGRICULTURE, THE FORM AND CHARACTER OF EXISTING SETTLEMENTS, THE BUILT HERITAGE OR WILDLIFE AND SO AS TO COMPLY WITH ALL RELEVANT UDP POLICIES INCLUDING ENV 3 /ENV 4 (AS APPROPRIATE) AND ENV16.
DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD DETRACT FROM THE AMENITIES OF NEARBY RESIDENTS OR FROM THE GENERAL AMENITY OF THE WIDER COUNTRYSIDE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
REGARD WILL BE HAD TO THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF SUCH DEVELOPMENTS IN A PARTICULAR AREA. PROPOSALS WITHIN THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA WHICH ARE LOCATED ON THE EDGE OF URBAN AREAS WILL GENERALLY BE LOOKED UPON MORE FAVOURABLY THAN THOSE LOCATED IN OPEN COUNTRYSIDE.
5.41 It is not always possible, or use has a low proportion of building such uses can, in appropriate locations, indeed desirable, to accommodate all area in relation to land area it may be perform a number of positive land use/ leisure and recreation uses within acceptable in the countryside if it amenity functions: urban areas. Some activities, such as satisfies all the requirements of this golf require large tracts of land while policy. (Swimming pools, sports halls, * creating attractive well maintained others need to be located on, or close sports stadia, entertainment centres landscapes (particularly where to, the natural resources on which they and other predominantly indoor agriculture is difficult to sustain) are based. Many playing fields are facilities will be expected to be located also located on the edge of settlements within urban areas). * forming valuable buffer areas and are acceptable there subject to the between urban areas and open open space policies contained in the 5.42 Formal outdoor recreation countryside thereby reducing Recreation chapter. In the Green Belt activities such as playing fields, conflicts along the urban fringe outdoor recreation and leisure is one allotments, sports centres and golf such as trespass and vandalism on of the uses of land which will often be courses can have a significant impact agricultural land appropriate but it is important that built on the landscape. They require * establishing attractive edges to, development is confined to that which specialised sites, are intensively used and open breaks between, is essential (e.g. small changing rooms, and often involve buildings and some settlements small stables, unobtrusive spectator provision for spectators. accommodation) and the suitable Consequently there will be many * meeting demand for facilities conversion of redundant buildings instances where such activities cannot may be needed to facilitate outdoor be satisfactorily accommodated which cannot, for reasons of shortage sport in the Green Belt. In the (within the Areas of Special Landscape of suitable sites, be accommodated Countryside Policy Area provided the Value for example). On the other hand within urban areas. Environment 67
5.43 The Borough Council will and amenities of rural residents, are in exceptional circumstances, be therefore look more favourably upon minimised. granted for leisure and recreation uses proposals for such uses which are where this would result in the loss of located on the edge of urban areas. 5.46 The introduction of additional significant areas of Grade 1, 2 or 3a Where buildings are proposed traffic along rural roads for instance agricultural land. Golf courses in however substantial screening and can alter the character of an area particular require extensive areas of
landscaping will be required. especially where the development land and can often (although not CHAPTER 5 would require road widening or the always) involve significant earth 5.44 More informal activities can often removal of hedges to provide adequate moving and other development which be acceptable in more isolated rural sight lines. New buildings should makes the return to best quality locations. They may need to be wherever possible relate to an existing agricultural use seldom practicable. located within or close to a particular grouping of buildings rather than There is no shortage of land of lower site, water feature or other resource introduce further built development agricultural quality in the Borough on which they are based. They are into the open landscape and should be able to accommodate golf courses and usually unstructured, less intensive sited, designed and screened in such a other recreation uses involving large and have little or no spectator appeal way that they are absorbed into the land takes and the Borough Council and their impact on the countryside is landscape. In accordance with Policy will therefore encourage such uses to therefore more benign, particularly ENV3 new buildings will not be locate in these areas. where they involve the re-use of permitted where they would lead to the existing buildings of traditional physical or visual coalescence of 5.49 Certain sporting and leisure design. They can also help contribute settlements. pursuits have a far from benign effect to rural diversification. on the countryside but are nevertheless 5.47 New built facilities will generally better located there than within, or 5.45 It is a general objective of the be expected to relate in scale and kind close to, urban areas. Opportunities for Borough Council therefore to to the use they are serving i.e. they accommodating noise generating uses accommodate the increasing demand should be ancillary. Proposals for in an acceptable way will be limited for the wide range of formal and hotels accompanying golf course but the Borough Council recognises informal countryside leisure and applications for instance will be the demand for such activities and will recreation activities. It is essential required to satisfy Policy TO3 together seek to accommodate them where however, that they are accommodated with all relevant policies and standards amenity, wildlife, certain livestock in such a way that potential of the UDP. enterprises and landscape interests are conflicts with other interests in the not harmed. (See also Policy RL21) countryside such as agriculture, nature 5.48 In accordance with Policy conservation, landscape appearance ENV 16 permission will not, except
Sites for Touring Caravans and Camping Facilities
ENV 8 WITHIN THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITES FOR TOURING CARAVANS AND CAMPING FACILITIES WILL NORMALLY BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT:
a) THE DEVELOPMENT COMPLIES WITH ALL RELEVANT UDP POLICIES INCLUDING POLICY ENV16 AND POLICY ENV4 AND IN PARTICULAR WOULD NOT CREATE A VISUAL INTRUSION IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OR LEAD TOWARDS THE PHYSICAL OR VISUAL COALESCENCE OF SETTLEMENTS;
b) ANCILLARY FACILITIES WOULD NOT EXCEED THOSE WHICH ARE REASONABLE AND SUFFICIENT FOR THE USERS OF THE SITE; AND
c) THE SITE IS WELL DESIGNED AND CAN BE ACCOMMODATED WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT DETRIMENT TO TRAFFIC MOVEMENT IN THE AREA OR TO THE GENERAL AMENITY OF THE SURROUNDING AREA.
REGARD WILL BE HAD TO THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF SUCH DEVELOPMENTS IN A PARTICULAR AREA. PROPOSALS FOR EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING CARAVAN SITES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THIS POLICY. IN GRANTING PERMISSION A HOLIDAY OR SEASONAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION MAY BE IMPOSED.
5.50 There are few existing sites in the certificated sites) but the Borough provision of accommodation facilities Borough (although there are a small Council is keen to support the particularly for overnight and other number of small scale caravan club development of tourism and the short stay visitors will form an 68 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
important element in meeting this elements in the countryside and there Depending upon the particular objective. Sites should be located in is a need therefore to balance circumstances the use of a site may be areas with local opportunities for recreation/tourism objectives with restricted to the holiday season to informal countryside recreation or environmental and other planning minimise visual intrusion and prevent other tourist attractions but should not considerations. In particular sites caravans being used for residential themselves be detrimental to those should not detract from views across purposes. attractions. Caravan and camping open countryside especially those facilities can be particularly intrusive from the main transportation corridors.
Infill Development
ENV 9 WITHIN SETTLEMENTS WASHED OVER BY THE GREEN BELT OR COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA, NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (APART FROM AGRICULTURAL DWELLINGS) WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED UNLESS IT:
a) COMPRISES THE INFILLING OF A SMALL GAP (GENERALLY ONE NOT CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING MORE THAN TWO DWELLINGS) WITHIN A SUBSTANTIAL BUILT FRONTAGE (AS DEFINED BELOW) AND THE DENSITY OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS IN KEEPING WITH THAT OF THE EXISTING BUILT FRONTAGE; AND
b) IS IN KEEPING IN TERMS OF ITS DETAILED SITING, SCALE AND DESIGN WITH THE CHARACTER AND FORM OF THE SETTLEMENT; AND
c) COMPLIES WITH POLICY ENV 3 / ENV 4 AND WOULD NOT SIGNIFICANTLY DETRACT FROM THE APPEARANCE OF THE GREEN BELT OR COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA (FOR EXAMPLE BY THE INTRODUCTION OR EXTENSION OF URBAN CHARACTERISTICS INTO THE AREA OR BY REMOVING TREES OR OBSTRUCTING IMPORTANT VIEWS); AND
d) WOULD PROVIDE FOR AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF RESIDENTIAL AMENITY.
5.51 There is a general presumption framework of the settlement. All the gap and arranged so as to preclude against residential development in the villages apart from tiny and/or ill the possibility of other new dwellings Green Belt and such development will defined hamlets are inset within the being built between them. Agricultural not normally be permitted in the Green Belt or Countryside Policy Area buildings will not be regarded as Countryside Policy Area. However and opportunities for residential contributing to a built frontage. It is within the smaller villages and hamlets infilling beyond them will therefore be important that any development which of the Borough which have been very few. Within the Green Belt only does take place is sympathetic to its washed over by, rather than inset Green Lane, Scawthorpe will be rural location and would not give rise within, the Green Belt or Countryside suitable for infilling. to an unacceptable level of residential Policy Area, limited residential amenity for the occupiers of the development may be acceptable 5.52 To constitute a substantial built proposed dwelling, for example, by provided it is confined to infill frontage there must generally be at virtue of its proximity to a working development (as defined by this least three existing dwellings farm. Policy) on sites physically contained (excluding any covered by agricultural by existing development within the occupancy conditions) on each side of Environment 69
Conversion of Rural Buildings
ENV 10 WITHIN THE GREEN BELT OR COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS TO OTHER USES APPROPRIATE TO THE RURAL AREA WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED:
CHAPTER 5 a) THE BUILDINGS ARE OF PERMANENT AND SUBSTANTIAL CONSTRUCTION, AND ARE CAPABLE OF CONVERSION WITHOUT MAJOR OR COMPLETE RECONSTRUCTION; AND b) THE FORM, BULK AND GENERAL DESIGN OF THE BUILDINGS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THEIR SURROUNDINGS AND THE PROPOSAL RESPECTS THE LOCAL BUILDING STYLE AND MATERIALS; AND c) THAT IN THE CASE OF LISTED BUILDINGS OF SPECIAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COMPLIES WITH POLICIES ENV32 AND ENV34 (IN THE CASE OF BUILDINGS OF LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY ENV33, ENCOURAGE THE RETENTION OF THOSE FEATURES WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING); AND d) THAT IN THE GREEN BELT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT HAVE A MATERIALLY GREATER IMPACT THAN THE PRESENT USE ON THE OPENNESS OF THE GREEN BELT AND THE PURPOSES OF INCLUDING LAND IN IT; AND
e) THAT IN CONSERVATION AREAS THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COMPLIES WITH POLICY ENV25; AND f) THAT IN AREAS OF SPECIAL LANDSCAPE VALUE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COMPLIES WITH POLICY ENV17; AND g) THE PROPOSED USE IS APPROPRIATE TO THE RURAL AREA AND CONTRIBUTES TO THE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE RURAL AREA (OR WOULD NOT PREJUDICE THE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE RURAL AREA) AND WOULD NOT PREJUDICE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF ADJOINING USES OR ITSELF BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY ADJOINING USES OR CREATE OR AGGRAVATE HIGHWAY, PUBLIC SERVICE OR AMENITY PROBLEMS; AND h) THE BUILDING IS CAPABLE OF CONVERSION TO THE PROPOSED USE WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SIGNIFICANT EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING STRUCTURE AND HAS SUFFICIENT LAND ATTACHED TO PROVIDE FOR FUNCTIONAL NEEDS (INCLUDING OFF STREET CAR PARKING AND, IN THE CASE OF DWELLINGS, GARDEN SPACE) WHICH CAN BE PROVIDED WITHOUT ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE CHARACTER OF THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE; AND i) THE BUILDING HAS BEEN USED FOR A SIGNIFICANT PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE USE FOR WHICH IT WAS BUILT; AND j) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COMPLIES WITH OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES OF THE UDP NOTABLY THAT RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF PROTECTED SPECIES. IN GRANTING PERMISSION THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, WHERE APPROPRIATE, REMOVE PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND/OR APPLY OTHER CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE: CONTROL OVER ASSOCIATED USE OF LAND SURROUNDING THE BUILDING; CONTROL OVER FUTURE EXTENSIONS TO THE BUILDING; REMOVAL OF ASSOCIATED OR ATTACHED UNATTRACTIVE BUILDINGS; IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF THE SUBJECT BUILDING AND/OR LANDSCAPING; IMPLEMENTATION OF PROPOSALS WITHIN AN AGREED TIMESCALE; AND CONTROL OVER THE REPLACEMENT OF OLD FARM BUILDINGS BY NEW ONES. 70 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
5.53 Many rural buildings are no longer required for their original purpose (the result of changing agricultural practices for example) and so provide important opportunities for rural diversification through reuse for new commercial, industrial or recreational/tourism uses. Many of these buildings make a positive contribution to their local environment and are an accepted part of the landscape or village scene; a small number are Listed Buildings. Conversion to other uses is often the most effective way of retaining these buildings
5.54 Within urban areas and settlements inset within the Green Belt or Countryside Policy Area the context for the conversion of buildings to other diversification and employment. attach a condition withdrawing uses is provided by a variety of Employment re-use of rural buildings permitted development rights for new policies. However within the Green which satisfies this policy will farm buildings in respect of that Belt and Countryside Policy Area generally be encouraged. Conversion particular agricultural unit or holding (including settlements washed over by to recreation, community and tourism in order to control the replacement of these designations) there is a need to uses can also help bring new life and old farm buildings by new ones. exercise special control to ensure that activity to rural communities as well the amenity of the countryside is not as benefiting visitors (for example 5.58 The Borough Council will also adversely affected and that Policies through the provision of holiday need to consider very carefully how ENV 3 and ENV 4 are not undermined. accommodation). Within the context the proposed use might develop over of this Policy the Borough Council will time. Conversion to an industrial or 5.55 Not all proposals for conversion therefore look more favourably upon commercial use for example may lead will be acceptable. In many cases the proposals to convert to these types of to pressure to extend the building in building will be unsuitable for the use than on proposals for residential the future. Applicants should be aware proposed conversion; in other cases conversion which usually make that the circumstances under which the nature and extent of the proposed minimal contribution to the rural this may be acceptable will be strictly use will be inappropriate. All general economy, involve more substantial controlled (see Policy ENV 11). tests set down in this policy will need conversion works, and often result in Conversion to residential use may also to be met in all cases; schemes can the introduction of unacceptable urban lead to pressure for extensions. Policy often be amended and/or controlled characteristics into the rural landscape ENV 14 would apply. More through conditions in order to make through for example the creation of a problematical however are the various them acceptable. It is extremely residential curtilage around the newly urban characteristics associated with important that where relevant, other converted building. Furthermore, residential conversions such as policies of the UDP are also satisfied, allowing residential conversions can gardens, garages, sheds, green houses, e.g. in the case of Listed Buildings, lead to adverse effects on the rural washing lines, play equipment and so Conservation Areas, Areas of Special economy; the need to accommodate on which can quickly harm the Landscape Value, etc. In the Green local commerce and industry and the informal rural character of a Belt it is important that the proposal suitability of a building for such uses traditional farm building and its does not prejudice the openness of the may well be material considerations in curtilage. Developments without Green Belt and strict control will be deciding applications for residential adequate amenity areas may also lead necessary over the extension of reused conversions. to problems of amenity or trespass buildings and over any associated uses with regard to adjoining agricultural of land surrounding the building which 5.57 The Borough Council will seek uses; future extensions of private might conflict with the openness of the to ensure that permitted development gardens will be strictly controlled. In Green Belt and the purposes of rights are not abused. Planning granting permission the Borough including land in it (e.g. because they permission will not normally be Council will consider the removal of involve extensive external storage, or granted for reuse within four years of permitted development rights in order extensive hardstanding, car parking, the substantial completion of that such developments can be boundary walling or fencing). agricultural buildings erected under carefully controlled. the General Development Order. 5.56 There is now a wide range of When granting permission for reuse 5.59 The Borough Council has commercial and light industrial uses the Borough Council may (where produced supplementary planning which can be successfully located in concerned that a proliferation of farm guidance on conversions and rural areas with resulting benefits to buildings could have of seriously alterations to farm buildings (initially the local economy in terms of detrimental effect on the landscape) for listed buildings). Environment 71
Industrial / Commercial Development
ENV 11 WITHIN THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA SMALL SCALE EXTENSION OR EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT MAY BE PERMITTED PROVIDED IT COMPLIES WITH POLICY ENV4 ;AND THE ENTERPRISE IS SMALL SCALE; AND THE EXTENSION IS ESSENTIAL CHAPTER 5 TO THE CONTINUANCE OF THE BUSINESS; AND IT WOULD BE UNNECESSARY OR UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THE BUSINESS TO RELOCATE TO AN URBAN AREA; OR
THE ENTERPRISE IS SMALL SCALE, APPROPRIATE TO THE RURAL AREA AND CONTRIBUTES TO THE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE RURAL ECONOMY AND THE PROPOSAL CONSTITUTES SENSITIVE EXTENSION, INFILLING OR ROUNDING OFF WITHIN AN EXISTING SETTLEMENT OR COLLECTION OF BUILDINGS.
