Green Infrastructure & Ecological

Networks Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Green Infrastructure & Ecological Networks SPD

December 2015

Regeneration Department Town Hall Blackburn BB1 7DY

www.blackburn.gov.uk

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Planning policy and legislation 7

Green infrastructure planning and delivery guidance 10

Design considerations 14

Biodiversity and ecological networks 20

Integrating green infrastructure in new residential development 28

Ecological networks and development 31

Ecological impact assessment, mitigation and compensation 32

Planning application process 34

Useful documents and links 35

Appendix A: Provision for biodiversity in new development 37 Appendix B: Designated biodiversity sites 46 Appendix C: Calculating the commuted sum payment in new residential development 75 Appendix D: Consultation Statement 76 Appendix E: Consolidated Screening Statement on the determination of the need for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) 85 Appendix F: Summary of consultation responses on the draft SPD and the Sustainability Appraisal 90

3

1. Introduction

1.1 Blackburn with Darwen’s Core Strategy and Local Plan Part 2: Site Allocations and Development Management Policies sets out the Council’s policies on protecting, improving and creating green infrastructure and ecological networks through the development process. The purpose of this Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is to provide further detail and guidance to developers, householders and planners on how the Council expects to see these policies working in practice.

1.2 The overall aim of this SPD is to help applicants and developers ensure that proposals for development make the most of opportunities to improve existing and create new green infrastructure and ecological networks. The guidance contained within this document will be used by the Council’s Planning Implementation Group as one of a number of considerations in the determination of applications for development.

1.3 The SPD provides advice and guidance on:  Green infrastructure and ecological networks in Blackburn with Darwen;  The national and local policy context;  Embedding high quality, sustainable and multifunctional green infrastructure, and/or the retention, restoration, enhancement and/or creation of ecological networks into the ‘place-making’ process at a site level to add value to development – including key design and management considerations;  The legislation protecting plants, animals, birds and their habitats;  The biodiversity information required when making a planning application;  Integration of biodiversity into buildings and their surroundings to improve existing habitats and create new habitats;  The role of ecological networks (including ecological network maps);  Connecting new green infrastructure with existing networks;  Connecting new and established ecological networks; and  Requirements for integrating green infrastructure in new residential developments, including commuted sum calculations.

Green infrastructure 1.4 Green infrastructure is the term used to describe the totality of green spaces and areas of water in both urban and rural areas. It incorporates cultural assets and landscape as well as ecological/habitat assets.

1.5 Natural England defines Green Infrastructure as: “…a strategically planned and delivered network of high quality green spaces and other environmental features. It should be designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. Green Infrastructure includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens.”

1.6 As highlighted above, green infrastructure assets may perform multiple functions including:

 Setting the scene for growth, creating a good quality of place and quality of life and supporting sustainable economic growth;  Supporting physical and mental health and well-being;  Providing for recreation, leisure and tourism;  Supporting the rural economy;  Helping to manage flood risk; 4

 Supporting mitigation and adaptation to climate change;  Positively benefitting the historic environment; and  Enhancing the ecological network and promoting biodiversity.

1.7 For example, street trees add aesthetic quality to the urban area but will also reduce airborne pollution, provide shade, reduce urban heat island effects, mitigate wind chill and turbulence and increase biodiversity. Well planned green infrastructure can also help to protect and enhance the setting of the borough’s heritage assets. The surrounding moorland habitats also sequester carbon, helping to combat climate change.

1.8 Networks of continuous green infrastructure within towns and connecting with the open countryside have greater benefit for people and wildlife than isolated pockets of open space. For example, linked spaces offer opportunities for off-road walking and cycling routes that encourage sustainable travel, which in turn benefits the health of users; movement of wildlife is facilitated where spaces are connected; and natural systems, such as flood attenuation, operate more effectively along linked spaces. As a whole, networks of green space generate a sense of place and local distinctiveness and create the conditions for growth and investment.

1.9 Blackburn with Darwen’s green infrastructure comprises a range of assets including:  The West Pennine Moors;  Water courses, especially the Rivers Darwen and Blakewater and their tributaries;  Leeds and Liverpool canal;  Reservoirs and other open water bodies;  Agricultural land;  Parks and gardens;  Woodland and street trees;  Village greens;  Allotments and community gardens;  Cemeteries, churchyards and burial grounds;  Playing fields and recreation grounds, including school grounds and golf courses;  Private gardens;  Incidental open spaces and landscaping;  Roadside & motorway verges;  Derelict land;  Ecological networks of wildlife sites and habitats; Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves, Biological Heritage Sites, Local Geodiversity sites.

1.10 It is the Council’s objective to improve connectivity in the urban areas, as well as addressing deficiencies of open space identified in the Council’s Open Space Assessment. Contiguous spaces enhance the multi-functionality of green infrastructure, facilitate active travel on foot or bicycle and assist the movement of wildlife. Green infrastructure therefore needs to be integral to the design of development, reflecting and enhancing an area’s character, and contributing to the development and extension of the network’s physical and functional connectivity.

1.11 As Blackburn with Darwen continues to grow and develop, population growth, planned new housing, employment and ‘grey’ infrastructure requirements will all put pressure on existing green infrastructure and will require new provision to ensure that all residents and visitors have access to green infrastructure of all types to sustain and improve health and well-being and quality of life.

5

Ecological networks 1.12 An ecological network is a collection of suitable habitat patches connected by movement corridors through the intervening habitat matrix.

1.13 The development of an ecological network as a conservation strategy is intended to maintain the function of the ecosystem in order to support the conservation of species and habitats whilst also promoting land management strategies that limit the impacts of human activities on biodiversity.

1.14 The ‘Making Space for Nature’ (2010) report was an independent national review of England’s wildlife sites and the connections between them. It concluded that the conservation objectives behind the identification of sites cannot be successfully achieved if sites remain, or become, further fragmented and isolated from each other. Particularly when considered in the light of the need for species to be able to respond to potential environmental changes arising from climate change.

1.15 It recommended that ecological connections which exist between high quality sites are maintained, and developed, to allow species populations, or at least their genes, to move between them to establish a coherent and resilient network.

1.16 The priorities for action to enhance the resilience and coherence of ecological networks are summarised by the mantra: better, bigger, more and joined. To achieve this, ’Making Space for Nature’ recommends:

1. Improving the quality of current sites by better habitat management. 2. Increasing the size of current wildlife sites. 3. Enhancing connections between, or join up, sites, either through physical corridors, or through ‘stepping stones’. 4. Creating new sites. 5. Reducing the pressures on wildlife by improving the wider environment, including through buffering wildlife sites.

6

2. Planning policy and legislation

2.1 This section provides an overview of current planning policy and legislation relating to green infrastructure and ecological networks. Current policy recognises that the provision of green infrastructure is not just an environmental matter; there are wide ranging benefits for the economy and society as well. Green infrastructure should be seen as an integral part of planning from the earliest stages in the design process, as with other types of infrastructure.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2.2 With reference to green infrastructure and ecological networks, the NPPF makes clear that local planning authorities should set out a strategic approach in their Local Plans, planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure (paragraph 114). This core principle embodies the commitment made in the Natural Environment White Paper 2011 for England, a statement of Government policy, to support the development of green infrastructure and the creation of ecological networks.

2.3 Section 11 of the NPPF ‘Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment’ expands upon this and states that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment, establish coherent ecological networks (paragraph 109) and promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets, and identify suitable indicators for monitoring biodiversity in the plan.

2.4 It includes a requirement that authorities identify and map components of the local ecological networks, including the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity, wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them and areas identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation (paragraph 117).

2.5 In relation to climate change, paragraph 99 of the NPPF recognises the important role that green infrastructure plays in reducing vulnerability: ‘Local Plans should take account of climate change over the longer term, including factors such as flood risk, coastal change, water supply and changes to biodiversity and landscape. New development should be planned to avoid increased vulnerability to the range of impacts arising from climate change. When new development is brought forward in areas which are vulnerable, care should be taken to ensure that risks can be managed through suitable adaptation measures, including through the planning of green infrastructure.’

2.6 Further guidance on planning for biodiversity, ecosystems and green infrastructure can be found in the Planning Practice Guidance at http://planningguidance.communities.gov.uk/blog/guidance/natural- environment/biodiversity-ecosystems-and-green-infrastructure/

Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan Part 1: The Core Strategy 2.7 The Core Strategy for the Borough was adopted in January 2011 and forms part of the Development Plan for Blackburn with Darwen. It can be viewed on the Council’s website www.blackburn.gov.uk.

7

2.8 The policies within the Core Strategy relevant to this SPD are:  Policy CS1: A Targeted Growth Strategy  Policy CS13: Environmental Strategy  Policy CS15: Protection and Enhancement of Ecological Assets  Policy CS16: Form and Design of New Development  Policy CS19: Green Infrastructure  Policy CS21: Mitigation of Impacts/Planning Gain

2.9 Policy CS19 of the Core Strategy seeks the protection, enhancement, extension and creation of networks of green and open spaces between major land uses and between urban and rural areas, which will be connected by a variety of forms including new and improved off-road walking/cycling routes, enhancing the roles of the canal and riverside walkways, and streetscape improvements, such as tree planting.

2.10 The policy also requires all new residential development to contribute to the provision of high quality open space for its residents, either through provision of public open space on site or, where more appropriate, through financial contributions towards improving the quality and accessibility of nearby existing spaces. Further details on how this part of the policy will be implemented are provided in Section 6 of this SPD.

Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan Part 2: Site Allocations and Development Management Policies 2.11 The Local Plan Part 2 was adopted on 3rd December 2015. It contains development management policies and site allocations in order to deliver the Core Strategy and replaces the saved policies within the previous Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan (adopted in 2002).

2.12 The Local Plan Part 2 contains several policies relevant to this SPD which set out the Council’s approach to green infrastructure and ecological networks in the borough. These are:  Policy 9: Development and the environment  Policy 11: Design  Policy 12: Developer contributions  Policy 36: Climate change  Policy 38: Green Infrastructure on the Adopted Policies Map  Policy 40: Integrating Green Infrastructure with New Development

2.13 The Local Plan Part 2 can be viewed on the Council’s website at: www.blackburn.gov.uk.

Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2.14 The Minerals and Waste Development Plan for Lancashire is prepared jointly by Lancashire County Council and the two unitary authorities of Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

2.15 The Core Strategy part of the Plan is the strategic document for future minerals and waste development in Lancashire until 2021. It sets out:

 the vision, aims and objectives of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan; and  the principles by which development will progress over the planned period.

2.16 The Site Allocations and Development Control Policies part of the Local Plan is a combined document that identifies:

8

 specific locations for development complete with inset maps showing the detailed extent of site allocations and safeguarding areas;  specific requirements for individual proposals;  policies to ensure the development of the identified locations is done in line with the Core Strategy; and  development management policies.

2.17 The Minerals and Waste Local Plan sets out a number of objectives and policies relating to green infrastructure and biodiversity which are relevant to this SPD: www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/planning/local-planning-policy-for-minerals-and- waste.aspx .

Legislation and Guidelines 2.18 There are several legislations affecting wildlife management and licensing in England. The following are the main legislations addressing wildlife, but applicants are strongly advised to refer to primary legislation and subsequent amendments and seek legal advice for definitive guidance. Further guidance is provided by Natural England.  The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69  The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents  The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/pdfs/uksi_20100490_en.pdf  The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents  The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1992/51/contents

 Hedgerow Regulations 1997 www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/pins/hedgerow__guide_part_1.pdf

2.19 Bats, birds, great crested newts, otters, reptiles and water voles are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Bats, great crested newts and otters are further protected under Annex II of the EC Council Directive 92/43/EEC 1992 ‘Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora’ (the Habitats Directive) as European Protected Species. This legislation has been transposed in to UK legislation through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. The principal vehicle for the implementation of the European Birds Directive (both in terms of site protection and species protection) is the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The Government publishes standing advice on protected species for developers.

2.20 Permitted development and demolition may not require planning permission but householders and developers still need to ensure they do not harm protected and priority species, such as bats and birds.

9

3. Green infrastructure planning and delivery guidance

3.1 This section provides guidance on embedding high quality, sustainable and multifunctional green infrastructure into the design or ‘place-making’ process at a site level to add value to development.

3.2 It is intended to encourage developers to fully consider the opportunities and benefits of incorporating green infrastructure into their schemes and connecting to the wider green infrastructure network beyond the site, in addition to considering the possible implications of development on the wider green infrastructure network. It sets out the guiding principles and key design considerations that aim to provide a stimulus for considering how to reflect green infrastructure needs and opportunities in the design of sustainable communities.

Guiding principles 3.3 The principles guiding the planning and delivery of green infrastructure in Blackburn with Darwen are:

Green Infrastructure Planning and Delivery Principles Landscape character – Green infrastructure should contribute to the conservation, improvement and management of the local landscape; Historic environment - Green infrastructure should contribute to the protection, conservation, enhancement and management of historic landscape, archaeological and built heritage assets; Biodiversity - Green infrastructure should maintain and enhance biodiversity to ensure that development and implementation results in a net gain of protected species and habitats and species considered important in the local context; Woodland - Green infrastructure should be delivered through the enhancement of existing woodlands, hedgerows and trees, and also by the creation of new woodlands and linking existing woodlands; Waterways - Green infrastructure should improve corridors along waterways and encourage increased access to the water. By developing and restoring green infrastructure with a presumption in favour of open water courses through channel restoration and de-culverting, a more natural and slower response to heavy rainfall can be achieved Sport and recreation - Green infrastructure should create new recreational facilities, particularly those that present opportunities to link urban and countryside areas; Natural process and environmental systems - Green infrastructure should take account of and integrate with natural processes and systems. Can also be used as flood mitigation measures and sustainable drainage systems such as wetlands, green swales, balancing ponds, ditches and ponds; Design - Green infrastructure should be designed to high standards of quality and sustainability to deliver social and economic, as well as environmental benefits; Community involvement - Green infrastructure should provide focus for social inclusion, community development and lifelong learning; Managing urban green spaces - Green infrastructure should be managed and funded in urban areas to accommodate nature, wildlife and historic and cultural assets, and provide for sport and recreation.

10

3.4 Green infrastructure functions should not be seen in isolation but as a set of interrelated functions that complement one another. It is important, when considering green infrastructure functions, that the economic, environmental and social benefits are maximised and linked together in the creation of multifunctional green infrastructure.

3.5 There is increasing evidence to support the economic case for green infrastructure which demonstrates that investment in green infrastructure makes good business sense for developers. For example, well-designed and managed green infrastructure can help reduce costs of energy and water resource use in response to the increasing need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of a changing climate in the UK. Green infrastructure can also help increase the potential for increased land and property values by creating and sustaining attractive places for living and working, and to visit.

3.6 Importantly, consideration of green infrastructure requirements within the place-making process should go beyond the ‘red line’ boundary of a development site and consider its landscape/townscape context and setting, and the connectivity of green spaces with the wider green infrastructure network. A network of well-designed and managed green spaces and links can make a significant contribution to creating a distinctive identity and sense of place.

3.7 Green infrastructure requirements should be considered from the earliest preparatory phases of the planning process, rather than as an afterthought or add on. Ideally, this should happen as part of the initial strategic thinking and research carried out by a developer to define needs, objectives and the key parameters for the development. Early consideration of green infrastructure allows the developer to meet many of the statutory requirements within a development scheme whilst benefitting many other social, economic and environmental objectives.

Key Design Considerations 3.8 The following information sets out how the Council expects applicants to consider green infrastructure within the design process. It is important to highlight, however, that each development site will present different opportunities dependent on its characteristics.

3.9 The Key Design Considerations are: i. Landscape Setting & Context for Development; ii. Habitat Provision & Access to Nature; iii. Access, Recreation, Movement & Leisure; iv. Heating/Cooling and Energy Conservation; and v. Flood Attenuation & Water Management. i. Landscape Setting & Context for Development: Key Design Considerations How does the site respond positively to the adjacent landscape character and context whilst complementing existing green infrastructure functions? How will the scheme connect with the wider green infrastructure network, identified on the adopted policies map and Open Space Audit, in visual terms? Have existing landscape and historic features been incorporated into the proposed green infrastructure and are there opportunities to conserve and enhance the setting of these features within the site? Have existing views into and out of the site been safeguarded and are there opportunities to create new views and vistas within the proposed development?

