This information is available free of charge in electronic, audio, Braille and large print versions, on request.
For assistance in understanding or reading this document or specific information about this Agenda please call Christine Laver on 01629 761300 or e- mail [email protected]
29 December 2008
To: All Councillors
As a Member of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy Joint Advisory Committee, please treat this as your summons to attend the meeting on Wednesday, 7 th January, 2009 at 6.30 pm at High Peak Borough Council Offices, Chinley.
PLEASE NOTE THAT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED FROM 6PM.
Yours sincerely
Sandra Lamb Head of Democratic Services AGENDA
1. APOLOGIES Please advise Christine Laver on 01629 761300 or e-mail [email protected] of any apologies for absence.
2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN To elect a Chairman of the Joint Advisory Committee for the remainder of the current Civic Year.
3. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN To appoint a Vice Chairman of the Joint Advisory Committee for the remainder of the current Civic Year.
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING 11 December 2008
5. INTERESTS
To enable members to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests they have in subsequent Agenda items. Interests that become apparent at a later stage in the proceedings may be declared at that time.
th Issued on 29 December 2008 Page Nos
6. JOINT DERBYSHIRE DALES AND HIGH PEAK CORE STRATEGY 1 - 4 DRAFT ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION DOCUMENT To consider a Draft Issues and Options Consultation Document and seek delegated authority to make revisions prior to presentation before Council (Derbyshire Dales District Council) and the Executive (High Peak Borough Council).
APPENDIX 1 ATTACHED TO THE REPORT
Members of the Committee: Councillors Mrs Tracy Critchlow, Steve Flitter, Mike Ratcliffe, Lewis Rose OBE, Simon Spencer, Geoff Stevens (Derbyshire Dales District Council members), Councillors Linda Baldry, Caitlin Bisknell, Peter Kay, David Lomax, Chris Pearson and Jean Wharmby (High Peak Borough Council members).
th Issued on 29 December 2008 NOT CONFIDENTIAL – For public release Item No. 6
DERBYSHIRE DALES AND HIGH PEAK JOINT CORE STRATEGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 7 JANUARY 2009
Report of Head of Planning Services and Head of Planning and Development Services
JOINT DERBYSHIRE DALES AND HIGH PEAK CORE STRATEGY DRAFT ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION DOCUMENT
SUMMARY
The report sets out a Draft Issues and Options Consultation Document for Members’ consideration, and seeks delegated authority to make revisions prior to presentation before full Council (Derbyshire Dales) and the Executive (High Peak).
RECOMMENDATION
That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning Services (Derbyshire Dales) and Head of Planning and Development Services (High Peak), in conjunction with the Chair and Vice Chair of this Committee, to finalise the content and format of the Issues and Options Consultation Document as set out in Appendix 1 to this report prior to presentation before full Council (Derbyshire Dales) and the Executive (High Peak).
WARDS AFFECTED
All Wards outside the Peak District National Park.
STRATEGIC LINK
The Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy will be a pivotal tool in the delivery of the both Council’s Corporate Plans and Sustainable Communities Strategy.
1 REPORT
1.1 At the last meeting of this Committee held on 17th November 2008, Members will recall discussing the key issues emerging from the evidence base that had been developed to underpin the preparation of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy. (Derbyshire Dales Minute 277/07).
1.2 It was resolved that the views of the Committee, arising from consideration of issues raised within the report, be included in the preparation of the Issues and Options document and that a report on the Draft Issues and Options document be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.
1.3 A Draft Issues and Options Consultation Document has now been prepared on the basis of the issues identified previously and is set out at Appendix 1.
1.4 The Issues and Options Consultation Document identifies a shared vision with the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Sustainable Community Strategy that reflect the
1 priorities identified through the stakeholder and public consultation undertaken during 2008. The vision has been agreed by the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Local Strategic Partnership. A set of 16 strategic objectives has been prepared as a means of delivering the priorities set out in the vision.
1.5 Three potential growth scenarios that could be used as a means of delivering sustainable development are put forward:- Focus on Market Towns; Semi-Dispersed Growth; and Dispersed Growth.
1.6 In relation to housing, the Issues and Options Consultation Document seeks views on the options on the overall distribution of housing across the plan area and the criteria for the provision of affordable housing. In respect of the latter, it builds on the work already undertaken on the now withdrawn Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Affordable Housing Development Plan Document.
1.7 Similarly, it sets out options available to ensure the continued development of the local economy and the overall potential for retail development in the town centres across the plan area, and seeks views on these.
1.8 The plan area has a high quality environment that makes it an attractive place to live, work and visit. It highlights the need to ensure that in taking the plan forward the quality of the local environment should not be neglected and that opportunities should be taken, wherever possible, to enhance the local environment.
1.9 Although the Vision does not make direct reference to Climate Change, the Local Strategic Partnership has agreed that it is an issue that needs to be cross-cutting each of the main priorities included in the Vision. The Issues and Options Consultation Document sets out the options that are considered available to address Climate Change.
1.10 Options to address access to services and facilities as well as the health and well- being of the local communities are also included.
1.11 It is anticipated that the consultation exercise will generate some interesting and thought provoking debate that will assist the development of the Core Strategy.
1.12 The new Regulations now set out that, prior to submission to the Secretary of State, there should be a continuous process of consultation and engagement in the preparation of a Development Plan Document rather than the previously advocated two stage approach of Issues and Options followed by Preferred Options.
1.13 Both Planning Authorities have already undertaken a considerable amount of consultation and engagement with the local community and key stakeholders. This has included the Issues and Options Consultation on the now withdrawn Joint Affordable Housing Development Plan Document, the consultation by High Peak Borough Council on the discussion paper “Shaping the Future” and stakeholder workshops held by Derbyshire Dales which reviewed in-house research.
1.14 However, although no longer a statutory requirement, the publication of an Issues and Options document for public consultation will form part of the continuous public participation and engagement process and allow views to be elicited on the appropriate strategy to taken forward in the Core Strategy.
1.15 In order to meet the deadline for the preparation of papers for this Committee, some elements of the Issues and Options Consultation Document could not be completed in
2 full. Furthermore, it is considered that, prior to the commencement of any formal consultation, the size and content of the document should be cut down to enable it to be much more compact and readable.
1.16 Prior to the commencement of any formal consultation exercise, approval of the Issues and Options Consultation Document is required by both Full Council at Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Executive at High Peak Borough Council. In order to finalise the completion of the Issues and Options Consultation Document in a format that would be capable of being consulted upon, it is requested that delegated authority be granted for the Head of Planning Services (Derbyshire Dales) and Head of Planning and Development Services (High Peak), in conjunction with the Chair and Vice Chair of this Committee, to finalise the content and format of the document.
2 RISK ASSESSMENT
2.1 Legal
Both Authorities have a legal obligation to prepare a Core Strategy and other elements of the Local Development Framework under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.
2.2 Financial
The costs of preparing the Joint Core Strategy are included in each authorities’ respective budgets.
2.3 Corporate Risk
The Joint Core Strategy will be a pivotal tool in the delivery of the both Council’s Corporate Plans and the Sustainable Communities Strategy. In order to fulfil this role it is necessary to ensure that robust evidence-based and “sound” documents are prepared. Failure to do so will undermine both Council’s ability to achieve its key aims and objectives.
3 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
In preparing this report the relevance of the following factors has also been considered: prevention of crime and disorder, equality of opportunity, environmental, health, legal and human rights, financial, personnel and property considerations.
4 CONTACT INFORMATION
Mike Hase, Planning Policy Manager Tel No. 01629 761251 [email protected]
Hilary Senior, Principal Planning Officer Tel No. 0845 129777 Ext 3651 [email protected]
3 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options
Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options Contents
Introduction and Context
1 Introduction 6
What is the Core Strategy? 8
Local Strategic Partnership 8
Purpose of consultation 8
Sustainability Appraisal 9
Next Stages 10
2 National and Regional Policy 11
3 Spatial Portrait 14
Glossopdale 16
High Peak Central Area 17
Buxton 17
Matlock 18
Wirksworth 19
Ashbourne 19
Southern Parishes 20
4 Vision 21
Strategic Objectives 21 Issues and Options
5 Development Options 23
Concentrated growth in Market Towns 24
Spatial Principles 26
General Outcomes 26
Semi-dispersed growth 27
Spatial Principles 29
Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options Contents
General Outcomes 29
Dispersed growth 29
Spatial Principles 32
General Outcomes 32
6 Housing 33
Key Issues 33
Alternative Approaches 33
Links to strategic objectives 38
Delivery 38
7 Employment 39
Key Issues 39
Alternative Approaches 41
Links to strategic objectives 50
Delivery 50
8 Environment 51
Key Issues 51
Alternative Approaches 53
Links to strategic objectives 62
Delivery 62
9 Retail 63
Key Issues 63
Alternative Approaches 65
Links to strategic objectives 71
Delivery 71
10 Access and Transport 72
Key Issues 72
Alternative Approaches 73
Links to strategic objectives 76
Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options Contents
Delivery 76
11 Health and Wellbeing 77
Key Issues 77
Alternative Approaches 77
Links to strategic objectives 81
Delivery 81
12 Open Space 82
Key Issues 82
Alternative Approaches 83
Links to strategic objectives 86
Delivery 86
13 Climate Change 87
Key Issues 87
Alternative Approaches 88
Links to strategic objectives 94
Delivery 94 Conclusions
14 Conclusions 95
15 How to contact us 95
Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 1 Introduction
1.1 Local Development Frameworks were introduced by the Government in 2004 as part of a major shake-up of the planning system with Structure Plans and Local Plans replaced by a Regional Spatial Strategy and a Local Development Framework. The Local Development Framework is made up of a series of documents which combine to form the framework within which planning decisions are made.
1.2 Local Development Frameworks are very different from the Local Plans they will replace. Whilst the old plans were confined to addressing matters of land use, the new plans are intended to be “spatial”. This means that they must be concerned with places, and how they function and relate together. Spatial planning is about managing change in places with the aim of achieving the best quality of life for all without wasting scarce resources or spoiling the environment.
1.3 The new documents should recognise that the plans and strategies of a wide number of agencies can affect places; and as such this requires the local authorities to work more closely with these agencies to co-ordinate activities and work towards shared objectives.
1.4 The Core Strategy is the key document within the Local Development Framework. It's role is to set out the spatial vision for the area over the whole plan period (up to 2026), together with “spatial” objectives and strategic policies designed to achieve the vision.
1.5 Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Borough Council have agreed to prepare a Joint Core Strategy for the area which they are the planning authorities outside of the Peak District National Park.
6 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 1 Introduction
Picture 1 Location of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak in Relation to the National Park
Local Development Framework 7 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 1 Introduction
What is the Core Strategy?
1.6 The Core Strategy will set out the key elements of the planning framework for an the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak for the next 20 years. It will be comprised of a number of components including the spatial vision and strategic objectives for the area, together with a spatial strategy, core policies and a monitoring and implementation framework, to guide the type of development that is required in the right place and at the right time.
1.7 The core strategy is an important, strategic level document and will provide the framework for the production of future LDF documents which will contribute to achieving the vision and objectives set out within the core strategy.
Local Strategic Partnership
1.8 Local Authorities are required to produce a Sustainable Community Strategy following consultation with their local communities and key local partners through the Local Strategic Partnership. These Local Strategic Partnerships are not, however, statutory bodies, but they bring together the public, private and third sectors to coordinate the contribution that each can make to improving localities.
1.9 The Sustainable Community Strategy sets out the strategic vision for a place and is linked into overarching regional strategies. It provides the vehicle for considering and deciding how to address difficult cross-cutting issues such as the economic future of an area, social exclusion and climate change. Building these factors into the community’s vision in an integrated way is at the heart of creating sustainable development at the local level.
1.10 The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Local Strategic Partnership has recently prepared a new Sustainable Community Strategy for the period 2009-2014. This has been prepared following extensive consultation with the local communities in both Derbyshire Dales and High Peak, and with key stake holders.
1.11 As a result four key priorities have been identified for action in the Sustainable Community Strategy: affordable housing, the local economy, health and well being; and supporting future generations. Key spatial planning objectives set out in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy will be very closely aligned with the Sustainable Community Strategy priorities.
Purpose of consultation
1.12 The guidance contained within PPS12, and the statutory procedures that local planning authorities have to follow in respect of the preparation of Local Development Frameworks requires that prior to the publication of a Draft Plan that there has been continuous period of engagement with key stake holders and the local community.
1.13 Both Derbyshire District Council and High Peak Borough Council has through the development of the evidence base undertaken consultation with key stake holders in relation to the Strategic Housing Market Assessment, the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, and the Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technology Research. The outcomes of the formal public consultation on the now withdrawn Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Affordable Housing Development Plan have been taken into account in the preparation of this Issues and Options
8 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 1 Introduction
Consultation Document. Separately the two authorities have undertaken consultation on a a few other matters that have also been taken into account in the preparation of this Issues and Options Consultation Document- Derbyshire Dales on a series of topic papers, and High Peak a discussion paper entitled "Shaping the Future". The consultation and stakeholder engagement during the preparation of the Sustainable Community Strategy has also been taken into account.
1.14 This Issues and Options Consultation Document is an important milestone in preparation of the Core Strategy as it represents the first opportunity that both stake holders and all the communities within the plan area will have to to think about the ways in which the places you live and work in and the wider area should develop over the next 15-20 years.
1.15 Identifying all the important issues and options is a key stage in the preparation of a Core Strategy. Its main purpose is to generate a range of alternative approaches, or options to address the issues raised. It is anticipated that consultation exercise will generate some interesting and thought provoking debate that will assist the local planning authorities guide the future planning of the area.
Sustainability Appraisal
1.16 The joint Core Strategy is subject to a process known as Sustainability Appraisal. This process is designed to ensure that the adopted Core Strategy will promote sustainable development by assessing the impact that its policies are likely to have on the social, environmental and economic development of the area. The way that a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is carried out is prescribed by the Government.
1.17 For the purposes of this Issues and Options paper, a simplified SA has been carried out on each alternative approach to tackling the issues identified. The alternatives have been assessed against a set of sustainable development objectives. This set of objectives, and the decision making criteria used for the assessment, were drawn up in light of the evidence base and are together known as the SA Framework. This Framework will be used again later as part of a much more detailed assessment of the selected approaches.