IN THE CASE OF LARGER SCALE SOURCES OF EMPLOYMENT THE PROPOSED EXTENSION IS OF APPROPRIATE SCALE; IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE CHARACTER OF ITS SURROUNDINGS IN TERMS OF LAND USE, DESIGN AND MATERIALS AND WILL NOT RESULT IN LOSS OF AMENITY OR IN HIGHWAY PROBLEMS THROUGH TRAFFIC GENERATION AND/OR CAR PARKING.
5.60 In accordance with Policy GEN5 established, for example, in an inset permissions in respect of new the Borough Council wishes to village or in a converted building and extensions will be tied to requirements promote the growth and diversification sensitive small scale expansion into for landscaping and other of the rural economy in ways that the Countryside Policy Area is enhancements to the original land and maintain or enhance the character of proposed then this may be permitted buildings. the countryside. The distribution of provided the development complies larger settlements (including colliery with the caveats of this Policy and 5.62 Industrial development in and former colliery settlements) across Policy ENV4 . Small scale expansion connection with agriculture or mineral rural parts of the Borough and the of other established sources of extraction which cannot operate in the provision of a wide range of employment which would normally urban area is acceptable in principle employment opportunities within them be expected to be located in urban subject to Policy ENV 3 / ENV 4 (as makes an important contribution to the areas may also be permitted where the appropriate) and other relevant diversification of the rural economy. Borough Council is satisfied as to the policies. All villages apart from tiny and/or ill need for the development and that the defined hamlets are also inset within possibility of relocation to an the Green Belt or Countryside Policy appropriate urban location has been Area and development for new properly considered. businesses here will be permitted and indeed encouraged (subject to the 5.61 Larger scale sources of Residential Policy Area Policy). employment can provide valuable Policy ENV10 allows for the employment opportunities within rural conversion of existing buildings areas and being generally well thereby providing for a variety of established are usually not appropriate opportunities for the creation of new for re-location. Nevertheless the visual businesses appropriate to the rural area impact of extensions, open storage, car in the smaller settlements and other parking and so on can potentially have buildings washed over by the Green a significant adverse impact on the Belt or Countryside Policy Area. New rural environment, whilst the nature, sources of employment will therefore scale and intensity of the development be encouraged to take advantage of can impact on amenity through traffic these various opportunities; in the generation and/or other noise and interests of protecting the countryside disturbance. It is important therefore new build will not normally be that proposed extensions are permitted. However, where a small appropriate having regard to the scale business which contributes to criteria set down in this Policy and rural diversification is already Policy ENV4. Where appropriate, 72 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Retail Development
ENV 12 WITHIN THE COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED EXCEPT WHERE THE DEVELOPMENT FALLS WITHIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
a) RE-USE OF A RURAL BUILDING SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH POLICY ENV 10.
b) FARM SHOPS SELLING FRESH AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER RURA PRODUCE AND WHERE THE RETAIL DEVELOPMENT IS MINOR IN SCALE AND ANCILLARY TO THE FARM USE.
c) NURSERY GARDENS WHERE THE MAIN PRODUCE/PRODUCTS OFFERED FOR SALE HAVE BEEN PRODUCED ON THE SITE AND THE RETAIL ELEMENT IS MINOR IN SCALE AND ANCILLARY TO THAT OF A NURSERY GARDEN.
d) OTHER FORMS OF RETAILING WHICH ARE MINOR IN SCALE AND CLEARLY ANCILLARY TO THE EXISTING LANDUSE.
WHERE PLANNING PERMISSION IS REQUIRED EACH PROPOSAL WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS AND AGAINST ALL THE RELEVANT POLICIES OF THE UDP INCLUDING POLICY ENV 4.
5.63 Retail development will not which may be acceptable in principle. relevant policies and material normally permitted in the Countryside Proposals within these categories will considerations. Policy Area. This Policy lists the still of course need to satisfy Policy limited types of retail development ENV 4 together with any other
Replacement Dwellings
ENV13 WITHIN THE GREEN BELT OR COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA THE REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING AUTHORISED HABITABLE DWELLING OF PERMANENT CONSTRUCTION WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE THE PROPOSAL COMPLIES WITH POLICY ENV 3 OR ENV 4 (AS APPROPRIATE ) AND WOULD NOT:
a) HAVE A VISUAL IMPACT, EITHER OF ITSELF OR THROUGH ASSOCIATED ACCESS AND SERVICING REQUIREMENTS, PREJUDICIAL TO THE CHARACTER OR AMENITY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE; OR
b) SEEK TO PERPETUATE A USE OF LAND WHICH WOULD SERIOUSLY CONFLICT WITH GREEN BELT/COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA POLICIES; OR
c) INVOLVE REPLACING A DWELLING WHICH IS CAPABLE OF REHABILITATION, ADAPTATION OR EXTENSION; OR
d) SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEED THE SIZE OF THE ORIGINAL DWELLING
5.64 Applications proposing the that replacement dwellings in the architecture. The size of the dwelling replacement of existing habitable countryside are allowed only where should not exceed more than 20% of dwellings of permanent construction absolutely necessary and that any new the volume of the original dwelling in the countryside will, if they can dwelling is of an appropriate design (over and above the normal permitted meet the requirements of this policy, and scale. Its siting should have regard development rights). Considerations be considered on their individual for the existing layout, character and other than those specifically referred merits. amenity of the site and surroundings to will on occasion need to be taken and its design should reflect the style, into account depending on individual 5.65 This policy is intended to ensure scale and character of the local site characteristics, for example, the Environment 73 means of access to the new dwelling condition of the permission that the will have a defined residential and any architectural and/or historic original dwelling is demolished curtilage within which permitted interest of the existing dwelling. immediately following completion/ development rights will, where occupation of the new dwelling. appropriate, be removed by a planning 5.66 Where planning permission is Consideration will also be given to the condition. granted for a replacement dwelling it need for a Section 106 Agreement to
will, where applicable, normally be a this effect. The replacement dwelling CHAPTER 5
Extensions And Alterations To Dwellings
ENV 14 WITHIN THE GREEN BELT OR COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING AUTHORISED HABITABLE DWELLINGS OF PERMAMENT CONSTRUCTION WILL NORMALLY ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE THE PROPOSAL COMPLIES WITH POLICY ENV 3 OR ENV 4 (AS APPROPRIATE) AND WOULD NOT:
a) HAVE A VISUAL IMPACT PREJUDICIAL TO THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING OR THE AMENITY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE; OR
b) SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE EXISTING DWELLING
5.67 In considering the extension of need for additional space for farm in their original agricultural existing dwellings within the office/reception requirements will also occupation and that there will be a countryside the Borough Council will be taken into account. Permission will desire for modernisation or seek to maintain the character, scale, not be given for any extension which improvement. Modest agricultural and proportions of the existing by itself or together with any existing dwellings of vernacular design and dwelling. Extensions should not building would create a dwelling materials are part of the character of exceed more than 20% of the volume which would be readily capable of the countryside and it is considered of the original dwelling (over and conversion into more than one that radical alteration in appearance above the normal permitted dwelling or which would facilitate the and scale would detract from their development rights)unless there are future formation of a separate character. The policy is intended to overriding and exceptional conditions residential curtilage. ensure that this does not happen. The for instance where the extension extended dwelling will have a defined provides basic facilities such as a 5.68 It is accepted, notwithstanding residential curtilage within which any bathroom or kitchen where these were Policies ENV 3 / ENV 4 and ENV 5 remaining permitted development originally lacking. In the case of that existing dwellings in the rights will, where appropriate, be genuine agricultural dwellings the countryside will remain although not removed by a planning condition.
Development on the Urban Edge
ENV 15 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ON THE URBAN EDGE, THAT IS ADJACENT TO THE GREEN BELT OR COUNTRYSIDE POLICY AREA, WILL BE EXPECTED TO HAVE REGARD TO THEIR VISUAL IMPACT ON THE COUNTRYSIDE. THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL EXPECT A HIGH STANDARD OF LANDSCAPING AND CAREFUL ATTENTION TO DETAILED SITING, SCALE, MATERIALS AND DESIGN. PROPOSALS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO RESULT IN A RAW AND URBAN APPEARANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
5.69 Many, though by no means all, attention needs to be paid therefore to have a landscaped edge, heavily of the new development sites allocated the design, and particularly the planted with trees, to help reduce the in the UDP are, inevitably situated on landscape aspects, of the development visual impact of the new development the edge of settlements, that is, in order to protect the visual amenity on the countryside. adjoining the Green Belt or of the countryside. It will be expected Countryside Policy Area. Special that significant development sites will 74 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
PROTECTING THE AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE
SENV 2 THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND WILL BE PROTECTED. RURAL DIVERSIFICATION WILL BE ENCOURAGED PROVIDED IT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE INTERESTS OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION OF THE BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
5.70 Policy SENV 1, and its attendant 5.73 As far as it is able the Borough development on agricultural land the Part II Policies, deal with the impact Council will support the continued Borough Council will seek to balance on the countryside of agricultural viability of agriculture in the Borough. the interests of agriculture with the development and proposals resulting The various proposals in the UDP have benefits of diversification and from rural diversification and had regard to agricultural interests; in conservation objectives. surpluses in some kinds of agricultural considering applications for production. Policies SENV 2 and ENV 16 are primarily concerned with the impact of development and the process of diversification, on agriculture. Key 5.71 The combination of fertile land, and a local climate particularly Fact favourable to agriculture, facilitates high yields in much of the Borough AGRICULTURE IN DONCASTER and suggests that the vast majority of the Borough’s farmland will continue Agriculture is the major land use in the Borough, accounting in productive agricultural use. A for approximately 67% of the Borough’s total land area, covering viable and healthy agricultural a greater extent infact than in any other Metropolitan Authority. industry is, and is likely to remain The quality of this land is also notably high, better for instance therefore, a major contributor to the than that of the other South Yorkshire Districts with most being Borough’s economy and an essential grade 2 or 3 in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food element in maintaining the character (MAFF)’s agricultural land classification system. The grade 2 of the countryside. land lies mainly in a north-south belt in the west of the Borough on the magnesian limestone formation and incidentally provides 5.72National policy towards some of the most attractive scenery in South Yorkshire. Much agricultural land has changed in recent of the land in the east of the Borough is grade 3 but there are years in response to agricultural also significant areas of grade 2 and 4. surpluses and European Union Agriculture is and is likely to continue to be a major contributor guidelines. There is now less emphasis to the Borough’s economy. Diversification has been very modest on the protection of all agricultural with little take -up of grant aided schemes such as the farm land for farming and encouragement woodland scheme and very little set aside. National trends is to be given to fostering growth and towards small hobby farms and, in contrast, large 1,000 ha + diversification of the rural economy. agri-businesses are apparent in the Borough but to a more In this context and given the Doncaster limited extent than elsewhere, Doncaster is notable for retaining perspective, as set out above, the a high proportion of single farmers on small traditional farms. protection of the best and most versatile agricultural land assumes a particular importance. Development Involving Agricultural Land
ENV 16 PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OR CHANGE OF USE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THIS WOULD; a) RESULT IN THE IRREVERSIBLE LOSS OF SIGNIFICANT AREAS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND CLASSIFIED BY THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD AS GRADES 1,2 OR 3A; OR b) ADVERSELY AFFECT THE VIABILITY OF A FARM HOLDING; OR c) ADVERSELY AFFECT AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON AN ADJOINING FARM HOLDING. Environment 75
5.74 Agricultural land of Grades 1, 2 productivity and management. The golf courses are rarely returned to and 3a (MAFF Agricultural Land loss of part of a holding can have agriculture, and then not without a Classification system) has a special important implications for the subsequent reduction in the importance and should not be built remainder. The effect of severance and agricultural quality of the land, the on unless there is no other site suitable fragmentation upon the farm and its Borough Council will not regard them for the particular purpose. Planning structure will be taken into account. as reversible forms of development
Policy Guidance Note PPG7 states unless MAFF indicate that they are CHAPTER 5 “This is the best and most versatile 5.76 There will occasionally be satisfied that a particular site can be land, and is a national resource for the instances where development is restored without loss of agricultural future .... considerable weight should permitted on land in grades 1, 2 and land quality. be given to protecting such land 3a, where the land take is not against development ....” significant or where the development 5.77 Planning applications for is necessary (for example in the farmland sites will normally be 5.75 The Borough Council will national interest) and it is not possible expected to be submitted with a continue to consult with regional to use land of a lower quality. statement setting out in full the effect representatives from MAFF in Proposals for golf courses and other of the proposed development on farm determining land quality in relation to developments involving large land structure and viability. development proposals together with takes will however be directed towards the likely impact on agricultural lower grade agricultural land. Because
CONSERVING THE LANDSCAPE
SENV 3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE QUALITY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE PROTECTED AND, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, ENHANCED. ADDITIONAL PROTECTION WILL BE AFFORDED TO AREAS OF SPECIAL LANDSCAPE VALUE. PRIORITY FOR LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE URBAN EDGES OF SETTLEMENTS.
5.78 Green Belt and Countryside country, the impact of modern tracts of very attractive, relatively Policy Area designations give a agricultural practices, mineral unspoilt countryside which are worthy general incidental level of protection extraction, motorways, urban of the highest level of protection whilst to the landscape and the various development and local building has the opportunities for creating new control policies include a landscape had a profound effect on the landscape attractive landscapes on former perspective. Policies SENV 3 and of the Borough with extensive loss of mineral workings, degraded urban ENV 17 - ENV 20 are specifically hedgerows, broadleaf woodlands, fringe areas and prairie like concerned however with landscape open ditches, ponds, stone walls, agricultural landscapes are extremely protection and enhancement. grassland and other important important. landscape features. On the other hand 5.79 As in much of the rest of the the Borough has retained extensive
Areas of Special Landscape Value
ENV 17 WITHIN AREAS OF SPECIAL LANDSCAPE VALUE, AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE LANDSCAPE WILL BE THE OVERRIDING FACTOR IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT. SUCH DEVELOPMENT AS IS ACCEPTABLE WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE IT WOULD NOT DETRACT FROM THE VISUAL CHARACTER OF THE AREA AND WHERE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING ARE EMPLOYED.
5.80 The best and most typical areas. The South Yorkshire Structure produced scores for different remaining areas of high quality Plan identified the county’s most landscapes across the whole county landscape in the Borough are worthy valuable landscapes on the basis of i) including the Peak District National of special protection. It is considered Areas of Great Landscape Value Park. Within Doncaster Borough two that a specific policy with an contained in the West Riding County areas of county landscape value were overriding emphasis on development Development Plan and ii) the County identified: quality is necessary to protect and Environment Study, an objective enhance the intrinsic character of these potential surface analysis study which (I) A wide, very interesting and 76 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan diverse area of magnesian limestone network of ancient hedgerows and highest point in the Borough at 467 scenery between Hampole, Clayton, associated trees, green lanes, shallow feet which is noted for its extensive Hickleton, High Melton, Cadeby, dykes and other drainage features and views. The area contributes Sprotbrough, Marr and Pickburn. This associated aquatic habitats. The area enormously to the environment of the is a mixed farming area with many is very sensitive to development and M18 transport corridor and is linked woodlands, hedgerow trees, large to works not requiring planning to surrounding countryside in country estates, halls with historic permission, such as drainage schemes Rotherham Borough notably Firsby parks and gardens, traditional hilltop and intensification of agricultural ponds and Thrybergh Country Park. It villages and excellent panoramic practices. The Borough Council will therefore provides an important and views. work on as many fronts as necessary attractive green wedge between the to try and ensure the conservation of two urban areas. this area - see Policy ENV24. (VII) Thorne Moors, a large scale, (IV) Sprotbrough Gorge, a narrow open, flat, landscape characterised by cleft in the magnesian limestone extensive peat extraction. This within the Don Valley providing an landscape forms part of the once extremely interesting area composed inundated Humberhead levels, an area of wooded valley sides generally adapted to flooding until artificial undisturbed by development and drainage was introduced from 1626. forming an important and attractive focal point for visitors. The horizon is often fringed with scrubby birch and willow woodland. (V) Owston/Burghwallis, a farming The sky forms a significant proportion landscape bisected by big tree of views together with long views plantations and woodlands of great towards Thorne Pit, and other intrusive quality providing enclosure and elements. This area represents the best interest along the roadsides of main example of the peat moorlands within routeways. There are features in the the Borough and is a fine example of landscape of monastic interest and nationally rare landscape character with the historic park landscape at type. The area is also a nature (II) A small area located to the south Owston Hall the area has strong conservation site of international west of Tickhill extending into the associations with the landscaper importance. Borough of Rotherham. This is an Repton. The area includes the ridge of unspoiled and traditional English wooded arable land around 5.83 These seven areas are considered gently undulating landscape and has Campsmount and Barnsdale wood to be Doncaster’s most outstanding features associated with the limestone with its uninterrupted views across to areas of high quality landscape. This parkland landscape nearby at Roche Owston. policy is intended to ensure that only Abbey. quality development will be allowed (VI) Clifton/Micklebring/Braithwell, here in order to conserve their 5.81 The detailed boundaries of theses an open undulating area of countryside landscape value and to highlight the areas were first established in the straggling both the limestone and coal need for work on many fronts to Mexborough-Conisbrough and measures and incorporating the scarp protect and enhance those valuable Adwick-Bentley Sprotbrough Local slope of the magnesian limestone. The features which contribute to these Plans and Southern Rural Area Interim area includes Clifton Beacon, the areas. Planning Policy Statement; they are carried forward into the UDP and are shown on the Proposals Map.