11

What landscape edge treatments have been considered for the site boundary and do they provide sensitive and appropriate levels of integration to the surrounding area? Has an overarching landscape framework been developed and does it respond in design terms to local landscape character assessments? What design measures have been incorporated into the proposals to protect and preserve the surrounding landscape setting and enhance the distinctiveness of existing settlements? Does the provision of green infrastructure within the proposals create lasting value, identity and a distinct sense of place for the scheme?

ii. Habitat Provision & Access to Nature: Key Design Considerations How will the scheme connect with the wider green infrastructure network, identified on the adopted policies map and Open Space Audit, in ecological and habitat terms? Has potential damage and impacts on designated sites and protected species been considered? Has appropriate mitigation been considered? Has an Ecological Appraisal been carried out and used to inform the proposals and does it take into account the habitats beyond the site boundary? What existing habitats and landscape features such as hedgerows, tree groups, water bodies, flood plains and corridors such as rivers and canals have been integrated into the scheme and how has the balance between accessibility and preservation been addressed? Have new accessible areas of habitat been created and do these contribute to local priority species and/or habitats? Have native species of local provenance been specified within the landscape proposals? What local wildlife groups and other stakeholders have been consulted and have they informed the proposals? How have natural play, education or interpretation opportunities been incorporated into the scheme to connect people to nature? Have robust funding, management/maintenance and conservation plans been produced for the scheme? iii. Access, Recreation, Movement & Leisure: Key Design Considerations How will the scheme connect with the wider green infrastructure network identified on the adopted policies map and in relevant documents, such as Open Space Strategy, Rights of Way Improvement Plans and cycle strategy? What provision has been made within the scheme to connect beyond the red line boundary into the wider route and spatial network and do these links also connect into other off site community facilities and open spaces offering opportunities for the wider community, such as safe routes to schools or contributing to the health and well-being of residents? What consideration has been made between balancing the need for access and protecting areas of ecological and biodiversity value and how will this be managed? What consideration is there for ‘access for all’ and is it possible for all residents to access a range of green infrastructure from their home easily and conveniently? Have opportunities for providing a range of functions, facilities and activities been considered in relation to local needs for accessible green space? For example, recreation grounds and sports pitches can incorporate ecological areas that can be used by both school and public users as part of the wider green infrastructure network. 12

Has a management and maintenance plan been produced and is it funded robustly so the long term quality of the green infrastructure is ensured? What opportunity is there to combine food production with other green infrastructure functions such as access and recreation? iv. Heating/Cooling and Energy Conservation: Key Design Considerations Have green roofs and walls been considered for incorporation into buildings within the scheme to provide insulation and conservation benefits? Has structural planting been proposed to create shelter from prevailing winds in winter and shade in summer, improving the usability of public open spaces whilst promoting walking and cycling locally? Have street trees of an appropriate species and size been considered for incorporation into the scheme to minimise solar glare, provide urban cooling and carbon sinks and reduce rainwater runoff? Has planting alongside watercourses been considered to provide cooling?

v. Flood Attenuation & Water Management: Key Design Considerations Have sustainable drainage systems been considered and, where appropriate, linked together to provide water resource management, increased biodiversity and an accessible recreational resource? Have sustainable drainage systems such as permeable paving or swales been considered? Have relevant flood strategies been identified and do they inform the design and approach to on site water management? Have green roofs been considered to slow the rate of runoff? Have the Water Framework Directive and relevant River Basin Management Plan(s) been taken into account with appropriate measures incorporated into the development? Has future flood risk been considered? Have existing functional flood plains been protected and have opportunities for creating natural flood storage been considered?

13

4. Design considerations

4.1 This section of the SPD provides additional information on specific green infrastructure design considerations the Council would expect applicants to consider as part of their proposals.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) 4.2 The Council’s Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) highlights there are areas of the borough at risk of surface water flooding, particularly in the upper reaches of the River Blakewater but more so in Darwen, where significant areas along the path of, and draining down towards, the River Darwen. In the south of the borough, where the land is more rural and steeper in its character, surface water flooding is shown to largely be conveyed by the natural river channels.

4.3 Conventional piped drainage has a limited capacity and is usually designed to convey surface runoff rapidly from a development; it also provides no facility to control or diffuse pollution. Significant investment is required to increase the capacity of our sewerage system, which struggles to cope with the high volumes of surface runoff and the increasing costs of improving water quality.

4.4 The SuDS approach makes use of different techniques, such as infiltration and retention which mimic runoff from the site in its natural state. Rainwater should be managed close to its source and on the surface where possible. As a result the water is stored and released slowly, reducing flood risk and improving water quality. Less surface runoff frees up capacity in our sewers, whilst more natural materials improve biodiversity and amenity. Examples of SuDS techniques include permeable paving, soakaways, green roofs, swales and ponds.

4.5 SuDS can be used effectively in both rural and urban areas and help support new development without adding to the risk of flooding or pollution. The use of green and open spaces, and sports and recreation facilities can contribute to addressing surface water and climate change issues. Building green infrastructure assets such as ponds, swales and wetlands into new developments will not only meet green space needs on site but also assist in addressing any existing and potential future surface water management issues.

4.6 Artificial pitches, cycle paths, play areas, multi-use games areas and skate parks can all be used as local underground civil engineering SuDS solutions. SuDS solutions that incorporate irrigation systems will help support and maintain allotments, parks and garden areas.

4.7 From April 2015, all developments of 10 homes or more; or equivalent non-residential or mixed development (as set out in Article 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010) are required to put in place sustainable drainage systems for the management of run-off, unless demonstrated to be inappropriate.

4.8 Under these arrangements, in considering planning applications, local planning authorities will consult the relevant lead local flood authority on the management of surface water; satisfy themselves that the proposed minimum standards of operation are appropriate and ensure through the use of planning conditions or planning obligations that there are clear arrangements in place for ongoing maintenance over the lifetime of the development. The sustainable drainage system should be designed to ensure that the maintenance and operation requirements are economically proportionate. 14

4.9 The current requirement in national policy that all new developments in areas at risk of flooding should give priority to the use of sustainable drainage systems will continue to apply.

4.10 The Council will encourage opportunities for the installation of retro-fitted SuDS where appropriate.

4.11 Guidance on sustainable urban drainage is available from a number of sources, for example: www.susdrain.org/ provides useful information on delivering SuDS, including retrofitting; British Water, in partnership with the Environment Agency, provides technical guidance on SuDS; CIRIA publishes a best practice manual on the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of sustainable drainage systems to facilitate their effective adoption within developments; and the RSPB and WWT, who have produced a guide for local authorities and developers on ‘Sustainable Drainage Systems: Maximising the Potential for People and Wildlife’ and can be viewed at: www.rspb.org.uk/Images/SuDS_report_final_tcm9-338064.pdf.

Green Roofs 4.12 Green roofs and walls are encouraged in new development. A green roof is created when a planting scheme is established on the roof structure of a building to benefit the wider environment with a positive impact on sustainability and biodiversity. In addition to introducing wildlife habitats into urban areas, green roofs can insulate buildings, helping to save energy and attenuate storm water, reducing flood risk. Green roofs are suited to roofs that are flat or gently sloping.

4.13 There are two main types of green roof: intensive, requiring similar levels of maintenance to a conventional garden; and extensive often intended to provide an ecological feature and requiring relatively little maintenance once established.

4.14 A green roof is a complex structure that requires careful consideration throughout the design process in order for it to exist both as a waterproof roof and a complex living ecosystem. The Green Roof Code of Best Practice for the UK 2011 provides guidance on green roof design, specification, installation and maintenance.

4.15 Green roofs have a role to play in sustainable urban drainage systems.

Green walls 4.16 Green walls generally involve the use of climbing plants to create a living cladding system. The two principle types are:

 Climbing wall plants – these can grow directly on a wall (especially those of brick and stone where the porous surface allows them to attach more easily) or be supported by trellises or steel cables against a wall. Commonly used species for wall-greening are ivy, Russian-vine and Virginia-creeper.  Container systems - here, plants are grown in large irrigated containers at height which allow them to grow/hang down.

4.17 The most suitable approach to creating a green wall for any particular development or site is likely to depend on the prioritisation of functions it is intended to perform (e.g. biodiversity, amenity, sound insulation) and the possibilities that the specific space affords. For further details on the variety of green wall systems and design options available and what might be most suitable for your situation you are advised to contact green wall specialists.

15

4.18 Robust funding, management and maintenance plans need to be in place for any proposed green roof or wall.

Trees 4.19 Trees on or adjacent to development sites may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders. The principal effect of a TPO is to prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping or wilful damage or destruction of trees without the consent of the local planning authority.

4.20 In addition to protecting existing trees, the Council will also encourage infill trees as part of developments which helps to connect the key features of the site together and add to the attractiveness, quality and local distinctiveness of the place. Trees are especially important within the urban areas where green infrastructure is especially needed.

4.21 Developers are encouraged to contact the Council’s Arboricultural Officer to check the status of trees on or adjacent to development sites.

4.22 Network Rail’s advice is that no trees should be planted next to the boundary with their land and the operational railway in any submitted planning application. They request that only evergreen shrubs are planted in such proposals and that they should be planted a minimum distance from the Network Rail boundary that is equal to their expected mature growth height.

4.23 The Network Rail Asset Protection Officer http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/1758.aspx should be contacted for any development within close proximity to the railway line.

Access & recreational connectivity 4.24 Cycling and walking offer alternatives to car based travel for shorter journeys and opportunities for recreation and healthy living. Blackburn with Darwen’s Cycling Strategy aspires to increase cycle use in the borough for these reasons.

4.25 Opportunities should be taken to connect new development to existing and developing cycling and walking routes, particularly where routes coincide with green infrastructure, and create attractive routes through the site that residents and visitors will want to use.

Weavers Wheel 4.26 In June 2015 £2.6M of funding towards the creation of a Strategic East Lancashire Cycle Network was secured from the Lancashire Local Growth Deal (LGF) through the Lancashire Economic Partnership. Locally, £600,000 of LGF and £250,000 of LTP3 investment has been allocated towards the delivery of the Weavers Wheel over the next 4 years.

4.27 This investment in Blackburn with Darwen will create a 26km cycling route encircling Blackburn town centre. The Weavers Wheel will also include spurs radiating out to key employment locations such as Samlesbury Enterprise Zone and Whitebirk and local towns such as Darwen, as well as spokes into Blackburn Town Centre providing direct access to local employment, education, retail and leisure opportunities for cyclists as well as pedestrians.

4.28 Further information on the Weavers Wheel can be found at: http://bwdconnect.org.uk/weavers-wheel/

Incorporating Biodiversity into the Built Fabric 4.29 New standards require buildings to be more insulated and airtight, removing the nooks and crannies used by building-reliant birds and bats. The wildlife that has historically

16

shared our built structures includes some of the most valued and vulnerable in Britain. There are, however, many options to build-in spaces for biodiversity whilst still maintaining the air-tightness of a building. Developers are encouraged to consider making space for biodiversity in new buildings to benefit locally important species1 such as:

 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  Swallow2 (Hirundo rustica)  Swift (Apus apus)  Common Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)  Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri)  Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii)

4.30 Nest boxes and roosts may be integral to the building or attached to it. A number of ready-made products are on the market such as bat access roof tiles and swift nest bricks. Roost or nest box materials should not compromise U-value envelope of a low or zero carbon building. Appendix A Section A lists actions that may be taken for locally important species.

Example: Nest boxes for Swifts Swifts need holes in buildings in which to nest. As we build more sealed buildings nest sites are disappearing and Swift populations are falling. It is easy to help Swifts to breed in buildings, without any adverse effects and without their compromising the building’s interior. All that is needed is a box or a hole, with suitably sized living space, and these can easily be created on both existing and new structures with a little creativity (see illustrated example). If well-built and installed the boxes need no maintenance, nor do they ever need to be cleaned out, as Swifts make minimal nests that disappear over winter. In return, Swifts will eat flies, gnats and aphids in vast quantities.

4.31 Technical guidance on how biodiversity can be accommodated in new building is available from sources such as the ‘RSPB Roofs for Wildlife’, the ‘Bat Conservation Trust Accommodating Bats in Buildings’ and ‘Designing for Biodiversity: A Technical Guide for New and Existing Buildings 2013’.

4.32 These documents are not intended to take the place of an appropriate ecological assessment and it is expected that the choice of provision for enhancing the biodiversity of built structures, and how that is accommodated within any development, will be guided by an experienced ecologist.

4.33 Proposals affecting listed buildings should be discussed with the Council’s Design and Conservation Officer.

Landscaping & Biodiversity 4.34 Any development should seek to increase an area’s biodiversity assets, while guarding against the loss of irreplaceable habitats. This involves safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity already present and/or providing new areas of habitat and features for wildlife appropriate to the landscape and the ecology of that neighbourhood, while providing as many other ecosystem functions as possible.

4.35 The Council will expect applicants to take opportunities to design in biodiversity, to protect, restore and enhance existing species populations and habitats and to make

1 The Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan: Long List of Species, Lancs Biodiversity Partnership, 2010 2 Classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review, RSPB 2009 17

connections to biodiversity features outside the site, particularly through the use of a strong landscape framework and green infrastructure.

4.36 The spaces around buildings are as important as the buildings themselves to the character and amenity of an area and are important components of the borough’s green infrastructure, particularly with respect to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.

4.37 Measures taken will depend on the size of the development, location, features present, the relationship with adjacent and nearby habitats and species and local biodiversity priorities. Appendix A, section B lists actions that may be incorporated into landscaping proposals and Section C lists native species appropriate to Blackburn with Darwen. Native plant species should be used where possible, although the sensitive use of non- native species can enhance amenity and biodiversity. Existing species present on site should be the starting point for the planting design, enhancing the existing character of the site.

Historic environment 4.38 Green infrastructure incorporates cultural assets and landscape as well as ecological/habitat assets and can deliver multiple benefits for the natural, built and historic environment.

4.39 It is important for applicants to recognise the contribution heritage assets can make to a green infrastructure network for example canal corridors, historic field patterns and rights of way, designed landscapes and the need to ensure that actions across all green infrastructure themes conserve as well as enhance heritage assets and their settings. The Borough’s historic environment comprises a rich and varied resource and includes village settlements, farmsteads, parks, industrial sites and structures, scheduled monuments and listed buildings.

4.40 The Borough’s cultural assets include both designated and undesignated heritage assets and can incorporate important landscape elements. Designated assets include registered parks and gardens, cemeteries, listed buildings, and conservation areas. Undesignated heritage assets also make an important contribution to green infrastructure and the Council is currently preparing a local list of heritage assets which are valued by the local community. The Historic Environment Record provides the register of historic assets and is held at Lancashire County Council http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and- archives/archives-and-record-office/historic-environment-record.aspx.

4.41 The SPD supports the cultural values of long standing public parks as well as their ecological value and in the management of these spaces, that their historical significance and value is recognised. Parks and gardens have a huge role to play in green infrastructure, often preserving some of the older and more stable elements of the landscape and environment and therefore supporting more ecology and ecosystems than other parts, whether urban, rural or urban fringe.

4.42 Within the urban environment, the three public parks (Corporation Park, Queen’s Park and Bold Venture Park) make important green connections across the townscape and are important green oasis’ in their own rights, whilst Sunnyhurst Wood and Whitehall Park are both urban fringe parks that have a significant contribution to make as well.

4.43 Well planned green infrastructure can help to protect and enhance the significance and setting of our heritage assets. The Council has prepared 11 Conservation Area Appraisals within the Borough, these are an important source of information for identifying important views, open spaces and historic buildings and structures. This information should be incorporated within design proposals at an early stage to ensure

18

they are fully taken into consideration. The Conservation Area Appraisals can be downloaded from the Council website www.blackburn.gov.uk.

Green infrastructure toolkit 4.44 Resources and information is available to help developers plan, design and manage their green infrastructure at www.greeninfrastructurenw.co.uk/climatechange. The website has a Toolkit for developers that can be used to determine potential interventions and the green infrastructure ‘score’ for the proposals. The Council recommends developers use the Toolkit as part of their initial strategic thinking and research for any proposed development.

4.45 The Green Infrastructure Toolkit was adapted from toolkits used in Malmo, Berlin and Seattle where a GI Very Good score of 0.6 was found to meet the objectives each city was trying to achieve through its green infrastructure. The Council will expect new developments to achieve such scores.

Geodiversity 4.46 Local Geodiversity Sites are regionally important geological and geomorphological sites. They are equivalent to Biological Heritage Sites and as such are subject to the same Local Plan policies. There are currently 5 geodiversity sites in Blackburn with Darwen (see Appendix B). More information about geodiversity sites can be found at GeoLancashire www.geolancashire.org.uk

19

5. Biodiversity & ecological networks

5.1 The ecological implications of development proposals need to be addressed as part of the planning process to ensure compliance with relevant policy and legislation.

Habitats and Species of Principal Importance 5.2 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 requires all public authorities to have regard to biodiversity conservation when carrying out their duties and lists habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. Developers should have regard to this list (known as S41 list), and take account of habitats and species that may be affected or assisted by the development proposal.

Biodiversity Action Plans 5.3 The ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’ (July 2012) succeeds the UK BAP. The UK BAP lists of priority species and habitats remain, however, important and valuable reference sources. The Lancashire Long List of BAP species provides the local context and should also be reviewed. This information is available from Lancashire Environment Records Network (LERN).

Protected Sites 5.4 Protected sites include:

 International Sites designated under European legislation, which include Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). There are no such sites in Blackburn with Darwen;  Sites of National importance for conservation, which are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). There are three SSSI sites within the borough; see Appendix B;  Local Wildlife Sites, known in Lancashire as Biological Heritage Sites (BHSs) which, together with the statutory wildlife sites, make the most significant contribution to the biological diversity of Lancashire. See Appendix B for sites within Blackburn with Darwen.

Hedgerows 5.5 ‘Important' hedgerows (as defined in the Regulations) are protected from removal (up- rooting or otherwise destroying) by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Various criteria specified in the Regulations are used to identify “important” hedgerows for wildlife, landscape or historical reasons.

Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland 5.6 Ancient woodland is land that has had a continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD. It may be ancient semi-natural woodland, which retains a native tree and shrub cover that has not been planted although it may have been managed by coppicing or felling and allowed to regenerate naturally; or plantation on ancient woodland sites where the original tree cover has been felled and replaced by planting, often with conifers, and usually over the last century.

5.7 Ancient woodlands are particularly important because they are exceptionally rich in wildlife, including many rare species and habitats, are an integral part of England’s historic landscapes and act as reservoirs from which wildlife can spread into new woodlands.

5.8 The location of ancient woodlands over 2 ha in area is recorded in the National Inventory of Ancient Woodlands, which is maintained by Natural England.

20

Aquatic Environment 5.9 Development proposals should address potential impacts on the aquatic environment, including aquatic and wetland habitats and associated species, water courses and their flood plains, canals, surface water, ground water and the water table. The Environment Agency (EA) will be able to provide developers with basic pre-application advice on proposed developments relating to these matters. Any development within the river channel or within the easement of a watercourse will require consent from the EA or Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council (as the Lead Local Flood Authority) and will need to take biodiversity into account.

Invasive non-native species 5.10 Ecological assessments should include surveys for invasive non-native species and injurious weeds, for example, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Water fern (Azolla filiculoides), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Parrot's feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), or other species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended).

5.11 If such species are present, the applicant should adopt measures to avoid the spread of the species during the proposed development works and the species should be eradicated from the site.