1.18 A report showing the SA Framework and the full results of the Interim SA process is available separately from the Councils' web-sites. LINKS
1.19 The interim SA summary has been provided in order to help people comment on the alternative approaches set out in this document and to identify their preferred way forward. Following an explanation of each approach to tackling an issue, the results of the interim SA have been summarised, with a smiley face given to symbolise whether the SA has found the approach to be positive, negative or neutral in terms of its impact on sustainable development. These symbols appear as:
1.20 Interim Sustainability Appraisal summary: positive.
1.21 Interim Sustainability Appraisal summary: neutral.
Local Development Framework 9 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 1 Introduction
1.22 Interim Sustainability Appraisal summary: negative.
Next Stages
1.23 Once all the responses to this Issues and Options consultation have been analysed and the tow local planning authorities are satisfied that all the reasonable realistic options have been identified and debated, our next task in preparing the Core Strategy will be to develop a Draft Core Strategy. This will reflect the views of the community and stake holders, and the results of Sustainability Appraisal. A further round of public consultation will again be carried out. It is anticipated that this will occur in xxx 2009/2010 ??
1.24 After that round of public consultation the Draft Core Strategy will be submitted to the Secretary of State. However, before it can be adopted the plan will be subject to independent examination by a Planning Inspector, who will look at whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures, is adequately justified on the basis of a robust evidence base, and is effectively capable of being delivered.
1.25 Assuming that the Planning Inspector finds the plan to be "sound", the Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy will be adopted in May 2011.
10 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 2 National and Regional Policy
2.1 The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy is required to take into account the wide range of national policies and strategies produced by the Government, as it considers that each local planning authority has a significant role to play in delivering them.
2.2 Planning Policy Guidance Notes and Planning Policy Statements set out Government priorities across a wide range of planning issues. The main ones that concern our area are referred to below. The full text of the documents is on the Government’s website at www.communities.gov.uk
PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development 2005 PPS1 Climate Change Supplement 2007 PPG2 Green Belts 1995/2001 PPS3 Housing 2006 PPG4 Industrial and Commercial Development and Small Firms 1992 PPS6 Town Centres and Retail Development 2005 PPS7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas 2004 PPS8 Telecommunications 2001 PPS9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation 2005 PPS10 Planning for Sustainable Waste Management 2005 PPS12 Local Spatial Planning 2008 PPG13 Transport 2002 PPG14 Development on Unstable Land 1990/1996/2002 PPG15 Planning and the Historic Environment 1994 PPG16 Archaeology and Planning 1990 PPG17 Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation 2002 PPS22 Renewable Energy 2004 PPS23 Planning and Pollution Control 2004 PPG24 Planning and Noise 1994 PPS25 Development and Flood Risk 2006
2.3 From the above the following national planning considerations will be relevant to the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy:
Planning safe, healthy, attractive and well-designed places suitable for mixed communities taking full account of people’s diverse needs to ensure they have good access to services and jobs (PPS1, PPS3) Protecting and improving natural and historic environments, townscapes, recreational facilities, countryside, wildlife and the best agricultural land (PPS1, PPG2, PPS7, PPS9, PPG15, PPG16, PPG17) Promoting regeneration through the re-use of previously developed land, bringing empty homes back into use and converting existing buildings in preference to the development of greenfield sites (PPS1, PPS3, PPS7, PPG13) Meeting the housing requirements of the whole community, including the provision of affordable and special needs housing (PPS3) Providing a range of opportunities for different types of business development (PPS1, PPG4) Promoting and managing city and town centres including the evening economy and supporting a network of more local centres (PPS6, PPG13)
Local Development Framework 11 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 2 National and Regional Policy
Recognising the changing pressures on agriculture and the need to diversify farming businesses (PPS7) Reducing dependence on the car and encouraging more environmentally friendly forms of transport (PPS1, PPS3, PPG4, PPG13) Lessening the risk of flooding (PPS1, PPS25) Helping to reduce climate change, promoting renewable energy, efficient use of energy and water, reducing waste and increasing its re-use (PPS1, PPS10, PPS22, PPS23) Reducing pollution and using development to deal with contaminated and unstable land so as to bring sites into beneficial use (PPG14, PPS23) Making sure that development does not cause and does not suffer from unacceptable noise disturbance (PPS24)
2.4 The East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy provides a broad development strategy for the region for the next 15-20 years. The policies within this strategy guide the distribution and scale of hosing development in the East Midlands, as well as setting priorities for the environment, transport, infrastructure, economic development and agriculture. The East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy is currently being reviewed. It is anticipated that it will finally published by the Secretary of State early in 2009. Once published in its final form it will replace the Derby and Derbyshire Structure Plan. The Regional Spatial Strategy is part of the development plan and the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy must generally conform with it.
2.5 At a Regional level the Draft East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (Secretary of State's Proposed Changes)has a vision of seeking to ensure that there is high quality of life with strong healthy sustainable communities that thrive because of the vibrant economy, rich cultural and environmental diversity and addresses social inequalities, manages its resources and contributes to a safer, more inclusive society.
2.6 To secure the delivery of sustainable development within the East Midlands, the Draft East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (Secretary of State's Proposed Changes) sets out that all strategies, plans and programmes should meet the following core objectives:
To ensure that the existing and future housing stock meets the needs of all communities in the region. To reduce social exclusion To protect and enhance the environmental quality of urban and rural settlements To improve the health and mental, physical and spiritual well being of the Region’s residents To improve economic prosperity, employment opportunities and regional competitiveness To improve accessibility to jobs, homes and services To protect and enhance the environment To achieve a ‘step change’ increase in the level of the Region’s biodiversity To reduce the causes of climate change To reduce the impacts of climate change To minimise adverse environmental impacts of new development and promote optimum social and economic benefits
12 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 2 National and Regional Policy
2.7 The Draft East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (Secretary of State's Proposed Changes) identifies that the towns in the Peak Sub-area outside the National Park have close functional relationships with large urban areas within and outside the Region: Buxton, Glossop, New Mills, Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith with Greater Manchester; Matlock with Chesterfield and South Yorkshire; and Ashbourne with Derby.
2.8 Given these relationships and the effects of the restraint policy in the National Park, the Draft East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (Secretary of State's Proposed Changes) suggests that these towns are likely to be subject to particularly strong development pressure. Although it goes on that, focusing housing supply in the National Park on addressing local needs does not imply that any unmet demand, particularly formarket housing should be met elsewhere in the Sub-area.
2.9 Policy 9 of the Draft East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (Secretary of State's Proposed Changes) sets out the Spatial Priorities for the Peak Sub Region outside of the Peak District National Park:
The preparation of policies and programmes in the Peak District towns outside the National Park should aim to meet local needs whilst reducing past levels of in-migration, discouraging additional commuting to, and supporting the regeneration of, the nearby conurbations. The emphasis should be on:
retaining and generating local employment. In particular, policies should make provision for the growth of indigenous firms and attracting inward investment to support their own population and the population of the surrounding rural hinterland; and restraining new housing development except where the local need for modest growth is identified.
Care must be taken to ensure that all new development respects and enhances the high quality environment of the area, notably the built heritage, particularly in Buxton, Ashbourne and Wirksworth, and the setting of the National Park, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, and the areas of high landscape and nature conservation value.
2.10 Rural deprivation is also highlighted as a problem in the Peak Sub Region with declining employment in local hill farming and quarrying, and that there is a need for diversification and regeneration in order to sustain the local needs of communities, for example through sustainable tourism.
2.11 Within the framework provided by National and Regional Policy, the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy will seek to set out a strategy for the planning of the area that addresses the locally identified priorities and reflects its unique and distinct characteristics.
Local Development Framework 13 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 3 Spatial Portrait
3.1 The combined area to be covered by the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy had an estimated population of 158,902 in an area of 92,324ha. The area is predominately rural, with small settlements scattered throughout. The area also includes larger Market Towns, such as Buxton, Matlock and Ashbourne, that act as service centres for their surrounding rural hinterlands.
3.2 The area covered by the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy is split into two; to the north the area within High Peak, and to the south the area within Derbyshire Dales. However neither area is continuous or contiguous with each other, as sandwiched between is the Peak District National Park, who are a separate local planning authority responsible in their own right for preparing their own Core Strategy.
14 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 3 Spatial Portrait
Picture 2 Internal and External Linkages for the Core Strategy Area
Local Development Framework 15 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 3 Spatial Portrait
3.3 To the north of the plan area there is a significant amount of interaction between the Glosspdale area and Greater Manchester whilst to the south of the plan area there is a significant amount of interaction along the A52 corridor between Ashbourne and Derby
3.4 The Derby and Derbyshire Joint Structure Plan adopted in 2001 divided the County into 15 Sub Areas, which were based upon Travel-to-Work Areas, and felt to be the most appropriate basis for strategic planning in Derbyshire.
3.5 Insert travel to work map from HMA
3.6 All or part of six Sub Areas cover the area included within the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy:
Glossopdale Central Area (New Mills, Chapel, Whaley Bridge) Buxton Matlock/Wirksworth Ashbourne Southern Parishes (Derby Sub-Area)
3.7 INSERT MAP OF SUB AREAS…
3.8 The remainder of this Chapter sets out the key spatial features of each of the Sub Areas.
Glossopdale
3.9 Glossopdale is the northern most sub area of the whole plan area and comprises of the settlements of Glossop, Hadfield, Tintwistle, Charlesworth and Gamesley. Glossopdale is an area of contrasts with historic mill towns, rural villages and urban overspill developments all contained within the splendid landscape of the Dark Peak.
3.10 Glossopdale covers an area of 2,350 hectares and has a population of 32,428 people, the majority of which live within the main mill town of Glossop. This area grew as a result of the 19th century textile industry in Derbyshire, and as such much of the area is characterised by rows of workers cottages and industrial mills spreading from a historic core and thriving high street which is home to a diverse range of independent retailers.
3.11 A large proportion of the population work in manufacturing and this is reflected by the significant area of employment land occupied by manufacturing industry spreading out to the north and east of the town. Many of the residents of Glossopdale also commute to work outside of the Borough. 41% of the working age population commute to work outside of the sub area and this is largely due to its effective infrastructure links with Greater Manchester where the range of employment opportunities is greater.
3.12 The settlements are surrounded by high quality landscape. Most of the surrounding countryside is classified as greenbelt which means that development is only allowed in special circumstances. Opportunities for appropriate development do exist however in small areas of countryside which are not designated as greenbelt.
16 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 3 Spatial Portrait
3.13 The health of residents in Glossopdale is generally good although there are pockets of health deprivation where life expectancy is lower, particularly in Gamesley. Housing in this particular part of the sub area is predominantly let by the local authority with much of it having been built in the 1960s by Manchester City Council.
3.14 The majority of housing in the rest of Glossopdale is owner occupied with only limited numbers of privately rented housing.
High Peak Central Area
3.15 The Central area of the High Peak is more rural in character compared with Glossopdale although there are a number of settlements dispersed throughout a land area of approximately 5275ha. There are 32,893 people living in the central area (Census, 2001) with approximately two thirds of these living in the main towns of Whaley Bridge, New Mills and Chapel-en-le-Frith. Each of these towns have their own distinct character which can be largely attributed to the rapid expansion of 19th century industrial development and the textile industry. The rich heritage of these towns and many buildings of special architectural and historic interest within them are protected with conservation areas designations.
3.16 The main industry of employment in the Central area is manufacturing and many of the employment sites throughout the area such as the Ferodo site to the north east of Chapel are devoted to this. Transport links to Manchester and Sheffield are good with direct rail routes from New Mills, Chapel and Whaley. Around 29% of the working age population use this infrastructure to commute out of the Borough to work in the major cities seeking opportunities in other employment sectors. Smaller settlements in the Central area include Chinley, Dove Holes and Hayfield which have a slightly higher incidence of other employment types including agriculture, quarrying and other business activities.
3.17 The proximity of the Peak District National Park gives certain locations, particularly Whaley Bridge and Hayfield important roles in supporting the tourist industry in the park.
3.18 The main area of health deprivation in the Central area is within New Mills East which may be linked to higher levels of economic deprivation within this .
Buxton
3.19 Buxton in the South of the High Peak part of the Core Strategy area is considered to be the cultural heart of the Peak District. It marks the boundary between the rugged Dark Peak and the more gentle White Peak landscape types. The settlement dates back to the Stone Age and as such, has a long and prosperous history, growing in importance during the Roman era and thriving as a tourist destination throughout the 17th and 18th centuries and up until the present day.
3.20 The town has a population of approximately 24,112 people and covers an area of 10,440 ha. Buxton has a strong and diverse local economy with many people employed in the local mining and quarrying industries as well as in tourism and education. The University of Derby has a campus based in the town which specialises in tourism and hospitality based courses, so there is a wealth of support for the growth of tourism in the town.
Local Development Framework 17 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 3 Spatial Portrait
3.21 A lower proportion of the population travel to work outside of the Borough from Buxton than each of the sub-areas, which is testament to the level of opportunity for people to work in the town.
3.22 Buxton has a number of conservation areas to protect the quality of the built environment which has grown from the historic market place at its centre. The town has a wealth of outstanding architecture, most notably the magnificent Crescent and the former Devonshire Royal Hospital which contribute to an attractive and distinctive townscape. This is complemented by a number of high quality open spaces for recreation including the historic parks at the centre, Pavilion Gardens and the Slopes.
3.23 Affordability of housing in Buxton is generally sufficient to meet the needs of the local population although more affordable housing is needed in a range of types and tenures. There are some distinct pockets of deprivation in the town, particularly around Fairfield in the north which would benefit from better access to services and facilities, particularly housing and health care.
Matlock
3.24 The Matlock/Wirksworth Sub-Area consists of about half of the area of Derbyshire Dales District outside the Peak District National Park. It comprises the two Market Towns of Matlock and Wirksworth, and much surrounding and attractive countryside.
3.25 Matlock is the administrative centre of Derbyshire Dales, and the administrative centre for Derbyshire County Council. Its development as a Hydro town in 1880’s remains evident in the character and appearance of the town. Consequently much of the town is situated within a Conservation Area. Matlock town centre acts as a focus for the surrounding hinterland. Its administrative function results in significant daily net inward work related movements. Although the majority of the daily movements are car borne journeys, the town is however well served by public transport, with both bus and rail services available. There are also good public transport routes, which allow travel across the town.
3.26 Wirksworth is an attractive market town with medieval origins. It’s development being associated primarily with lead mining and more recently limestone quarrying. Wirksworth has a compact town centre, focused around the Market Place. Much of the town centre is designated as a Conservation Area. To the south of the town the landscape is some of the highest quality in Derbyshire. The population of the town has fluctuated over time, according to local economic conditions. It has however been at such a level as to sustain all ‘key’ services and facilities. Although the town acts as a local focus for its residents it has become a dormitory town for nearby Matlock and Derby, with considerable daily outward movements. Although the majority of these will be car borne, there are however good public transport links which allow commuting to Belper, Derby and Matlock from Wirksworth.