5.82 The UDP provides the opportunity to assess Doncaster’s landscapes on a Borough wide basis and a further five areas of Special Landscape Value aredesignated:
(III) In the north of the Borough a traditional and uniquely pastoral farming area bounded by the rivers Went and Don, a remnant of a once extensive area of poorly drained lowland in Yorkshire and Humberside known as the Humberhead Levels. This is widely acknowledged as an extremely important area in terms of wildlife and landscape with its wild flower-rich hay meadows, intricate Environment 77
Key Fact
DONCASTER’S LANDSCAPE
CHAPTER 5 The landscape character and quality of Doncaster’s countryside varies considerably. To the west and south lies the attractive belt of magnisian limestone country bisected by the Don the Went Gorges, well wooded and mostly intensively farmed. To the east is the Bunter sandstone, less hilly and agin quite extensively farmed. A much larger and generally flat landscape, cirss-crossed by drainage ditches and with extensive peat moors lies to the north-east. Many organisations and statutory undertakers implement projects within the countryside which have a major impact on the Borough’s landscape. Where possible the Borough Council seeks to work with these organisations to develop sympathetic landscape proposals. Within much of Doncaster, the statutory undertakers which have the greatest impact are the Environment Agency (EA) and the Internal Drainage Boards (IBD’S). As a large part of the Borough is at, or just above, sea level, the pumped drainage system is in need of constant management. Furthermore, the continuing pressure for agricultural intensification also means that the IDBs regularly upgrade either the drians themselves and / or the pumping systems. The landscape of much of east of the Borough is therefore heavily interrelated to the drianage system and joint workin with the EA and IDBs is very important. The Report ‘Landscape Assessment of Doncaster Borough for Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council’ (1994) provides a landscape assessment of the Borough, a full justification for the designation of the Areas of Special Landscape Value; brief management objectives for the different landscape areas; and definition, description, and analysis of the seven distinct landscape character types, in the Borough i.e. : -1) Coalfield Farmlands, 2) Limestone Plateau, 3) Settled Clay Farmlands, 4) Peat Moorlands, 5) River Valley Carrlands; 6) Limestone River Valleys, and 7) Sandlands Heaths and Farmland.
Landscape Conservation
ENV 18 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE THE CONSERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE BOROUGH’S LANDSCAPE AND SEEK TO MAINTAIN LOCAL VARIATIONS IN THAT LANDSCAPE. WHEREVER POSSIBLE, WOODLANDS, GRASSLANDS, WETLANDS AND OTHER HABITATS OF LANDSCAPE IMPORTANCE, TOGETHER WITH VALUABLE EXISTING LANDSCAPE FEATURES SUCH AS HEDGEROWS, TREES, COPSES, PONDS, WATERCOURSES, HISTORICAL SITES, ESTATE FEATURES, ENCLOSURE LANDSCAPES, STONE WALLS AND OTHER BUILT HERITAGE FEATURES WILL BE PROTECTED AND ENHANCED.
5.84 Most of the Borough’s landscapes and new landscaping requirements - 5.86 The Borough Council will also are worthy of conservation and all are See Policies ENV 59 and ENV 60) and work to encourage and accommodate capable of sympathetic improvement. in carrying out management and the public’s obvious interest in, and The Borough contains a number of enhancement works, either alone or in concern for the landscape of the distinct landscape zones which display conjunction with other organisations Borough. This work is particularly some homogeneity as the result of and individuals. important in urban fringe situations. underlying geology and/or subsequent Firstly, advice and information can be land management. Each is important 5.85 The Borough Council has carried given to groups and individuals on in its own right and in the contribution out a number of improvements to the practical projects. This advice can it makes to the overall variety of the Borough’s landscape in recent years range from details of appropriate landscape picture of the Borough in and will continue to do so using its species of tree, to information on how terms of visual amenity, habitat own resources and/or various sources to establish a Parish Map project or a diversity and potential for of available grant aid such as the Village Appraisal. Secondly, the accommodating different uses. The Countryside Commission. Derelict community will be actively supported Borough Council will have regard to Land reclamation such as that in the in practical work either through the the landscape character and the Don and Dearne valleys can create work of the Borough Council’s landscape treatment required for that dramatic landscape improvements in Countryside Unit or through special area both in assessing proposals for urban fringe landscapes; this is dealt projects such as the Thorne development (features to be retained with under Policy SENV 7. Regeneration Project or the 78 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Greentown Project. These specialist projects work most appropriately on Public Attitude the urban fringe where the practical and educative roles of the project are Survey equally important. Finally, community interest can be stimulated through the educational and interpretive work of Around 60% of people thought the Borough has pleasant views, the Borough Council. the air is clean and there are plenty of trees and open spaces.
ENV 19 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL DEVELOP A LANDSCAPE STRATEGY TO PROVIDE A CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO CONSERVING AND ENHANCING THE URBAN AND RURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE BOROUGH.
5.87 The Borough Council proposes powers and resources and through its 5.88 The first phase of this landscape to undertake a landscape assessment partnerships / agreements with strategy has now been completed and of the Borough in order to describe and landowners and others. The restoration published. The report “Landscape analyse the character of the urban and of minerals and waste disposal sites for Assessment of Doncaster Borough” rural landscape. Landscape assessment example can offer potential for major provides detailed justification for the guidance from the Countryside landscape change; the landscape Areas of Special Landscape Value (see Commission will be combined with an strategy will inform decisions on the Policy ENV 17) and provides a assessment of the developed areas of details of restoration schemes (see description and analysis of the whole the Borough; areas offering potential minerals chapter). Similarly the of Doncaster’s landscape based on for enhancement and diversification landscape strategy will provide the seven Landscape Character Areas will be identified and prioritised. The context for the landscape treatment of together with brief management strategy will provide the context for significant development sites such as objectives. all those activities affecting the large housing sites, mixed use landscape which the Borough Council regeneration projects and golf courses can influence through use of its various development.
Parks and Gardens of Special or Local Historic Interest
ENV 20 WITHIN PARKS AND GARDENS OF SPECIAL OR LOCAL HISTORIC INTEREST AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP NEW DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING CHANGES OF USE OF EXISTING LAND AND BUILDINGS, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IF IT WOULD DETRACT FROM THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THE AREA BY VIRTUE OF ITS NATURE, SCALE OR APPEARANCE OR FOR EXAMPLE BY THE REMOVAL OF TREES OR OTHER IMPORTANT LANDSCAPE FEATURES. PROPOSALS IN PROXIMITY TO AND / OR VISIBLE FROM PARKS AND GARDENS OF SPECIAL OR LOCAL HISTORIC INTEREST WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WHERE THE CHARACTER OF SUCH AREAS WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
5.89 Under the National Heritage Act areas and to encourage their protection The Borough Council has identified 1983, English Heritage has compiled and conservation. and defined 14 Parks and Gardens of a National Register of Parks and local interest to which this Policy will Gardens of Special Historic Interest in 5.90 To date Cusworth, Brodsworth also be applied. Some of these may England for the information of owners, and Hickleton have been designated be added to the Register in future. The local authorities and others to increase but there are many others in the Parks are listed at Appendix 5.1. awareness of the existence of these Borough which are of importance. Environment 79
Trees and Woodlands
ENV 21 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROTECT AND CONSERVE EXISTING TREES AND WOODLANDS THROUGH THE USE OF TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS, BY STEERING DEVELOPMENT AWAY FROM TREES AND WOODLANDS, BY AGREEMENTS WITH PRIVATE CHAPTER 5 LANDOWNERS AND THROUGH THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS OWN WOODLAND ESTATE FOR WHICH IT WILL PRODUCE AND IMPLEMENT MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR EACH OF ITS WOODLAND HOLDINGS DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE AND INTEGRATE THEIR NATURE CONSERVATION, AMENITY, RECREATION AND ECONOMIC POTENTIAL.
ENV 22 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE AND ACTIVELY PURSUE THE PLANTING OF NEW WOODLANDS OF PREDOMINANTLY INDIGENOUS SPECIES THROUGH:
a) MAJOR PLANTING PROGRAMMES ON COUNCIL-OWNED LAND INCLUDING DERELICT LAND SITES.
b) ACTIVE SUPPORT FOR THE INITIATIVES OF PRIVATE LANDOWNERS, AMENITY/CONSERVATION GROUPS, PARISH / TOWN COUNCILS AND OTHERS, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS WHICH IN TERMS OF LANDSCAPE AND AGRICULTURAL LANDQUALITY ARE MOST SUITED TO EXTENSIVE TREE PLANTING.
c) REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW WOODLAND PLANTING AND SUBSEQUENT MANAGEMENT ATTACHED TO PLANNING PERMISSIONS FOR SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING LARGE HOUSING SITES, MIXED USE REGENERATION PROJECTS, GOLF COURSES AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING LARGE LAND TAKES.
d) RESTORATION SCHEMES INVOLVING WOODLAND PLANTING (WHERE APPROPRIATE) ON MINERALS, WASTE DISPOSAL AND DERELICT LAND SITES.
ENV 23 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO INCREASE AND ENHANCE THE PUBLIC ACCESSIBILITY OF THE BOROUGH’S WOODLANDS THROUGH:
a) MANAGING ITS OWN WOODLANDS FOR ENHANCED RECREATION AND ACCESSIBILITY AND CLOSELY INVOLVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE CONSERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THESE WOODLANDS.
b) BUYING PRIVATE WOODLANDS WHERE OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES ALLOW AND OPENING THEM UP FOR PUBLIC ACCESS.
c) PURSUING ACCESS, MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH LANDOWNERS INCLUDING AGREEMENTS VIA PLANNING CONSENTS.
d) CONCENTRATING ITS OWN WOODLAND PLANTING CLOSE TO TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN AREAS DEFICIENT IN PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WOODLANDS AND WHERE IT WOULD COMPLEMENT EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES. 80 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
5.91 Within the overall objectives of woodland holdings have become Moorends, Stainforth, Hatfield, landscape conservation and progressively more extensive with a Dunsville. enhancement provided by Policy ENV wide variety of sites in town and 18 the conservation of existing trees country often acquired on an iv) Eastern Doncaster : Doncaster and woodland and the provision of opportunistic basis in order to Central, Cantley, Bessacarr, new planting is particularly important. safeguard areas for informal recreation Rossington, Armthorpe and The once heavily wooded landscape and wildlife conservation. The Edenthorpe. of the Doncaster Borough has, within Borough Council now has over 70 the last century, become an area poor woodland sites covering 475 ha (1174 Within these areas private landowners in terms of both the quantity and acres) and is currently developing a as well as the Borough Council can quality of its woodlands. Woodland Strategy (“Forests for the take advantage of the Community Industrialisation and agricultural Future”) which will provide a detailed Woodland supplement to establish intensification have denuded many assessment of the condition and publicly accessible woodland. The parts of the Borough of formerly richly management requirements of each of key areas have been determined by afforested landscapes and have led to the Borough Council’s woodlands. A relating population sizes to traveling a marked reduction in the number of management plan for each will then distances from the settlement edge. small woodlands and copses once so be implemented which will seek to The Key Areas are considered to have characteristic of much of the Borough. maximise and integrate the amenity, great potential for Community nature conservation, recreation / Woodland development although other 5.92 Trees and woodlands play a vital access and commercial potential of areas within the Borough would role in creating and maintaining each woodland. benefit greatly from local publicly attractive environments in urban areas accessible woodland. Towns such as and villages as well as in the 5.95 From time to time Forestry Bawtry, Tickhill, Rossington and countryside. They have numerous Enterprise and private woodlands Edlington would all benefit from their invaluable ecological, social and come onto the open market for sale. own woodlands and it is intended that economic benefits providing important Where resources allow the Borough this Community Woodland Strategy wildlife habitats and recreational Council will consider the desirability will incorporate a level of flexibility areas, screening and absorbing and possibility of acquiring such in order that woodland sites outside the developments, enhancing areas of woodlands so that they may be opened Key Areas may be considered. degraded land, and offering up for public access and made subject opportunities for rural diversification to the Council’s management 5.98 Doncaster’s Community through timber production on former programme. Woodland Strategy identifies the Key agricultural land. Designated Ancient Areas for increased woodland Woodlands are also of archaeological 5.96 The Borough Council has also recreation or the development of new importance as they are woodlands that agreed a strategy with the Forestry publicly accessible woodlands. have been managed by humans in the Authority in respect of new grant- However, the Borough’s unique size past. Many local woodlands also aided woodland planting. In addition and population distribution, with large contain sites of archaeological interest, to the Forestry Authority’s standard centres of population spread across the of prehistoric or Roman-British date woodland establishment grant a Borough, presents special problems in and / or earthwork features relating to community woodland supplement defining these Key Areas. Doncaster’s their management in the medieval and grant is available in respect of the priorities, therefore, focus on areas post-medieval periods. Any planting of publicly accessible where realistic and highly desirable management of these woodlands woodland up to a ratio of one hectare opportunities for Community should therefore take account of the of recreational woodland per 500 Woodlands are evident, but where archaeological remains they may residents. At present, only 0.68 ha of further resources are needed to realise contain. Anyone proposing tree accessible woodland exists per 500 these opportunities. Priority has not planting is advised to check the Sites head of population (most of which is been afforded through this mechanism and Monuments record first. in the ownership of the Borough to areas of the Borough where new Council) and there therefore exists a development may be associated with 5.93 The Borough Council has potential for a further 195 ha of new woodland planting but where there undertaken new tree planting on a community woodland which can take may be alternative means of securing considerable scale, particularly in advantage of the grant supplement. the creation of such woodlands. In areas where the environment needed applying the Strategy, the Council will, upgrading and as part of specific 5.97 Four key areas have been agreed however, accept the need to consider environmental improvement schemes as the basis for this strategy. These eligibility for Community Woodland and it will continue to do so - See are:- Supplement outside the Key Areas in “Improving the Environment” Section. certain, special circumstances. These Grant aid is available to private land i) North Eastern Area : Askern, special circumstances will relate to owners to plant new areas of woodland Adwick-Le-Street and Bentley. unforeseen, which meet ‘gaps’ in notably through the Forestry woodland recreation in a unique way Authority’s woodland Grant Scheme ii) Don Valley Area : Conisbrough, and where such opportunities would and MAFF’s Farm Woodland Mexborough, Sprotbrough, Cadeby not otherwise be realised. Premium Scheme. and High Melton. 5.99 In general terms the Council 5.94 The Borough Council’s own iii) Hatfield Chase : Thorne, wishes to encourage community Environment 81
involvement in the conservation and their successful assimilation into the woodlands is however largely enhancement of many of its local local environment and at the same time dependent upon the landowners and woodlands. All of the Council’s secure environmental and recreation the effectiveness of their management. existing woodlands are already open benefits to local communities. The The Borough Council will where to public access and the same will be Borough Council’s landscape strategy appropriate therefore enter into true of any new areas of woodland (see Policy ENV 19) will provide the management agreements under section
establishment. The scope for new context for the detailed treatment of 39 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act CHAPTER 5 woodlands within Doncaster Borough individual sites. It will also provide 1981 and where possible through is vast with over 250 ha of reclamation the context for assessing the suitability agreements attached to planning sites available for woodland after-use. of new private woodland planting permissions to secure the future of the If woodland establishment is to be schemes. Borough’s woodlands and encourage successful then it is vital that the local private owners to enter into community are involved at all levels 5.101 With regard to land in private Management agreements with the of planning and establishment. ownership the Borough Council and Forestry Authority via Woodland its predecessor authorities have Grant Scheme applications. 5.100 The scope for securing new secured the protection of many woodland planting as part of large new important trees and woodlands 5.103 Tree Preservation Orders development sites and restoration throughout the Borough by means of (TPOs) will be made where trees make schemes on minerals and waste Tree Preservation Orders (a full list of an important contribution to disposal sites is very significant in them can be inspected at the Planning environmental quality particularly Doncaster and will be required as part Directorate) and will continue to where they are under threat. There will of planning permissions wherever declare new orders particularly where be a presumption against works to appropriate. The larger residential trees are under threat. The protection trees subject to TPOs unless the works allocations and mixed use regeneration of trees and other vegetation on are shown to be necessary in the projects contained in the UDP will in development sites and the interests of good arboricultural particular be required to provide requirements for new planting on such practice. Permission will not normally significant areas of new woodland sites are covered by Policies ENV 59 be given for development that would planting. Policies IMR1 and IMR2 and ENV 60. destroy or adversely affect trees also refer. New woodland can screen subject to TPOs. and break up new developments, assist 5.102 The quality of private
Countryside Management
ENV 24 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL INVESTIGATE THE SETTING UP OF A COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT PROJECT, INITIALLY IN THE HATFIELD CHASE AREA.