5.12 It is recommended that any relevant Environment Agency guidelines be followed on this matter: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/wildlife/31350.aspx www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/wildlife/130079.aspx

5.13 There is also some useful government guidance regarding the spread of harmful invasive and non-native plants: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native- plants

Artificial Light and Biodiversity 5.14 Artificial light significantly disrupts natural patterns of light and dark, disturbing feeding, breeding and movement of invertebrates, birds, amphibians and mammals, particularly species that have evolved to be active during the hours of darkness. Developers are encouraged to consider carefully what lighting is necessary and minimise any unnecessary lighting, both temporally and spatially to avoid adverse impacts on biodiversity whilst maintaining safety. Designing wildlife friendly lighting has added benefits such as decreased light pollution, increased energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions and reduced maintenance.

Ecological networks 5.15 An ecological network is a collection of suitable habitat patches (cores) connected by movement corridors through the intervening habitat matrix. Ecological networks are a key strand of the Government’s biodiversity strategy for England (Biodiversity 2020) and are one of the conservation tools developed to respond to challenges created by habitat loss and fragmentation.

5.16 A group of core areas that are linked and buffered from threats will improve the viability of ecosystems and species populations. Networks improve the robustness of habitats and make species more resilient to long and short term changes as connections may provide for e.g. movement between breeding and feeding areas or dispersal of offspring.

21

5.17 Collectively these make populations more resilient to long or short-term changes, whether these arise as a consequence of land management, development or climate change.

5.18 Ecological networks are not intended to stifle development or growth, but rather to provide a tool to help steer and guide it, and to enable economic growth, physical development and ecological enhancements to be delivered with the greatest benefits across the spectrum of sustainable development objectives. For example, the opportunity to expand a key habitat may also provide an opportunity to improve water quality and flood risk management, improve an area’s image and potential for investment or capture airbourne pollution.

5.19 Networks function at many geographical levels from global to local. An ecological networks approach takes nature conservation out of a purely sites-based approach, and looks at the way that the entire landscape functions for nature and, as a function of green infrastructure for people and the economy. It should integrate human, economic and other activity and aspirations with nature conservation objectives, rather than ‘setting aside’ areas purely for nature.

5.20 Identifying and mapping ecological networks, and using those networks to influence a wide range of decisions, for example in land use planning, farming and land management, should therefore help to reverse the decline in biodiversity by providing wildlife with a greater range of access to suitable habitats. It should help to integrate a range of different land uses in a way that is sympathetic to the environment in order to benefit both wildlife and people. See Appendix B for maps of designated biodiversity sites.

5.21 An ecological framework for Lancashire has been identified and mapped. It currently comprises three broad habitat groupings:

 Woodland & Scrub;  Grassland; and  Wetland & Heath.

5.22 These groups were defined with reference to priorities identified in the Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan and restrictions imposed by the habitats dataset.

5.23 The methodology and approach is detailed in a technical paper ‘Lancashire Ecological Network: Approach and Analysis’ (June 2015) prepared by Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Lancashire Environment Record Centre on behalf of the Lancashire Local Nature Partnership.

5.24 The Lancashire Ecological Network (LEN) comprises:

 Core Areas Core Areas are identified wildlife sites of at least county importance. All Core Areas are classified by the priority habitat groupings for which they are of importance. The following types of wildlife site are included in Core Areas: - Natura 2000 (‘European sites’), which are international designations - Biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest - Biological Heritage Sites; - Local Nature Reserves of County importance.

22

 Corridors Corridors comprise continuous stretches of permeable habitat that can, over time, be utilised by species to move between Core Areas. Corridors are further classified by distance between similar Core Areas;

 Stepping Stones Stepping Stones are sites of local ecological importance and areas of Priority Habitat within or adjacent to corridors. They include: - District level wildlife sites (where these exist) and Local Nature Reserves (of district wildlife significance) and important road verges. These are classified in respect of the priority habitats they support. - Areas of priority habitat, outside protected sites but within, or partially within, the ecological network corridor.

5.25 Ecological network maps were created for the three major habitat groups, though the Wetland and Heath mapping is currently at the draft stage. Each map identifies and classifies the Core Area, Corridors and Stepping Stones identified for that habitat group. For the purposes of developing a functional ecological network for Lancashire, the LEN focuses on corridors of 3 kilometres or less as the corridors that are most likely to be contributing to movement of individuals and species.

5.26 The number of individual networks is a broad measure of connectivity, a smaller number generally equates to a more connected landscape for that habitat. The individual woodland and grassland networks in Lancashire at the 3km level are shown in Table 1 below. Woodland and Grassland network maps are also shown below in Figure 1.

Table 1 Number of LEN habitat networks at the 3km level Habitat 3km Networks within 3km Networks within Lancashire Blackburn with Darwen

Grassland 27 2 Wetland and Not determined in LERN Not determined in LERN Heath work at present time. work at present time. Woodland 14 1

23

Figure 1: Location of LEN habitat networks at the 3km level

24

25

B-Lines Initiative 5.27 The B-Lines Initiative is an ambitious programme being led by conservation organisation, Buglife, which aims to develop a National network of linear pathways through the countryside and towns, along which a series of wildflower-rich habitat stepping stones will be restored and created. These will provide essential habitat for a range of insect pollinators and other wildlife, and help them move around the country in the face of a changing climate. In the longer-term these stepping stones will help join up the existing wildflower-rich areas to form more continuous lines of habitat. The new ‘Coast to Coast Bee Roads Project’ has worked with Local Nature Partnerships and Local Records Centres to identify B-Lines networks in the northwest. Two key east-west corridors cross Blackburn with Darwen and are considered to be part of the Lancashire ecological network. The figures below show the extent of the B-Lines across the northwest and the corridors crossing Blackburn with Darwen. More information about Buglife and B-Lines can be found at: www.buglife.org.uk.

Figure 2: The Coast to Coast Bee Roads Project – North West

26

27

6. Integrating green infrastructure in new residential development

6.1 This section of the SPD provides information on integrating green infrastructure in new residential developments in Blackburn with Darwen, as required by Core Strategy Policy CS19 and Policy 40 of the Local Plan Part 2.

6.2 These policies require new residential development to contribute to the provision of high quality open space for its residents, either through provision of public open space on site or, where more appropriate, through financial contributions towards improving the quality and/or accessibility of nearby existing spaces.

Importance of green infrastructure in new residential developments 6.3 It is essential that adequate green infrastructure is provided within new residential developments in order to meet the needs of new residents, and to provide a good quality residential environment that will contribute towards an enhanced quality of life.

6.4 All new dwellings developed in the Borough generate a demand for green infrastructure. To ensure adequate green infrastructure for all residents in the Borough, the provision of green infrastructure will be linked to the rate of new housing development so as to not place increased pressure upon existing facilities.

6.5 It may not be possible or desirable for green infrastructure provision to be made adequately on site in all circumstances, particularly in small developments or where a development is in very close proximity to an existing green infrastructure facility. In such cases financial contributions will be sought from developers to improve and/or create nearby existing facilities.

Council’s approach to green infrastructure in new residential developments 6.6 The previous SPG on Public Open Space in New Residential Development set local standards for each type of open space for provision in new residential developments. This was based on the former National Playing Field Association’s “Six Acre Standard.”

6.7 However, the Council now feel it is more appropriate to look at green infrastructure at a more localised level, moving away from prescriptive standards for each type of green infrastructure and instead tailoring the most appropriate type and amount of green infrastructure provision on a site by site basis. The Council will expect developers to explore opportunities to provide a range of green infrastructure on site, including allotments, amenity spaces, children’s play space, recreational areas and natural and semi-natural open spaces.

6.8 Through the Open Space Audit and Assessment work, it has been possible to identify any areas of deficiency in green infrastructure across the Borough. This information will be used to indicate the most suitable types of green infrastructure the site would benefit from to meet an identified deficiency.

6.9 The information contained within the Open Space Audit and Assessment includes the total amount of green infrastructure within the Borough at the present time and calculates this as hectares per 1000 population. This information will be used as a benchmark to negotiate the most appropriate amount of open space on sites. The Council’s aim will be to ensure this level of provision is maintained and opportunities for new provision are maximised wherever possible.

6.10 The Council will work with developers to ensure the most appropriate open spaces are delivered in the borough, having regard to the open space assessment. The Council will 28

remain flexible on how this is delivered and in what form it might take (e.g. equipped children’s play area, formal recreation, amenity space etc). The Council acknowledges that it would be difficult to provide for all types of open space in all areas and therefore the objective will be to provide a reasonable choice of facilities, which will be design-led.

6.11 The Council will maintain the quantity of existing open space, increasing it where possible, and increase its usage through improved quality and accessibility.

6.12 In order that the open space needs of prospective residents are met, it is essential that the green infrastructure element of the development be put into operation on first occupation of any dwelling on the development. Where green infrastructure provision is being made on site, the Council will impose a condition on the planning application to this effect.

Provision of open space through commuted sum payments 6.13 Some or all of the green infrastructure required on site can be made through the negotiation of a commuted sum payment to the Council where appropriate. Please note that the Council will not accept commuted sums payments towards landscaped amenity open space, which should be provided within the development site in all developments of 20 or more dwellings.

6.14 The commuted sum will cover provision of the open space and its maintenance for 25 years to the same standard as that required for on-site provision.

6.15 In general terms a commuted sum will be acceptable in the following circumstances:  In small developments of under 20 dwellings  In developments of 20 or more dwellings where existing open space in close proximity can best provide for the prospective residents of the new development through the implementation of improvement and enhancement works.

6.16 In all cases, contributions towards off site provision/enhancement through commuted sum payments will only be sought where it would be of direct benefit to the occupiers of the new development and where such provision/enhancement would be fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development proposal. The Council’s Open Space Audit and Assessment will form the basis for assessing this.

6.17 General amenity grassland and children’s play spaces are seen as essential elements of green infrastructure when new residential units are developed. As a result, the commuted sum requirement for residential developments will be based on the current provision in the Borough of these open spaces. This will form the basis for negotiations for commuted sum.

6.18 This provision is translated into a requirement per person (by dividing the overall standard by 1000) and a requirement per dwelling. For phased or incremental developments, the overall requirements will be based on the number of dwellings expected to be accommodated on the site as a whole.

6.19 Where the Council feels it is more appropriate for a commuted sum to be paid in lieu of green infrastructure provision on site, applicants will be required to pay £1406 per dwelling. Appendix C sets out how this requirement has been calculated, based on current provision of green infrastructure across the borough.

6.20 To maintain the quality of open space in the long term so that it can be enjoyed by future residents of the development, it is essential that adequate provision be made for the long- term maintenance and management of the site.

29

Maintenance for on-site provision 6.21 The Council will require the developer to retain the maintenance responsibilities for the green infrastructure. This will be imposed through a planning condition to ensure that the space is maintained to an acceptable standard in the future.

Maintenance for off-site provision 6.22 In cases where a commuted sum has been paid in lieu of green infrastructure provision on site, the commuted sum includes maintenance for 25 years and therefore no further payment for maintenance is required.

Design of green infrastructure within new residential development 6.23 Green infrastructure within new housing developments provides an essential function within people’s everyday lives. It provides passive and active recreational facilities for all age groups, creates and protects wildlife habitats, helps to create a good quality residential environment and adds visual amenity value that will contribute to an enhanced quality of life and the overall well-being of the borough.

6.24 It is therefore essential that developers provide green infrastructure within new residential development that is well located and of a quality design. To facilitate this it is recommended that the developer appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Landscape Architect.

30

7. Ecological networks and development

7.1 All developments should be designed to avoid the fragmentation and isolation of habitats, and should include proposals for maintaining and enhancing habitat connectivity within the application area and the wider landscape. Proposals should aim to complement locally identified ecological networks.

7.2 The Lancashire Ecological Network mapping will be made available to view on the Lancashire County Council website at http://mario.lancashire.gov.uk/agsmario/. These maps should be assessed before an application is submitted in order to ascertain whether proposals fall within one of the networks (currently identified for Woodland and Scrub, Grassland, Wetland and Heath). If an application is likely to affect a Key Feature of the Ecological Network, a survey and assessment of the impact of the proposal on the function of the Network must be submitted with the application. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal falls within the Wetland and Heath category.

7.3 Designated sites, priority habitats and biodiversity features will often also form components of the Ecological Network. Therefore, if development is likely to affect them, a survey and assessment will already be required. The survey and assessment should be expanded to also assess the function of these areas as part of the Ecological Network and the impact of the development upon the Network.

7.4 In any circumstances where a proposal comes forward within the Network, and it is not considered likely to affect a designated site, priority habitat or biodiversity feature, applicants should consult with a qualified ecologist to ascertain whether the functioning of the Ecological Network is likely to be affected by the development. If Ecological Networks are likely to be affected, then a Survey and Assessment will be required. If they are not likely to be affected then a covering letter from an ecologist should support the application demonstrating that there has been no net loss of biodiversity and, ideally, demonstration that there has been a net gain to the functioning of the Network.

7.5 Natural England publishes Standing Advice which explains how LPAs should deal with applications that involve protected species. When determining an application for development that is covered by Standing Advice, the Councils will take this Advice into account. This Advice includes a decision tree that identifies features on application sites that are likely to be associated with protected species. It also identifies some of the protected species most often affected by development and contains more detailed information on survey and mitigation requirements for these species. Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/protected-species-and-sites-how-to-review-planning- proposals#application

31

8. Ecological impact assessment, mitigation and compensation

Sources of advice

8.1 Guidelines for ecological surveys, impact assessments and mitigation measures may be available from relevant organisations and professional institutes. For example:

 Natural England  Environment Agency  Department for Transport - Design Manual for Roads and Bridges  Association of Local Government Ecologists  The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management  The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment  British Standards Institution (BS 42020)  Town and Country Planning Association  Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)  Non-Governmental organisations concerned with nature conservation such as the Bat Conservation Trust.

Ecological surveys and assessments

8.2 If ecological surveys and assessments are needed, they must be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced people who hold any necessary survey licences for protected species.

8.3 Lists of ecological consultants may be available from relevant professional institutes, for example, The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

8.4 Surveys must be undertaken during appropriate seasons and in accordance with relevant recognised guidelines.

8.5 An ecological assessment to inform a planning application may typically include the following elements:

 Data Search (sources should include the Lancashire Environmental Records Network and, where relevant, local groups such as bird, bat, mammal, reptile and amphibian groups).  Information detailing survey personnel, qualifications, licences and experience, equipment and methods used, and any survey limitations.  Habitat Survey of the site, adjacent land and proposed mitigation land (Commonly JNCC Phase 1 methodology).  Assessment of the habitats in terms of their potential to support species of ecological interest.  Phase 2 habitat surveys if the need is indicated by the Phase 1 survey.  An assessment of faunal interest.  Surveys for protected and priority species likely to be affected.  Surveys for invasive and injurious weeds.  Assessment of the conservation status and ecological importance of habitats and species found.  Maps showing the location of all species, habitats and features of nature conservation significance.  An assessment of likely impacts on species, habitats and designated sites. 32

Measures to avoid, mitigate or compensate for ecological impacts

8.6 The results of ecological surveys and assessments should be used to inform the development proposals.

8.7 Ecological impacts should first be avoided, for example through consideration of alternative sites with less harmful impacts and through appropriate design of the scheme.

8.8 If ecological impacts can be shown to be unavoidable then details will need to be provided to demonstrate how ecological impacts will be mitigated, what measures will be implemented to fully compensate for unavoidable impacts and how biodiversity will be enhanced.

8.9 Necessary measures to avoid, mitigate or compensate for predicted ecological impacts would typically include the following:

 Locating and designing the development to avoid ecological impacts.  Precautionary measures for the avoidance of ecological impacts.  Measures to mitigate unavoidable ecological impacts.  Measures to compensate for unavoidable ecological impacts, for example, details of habitat re-establishment.  Proposals for the maintenance and enhancement of habitat connectivity.  Buffer zones around designated sites or habitats of ecological importance.  Proposals for off-setting any residual ecological impacts.  Proposals for preventing the spread of invasive and injurious weeds.  Information to demonstrate compliance with wildlife protection legislation.  Information to demonstrate how any licencing requirements will be addressed.  Proposals for the long-term protection and management of retained and replacement habitats, designated sites and associated species.  Proposals for the protection of habitats and species on adjacent land during construction and operational phases of the development.  Biodiversity enhancement measures.

33

9. Planning application process

9.1 The guidance contained within this document will be used by the Council’s Planning Implementation Group as one of a number of considerations in the determination of applications for development.