3.27 The Sub Area also includes the linear village of Darley Dale which runs along the A6 to the north-west of Matlock. The village extends up the hillside to the north-east, beyond that is some of the highest quality landscape in Derbyshire. Services and facilities are limited in the village, providing only day-to-day needs, with Matlock providing those more essential services not available within Darley Dale. The village effectively acts as a ‘suburb’ of Matlock. There are however good public transport links between Darley Dale and Matlock, which allows for daily commuting.
18 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 3 Spatial Portrait
3.28 Matlock Bath is a centre for the tourist industry, with a number of major attractions. Located alongside the A6 and the River Derwent, opportunities for new development are very limited. Masson Mill, a large historic building just outside Matlock Bath, has been converted to shops, offices, a museum and car-parking. The shopping parade has become dominated by amusement arcades, takeaways and restaurants. Environmental improvements, through a number of central and local government initiatives, have improved its appearance in recent years. The main problem for Matlock Bath is severe traffic congestion on the A6 at peak tourist times and inadequate tourist parking.
3.29 The recent designation of the Derby-Matlock as a Community Rail line, and the introduction of hourly rail services provides real opportunities for modal shift for visitors wishing to visit the area.
3.30 To the south at Cromford, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site begins. This is a linear site that follows the route of the River Derwent from Cromford down to Derby. Although the World Heritage Site was inscribed in 2001 there remains considerable scope to bring real benefits to the local economy through the growth of its tourism potential and the development of business units to meet emerging growth sectors.
3.31 There has been a significant amount of investment in Matlock recently with the completion of a new supermarket by Sainsbury's and A6 town centre relief road at Cawdor Quarry. There remains opportunities elsewhere within the rest of the town centre of Matlock to add to the regeneration efforts that have already commenced.
Wirksworth
Ashbourne
3.33 The Ashbourne Sub-Area comprises around half of the area of Derbyshire Dales District outside the National Park. It comprises of the market Town of Ashbourne and its surrounding rural hinterland.
3.34 Ashbourne is known as the ‘Gateway to Dovedale’. It is an attractive historic town, with origins in the mediaeval period. Much of the town centre is designated as a Conservation Area. To the north-west of the town is some of the finest landscape in the County. The population of the town grew from 5579 in 1971 to 7664 in 2001.
3.35 Much of the area is made up of attractive countryside and areas of Grade 2 and 3A agricultural land. Although Ashbourne is situated within a large rural hinterland and is largely self-contained there is a considerable amount of commuting both to and from Derby and Uttoxeter.
3.36 Ashbourne town is the main employment and service centre for the southern part of Derbyshire Dales. The Ashbourne Airfield Industrial Estate, which sits to the south east of the town acts as the main focus for employment opportunities. The recently opened Waterside Park, on the site of the former Nestle factory will broaden the range and quality of modern office and employment premises within the town.
Local Development Framework 19 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 3 Spatial Portrait
3.37 A southern bypass for the town was constructed in the 1990's as a means of relieving the town centre of traffic. However the construction of a long planned western bypass, as a means of further improving the local environment within the town centre, has yet to receive the necessary priority and funding from government.
3.38 Many of the villages within the Ashbourne rural hinterland have very small populations and very limited local access to services and facilities, without having to relay upon the motor car. The strategy for the continued sustainability of these communities will need to considered very carefully, as large scale development, as a means of improving the viability of local services and facilities is likely to have a significant impact upon the character and appearance of these villages.
Southern Parishes
3.39 The Southern Parishes are situated in the Eastern part of the Derbyshire Dales, and forms part of the wider Derby Travel-To-Work Area. It predominately open countryside, and high quality agricultural land. The three largest villages in this Sub Area are Hulland Ward, Brailsford and Kirk Ireton.
3.40 Although the A52 which links Ashbourne with Derby runs through Brailsford and has frequent bus services, the remainder of the Sub Area is not particularly well served by public transport which creates problems in terms of access to services and facilities.
3.41 The strategy for the continued sustainability of the smaller settlements in the area will need to considered very carefully, as large scale development, as a means of improving the viability of local services and facilities is likely to have a significant impact upon the character and appearance of these villages.
20 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 4 Vision
4.1 Government Guidance on the preparation and content of Core Strategies set out in PPS12 indicates that they should include both a vision which sets out how the area and the places within it should develop and strategic objectives for the area focusing on the key issues to be addressed.
4.2 The advice suggests that the vision should be informed by an analysis of the characteristics of the area and its constituent parts and the key issues and challenges facing them. The vision should be in general conformity with the Regional Spatial Strategy and it should closely relate to any Sustainable Community Strategy for the area.
4.3 The strategic objectives form the link between the high level vision and the detailed strategy. They should expand the vision into the key specific issues for the area which need to be addressed, and how that will be achieved within the timescale of the core strategy.
4.4 The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Local Strategic Partnership has recently prepared a new Sustainable Community Strategy for the period 2009-2014. This has been prepared following extensive consultation with the local communities in both Derbyshire Dales and High Peak, and with key stake holders.
4.5 As a result four key priorities have been identified for action in the Sustainable Community Strategy: affordable housing, the local economy, health and well being; and supporting future generations.
4.6 A joint vision has been agreed for both the Sustainable Community Strategy and the Core Strategy:
The Peak District will be a distinctive high quality rural environment with... Healthy and safe people of all ages High skill, high wage jobs Affordable, decent homes for local people Towns and villages that offer a high quality of life.
Strategic Objectives
4.7 Government advice on the preparation of Core Strategies sets out that the strategic objectives form the link between the high level vision and the detailed strategy. They should expand the vision into the key specific issues for the area which need to be addressed, and how that will be achieved within the timescale of the core strategy. A number of strategic objectives have been identified for the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy:
4.8 Providing Affordable and Decent Home
Facilitate the delivery of the housing requirements of the East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy for the period to 2026 Ensure that there is an adequate mix of housing types, sizes and tenures to meet the needs of all sectors of the community
Local Development Framework 21 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 4 Vision
Ensure that new housing contributes to the achievement of sustainable development, maximises the re-use of previously developed land and minimises the need to travel by motor car Provide high quality housing that meets the challenges of climate change and whose appearance is appropriate for the high quality rural environment of the area.
4.9 Healthy and Safe People of All Ages
Ensure that social and community infrastructure is delivered to meet the needs of the area Protect existing and support the delivery of new accessible services and facilities required to meet the needs of the community Facilitate development which enhances safety for the local communities and reduces the perception and fear of crime Safeguard existing and provide new opportunities for access to open space, leisure and sporting facilities
4.10 Developing a High Wage High Skill Economy
Facilitate an appropriate amount of quality employment opportunities in locations that contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and is accessible by a range of transport modes Ensure that new employment development addresses the challenges of climate change, whose appearance is appropriate for the high quality rural environment of the area, and meets the needs of the existing and emerging growth sectors within the local economy Capitalise on the the attractiveness of the local environment, and accessible location to support indigenous businesses, attract inward investment and facilitate the growth of new firms Facilitate development that will support the continued growth of the local economy
4.11 Towns and Villages Offering a High Quality of Life
Protect and enhance the character, appearance and setting of the towns and villages in the area Ensure that development adequately addresses the local distinctiveness of the towns and villages in the area Facilitate development that addresses the challenge of climate change, the risk of flooding, and minimises the impact on air, light and noise pollution Protect and enhance species and habitats important for biodiversity, landscape character, and cultural and heritage assets
4.12 To measure progress against these objectives a number of indicators will be developed during the preparation of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy.
4.13 DOES THE VISION AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES IDENTIFY THE KEY CHALLENGES AND ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED ? WHAT INDICATORS SHOULD BE USED TO MEASURE SUCCESS ??
22 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
5.1 The location, scale and distribution of new development can have an impact upon the sustainability of an area. Development located in the wrong place and of the wrong scale could have detrimental consequences. It is important, therefore, that in developing a strategy for the development of the area covered by the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy care is taken to ensure the principles of sustainable development are addressed.
5.2 The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy needs to set out a Development Strategy which meets the requirements of national and regional policy, takes account of the evidence on housing and employment needs, allows access to services and facilities whilst at the same time maintaining a sustainable pattern of development across the plan area.
5.3 The thrust of national, and regional policy indicates that in rural areas, such as Derbyshire Dales and High Peak policy should be seeking to accommodate the majority of new development within or adjoining existing towns and villages where employment, housing, services and other facilities can be provided close together. Achieving this would ensure facilities are served by public transport and provide improved opportunities for access to them by modes of transport other than the car.
5.4 It is however important to recognise that in small settlements where there is limited or no services and facilities these are communities with their own characteristics and issues to be addressed. Development in such locations may not improve the viability of whatever services and facilities exist. It may, however, be more appropriate in such locations to put in place alternative strategies that does not involve development as a means of supporting the sustainability of those communities.
5.5 In seeking to identify a development strategy for the location of future development in the plan area the following issues have been taken into account:
What level of services and facilities exist? Will the existing population levels maintain viability of existing services and facilities? Are there physical constraints on the development land including contamination, stability and flood risk? Would development have an impact on natural resources, cultural and environmental assets? Would development have an impact on the role and function of existing settlements? Would development contribute to creating and sustaining vibrant, socially inclusive communities and improving the health of local people? Would development have an effect on the causes and impacts of climate change? Does the settlement have the capacity to accommodate new development without detriment to its character and appearance? Does the local school have capacity to accommodate additional pupils? What is the scale of local employment opportunities? What is the extent of in/out commuting? How well is the settlement served by public transport? Where can people live and work without the need to travel extensively? Will there be minimal use of greenfield land? Will there be maximum opportunity for development of brownfield land? Will development in the settlement reduce the reliance on the car?
Local Development Framework 23 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
Will development in the settlement improve access to jobs and services? Will development in the settlement be supported by viable existing services and facilities?
5.6 On the basis of an analysis of the settlements within the plan area, the need to meet the regional housing requirements, (both market and affordable housing), the need to ensure the continued sustainable growth of the local economy, and that there is no unacceptable degradation of the high quality local environment it is considered that there are only three development strategy options which can be considered:
Concentrated Growth in Market towns Semi Dispersed Growth and; Dispersed Growth
Concentrated growth in Market Towns
5.7 This strategy would primarily focus all new required housing and employment development in the Market Towns:
Matlock Wirksworth Ashbourne Glossopdale Chapel-en-le-Frith New Mills Whaley Bridge and; Buxton
24 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
Picture 3 Distribution of Market Towns
Local Development Framework 25 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
5.8 The overall distribution of new development across these settlements would need to be identified on the basis of need, capacity, deliverability and sustainability impacts.
5.9 There are both advantages and disadvantages to this option. The advantages are that:
Development would provide opportunities to secure an appropriate element of affordable housing and other community benefits A significant proportion of development could be on previously developed land All new development would be in settlements with good access to employment,schools and community facilities, therefore reducing the need for car journeys. Future development would be served by frequent public transport. The character and appearance of other settlements in the Core Strategy area would be maintained The high quality landscape and environment outside these locations would be protected
5.10 The disadvantages of this option are:
Some greenfield sites may be required to bring forward the required amount of development. There is the risk of “town cramming” and the overall density of the settlements would gradually increase with pressure for development on undeveloped land. There would be some impact upon the landscape and historic setting of the Market Towns and pressure to develop any existing employment land and the towns “green infrastructure” for housing. There would be little new planned development outside the Market Towns. This may lead to the perception, over time that the rural areas of the plan area were stagnating.
Spatial Principles
General Outcomes
5.11 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
5.12 This approach will control growth within Market Towns of Matlock, Ashbourne, Wirksworh, Buxton, Glossop and Chapel-en-le Frith. It is most likely to support the wide range of employment, services, facilities, schools and public transport and to support the vitality and vibrancy of the town centres, reducing the number of people travelling by car, minimise the generation of new journeys and creation of high quality and high skill job. Depending on land availability, a proportion of new development could be secured through larger sites which would maximise opportunities to secure affordable housing and other community benefits. This approach would be within a limited geographic area of the Core Strategy Area and there is risk of “town cramming” and the overall density of the settlements would gradually increase with pressure for development on undeveloped land. There is some risk to build on the edge of settlements, if there is a limited supply of land which may lead to some impact upon the landscape and historic settlings.
26 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
Semi-dispersed growth
5.13 This option would allow new development within the Market Towns and a selected number of other settlements:
Derbyshire Dales High Peak
Brailsford Tintwistle
Hulland Ward Charlesworth
Cromford Hayfield
Matlock Bath Birch Vale
Darley Dale Furness Vale
Middleton by Wirksworth Chinley
Doveridge Dove Holes
Tansley Peak Dale
Local Development Framework 27 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
Picture 4 Semi Dispersed Growth
28 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
5.14 The overall distribution of new development across these settlements would need to be identified on the basis of need, capacity, deliverability and sustainability impacts.
5.15 There are both advantages and disadvantages to this option. The advantages are that:
Development would provide opportunities to secure an appropriate element of affordable housing and other community benefits A significant proportion of development could be on previously developed land. The majority of new development would be in settlements with good access to employment, schools and community facilities, therefore helping to reduce the need for car journeys. Future development would be served by frequent public transport. The character of smaller villages in the Core Strategy area would be maintained. Development for open market housing would take place over a wider geographic area, helping to maintain and enhance the vitality of other settlements
5.16 The disadvantages of this option are:
Some greenfield sites may be required to bring forward the required amount of development. There is the risk of “town cramming” with the overall density of development within the settlements gradually increasing with the pressure for development on undeveloped land There would be little new planned development outside of these settlements and opportunities to effect change or improvement within them would be very limited. This may lead to the perception, over time that the other smaller settlements were stagnating.
Spatial Principles
General Outcomes
5.17 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
5.18 This approach would concentrate growth in the Market Towns and a number of additional settlements that may be capable of sustaining additional development because within each settlement there is a wide range of facilities / service, access to public transport, local employment opportunities and population levels would support any new development. Spreading growth over a larger geographic area would help to maintain and enhance the viability of other settlements and respond to local need and reduce the barriers of access to services and facilities. There is however a greater risk of negative impacts on biodiversity and the landscape and greater travel by car especially in areas where public transport is limited.
Dispersed growth
5.19 This option would allow new development to be widely distributed across settlements within the plan area - more of the smaller settlements within the plan area would accommodate development than under the Semi-Dispersed Option. These additional settlements could include:
Local Development Framework 29 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
Derbyshire Dales High Peak Rowsley Smalldale
Northwood Buxworth
Darley Bridge Chapel Milton Bonsall Thornsett Brassington Sterndale Moor Kniveton Tunstead Milton Kirk Ireton Combs Clifton Marston Montgomery Longford Sudbury
30 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
Picture 5 Dispersed Growth
Local Development Framework 31 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 5 Development Options
5.20 Under this option Market Towns and the larger settlements would be the main focus for new planned development. However further limited beneficial development would allowed in the above villages. This would allow in appropriate locations development for example of small affordable housing schemes aimed at meeting local needs. These primarily coming forward as Rural Exceptions.