5.104 Countryside Management 5.105 The establishment of the project provides a local countryside service will depend upon available resources. through the appointment of a The area identified is bounded to the Countryside Project Officer, who north, east and south -east by the works “on the ground” resolving local Borough boundary and includes in the conflicts of interest and pursuing a west the settlements of Sykehouse, range of countryside objectives in Fishlake, Stainforth, Hatfield, relation to landscape and wildlife Dunscroft and Dunsville as well as conservation, education/interpretation Thorne and Moorends and includes and improvements to access and Thorne and Hatfield Moors. It is of informal recreation. It is envisaged acknowledged landscape and wildlife that the project will elicit the help of value with tremendous potential for land owners, volunteer groups and informal recreation and is under threat organisations such as the Yorkshire from proposed drainage schemes, Wildlife Trust, the local community intensification of agricultural practices and national organisations such as the and sensitive to development Countryside Commission, generate a generally. Depending upon the number of small scale improvement success of this project, other projects and conservation projects and raise may be established in other areas, for general awareness of the area. example in the Don Valley. 82 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Key Fact
TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS A Tree Preservation order in general makes it an offence to top, lop or fell a tree without the Council’s permission and enables the District Planning Authority to ensure that a suitable replacement tree is planted where necessary. Fines up to £20,000 can be levied for ignoring this protection, including replacement planting. Anyone wishing to fell or lop a protected tree needs the prior consent of the Council. It is therefore, always best to check whether or not a tree is protected before undertaking any work. Trees are protected by means of a Tree Preservation Order on amenity grounds whether they are situaterd in urban or rural areas, and ideally need to be visible to a large number of people. Orders are not placed on trees which are considered to be dead, dying or in a dangerous condition. Hedgerows cannot normally be protected by such orders under present legislation, however, trees situated within hedgerows can be given separate statutory protection. Trees in Conservation Areas must not be topped, lopped or felled without giving the District Planning Authority six weeks notice in writing before the work is carried out. There are exceptions to the above facts and, on enquiry, owners will be advised accordingly. Similar penalties are in force to those for contraventions of a Tree Preservation Order, includinfg replacement planting requirements. HEDGEROWS Many hedgerows are now protected under The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 (section 97 of the Environment Act 1995). The new regulations make provision for the protection of hedgerows which are 20 metres or more in length which have existed for 30 years or more. However, certain criteria must be met to classify the hedgerow as important. Such criteria includes: hedgerows which form the boundary of an historic parish or township, being an integral part of a field system pre - dating the Enclosures Acts and containing important flora and fauna. Under the new legislation the Planning Authority must be notified in writing via (a Hedgerow Removal Notice) before a hedgerow is removed. The Planning Authority then has 42 days to consider the application. If the authority decides to serve a Hedgerow Retention Notice, the hedgerow cannot be removed. The applicant has a right of appeal witbin 28 days. Should a hedgerown be removed without consent, the offender may be liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of £5000, or an unlimited fine on indictment. Replacement planting may also apply. In addition to the Hedgerows Regualtions many hedgerows are still protected by statute law under the Inclosure Acts. As with protected trees, (either by a Tree Preservation Order or by Conservation Area Legislation), it is advisalble to seek advice from the Planning Authority when contemplating the removal of a hedgerow.
CONSERVING THE BUILT HERITAGE
SENV 4 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE BOROUGH’S BUILT HERITAGE INCLUDING CONSERVATION AREAS, LISTED BUILDINGS AND SITES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE.
5.106 Doncaster has a very significant 5.107 It is important to understand that and new building nearby. The Policies built heritage. It’s Conservation Areas, conservation allows for change as well of this section provide guidance on the archaeological sites and buildings of as protection. The built heritage is the many factors which the Borough special architectural and historic product of centuries of evolution and Council will assess in determining interest make a vital contribution to the buildings, sites and areas will continue planning applications affecting the environment and quality of life in the to evolve. Whilst there will be many built heritage and set out the positive Borough and are important for their circumstances where it will be right to measures for its enhancement. education, recreation and tourism “conserve as found” there will be value; their conservation is therefore circumstances too where the built a major objective of the Borough heritage has to be able to accommodate Council. changes of use, sensitive alterations Environment 83
Conservation Areas
ENV 25 WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS, AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, NEW DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS TO, AND CHANGES OF USE OF, EXISTING BUILDINGS WILL BE EXPECTED
CHAPTER 5 TO PRESERVE OR ENHANCE THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THE AREA. DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IF IT WOULD DETRACT FROM THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THE AREA BY VIRTUE OF ITS NATURE, HEIGHT, DENSITY, FORM, SCALE, MATERIALS OR DESIGN OR BY THE REMOVAL OF TREES OR OTHER IMPORTANT LANDSCAPE FEATURES. OUTLINE PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT NORMALLY BE GRANTED FOR PROPOSALS IN CONSERVATION AREAS.
THE DESIRABILITY OF PRESERVING OR ENHANCING THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF A CONSERVATION AREA WILL BE A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION WHEN DEALING WITH PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE A CONSERVATION AREA WHICH WOULD AFFECT ITS SETTING OR VIEWS INTO OR OUT OF THE AREA.
5.108 Conservation Areas are frontages of existing buildings are particularly sensitive to new constructed are often extremely developments, their character and important to the character of importance usually being the result of Conservation Areas and any new a harmonious but often delicate development or modification to arrangement of elements. Special care existing development will be required and control therefore needs to be to accord with the existing building exercised to ensure that new lines, except where there is a good and development is designed not as a clear aesthetic justification for not separate entity but as part of a larger doing so. whole. 5.112 The design and materials of new 5.109 The emphasis of this and the buildings and alterations and other UDP conservation policies extensions to existing buildings however is on control rather than should, in form, colour and texture, be prevention, to allow each area to in harmony with traditional buildings remain alive and prosperous to in the Conservation Area. The environmentally desirable. encourage the preservation and proportion of window and door sizes enhancement of features which and various detailing elements are also 5.114 In Conservation Areas the contribute to the area’s character and important. detailed aspects of a proposal are so appearance and ensure that any new important that the Borough Council development accords with its special 5.113 Applications for new uses or will normally require a full application architectural and visual qualities. changes of use will be granted to be submitted indicating the siting, permission only if it is considered that design and materials of construction 5.110 New buildings will not normally the proposed use will not detract from of any proposed building works; an be permitted which are significantly the appearance or character of the outline application would usually lower or higher than adjacent frontage Conservation Area. For example, the provide insufficient information on property as this affects the perceived change of use of a dwelling to a shop which to base a decision. A similar scale of the street and produces visual in a predominantly residential part of degree of care and attention to detail jumps or gaps. As most of the a Conservation Area could lead to: will be expected in the design and traditional buildings have pitched upper storeys being left vacant or materials of construction of new road roofs the perceived height is related to underused; construction of fire escapes schemes, including highway the facade height and not the ridge line. and illuminated signs thus altering the improvements, to avoid or minimise High buildings (i.e. above four storeys appearance of the building; and impacts on listed buildings and which is the usual maximum for the increases in traffic generation and Conservation Areas and their settings. historic building stock) will not be parking requirements. Such The highway and planning authorities permitted if they are visually alterations are generally inconsistent will set common objectives wherever destructive to the frontage quality of with the aims of conservation although possible. They will consult each other the Conservation Areas or visually a balance needs to be struck between about transport proposals affecting compromise townscape vistas. opportunities for commercial historic areas and will seek the advice investment and retaining older houses of English Heritage where there may 5.111 The building lines to which the in occupation which is socially and be an impact. 84 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
ENV 26 WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS THE DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED. CONSENT WILL ONLY BE GRANTED FOR DEMOLITION OF A BUILDING IF:
a) THE BUILDING IS CURRENTLY DERELICT AND IS INCAPABLE OF REHABILITATION OR THE BUILDING DOES NOT MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THE CONSERVATION AREA; OR
b) THE REMOVAL OF THE BUILDING, AND/OR THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE, WOULD RESULT IN THE PRESERVATION OR ENHANCEMENT OF THE CONSERVATION AREA. REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES WILL REQUIRE APPROVAL PRIOR TO CONSENT FOR DEMOLITION AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING DEMOLITION.
5.115 There will be a general beyond repair and serious efforts have and the site redeveloped in accordance presumption in favour of retaining been made to find a use which would with Policy ENV 25. A condition will existing buildings in Conservation bring about its repair then it would be normally be attached requiring a Areas because of the important role unreasonable to withhold consent. The contract for the redevelopment works each building plays in contributing to Borough Council also recognises that to have been let before demolition the whole. Demolition can affect the in some cases there are some existing commences. setting of adjacent buildings or result modern buildings which detract from in the loss of a sense of enclosure. the appearance of Conservation Areas and that there would be positive 5.116 However, where a building is benefits if they were to be demolished
ENV 27 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO ENHANCE THE CHARACTER OF CONSERVATION AREAS THROUGH A VARIETY OF MEASURES, AS NECESSARY, INCLUDING: a) ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING RESTORATION SCHEMES FOR BUILDINGS IN CONSERVATION AREAS - SEE POLICY ENV25 b) DECLARING ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS INCLUDING LOCALLY DETERMINED ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS c) OFFERING ADVICE AND PREPARING SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE d) ENCOURAGING THE REMOVAL OR IMPROVEMENT OF THOSE FEATURES WHICH DETRACT FROM THE CHARACTER OF CONSERVATION AREAS.
5.117 The Town and Country Planning 5.118 Despite being generally small- latter it requires confirmation by the (General Permitted Development) scale, such works can have a dramatic Secretary of State. A large measure Order 1995 sets out several cases of and adverse effect on the character of of public support is also generally development involving dwelling a building and an area generally. required. There are no existing Article houses which may be carried out However, it is possible to control 4 Directions in the Borough pertaining without the need to seek planning certain specified types of permitted to Conservation Areas, but the permission. These works, referred to development such as those outlined Borough Council will continue to as “permitted development”, include above, if the Borough Council makes monitor the effects of permitted such matters as minor extensions, a Direction under Article 4 of the development in Conservation Areas. painting, the installation of new above Order. An Article 4 Direction windows and doors, the placing of has the effect of removing from the 5.119 The Borough Council would shutters alongside windows and the category of permitted development prefer for it to be unnecessary to seek rendering of walls, and other minor any development specified in the Article 4 Directions and recognises works. (These rights do not always Direction. It can be made by the that the success of Conservation Areas apply to Listed Buildings which are Secretary of State for the Environment in any case is largely dependent upon covered by separate legislation). or by the Borough Council; if by the the willingness of the general Environment 85 public,particularly those living and appearance of dwelling houses such as working within the Conservation doors, windows, roofs, and frontages. Areas, to participate with the Borough There is no requirement to obtain the Council in furthering the aims of Secretary of State’s approval for such conservation. Since 1995 a new power Directions but the LPA would have to (under Article 4 (2) of the above publicise their proposals in advance
Order) enables Local Planning and have regard to the views of the CHAPTER 5 Authorities to make locally local people. The withdrawal of determined Article 4 Directions permitted development rights outside withdrawing permitted development these categories will continue to rights for a prescribed range of require Article 4 Directions for which development materially affecting the Secretary of State’s approval is some aspects of the external generally needed before they can
Key Fact
CONSERVATION AREAS The Borough Council has a duty to determine which parts of the Borough are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and to designate such areas as Conserv ation Areas. become effective. The LPA will Within Conservation Areas the Borough Council has certain consider using the new power once additional protective powers. For example, certain extensions to priority areas have been identified dwellings which are normally classed as permitted development through preparation of supplementary require planning permission in a Conservation area. The planning guidance on conservation Borough Council is required to publish a notice of all applications area character assessments. for planning permission for development which affects the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. Trees in 5.120 Overhead wires can have a Conservation Areas which are not covered by Tree Preservation harmful impact on the character of Orders have special protection. Anyone intending to cut down certain Conservation Areas. or do certain specified work on a tree(s) is required to give six Undergrounding wires can produce weeks notice of their intention to do so, giving the Borough important improvements in sensitive Council the opportunity to make a Tree Preservation Order. The areas but can also have significant demolition of any building or part of a building within a resource implications. The Borough Conservation Area also requires the consent of the Borough Council will in appropriate Council. However it is the successful application of development circumstances work with British control policies and the cooperation of the public which will Telecom, the Electricity Board, Parish largely determine the success of the Borough’s Conservation Councils and other appropriate bodies Areas. to consider the potential for There are currently 41 Conservation Areas in the Borough (a undergrounding wires. list is contained in Appendix 5.2) 5.121 Supplementary Planning Doncaster’s Conservation Areas include commercial, residential Guidance in the form of leaflets on and mixed use areas, individual streets, village centres and areas individual Conservation Areas are of town centres. Each has a unique character refelcting its currently in preparation. These will individual geopraphical setting and historic development but in provide detailed information on their general terms, it is the particular importance and attractiveness character and appearance and set down of the following elements and their inter-relationship, which has guidelines for works, permitted or made these areas worthy of Conservation Area status: otherwise, necessary to ensure their 1. A significant number of unaltered buildings of local character preservation and enhancement. and importance and perhaps also some listed buildings. 2. Attractive spaces around the buildings sometimes including 5.122 The Borough Council will also an historic street pattern as well as other areas of formal and produce Supplementary Planning informal open space. Guidance relating to minor alterations 3. Well established mature trees standing individually, in groups and maintenance which the Borough and in woodland. Council would wish to see followed 4. Other distinctive and attractive landscape features such as within and outside Conservation Areas walls, hedges and ground surface material. and regardless of whether Listed Building Consent or planning permission is needed. 86 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
ENV 28 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE RESTORATION SCHEMES FOR BUILDINGS IN CONSERVATION AREAS.
5.123 Section 71 of the Planning Single Regeneration Budget Conservation Areas are economically (Listed Buildings and Conservation Challenge Fund and the European buoyant or too small to generate Areas Act) 1990Act places a duty on Community to launch the Doncaster sufficient repairs for the usual three LPAs to formulate and publish Conservation Area Partnership. Under year programme and therefore proposals for the preservation and this scheme grant assistance is ineligible for Town Scheme status. A enhancement of Conservation Areas. available to all historic properties Town Scheme was set up however in PPG15 (Planning and the Historic within the Town Centre with the focus Thorne Conservation Area Environment) also urges LPAs to set on the historic core of High Street, (commenced April 1990) and agreed promote carefully targeted grant Hall Gate and Priory Place. The Town sums of money for grant aid set aside schemes. This is the positive side of Centre also contains a number of by the Borough Council and English conservation and can act as a catalyst targeted buildings which are eligible Heritage. Other areas may be eligible for further conservation work by for higher levels of grant assistance. in future. It is hoped that the individuals and groups. Within the Town Centre any listed concentration of financial assistance in building in need of repair or such areas will maximise immediate 5.124 Doncaster Town Centre has enhancement work is eligible but there benefits, encourage the use of empty some of the finest buildings in South are a great many non-listed buildings or underused buildings and encourage Yorkshire but this substantial built which would also qualify for grant further conservation work. heritage has slowly deteriorated as assistance. Many of the town centre’s economic pressures have resulted in properties built before 1940 would be 5.126 The Borough Council will also neglect. The changing needs of considered for assistance but priority give priority to Conservation Areas or modern shopping and commerce have will be historic properties and those in parts of Conservation Areas in need of also led to a loss of many traditional greatest need of repair and environmental improvement. Through shop fronts and the architectural enhancement. Further information is this combination of direct action and details which gave so much character available from the Council’s the application of control policies, the to the streets of Doncaster. To combat Conservation Officer. quality of the Borough’s Conservation this decline the Borough Council has Areas will hopefully be conserved and joined with English Heritage, the 5.125 Many of Doncaster’s enhanced.