9.2 Applicants are therefore strongly advised to have regard to this SPD when preparing applications for development within the Borough and are also encouraged, prior to the submission of applications, to make an appointment with a case officer who can provide pre-application advice including guidance on the implementation of this SPD. Please note that pre-application discussions will involve a charge. Further information can be on the Council’s website at www.blackburn.gov.uk

9.3 You can contact the Council for advice about planning application process by:

 Email: [email protected]  Telephone 01254 585960 to speak to the Duty Officer available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 1:30pm and 4.00pm

34

10. Useful documents and links National Organisations English Heritage at www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/ Environment Agency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk Landscape Institute on Green Infrastructure at www.landscapeinstitute.org/policy/GreenInfrastructure.php Natural England on Green Infrastructure at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Natural England on Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines at http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/810429 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs Bat Conservation Trust www.bats.org.uk/pages/help.html Barn Owl Trust www.barnowltrust.org.uk/

Local Organisations East Lancashire Bat Group www.bats.org.uk/pages/east_lancashire_bat_group.html East Lancashire Ornithologists www.eastlancsornithologists.org.uk/Rep-Birdlist.aspx GeoLancashire www.geolancashire.org.uk Lancashire Badger Group www.lancashirebadgergroup.org.uk/ Lancashire Environment Record Network (LERN) the local environmental records centre for Lancashire www.lancashire.gov.uk/lern.aspx The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside www.lancswt.org.uk/

National Publications DCLG (March 2012) National Planning Policy Framework at www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2 Town & Country Planning Association & The Wildlife Trusts, Planning for a healthy environment – good practice guidance for green infrastructure and biodiversity (July 2012) www.tcpa.org.uk/data/files/TCPA_TWT_GI-Biodiversity-Guide.pdf RSPB information on roofs for wildlife at www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/advice/helpingbirds/roofs/index.aspx Natural England Standing Advice on Protected Species at www.gov.uk/protected- species-and-sites-how-to-review-planning-proposals National Character Areas: www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-character-area- profiles-data-for-local-decision-making/national-character-area-profiles#ncas-in-north- west-england Lancashire Historic Landscape Characterisation Programme www.pcl- eu.de/project/virt_lib/hcl.php Infographic from CIRIA on Sustainable Drainage Systems: www.susdrain.org/files/resources/ciria_guidance/susdrain_going_with_the_flow_infograp hic.pdf A Biodiversity Audit of North West England http://adlib.everysite.co.uk/adlib/defra/content.aspx?id=000IL3890W.16NTBZ6N3R624D

Regional Publications A Geodiversity Action Plan for Lancashire prepared by GeoLancashire (formerly Lancashire RIGS Group (November 2004) More information about geodiversity sites can be found at GeoLancashire www.geolancashire.org.uk Green Infrastructure to Combat Climate Change: a framework for action in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside (March 2011), prepared by

35

Community Forests Northwest for the Northwest Climate Change Partnership www.greeninfrastructurenw.co.uk/resources/framework_for_web.pdf Public Rights of Way Improvement Plans available from Lancashire County Council www.lancashire.gov.uk West Pennine Moors Management Plan www.westpenninemoors.com/files/uploads/WPM_ManagementPlan_2010-2020.pdf Biological Heritage Sites: Guidelines for Site Selection www.lancashire.gov.uk/lern/site-designations/local-sites/biological-heritage-sites/bhs- guidelines-for-site-selection.aspx West Pennine Moors Biodiversity Action Opportunities – A Habitat Approach http://www.westpenninemoors.com/files/uploads/WPMs%20Final%20Doc.pdf

Blackburn with Darwen Publications Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Core Strategy (2011) at www.blackburn.gov.uk/Pages/Core-Strategy-.aspx Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan Part 2 at www.blackburn.gov.uk Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy & Action Plan (2012) Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Open Space Audit (2014) Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Open Space Assessment (2014) Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Playing Pitch Assessment and Strategy (2014)

36

Appendix A: Provision for Biodiversity in New Development Development proposals vary widely in size and design, and their individual circumstances will determine which types of biodiversity action are most applicable. Developers should identify existing biodiversity assets and the potential to enhance these as part of development and management of site. The following tables highlight actions that may be taken to enhance biodiversity in new development proposals.

A. Biodiversity opportunities within the built fabric The following table lists actions that may, where possible, be incorporated into the built fabric to conserve and enhance key species that rely on nesting opportunities within buildings and ancillary developments. Provision of artificial nest sites is required due to the lack of nesting opportunities in modern building design. The reduction in available nesting and roosting sites is implicated in the decline of these species.

Species Actions Notes Common swift  Install internal (swift) boxes  Any suitable buildings, proximity of existing Colony reinforces need for new nest at soffits/eaves level sites  At least five metres above ground level with unimpeded access.  A northerly or well shaded aspect is essential, avoid southerly elevations and the immediate vicinity of windows  Nest sites should be reasonably close as Swifts usually nest in colonies  Broadcasting recorded calls throughout the breeding season will increase likelihood of occupation. See www.swift-conservation.org House Sparrow  Install internal boxes at  Suitable buildings within close foraging range of open spaces & green soffits/eaves level infrastructure.  At least two metres above ground level with somewhere to perch in the immediate vicinity.  Needs to be shaded. Easterly aspect is best, avoid southerly elevations.  Sparrows prefer nesting in loose groups (10-20 pairs) and boxes can be adjacent to each other, ideally in groups of six or more Starling  Install internal boxes at  Suitable buildings within close foraging range of open spaces & green soffits/eaves level infrastructure.  At least three metres above ground level with somewhere to perch in the immediate vicinity.  Needs to be shaded, easterly aspect is best, avoid southerly aspect  Ideally install a group of nests each >1.5m apart.  Starlings can be noisy so their nests are best sited where they won’t be a nuisance. Swallow  Create purpose built  Open sided buildings, eg. carports, porches & bin and cycle stores etc within 37

Species Actions Notes ledges, inside buildings close where they will be secure  proximity to green infrastructure, valley parks & other open space. from predation by cats, rats  Swallows will need access to their principal nesting material which is mud etc. collected from,  Install pre-formed nest cups  puddles & the edges of standing water or slow flowing streams. to encourage establishment  Avoid situations where droppings might become a nuisance. Garden birds  Install appropriate nest  Where there is access to adequate public and private open space including (Such as robin, wren, boxes gardens. thrush blackbird, and  Sheltered from direct sunlight and the prevailing weather finches & tits) Barn Owls  Install appropriate nest  The interface between town and country. boxes  Direct access to suitable hunting grounds.  The site must be at low risk of disturbance.  Seek specialist advice on site suitability Crevice-dwelling  Leave or create spaces in  Crevice dwelling bats can crawl into the smallest spaces although areas of about bats* (such as the wall or behind the 1 sq. m would be useful for summer nursery roosts. Common Pipistrelle cladding  The height of entry can be from 2-7m above ground level. and Whiskered Bat)  Install ready-made bat  Generally the summer nursery roosts will have a southerly or westerly aspect for * These bats may not boxes into the walls or solar heating. Male roosts and winter hibernation roosts have a northerly aspect. be visible in existing under the eaves  Materials for the roosts should be rough (for grip), non-toxic or corrosive, with no buildings  Create sandwich boards of risk of entanglement. at least 3 layers with a 1  The access should not be lit by artificial lighting. inch gap to place inside the  Maintain or enhance linear features in the landscape such as tree-lines and roof void, against the hedgerows that the bats can use for cover and flight paths. battens Roof-void dwelling  Leave timber joists and/or  The height of entry should be from 2-7m above ground level. bats (such as Noctule beams exposed  Generally the summer nursery roosts will have a southerly or westerly aspect for and Daubenton's)  Install access points such solar heating. Male roosts and winter hibernation roosts have a northerly aspect. * These bats may be as spaces under the eaves  Materials for the roosts should be rough (for grip), non-toxic or corrosive, with no visible on roof timbers or specially-made holes in risk of entanglement. in existing buildings the roof tiles  The access should not be lit by artificial lighting.  Maintain or enhance linear features in the landscape such as tree-lines and hedgerows that the bats can use for cover and flight paths. Bats that need flight  Keep roof space untrussed  The height of entry should be over 2m above ground level. 38

Species Actions Notes space (such as to allow flight  Roosting/nesting dimensions of untrussed roof space should be 2-2.8 m (h) x 5 Natterer’s) m (w) x 5 m (l)  Maintain or enhance linear features in the landscape such as tree-lines and hedgerows that the bats can use for cover and flight paths.

39

B. Biodiversity opportunities within the landscaping The following table lists actions that may be incorporated, where possible, into the landscaping of the development to enhance its biodiversity value.

Biodiversity feature Actions Notes Hedges  Plant hedges consisting of a number of wildlife friendly species so  Hedges provide shelter, breeding, nesting that fruit, seed and nectar will be provided throughout most of the and foraging sites for a wide variety of year. species and act as wildlife corridors if they  Provide sufficient space for dense hedges to grow to at least 2 are dense and wide enough.. metres wide with a wide margin on each side for long grasses to grow at their base.  Locate new hedges so that they will contribute towards forming a local wildlife habitat network with neighbouring hedges, trees, shrubs, scrub, wildflower rich grassland and watercourses.  Plant native hedges, such as hawthorn, blackthorn and holly, along boundaries where security is important. Trees and shrubs  Provide wildlife friendly tree and shrub species of varying height  Trees and shrubs provide shelter, nesting and structure, as a diverse structure will be beneficial to more sites and fruit for birds. Their flowers wildlife species. A variety of species will also provide a protracted provide nectar for bees and other insects. supply of pollen, nectar and fruit.  Provision on dead and decaying wood is  Locate trees and shrubs so that they provide, as far as possible, valuable to a range of invertebrates which continuity with nearby existing habitat. depend upon it to complete all or part of  Retain trees with holes and dead wood as these are particularly their life cycles. valuable for wildlife such as bats, birds, insects and fungi. Also retain woody cuttings, stumps and fallen branches on site.  Herbaceous plants and/or long grass in front of shrub/tree areas will provide additional wildlife interest and maintain moisture and humidity beneath.  Retain patched of bare earth for invertebrates to bask, nest and forage. Climbing plants  Locate climbing plants so that they cover otherwise bare walls  Climbing plants such as ivy, clematis and and fences. honeysuckle provide nesting, shelter and  Locate climbing plants close to existing hedges, trees, shrubs berries for birds and nectar for insects. and flowering grassland, so they will help to connect the local wildlife habitat network 40

Biodiversity feature Actions Notes Scrub  Consider generating scrub habitat adjacent to existing wildlife rich  Dense scrub provides good cover and habitat. food for birds, insects and reptiles but should not be allowed to develop at the expense of other wildlife rich habitats. Wildflower rich grass  Provide wildflower rich grassland as part of informal landscaping,  Wildflower rich grassland provides cover on areas of poor soil or areas of poor drainage. for small mammals and invertebrates and  Embed spring flowering bulbs and plugs of nectar rich flowering the wildflowers supported are a nectar plants. source for insects. Short grass can be  Maintain patches of long grass, enabling plants to flower and enhanced by adding flowering species seed, and providing habitat for grasshoppers and other tolerant of frequent mowing and trampling. invertebrates, and a food source for birds, amphibians and  Cutting and/or collecting will be required at mammals. appropriate intervals to achieve optimum  Remove cuttings. results.  Structure is crucial to most grassland invertebrates; areas of long grass will benefit a range of species. Areas of undisturbed grassland, cut on a 2 or 3 year cycle, will provide additional value. Watercourses and  Enhance and restore the naturalness of an existing water course,  Streams, canals, wet ditches and seasonal their banks by buffer planting, soft contouring of steep sides, and removal of watercourses, and their banks, are culverts. Dependent upon Environment Agency’s advice, important wildlife habitats but many are consideration should also be given to the removal of weirs or the degraded in urban areas. installation of fish passes on weirs, where it does not increase the  Consent will be required from the risk of flooding. Planting of trees to provide shading for responsible authority for any works in the watercourses may be appropriate in some locations. watercourse or within the easement of a  Avoid development and hard landscaping adjacent to the watercourse (The Environment Agency for watercourse. Main Rivers and Blackburn with Darwen  Providing habitat for water vole and otter (such as artificial otter Borough Council for Ordinary holts) should be considered in appropriate locations. Watercourses).  Establish native marginal vegetation and ensure only clean water is allowed to enter the watercourse. Amphibians  Provide wildlife friendly ponds, water channels and wetland  Amphibians likely to be encountered areas, with associated vegetation, independently and as part of include frogs, common toads, smooth Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. newts and palmate newts. 41

Biodiversity feature Actions Notes  Locate these features so that they provide, as far as possible,  The most important factor in pond creation continuity with nearby existing habitat is ensuring clean water. It is therefore important to ensure some ponds/water features are created separately from SUDS systems which may be contaminated by road or other potentially polluted run-off. Invertebrates  Provide flower rich grassland with areas of long or undisturbed  Invertebrates cover a wide range of grassland. species including bees, butterflies, moths,  Provide wildlife friendly hedges, native trees and shrubs. ants, flies, beetles, spiders, molluscs etc.  Provide wildlife-friendly ponds with buffer zones and good water Many rely on brownfield sites. quality.  Retain/create “brownfield” open mosaic habitats within landscaping featuring bare ground and early successional pioneer habitats. Mammals  Provide long grass and habitats which provide a variety of fruit  Mammals include mice, voles, shrews, and seeds for small mammals water voles, otters and hedgehogs. Bird nest sites and  Provide hedges, shrubs and trees, which will provide natural  Bird nest sites and bat roosts can be bat roosts nesting sites as the plantings mature. provided as part of landscape planting  Install bird boxes and bat roosts on suitable existing trees, design. avoiding southerly elevations.

42

C. Planting – Suggested Species Lists The lists below are advisory, but are not exhaustive. In general, native plant species should be the first choice when it comes to incorporating plants in development adjoining wildlife rich and semi-natural habitats or where a more natural sense of place is required. The sensitive use of non-native species can provide additional food and shelter for wildlife and can be considered for use as part of the palette of plant species for new development sites.

Hedge species Common Name Species Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hazel Corylus avellana Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Holly Ilex aquifolium Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Ash Fraxinus excelsior Dog rose Rosa canina Guelder rose Vibernum opulus Bay Willow Salix pentandra

Tree and woodland species Common Name Species Name Hazel Corylus avellana Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Bird cherry Prunus padus Holly Ilex aquifolium Alder Alnus glutinosa Ash Fraxinus excelsior Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Silver Birch Betula pendula Downy Birch Betula pubescens Goat Willow Salix caprea Crack Willow Salix fragilis Bay Willow Salix pentandra

Herbaceous wildflower and grass species that may be seeded or over-sown to create wildflower rich grassland Grasses Common Name Species Common Bent Agrostis capillaris Creeping Bent Agrostis stolinifera Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Quaking Grass Briza media Crested Dog's Tail Cynosurus cristatus Wavy Hair Grass (only for acid Deschampsia flexuosa grassland locations) Sheep's Fescue Festuca ovina Meadow Fescue Festuca pratensis Chewings Fescue Festuca rubra commutata Red Fescue Festuca rubra rubra Rough Meadow Grass Poa trivialis

43

Wildflowers Common Name Species Yarrow Achillea millefolium Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria Bugle Ajuga repens Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris Harebell Campanula rotundifolia Lady's Smock Cardamine pratensis Knapweed Centaurea nigra Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea Perforate St John's Wort Hieracium perforatum Slender St John's Wort Hypericum pulchrum Square Stalked St John's Wort Hypericium tetrapterum Common Cat's Ear Hypochoeris radicata Autumn Hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis Rough Hawkbit Leontodon hispidus Oxeye Daisy Leuchanthemum vulgare Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus uliginosus Ragged Robin Lychnis flos cuculi Gypsywort Lycopus europaeus Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata Hoary Plantain Plantago media Tormentil Potentilla erecta Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica Selfheal Prunell vulgaris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella Greater Burnet Sanguisorba officianalis Bladder Campion Silene vulgaris Betony Stachys officianalis Marsh Woundwort Stachys palustris Devil's bit Scabious Succisa pratensis Goat's Beard Tragopogon pratensis Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca Bush Vetch Vicia sepium

Plants for pond margin habitat Common Name Species Name White water lily Nymphaea alba Brooklime Veronica beccabunga Burr reed Sparganium erectum Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria

44

Plants for pond margin habitat Common Name Species Name Water forget me not Myosotis scorpioides Water mint Mentha aquatica Water plantain Alisma plantago aquatica Yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus

45

Appendix B

Designated Biodiversity Sites

1. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981)

 Longworth Clough SD 698148 A complex of woodland, wetland and grassland habitats including one of the few examples of alder-sedge woodland in Lancashire  Gale Clough & Shooterslee Wood SD 702141 The majority of the site is semi-natural broad-leaved woodland and is the best example of a clough woodland on acid soils in Greater Manchester  Oak Field SD 696153 A large field of marginal grazing land with a band of very extensive acidic flushes on the upper slopes. These constitute the most extensive example known in Lancashire of this type of habitat, which has become increasingly scarce due to drainage and agricultural improvement.

These sites are shown on the map overleaf.

It is worth highlighting that Natural England is currently considering the designation of a significant area in the West Pennine Moors as an SSSI. All relevant surveys have been completed and Natural England is currently reviewing all of the designation work nationally to see where the gaps are in coverage and of which habitat types. This work is soon to be completed and the expectation is that recommendations will be reviewed by Natural England’s Board in December 2015. Further information on this can be found at: http://www.westpenninemoors.com/SSSI_Notification_Project.