5.21 There are both advantages and disadvantages to this option. The advantages are that:
A significant proportion of new development would take place over wider geographic area, where opportunities to secure affordable housing could be achieved. Market Towns already good access to jobs, services and community facilities, reducing the need for car journeys. The character of existing villages would be protected The size of sites would be appropriate to their location and to the capacity of settlement in which they are located
5.22 The disadvantages of this option are:
There may be some impact on the character and appearance at the edge of some settlements New development in the smaller settlements is unlikely to have any significant benefit to existing jobs, access to services, and the availability of public transport.
Spatial Principles
General Outcomes
5.23 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
5.24 This approach would focus most new development in the Market Towns and other larger settlements but would allow some limited amount of beneficial development at some villages to assist in more sustainable patterns of travel and meet an identified local need (such as for housing need, economic regeneration and environmental improvement) but without causing significant harm to the environment in these more sensitive locations. This option would allow a significant proportion of appropriate new development over a wide geographic which would help meet local housing need within the villages, development of employment opportunities, improve accessibility to services and facilities and health and leisure. There is potential for a number of negative impacts in particular on the character and appearance of settlements within areas of high environmental quality, biodiversity and landscape. New development is unlikely to have any significant benefit to existing jobs, services and public transport within the villages.
32 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 6 Housing
6.1 The location and provision of housing to meet the needs of the population is one of the important issues to be considered in the Joint Core Strategy. Many of the decisions are based on national and regional guidance but the evidence and views of residents and stakeholders will help to shape the policies.
Key Issues
6.2 The key issues for housing are
The distribution and allocation of land to meet the Regional Plan (RSS) targets of 500 dwellings per annum to 2026 (Total target of 12,500) Is the split between the 2 authority areas appropriate Affordable housing delivery What thresholds are appropriate to the provision of affordable housing What proportion of each site should be affordable What tenure split should be sought between social rented and intermediate housing What impact does affordable housing have on the viability of residential development schemes How should the identified need for gypsy and traveller sites be addressed Type of housing required How do we meet the needs of an ageing population
Alternative Approaches
Issue H 1
Where should the new houses be located
6.3 The Regional Plan indicates the number of houses required in the Peak sub region. It also breaks this figure down into Local Authority areas. It is assumed that this spilt is appropriate based on future population projections but it may be that in order to create sustainable settlements on area need to grow more than another.
Alternative Approach H1a
Should the Regional Plan split of houses between the Districts be maintained
6.4 The development options explain the proposed location of development but it may be that certain settlements have more capacity to accommodate growth than others. The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment will give some indication of this. The issues discussed in other chapters of this document need to be considered when looking at the capacity of settlements as well as previous recent developments.
Local Development Framework 33 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 6 Housing
6.5 In addition to the capacity of existing social and physical infrastructure, the ability to provide new infrastructure varies from settlement to settlement. A further consideration is the impact that additional housing will have on regional policy and on the regeneration of adjacent conurbations.
Alternative Approach H1b
Which settlements can accommodate additional housing
Issue H 2
Maximising the delivery of affordable housing
6.6 The current requirements for affordable housing mean that sites smaller than 0.5 ha or less than 15 dwellings do not have to provide affordable housing. The Housing Needs survey suggested that in order to achieve additional levels of affordable housing the thresholds should be reduced.
6.7 There is always a balance to be struck between delivery of the maximum amount of affordable housing and the viability of any housing scheme. The problem with thresholds is that it creates a huge disparity between developments above and below the thresholds. One option is to require a contribution to affordable housing on sites as small as 1 unit. In the case of small sites the requirement would be for a financial contribution towards the provision of affordable housing, but on larger sites on site provision will be required. The choice is between a threshold based policy or a sliding scale approach.
Alternative Approach H2a
Affordable housing, or a contribution towards the provision of affordable housing be required on sites as small as 1 unit as part of a "sliding scale"
6.8 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
6.9 This approach would require all residential sites in the core strategy area to make a contribution towards the delivery of affordable housing and would ensure that delivery of affordable housing is maximised. On this basis this approach would significantly contribute to meeting local need. For single open market dwellings, provision of on site affordable housing may not be practical so for this option a financial contribution would be required. The pressure to meet the demand / shortfall of affordable housing may be compromised by design and therefore may have an impact on the landscape and quality of the townscape. The number of houses will lead to an increase in energy consumption, however to meet the target of neutral homes, new buildings should be very
34 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 6 Housing
well insulated with energy generated from on site renewable resources. The increased proportion of on site affordable homes will ensure that local people can live and work in the area, helping to deliver local businesses with a local workforce and contributing sustainable economic growth.
6.10 This approach may deter small scale developments which form an important component of supply. Consequently an alternative approach would be to start the sliding scale at 5 units or more.
Alternative Approach H2b
Affordable housing, or a financial contribution will be required on sites larger than 5 units as part of a "sliding scale".
6.11 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
6.12 Reducing the site thresholds to 5 dwellings goes beyond the national indicative minimum site threshold and will help increase the provision of affordable housing residential sites to meet local needs. The delivery of affordable housing is dependent on whether proposed housing schemes exceeds the thresholds. There is some risk that housing schemes will be planned to avoid the thresholds so to avoid the provision of affordable housing. However by reducing the site thresholds means the ability to secure additional affordable housing is increased to meet regional targets. The final design will determine whether there will be an impact on the landscape or environment irrespective whether the provision is for affordable or open market dwellings. The pressure to meet the demand / shortfall of affordable housing may be compromised by design and therefore have an impact on the landscape and townscape. The increased proportion of on site affordable homes will ensure that local people can live and work in the area, helping to deliver local businesses with a local workforce and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
6.13 The current policies in High Peak and Derbyshire Dales differ. In Derbyshire Dales on eligible sites 45% of dwelling should be affordable whereas in the High Peak the requirement is for 30%. The Regional Plan recognises the affordability issues in the Peak Sun Region and suggests that up to 54% of all new dwellings should be affordable. This figure includes the National Park.
6.14 The provision of affordable housing is recognised as a priority in the Sustainable Community Strategy and the Housing Needs survey reported a need of between 443 and 591 new affordable dwellings.
Local Development Framework 35 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 6 Housing
Alternative Approach H2b
45% of each housing site should be in the affordable categories
6.15 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
6.16 Land prices are a major factor in determining house prices and this approach would make some realistic contribution towards providing affordable housing. A balance needs to be reached whereby developers are not inhibited by overly restrictive affordable housing requirements, which could have a potentially adverse effect on affordability elsewhere in the market by restricting the overall level of supply. The pressure to meet the demand / shortfall of affordable housing may be compromised by design and therefore have an impact on the landscape. This approach may demand the provision of a large number of houses that may put pressure on space in towns and settlements and may risk loss of open space and countryside sites. It will also ensure that local people can live and work in the area, helping to deliver local businesses with a local workforce and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Issue H 3
Meeting the housing needs of the whole population
6.17 There are several types of affordable housing but the Housing Needs survey said that the predominant need was for 80% social rented units and 20% shared ownership. This approach maximises the delivery of homes that best meet housing need. However rented housing is expensive to provide, so viability may be affected.
Alternative Approach H3a
Should the split between social rented and intermediate housing be 80% to 20%
6.18 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
6.19 This approach is most likely to deliver homes suitable for those in most need. Maximising the number of homes for social rent also helps to keep homes affordable in the long term. However there may be some uncertainty over the effects of this option on the financial viability of sites. Under this approach the same number of homes is being considered, the only difference relates to the tenure mix. Tenure is not expected to influence and impacts on the landscape, biological and geological capital. However, tenure may influence the townscape quality , because although
36 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 6 Housing
design of dwellings should not be impacted, the perception of estates with high numbers of homes for social rent is one of areas with lower local environmental quality. There is a greater chance of achieving the long term goal of sustainable economic growth if a greater number of those in most housing need are able to remain in the Core Strategy area.
6.20 Whilst the predominant need is for rented homes, other forms of housing may assist people in accessing the housing market. Shared ownership housing along with discounted homes for sale may be a lower cost alternative to purchasing on the open market. In the current economic climate however, the delivery of, and access to shared ownership properties is being restricted by the availability of the necessary finance.
Alternative Approach H3b
What other split of rented to shared ownership is appropriate
6.21 It is recognised that the provision of affordable housing, and other s106 requirements may affect the profitability and ultimately the viability of housing schemes. As part of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, an affordable housing toolkit has been developed which allows the viability of particular schemes and spilt of the types of housing provided to be assessed. The development costs and other requirements will be agreed throughout the sub region. The private sector remains by far the largest builder of all types of homes. If housing supply is to be maintained, then it is important that the overall viability of schemes is taken into account.
Alternative Approach H3d
Does the provision of affordable housing effect the viability of housing schemes
6.22 The Derbyshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment identified a need of 2 pitches in the Peak Sub Region to be provided within Derbyshire Dales.
Alternative Approach H3c
How should the identified need for gypsy and travellers be met
6.23 The evidence suggests that the population is ageing. Older people have different housing requirements, such as easy access, single storey or sheltered accommodation.
6.24 On the other hand families need houses with 3 bedrooms. The evidence in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment indicates that there is a need for family housing. Planning policy can be framed so as to require particular types of housing to be built. Alternatively housing can be built so that it is flexible to meet a variety of needs.
Local Development Framework 37 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 6 Housing
Alternative Approach H3d
Should the Core Strategy require particular types of housing to meet identified need
Links to strategic objectives
Delivery
38 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
7.1 This chapter examines some of the issues relating to the provision of employment opportunities and business growth in the area. Particular emphasis is placed on the demands of a changing economy and the need to protect and enhance the unique assets of the area, particularly the high quality natural and built environment. Consideration is also given to the land, property and infrastructure likely to be necessary to help create and sustain suitable local employment opportunities.
7.2 With regards to land designated for employment purposes, it is important to note that in planning terms, employment sites are generally intended for industrial, office, warehousing and distribution purposes only. However, a sizeable and growing proportion of the population is employed in sectors that are better located in other areas such as town centres, including retail, tourism and service sector jobs. Other sectors prominent in the area such as quarrying, agriculture and associated business are also typically located elsewhere. Consequently, provision for many of these sectors is made elsewhere in this Issues and Options paper. In the case of the quarrying industry, Derbyshire County Council are in the process of preparing a separate plan for minerals and waste developments.
Key Issues
7.3 The key issues facing the local economy and employment prospects have been identified through consultation with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders and through the analysis of statistics and employment trends. An Employment Land Review of the area has also been undertaken to identify issues to be considered during the preparation of future planning policies.
7.4 The economy and environment
Whilst unemployment in the area is generally low, there is shortage of jobs available locally, particularly in high skill / high wage positions, and notably in High Peak. High instances of out-commuting, particularly from High Peak. This exacerbates the tight labour supply in the area and inhibits business growth. The current global economic crisis will have implications for the local economy. During the plan period up to 2026, there are likely to be further unforeseen changes that will influence local businesses and job prospects. As such, policies and land allocations should be flexible enough to respond to changing business needs and economic conditions. Local economic structures are changing. Recent years have seen the continued decline in manufacturing, particularly in High Peak. In contrast, growth in services, tourism, finance and distribution has increased. The service sector provides a large proportion of local jobs and is likely to continue to do so. However, many of these jobs are located within town centres or dispersed across the area and do not fall within traditional employment land allocations e.g. industrial estates and business parks. There is a need to nurture potential growth sectors in the Sub-Region, namely; food and drink, creative industries, tourism, knowledge-based industries. These growth sectors may present the opportunity the capitalise on the unique qualities of the area, particularly the high quality natural environment and the quality of life that it offers.
Local Development Framework 39 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
As well as the high quality environment, other key strengths of the area include a highly skilled and qualified local labour market and its proximity to established markets e.g. Manchester, Derby, Sheffield, etc. Balance employment growth with the protection of local environment and character. This issue is particularly crucial as the quality of the local environment has been identified as one of the key advantages of the area as a business location.
7.5 Land, property and infrastructure
Many current employment land allocations and premises are constrained in terms of access, location, topography, ageing premises, contamination, flood risk etc. These issues are especially prevalent in High Peak. Support rural diversification that is sensitive to local character. Requirement to develop new and existing tourist attractions and accommodation to encourage more overnight stays to serve the wider Peak District. There is a shortage of suitable sites and premises fit for contemporary businesses. However, there is an over-supply of employment land in broad terms. A managed release of some poor quality employment land to alternative uses is required. The over-supply is more acute in High Peak. Further investigation may be required to identify which sites should be retained for employment purposes, developed for mixed-use (including employment), or alternatively, subject to a wholesale change of use redevelopment. The bulk of future demand will continue to be for industrial premises, although there is also demand for additional office space, managed workspace and incubator / start-up units. The current supply of such premises is limited across the plan area. Demand for new office space, managed workspace and incubator / start-up units is likely to be highest in the areas main settlements. However, public sector investment is likely to be required to deliver such development. In High Peak, the majority of future land supply will come from the redevelopment of suitable existing sites. In Derbyshire Dales, future demand will largely be met through the development of existing vacant allocations. In both districts, investment is needed from public and private sector to alleviate constraints and to pump-prime projects. In High Peak, there is also a need to identify some new sites for office space, incubator, start-up units, managed workspace. This is due to the type of constraints present on many of existing sites in High Peak. Facilitate home-working to help reduce traffic congestion and potentially improve the work / life balance. At present, the highest rates of home-working occur in the more rural parts of the area. Encourage provision of broadband infrastructure and other ICT.
7.6 Summary
7.7 In general terms, the detailed issues given above can be condensed into the following, interlinked points for further debate:
The requirement to provide sufficient suitable land and premises for changing business needs. Need to strike a suitable balance between enabling business growth and protecting the area's high quality environment.
40 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
Assist the strengthening and diversification of the local economy to provide a wider range of job opportunities (including high skill / high wage) and reduce the need to commute outside of the area. Address current employment sites and premises that are no longer fit for purpose and contribute towards the oversupply of employment land in the area.
Alternative Approaches
Issue EMP 1
The requirement to provide sufficient suitable land and premises for changing business needs
7.8 The Peak Sub-Region Employment Land Review has identified a need for approximately 51ha of land for business and industrial uses by 2026. The study has recommended that this land requirement should be distributed as follows. It should be noted that these requirements are recommendations only. Eventual employment land requirements will be specified in the adopted Core Strategy following public consultation.