ENV 29 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL KEEP UNDER REVIEW EXISTING CONSERVATION AREAS AND WILL CONSIDER DESIGNATING OTHER AREAS OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST AS CONSERVATION AREAS.
5.127 The existing designated are worthy of preservation and Broxholme Lane, Christ Church Road Conservation Areas represent the best enhancement. and Netherhall Road which was examples of areas of architectural or designed and built by F. W. Masters, historic interest in the Borough. Pickburn architect and Mayor of Doncaster in However, there are many other This is the largely unaltered estate 1872 / 1874. They were very much in attractive and historic areas which are village built for the Brodsworth Estate advance of their time, at least in worthy of conservation and which the workers. Conservation Area status Doncaster, both in terms of local Borough Council will investigate with would not only preserve and enhance amenities, external environment and a view to possible Conservation Area the village, but would complement the appearance. The area is under status including: successful and nationally important considerable development pressure. adjoining Conservation Area at Conservation Area status may well Cadeby, Hampole Brodsworth Hall. safeguard their local importance. These two settlements represent the best two remaining villages on the Thorne Waterside 5.128 Policies for the protection of magnesian limestone whose character This is the nineteenth century port area listed and other important buildings, and appearance is worthy of of Thorne fronting the Don to the open spaces, and trees, together with preservation and enhancement. north-west of the town. Although policies for the re-use of important subject to much recent infill and redundant buildings and Almholme, Cantley, Fishlake, Kirk development, it is worthy of environmental improvement and Bramwith, Old Rossington investigation on historic grounds. policies for the design and location of These settlements represent the best new development are all applicable in non-Conservation Area largely brick- Lower Wheatley these areas. The Borough Council will built villages in eastern Doncaster An area of working class housing in continue to keep these areas under whose character and appearance Glyn Avenue, Vaughan Avenue, review and if justifiable will designate Environment 87 new Conservation Areas. Existing formed in 1974. The boundary of the so that areas worthy of Conservation Conservation Areas will also be kept Thorne Conservation Area, originally Area status are safeguarded. In under review and boundaries will be the first such designation in Doncaster addition the boundary of the Market altered if necessary. in 1968, was canceled and re- Place Conservation Area which was designated on revised boundaries in designated in October 1974 will need 5.129 Fourteen of the existing forty- January 1993. Many of the other to be amended to take account of land
one Conservation Areas were earlier designations similarly need to take by the proposed North Bridge CHAPTER 5 designated before the Council was be reviewed and enlarged or reduced Relief Road.
Listed Buildings
ENV 30 LISTED BUILDING CONSENT WILL NOT BE GRANTED FOR DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STATUTORY LIST OF BUILDINGS OF SPECIAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST UNLESS:
a) THE BUILDING IS IN A STRUCTURALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND CANNOT REASONABLY BE REPAIRED; AND
b) THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IS SATISFIED THAT EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO SECURE REPAIR, REUSE OR ALTERNATIVE USE THROUGH MAINTENANCE, GRANT ASSISTANCE, OR OFFER FOR SALE OR LEASE; AND
c) A SATISFACTORY SCHEME FOR REDEVELOPMENT IS PUT FORWARD; OR
d) IN THE CASE OF PARTIAL DEMOLITION, THE PART TO BE DEMOLISHED IS NOT OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST AND ITS REMOVAL WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PRINCIPAL LISTED BUILDING; OR
e) IN THE CASE OF A CURTILAGE BUILDING THIS IS NOT OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST AND ITS REMOVAL WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PRINCIPAL LISTED BUILDING.
ENV 31 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE REPAIR AND RESTORATION OF LISTED BUILDINGS, PARTICULARLY WHERE THEY ARE AT RISK, THROUGH A VARIETY OF MEASURES INCLUDING OFFERING ADVICE, GRANT AID AND, IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES OF PROLONGED NEGLECT BY THE OWNER, BY ISSUING REPAIRS NOTICES, CARRYING OUT EMERGENCY REPAIRS OR COMPULSORY PURCHASE.
5.130 Listed Buildings and structures appropriate cases the Borough Council 5.132 Regular maintenance and repair are an important part of the national will obtain its own technical are the key to the preservation of and local heritage. Consent for assessment. Any scheme for historic buildings. If the Borough demolition will not be granted until all redevelopment will be expected to be Council considers that a Listed means of saving the building have sensitively designed and contribute Building is not being properly been fully explored. The Borough positively to the local environment. preserved it can serve a Repairs Notice Council cannot in fact grant consent Proposals for partial demolition will under Section 48 of the Planning until the Secretary of State has been be assessed on their individual merits, (Listed Buildings and Conservation notified and has stated that he does not factors to be considered by the Areas)Act 1990 on the owner require the application to be referred Borough Council including the value specifying the works necessary for its to him for a decision. of the part proposed for demolition in proper preservation. In the event of architectural and historic terms; non compliance with a Notice the 5.131 The Borough Council will whether the partial demolition will Borough Council can make a expect an independent technical improve the chances of retention and compulsory purchase order under assessment of alleged structural failure re-use of the remaining building, and Section 47 .Where there is a building to be provided by the applicant before evidence of structural failure and the which is unoccupied or there is an consent to demolish can be given. In feasibility of repair. unused part of a partly occupied 88 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan building, Section 54 enables a Local 5.133 More than 10% of the Borough’s assistance from the Borough Council Authority to carry out urgent works for Listed Buildings are considered to be - see Policy ENV 30. the preservation of a Listed Building at risk; a register of these buildings and recover the cost from the owner will be compiled. Buildings on this under Section 55. register will attract priority for grant
Key Fact
LISTED BUILDINGS
The Secretary of State for National Heritage prepares lists of buildings that are of special architectural or historic interest, known as Listed Buildings. Most of the Borough has been recently surveyed and there are now approximately 800 listed items throughout the Borough. An item may be a single structure or a terrace of several buildings. From time to time new items are added and existing items occasionally deleted. Any works, other than a like-for -like repair, require an application for listed building consent. This covers work which, on an unlisted building, would be classed as permitted development. The consent procedures are similar to those for obtaining planning permission and ensure that the case for preservation is fully considered in each case. All such applications are subject to publicity both on site and in the local press. The Borough Council also consults national amenity societies. It is an offence to alter or demolish a listed building without listed building consent and heavy fines may be imosed. However, as with Conservation Areas, successful conservation of listed buildings depends upon the application of development control policies designed, not to keep the buildings unaltered forever in all circumstances but to ensure that any alterations preserve the character of the buildings.
The criteria for listings are complex but, generally, the list include: 1. All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition. 2. Most buildings built between 1700 and 1840 with some selection. 3. Buildings of definite quality built between 1840 and 1914. 4. Selected high-quality buildings built since 1945.
Listed buildings are classified as follows:
Grade I These buildings are of exeptional interest and include Doncaster’s Mansion House, Brodsworth Hall, Campsall Old Vicarage, Consibrough Castle, Cusworth Hall, Hatfield Manor, and Wadworth Hall. In addition, the list includes 12 Grade 1 churches.
Grade II* These are particularly important buildings and include Bawtry Hall, Cantley Hall, Doncaster Corn Exchange, Hickleton Hall, Hooton Pagnell Hall, Owston Hall, Tickhill Castle House and Warmsworth Hall. The list also includes 12 Grade II* churches.
Grade II The vast majority of listed buildings come into Grade II and include a full range of buildings of all kinds. The complete list can be inspected by the public in the Development and Transport Directorate.
ENV 32 LISTED BUILDING CONSENT AND APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GRANTED FOR ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIONS TO A LISTED BUILDING WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT ITS ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC FEATURES OR DETRACT FROM ITS OVERALL CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE. WHERE UNSUITABLE ALTERATIONS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE REINSTATEMENT, OR A MORE SATISFACTORY SOLUTION AS AND WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY ARISES. Environment 89
5.134 Buildings and structures of use of materials which are in keeping originally built. However, where this many ages, types, styles and functions with the form and detailing of the is no longer possible, the Borough are listed but generally they are each building. Council will support new uses for considered to be a good example of redundant Listed Buildings, which are the type and period and are usually in, 5.135 As far as possible all original acceptable in planning terms and or similar to, their original condition. features should be retained and, where which safeguard the architectural and
Insensitive alterations and extensions this is not possible, careful attention historic character of the building. The CHAPTER 5 can easily destroy the very character must be given to the details of any Borough Council has produced which made the building listable. The replacements. In general the most supplementary planning guidance on Borough Council will therefore expect appropriate use for a Listed Building alterations to listed barns. high standards of building work and will be the use for which it was
ENV 33 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK THE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST THROUGH ENCOURAGING THEIR RETENTION AND PROPER MAINTENANCE AND, IN THE CASE OF LISTED BUILDINGS, THROUGH THE PROVISION OF GRANT AID SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES.
5.136 This policy is intended to apply Areas can encompass some of these or maintenance of Listed and local to all buildings of architectural and buildings of local interest and provide interest buildings. At present its grant historic interest, whether listed or not. protection through that means. Most aid scheme is available only for Listed Whilst the Borough Council’s Listed of Doncaster’s Conservation Areas do Buildings although it is possible that Buildings enjoy special protection include such buildings. Supplementary in future the scheme will be extended. under existing legislation, there are Planning Guidance for Conservation The scheme is dependent upon many other buildings, perhaps as many Areas (see Policy ENV 24) will available financial resources and again, which are of local interest and include information and guidance successful applications must satisfy a a valuable element in the Borough’s relating to these buildings. number of conditions. Further heritage but which do not meet the information is available from the requirements for statutory listing. 5.138 As with Conservation Areas Conservation Officer. Inevitably such buildings are more successful conservation of buildings of prone to threat from demolition and architectural or historic interest 5.140 The Borough Council will adverse alterations. Most demolition depends consider compiling a register of work has to be notified to the Borough largely upon the property owners and buildings and structures of local Council but it cannot be prevented their willingness to maintain their interest, the value and significance of other than for reasons of safety. buildings in a good state of repair and each being established by reference to Changes of use, alterations and only carry out necessary alterations local criteria and to national criteria extensions do of course require which are sympathetic in nature. The used by English Heritage. Where such planning permission and the Borough Borough Council will encourage the a building is considered to be of Council will reject obviously poor maintenance and active use of all particular interest and especially where designs but it cannot buildings of architectural or historic it is under threat of demolition the reasonably insist on, or enforce, the interest. Borough Council will seek the advice same standards of work as for Listed of the Secretary of State with regard Buildings. 5.139 The Borough Council has wide to Listed Building designation. discretionary powers to contribute 5.137 The designation of Conservation towards expenses incurred in the repair
ENV 34 PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT NORMALLY BE GRANTED FOR DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SETTING OF A LISTED BUILDING BY VIRTUE OF ITS NATURE, HEIGHT, FORM, SCALE, MATERIALS OR DESIGN OR BY THE REMOVAL OF TREES OR OTHER IMPORTANT LANDSCAPE FEATURES. OUTLINE PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT NORMALLY BE GRANTED FOR PROPOSALS LIKELY TO AFFECT THE SETTING OF A LISTED BUILDING. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WITHIN THE GROUNDS OF A LISTED BUILDING MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THE LAND TO BE DEVELOPED IS SURPLUS TO THE REQUIREMENTS TO THE LISTED BUILDING. 90 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
5.141 The setting of a listed building afforded by Listed Buildings is often the various views of the building can is often an essential feature of its partly the result of the positions they all be extremely important. character especially if a garden or occupy in the town, village or Developments which close off grounds have been laid out as an countryside scene. The juxtaposition important views of the building or integral part of the design and layout of other buildings, the proximity of which detract from its immediate of the building. The visual satisfaction trees and other landscape features and environment will therefore be resisted.
Sites of Archaeological Importance
ENV 35 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROTECT, ENHANCE AND PROMOTE THE BOROUGH’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE.
5.142 The Borough contains a rich archaeological interest. Appendix 5.4 between the preservation of archaeological and historical heritage provides a list of the Borough’s archaeological remains and other land reflecting its long history of Scheduled Ancient Monuments. uses. settlement. In some cases the historic SAMs have statutory protection under town centres have been continuously the Ancient Monuments and 5.146 The Borough Council will, occupied since the Roman period and Archaeological Areas Act 1979; along with the South Yorkshire are a major archaeological resource certain defined works require specific Archaeology Service and English whilst evidence is growing of the consent from the Secretary of State for Heritage as appropriate, provide extensive early settlement in the rural the Environment. It is expected that specialist advice to help others protect areas of the Borough. The Borough many more sites in the Borough will or preserve by record archaeological also contains nationally important be scheduled in the near future (and remains. Where resources permit the industrial archaeological sites. the boundaries of some existing ones Borough Council will either altered) as part of English Heritage’s independently or, in certain 5.143 The Government through its Monuments Protection Programme. circumstances, in conjunction with Planning Policy Guidance Note The vast majority of the Borough’s English Heritage also offer financial PPG16 “Archaeology and Planning”, archaeological sites however including assistance for such projects. places great importance on some sites of national importance archaeological remains for their own (which may or may not all eventually 5.147 The Borough Council will work sake and for their role in education, be scheduled) rely for protection upon with the South Yorkshire Archaeology leisure and tourism. It stresses their appropriate management by the Service, local organisations, land finite nature and the need for owner/occupier of the land and, in the owners and communities to promote protection and good management to case of development proposals, on the protection and understanding of ensure they are not needlessly or planning control. archaeological remains in the thoughtlessly destroyed. Borough. It will also endeavor to 5.145 The Borough Council will encourage and develop the 5.144 Of the Borough’s known sites, manage its own operations and land educational, recreational and tourism 42 are Scheduled Ancient Monuments in a way which provides a good potential of archaeological monuments (SAMs) which are of national example to other owners of by management and interpretation as importance by virtue of their historic, archaeological or historic sites and it appropriate. architectural, traditional or will endeavor to resolve conflicts
ENV 36 WHERE THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF A SITE IS INSUFFICIENT TO DETERMINE A PLANNING APPLICATION, THE APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE SITE TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.
5.148 Only Scheduled Ancient Record (SMR) which is held by the on the Proposals Map this represents Monuments are shown on the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service. only the area with statutory protection. Proposals Map. There are in fact about The SMR is constantly being updated Archaeological evidence may be 2000 archaeological sites and finds in as new information is provided found outside this boundary. the Doncaster Borough but these are through research and chance finds and Accordingly great care must be too numerous to put on the Proposals new sites are discovered. Developers exercised with proposals which affect Map and it is often difficult to define are strongly advised to consult the the setting of a Scheduled Ancient the extent of a site from the SMR at the earliest possible stage, Monument. information presently available. All usually prior to the submission of a known sites are recorded in the South planning application. It should also 5.149 Where consultations on Yorkshire Sites and Monuments be noted that where SAMS are shown planning applications reveal that Environment 91 important archaeological remains special archaeological interest where is such that planning permission could exist and would be affected by virtually any site coming forward for should be refused, or if possible, the development the Borough Council development will require evaluation the application amended to remove will request the developer to arrange although in many cases it will be the threat; or for an archaeological evaluation to be sufficient to investigate and record 2. arrangements should be made for undertaken before any decision on the them rather than preserve them. the preservation of the remains in
planning application is taken. There situ; or CHAPTER 5 are certain parts of the Borough 5.150 The archaeological evaluation 3. the site should be recorded prior notably the historical cores of will determine whether: to its destruction; or Doncaster, Thorne, Bawtry, 4. no further action is necessary. Conisbrough and Tickhill which are of 1. the importance of the archaeology
ENV 37 DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE AFFECT ON AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE (WHETHER SCHEDULED OR NOT), ITS CHARACTER OR ITS SETTING WILL NOT NORMALLY BE ALLOWED.
IN DETERMINING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS AFFECTING SITES OF LOCAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE, THE DESIRABILITY OF PRESERVING THE SITE AND ITS SETTING WILL BE AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION.
5.151 Given the varied, often competing demands of modern society Key and the many development pressures it is not always feasible to preserve in Fact situ all archaeological remains. However Planning Policy Guidance (PPG 16-“Archaeology And ARCHAEOLOGY IN DONCASTER Planning”) recognises that where nationally important archaeological Archaeological sites in the Borough take many forms from those remains, whether scheduled or not, and identified by chance finds, to buried deposits only visible as their settings are affected by proposed ‘cropmarks’ from aerial photographs to earthwork remains and development, there should be a the more conspicuous stone structures such as churches. All presumption in favour of their physical sites have something to tell us of the past human settlement of preservation. the Doncaster region.