46

47

2. Biological Heritage Sites

Biological Heritage Sites in Blackburn with Darwen as at 2011, when the latest review was carried out, are listed below:

Site Ref Site Name Selection Guidelines Parish/Urban Area Grid Reference 61NE01 Winter Hill, Rivington Moor and Daddy (Av3), (Av8g), (Bo4), (Ff3) Rivington/ North SD666148 Meadows Turton 61NE02 Old Adam's Hill Troughs, Belmont (Fe2), (Fe3) North Turton SD658177 61NE03 Belmont Head Flushes West, Belmont (Fe2) North Turton SD661185 61NE04 Belmont Head Flush East, Belmont (Fe2) North Turton SD666188 61NE05 Belmont Barn Inbye, Belmont (Av9), (Ff4b) North Turton SD667169 61NE06 Pasture Barn Inbye, Belmont (Av9) North Turton SD668186 61NE07 Hill Top Clough and Grange Brook, Belmont (Wd1) Belmont;North SD673153 Turton 61NE08 Hill Top Wood, Belmont (Wd1) North Turton SD673156 61NE09 Lower Whittaker Pastures, Belmont (Gr1), (Gr3) North Turton SD677161 61NE10 Higher Whittaker Grassland, Belmont (Gr1) North Turton SD679162 61NE11 Belmont Reservoir (Av1), (Av3), (Av4), (Av5), (Av8e) North Turton SD672170 61NE12 Greenhill Farm Inbye, Belmont (Av9) North Turton SD685154 61NE13 Upper Longworth Clough (Av8j), (Hm2) , (Wd1) North Turton SD686157 61NE14 Stake Moss, Belmont (Bo3a), (Ff4), (Od4) North Turton SD682167 61NE15 Higher Whittaker Inbye, Belmont (Av9) North Turton SD685164 61NE16 Turton and Longworth Moors (Av3), (Av8g), (Bo3a), (Bo4), (Fe2), North Turton SD683178 (Ff3)?, (Gr2) 61NE17 Three Nooked Shaw Clough (Wd1) North Turton SD687150 61NE18 Slate Brook Field (Valentine's) (Av9), (Fe2), (Gr2), (He1), (Od4) North Turton SD690160 61NE19 Owshaw Clough (Gr2b), (Gr3), (In2)? North Turton SD691171 61NE20 Charters Moss South (Bo3a), (Ff4) North Turton SD697169 61NE21 Charters Moss North (Bo3a), (Ff4a) North Turton SD697172 61NE22 Cadshaw Clough (Fe2), (Ff2), (Hm3) North Turton/ SD695187 Darwen 61NE23 Hill Top Clough Pasture (Av9), (Fe1) North Turton SD675152 61NE24 Conyries Pasture (Fu1), (Gr3) Tockholes SD668193

48

Site Ref Site Name Selection Guidelines Parish/Urban Area Grid Reference 61NE25 Higher Pasture House Inbye (Av9) SD675169 61NE26 Cadshaw Inbye (Av9) SD698180 61NE27 Crookfield Road Mire (Bo3a) SD664192 61NW13 Anglezarke Moor, Horden and Bromiley (Av3), (Av8g), (Bo4), (Fe2) Anglezarke/ North SD642178 Pastures Turton 61SE01 Old Mine Adit, Shaly Dingle Plantation (Ma1b) North Turton SD684146 61SE02 Longworth Clough - Shooterslee Wood Link (Fe1), (Wd5b) North Turton SD698145 61SE03 Hampsons Flushes and Scrub (Fe1) North Turton SD695148 62NE01 Pleasington Playing Fields (South) (Ff3), (Hm2) Pleasington/ SD654264 Livesey 62NE02 Pleasington Field (North), Witton Woods and (Av2), (Av3), (Av8j) , (Fe1) , (Ff2) , Pleasington SD650268 Tongue Hill (Ff4b), (Hm2), (Wd2) 62NE03 Billinge and Yellow Hills (Av8j), (Hm2) Pleasington SD653279 62NE04 Feniscliffe Playing Field (Ff4b)? Blackburn SD662268 62NE05 Fernhurst Wood (In2), (Wd1), (Wd5) Blackburn Urban SD677254 Area 62NE06 Darwen Valley Parkway (Am3b), (Ff4a), (Ff4b), (Hm2) Blackburn Urban SD683254 Area 62NW09 Owlet Holes Wood and River Bank (Wd1) Hoghton/ SD631259 Pleasington 62NW15 Park Farm Brow (Gr3) Pleasington SD631276 62NW16 Alum House Wood (Av2), (Av3), (Av8j), (Ff4b), (Mo2)?, Pleasington/ Mellor SD632277 (Mo4)?, (Wd1) 62NW17 Woodfold and Jeffery Woods (Av2), (Av3), (Av8j), (Ff4a)?, (Ff4b), Samlesbury/ SD639283 (Wd1) Pleasington/ Mellor 62NW18 Whinney Bank and Feniscowles Woods (Ar1), (Ff4b), (Hm3), (Wd2) Pleasington/ SD640254 Livesey/ Hoghton 62NW19 Moulden Banks (Ff4b), (Gr3) Livesey SD644251 62NW20 Maiden House Wood (Wd2) Pleasington SD641268 62NW21 Maiden House (Trout Brook) Grassland and (Gr3) Pleasington SD642270 Flushes 62NW22 River Darwen Field (Gr3) Pleasington SD646261 62NW23 The Roughs (Fe2), (Gr2b) SD639266 49

Site Ref Site Name Selection Guidelines Parish/Urban Area Grid Reference 62SE01 Roddlesworth Valley (Av3), (Av8j), (Ff4a), (Hm2), (Wd2) Tockholes/ Withnell SD654221 62SE02 Stanworth Valley Woods - East (Stockclough, (Wd1) Tockholes/ Livesey SD652234 Heald and Hole Bottom Woods) 62SE04 Darwen Moors (Av3), (Av8g), (Bo4), (Ff4b), (He1), Blackburn Urban SD680202 (Hm2) Area/ Tockholes 62SE05 Earnsdale Reservoir and Embankment (Bi8), (Ff1), (Ff2), (Gr3) Darwen/ Tockholes SD670221 62SE06 Darwen Golf Course (Ff4), (Hm3) Tockholes SD672229 62SE07 Sunnyhurst Wood (Av8j), (Ff4b), (Wd1), (Wd2) Darwen/ Tockholes SD676227 62SE08 Meadow Head Fields and Moss Brook (Gr3) Darwen SD676236 62SE09 Higher Bog Height Pasture (Ff4b) Darwen SD720247 62SE10 Brookside (Ff1) Darwen SD689227 62SE11 Lower Eccleshill Marsh (Wd5) Eccleshill SD693243 62SE12 Eccleshill Old Iron Works (Ar1), (Ff2), (Ff3)?, (Ff4a), (Ma1a)? Eccleshill SD695242 62SE13 Flash Brook Fields (Gr3), (Ma1a)? Eccleshill SD698243 62SE14 Sunnyhurst Fields (Ff1), (Ff4b), (Gr3) Darwen SD675223 62SW08 Roddlesworth Wood (Wd1) Withnell/ Tockholes SD648224 62SW09 Abbey Village (Red Lee) Reservoir, Abbey (Gr3), (Hm2), (Od5)?, (Wd1) Withnell/ Tockholes SD643231 Village Wood and Red Lee Wood 62SW10 Stanworth Valley Wood - West (Wd1) Livesey/ Withnell SD645243 62SW11 Stanworth Woods and Reservoir (Star Paper (Ff3), (Wd1), (Wd2) Hoghton/ Withnell/ SD641250 Mill Woods) Livesey 62SW12 Stanworth Valley Grassland (Gr3) Livesey SD647245 63SE11 Pleckgate Rough (Br4), (Gr2b) SD676303 71NE01 Holcombe Moor (Av3), (Bo2b), (Bo3b), (Fe2), (He1), North Turton SD765194 (In2) 71NE10 Hawkshaw Brook Grassland (Gr3) North Turton SD757166 71NE11 New Heys Pasture (Fe1) North Turton SD751166 71NW01 Green Arms Road West Old Quarry Pool (Od4) North Turton SD701177 71NW02 Green Walls East Pool (Od4) North Turton SD703173 71NW03 Green Arms South Pool (Od4) North Turton SD704179 71NW04 Yarnsdale, Cadshaw (Gr2), (Hm3) North Turton SD706181 71NW05 Cranberry Moss (Bo3b), (Bo4), (Ff3) North Turton SD710189 71NW06 Simms Clough (Fe2), (Gr3) North Turton SD712181 50

Site Ref Site Name Selection Guidelines Parish/Urban Area Grid Reference 71NW08 Whittlestone Head Clough (Bi5)?, (Gr3), (Hm2), (Wd1), (Wd5) North Turton SD724179 71NW09 Grimehills Moor (Fe2) North Turton SD719197 71NW10 Aushaw Moss (Av9), (Bo4) North Turton SD728194 71NW11 Billy Brook Valley, Chapeltown (Fe1), (Gr3) North Turton SD731153 71NW12 Jumbles Wood (Bradshaw Brook) (Wd1) North Turton SD736150 71NW13 Wayoh Reservoir (Av8e), (Ff4b), (Hm2), (Wd1) North Turton SD731165 71NW14 Broadhead Valley (Ff4b), (Gr3), (Hm2), (Wd1), (Wd5) North Turton SD738192 71NW15 Old Russia Pastures (Gr3) North Turton SD741162 71NW16 Hall Hill Farm Pond (Am1a)? North Turton SD741192 71NW17 Delph Reservoir (Av8e) SD699155 71NW18 Delph Brook Woodland (Wd2) North Turton SD704151 71NW19 Delph Pasture (Gr3) North Turton SD703150 71NW20 Turton Height Trough (Od4)? North Turton SD705164 71NW21 Three Lowes Mire (Bo3a) North Turton SD716165 71NW22 Greens Arms Road Ponds (Ff4a) North Turton SD721170 71NW23 Lower House Plantation (Av3) North Turton SD720178 71NW24 Turton Heights (Bo4), (Bo5) North Turton SD711166 71SW01 Eagley Brook Field, Longworth (Gr3) North Turton SD702147 71SW02 Hazelhurst Clough and Turton Golf Course (Av4)?, (Hm3), (Re1)? North Turton SD725146 Roughs 71SW03 Jumbles Reservoir (Bi8), (Hm3) North Turton SD733144 72SW01 Jack Kay's (Jacks Key) (Br4), (Hm3), (Wd2) Darwen SD702203 72SW02 Grain Bank, Cranberry (Gr3) Darwen SD705199 72SW03 Davyfield Pasture (Gr3) Grimshaw SD700245 72SW04 Grimshaw Brook Valley (Ff4b), (Hm3) Eccleshill/ Yate & SD704242 Pickup Bank 72SW05 Cranberry Moor (Bo4), (Od4) Darwen SD712200 72SW06 Waterside and Pickup Bank Valley (Ff4b), (Gr3), (Hm2), (Wd5) Eccleshill/ Yate and SD717225 Pickup Bank 72SW07 Stock Clough Field (Gr3) Yate and Pickup SD720226 Bank 72SW08 Hoddlesden Moss (Av3), (Av8g), (Bo3b), (Bo4) Darwen/ North SD728199 Turton 51

Site Ref Site Name Selection Guidelines Parish/Urban Area Grid Reference 72SW09 Pickup Bank Height (Bo4), (He1) Yate and Pickup SD730227 Bank 72SW10 Ooze Castle Wood, Rock Haugh Clough and (Fe1), (Hm3), (Wd1) Yate and Pickup SD723236 Tinkler's Brook Bank

Key to Site Selection Guidelines Am Amphibians He Heathland Ar Artificial Habitats Hm Habitat Mosaic Av/Bi Birds In Other Invertebrates Bo Bog Ma Mammals Br Bryophytes Mo Molluscs Fe Swamp & Fen Od Dragonflies & Damselflies Ff Flowering Plants & Ferns Re Reptiles Fu Fungi Wd Woodland & Scrub Gr Grassland

Site Selection Guidelines were drawn up by a Partnership comprising Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Lancashire County Council and English Nature (now Natural England). They are modelled broadly on the guidelines developed by the former Nature Conservancy Council for the selection of biological SSSIs in Great Britain. The purpose of the Guidelines is to enable the systematic identification of sites that contribute significantly to the biological diversity of Lancashire.

The location of each of the Biological Heritage Sites can be found on the maps overleaf.

52

53

54

55

56

3. Local Geodiversity Sites Blackburn with Darwen: List of Notified Local Geodiversity Sites Alum Scar, Pleasington BL/1/001 SD62NW SD635 280 Disused quarry

Billinge Hill. Blackburn BL/1/002 SD62NE SD658 282 Disused quarry & natural crags

Cadshaw Gorge, Darwen / Turton BL/1/004 SD71NW SD707 181 Natural outcrop and disused quarry

Jumbles Reservoir BL/1/005 SD71SW SD736 149 Reservoir bank SD71NW

Round Barn (Naze) Quarry BL/8/006 SD71NW SD 728 192 Disused quarry in the Rough Rock and Lower Haslingden Flags

Local Geodiversity Sites are regionally important geological and geomorphological sites. A primary survey identified over 850 geodiversity sites in Lancashire and GeoLancashire uses four criteria, educational value, research value, historical value and aesthetic value, to assess whether a site should be notified as a LGS. The maps overleaf show the Geodiversity sites within Blackburn with Darwen.

The criteria used for site selection and a map of the designated sites can be viewed at the GeoLancashire web site www.geolancashire.org.uk.

57

58

59

60

61

62

4. Local Nature Reserves Local Nature Reserve (or LNR) is a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, and amended by Schedule 11 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, by principal local authorities. Local Nature Reserves the benefit both people and wildlife; increasing people’s awareness and enjoyment of their natural environment, providing an environment for everyone to learn about and study nature and protecting wildlife habitats and natural features.

Four Local Nature Reserves have been designated in Blackburn with Darwen: a) Sunnyhurst Woods b) River Darwen Parkway c) Pleasington Old Hall Nature Reserve d) Arran Trail

All of the sites, except the Arran Trail, are also biological heritage sites. The sites are shown on the maps overleaf. These sites were designated as Local Nature Reserves in recognition of their wildlife value, accessibility to local people and strong connections with community groups and/or schools.

63

64

65

66

67

5. Stepping Stones Stepping Stones are sites of local ecological importance and areas of priority habitat (as defined by Ecological Networks, the Lancs Biodiversity Action Plan and NERC Act) above a minimum size threshold. Stepping Stones are classified by habitat, size and relationship to other network elements. Blackburn with Darwen has identified a number of stepping stones that contribute to Lancashire’s Ecological Networks. These are listed below and shown on the maps overleaf.

Site Ref. Site Name Town/Village 13 Belmont Gorge Belmont 56 Broken Stone Road Blackburn 68 Bog Height Road Darwen 71 Bold Venture Darwen 82 Bury Fold and Old Briggs Cloughs Darwen 85 Whitehall Park and Darwen Cemetery Darwen 174 Higher Croft and Newfield Valleys Blackburn 213 Sough Tunnel cutting and surrounds Darwen 229 Knuzden Brook Valley Blackburn 237 Abbot Clough Blackburn 238 Anchor Wood Darwen 239 East Lancashire Railway Pleasington/Cherry Tree Blackburn 240 Former Chorley Railway Line, Embankment Cherry Tree Blackburn 35/1 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Roddlesworth Aqueduct to Livesey Blackburn Branch Rd 35/2 Leeds Liverpool Canal -Livesey Branch Rd to Preston Old Rd Blackburn 35/3 Leeds Liverpool Canal -Preston Old Rd to Green Lane Blackburn 35/4 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Green Lane to Shorrock Lane Blackburn 35/5 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Shorrock Lane to Aqueduct Road Blackburn 35/6 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Aqueduct Rd to Highfield Rd Blackburn 35/7 Leeds Liverpool Canal -Highfield Rd to Audley Bridge Blackburn 35/8 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Audley Bridge to Eden St Blackburn 35/9 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Eden St to Gorse St Blackburn 35/10 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Gorse Street to Whitebirk Blackburn 35/11 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Lower Side Beet Blackburn 27 Stones Bank Brook Flush Turton 57 Sheep Bridge Brook East Tockholes 63 Meadowhead Pastures Tockholes 64 Darwen Golf Course Darwen 65 Moss Brook Darwen 67 Bog Height Tip & Pastures Darwen 68 Bog Height Road Darwen 73 Kelvin Street Darwen 96 Robin Bank Darwen 100 Goose House Bridge (workings) Darwen 101 Polyphemus Wood Darwen 111 off Billinge End Rd nr Black Hill Delph Blackburn 117 Woodland at Witton Park Blackburn 129 Woodland around allotments at Witton Park Blackburn 135 Scarr Lane and Beardwood Humanities College Blackburn 141 Fernhurst off Jack Walker Way Blackburn

68

Site Ref. Site Name Town/Village 145 Leeds Liverpool Canal - Ewood Bridge Blackburn 151 Corporation Park Blackburn 152 Blackburn Golf Course Blackburn 156 Longshaw, Highercroft Blackburn 189 Pleckgate High School Blackburn 215 Spring Meadows Darwen Turton & Entwistle Reservoir Turton Black Height Mire Turton North Dingle Turton Old Man's Hill verge and cutting Belmont Turn Lane Fields, Sunnyhurst (adj BHS) Darwen

69

70

71

72

73

74

APPENDIX C Calculating the Commuted Sum Payment in new residential developments Amenity grassland current provision = 0.63ha/1000 population 6300m²/1000 population

Children's play area current provision = 0.04ha/1000 population 400m²/1000 population

Type of open Per person Per unit (m²) space (m²) (per person m² x average occupancy rate of 2.5 persons per dwelling) Amenity grassland 6.3 15.75 Children's play area 0.4 1

Commuted sum requir ements Amenity grassland £78.21 x 15.75m² = £1232 per dwelling

Children's play area £173.68 x 1m² = £173.68 per dwelling

Total commuted sum required = amenity grassland + children's play area requirements = £1232 + £174 = £1406 per dwelling

75

APPENDIX D – CONSULTATION STATEMENT

In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012: Regulation 12, which came into effect on 06 April 2012, the Council is obliged to prepare a statement relating to preliminary consultations carried out during its preparation of the draft SPD. The regulations require a copy of the statement to be made available with the consultation draft SPD.

This statement is intended to provide information on the persons consulted during the preparation of the document, a summary of the main issues raised and an explanation of how these issues were addressed in the consultation draft.

Letters were sent to all planning agents, developers, housebuilders on the Council’s list of consultation bodies in addition to relevant stakeholders with interest in Green Infrastructure and ecological networks including the Environment Agency, The Wildlife Trust, Natural England, English Heritage, Canal & Rivers Trust, neighbouring local authorities.

Respondent Summary of comments made Council response The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester 1. The Trust is anxious that “green 1. Comment noted. Ensure definitions of and North Merseyside infrastructure” and “ecological networks” green infrastructure and ecological not be conflated. There are often spatial networks are clearly defined; overlaps, but the purposes of each are distinct; 2. Comment noted;

2. An ecological network is defined solely in 3. Amend wording as suggested; terms of habitats, species and ecological connections for their own sake. It does not, 4. This is correct. There is separate of itself, have an anthropocentric function – legislation to cover birds; though it may often overlap spatially with a separate green infrastructure network 5. The authority is not currently progressing which does; CIL at the present time. If a commuted sum is required as part of a development, 3. In the section headed ‘Proposed scope of this will be secured through a Section 106 the SPD’ we feel that the text needs to be agreement. Further information on this will amended to take separate cognisance of be set out within the SPD; ecological networks; perhaps:  Green infrastructure and ecological 6. Commuted sum requirements for provision networks in Blackburn with Darwen; of green infrastructure off site will include  The national and local policy context; maintenance costs. 76

 Embedding high quality, sustainable and The Council will require the developer to multifunctional green infrastructure, and/or retain the maintenance responsibilities for the retention, restoration, enhancement any on site green infrastructure provided and/or creation of ecological networks into on new residential developments; the ‘place-making’ process at a site level to add value to development – including 7. Section will be included on Geodiversity in key design and management the SPD, including a link to the considerations; GeoLancashire website for further  The legislation protecting plants, animals, information. birds and their habitats;  The biodiversity information required when making a planning application;  Integration of biodiversity into buildings and their surroundings to improve existing habitats and create new habitats;  The role of ecological networks (including ecological network maps);  Connecting new green infrastructure with existing networks;  Connecting new and established ecological networks; and  Requirements for integrating green infrastructure in new residential developments, including commuted sum calculations;

4. [With regards to legislation protecting plants, animals, birds and their habitats…] Birds are animals but I presume the distinction is made here because some protection legislation deals with birds separately to almost all other animals?