Derbyshire Dales High Peak Core Strategy Area Total
Industrial space 13.5 26 39.5
Office / non-industrial space 2.5 9 11.5
Total 16 35 51
Table 1 Gross employment land requirements 2008 - 2026
7.9 Approximately 86ha of land is currently considered to be available for business / industrial developments, either through planning consents, or existing land allocations (29ha in Derbyshire Dales and 57ha High Peak). This indicates that there is a surplus of employment land in the area. Furthermore, some existing sites and allocations may no longer be suitable for future business needs. However, notwithstanding this, our evidence gathering to date also suggests that some new allocations for employment may be required to support our main market towns and nurture possible growth sectors, including knowledge-based and creative industries.
7.10 These new allocations may be required as some of the area's existing sites are a legacy of our industrial past and are unlikely to attract office-based employers that would increase opportunities for high skill / high wage local jobs. As the economy and local businesses change, so do their land and property requirements.
Local Development Framework 41 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
Alternative Approach EMP 1a
Identify new sites for new and expanding businesses
7.11 Under this approach, the majority of additional premises would be provided on new allocations. This would only be required if a significant number of existing employment allocations were considered to be unsuitable for future employment use. The Employment Land Review does not consider this to be the case, however, a more detailed appraisal of employment sites may be required to the full extent of the need for this approach.
7.12 The provision of the majority of future employment growth on new sites could help to ensure that the requirements of modern businesses are met in terms of providing desirable and sustainable locations, suitable infrastructure and premises. However, out of the various approaches for this issue, this approach is likely to result in the development of the most amount of greenfield land. This could conflict with the desire to maintain and enhance the high quality natural environment.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
7.13 Identifying new sites for new and expanding businesses will play a particularly positive role in the attraction of creative and knowledge based industries. The location of these sites will be critical however as there is potential of for negative impacts with respect to open space and landscape character and travel if allocations are not close to town centres.
Alternative Approach EMP 1b
Focus new business growth in existing sites and premises
7.14 Following this approach would result in new business developments being restricted to existing sites and premises currently, or recently in employment use or designated for such purposes in existing Local Plans. In essence, this would involve the re-use of existing commitments and therefore would not require new sites to be identified and allocated through the Local Development Framework. Public sector funding is likely to be required in many cases to resolve constraints and invest in infrastructure.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
42 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
7.15 Focusing new business growth on existing sites and premises will have a positive impact on town centre and sustainable travel but risks reducing the attractiveness of the area to creative and knowledge based industries. This option is likely to lead to more conversion (as opposed to rebuild) than option 1a and thus may offer reduced opportunities for providing premises with high levels of energy efficiency and carbon management.
Alternative Approach EMP 1c
Focus the majority of business growth on existing sites and premises and identify some additional new land in areas of specific need
7.16 This approach would combine the first two options. It is likely that the majority of existing sites would remain centres of employment either through their continued use, or through redevelopment schemes that offer an improvement on existing premises and infrastructure. Again, public sector funding is likely to be required in many cases to resolve constraints.
7.17 A limited number of new sites would be allocated where a specific need has been identified. The Employment Land Review suggests that new sites to serve our main market towns and encourage growth in the knowledge-based and creative industries through the development of new office space, managed workspace and incubator units is necessary to enhance the attractiveness of the area to employers and to allow local businesses to grow.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
7.18 Option 1c provides most flexibility in meeting changing business needs focusing the majority of growth on existing allocations close to town centres bringing the benefits of town centre development, reducing journey and utilising brownfield sites. Identifying some new employment land enables the added benefits of finding sites particularly suited to the needs of the creative and knowledge based industries and in locations outside floodrisk areas.
Issue EMP 2
Need to strike a suitable balance between enabling business growth and protecting the area's high quality environment
7.19 As discussed in the previous issue, in order to help sustain the local economy there is a demand for new employment related development either on existing or new sites, or both. However, it is essential this development should not come at the expense of damaging the area's high quality natural environment. A recent survey of local businesses has found that a substantial number
Local Development Framework 43 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
consider that the quality of life offered by the local environment is one of the main advantages of being based here. Careful consideration is required to ensure that employment development does not harm one of the key assets that attracts employers to the area.
Alternative Approach EMP 2a
Restrict business / industrial development in areas of high environmental quality, including greenfield sites
7.20 Under this approach new business and industrial and development would be restricted in areas where this would conflict with the natural environment. Greenfield development would also be largely prohibited. This approach would be closely linked with Alternative Approach EMP1b as it would result in new developments being mainly focused on existing sites and premises.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
7.21 Restricting business / industrial development within areas of high environmental quality (including greenfield sites) is likely to have a significant negative impact on the development of the local economy and may prevent inward investment and the growth the creative and knowledge based industries within the Core Strategy Area. Some greenfield sites may be suitable for business/industrial development especially if there are good public transport networks and close proximity to services and facilities. There is reduced risk of inappropriate development taking place with this option including protection of biodiversity, nature conservation sites and heritage assets.
Alternative Approach EMP 2b
Provide specific design guidance for business / industrial proposals
7.22 Design guidance would be produced for consideration by developers of business and industrial schemes. The guidance would form part of the Local Development Framework and developers would be required to demonstrate that the proposed scheme is of an appropriate design for the character of the area. Currently, local policies specify general design guidance. More specific and detailed guidance is provided for housing developments, however, at present equivalent design guidance for business and industrial proposals is not available.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
44 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
7.23 This approach will provide design guidance for business and industrial development within all areas of the Core Strategy to help create well designed and high quality schemes so that careful consideration is given to the environment. Mitigation measures will be required for any identified impacts, especially on the landscape. Because this approach will allow development in areas of high quality environment, there is likely to be a positive impact in supporting the development of the local economy especially for the growth sectors such as the creative and knowledge based industries. There is some potential risk that this option will have a negative impact on important sites of nature conservation and wildlife and historic assets.
Issue EMP 3
Assist the strengthening and diversification of the local economy to provide a wider range of job opportunities (including high skill / high wage) and reduce the need to commute outside of the area.
7.24 There is a need to increase the number and range of local job opportunities, particularly in high skill / high wage positions. Whilst the issue is relevant across the plan area, it is especially pertinent in High Peak where there is an average of only 65 jobs per 100 people of working age in the area. In Derbyshire Dales there are 99 jobs per 100 people. Furthermore, many of these jobs are in sectors which are low paid and / or are in decline.
7.25 Nevertheless, the area's population is highly skilled and qualified. Both Derbyshire Dales and High Peak exceed the regional averages for residents qualified to NVQ level 2 and NVQ level 4 / 5 (or equivalent). Local schools and colleges also generally perform well in terms of educational achievements, but despite the positive impact of the University of Derby in Buxton, there is a "brain drain" of local talent to other parts of the country as students leave for University. Due to high house prices in the area, many find it difficult to return following graduation. Furthermore, due the lack of opportunities to apply these skills locally, many of our highly qualified residents commute outside of the area to work. Significant numbers travel to Sheffield, Derby, Chesterfield and Amber Valley from Derbyshire Dales, whilst even greater numbers travel to Stockport, Manchester, Tameside and Macclesfield from High Peak. Many of these journeys are made by car which further exacerbates traffic congestion.
7.26 Average wages for residents who commute outside of the area are noticeably greater than those who work locally. To some extent, the area will always experience a degree of net out-commuting due to its proximity to large urban centres, yet there may be scope to to reduce this number by diversifying the current employment offer.
Local Development Framework 45 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
Alternative Approach EMP 3a
Continue with current strategy
7.27 Current planning policies relating to employment generally do not attempt to encourage specific types of employers into the area. Land allocations tend to provide for a range of possible employment related scheme, including office, industrial, warehousing and distribution to provide flexibility. Other plans and strategies including the Regional Economic Strategy do aim to facilitate growth in specific sectors, however, these aims have not always been translated directly into planning policies. As such, this approach is geared towards maintaining the status quo in terms of the structure of the local economy. This may prove to be problematic given the ever changing nature of the global economy and the impact that this has locally.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
7.28 This approach would seek to retain existing jobs in the area and create additional employment opportunities through the expansion of existing businesses, the development of growth sectors and the attraction of business and investment in the area. It is most likely to support economic development through encouraging industrial and commercial development through the range of existing employment sites. This approach may provide limited opportunities in developing a high skill and high wage jobs, but will offer benefits in developing town centre vitality and vibrancy. The current strategy aims to support the use of public transport and minimise the generation of new journeys. There may be some negative effects on the natural environment and increased demand for housing.
Alternative Approach EMP 3b
Place greater emphasis on attracting inward investment
7.29 This approach would involve a concerted effort to increase inward investment and public sector funding to "pump-prime" business development. Even closer ties with Economic Development officers and bodies such as the East Midlands Regional Development Agency would be required to promote the area to prospective investors. An attractive portfolio of employment sites available for development is likely to be required for this approach to be workable. As such, the approach may need to be linked with either Alternative Approach 1b or 1c.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
46 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
7.30 This approach will help increase skilled employment opportunities and revitalise the local economy through inward investment. Attracting inward investment will develop a wider employment base which will result in more highly paid, highly skilled local jobs within the area and may help to reduce commuting out of the area. There is some risk that this approach may attract a significant number of employees from outside the area which may have a negative impact on local air quality. Many of the undeveloped employment sites are near to settlements and public transport routes which will help to reduce the number of car journeys made by car. This will have positive benefits on supporting the vitality and vibrancy of town centres. There may be some negative effects on the natural environment, landscape character and increased demand for housing.
Alternative Approach EMP 3c
Attract inward investment and growth in possible growth sectors for the area, including; knowledge-based and creative industries, food and drink and tourism.
7.31 This approach is similar to Alternative Approach 3c with the exception that the potential growth sectors specified in the Employment Land Review, and elsewhere, are specifically targeted and earmarked for growth. These include knowledge-based industries (e.g pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, research and development), creative industries (e.g. advertising, publishing, arts & crafts, photography), food and drink (Peak District produce, sales, catering) and tourism. These sectors already have a foothold in the plan area and there is potential for growth given the unique qualities that the area has to offer. Currently however, in many cases their growth is inhibited by a lack of suitable sites and premises and a tight labour market. To address the property and infrastructure constraints, this approach may need to be linked with either Alternative Approach 1b or 1c.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
7.32 The combination of attracting inward investment and encouraging growth in sectors for knowledge, creative, tourism and food and drink will positively support the local economy, stimulate employment opportunities, and encourage industrial and commercial development. Whilst inward investment and knowledge based industries will attract high wage and high skill jobs, the development of the tourism, food and drink sector may continue to create a high proportion of low wage jobs. These sectors are most likely to promote the area as a tourist destination and help to support the development of attractive, vibrant and distinctive town centres. Apart from the tourism sector, growth near to urban areas will help to support the use of public transport and minimise the generation of new car journeys. There may be some negative effects on the natural environment, landscape character and increased demand for housing.
Local Development Framework 47 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
Alternative Approach EMP 3d
Adopt a Local Labour Agreement policy to help maximise employment opportunities for local people arising from new developments
7.33 In an attempt to maximise the employment benefits of new development for local residents, some local authorities adopt a Local Labour Agreement policy. The precise workings of such a policy can vary, however, the general aim is to secure a commitment from developers and investors to fully consider the benefits and opportunities of utilising the local work force in the first instance. This may include either the construction phase of the development, the work for the business that ultimately occupies the building. Contributions towards training for local from developers may also be sought where appropriate. Such agreements can be made a condition of the granting of planning permission.
7.34 Whilst quotas for the numbers of local residents employed cannot be set, developers would be required to take agreed steps. Further consideration needs to be given to what steps would be appropriate in the area but they could include committing to strong links with local jobs brokers and employment agencies.
7.35 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
7.36 This approach would provide significant support for the local economy to help secure employment for local people. This is likely to ensure that local people would benefit from training and achieving qualifications to help develop a high skill and high wage economy. Increasing local employment through a policy requirement would help to reduce commuting and the number of car journeys which is likely to benefit improvements to the environment. The demand for public transport is likely to increase, and there may be an increase in walking and cycling to work. Local employees are also likely to shop within the Core Strategy area which help support retail offer in the town centres.
Issue EMP 4
Address current employment sites and premises that are no longer fit for purpose and contribute towards the oversupply of employment land in the area
7.37 As discussed in Issue EMP1, there is an oversupply of employment sites, particularly in High Peak. Furthermore, some existing sites may no longer be suitable for contemporary business needs due to a range of constraints including poor locations, infrastructure, access, ageing premises, land contamination and topography. In some cases, these constrained sites may be made good through investment. Others may continue to serve a low value, but still crucial local service.
48 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
Nevertheless, some sites may be surplus to requirements in terms of their employment role. In some cases, a mixed-use development comprising of a smaller element of employment may also be appropriate.
Alternative Approach EMP 4a
Identify sites in through the Local Development Framework to be re-allocated for alternative uses
7.38 In this approach, the Local Development Framework would identify specific sites where current employment sites are either suitable for a complete change of use, or a partial change of use as part of a mixed-use scheme. Alternative uses for re-designation of such sites may include; housing, retail or leisure. The Employment Land Review provides an assessment of all sites in the area currently designated for employment uses in terms of their suitability. However, a further more detailed analysis of some sites may be required before a re-designation to other uses is proposed. Any changes to allocations would also be subject to further consultation.
How sustainable is this option?
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
7.39 This approach will provide a strategic overview of all employment sites within the Core Strategy area and will assess which sites are no longer suitable for industrial / business development. This approach will be able to inform where there is an oversupply and undersupply of employment land. This process will also inform what other alternative uses might be needed in these areas such as housing, health facilities and tourist development. Apart from some minor negative effects on accessibility to jobs there are no significant negative effects.
Alternative Approach EMP 4b
Specify a criteria-based policy in the Local Development Framework under which proposals for a change of use away from employment on existing sites would be considered on a site-by-site basis
7.40 An alternative to identifying employment sites to be re-designated would be to include a set of criteria in the Local Development Framework which would be used to consider proposals for a change of use away from employment. The criteria would require developers to demonstrate that the site is no longer viable for business or industrial uses and that the proposed use is appropriate.
How sustainable is this option?
Local Development Framework 49 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 7 Employment
The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
7.41 This approach will set out policy criteria to determine whether employment land is appropriate for alternative uses. Developers will have to demonstrate why the current employment use is not viable on a site by site basis. The protection of the environment, water resources and historic environment would benefit from such a approach as criteria in policy will ensure careful consideration of any impacts on these resources. There are no significant negative effects from this approach.
Links to strategic objectives
7.42 INSERT TEXT ON HOW TOPIC RELATES TO STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES.
Delivery
7.43 INSERT TEXT ON HOW OBJECTIVES / APPROACHES WILL BE MET IN GENERAL TERMS. PLEASE REFER TO ANY RELEVANT DELIVERY PARTNERS E.G. DCC, HIGHWAYS AGENCY, EA ETC.