5.152 Apart from the 42 SAMs which Eveidence of human activity from the earliest palaeolithic and are shown on the Proposals Map it is mesolithic periods to the remains of our recent industrial past not possible at this stage to say how exist within the district. The Roman settlements of the area is many nationally important sites there perhaps very well known with its forts, Roman road, villas and may be in the Borough. English large concentrations of pottery kilns: evidence of a vast Roman Heritage’s Monuments Protection industry. However, evidence of earlier native settlements and Programme is expected to add field systems have also been found. considerably to the number of scheduled sites in the near future but In the Anglo - Saxon period, place-name evidence strongly there are always likely to be nationally suggests settlement, but often all that has been discovered are important sites which remain finds , burials and the remains of Anglo - Saxon work within a unscheduled (sites for example, the number of churches. Evidence of medieval settlement exists in true value of which is only established virtually every town or village within Doncaster today. This takes as the result of an evaluation following the form of castles, religious sites such as churches and priories, a development proposal). market crosses found in many villages, earthwork remains such as moated sites, as well as surviving fabric within domestic 5.153 With regard to sites which are dwellings. Any developments within the core of the historic deemed to be of local importance the villages and towns of the Borough such as Doncaster, Thorne, Borough Council will weigh the Tickhill, Conisbrough and Bawtry could reveal evidence of relative importance of the archaeology medieval or in some cases earlier settlement. The farm buildings against other factors including the and industrial structures of later periods are now much under need for the proposed development. threat with pressure for demolition and conversion. There may well be sites of particular local importance which the Borough Council would wish to preserve in situ. 92 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
ENV 38 WHERE DEVELOPMENT IS TO BE ALLOWED WHICH WOULD IMPINGE ON AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, PLANNING PERMISSION WILL, DEPENDING UPON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SITE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRESERVATION, BE SUBJECT TO:
a) CONDITIONS TO ENSURE PRESERVATION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGY IN SITU AND/OR
b) CONDITIONS TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE RECORD OF THE SITE IS MADE BY AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL BODY APPROVED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.
5.154 There will exceptionally be commencing and would be achieved will be attached to the planning pressing cases for development through conditions attached to the permission requiring access and involving important archaeological planning permission or a Section 106 funding for a Watching Brief i.e. the sites where preservation of the remains Agreement. observation by an archaeologist of any in situ within the development site is ground disturbance/excavation carried acceptable. Certain developments, 5.156 If a development is thought to out during construction or depending on their scale and nature have an archaeological impact but development. may also offer particular opportunities excavation is not required, a condition for preservation in situ of archaeological sites of lesser importance.
5.155 If physical preservation in situ is not feasible however an archaeological excavation for the purposes of preservation by record may be an acceptable alternative. Planning permission will not be granted however until it has been demonstrated that the developer can satisfactorily provide for the excavation and recording of the remains and the publication of the results. Excavation would be undertaken prior to the development
CONSERVING THE WILDLIFE RESOURCE
SENV 5 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, INCREASE AND PROMOTE THE WILDLIFE RESOURCES OF THE BOROUGH, INCLUDING SITES OF IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION AND OTHER NATURAL AND SEMI NATURAL HABITATS.
5.157 Recent years have seen a international policies and practices. Nature Conservation Strategy, as a dramatic increase in appreciation of landowner, as an initiator and the importance of nature conservation 5.158 The basis for a healthier contributor to schemes involving in the context of not only local ecological environment however, is at others and through promoting environmental quality but also the the local level with the protection, awareness and understanding of local future health of the planet. Whilst the enhancement and indeed creation of nature conservation issues. destruction of wildlife habitats has wildlife habitats, the promotion of the continued apace, a growing body of educational and recreational value of 5.159 The Borough of Doncaster has people and organisations have carried nature conservation, and recognition an extremely rich natural history out a considerable amount of positive of its value to the physical and mental heritage, a reflection of its nature conservation work and well being of the local population. The geographical position, varied geology successfully promoted awareness of Borough Council has a major role to and the presence of several ecological issues and this is now being play here through the policies and meandering river systems. There are reflected in changes to national and proposals of the UDP and emerging 15 Sites of Special Scientific Interest Environment 93
(SSSIs), nationally important sites Species Directive and the Bio a network necessary to ensure the designated by English Nature ; a Diversity Convention and Agenda 21, maintenance of the current range and National Nature Reserve (Thorne both arising from the Rio Summit in diversity of our flora, fauna, geological Moors) which forms part of a huge June 1992. PPG9 follows the UK and land form features and the survival internationally important area of peat strategy on sustainable development of important species. It also moors and bogs; three local Nature and the UK bio-diversity action plan recognises the social importance of
Reserves and a number of reserves and is underpinned by these two wildlife for local communities CHAPTER 5 managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife concepts. The guidance identifies a especially in urban areas. Trust, notably Potteric Carr, a formal hierarchy of sites from nationally important complex of open internationally important designations 5.163 Policies contained elsewhere in water, fenland and other important through nationally important sites to the UDP, for the protection of the habitats. Sites of Regional/Local Importance countryside, the conservation of the (see Key Fact box). It recognsies, landscape and for the protection and 5.160 The wildlife resource is not however, the importance of local sites enhancement of open space for however, confined to these sites; the of substantive nature conservation example, provide a basis for the Borough’s countryside contains many value and that nature conservation is consideration of the nature important indigenous habitats which not simply confined to sites designated conservation resource. It is important provide valuable wildlife refuges. The either nationally or locally but can however in assessing applications for importance of many of these sites and occur throughout the countryside. development that full account is taken areas is acknowledged by the Countryside features provide wildlife of the impact on wildlife and the designation by the Borough Council corridors, links or stepping stones from opportunities to extend and create new of approximately 300 Sites of one habitat to another helping to form resources are maximised. Scientific Interest (SSIs),that is sites of regional/local nature conservation importance. Many of these sites were first identified in various Nature Key Conservancy Council (now English Nature) inventories; others have been Fact identified by the Borough Council’s Museum Service in consultation with DONCASTER’S NATURAL HABITATS the English Nature. Many of the sites are important for their education, The gently undulating countryside in the west of the Borough social, recreational and amenity value with its broad river valleys of the Don and Dearne, contains as well as their ecological value. many indigenous habitat types (notably river valley marshes) despite the effects of intensive farming and extensive coal mining. 5.161 Woodlands, hedgerows, The magnesian limestone plateau which forms the backbone of roadside verges, railway the Borough running from Wentbridge to Tickhill, is a botanically embankments, river banks, grasslands, rich geological feature; whilst much of its natural vegetation has water areas and other natural and semi been removed through agriculture and quarrying, important natural habitats are important for select habitat still survive such as old limestone grassland and wildlife generally and particularly limestone woodland particularly in the Don and Went gorges where they facilitate linkages between which dissect the limestone. In the east of the Borough the land sites of nature conservation is low lying, dissected by the rivers Don, Torne and Went and a importance. Within urban areas the vast network of drains, ditches and dykes and is notable for its network of formal and informal open sandy heaths (such as Doncaster Common), acid soil woodlands spaces is an important wildlife refuge, (such as Sandall Beat) and particularly for the surviving examples and one that is readily accessible to of the one extensive marsh, bog and fenland areas, now large numbers of people although there fragmented and localised due to land drainage and flood is undoubtedly scope for enhancing its prevention schemes and intensive arable farming, but still ecological value. extremely important wildlife refuges. Large old hedgerows, broad roadside verges and small old pastures linked by winding roads 5.162 Central Government Guidance and lush green lanes characterise the Moss, Sykehouse, Fishlake for Nature Conservation is set out in tiangle in the north of the Borough, an historically and Planning Policy Guidance Note PPG9 ecologically important area, probably unique in Yorkshire. on Nature Conservation issued in The Report “Re Survey of Sites of Scientific Interest in Doncaster October 1994 which comprehensively on behalf of Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council in reasserts government policy on nature Association with English Nature “ (1998) provides a detailed conservation issues and sets down the description and assessement of each of Doncaster’s 300 plus framework for safeguarding the Sites of Scientific Interest (SSIs) as defined on the Proposals Map. natural heritage under domestic and It also provides an overview of the bio-diversity of Doncaster. international law and the important Details of Doncaster’s 15 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) role for development plans and are contained in Appendix 5.5. development control. It embodies the various international obligations and agreements - the EC Habitats and 94 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Sites of International Importance for Nature Conservation
ENV 39 SITES WHICH ARE DESIGNATED AS (OR POTENTIAL) RAMSAR SITES, SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS OR SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION WILL BE GIVEN THE PROTECTION AFFORDED TO SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SEE POLICY ENV 40 BELOW). IN ADDITION, DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON SUCH SITES WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED IF THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION AND IF THERE ARE IMPERATIVE REASONS OF OVERRIDING PUBLIC INTEREST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT. WHERE SUCH SITES HOST A PRIORITY HABITAT OR SPECIES (AS LISTED IN THE EC HABITATS DIRECTIVE) DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS IT IS NECESSARY FOR REASONS OF HUMAN HEALTH OR PUBLIC SAFETY OR FOR BENEFICIAL CONSEQUENCES OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION.
Sites of National Importance for Nature Conservation
ENV 40 DEVELOPMENT LIKELY TO HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ON THE CONSERVATION VALUE OF A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSI) WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS IT CAN BE CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT OTHER MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS OUTWEIGH THE SPECIAL INTEREST OF THE SITE AND THE NATIONAL POLICY TO SAFEGUARD THE INTRINSIC NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE OF THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF SUCH SITES. WHERE THE SITE CONCERNED IS A NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, OR IS IDENTIFIED UNDER THE NATURE CONSERVATION REVIEW OR GEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION REVIEW, PARTICULAR REGARD WILL BE PAID TO THE SITE’S NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.
Sites of Regional/Local Importance for Nature Conservation
ENV 41 DEVELOPMENT LIKELY TO HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ON THE CONSERVATION VALUE OF A SITE OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSI), LOCAL NATURE RESERVE OR NON STATUTORY NATURE RESERVE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS IT CAN BE CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT THERE ARE REASONS FOR THE PROPOSAL WHICH OUTWEIGH THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD THE INTRINSIC NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE OF THE SITE. THE AMENITY AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF SUCH SITES TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CONSIDERING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS AFFECTING THEM.
5.164 Many important sites for nature currently potential international protected from development for many conservation have been designated designations and there are only 15 years.. Proposals for minerals under a variety of statutes and SSSIs including Thorne Moors part of development affecting sites of international conventions (see Key which is also the only National Nature importance for nature conservation Fact box) and represent the most Reserve in the Borough. Sites of need also to be considered in the important element of the Borough’s Regional/Local Importance are context of the relevant minerals wildlife resource, extreme valuable therefore an extremely important part policies _see Minerals Chapter and irreplaceable parts of the natural of the Borough’s wildlife resource; all history heritage. Not all sites are of are of substantive nature conservation 5.165 All protected sites are shown on equal value and the three policies value whilst many are also important the Proposals Map although it is above reflect the relative significance in the context of the local community possible that during the life of the UDP of international, national and regional/ because of their accessibility, amenity, amendments to boundaries and new local designations. However, only educational or recreational value. sites (particularly local sites) may Thorne and Hatfield Moors are Most have been designated and come forward whilst new national and Environment 95 international designations may raise assistance from English Nature. This 5.168 Where appropriate the Borough the status of certain sites. The review may well result in new sites Council will consult with English Proposals Map should not therefore be being identified or in alterations to site Nature and local wildlife organisations regarded as a complete or final record boundaries and re-evaluations of in order to establish the importance of the Borough’s protected sites and existing sites. of an area of natural history interest the appropriate UDP policies will be and/or the likely effect of the proposed
applied to new/amended sites or new 5.167 These policies are intended to development on such an area. CHAPTER 5 designations. Some sites have more cover developments which would than one designation (see Key Fact indirectly cause significant damage as 5.169 Whilst the relevant policies of box, for examples); the Proposals Map well as those affecting sites directly. this section do apply to Thorne and shows the highest tier policy Development for educational or Hatfield Moors, the particular issues applicable. recreational purposes which is raised by extant planning permissions compatible with the nature for peat extraction on these very 5.166 As part of the development of conservation interest of the site and important areas require specific policy its Nature Conservation Strategy the which is linked to the better consideration - see Minerals Chapter. Borough Council will undertake a management of the site will normally review of its schedule of SSIs with be permitted.
ENV 42 WHERE DEVELOPMENT IS TO BE PERMITTED WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT A DESIGNATED CONSERVATION SITE, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE THE REDUCTION IN NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE TO BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM AND WILL, WHERE APPROPRIATE, SEEK (THROUGH CONDITIONS AND/OR PLANNING OBLIGATIONS) COMPENSATORY MEASURES TO SECURE THE PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE SITE’S NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST AND/OR HABITAT CREATION/ ENHANCEMENT ELSEWHERE.
5.170 Depending on the size and as necessary. Agreement on protected site. In accordance with nature of the proposed development landscaping plans will usually Policies IMR1 and IMR2 the Borough there may be opportunities for stipulate the use of locally native Council will in such circumstances retaining wildlife resources within the species and promote imaginative (where appropriate) seek development site or indeed creating new ones. habitat creation. Development outside contributions to compensate for any Conditions will be imposed where a designated site can also have adverse loss resulting from the development in appropriate to retain, enhance, extend, effects on the site through, for respect of provision, enhancement and create or restore habitats during or example, pollution, loss of amenity, management of nature conservation after development. Where loss of adjoining land with intrinsic areas. appropriate, provision should be made wildlife value and/or buffer value and for the site to be surveyed or recorded increased people pressure on the
New Development and Nature Conservation
ENV 43 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS IN RESPECT OF NON DESIGNATED SITES CONTAINING NATURAL FEATURES AND SUPPORTING WILDLIFE WILL BE EXPECTED TO CONSERVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING FEATURES OF NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST AND TO MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATING NEW SEMI NATURAL HABITATS WHERE SUCH REQUIREMENTS CAN REASONABLY BE INCLUDED AS PART OF SITE LAYOUTS AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
5.171 In assessing development layouts to provide environmental of commuted sums for future proposals special attention will be paid filters against noise, dust, pollution maintenance. to the following elements in site and visual intrusion. layouts: ● The protection, maintenance and 5.172 There will often be opportunities enhancement of wildlife and to conserve wildlife in the context of ● The need for open areas for landscaping resources by development schemes; sensitive planting and permeable surfacing appropriate building design and designs of site layout and appropriate to assist vegetation growth by site layouts, landscaping choice of plant material can serve the natural drainage. techniques and choice of plant interests of wildlife at no or little extra ● The use of mass planting in site species and through the provision cost to the developer. 96 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Key Fact
NATURE CONSERVATION SITE DESIGNATIONS
IMPORTANCE SITE DESIGNATION UK STATUTORY AND EXPLANATION DESIGNATION
Sites of Ramsar Sites listed under the SSSI International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Importance. Thorne and Hatfield Moors are a potential Ramsar site.
Special Protection Areas classified under SSSI; SPA the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. Thorne and Hatfield Moors are potential SPA. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) SSSI; SAC to be designated under the EC Directive on the conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive) A list of such sites has yet to be produced.
Sites of National National Nature Reserves (NNRs) declared SSSI Importance under Section 19 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Part of Thorne Moors is an NNR. All NNRs are also SSSIs. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) notified under SSSI Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. There are 15 of these in Doncaster. See Appendix 5.5 for details. Biological SSSIs collectively form a national series of sites; thoses SSSIs identified under the Nature Conservation Review (NCR) ( eg. Thorne Moors ) and Geological Conservation Review (GCR) criteria are key sites of national Importance.
Sites of Regional / Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) designated by local LNR Local Importance authorities under section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Some are also either in whole or part, SSSIs eg. Sandall Beat. Non - statutory Nature Reserves established and managed by a variety of public and private bodies, notably in Doncaste the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Some are also either in whole or part SSSIs, eg. Potteric Carr.
Sites of Scientific Interest (SSIs) sometimes referred to as Sites of Improtance for Nature Conservation (SINC). These are designated by the Borough Council, usually following consultation with English Nature. They represent the most numerous (300+) type of protected site in the Borough. A recent survey of these sites has been published as SPG.
Adapted from Planning Policy Guidance Note PPG9 - “Nature Conservation” which provides further background information on the various designations. Environment 97
5.173 The protection of trees, is dealt with in the “Landscape” proposals, in the “New Development” hedgerows, water areas, wetlands, section of this chapter and, in the section. grasslands and other valuable habitats context of new development
Wildlife Corridors
ENV 44 CHAPTER 5 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE NETWORKS OF WILDLIFE CORRIDORS AND WHERE POSSIBLE, REINSTATE / CREATE NEW WILDLIFE CORRIDORS; PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT NORMALLY BE GRANTED FOR DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE FUNCTIONING OF SUCH A CORRIDOR. ACCEPTABLE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO IDENTIFIED CORRIDORS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR OPERATION THROUGH APPROPRIATE DESIGN, SITING AND LANDSCAPING.