5. The sections headed “Purpose of the SPD” and “Scope of the SPD” each refer to

77

requirements for commuted sum payment. This is welcome in so far as it goes. However, there is no reference to the need for legal agreements or to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): in the latter case this may be because your authority has yet to progress its work on CIL? If so, it may need to be the subject of a later revision. On the other hand, it may be that all these aspects are intended to be included under the concept of “commuted sums”?

6. Another apparent omission is the need, in many cases, for any ecological/biodiversity/habitat creation/enhancement/restoration requirements to be covered by management and/or maintenance agreements; possibly linked to commuted sum payments. The scope of the SPD should include the need for such measures;

7. Because of some similarities in some aspects of legal and planning policy systems (e.g. geological SSSI, Local Sites identified for geology geomorphology), your authority may wish to add geology and geomorphology to the content of this proposed SPD. English Heritage 1. The SPD needs to consider the historic 1. Comment noted. The contribution green environment and the scoping report seems infrastructure plays in the protection, to lack reference to it; conservation, enhancement and management of historic landscape, 2. SPD needs to recognise that green archaeological and built heritage assets infrastructure incorporates cultural assets will be included in the SPD as a principle and landscape as well as ecological/habit guiding the planning and delivery of green 78

assets. This broad definition is imperative infrastructure in the borough; so that a holistic approach can be applied and positive benefits delivered for the 2. Will highlight within the SPD that green historic environment. It also helps to infrastructure incorporates cultural assets reinforce: and landscape as well as ecological  The natural and cultural basis of the /habitat assets. SPD will also include the landscape as supported by the historic environment as a guiding principle European Landscape Convention; for green infrastructure planning and  The contribution that heritage assets can delivery principles. The SPD will make to a green infrastructure network encourage development to contribute to e.g. canal corridors, historic field the protection, conservation, enhancement patterns and rights of way, design and management of historic landscape, landscapes; archaeological and built heritage assets;  The need to ensure that actions across all green infrastructure themes conserve 3. Comment noted. Will include link to as well as enhance heritage assets and historic environment records for the area; their settings; and  The role of green infrastructure in 4. Comment noted. The SPD will be delivering multiple benefits for the prepared with input from the Council’s natural, built and historic environment; Design & Conservation Officer. Additionally, a draft of the SPD will be sent 3. The SPD should utilise information on the to conservation, archaeology and urban historic environment such as historic design colleagues at the local and county environment records for the area. The level for their comments on the document. value of incorporating the HLC and other data sets at an early stage can help to:  Identify suitable opportunities for habitat creation and enhancement consistent with the historic character of the landscape;  Ensure proposed measures (e.g. habitat creation) do not harm heritage assets such as archaeological remains;  Identify heritage assets where improvement management could

79

support other green infrastructure aims, such as public access and recreation; and  Join up grant programmes across a range of stakeholders and interests;

4. English Heritage strongly advises that you engage conservation, archaeology and urban design colleagues at the local and county level to ensure you are aware of all the relevant features of the historic environment and that the historic environment is effectively and efficiently considered as part of the SPD. They are also best placed to advice on local historic environment issues and priorities, including access to data held in the HER. They will be able to provide you with the Historic Environment Records for the area including any relevant studies, and ensure a joined- up and robust approach is undertaken. Environment Agency 1. Support the general purpose and scope of 1. Comment noted; the proposed SPD as described; 2. These are all issues that will be covered in 2. In preparing the SPD we would ask you to the SPD; give particular consideration to the use of green infrastructure (GI) in managing flood 3. Comment noted. risk, improving the biodiversity of riparian corridors, and mitigating and adapting to climate change. The use of GI in SUDS should be given consideration;

3. We are currently finalising local guidance on “River Basin Management Planning: achieving multiple benefits with the application of the Lancashire ecological 80

network to inform habitat creation opportunities in the context of integrated river basin district planning”, which may be of use to you in the production of the SPD. Natural England 1. Natural England very much welcomes the 1. Comment noted; commitment to prepare a Green Infrastructure and Ecological SPD; 2. Comment noted. The information available on ecological networks at 2. There is some ecological network work at County level will be integrated within County level which might provide some the SPD; useful background to the detailed work Blackburn with Darwen propose to do at a 3. Comment noted; district level; 4. The SPD will cover the full range of 3. There is a detailed GI Strategy for Burnley multi-functional green infrastructure which might provide some useful including open spaces but also background on evidence base that can be ecological networks of wildlife sites, used, depending on how details the SPD biological heritage sites, local nature will want to get on the broader GI side of reserves, local wildlife sites and their things; ecological connections.

4. The letter is not clear if by GI you actually 5. Comment noted; mean green space, as a reminder at this stage we advise that looking at GI also 6. Comment noted. means looking at ecosystem service provision and needs;

5. Appropriate time to highlight an example of how developer contributions (which should flow from the final SPD) might be utilised and I attach an interesting approach being used in the East Midlands which will hopefully be of help;

6. Natural England very much endorse the bringing together of ecological networks 81

and GI, they should be done together and of course one of the core purposes of any GI network is to be the ecological network it is the GI network viewed from the perspective of its ecological functionalities. Mr Peter Jepson 1. Recommend that a clear definition of both 1. Definitions of both green infrastructure and Consultant Ecologist green infrastructure and ecological ecological networks will be provided within networks is given in the SPD, highlighting the SPD; their differences and how they may or may not be mutually inclusive (or exclusive); 2. Comment noted;

2. Ecological networks need to be functional 3. The Core Areas are defined in the and defined by sound ecology, not by methodology described by the authors of computing expedience; Lancashire’s ecological network (Lancashire County Council and 3. Core Areas need to include areas of habitat Lancashire Wildlife Trust). The network types listed in the EC Habitats Directive but currently comprises 3 priority habitats – not included within international or national grasslands, woodlands and wetland and designated sites; heath.

4. Also the same with regards to habitat types 4. See response in 3. above; listed as principal importance under NERC Section 41; 5. The ecological network has been developed as a conservation strategy to 5. Whilst potentially difficult due to data maintain the function of the ecosystem to coverage, there is a need to include key support the conservation of species as well species – the point of ecological networks as habitats. is to maintain and increase functionality in species movement/migration. It is therefore 6. Stepping stones are defined in the nonsensical to exclude species; Ecological Network methodology.

6. Third bullet point – stepping stones. I have 7. Comment noted. concerns in the way it is expressed, there appears to be something of ‘putting the cart before horse’. Whilst stated above, there will be areas of ‘priority habitats’ outside 82

protected sites, these need to be part of the process of defining ecological networks, whether they eventually form part of Core Areas or Stepping Stones. Again key species are relevant;

7. In the Natural Assets part of the Landscape and Heritage SPG (LCC), I attempted a structure followed the pattern, Description of Natural Assets and Biodiversity, Planning and Law. What the Developer will need to do to support an application, what and how the planning authority will/should view and application, and mitigation/compensation in terms of biodiversity ‘gain/as a minimum no-net-loss’. Highways Agency 1. Whilst there’s recognition that existing 1. The purpose of the SPD is to provide ecological networks will be mapped and guidance to ensure that proposals for identified, there is a need to describe the development make the most of role they play in actually improving and opportunities to improve existing as well enhancing those networks. We would also as create new green infrastructure and welcome a commitment to working in ecological networks. partnership with landowners, including ourselves; 2. Comment noted;

2. Looking to the future, and to the timeframe 3. Comment noted; the SPD is being prepared within, it’s worth pointing out that from April 1st 2015 the 4. Comment noted. Highways Agency will be replaced by a new government-owned company known as Highways England;

3. The highways England Biodiversity Action Plan is due for publication on 30th June 2015. As part of this Plan, our service providers will then be looking for 83

opportunities to work with local authorities and wildlife bodies within the areas they maintain;

4. Overall, we support the production of this SPD and will be happy to comment upon it as it progresses.

84

APPENDIX E - Consolidated Screening Statement on the determination of the need for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Supplementary Planning Document: Green Infrastructure & Ecological Networks

1. Introduction Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009

The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 came into force on 06 April 2009. This change to legislation in England removed the automatic need for a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). An explanatory note from the Office of Public Sector Information3confirms that a SA will still be required if an SPD requires Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The note states:-

“LPAs will still need to screen their SPDs to ensure that legal requirements for SA are met where there are impacts that have not been covered in the appraisal of the parent DPD or where an assessment is required by the SEA Directive”.

The Planning Practice Guidance states that Supplementary Planning Documents do not require a sustainability appraisal but may in exceptional circumstances require a strategic environmental assessment if they are likely to have significant environmental effects that have not already been assessed during the preparation of the Local Plan, or deal only with a small area at a local level. In order to determine whether significant environment effects are likely the Council should take into account the criteria specified in Schedule 1 to the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 and consult the consultation bodies.

The UK Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the ‘Habitats Regulations’) and European Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and Birds Directive 2009/147/EC (the ‘Habitats Directives’)

The Habitats Regulations require policies to be screened to consider whether they have any significant impacts on designated habitats of European importance (“Natura 2000 sites”).

2. The Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) The SPD will form part of the Council’s suite of planning policies and guidance. It will identify good practice in integrating green infrastructure and ecological networks within new developments.

The SPD does not itself propose any development or include any information on specific sites.

3. The SPD within the plan hierarchy The SPD is a lower level document in the plan hierarchy below the Core Strategy. It supplements and interprets the following housing policies in the Core Strategy:-  CS1: A Targeted Growth Strategy  CS13: Environmental Strategy  CS15: Protection and Enhancement of Ecological Assets  CS16: Form and Design of New Development  CS19: Green Infrastructure  CS21: Mitigation of Impacts/Planning Gain

3 Office of Public Sector Information (2009) Explanatory Memorandum to – The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 No.401

85

In addition, the SPD will principally address the following Local Plan Part 2 policies:  Policy 9: Development and the Environment  Policy 38: Green Infrastructure on the Adopted Policies Map  Policy 40: Integrating Green Infrastructure with New Development

The SPD does not (and cannot) create new policy in its own right.

4. The screening process: Sustainability Appraisal The screening process as set out in Regulation 9 and Schedule 1 of the Regulations includes two sets of criteria for determining the likely significance of effects on the environment. These relate to firstly the characteristics of the SPD and secondly the characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected. There are criteria and questions relating to each of these which are set out in the following tables:-

Table 1: Characteristics of the SPD

1. Criteria Is Significant Justification there environmental an effect? effect?

(a) The degree to which the SPD Yes No The Blackburn with Darwen Core sets a framework for projects Strategy sets the planning framework and other activities, either for the borough. The SPD is a lower with regard to location, level document in the hierarchy of nature, size and operating plans and is below the Core Strategy. conditions or by allocating resources. The SPD will identify good practice in integrating green infrastructure and ecological networks within new developments. In addition it proposes updated commuted sum requirements for off-site provision of green infrastructure.

(b) The degree to which the SPD No No The SPD is the lowest tier of the plan influences other plans hierarchy as set out above. As such it including those in a is influenced by them but does not hierarchy. have any significant influence on them.

(c) The relevance of the SPD for Yes No The SPD provides additional guidance the integration of on the delivery of the higher level Core environmental considerations Strategy policies. The SPD will in particular with a view to promote sustainable development by promoting sustainable ensuring new housing development is development. supported by delivery of the necessary open space and that all development in the borough aims to achieve the enhancement and extension of the area’s green infrastructure and that development contributes to the restoration, enhancement and connection of ecological networks. It will not result in any additional development. (d) Environmental problems Yes No The SPD supplements adopted policy

86

1. Criteria Is Significant Justification there environmental an effect? effect?

relevant to the SPD. and does not introduce new policy. There are no environmental problems relevant to the plan, as it does not make provision for any additional development. Its provisions will enable environmental improvements and although this effect should be positive, it is not considered to be significant in its magnitude and does not go beyond national and local policy frameworks. (e) The relevance of the SPD for No No The SPD supplements the higher level the implementation of Core Strategy policies but does not Community (EC) legislation introduce any new policy initiatives. on the environment (e.g. plans and programmes linked to waste management or water protection).

Table 2: Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected

2. Criteria Significant Justification environmental effect?

(a) The probability, duration, No The SPD supplements the higher level frequency and reversibility of Core Strategy policies but does not the effects of the SPD. introduce any new policy initiatives. The overall outcome is expected to be the enhancement of existing green infrastructure & ecological networks and the provision of additional green infrastructure as part of new housing developments. Although this effect should be positive, it is not considered to be significant in its magnitude and does not go beyond national and local policy frameworks. (b) The cumulative nature of the No The SPD supplements the higher level effects Core Strategy policies. Its implementation will assist in mitigating the effect of new development on green infrastructure and ecological networks and provide positive benefits. Although this effect should be positive, it is not considered to be significant in its magnitude and does not go beyond national and local policy frameworks. (c) The transboundary nature of No There are no trans-boundary effects of the effects of the SPD the SPD.

87

(d) The risks to human health or No The SPD creates no risk to health or the the environment (e.g. due to environment. accidents)

(e) The magnitude and spatial No The SPD will cover the whole of the extent of the effects Blackburn with Darwen Borough which (geographical area and size has a population of approximately of the population likely to be 147,400. It supplements higher level affected) Core Strategy policies and will be used in the determination of planning applications across the Borough, but does not set as framework for the scale or type of development and will not result in any additional development. (f) The value and vulnerability of No The SPD does not identify sites for the area likely to be affected development and will therefore not have due to:- any direct effect on valuable or i. Special natural vulnerable assets. The SPD does not characteristics or affect the protection that is already cultural heritage; afforded to these assets by other ii. Exceeded policies in the Core Strategy and Local environmental quality Plan Part 2: Site Allocations and standards or limit Development Management Policies. values; or The implementation of the SPD is likely iii. Intensive land use. to result in the enhancement of existing green infrastructure and ecological networks as part of new development. Although this effect should be positive, it is not considered to be significant in its magnitude. (g) The effects on areas or No The SPD will have no effect on landscapes which have a landscapes or areas of open land. recognised national, EU or international protection status

5. Statement of Determination of the need for Strategic Environmental Assessment / Sustainability Appraisal

Determination of the need for SEA The screening exercise (Section 4 above) established that the proposed Green Infrastructure & Ecological Networks SPD is unlikely to give rise to any significant environmental effects. This is primarily because the SPD elaborates existing Core Strategy policies, without introducing an overall change in policy direction. Therefore it is considered that a Strategic Environmental Assessment is not required for the Green Infrastructure & Ecological Networks SPD.

The document will not put forward new policies, rather it will only expand or provide further details to existing policies. As such it will only have negligible and localised positive impacts, rather than the broader impacts that may be seen from a strategy / supplementary planning document directing both the form and location of new development.

6. The Screening Process: Habitats Regulations Blackburn with Darwen’s Core Strategy has already been subject to a Habitats Regulations screening exercise which concluded that no Appropriate Assessment was needed for the Core Strategy. The only potential significant effect identified arose from the potential development of specific sites which may have been used by birds migrating to a Natura 2000 site outside the

88

Borough. The screening report concluded that this was best addressed in relation to the Council’s Local Plan Part 2: Site Allocations and Development Management Policies which is currently being prepared.

Therefore due to the nature of the SPD and existing higher tier policies and assessment, the SPD is unlikely to have a significant effect on any European site and can therefore be screened out from any requirement for further assessment.

7. Statement of Determination of the need for Appropriate Assessment of the SPD The SPD does not propose the development of any site. It is concluded that the requirements of the Habitats Regulations are adequately addressed by the screening carried out in relation to the Core Strategy, and that which will take place in relation to the allocation of specific sites in the Local Plan Part 2: Site Allocations and Development Management Policies.

8. Consultation with statutory bodies This is currently ongoing with the following organisations. Feedback/comments on the Screening Statement have been requested by Friday, 12th June 2015. All responses will be recorded in Appendix F of the SPD.

Historic England Natural England Environment Agency

89

APPENDIX F – Summary of consultation responses on the draft SPD and the Sustainability Appraisal

Organisation Comments Officer response to Are amendments needed to the comment SPD?

Is a SA required? Sustainability appraisal consultation Environment Agree that SEA is not required Noted No amendments needed. Agency SA not required. Historic Agree that SEA is not required Noted No amendments needed. England SA not required. Natural England Agree that SEA is not required. Noted Amendment required to Appendix E to clarify the Included suggested amendments to clarify Habitats Directives and the Habitats Directives and Habitats Habitats Regulations and to Regulations and to highlight in paragraph 6 highlight in paragraph 6 of of Appendix E that there is unlikely to be Appendix E that there is any significant effect on European sites as a unlikely to be any significant result of the SPD. effect on European sites as a result of the SPD. SA not required. Public consultation on draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Environment Supportive of the production of the SPD and Noted. No amendment required. Agency consider that it will be a valuable tool in enhancing the environment in the borough.

Page 10: support the principles for Noted. No amendment required. waterways, biodiversity and natural processes and environmental systems.

Page 12 section ii: we would welcome the Flood plains added to list of features in the Suggested amendment addition of flood plains to the list of features third row. made to SPD. in the third row. Protecting existing flood plains from development and enhancing

90

areas that could provide flood storage as part of a green infrastructure network will be vital in mitigating the predicted effects of climate change and reducing existing flood risk.

Page 13 section v: we would recommend Added. Suggested amendment the addition of the following “Has future made to SPD. flood risk been considered?” Our reason for this is that as a result of climate change extreme weather events are predicted to become more frequent. If sufficient space is left on a site then there will be opportunities to provide additional flood storage/attenuation using SUDS or GI.