7.44 INSERT TEXT ON MONITORING PROCEDURES.
50 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
8.1 The Core Strategy area is an attractive place in which to live and work and to visit. This is due, in large part, to the quality of the environment. Its protection and enhancement is, therefore, not only important for quality of life but also for the social and economic benefits it brings to local communities. This section is concerned with landscape character, biodiversity and nature conservation, the historic environment (including built heritage), water resources and air quality, the potential impact of development upon these must be given careful consideration in the preparation of a development strategy for the area.
8.2 The landscape of the Core Strategy area is arguably its greatest asset. It has a character that is diverse, distinctive and very attractive. But although the underlying geology and geomorphology are the result of natural processes at work, it is the way that human beings have chosen to manage the land over many centuries that has created the landscape with which we are familiar and it continues to be affected and changed by the way we use it.
8.3 Biodiversity is the variety of life that we see around us. It also includes the variation that is present within species and the groupings of plants, animals and micro-organisms that help to create ecosystems and natural habitats. The Core Strategy area benefits from a rich biodiversity, extensive areas of habitat valuable for wildlife and many sites designated for nature conservation.
8.4 An examination of the historic environment reveals a wealth of cultural assets that contribute to the distinctive character and heritage of the Core Strategy area and provides an invaluable insight into its history.
8.5 Water is a precious natural resource and the protection of water resources from potentially harmful effects of new development is a key part of ensuring sustainable development. Watercourses and wetlands can easily be damaged by development while mismanagement of the available resources can lead to problems with supply.
8.6 Good air quality is important in terms of health, biodiversity and overall quality of life. Although the plan area has no significant air quality problems, policies that seek to improve air quality are still required.
Key Issues
8.7 Landscape Protection and Enhancement
8.8 The landscape is a complex combination of physical and cultural elements, the character of which has been created over a long period of people working with the land. The landscape within the core strategy area is of high quality. Importantly, it shares characteristics with the neighbouring Peak District National Park. It includes landscapes of national and international importance such as at Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and Registered Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest such as those at Sudbury Hall and Pavilion Gardens, as well as those with strong local landscape characteristics such as the gorge setting of Matlock Bath and the rolling heather moorlands of the Dark Peak and impressive landscape features such as High Tor.
8.9 Outside the designated areas the landscape remains attractive. Its character is made up of distinctive components which help to describe and define it and distinguish one landscape type from another. An assessment of landscape character in Derbyshire reveals 20 distinct landscape types within 5 nationally defined landscape character areas.
Local Development Framework 51 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
8.10 The landscape is valued for its scenic beauty, its wildlife and its historic interest. It contributes to a high quality of life, it is a resource for recreation and education and is important for attracting tourism. Yet it is also subject to demands for housing, industry and commerce, transport, water, energy and food production. As a result the landscape is continually changing but it is important to recognise where it may be fragile or vulnerable to damage and to protect it from neglect and inappropriate development.
8.11 Though constituting a fraction of the Core Strategy area the nature of urban environments is equally important in terms of the quality of life for those who live in, work in and visit them. These are the areas where most development will take place and where many of parks and open spaces are located
8.12 Key issues to be addressed:
How to protect and enhance specially designated landscapes How to protect and enhance landscape character How to protect and enhance urban landscapes. How to protect, maintain and enhance the quality of historic landscapes, townscapes and the built environment. How to protect and enhance heritage assets How to encourage innovative, sustainable and locally distinctive design without harming the historic environment. How to effect appropriate changes of use of valuable buildings in order that they can continue to contribute to the historic environment.
8.13 Protection Enhancement and Management of Green Infrastructure
8.14 Green Infrastructure is the network of multi functional open spaces and the linkages between them that exist, to a greater or lesser degree, within urban areas, on the urban fringe and out into the open countryside.
8.15 Well designed G.I. can:
Protect, recreate and rehabilitate landscapes Maintain and enhance biodiversity Promote a sense of place and community Help to reduce crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour Provide opportunities for exercise and recreation that deliver health benefits
8.16 The RRS sets out a policy on Green Infrastructure to be delivered as part of development. The Core Strategy will need to address the issue of Green Infrastructure in order to help deliver high quality greenspace for local communities.
8.17 The Core Strategy Area is well served by multi functional green space which can be easily accessed through a linked network of public rights of way.
8.18 Key issue to be addressed:
How to protect, enhance and manage existing Green Infrastructure
52 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
8.19 Renewable Energy Sources
8.20 Renewable energy schemes can make a valuable contribution to reducing carbon emissions though it is recognised that proposals can conflict with well-established principles such as the protection of landscape character, biodiversity and nature conservation and the historic environment.
8.21 Types of renewable energy that may be appropriate within the Core Strategy area include:
Wind turbines Hydro electric schemes Energy from waste Biomass (energy from wood and agricultural waste) Small-scale hydroelectric schemes Improved insulation Water conservation Active solar power (solar panels, PVI) Ground sources heat pumps Passive solar power (using the sun to heat and cool buildings)
8.22 At present there are only a handful of functioning renewable energy schemes in the area. However, as a result of emerging national and regional policies, and greater awareness and take-up from developers and individuals, both Councils are likely to come under more pressure to consider and allow for the development of such proposals.
8.23 Key issues to be addressed:
How to embrace opportunities to introduce renewable energy sources whilst protecting and enhancing landscape character, biodiversity and the historic environment. How to integrate renewable energy into new developments. How to avoid /reduce the risk of flooding What solutions are available for flood management Where should development be located to offer the greatest protection from impacts of flooding What options are available in considering higher standards of design and sustainable construction to help reduce the effect of higher precipitation and storminess on the occupants of development and adjoining areas
Alternative Approaches
Issue ENV 1
Protection and Enhancement of the Landscape.
8.24 The natural and historic landscape is one of the key drivers of change in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak, attracting people to live in the area, driving a thriving tourist economy and as a key asset for attracting economic investment to the area.
Local Development Framework 53 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
8.25 Undue harm arising from development must be avoided to protect this important resource, although the quality of the landscape must not prevent new development from occurring where there is a proven need for it.
Alternative Approach ENV 1
Pursue a Landscape character based approach to managing development in the countryside.
8.26 Implications of approach-
8.27 This approach would put landscape character at the forefront of the relevant considerations, for managing development in the countryside. Development would be allowed in the countryside, as long as there was a proven need for it, and as long as it contributed to the wider strategic objectives of the Local Development Framework. It would improve the flexibility of planning in rural areas and would ensure that new development responded to local landscapes by protecting, restoring or even enhancing the quality of the character of the landscape. Such a policy would be supported by a more detailed landscape character Supplementary Planning Document which would guide the design of new development in individual landscape character areas. This approach could also be applied within the built up area boundaries of the local settlements.
8.28 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
8.29 A landscape character approach would help to enhance the local landscape / environment and ensure sympathetic integration of all development with its surroundings. This approach would provide positive impacts for employment, tourism and housing in the countryside and ensure that any development responds to the local landscape character. The initial sustainability appraisal identifies some potential negative impacts against renewable energy development and impacts on noise and air quality.
Alternative Approach ENV 2
Limit Development in the Countryside
8.30 Implications of approach
8.31 This approach is similar to that already pursued within the existing Local Plans for the Derbyshire Dales and the High Peak. Development would not be allowed except for that which is an integral part of the rural economy. This would ensure that the character of the countryside was protected and that those elements such as air quality, tranquillity, and local distinctiveness were
54 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
preserved. This approach may be detrimental to rural communities however, as housing and employment development would be restricted, affecting the future sustainability of these communities.
8.32 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
8.33 This approach would restrict development in the countryside to ensure the landscape is protected, which in terms of supporting the growth of the local economy, housing (especially affordable) and tourist facilities would have a major negative impact. The initial sustainability appraisal indicates significant positive impacts in protecting the countryside especially on landscape character, nature conservation and wildlife sites and other natural assets and resources.
Alternative Approach ENV 3
Development and Urban Landscapes
8.34 Implications of approach:
8.35 This approach would seek to conserve and enhance the landscapes of urban areas as those places where most of the population of the Core Strategy area live and work. Requiring the inclusion of high quality landscape design as part of development proposals can contribute positively to the quality of the urban environment, local biodiversity and green infrastructure.
8.36 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
8.37 This approach would provide significant positive impacts for the enhancement of the urban environment especially for townscape quality. This would ensure sympathetic integration of all development with its surroundings. In particular there would be a positive contribution to enhancing the wider street scene quality and opportunities to retain and develop Green Infrastructure within the urban environment. This would offer positive benefits in promoting a sense of place and provide opportunities for exercise, recreation and health benefits.
Issue ENV 2
Protection and Enhancement of Historic and Built Environment
8.38 The rural and urban settlements of the Derbyshire Dales and the High Peak have a rich tapestry of historic building designs and settlement patterns that have resulted from the dominant industries of the past, including textile manufacture, quarrying and agriculture. There are many
Local Development Framework 55 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
old mill buildings that remain in towns, as relics from the industrial past. These stand as landmarks in the area and make a valuable contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of individual settlements. The use of local materials such as gritstone and limestone is an important element of settlement character right across the area. There are a number of conservation areas across the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak which have been designated to protect those areas which are considered to have a high level architectural and historic interest. The historic element of any of the settlements within the Core Strategy area, represents an important and irreplaceable resource which should be given some level of protection to preserve it for generations to come.
Alternative Approach ENV 4
Protect historic built environment and all elements that contribute to the historic character of settlements.
8.39 Implications of approach
8.40 This approach would ensure that the historic fabric of the settlements in the area was preserved for present and future generations. Alternative uses would be identified for landmark buildings in order to prevent the dereliction of historic structures such as old mill buildings. New development would be built in traditional styles using locally sourced materials, to maintain the character of the settlements. Conservation area boundaries may be extended to ensure that all buildings and and localities of special architectural and historic interest are protected from harmful development.
8.41 It may be difficult however to adapt old industrial buildings to modern needs. Renovation may be costly, the buildings may be inflexible for future growth and they may have poor energy efficiency standards. Converting such buildings to conform with all other policies, particularly those relating to climate change and building standards may not be cost effective in the short, medium and long terms.
8.42 The removal of historic architecture represents the removal of an asset that can not be replaced, and as such, should be given careful consideration when managing development in historic settlements.
8.43 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
8.44 This approach would maintain the historic fabric and character of both villages and towns and would ensure that any development would use traditional locally sourced materials and designed to respect the existing context and architectural detail. Overall this approach scores significant positive impacts in preserving the historic fabric of settlements, which would offer benefits to the town centres, tourism, biodiversity and historical assets. This approach scores poorly in supporting the development of the local economy, increasing energy efficiency / renewable energy technologies and providing more affordable homes which may have an indirect impact in developing sustainable pattern of growth.
56 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
Alternative Approach ENV 5
Encourage modern design of new development within built up areas.
8.45 Implications of approach
8.46 Modern buildings can be designed to suit the needs of the high tech and knowledge based industries that the Core Strategy area aspires to attract. Buildings will be designed to meet high standards of energy efficiency and will be flexible to adapt to future needs.
8.47 Modern buildings may erode the historic character of settlements however and must therefore be well designed to blend with existing structures of the towns and villages, so that they make a valuable contribution to the townscape and sense of local distinctiveness.
8.48 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
8.49 This approach acknowledges that modern design development may have a significant impact on townscape quality especially on the historical and heritage value. It also recognises and that any modern building must take into consideration all aspects of the surroundings and that respect must be given to given to existing buildings of high quality architectural design and / or historic merit. This approach would offer flexibility in helping to support the development of the local economy in particular for businesses and industry, the development of tourist facilities, housing and leisure / tourist facilities. Energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy also score highly.
Issue ENV 3
Protection and Enhancement of Biodiversity
8.50 The protection of biodiversity through the preservation of natural habitats, protection of open space and creation of wildlife corridors is important for the valuable contribution that biodiversity makes to landscape quality and value, the health and well being of local residents and the preservation of native species of plants and animals.
Local Development Framework 57 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
Alternative Approach ENV 6
Restrict development in areas of wildlife and nature conservation
8.51 Implications of approach
8.52 This approach would ensure that important areas of wildlife and nature conservation were protected from new, potentially harmful development, ensuring that habitats were preserved for the benefit of local plant and animal species as well as for the enjoyment for local residents and tourists alike.
8.53 This approach may present a less flexible approach to development as it would place environmental conservation ahead of the need for new development. This may be to the detriment of rural communities and at the expense of economic development in the countryside as new building may be restricted where there is a proven need for it.
8.54 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
8.55 This approach involves the protection of wildlife sites and nature conservation, which would provide significant positive benefits for maintaining air quality, landscape character, protecting natural and heritage assets and water resources. The protection of biodiversity, especially within urban areas/ town centres, would help maintain their attractiveness, and would offer other benefits such as health and a natural resource for people to enjoy. The interim sustainability appraisal indicates a number of negative impacts of this approach in particular on the expansion of the local economy, tourism, housing, (especially affordable housing) and renewable energy development.
Alternative Approach ENV 7
Ensure that all new development makes a contribution to the repair, creation or enhancement of natural habitats including the creation of green infrastructure for wildlife corridors.
8.56 Implications of Approach
8.57 Some areas of wildlife and nature conservation are given a high level of protection through their European and National designations, as Special Areas of Conservation or Local Nature Reserves. This approach would ensure that these areas would continue to benefit from a high level of protection preventing undue harm arising as a result of new development.
8.58 All areas of biodiversity do not enjoy the same level of protection however, throughout the Core Strategy area.
58 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
8.59 This approach would seem to be the more flexible option, allowing development to occur in, or close by areas of wildlife and nature conservation, as long as it made a contribution to the creation or enhancement of habitats and ecosystems. Such improvements or protective measures could be delivered through planting of native species around the new development and through the provision of green infrastructure routes, linking new development to existing communities and creating wildlife corridors.
8.60 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
8.61 The interim sustainability appraisal notes that this approach would continue to protect areas of wildlife and nature conservation and is able to score positive impacts for biodiversity and landscape. Because this approach would allow development within the vicinity of nature conservation and wildlife areas there would be some positive benefits in supporting the local economy, providing housing, tourism and leisure. However, any development would need to mitigate against the negative impacts identified from the sustainability appraisal in particular on the landscape, natural and heritage assets, air and development associated with renewable energy.
Issue ENV 4
Protection of Green Infrastructure
8.62 Green Infrastructure is the network of multi functional open spaces and the linkages between them that helps to maintain existing landscapes and biodiversity, promotes a sense of place, helps to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and provides opportunities for exercise and recreation.