5.174 It is being increasingly Conservation Strategy, with a view to population by making wildlife more recognised that wildlife cannot survive defining them on the Proposals Map accessible to urban populations. in isolated sites separated by hard or at a subsequent review of the UDP. An hostile development but needs an example is the corridor of land from 5.175 The Open Space and Green Belt/ inter-connecting network of Loversall and Potteric Carr through Countryside Policy Area policies countryside or open space usually Doncaster Airport/Leisure Park, provide the main basis for considering referred to as wildlife corridors. Doncaster Common to Sandall Beat development proposals. Where a Linear features such as river or canal Wood, Wheatley Golf Course and proposal, which is acceptable in banks, railway lines and walkways Shaw Wood. Areas of informal space principle, is likely to affect a corridor usually provide excellent ready made around buildings can also be important it should in most cases be possible to corridors. Continuous areas of open however in providing inter-linkages design the scheme, and particularly its space connecting countryside to urban between sites of nature conservation open space and landscaping elements, areas are particularly valuable. It is the importance. The protection, in Such a way that natural links are intention to identify wildlife corridors enhancement or creation of these maintained and indeed enhanced. as part of the proposed Nature corridors will also benefit the urban
Local Nature Reserves
ENV 45 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO DECLARE FURTHER LOCAL NATURE RESERVES AND TO MANAGE AND PROMOTE THEM FOR THEIR NATURAL HISTORY, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE.
5.176 The Borough Council has the power (under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949) to establish Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in consultation with English Nature. This is a particularly important designation for sites which do not justify designation as National Nature Reserves or SSSIs. They may be of local importance for the study or preservation of flora, fauna or geological or other features of special interest. Designation can afford greater protection to the habitat concerned and yield other benefits through increased public recognition 5.177 There are three existing local identified a number of sites which of the value of such areas. LNRs can nature reserves in the Borough, at would benefit from LNR designation also attract grant aid from English Sandall Beat, Northcliffe Quarry, and will pursue other designations as Nature for works which form part of Conisborough and Hatchell Wood, and when appropriate. an agreed management plan. Bessacarr. The Borough Council has 98 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
ENV 46 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE DESIGNATION OF EXISTING AND NEW SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST AND WILL CONSULT ENGLISH NATURE ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS LIKELY TO AFFECT SUCH SITES.
5.178 The Nature Conservancy or physiographical feature. There are managed for their nature and Council for England - “English presently 15 Sites of Special Scientific conservation value. The Borough Nature” - is responsible for advising Interest in the Borough (See Appendix Council supports English Nature in its national and local government on 5.5); it is possible that others will be work and will consult them on any nature conservation matters, and for designated during the plan period. planning application likely to affect designating a national network of Sites English Nature has certain powers in land in an SSSI. Development of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). respect of SSSIs and can enter proposals affecting SSSIs will be A site may be of special interest by agreements with owners/ occupiers of subject to Policy ENV40. reason of the flora, fauna, geological SSSIs to ensure they are properly
New Wildlife Resources
ENV 47 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL WHERE APPROPRIATE SECURE THE PROVISION OF NEW NATURE CONSERVATION RESOURCES THROUGH THE RESTORATION OF MINERAL WORKINGS AND WASTE DISPOSAL SITES.
5.179 The restoration of these sites, to agricultural use, offers great with in the Minerals and Waste because of their size and the lessening potential for the creation of new Disposal Chapters. emphasis on the need to return all land wildlife habitats. This is also dealt
ENV 48 IN CONSIDERING THE RECLAMATION OR MANAGEMENT OF DERELICT OR NEGLECTED LAND THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY EXISTING OR POTENTIAL NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST IN DETERMINING AFTERUSES AND THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME.
5.180 The natural colonisation of many cases be strong arguments for value of such areas and where possible derelict and neglected land often complete redevelopment for hard and will seek imaginative reclamation/ creates valuable wildlife habitats and soft uses (See “Improving the redevelopment schemes which often in reasonably accessible Environment” Section of this incorporate important wildlife habitats locations. Such areas are sometimes Chapter). The Borough Council, and/or make alternative provision. perceived as ugly and there will in however, acknowledges the wildlife
ENV 49 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE SENSITIVE MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING WILDLIFE HABITATS, AND THE CREATION OF NEW HABITATS THROUGH, FOR EXAMPLE, THE PLANTING OF TREES AND HEDGEROWS USING PREDOMINANTLY INDIGENOUS SPECIES. WHEREVER POSSIBLE IT WILL MANAGE SITES IN ITS OWNERSHIP TO ENHANCE THEIR WILDLIFE VALUE.
5.181 This policy is intended to apply space. The Borough Council will use 5.182 The Borough Council will also not just to designated sites but also to its powers and influence to ensure that consider entering into management other areas of land and water with wherever possible the management of agreements (under Section 38 of the existing or potential wildlife value such areas takes account of the needs Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) such as hedgerows, roadside verges, of wildlife. In particular it will where where agricultural activities, for railway embankments, parks and other appropriate endeavor to introduce example, threaten to damage SSIs, areas of formal and informal open “wild” areas into its open spaces. other wildlife habitats or special Environment 99 landscape features such as hedgerows. 5.183 The Borough Council will also promote the creation of new habitats particularly where they can create or reinforce links or wildlife corridors between existing habitats.
CHAPTER 5 Species Protection
ENV 50 THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIES PROTECTED BY LAW WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CONSIDERING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS THAT WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT UPON ANY SITE SUPPORTING THEM.
5.184 Part 2 of the Wildlife and to that offered by the planning system. planning permission and will consider Countryside Act 1981 sets out the The presence of a protected species is attaching appropriate planning protection which is afforded to certain a material consideration in considering conditions or entering into planning plant and animal species including all a development proposal which, if obligations under which the developer wild birds. Some other animals (e.g. carried out, would be likely to result would take steps to secure the badgers and bats) are protected under in harm to the species or its habitat. protection of the species. their own legislation. The protection The Borough Council will consult offered by this legislation is additional English Nature before granting
Nature Conservation Strategy
ENV 51 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL DEVELOP A NATURE CONSERVATION STRATEGY TO PROVIDE A CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO CONSERVING AND PROMOTING THE WILDLIFE RESOURCES OF THE BOROUGH.
5.185 Work has already commenced can be developed between the potential for increasing it and identify on the development of a Nature Borough Council and others - priorities for action. It will also focus Conservation Strategy which will landowners, local communities, on the educational and recreation value develop in more detail the policies of conservation organisations such as the of nature conservation and identify the UDP. It will be based partly on Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, statutory programmes of action for promoting what can be achieved through statutory undertakers and so on - to best serve improved access to wildlife and planning powers but will also examine the needs of wildlife in the Borough. increasing awareness of local nature how formal and informal partnerships It will assess the existing resource, the conservation issues. ENSURING THE QUALITY OF NEW DEVELOPMENT
SENV 6 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO ENSURE A HIGH STANDARD OF DESIGN IN ALL NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND REDEVELOPMENTS THROUGH THE ADOPTION AND APPLICATION OF DETAILED DEVELOPMENT CONTROL POLICIES AND STANDARDS, SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE, AND THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF GOOD DESIGN.
5.186 A major factor determining the landscaping, and the creation of high developments on unidentified sites character of an area is the quality of quality built forms. both within the urban areas and within its new development. New the countryside. It is important development creates important 5.187 The UDP identifies a large therefore that the UDP establishes opportunities for environmental number of sites across the Borough design and other planning principles improvement- redevelopment of areas where large scale new development to guide new development. of waste land and buildings, provision could occur in the plan period. In of new areas of public open space and addition there will be many other 5.188 Development control policies 100 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan are of course contained throughout the Directorate has organised a bi-annual on both schemes is available from the UDP and there are areas where more Design Award Competition aimed at Conservation and Minerals Group of stringent quality control is necessary projects which improve or add to the the Planning and Design Services and justified and where special quality of the environment. Awards Directorate. policies apply notably the Green Belt, are given in recognition of good the Countryside Policy Area, Areas of practice to encourage others to do the 5.190 The Borough Council will also Special Landscape Value, same and are made under three main continue to prepare planning briefs to Conservation Areas and Listed category headings - new buildings, guide the detailed layout and other Buildings. This section deals with a refurbishments and landscaping. development principles on particularly general level of design guidance for Entries are judged by an independent important or complex development the Borough as a whole and includes panel of assessors. The award scheme sites such as the mixed use aspects of new development not dealt complements the Civic Trust’s Regeneration Project sites and from with specifically elsewhere. National Scheme for which Doncaster time to time will produce has received a succession of supplementary planning guidance on 5.189 Since 1988 the Planning commendations. Further information various aspects of development.
Design of New Buildings
ENV 52 NEW BUILDINGS SHOULD RESPECT THEIR TOWNSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE SETTING WITH LAYOUT, SITING, FORM, SCALE, DETAILING AND MATERIALS BEING APPROPRIATE TO THE CHARACTER OF THE SURROUNDING AREA AND ANY ADJOINING PROPERTIES. THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL REJECT OBVIOUSLY POOR DESIGNS WHICH ARE OUT OF SCALE OR CHARACTER WITH THEIR SURROUNDINGS.
ALL BUILDINGS SHOULD BE DESIGNED AND LOCATED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE STANDARDS OF PRIVACY, DAYLIGHT, SUNLIGHT, ENERGY CONSERVATION AND NOISE ATTENUATION FOR OCCUPIERS OF NEARBY PROPERTIES AND FOR OCCUPIERS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PREPARE PLANNING BRIEFS FOR PARTICULAR SITES.
ENV 53 THE SCALE AND APPEARANCE OF NEW DEVELOPMENT MUST HAVE REGARD TO ITS WIDER VISUAL IMPACT. DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED IF IT WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE VISUAL IMPACT ON: a) VIEWS FROM MAJOR TRANSPORTATION ROUTES; OR b) VIEWS ACROSS OPEN COUNTRYSIDE; OR c) VIEWS OF IMPORTANT LANDMARKS.
5.191 Good design of a new building, particularly important ones. St. 5.192 The idea of good design that is or an extension, is essential in George’s, St. Jame’s and Christ in keeping with an area does not maintaining and improving the Church for example are important land simply mean that every new building appearance of an area, and is a major marks in Doncaster, which new must always be a copy of its factor taken into account by the development should have regard to. neighbours. One of the most attractive Borough Council in dealing with New buildings should maintain the characteristics of the town centres and planning applications. It is appreciated continuity, scale, proportion and many of the other settlements in the that the question of design is to a large harmony of adjacent buildings and, Borough which have had a long extent subjective and that personal particularly in areas of visual history of development, is the taste plays a large part in the selection importance, reflect the traditional contribution that different architectural of materials, and in the appearance of building materials in the area. The styles from successive periods of a new building or extension, but it is geology of the Borough in fact gives development have made to their important that certain general rise to three broad yet distinct areas in architectural and townscape quality. principles are adhered to. In general respect of traditional building The Borough Council will therefore terms, new buildings should reinforce materials: sandstone and slate in the seek to promote designs of quality and the spatial qualities of the existing west; limestone and clay pantiles in the variety in sympathy with this tradition. development, preserving the existing central area; and brick and clay views, focal points and vistas, pantiles in the east. Environment 101
Key Fact
DONCASTER MBC DESIGN AWARDS
CHAPTER 5
1987/88 Award - Rose HIll Court, Bessacarr - housing development British Rail Electricification Fixed Equipment Maintenance Building, Doncaster Commendation - Queen Elizabeth Court, Thorne - sheltered housing scheme Moorends Childrens Playground The Barn, Main Street, Sprotgrough - renovation scheme 1988/89 Award - Office Development, Kings Mews, East Laith Gate, Doncaster Refurbishment of Tarran Bungalows, Woodfield Estate, Doncaster Commendation - Refurbishment of Railway Station, Mexborough Renovation of Nos 1-11 Doncaster Road, Bawtry Renovation of cottage 17 Castlegate, Tickhill New dwellinghouse, Bawtry Nurseries, Doncaster Road, Bawtry 1989/90 Award - The Dome Leisure Centre, Bawtry Road, Doncaster Doncaster Crown Court Commendation - New Church Hall, St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Road, Doncaster Gatesbridge Park Housing Development, Wroot Road, Finningley Refurbishment of Manor Farmhouse, Clayton 1990/91/92 Award - Distribution Depot, BMW, Paddock Lane, Thorne Commendation - Office Development, Kvaerner Boving Ltd, White Rose Way / Ten Pound Walk, Doncaster Carr Home Covert, home for the elderly mentally infirm, The Avenue, Bentley Offices for English Estates, Horsefair Green, Thorne. 1992/94 Award - Doncaster Fish Market; St. Mary’s Court, Tickhill Housing Development Commendation - Sainsbury’s Supermarket, Edenthorpe Entrance Gates & Gatepiers, St. Anne’s Rest Home Burghwallis The Dovecote, West End Cottage, Sykehouse Repaving & Pedestrianisation, Baxtergate, Doncaster Special Mention Hatfield Grange & Associated Courtyard, Business Link
1994/96 Award - Conservation of Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Armthorpe Community Centre, Stainforth Estate Action Phase III Commendaton - Abbey National Shop Fronts, Doncaster York Rd (A638) Landscaping, Doncaster Morrisons Superstore, Doncaster Stenson Court, Balby Special Mention Creation of Lady Chapel, St. Aiden’s Church, Wheatley Hills Learning Resources Centre, High Melton, Housing Refurbishment, Cragg’s Rd, Denaby 102 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Alterations and Extensions
ENV 54 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS SHOULD BE SYMPATHETIC IN SCALE, MATERIALS, LAYOUT AND GENERAL DESIGN TO THE EXISTING BUILDING. ALL FEATURES WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING OR SURROUNDING AREA SHOULD BE RETAINED.
5.193 Whilst planning permission will permission. Many residential individual settlements, Conservation not be granted for alterations and properties in particular have had such Areas or specific items such as extensions which are unsympathetic in work carried out which is materials, roof finish, fenestration, character to the existing building, unsympathetic and detrimental to the sills and lintels, architectural features, much of this work can be carried out original design of the property. Where brick/stonework/render and walls. under permitted development rights necessary the Borough Council will without the need for planning produce design guidance to cover
Shop Fronts
ENV 55 EXISTING GROUND FLOOR FRONTAGES AND SHOP FRONTS OF CHARACTER SHOULD BE RETAINED AND CHANGES OF OCCUPANCY WILL NOT BE REGARDED AS JUSTIFICATION FOR COMPREHENSIVE ALTERATION.
ENV 56 NEW SHOP FRONTS OR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING GROUND FLOOR FRONTAGES SHOULD RESPECT THE SCALE AND CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING AND THE STREET SCENE. THE SHOP FRONT, SURROUNDS, AND FASCIAS AND THEIR MATERIALS SHOULD BE INTEGRATED INTO THE ELEVATION OF THE BUILDING AND SHOULD NOT DETRACT FROM THE DETAILING OF THE BUILDING.
ENV 57 WHERE CHANGES OF USE FROM SHOPS WITH POOR SHOP FRONTS TO OTHER ACCEPTABLE USES ARE PROPOSED, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE GROUND FLOOR AS PART OF A UNIFIED ELEVATIONAL TREATMENT
5.194 Shop fronts and the ground detailing or adverse alterations to floors of certain other properties such upper stories; as banks, public houses and churches dominate the appearance of shopping b) construction of fascias above the centres of whatever size and are level of first floor window sills; particularly important features in the commercial areas of the Borough’s c) the construction of fascias of a town centres notably Doncaster, common depth linking two or more Bawtry, Tickhill and Thorne where buildings that have separate identities. they lie partly within Conservation Areas. Close attention to shop fronts 5.196 Due to standardisation of shop is therefore essential in the interests front design and the rise of the of the environment and particularly in corporate image, three materials tend Conservation Areas. to predominate the fascias: satin anodised aluminium, acrylic sheeting 5.195 New shops fronts, or alterations and granite/polished marble. This has to existing ground floor frontages will had a harmful effect on the appearance not be considered acceptable if they of the Conservation Areas. The involve: Borough Council will discourage the use of unsuitable materials or designs a) removal of existing glazing bars employing a large variety of materials. Environment 103
Acceptable materials include; painted Architectural or Historic Interest and listed buildings or visual quality of the timber fascias and painted lettering always on Listed Buildings. street scene. In Conservation Areas and graphics, wooden or acrylic letters where externally mounted security applied directly to masonry, or painted 5.197 The installation of security shutters are unavailable, the mounting letters applied directly to glass areas. shutters can have a dramatic affect on boxes should be integrated physically Commercial firms who have a certain buildings and the street scene or visually into the shop front fascia.
corporate image will be expected to generally. As with other shop front The Borough Council has produced CHAPTER 5 use discretion with regard to developments, UDP Conservation and adopted Supplementary Planning standardised designs and use of Area and Listed Building policies will Guidance on shop front security corporate colours. This discretion be applicable in many cases. Internally shutters. must especially be exercised in mounted security will always be Conservation Areas on buildings of preferred particularly in areas affecting
Advertisements
ENV 58 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO ENSURE THAT ANY EXISTING OR PROPOSED ADVERTISEMENT DOES NOT DETRACT FROM AMENITY OR PUBLIC SAFETY OR FROM THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
5.198 The Borough Council considers produce supplementary planning suitability of advertisements whether each application for advertisements on guidance setting down general existing or proposed. its merits in accordance with the guidelines which the Borough Council Advertisements Regulations but will will follow in considering the
Protection of Trees
ENV 59 IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ATTACH CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO THE NEED TO PROTECT EXISTING TREES, HEDGEROWS, WETLAND HABITATS, WATERCOURSES AND OTHER NATURAL LANDSCAPE FEATURES AND WILL REQUIRE THAT NEW DEVELOPMENTS DO NOT CAUSE UNNECESSARY LOSS OF TREES, NOR IMPERIL TREES BY BUILDING WORKS.