The comment made above about Section ii. Added. Suggested amendment would also be appropriate for inclusion in made to SPD. this section, “Have existing functional flood plains been protected and have opportunities for creating natural flood storage been considered?” We welcome the reference to the Water Framework Directive in this section.

Page 14 SUDS: We welcome the reference Noted. No amendment required. to SUDS and in particular the role that they can play in protecting and improving water quality.

Page 19, para. 5.12: we would recommend Sentence deleted and replaced with Suggested amendment removing the sentence “It is recommended suggested wording. made to SPD. that the Environment Agency be consulted on these matters” and replace it with “The

91

Environment Agency will be able to provide developers with basic pre-application advice on proposed developments relating to these matters. Any development within the river channel or within the easement of a watercourse will require consent from the EA or Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council (as the Lead Local Flood Authority) and will need to take biodiversity into account.”

Appendix A page 40 watercourses and their Suggested addition has been made. Suggested amendment banks: we would recommend adding the However, from discussions with EA in the made to SPD. following to the end of the first bullet point, past which have warned against interfering “consideration should also be given to the with weirs due to flood risks/considerations. removal of weirs or the installation of fish As a result, additions to the text have passes on weirs.” There are a number of reflected these issues, and recommends weirs on the watercourses in the borough seeking advice from EA. and these cause a barrier to fish movement, particularly as water quality improves. Removal of the weirs or installation of a fish pass will allow fish to repopulate sections of the river above the weir.

We would recommend the addition of the Suggested sentence added. Suggested amendment following sentence to the first bullet point made to SPD. under ‘Actions’, “ Planting of trees to provide shading for watercourses may be appropriate in some locations” as this links to the point made above.

A third bullet point, “Providing habitat for Suggested sentence added. Suggested amendment water vole and otter (such as artificial otter made to SPD. holts) should be considered in appropriate

92

locations” is recommended. Water vole habitat is being lost and numbers are declining. Protecting existing habitat or creating new habitat is important for this species. Otter are returning to our rivers and creating holts will help the species recolonize the rivers.

Under ‘Notes’ it would be appropriate to Added. Suggested amendment add, “Consent will be required from the made to SPD. responsible authority for any works in the watercourse or within the easement of a watercourse (The Environment Agency for Main Rivers and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for Ordinary Watercourses)”

Page 41, small mammals: we would Suggested amendment made. Suggested amendment suggest changing this to “Mammals” and made to SPD. adding water vole and otter to the list. The Coal Confirm that we have no specific comments Noted. No amendments necessary. Authority to make at this stage. Historic Historic England made comments on the Noted. No amendment required. England scoping of the SPD in April 2015, which have been included within Appendix D of the SPD.

It is important that the SPD acknowledges Information added to Historic environment Information added at and supports the cultural values of long section of the SPD. paragraphs 4.30 reflecting standing public parks as well as their these comments. ecological value and in the management of these spaces, that their historical significance and value is recognised. Parks and gardens have a huge role to play in

93

green infrastructure, often preserving some of the older and more stable elements of the landscape and environment and therefore supporting more ecology and ecosystems than other parts, whether urban, rural or urban fringe.

Within the urban environment, the three Information added to Historic environment Information added to reflect public parks (Corporation Park, Queen’s section of the SPD. these comments. Park and Bold Venture Park) make important green connections across the townscape and are important green oasis’s in their own rights, whilst Sunnyhurst Wood and Whitehall Park are both urban fringe parks that have a significant contribution to make as well. GeoLancashire Pleased to see the provisions for Noted and change made to SPD. Suggested amendments geoconservation in the SPD. The only minor made to SPD. alterations needed are to change throughout any references from “Lancashire RIGS Group” to “GeoLancashire and our website URL from www.lancashirerigs.org.uk to www.geolancashire.org.uk. Natural England Natural England support and welcome the Noted. No amendment required. draft SPD which we will hope will support the creation and enhancement of the green infrastructure and ecological networks in the plan area.

In particular welcome the positive approach Noted. No amendment required. to biodiversity throughout the document including the guiding principles, the ‘Habitat Provision and Access to Nature’ elements of

94

the Delivery Guidance, the ‘Incorporating biodiversity into the built fabric’ and ‘Landscaping & Biodiversity ‘ components of the Design considerations section and section 5: Biodiversity and Ecological Networks.

We note the guidance on SUDS in section 4 Noted. No amendment required. and more widely welcome the incorporation of multifunctional benefits of GI into the SPD including flood risk and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Natural England is pleased to see the Noted. No amendment required. commitment to the delivery of GI in residential development through developer contributions in section 6. However, whilst we recognise that payments will only be sought when provision or enhancement is fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development, we would encourage you to consider the multifunctional benefits of such provision including health and recreation, flood risk, climate change adaptation and for biodiversity.

Finally welcome the integration of the Noted. No amendment required. principles of the Natural Environment White Paper (2010) into the approach to ecological networks in terms of the consideration core areas, corridors, buffers and stepping stones in the Lancashire Ecological Network and the mapping of

95

these in Appendix B. Canal & River Overall the Trust think this is a useful Comment noted. No amendment required. Trust document. No amendment required. Encouraged and pleased the canal is listed Comment noted. as an asset in para. 1.9.

Paragraph 3.2 is welcomed by the Canal & Suggested additional text added. Suggested amendment River Trust as means through which to made to SPD. enhance the canal corridor. ACTION – as the canal is a waterway and development can have an effect of the canal distances from a development, we recommend that reference is also made to the possible implications of development on the wider green infrastructure is mentioned.

The specific recognition of canal corridors Comment noted. No amendment required. as important heritage assets in para. 4.28 is welcomed by the Trust.

ACTION – recommend that Canals are Canals added to paragraph. Suggested amendment listed in paragraph 5.12 (Aquatic made to SPD. Environment) to provide clarity to the developer that it’s not only flowing watercourses that are included.

Paragraph 5.14 – Invasive non-native Council believes sentence should still read Certain harmful weeds are species “the applicant should adopt ‘should’. controlled by law under the measures to avoid the spread of the Weeds Act 1959, as species…” ACTION – the SHOULD needs amended, and this controls to be changed to MUST. It’s a legal their spread to agricultural requirement. land. The invasive species given as examples in the

96

SPD are not controlled in the same way, although it’s an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild.

This page on the government’s web site gives an outline: https://www.gov.uk/guidanc e/prevent-the-spread-of- harmful-invasive-and-non- native-plants This link has been added to the SPD for clarity.

Paragraph 6.27 – ACTION – confirm that Suggested amendment made. Suggested amendment the Leeds-Liverpool Canal falls within the made to SPD. Wetland and Heath category.

Section 8 – the Trust would encourage that Noted. The SPD will be a material No amendment required. every effort is made to ensure that this consideration when assessing planning guidance is used by all relevant parties applications. involved with the determination of planning applications.

Page 39 Table B lists watercourses and Suggested amendments made. Suggested amendments their banks as a biodiversity feature. made to SPD. ACTION – the following can be included in the Actions box; establish native marginal vegetation and ensure only clean water is allowed to enter the watercourse. ACTION – canals should be listed as one of the watercourses in the ‘notes’ box.

97

The Wildlife Content seems accurate and Noted. No amendment required. Trust for comprehensive and is very welcome. Lancashire, Manchester & The structure and text doesn’t always seem Changes made to structure, as highlighted Amendments made to North to flow naturally from one topic and sub- in comments regarding B Lines Initiative structure of SPD. Merseyside section to another, which may make it hard and Geodiversity & access to recreational to use. activity below.

Paragraphs on “Trees” (5.6 to 5.8) perhaps Section on trees has now been moved Amendments made to belong more to a landscape SPD, or under under the Design Considerations section as structure of SPD. a landscape aesthetics sub-heading within feel this is more appropriate place for this this SPD rather than under the Biodiversity information. and ecological networks chapter heading. TPOs in particular are made for aesthetic rather than nature conservation reasons and are used to protect a beautiful exotic ornamental tree of little value to native wildlife as readily as a beautiful native wild one rich in associated invertebrates, mosses, lichens etc.

After Figure 1 on Lancashire’s Ecological Subheading added. Suggested amendment Network the text immediately launches into made to SPD. 5.28 on Buglife’s national B-Lines initiative which, although parallel, is not directly related: a subheading would seem appropriate here.

Geodiversity (5.29) and Access and Suggested amendments made. Suggested amendment recreational activity (5.30) have no direct Geodiversity & Access and recreational made to SPD. relationship to 5. Biodiversity & ecological activity now included within Section 4 of the networks. Their inclusion under that heading SPD seems confusing. Network Rail Draw the Council’s and developer’s Comments noted. No amendment required.

98

attention to the Department of Transport’s ‘Transport Resilience Review: a Review of the Resilience of the Transport Network to Extreme Weather Events’ July 2014, which states ‘On the railways, trees blown over in the storms caused severe disruption and damage on a number of routes and a number of days, particularly after the St Jude’s storm on 28th October, and embankment slips triggered by the intense rainfall resulted in several lines being closed or disrupted for many days.

Finally the problem of trees being blown Comments noted. No amendment required. over onto the railway is not confined to those on Network Rail land. Network Rail estimate that over 60% of the trees blown over last winter were from outside Network Rail’s boundary. This is a much bigger problem for railways than it is for the strategic highway network, because most railway lines have a narrow footprint as a result of the original constructors wishing to minimise land take and keep the costs of land acquisition at a minimum.”

In light of the above, Network Rail would Trees section amended to address Network Changes made to reflect request that no trees are planted next to the Rail’s concerns. Network Rail’s comments. boundary with our land and the operational railway in any submitted planning applications. Network Rail would request that only evergreen shrubs are planted in such proposals and we would request that they should be planted a minimum distance

99

from the Network Rail boundary that is equal to their expected mature growth height.  Trees can be blown over in high winds resulting in damage to Network Rail’s boundary treatments/fencing as well as any lineside equipment (e.g. telecoms cabinets, signals) which has both safety and performance issues.  Trees toppling over onto the operational railway could also bring down 25kv overhead lines, resulting in serious safety issues for any lineside workers or trains.  Trees toppling over can also destabilise soil on Network Rail land and the applicant’s land which could result in landslides or slippage of soil onto the operational railway.  Deciduous trees shed their leaves which fall onto the rail track, any passing train therefore loses its grip on the rails due to leaf fall adhering to the rails, and there are issues with trains being unable to break correctly for signals set at danger.

The Network Rail Asset Protection Engineer is happy to review any landscaping plans Link to Network Rail Asset Protection Change made to SPD to submitted. contacts added. reflect comments.

Network Rail has a duty to provide, as far as Link to Network Rail Asset Protection Changes made to SPD to is reasonably practical, a railway free from contacts added. reflect comments. danger or obstruction from fallen trees. Trees growing alongside the railway boundary on adjacent land are the primary

100

responsibility of the adjoining landowner or occupier.

All owners of trees have an obligation in law Link to Network Rail Asset Protection Paragraph added at 5.9 to to manage trees on their property so that contacts added. reflect Network Rail’s they do not cause a danger or a nuisance to comments. their neighbours. This Duty of Care arises from the Occupiers of Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984. A landowner or occupier must make sure that their trees are in a safe condition and mitigate any risk to a third party. Larger landowners should also have a tree policy to assess and manage the risk and to mitigate their liability. Peter Jepson Whilst there is much to commend in the The aim of the SPD is to provide additional No amendment required. BwD draft Green Infrastructure & Ecological detail/guidance on the relevant policies Networks SPD, in its current form it within the Local Plan Part 2, most notably represents a missed opportunity, and places Policy 40. It sets out ways in which green Ecological Networks below GI in infrastructure and ecological networks can subordinate roles, rather than at the be integrated within the design of new forefront of Town and Country Planning. development and will be used as a material Overall the document is insufficiently robust, consideration in decision making. The appearing to be more about Planning intention of the SPD is not to imply green Guidance than to support Planning Policy. infrastructure is more important than ecological networks, but rather to highlight the importance of them both when assessing planning applications for development.

By preceding Ecological Networks by GI in Not intended to imply green infrastructure No amendment required. the title of this SPD is somewhat akin to and ecological networks as the same. The ‘putting the cart before the horse’. Whilst the definition of green infrastructure included in two topics can have spatial synergy, they the SPD is provided by Natural England. are not necessarily mutually inclusive. Similarly, the definition of ecological

101

Incorporate suggested definitions into the networks has been taken from the work SPD: undertaken by Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Lancashire Environment Record Network Ecological Networks are about habitats (LERN) on behalf of the Lancashire Local and/or sites of importance for biodiversity Nature Partnership. As a result, these and their functionality, not only individually definitions are seen as appropriate for use to provide for the needs of species, but in the SPD. crucially their connectivity to allow movement and migration of species in the face of environmental changes. In this respect Ecological Networks go beyond the maintenance of existing biodiversity resources, by providing a structure for biodiversity restoration and re-establishment through targeted habitat enhancement and de-fragmentation. Ecological Networks, whilst usually considered at a local/regional level, can operate at an international scale.

Green Infrastructure is about how we use and benefit from environmental resources within the urban and rural landscape, encompassing features such as landscape, natural and built heritage. At one level it comprises street trees and domestic gardens, at the other extreme the landscape backdrop of distance hills. In this respect Green Infrastructure involves both physical and visual access to environmental resources in terms of delivering human health and wellbeing.

In terms of Ecological Networks, whilst the NPPF (para 117) highlights that areas No amendment required. draft GI & EN SPD includes details of identified by local partnerships for habitat

102

hierarchical sites and network maps/plans, it restoration or creation should be identified fails to address requirement in the NPPF to and mapped. The local partnership has not identify areas for habitat restoration or identified such sites and therefore the creation. In this respect it should be evidence is not available to identify such recognised that that two of my objections to sites. the Local Plan raised the need for the The Council will rely on advice from the creation of habitat de-fragmentation on ecologists in order to determine the most post-industrial land at both the Springside appropriate measures for restoration and and Sappi sites. These sites and others maintenance of habitat connectivity. Policy need to be carried forward into the second 40 of the Local Plan Part 2 requires draft of the GI & EN SPD, in identifying key development to contribute to the restoration, areas for the restoration and maintenance enhancement and connection of natural of habitat connectivity. Further, whilst para habitats through the provision of appropriate 2.3 of the SPD quotes from Section 11 of green infrastructure. The Council will need the NPPF, its requirements are poorly to be satisfied that this element of the policy embraced within this SPD, appearing to be has been addressed in proposals for more a matter of being reactive within development. development, rather than to lead in proactive delivery.

Recommends that the SPD identifies areas Policy 40 of the Local Plan Part 2 addresses No amendment required. for habitat restoration and re-establishment this issue, requiring development to within the existing Ecological Framework, to contribute to the restoration, enhancement restore/enhance habitat connectivity in line and connection of natural habitats through with the NPPF. the provision of appropriate green infrastructure.

Para 1.16 of the draft SPD speaks of priority The Council will rely on the advice of the No amendment required. actions, these need to be embraced ecologists to determine the most throughout the local authority. Whilst here, appropriate width of buffers and mitigation on the one hand I refer to the neglect of measures when planning applications are appropriate biodiversity management of being considered. It is not seen as BwD BC’s owned assets; on the other to appropriate to set required buffer widths as Development Control approval of planning each site will be different. The most

103

applications. In terms of the latter I refer to appropriate solutions will be determined on bullet point 5 within para 1.16 of the SPD, a site by site basis, drawing on the advice of and to a recent planning approval at the Council’s ecologists. Robin/Shorey Bank, Darwen, where a minimalist 5m buffer was approved around a BHS containing a population of a nationally important species listed under sect 41 of the NERC Act 2010; an inadequate width of a buffer in terms of hydrological sustainability and long-term survival of a rare species. Further, bullet point 2 of para 1.16 in the SPD follows the same mantra: better, bigger, more and joined; at Robin/Shorey Bank there was no attempt to increase the size of the current wildlife site i.e. the Brookside BHS. Clearly, it is in the financial interest of developers to take a minimalist approach.

Recommend clear guidance provided over It is not seen as appropriate to be so No amendment required. the need for appropriate management of specific in terms of size/width of buffer natural assets; there is a major need to zones. Each development will be different provide guidance over the aspects of para and the Council will rely on advice from 1.16, particularly in terms of size/width of ecologists in decision making. buffer zones. Inevitably this may be site specific, with for example, wetland sites needing a much greater buffer to maintain adequate hydrological connectivity.

Para 2.3 refers to Section 11 of the NPPF Has not been any work done by the local No amendment required. ‘Conserving and Enhancing the Natural partnership on habitat restoration or Environment.’ Para 2.4 goes on to refer to creation and therefore the SPD is unable to the NPPF in terms of the requirement that provide details on such sites. Policy 40 of authorities identify and map components of the Local Plan Part 2 requires that

104

the local ecological networks…(see development should contribute to the para.117). In its current form, the SPD fails restoration, enhancement and connection of to deliver the above, particularly in respect natural habitats through the provision of to the identification of areas for habitat appropriate green infrastructure. restoration or creation by local partnerships. There isn’t the capacity at LERN to re run In addition the document by not including the analysis for the Wetlands and Heath the Wetlands and Heath category fails to category and won’t for the foreseeable include the most important habitat type in future. The Council is reliant on this the borough, that of the internationally information from LERN, and as such is important/significant Blanket Bog/Mire. unable to include in the SPD at this time. Despite no current statutory designation, areas of this habitat within the borough are of higher quality than much of the South Pennines Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Para 2.5 raises climate change matters in Carbon and moorland: Paragraph 2.5 is Sentence added to NPPF. Para 2.5 fails to translate this to the generic and doesn’t need a treatise on paragraph 1.7 relating to local context in respect to the Borough’s carbon sequestration and the moors. Add carbon sequestration. most important natural store of carbon, the another example of a green infrastructure Blanket Bog areas of the local moorland. function to para 1.7 ‘The surrounding Inappropriate development and poor moorland habitats also sequester carbon, management of the habitat not only helping to combat climate change’ to releases CO2 to the environment, the address issue raised. habitat in good condition is capable of sequestrating and storing CO2. As BwD BC owns a significant area of Blanket Bog this omission is worrying.