Alternative Approach ENV 8
Protect and Maintain the Existing Resource
8.63 Implications of approach:
8.64 Identify and map the various green spaces and linkages that constitute existing Green Infrastructure within the Core Strategy area and ensure its protection from inappropriate development.
8.65 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
Local Development Framework 59 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
8.66 This approach involves mapping the Green Infrastructure linkages, which would help protect these areas from inappropriate development. This approach scores positively against the majority of sustainability appraisal objectives, in particular on biodiversity and landscape. No negative impacts have been identified.
Alternative Approach ENV 9
Develop Green Infrastructure
8.67 Implications of approach:
8.68 Prepare a strategy for Green Infrastructure that identifies weaknesses in the existing resource and an intervention plan to address these. Adopt policies requiring development to contribute positively to the maintenance and enhancement of Green Infrastructure.
8.69 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
8.70 The interim sustainability appraisal scores this approach with very major/important positive impacts for tourism, biodiversity, energy, landscape and natural / heritage assets. The preparation of a Green Infrastructure Strategy would help identify areas of weakness and would help deliver policies to the maintenance and enhancement of Green Infrastructure.
Issue ENV 5
Renewable Energy
8.71 Renewable energy schemes can make a valuable contribution to reducing carbon emissions though it is recognised that proposals can conflict with well-established principles such as the protection of landscape character, biodiversity and nature conservation and the historic environment.
Alternative Approach ENV 10
Develop renewable energy resources wherever they are technologically feasible
8.72 Implications of approach:
60 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
8.73 Ensures best possible yield will be obtained from renewable energy resources in the Core Strategy Area. Will probably have a severely adverse impact on landscape, biodiversity and the historic environment.
8.74 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
8.75 Development of renewable technologies without restriction is unlikely to contribute positevley to the enhancement of landscape character and biodiversity, this may have an an additionally negative impact on tourism and town centres. There is greater risk of inappropriate development taking place with this option. However allowing the development for renewable energy, without restriction would maximise the potential renewable energy resource which may improve the development of the local economy and air quality. It is recognised that the Core Strategy area has a good renewable resource and there is potential growth for the energy sector to provide high skill and high wage jobs.
Alternative Approach ENV 11
Develop renewable energy resources where they will have least impact on landscape, biodiversity and the historic environment
8.76 Implications of approach:
8.77 Landscape character, biodiversity and the historic environment will be largely maintained and, possibly, enhanced. A lower yield will be obtained from renewable energy resources.
8.78 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
8.79 Focussing the development of renewable energy technologies where there is least impact on landscape, biodiversity and the historic environment would ensure protection of these important environmental resources and scores positive impacts for all of these. This may have an additionally positive benefit for tourism.
Local Development Framework 61 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 8 Environment
Issue ENV 6
Need to protect natural resources from harmful development.
8.80 Air quality and water quality are important elements of overall environmental quality and as such, should be protected from harmful development and pollution. All new development proposals within the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak will be assessed for their likely impact on water resources and air quality and will only be allowed where limited harm or mitigating factors restricting the level of harm can be demonstrated.
Links to strategic objectives
Delivery
62 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
9.1 The Town & Local Centres and Village shops in the Core Strategy Area provide focus for a range of shopping facilities and services reflecting their role in the Core Strategy area retail hierarchy. Shopping has a significant impact upon people’s quality of life and the need for local shops and services within the rural area is important, particularly in terms of accessibility for the elderly, people with disabilities and those residents without cars. The retail sector makes an important contribution to the local economy in terms of local business and investment opportunities. Shopping also represents a significant leisure activity in its own right.
9.2 It is important that the retail offer of towns in the Core Strategy Area offer a range and choice of shops and services to meet all needs of the local community and visitors alike.
9.3 It is accepted that there is a need to retain the physical, historic and environmental quality of the town centres that attracts people to the area, offers perceptions of a safe place to local residents and helps to retain their own distinctive identity.
Key Issues
9.4 The key retail issues concerning local communities and visitors to the area have been identified through a Retail and Town Centre Study which has been undertaken for the Peak Sub Region, feedback from previous consultations and a review of existing policies and strategies. The Peak Sub Region Retail and Town Centre Study provides a composite picture of existing retail provision and identifies potential requirements for new retail development in the principal centres of Ashbourne, Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Glossop, Matlock and Wirksworth through to 2026. Key issues identified to date include:
Hierarchy
Buxton, Matlock and Glossop are the primary retail centres in the Core Strategy area. Other centres including Ashbourne, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Whaley Bridge and Wirksworth currently serve a more localised market.
Shopping patterns
Food shopping
Over 50% of local people shop in the Core Strategy area for their main food shopping in the towns of, Ashbourne, Matlock, Buxton and Glossop. Whaley Bridge and Chape-en-le-Frith also have a key role with regards to food shopping. Further scope for additional food stores in Buxton, Glossop, Wirksworth, and New Mills has been highlighted. There may also be a need to build on recent improvements in Matlock. In the case of New Mills and Wirksworth, these towns have a limited convenience offer (food and every day items) resulting in many residents travelling longer distances to shop. With regards to Buxton and Glossop, both towns may benefit from new, centrally located food stores to enhance the town centre retail offer and increase the potential for linked trips to existing retailers.
Non-bulky goods (clothing, footwear, recreational goods etc.)
In terms of non-bulky goods retailing a high percentage of residents currently travel to the surrounding towns and cities outside of the plan area to shop. This issue is particularly acute
Local Development Framework 63 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
in Matlock / Wirksworth (76.8%), Glossop (74%) and Chapel-en-le-Frith (96.1%). Buxton is the exception to this general trend as the town has a relatively strong range of shops. Consequently, a large proportion of local residents shop for these goods within the town. However, plans for new retail developments in nearby Macclesfield may reduce Buxton's comparative attractiveness as a retail destination in the future. There is potential to improve non-bulky goods provision in Matlock, Buxton and Glossop to reduce The other smaller centres in the area predominantly provide a secondary function. As such, scope for further non-bulky growth is limited and the most appropriate approach in these locations may be to protect, and support improvements to, the existing non-bulky goods offer.
Bulky goods (furniture, DIY supplies, electrical appliances etc)
The majority of residents in the Buxton area (54.8%) shop for these goods within the town. Buxton also attracts shoppers from elsewhere in the plan area. Residents in the rest of the plan area shop for the majority of their bulky goods in the larger towns and cities outside of the plan area, including, Manchester, Derby, Stockport, Chesterfield and Sheffield. In spite of the size and status of Matlock in the plan area, only 10.5% of local residents shop for such goods in the town. Technical research has indicated that there is specific need to plan for further bulky-goods retail development in Matlock to increase spending in the town and reduce the need to travel. In Buxton, a capacity for further bulky-goods retail has also been identified. However, as the town is already performing strongly there may not be a need to actively plan for growth in this sector through the Local Development Framework. In the other towns and villages in the area, whilst significant numbers of people travel outside of the area to shop, given the relatively small size of these settlements in comparison with nearby completing centres, it may not be appropriate to actively plan for bulky goods developments through the Local Development Framework.
Vibrant town and village centres
The number of vacant shops and properties within the main town centres is below the national average. This is an encouraging sign, however, a concerted effort must be made through the planning process to ensure that this remains the case. High quality town centre environments are a vital factor in ensuring that people shop locally. Recent surveys work indicates that attractive environments were the the most commonly cited reason why people chose to shop in the area. Convenience was the second most common reason. A poor range of shops, problems with parking and traffic congestion were the most commonly cited dislikes about the area's town centres. However, the majority of those surveyed disliked nothing at all. Restaurants and cafés rated highly by shoppers in all town centres Indoor and outdoor markets can make a valuable contribution towards the vitality of town centres and choice of goods. Many local markets are generally in decline. Survey work suggests that increasing the range and quality of goods available for purchase and improving the quality and appearance of markets may help to reduce this trend. Whilst the Core Strategy
64 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
and other development plans will be unable to influence the type and range of goods on sale, they can help to create more attractive and welcoming environments for shoppers. The retention of local shops plays a key role in ensuring that larger town centres offer a diverse choice of shops. In smaller more rural village centres, local shops are an important focal point for communities and enable easier access to essential goods.
Summary
9.5 The principal key issues for further debate include:
To identify the most appropriate role and function of the town and village centres across the Core Strategy area. Encourage more spending in local town and village centres and reduce the need to travel outside of the area for goods. To provide for consumer choice
Alternative Approaches
Issue 1
To identify the most appropriate role and function of the town and village centres across the Core Strategy area
9.6 Local planning authorities are required to consider the network of centres and their relationship in the hierarchy. A clearly defined hierarchy of retail centres will direct future retail development and protect existing centres that are accessible to all as well as contributing towards sustainability in the Core Strategy area. The Core Strategy Area contains 6 town centres as identified in the existing District and Borough Local Plans. The Peak Sub Region Retail Study recently published (December 2008) has examined the role of the retail centres. A summary of the key findings and recommendations is presented below:
9.7 Main Market Towns - To prioritise the further expansion of the non-food retail offer within Buxton, Glossop and Matlock; these are the only centres within the respective local authority areas in terms of the scale and catchment which mainstream higher order retailers will readily look towards locating within and are considered primary centres.
9.8 Key Service Centres – Ashbourne is a secondary retail centre and is considered a major tourist destination. The leisure opportunities within this settlement should be encouraged.
9.9 Local Service Centres – Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Whaley Bridge and Wirksworth perform relatively limited roles. These centres either play a key role for local main food shopping, or have the capacity to do so. Nevertheless, generally they have limited non- food retail offer are
Local Development Framework 65 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
unlikely to significantly enhance their market share or attractiveness to local residents when shopping for the majority of such items. The priority for these centres should be to retain existing retail provision and expand food shopping opportunities where required.
9.10 Village Centres – There are a large number of villages in the Core Strategy Area, which support a number of shops and meet daily top up food shopping needs and help to sustain rural communities. It is important that these are recognised as essential services and protected where possible.
Alternative Approach 1
To review the retail hierarchy of centres and adopt the approach set out by the Peak Sub Region Retail Study
1. Main Market Towns (Buxton, Matlock, Glossop) 2. Key Centres (Ashbourne) 3. Local Centres (Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Wirksworth) 4. Village Centres (Cromford, Darley Dale, Matlock Bath, Hadfield, Charlesworth, Chinley, Hayfield and Dove Holes)
9.11 Implications of approach - Focusing growth in already established centres will be sustainable, as they are generally in sustainable locations, and it may help revitalise and regenerate them. This approach offers a clear understanding of the different roles that town centres have formed. Primary and secondary centres are identified to control and direct growth where needed.
9.12 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
9.13 This approach involves a review of the role of existing shopping centres and the establishment of primary and secondary centres to control and direct growth. It is most likely to support the diversity and vitality of town and village centres, reducing the number of people travelling out of the area. Having the right shops in the right places might also increase visitor spend. Focusing growth in already established centres will help to support the use of public transport and minimise the generation of new journeys. New retail development however will lead to an increase in travel. Under this option, access to retail services will not be improved for those who currently experience difficulties.
Alternative Approach 2
To continue to adopt the existing retail hierarchy
Derbyshire Dales
1. Market Towns (Matlock, Ashbourne, Wirksworth, Matlock Bath)
66 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
2. Local Shopping Centres (Cromford, Darley Dale, Smedley Street Matlock, Matlock Green) 3. Village Shops
High Peak
1. Major centres (Buxton and Glossop) 2. Secondary centres (New Mills, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge and Hadfield)
9.14 Implications of approach - Focusing growth in already established centres will be sustainable, as they are generally in sustainable locations, and it may help revitalise and regenerate them. However some of the existing local shopping centres have deteriorated and are not functioning well and need reviewing.
9.15 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
9.16 This approach does not involve a review of the role of existing shopping centres and opportunities to support the diversity and vitality of town and village centres might be lost. However focusing growth in already established centres will help to improve their vibrancy as well as support the use of public transport and minimise the generation of new journeys. New retail development however will increase travel. Under this option, access will not be improved for those who currently experience difficulties.
Alternative Approach 3
Do not adopt a retail hierarchy
9.17 Implications of approach - Allowing development in smaller settlements will meet local needs in less accessible locations and prevent social exclusion. However uncontrolled retail development will create unsustainable patterns of growth.
9.18 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
9.19 Development without restriction is unlikely to contribute positively to the development of distinctive town centres, this may have an additionally negative impact on tourism. However lack of a hierarchy might deliver more retail growth, adding to the vibrancy of settlements as well as town and village centres. There is the greatest risk of inappropriate development taking place with this option, including via the development of green-field sites with associated impacts on open
Local Development Framework 67 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
space, tranquillity and biodiversity. Allowing development in smaller settlements may improve access for those living in rural or remote settlements and there may be an opportunity to identify development sites outside flood risk areas.
Issue 2
Encourage more spending in local town and village centres and reduce the need to travel outside of the area for goods.
9.20 The Retail Study has examined the need for additional retail floorspace in the Core Strategy Area retail centres to be provided by 2026 for both convenience and comparison retail. The Local Development Framework should ensure that there is sufficient capacity to cater for identified growth. The study has recommended that Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council plan for the following retail growth through the Local Development Framework.
Buxton - expansion of town centre convenience and non-bulky goods provision to improve choice and increase spending within the town centre. Matlock - growth in the non-bulky and bulky sectors to reduce leakage of expenditure other nearby centres including Chesterfield and Derby. Glossop - expansion of centrally located convenience provision to increase spending within the town centre, enhance choice and assist regeneration. Non-bulky retail growth should also be encouraged. Wirksworth - promote the development of a new foodstore to improve local provision and reduce the need of residents to travel to places like Matlock and Belper for their main food shop. New Mills - promote the development of a new foodstore. In comparison with other towns in the area, New Mills is considered to have a limited offer for food shopping. A significant number of residents from New Mills travel to Whaley Bridge or Chapel-en-le-Frith for their main food shopping.
9.21 Scope for further retail development by 2026 has been identified for other types of goods and in other centres, however, either the centre is inappropriate for such retail development, or the capacity is insufficient to merit full consideration in the Local Development Framework.
9.22 Approaches
Alternative Approach 4
Plan for retail growth where the Peak Sub Region Retail Study has identified a specific need:
Buxton - expansion of town centre convenience and non-bulky goods provision. Matlock - growth in the non-bulky and bulky sectors. Glossop - expansion of centrally located convenience provision and encourage further non-bulky retailing.
68 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
Wirksworth - promote the development of a new foodstore. New Mills - promote the development of a new foodstore.
9.23 Implications of approach -
Actively planning for this growth may provide the Council's with the opportunity to steer new retail development towards the most sustainable locations.