5.199 The protection and integration of such features into development proposals can make a significant contribution to the success of the development as well as having wider environmental benefits. There will be a presumption against proposals which cause unacceptable loss of trees or other important landscape features, or which do not allow for the successful retention of existing trees or which do not make adequate provisions for replacement planting to compensate for the likely loss of trees as the result of development. “Conserving the Landscape” Section Authority in planning decisions. It is Conditions and/or Section 106 in this Chapter). of course possible for the Borough Agreements will be imposed to secure Council and others to use the powers the necessary protection of such 5.200 Many miles of hedgerow in available under this legislation to features, where appropriate. The Doncaster are covered by more than protect such hedgerows from activities Borough Council has produced 30 Inclosure Award Acts and therefore not constituting development. The supplementary planning guidance for have statutory protection under this 1995 Environment Act and the developers on the protection of trees historic legislation. The information Hedgerow Regulations 1997 will on development sites. Tree about the ecological and historic enable certain Inclosure and non Preservation Orders will also be significance of such hedgerows has Inclosure hedgerows to be protected declared where necessary (See been used by the local Planning through planning powers. 104 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Landscaping in New Developments
ENV 60 NEW DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING SIGNIFICANT CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL NORMALLY BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME OF HARD AND/OR SOFT LANDSCAPING (INCLUDING TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING) TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IN TERMS OF SCOPE AND DESIGN, QUALITY OF MATERIALS, PLANTING TECHNIQUES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE.
5.201 Most developments of any Green Belt or Countryside Policy Area Conditions attached to planning significance will benefit from, and will (See Policy ENV 15); within new areas permissions will relate to this standard normally be required to provide, areas of public open space; on roads and specification. of landscaping (including new tree and other public frontages; and in areas shrub planting) within areas of newly lacking in existing tree cover or with 5.203 Conditions will be imposed or created open space or as incidental generally poor environments. Section 106 Agreements sought to planting or screening to soften the secure necessary landscaping and impact of new buildings, car parks, 5.202 Landscaping is a significant ensure that its future maintenance is open storage areas and so on and to aspect of many new developments and provided for. Development layouts enhance the local environment. In should be integral to the layout design should be designed to accommodate accordance with Policy ENV 43 and not simply applied as a cosmetic adequate space for tree planting and landscaping should, wherever after other aspects of the layout have other vegetation including proper possible, include areas suitable for been determined. To assist developers/ provision for healthy growth through wildlife. Developments of any contractors in producing acceptable use of appropriate surface materials, significance will be required to schemes the Borough Council has attention to site drainage and other provide a landscape plan. Large produced a standard landscape matters of landscape design, and developments should offer scope for specification covering such aspects as protection from accidental damage. the creation of special landscape design considerations, quality of plant Applications may be refused where the elements such as water features. New material, ground preparation, planting site layout does not allow for planting will be particularly important techniques, replacement requirements reasonable provision of new trees. on development sites which abut the and maintenance arrangements.
Disabled Access
ENV 61 DEVELOPMENTS TO WHICH THE PUBLIC ARE LIKELY TO HAVE ACCESS OR IN WHICH DISABLED PEOPLE MAY BE EMPLOYED WILL BE EXPECTED TO MAKE ADEQUATE PROVISIONS FOR THE DISABLED AND LESS MOBILE IN TERMS OF FACILITIES, ACCESS AND CAR PARKING.
5.204 The Borough Council is traveling about the area or entering included at the design and layout stage concerned that physically handicapped buildings used by the general public of development scheme. The Borough and disabled people and the less such as shops or places of Council will produce supplementary mobile should not encounter employment. Disabled persons access planning guidance for developers on unnecessary difficulties when and parking facilities should be this subject.
Environmental Assessment
ENV 62 THE PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR PROJECTS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
5.205 As a result of EEC initiatives the assessments for large scale development but, at the Borough government has introduced regulations developments. Impact assessments are Council’s discretion, for other types of concerning the need for environmental obligatory for certain types of development. Environment 105
Public Art
ENV 63 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF WORKS OF ART IN PUBLIC PLACES AND AS PART OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS.
CHAPTER 5 5.206 The Borough Council is stimulating quality environments, partnership with the private sector currently involved in promoting a generating community interest and thereby using a combination of public number of environmental/public arts pride in local areas, and attract resources and private sponsorship. It projects throughout the Borough, in business and visitors. will also encourage the private sector town centre and other locations, both to recognise the very real benefits of as part of new developments and as 5.207 The Borough Council will providing an element of public art as schemes to improve existing continue to develop its own schemes part of new developments. environments. The provision of working closely with local environmental/public art can create communities and wherever possible in
Public Safety
ENV 64 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, WHERE APPROPRIATE, REQUIRE NEW DEVELOPMENT TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO SAFETY AND SECURITY, IN RESPECT OF THE DESIGN OF STREETS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PEDESTRIAN ROUTES AND AREAS, CYCLEWAYS AND PUBLIC SPACES.
5.208 The Borough Council is people with young children, lighting and improvements to town determined to ensure that the built pedestrians (especially women) at centre subways (See Town Centre environment is, and is perceived to be, night and so on. The Borough Council Chapter) and expect new safe and convenient to use. This is will itself carry out schemes to developments to have regard to these particularly important in respect of improve safety and security such as matters. people with disabilities, the elderly, pedestrianisation, enhanced street
Pollution
ENV 65 DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD RESULT IN UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF NOISE, AIR, SURFACE WATER, UNDERGROUND WATER, OR OTHER POLLUTION OR NUISANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
5.209 There are a number of agencies levels of pollution or nuisance. Where which have responsibilities for the development is to be permitted, the regulation and control of pollution. Borough Council will, where The Borough Council as appropriate, through conditions or Environmental Health Authority for legally binding agreements, control example has an important role to play operations in respect of levels and in monitoring and enforcing standards methods of emissions, hours of of environmental control; the UDP operation, the routing of traffic and however, is concerned here with the physical measures to attenuate levels role of the Borough Council as Local of pollution. Planning Authority and the control it can exercise over pollution and 5.211 A number of other UDP policies nuisance through the development have implications for the control of control process. pollution including those relating to 5.210 The Borough Council will waste disposal, derelict and consult with the Environment Agency contaminated land, hazardous and any other appropriate body on all industries, residential policy areas, applications which it considers may sites of importance for nature have implications for pollution and conservation, the road haulage of will refuse applications which are materials of substantial volume, and likely to give rise to unacceptable River quality and pollution control. 106 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
Light Pollution
ENV 66 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO MINIMISE LIGHT POLLUTION. DETAILS OF ANY EXTERNAL LIGHTING SCHEME REQUIRED AS PART OF ANY NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE PLANNING APPLICATION. APPLICANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY THAT THE SCHEME PROPOSED IS THE MINIMUM NEEDED FOR SECURITY AND WORKING PURPOSES AND THAT IT MINIMISES POTENTIAL POLLUTION FROM GLARE AND SPILLAGE, PARTICULARLY TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS,AREAS OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE,AND AREAS WHOSE OPEN AND REMOTE LANDSCAPE QUALITIES WOULD BE AFFECTED.
5.212 There is growing concern about instead of down), resulting in wasted amenity can be particularly intrusive. the impact on the environment and on energy, obscuring of the night sky and There will of course continue to be a amenity of excessive, unnecessary and visual intrusion. Poorly devised genuine need for external lighting; the badly designed lighting. Recent years lighting schemes can also increase aim of this Policy is to keep it to the have seen a significant increase in light hazards by creating dazzle or pools of minimum required and to ensure that pollution, due to poorly designed and darkness which can even compromise such lighting as is necessary is well misdirected lighting (often pointing up security. The impact on residential devised.
IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT
SENV 7 RECLAMATION OF THE BOROUGH’S DERELICT AND DEGRADED LAND TO BENEFICIAL AFTER USES WILL BE MAXIMISED AND THE CREATION OF FURTHER DERELICT LAND KEPT TO A MINIMUM. OTHER UNTIDY AND NEGLECTED SITES WILL BE IDENTIFIED AND TIDYING AND LANDSCAPING MEASURES PROPOSED WHERE APPROPRIATE. PRIORITY FOR THIS WORK WILL BE GIVEN TO THE REGENERATION PRIORITY AREAS AND THE MAIN TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS.
5.213 Doncaster is a district of great destroy the essential confidence improved in programmes dealing with environmental contrasts, from high required to achieve economic whole residential environments. quality and scenic rural landscapes to regeneration. Similarly sites in Priority Employment derelict coal mining areas and from Policy areas will receive treatment. attractive towns and villages to 5.214 Sites requiring environmental The Council’s Land Reclamation degraded urban areas . The council has improvement and restoration will be Programme will continue to be the consistently sought to improve the dealt with through various main vehicle for restoration of major whole environment of the Borough programmes and mechanisms. For derelict sites. Appropriate policies for and in this respect has promoted and example, degraded sites in Priority environmental improvements are executed a number of practical Residential Policy Areas will be therefore proposed as follows. initiatives to ensure a high degree of continuity in this sensitive field. The Urban Programme and Derelict Land Grant funding mechanisms have been Public Attitude utilised to deal with a range of problems from derelict industrial land Survey to untidy sites in residential neighbourhoods. It is recognised that Nearly two thirds of residents felt that the Borough’s streets derelict sites and combinations of suffered from problems of litter and rubbish, while the same small untidy sites in sensitive proportion considered that houses and gardens are clean and locations, such as along or close to well maintained. major transportation corridors creates a negative image of the Borough from both outside and within which can Environment 107
ENV 67 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK THE RECLAMATION OF DERELICT LAND FOR BENEFICIAL AFTER-USES WITHIN THE PLAN PERIOD AND WILL GIVE PRIORITY TO RECLAMATION SCHEMES WHICH,
a) RECYCLE FORMER INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR USES INCLUDING INDUSTRY, HOUSING, TOURISM, RECREATION, COMMERCE AND CHAPTER 5 NATURE CONSERVATION;
b) INCREASE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE AREA AS A LOCATION FOR NEW INVESTMENT;
c) ARE ADJACENT TO OR VISIBLE FROM MAJOR TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS;
d) ENHANCE THE MAJOR NATURAL ASSETS OF VALLEYS, RIVERS AND CANALS
5.215 The Borough Council has 5.216 In Doncaster, dereliction Borough Council will work closely identified a number of derelict sites in associated with the coal industry is a with the successor owners of former the 1988 Derelict Land Survey many particular problem. Planning colliery sites to ensure that reclamation of which it considers are of high restoration conditions have been and re-use of all closed collieries will priority for reclamation. The Survey imposed on new coalfield tipping, be achieved. Many colliery spoil heaps was updated as part of the UDP colliery developments and quarrying have restoration conditions but where preparation process and other sites operations. The re- use of colliery no such conditions exist, the sites will have been added to this list. The buildings has been allowed. Where be identified in appendix 5.6. In certain Council will seek to reclaim these sites possible, sites have been sold for cases, some form spoil removal and/ through the use of available external redevelopment or partnership schemes or coal recovery operation, with the funds and grants to appropriate and with the private sector explored. As a coordinated disposal of waste beneficial uses. Wherever possible and result, the land which was released by materials, may be considered within the context of other Council British Coal often had little or no appropriate as part of the reclamation policies such reclaimed land will be redevelopment potential. The Council process, subject to relevant used for development purposes but has therefore in the past had to deal Environmental, Waste and minerals where this is not considered with a problem of residual derelict land policies. appropriate, alternative ‘green’ or left after more profitable areas have public open space uses will be been disposed of to the private sector. 5.217 Derelict sites are listed in proposed. Re-use of derelict sites for British Coal agreed to reclaim appendix 5.6 and their preferred after- development purposes will have the collieries where mining started before uses are specified. benefit of reducing the demand for 1 July 1948 and which closed within a greenfield sites. four year period from 1April 1990. The
ENV 68 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK THE IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTALLY DEGRADED SITES BY: a) CARRYING OUT LANDSCAPING AND PLANTING AS NECESSARY AND AS SPEEDILY AS POSSIBLE b) ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITES WHICH HAVE SUCH POTENTIAL c) PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING THE IMPROVEMENT OF PRIVATE LAND AND BUILDINGS
5.218 For many years the Borough subject to specific proposals in the environmental improvement are listed Council has identified and improved plan. The large majority of sites though in Appendix.5.7 and their individual environmentally degraded sites to are unsuitable for development for a preferred after-use is specified. good affect. However, the survey number of reasons and in these cases, carried out for preparation of the tidying up and landscaping will bring 5.219 The Borough Council will Unitary Development Plan has about a marked improvement in their continue to exercise its powers under identified sites which still require appearance and considerably enhance section 215 of the Town and Country treatment. Some of the sites are the overall environment of the Planning Act 1990 to effect the tidying suitable for development and are Borough. Sites which are in need of of land in private ownership. 108 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan
ENV 69 WHERE DEVELOPMENT IS PROPOSED ON LAND IDENTIFIED AS CONTAMINATED AS A RESULT OF PREVIOUS LAND USES, DEVELOPERS WILL NEED TO MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: a) PLANNING APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY DETAILED GROUND CONDITION REPORTS INDICATING, WHERE APPROPRIATE, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REMEDIAL TREATMENT; b) A NEED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THEIR PROPOSALS WILL NOT CAUSE OR INCREASE POLLUTION OF WATERCOURSES AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES; c) GIVE A COMMITMENT THAT SPECIFIED REMEDIAL TREATMENT SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OR OCCUPATION AS APPROPPRIATE.
5.220 Redevelopment of such land can have major impacts on both surface Public Attitude and ground waters through the re- mobilisation of contaminants. It is Survey important that these sites are thoroughly investigated in order that appropriate remedial measures and A quater of the population felt waste and spoiled land was a methods of working can be devised serious problem. and implemented.
ENV 70 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ALONG MAJOR ROAD AND RAIL ROUTES, PARTICULARLY WHERE THEY PASS THROUGH BUILT UP AREAS.
5.221 The appearance of the Borough, 5.222 The transportation routes are as for the traveller, is reflected in the follows:- environmental quality of major transportation corridors both in rural Rail: and urban areas. The A1 for example London - Edinburgh passes through attractive countryside Doncaster - Leeds which the Council will seek to retain Sheffield - Hull/Cleethorpes and even enhance. Other major Doncaster - Gainsborough transport routes pass through or close to towns, villages and industrial areas. Road: In such locations the image of the A1/A1(M) Borough can be enhanced by ensuring M18/M180 that new development is attractively A631 Rotherham - Gainsborough designed and that established built A638 Worksop - Doncaster areas are improved through A614 Goole - Bawtry landscaping and other general A60 Doncaster-Worksop improvements. Particular attention A630 Rotherham - Doncaster will be paid to areas where existing A18/A1146 Doncaster - Grimsby development has turned its back on A19 Doncaster - Selby railways (the Policy will have special A6023 Conisbrough - Wath - on - regard to the likely affect such Dearne environmental improvements may A635 Doncaster - Barnsley have on the safe operating of A6182 Doncaster - M18 link railways). The Council will identify B1220 A1-A19 - Carcroft Link ‘zones of influence’ along major road and rail routes which will set the This list will be reviewed during the framework for the implementation of Plan period to incorporate new routes this policy. This policy will be eg. Rossington - M18 link and mineral implemented with reference to railways if developed for passenger relevant policies in Chapter 7. traffic.