Para 2.10 covers site allocations. At the This issue was discussed through the Local No amendment required. ‘Call for Sites’ stage of the Local Plan, the Plan Hearings held in December 2014. As need to identify areas for habitat de- highlighted previously, the Council is reliant fragmentation was raised and two areas on information from the local partnership to proposed, Springside [Works], Belmont and identify such sites. As this information is not

105

Sappi. These were not carried forward and available, cannot add to Local Plan or the subsequent objections were made to the SPD. Local Plan at a later stage. Notwithstanding this, these areas (along with others) need to be identified for habitat de- fragmentation/restoring connectivity in the SPD in order to comply with the NPPF.

Under the heading Legislation and Agree. Will add Hedgerow Regulations Suggested amendment Guidelines, para 2.17 usefully lists pertinent 1997 to the list. made to SPD. items of legislation, however, the inclusion of the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 would be a helpful addition to the list.

Para 2.18 mentions European legislation. In Policy 9 of the Local Plan Part 2 sets out the No amendment required. terms of habitats, it is worth recognising that Council’s approach to habitats and species within BwD there are habitats of European and ecological networks, and the protection importance, as listed in the EC Council it affords them. There is no need to repeat Directive 92/43/EEC 1992, not currently the policy in the SPD. As part of any covered by statutory designations. In planning application which may affect such considering developments which may affect a designation, a habitats assessment would such habitat, BwD BC will need to be be required and any impacts will be cognisant of this as a material addressed at planning application stage, consideration. drawing on advice from the Council’s ecologists.

GI planning and delivery guidance – Comment noted. No amendment required. generally this section covers most matters relating to GI and I am pleased to see that the Built Heritage is seen as an important attribute.

Design Considerations – under the heading A Mitigation Strategy will be required as part No amendment required. Landscaping & Biodiversity paras 4.23 to of planning application if the development is

106

4.26 need to set the framework for ‘no net likely to have an impact on biodiversity. See loss’ of biodiversity. This is important as Section 7 of the SPD for requirements. ‘new habitat’ intended to replace that lost to Limited value in setting framework for no net development, needs to be of a size loss in the SPD as each development will commensurate for compensation. This will be different. The Council will rely on advice generally mean of a significant larger size or from its ecologists to ensure this is number, i.e. three new ponds to replace one addressed through development. lost to development, areas of newly sown species-diverse grassland two or three times larger than that lost, or 20 to 30 well grown ‘standard’ trees planted to replace one veteran tree.

Biodiversity & ecological networks – Para. Reference to green infrastructure deleted. Amendment made to SPD 5.1 in the SPD appears to subsume to remove reference to Ecological Networks within GI. Ecological green infrastructure. Networks are functionally different to GI; whilst they may coincide, they may differ spatially, and also GI needs can conflict with Biodiversity objectives. It is essential that this is fully appreciated within the SPD or BwD BC risks ‘throwing the baby away with the bathwater’.

Para. 5.2 raises the biodiversity duty under Agree that sub-title is amended to read Suggested amendment Section 40 and mentions species and Habitats and Species of Principal made to SPD. habitats of principal importance. However Importance. the sub-title is misleading in only mentioning Species. Suggest amending the sub-title to read Habitats and Species of Principal Importance. This is a very important matter as woodland, hedgerows and the aquatic environment are singled out individually in subsequent sub-headings, whilst others

107

such as species-rich grassland, heathland and blanket bog receive no mention. This is crucial as at least the latter is of international importance.

Under the heading Protected Species, the Acknowledge that whilst it’s a local Amendments made to 3rd third bullet point in para 5.4 uses the designation the sites are of greater bullet point to reflect expression ‘Locally important sites’ in terms significance and the current wording makes comments of BHS. This is very misleading and it sound as though the sites are just locally factually incorrect. The word ‘local’ in ‘Local important. Local Wildlife Site is still used as (Wildlife) Sites’ means locally designated, the descriptor regardless of the level of not that they are merely of ‘local importance in guidance. Changes made to importance’. To degrade such sites to that paragraph to avoid ambiguity. of ‘local importance’ is a very dangerous statement, as well as setting an equally dangerous precedent. By definition BHS are ‘of at least County importance’, with some in BwD of international importance in that they support habitats listed in the EC Habitats Directive. ‘District’ level sites are a different matter.

Under the heading Ecological Networks, Amendments made to reflect comments. Amendment made to para 5.17 lists four bullet points; whilst these paragraph to address both are generic they appear more related to habitats and species. species than to habitats. This needs to be rectified.

In para 5.25 Core Areas are defined. The The information identified in the SPD has No amendment required. definition should include habitats of been taken from the Lancashire Ecological International importance not covered by Network (LERN) work completed. Sites designation. Whilst most will be so covered, have been identified and designated to some may not due to size or that they are facilitate connections between such sites. important for Protected Species. To consign There is no means of identifying habitats of

108

these to Stepping Stones may be a international importance not covered by convenience for the computing designation. The Council is drawing on methodology, there is little ecological existing information at LERN and the justification. This aspect needs further work. ecological networks shown are those that have been defined as such.

It is most regrettable that the Ecological There isn’t the capacity at LERN to re run No amendment required. Network mapping of Wetland and Heath the analysis for the Wetlands and Heath was not available for the draft SPD. This is category and won’t for the foreseeable a matter that needs to be addressed future. The Council is reliant on this urgently as the Borough’s most important information from LERN, and as such is habitat falls within this mapping unable to include in the SPD at this time. classification. It should be noted that both the former Lancashire Landscape and Heritage SPG and the NW Spatial Strategy, define the moorlands of the West Pennine Moors (including parts BwD) as a Core Biodiversity Area. Whilst it is recognised that Wetland and Heathland is a combination defined at a national level, the combination is difficult to justify ecologically, certainly in context of NW England.

Whilst making three separate Ecological This information has been taken from No amendment required. Networks defined by habitat types is LERN. Separation of the network into valuable, it is important that these are habitat types is a tool which provides combined into one inclusive and specific information on the individual habitat overarching Ecological Network. It is which can be used by anticipated that this will be presented in the developers/Council/ecologists to determine second draft of the SPD. the most appropriate actions. Ensures the advice the Council draws on is specific to the type of habitat rather than having generic information. Provides additional detail on the habitat and therefore allows a

109

more accurate, tailored advice on what is required.

Figure 1 in the SPD shows Ecological The SPD identifies information available to No amendment required. Networks in the context of Lancashire, the the Council. Will rely on the expertise of the SPD needs to show these with mapping at Council’s ecologists on a case by case the BwD District Level. Certainly there are basis so it is not seen as necessary to habitat networks reaching further into the provide further detail (and such detail is not urban landscape of Blackburn which are not available to the Council). apparent on the mapping. Greater clarity is needed here.

The inclusion of the B-Lines networks, para Sub-heading included improving flow of the Amendment made to reflect 5.28 adds confusion to the document document. comments. regardless over how laudable be the project. It also highlights the need for more consideration of numerous other species being considered in a similar way.

Para 5.30 of the SPD headed Access & Agree. This information has now been Suggested amendment recreational connectivity has no obvious included within the green infrastructure made. relevance to section 5 Biodiversity & section. ecological networks. Please relocate this paragraph in appropriate section under GI.

Integrating GI in new residential Agree on including a new section on Suggested amendment development – this section again subsumes Ecological Networks and Development. made. Ecological networks under GI. Either the title of Section 6 is in need of modification, or better still a new section 7. Ecological Networks and Development, is added on the lines of the existing para 6.26 onwards.

Para 6.29 is obscure, how can a The Council will rely on advice from their No amendment required.

110

development within an Ecological Network, ecologists to determine the most ‘not considered likely to affect…’, be made appropriate response/action on individual without the advice of a suitably qualified and planning applications. experienced Ecologist in the first place? However, the notion ‘no net loss’ and ‘biodiversity gain’ are supported, so long as the ‘no net loss’ or ‘gain’ are appropriate to that loss.

Ecological impact assessment, mitigation Cannot be so specific – each application No amendment required. and compensation – this section is may require different compensation. Will be supported in general but more guidance is dealt with on a case by case basis, drawing needed over anticipated measures for the on advice from the Council’s ecologists. level of habitat compensation i.e. three new similar sized ponds to replace one pond lost to development, loss of species-diverse grassland re-established at a 3:1 ratio, the replacement of mature trees by well grown standards at a similar ratio; and for veteran/ancient trees by a 20/30:1 ratio.

First bullet point under para 7.5 appears to No amendment necessary – the sentence No amendment required. include a typo, suggest the addition of the reads as it should. word ‘for’ immediately following ‘local groups’.

Useful documents and links – the following Have included links in this section to West Suggested amendment are considered relevant documents worthy Pennine Moors Management Plan, made to SPD. of inclusion: Biological Heritage Sites: Guidelines for Site  West Pennine Moors Management Plan Selection and A Biodiversity Audit of North  Biological Heritage Sites: Guidelines for West England. However, as the Lancashire Site Selection Landscape and Heritage SPG is no longer  The former Lancashire Landscape and adopted guidance, it has not been referred Heritage SPG – this document includes to in the SPD.

111

much additional information and guidance.  A Biodiversity Audit of North West England.

Appendix A: Provision for Biodiversity in New Development In the introductory statement the wording is Makes clear in paragraph 4.18 and No amendment required. suggesting that ‘Developers should identify Appendix A supporting text that the existing biodiversity assets and the potential information in Appendix A relates to ways to enhance these as part of development developers can incorporate biodiversity into and management of site’, gives the wrong the built fabric of new developments. impression. It does not appear to follow the sequential avoidance, mitigation, compensation. The guidance in Appendix 1 should make it clear that it applies to land outside the development footprint and not to habitat loss as a result of the development. Such loss needs special measure. In this respect the tables are more appropriately applicable for development seeking to include biodiversity as a straight planning gain, and not compensate for loss. Please make this implication far more clear.

Table C Planting – Suggested Species List Suggested amendments made to Table C. Suggested amendments Suggested modification to tables. It should made to SPD. be noted that in terms of grassland diversification, over-sowing to create wildflower rich grassland is generally unsuccessful due to competition with existing vegetation.

Appendix B Designated Biodiversity

112

Sites SSSI Currently Natural England is considering the At the time of writing the draft SPD, there Amendment made to designation of a significant area in the West had been no information available to Appendix B to highlight Pennine Moors as an SSSI. It is to be determine how the project had progressed. proposed SSSI designation hoped that by the time the second draft of Since then, Natural England has informed of WPM. the SPD is produced Natural England will the Council that all surveys have been have formerly notified. If this is not the case completed and have made a considerable some mention under the list of the proposed amount of progress towards the process of SSSI is needed. notification towards SSSI. As a result, information has now been added to the SPD which refers to the proposed SSSI designation.

Stepping Stones – regrettably the list of See table at end of document for reasons No amendment required. sites tabulated is incomplete with many of for omission. Unsure which sites Mr Jepson the following sites put forward for inclusion refers to. There will not be another but apparently omitted. Following sites need consultation on the SPD and therefore the to be added to the list and should make a Council is unable to amend without the significant contribution to the BwD level required information. Ecological Network mapping. It also appears that some of the mapping of the Stepping Stone sites in the SPD are incorrect, these may be appropriately modified in later consultation. Roy Rhodes Despite national acknowledgement of the At the time of writing the draft SPD, there Amendment made to quality and international significance of the had been no information available to Appendix B to highlight West Pennine Moors, their pending determine how the project had progressed. proposed SSSI designation designation as a SSSI and the fact they Since then, Natural England has informed of WPM. comprise the most important habitat type in the Council that all surveys have been the borough. completed and have made a considerable amount of progress towards the process of notification towards SSSI. As a result, information has now been added to the SPD which refers to the proposed SSSI

113

designation.

The umbrella habitat category of “wetlands There isn’t the capacity at LERN to re run No amendment required. and heath” seems to have been excluded, the analysis for the Wetlands and Heath which is very strange given the easily category and won’t for the foreseeable identifiable sites for habitat creation and future. The Council is reliant on this restoration on those moors to enhance their information from LERN, and as such is value for wildlife and as the major local unable to include in the SPD at this time. carbon store.

Section 11 provisions of the NPPF are not See response to Mr Jepson’s comments No amendment required. adequately covered in respect of site above – same issues raised. mapping and the connecting links between them or in respect of areas for habitat restoration or creation by local interests. Another look is needed at Stepping Stone and District-level sites to develop a more comprehensive network. Public awareness of the need for and the role of such sites needs to be raised, as does monitoring of them against rapacious development without consultation.

No net loss of biodiversity in the face of a Will be determined on a site by site basis on development needs to provide for adequate the advice of ecologist. No amendment required. buffer zones related to a site’s interest and more extensive replacement of significant habitats than any area lost to development – but subject at all times to assessment by independent qualified ecologists.

The overall drive of the document is Noted. There will not be a further draft of the encouraging and I look forward to seeing SPD. No amendment required. the next draft, but there does need to be an

114

umbrella ecological network joining the three defined by habitat types which aren’t comprehensive. Stephen Martin There is no mention of the Natural At the time of writing the draft SPD, there Amendment made to England’s proposed West Pennine Moors had been no information available to Appendix B to highlight SSSI within the SPD. Given that the official determine how the project had progressed. proposed SSSI designation notification process could start as early as Since then, Natural England has informed of WPM. ‘Autumn 2015’ and that large area of the Council that all surveys have been moorland and associated in-bye plus some completed and have made a considerable water bodies and woodland would be amount of progress towards the process of included within the boundary, this omission notification towards SSSI. As a result, from the SPD needs to be addressed in information has now been added to the SPD subsequent drafts. which refers to the proposed SSSI designation.

Site Allocations and Development Springside Works, Belmont is included as a No amendment required. Management Policies – Springside, Belmont housing allocation within Local Plan Part 2. should be included within the site Within the Development Considerations for allocations given its location surrounded by the site states the requirement to consider SSSI’s and BHS’s and hence the potential ecological impacts due to the rural requirement to avoid damage of these location of the site, its proximity to nationally adjacent sites and the need to restore and regionally important wildlife sites and its fragmented habitats. position within an ecological network.

Stepping Stone sites – I note the omission These sites were not identified as sites to No amendment required. of the following sites, outwith the current be assessed at the time. The Council is BHS’s and the proposed SSSI which would reliant upon the information available to fit the desired criteria: them at the time. East Wards Reservoir Longworth Road North roadside verges Springs Reservoir United Utilities Whilst United Utilities have reviewed the Noted. No amendment required to draft SPD, we currently have no comments SPD. regarding the specific wording of the

115

document, however we do provide some general comments regarding green infrastructure and the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new development.

UU supports the use of green and open Noted. Paragraph added to SuDS spaces, and sports and recreation facilities section to highlight to contribute to addressing surface water importance of sustainable and climate change issues. Building green drainage systems. infrastructure assets such as ponds, swales and wetlands into new developments will not only meet your green space needs but also assist in addressing any existing and potential future surface water management issues.

Artificial pitches, cycle paths, play areas, Added text provided to SPD. Suggested text added to multi-use games areas and skate parks can SPD. all be used as local underground civil engineering SuDS solutions. SuDS solutions that incorporate irrigation systems will help support and maintain allotments, parks and garden areas. We recommend that the Council should also identify opportunities for the installation of retro- fitting SuDS.

We note that the SPD includes guidance on Council feels it is appropriate to rely on Feel water efficiency is SuDS. UU wishes to highlight the progressive tightening of building covered in existing Local importance of incorporating water efficiency regulations to increase environmental Plan Part 2 and Core measures as part of the design process for performance of developments, including Strategy policies. No all new development. There are a number of water efficiency measures. amendments needed to methods that developers can implement to Development needs to comply with relevant SPD.

116

ensure their proposals are water efficient, policies in the Local Plan. Policy 9: such as utilising rainwater harvesting and Development & the Environment requires greywater harvesting for example. development to demonstrate that it has Improvements in water efficiency help to taken full account of issues relating to reduce pressure on water supplies whilst climate change AND environmental also reducing the need for treatment and enhancements; pumping of both clean and wastewater. It is Policy 11: Design requires development to part of the delivery of sustainable take advantage of opportunities to maximise development. environmental sustainability; Policy 36 part 2 states that the Council will be supportive of exemplar developments, encouraging high standards of environmental performance. This will include water efficiency measures; Core Strategy Policy CS 13: Environment Strategy 3i) states that development which would, either directly or indirectly, result in an unacceptable contribution to climate change; or which does not incorporate adequate measures to adapt to the predicted effects of climate change.

117

Sites Submitted with Mr Jepson’s Response Score Comment Ashton Park and River Darwen Section Blackburn Cemetery Blackburn Golf Course and Revidge Ridge Blackburn Railway Station Goods Yard and Embankment Bold Venture Park Branch Road/Sandy Lane/Craven’s Brow Triangle Unclear what area this is - could be Amber/Red Corporation Park Bull Hill Underground Reservoir Site Bull Hill is Amber East Lancashire Railway Ewood Mill Aqueduct and canal embankment or Aldi Lodge? Grainings Fields Greenbank Wood and River Darwen Section Islington Goods Yard Longworth Road North - Roadside Verges Mill Hill Bridge Street. Oakenhurst Triangle Paul Rink Pylons Queen's Park Hill Robin Bank (Shorey Bank) Rope Works Walk and River Darwen Section Sough Former Sand Quarry If Rose Hill. Otherwise Amber if Old Refuse Tip Sunnyhurst Hey Complex Turn Lane Fields? The Elms Three Arches Valley Tockholes Road Scrub Top o' th' Brow Meadows Ward's Reservoir (outside BHS) and land to east Witton Park Separate woodlands not selected. Witton Park Wood was. *Blank boxes indicate no information for the site Assessed in 2011 and found not to meet local sites criteria Assessed in 2011 - just short of local sites criteria Assessed and 'designated' a local site

118