9.24 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
9.25 Directing retail growth to ensure that town centres are provided with additional retail floorspace - according to their needs - is expected to have an important positive impact on supporting the diversity and vitality of town centres. This will in turn help to reduce the number of people who travel out of the area for shopping. Promoting and supporting a vibrant town centre is also more likely to lead to an increase in the number of people staying overnight and to an increase in visitor spend. By helping to meet local needs locally, this is the more likely option to reduce the number of journeys made by car. However directing retail growth risks restricting development and thus restricting access to jobs, facilities and services.
Alternative Approach 5
Do not plan for the retail growth specified in the Peak Sub Region Retail and Town Centre Study
9.26 Implications of approach
Developers are not required to justify the need for retail development in town centres. Deal with applications on an ad hoc basis.
9.27 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
9.28 This option is the more likely to bring forward development and thus to support employment growth. However because it is not under-pinned by strategic planning, it is the more likely option to deliver inappropriate development and risks leading to development that fails to meet the needs of town centre shoppers, meaning it is also less likely to reduce the number of people who travel out of the area for their shopping. There is also a risk of inappropriate development detracting from the area’s tourism potential.
Local Development Framework 69 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
Issue 3
To Provide for Consumer Choice
9.29 Although the majority of local residents find the retail offer of the town centres satisfactory, the retail offer is still failing to meet all needs in some of the centres, particularly a lack of good quality shops and other contemporary uses needed for thriving and successful town centres which are discouraging shoppers.
Less than 10% of shoppers stated that there is a good selection of shops in the town centres particularly Matlock & Glossop. Both householders and shoppers suggested in all retail centres to improve the quality and choice of multiple shops. Over 10% of shoppers in Matlock, Wirksworth, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Glossop suggested to improve the range of specialist shops. (Retail Study, 2008).
9.30 Expenditure leakage is high for comparison goods to higher order settlements outside the core strategy area due to consumer preferences and needs. Therefore this again reinforces that retail expenditure needs to be clawed back into the towns within the Core Strategy area and choice of shops needs to be developed further.
9.31 The restaurants, cafés and bars have been highly rated in terms of use and quality in the main town centres, which suggests that growth of eating establishments and the entertainment sector should be enhanced further through the Core Strategy. Derbyshire Dales in 2006 attracted 4.5 million visitors generating £221m spending (ELR, 2008) and High Peak attracted 4 million visitors generating £164m spending. The Retail Study indicated that a large proportion of tourists visit restaurant and cafés.
9.32 The Employment Land Review (ELR) Study has presented evidence that the majority of enquires made to the Council for planned development and investments were for retail, food and drink developments, the ELR advises the Council's to encourage the growth of this sector.
9.33 Approaches
Alternative Approach 1
Strengthen all existing town centres with a range of better quality and choice of shops.
9.34 Implications of Approach - Provides opportunities to increase market share performance and Investment in town centres.
9.35 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
70 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 9 Retail
9.36 This approach would provide significant support for the development of the local retail economy and is likely to maintain the vitality and vibrancy of the town centres. The increased choice of retail offer is likely to create jobs, especially for local people and attract more visitors and tourists. The greater retail appeal, especially for comparison goods, would encourage people to shop locally and reduce the number of journeys made by car, which would have direct benefits to the environment in terms of maintaining good local air quality. There may be potential negative impacts on the existing townscape should any retail development not meet a high quality design and does not respect the existing context.
Alternative Approach 2
To promote and protect the emerging café culture in town centres
9.37 REMOVE OR REWORD OPTIONS? - 1 AND 2 ARE NOT COMPETING PRIORITIES.
9.38 Implications of Approach - Provides opportunities to increase visitor spend and Investment in town centres, particularly in terms of attracting and increasing further the number of visitors to the Core strategy Area.
9.39 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
9.40 Improvements to the café culture would help to enhance the vitality and viability of town centres because this type of retail offer encourages socialising and interaction where people can meet and talk. This culture is good for local residents and visitors to the area and would make the town centre a more welcoming place which would help encourage people to stay longer in the town centre to increase expenditure. Therefore this would have a significant positive impact on local employment opportunities and would help support the local economy. The café culture would also promote other aspects of the town which would benefit tourism.
9.41 There are further key issues to consider in terms of retailing, including:
Maintaining the inclusive design of the retail character of centres Accessibility of retail centres
9.42 These are considered important issues and the possible approaches have been covered under other topics.
Links to strategic objectives
Delivery
Local Development Framework 71 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 10 Access and Transport
10.1 Issues regarding transport and access to key services, facilities, training and jobs are a vital planning consideration. Due to the nature of the subject, it presents many cross-cutting and interlinked matters for debate. As such, this section is closely linked to other chapters of this document, including, the Development Options, Housing, Employment, Environment, Retail and Climate Change.
10.2 It is also important to note that the Core Strategy, and the Local Development Framework in general, cannot provide all of the necessary solutions singlehandedly. Strong links and mutual understanding with other partners organisations such as the Highways Agency, Network Rail and public transport operators is vital. Derbyshire County Council play a particularly vital role as the local highways authority and by taking the lead on matters such as footpaths, cycleways and accessibility. The overarching set of transport objectives and strategies for the plan are provided in the Derbyshire Local Transport Plan 2006 -2011. The Core Strategy will be inextricably linked to the Local Transport Plan. In turn, future Local Transport Plans and investment priorities will have to fully consider plans for future development proposed in the Local Development Framework.
Key Issues
The plan area is generally rural with low density populations and dispersed settlements which has resulted dependency on the car. Locating new developments in areas that are well served by sting public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure can help to reduce car dependency In large parts of the area it has become difficult for residents to walk, cycle or take public transport for their journeys – increasing car dependence for many people. The number of people travelling by bus has dropped. Predicted growth in road traffic will only worsen congestion problems and increase air pollution and noise - which detracts from the quality of the environment. Hot spots of traffic congestion are experienced within the market towns and will inevitably intensify, if significant measures are not taken to alter travel patterns and modal choices during the period of the Core Strategy. Car dependence deepens social exclusion and adds to pressures for less sustainable land use patterns. It is also a contributory factor to lack of exercise and poor health. Many residents currently have to travel outside of the area to work and shop. The majority of these journeys are made by car. Key infrastructure projects and other transport improvements are reliant on funding which is short supply. Schemes are also dependant on mutual agreement between numerous partners which can result in long delays and inaction. Interchanges and connections between different public transport services are perceived to be weak. In some areas, the number and location of parking for car, coaches, etc. Is perceived to be inadequate. Where a deficiency in provision is identified, there are often limited opportunities to provide additional spaces, particularly in town centres. In such areas alternative means of transport should be improved and promoted. Park and Ride facilities which can provide parking in less congested areas could also be considered.
72 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 10 Access and Transport
Alternative Approaches
10.3 The Core Strategy will have play a vital role in reducing the transport impact of new development and helping to address current transport and access problems. However, many potential solutions are often beyond the direct influence of the planning process. In broad terms, there are three key areas whereby issues relating to transport and access can be addressed.
1. Connecting people to places by improving infrastructure, services and locating new development in sustainable locations. 2. Connecting key services and facilities with people by providing mobile and outreaching services, increasingly through the use of IT 3. Raising awareness of the availability of alternatives to the car through personalised travel planning services, publicity and marketing.
10.4 The planning process has a direct role to play when development is part of the solution either through providing sustainable sites for development, identifying suitable parking standards or securing developer contributions towards footpaths, highways or public transport infrastructure. "Softer" measures such as the provision of mobile services and marketing are generally even more dependent on partnership working with others. Both Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council are actively involved with groups such as the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Accessibility Partnership to resolve such issues.
10.5 Furthermore, other chapters within this document have considered many of the cross-cutting transport issues and presented Alternative Approaches that could be carried forward into the Core Strategy. Consequently, the scope for the the provision of key strategic Alternative Approaches for Transport and Access is more limited.
Issue 1
Improve access to key facilities, jobs and services, particularly in areas of deprivation and rural isolation
Alternative Approach 1
Working with partners to ensure that essential facilities, jobs and services and provided in the area and that new development is accessible.
10.6 This approach is is only realistic means of addressing the issue.
10.7 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
Local Development Framework 73 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 10 Access and Transport
10.8 This approach provides a positive means of improving access to key facilities and services to help address the barriers that people face, especially in areas of rural isolation and deprivation. A joined up approach through partnership working would help to meet local needs and improve quality of life. Dealing with the issue of accessibility at early stage would ensure that new development is accessible and that key services and facilities are provided locally.
Issue 2
Contribute towards the reduction of road traffic growth and congestion, tackling climate change and improving the local environment and quality of life by working with partners to improve public transport, walking and cycling provision.
Alternative Approach 2
Work with partners to ensure that the need to travel by car is minimised by reducing the need to travel, providing alternative means of transport and where appropriate providing new infrastructure.
10.9 This approach is is only realistic means of addressing the issue.
10.10 How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
10.11 This approach provides a positive means for delivering a reduction in travel especially by car, as this has the greatest impact on congestion, the environment, climate change and road safety. Working in partnership with others, would help improve the provision for walking and cycling and public transport and encourage sustainable travel within the Core Strategy Area.
74 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 10 Access and Transport
Issue 3
Provide sufficient parking without compromising the need to encourage more sustainable means of transport
Alternative Approach 3
Implement the national maximum parking standards across the plan area
How sustainable is this option?
How sustainable is this option? The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
10.12 This approach will ensure the maximum number of car parking spaces for each development even in areas where there is good access public transport. There are likely to be long term negative impacts on the environment because this approach encourages travel by car which may have cumulative impact on local air quality through increased pollution and a reduction in sustainable modes of travel. There is likely to be an increase risk of damage to the historic assets especially within the town centres where extra land for car parking may be needed. This approach will benefit the local economy especially for those that commute from areas with limited public transport.
Alternative Approach 4
Implement tiered parking standards with more restrictions on parking provision in accessible locations:
National parking standards in relatively inaccessible areas More stringent parking standards in areas which enjoy good access by public transport, walking and cycling.
How sustainable is this option?
The initial sustainability appraisal has scored this as:
10.13 This approach will help encourage the use of public transport and other alternative sustainable modes of travel because car parking can be restricted in areas where there is good public transport. This will contribute to achieving a positive impact on health and wellbeing because
Local Development Framework 75 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 10 Access and Transport
there is potential for increased walking and cycling. Where car parking is restricted there may be a negative impact associated with off street car parking which may have a negative impact on tourism, shopping and residents. In areas where there is poor accessibility the maximum standard of car parking can be applied which will have a positive impact on developing the local economy.
Links to strategic objectives
Delivery
76 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 11 Health and Wellbeing
11.1 The general health and well being of residents within the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak is good. This may be attributed to the quality of the environment and an ability to access a wide range of health care facilities and services across the Core Strategy area. There are however pockets of health deprivation across the area. Certain wards have higher concentrations of people with long term limiting illnesses and lower life expectancy while there is a trend towards an ageing population in some parts, particularly in the Derbyshire Dales District. Policies within the Core Strategy should contribute to improving the health and well being of residents, by protecting and enhancing the existing community infrastructure and ensuring that there are appropriate sites for the development of facilities and services for the benefit of health and well being such as schools, care facilities and open spaces.
11.2 One of the main core objectives of the Regional Plan for the East Midlands is to improve the health,and mental, physical and spiritual well being of the Region's residents through improvements in air quality, affordable warmth, the availability of good quality housing and access to health, cultural, leisure and recreation facilities and services.
11.3 There are a number of policy areas within the Core Strategy that will contribute to meeting this overarching objective, namely those for housing provision, employment land and open space, although the delivery of other elements of community infrastructure such as health care facilities may be dealt with separately within the strategy.
Key Issues
The key issues relating to the Health and Well being of residents within the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak, have been identified through consultation with local communities, as well as a comprehensive study of health inequalities between wards across the whole Core Strategy area. The main issues that were identified are listed below
Overall general health and well being of Derbyshire Dales and High Peak residents is good. Ageing population, particularly within the Derbyshire Dales District. Health inequalities between individual wards in the Core Strategy area. Link between poor health in residents and economic hardship Access to health services and facilities from rural areas via public transport is poor, particularly in Buxton. Ageing hospital buildings are environmentally inefficient, inflexible and limit service expansion.
Alternative Approaches
Issue WB 1
Making the Core Strategy Area a healthier place to live
11.4 Health and well being is about more than access to medical treatment and services. It is about lifestyle, including routine exercise, choice and quality of housing, access to employment and open space. The Core Strategy can play a key role in delivering wider benefits to health and well being, by encouraging people to walk and cycle more, by ensuring that everyone has a good
Local Development Framework 77 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 11 Health and Wellbeing
standard of housing to live in and by delivering job opportunities to deprived areas, and these issues will be dealt with in other sections. Where specific health inequalities have been identified through the evidence base however, it may be possible for the Core Strategy to direct specific facilities for the benefit of individual communities.
Alternative Approach WB 1
Enhance the existing community infrastructure in town centres and improve access to these from surrounding wards by public transport and green infrastructure.
11.5 Implications of approach - Health facilities will be located in highly accessible areas where existing facilities are based.
11.6 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
This option will have a directly positive impact on improving health. In addition, it will lead to positive impacts in other areas. Improving access to town centres by walking, cycling and public transport will have a positive impact on the attractiveness and vitality of town centres as a whole, as well as offering support to the development of tourism. Enhancing town centre facilities and access to them may help to reduce the need to create new journeys and is likely to support the use of public transport.
Alternative Approach WB 2
Target development of new community infrastructure services and facilities at wards with higher levels of health deprivation. Promote and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation in the countryside and across the Core Strategy area.
11.7 Implications of approach - This will direct health provision and resources to the areas of greatest need. Joint working required with other services to ensure that physical activity opportunities are offered and developed in all locations.
11.8 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
11.9 Delivering new community facilities and services in the wards with highest levels of need should do most to directly improve the access to - and delivery of - health-care. This option also provides other benefits. Targeting new facilities where the need is greatest should reduce the number and length of journeys made by car. The development of new facilities is likely to lead to an increase in employment opportunities in deprived wards and the promotion of outdoor recreation across the sub-region should lead to an increase in the number of people staying overnight in the
78 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 11 Health and Wellbeing
area, as well as providing better opportunities for residents to take part in recreational activities. However there is a risk of minor negative impacts from the effects of new development on surface water run-off, noise and light levels.
Alternative Approach WB 3
Address health inequalities in deprived wards by improving local employment opportunities.
11.10 Implications of approach - there is opportunity to link with other public sector and private businesses to ensure that delivery of initiatives and opportunities are targeted in areas of greatest need and create improved sustainable patterns of growth.
11.11 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
11.12 This option will have an indirect, but positive impact on health in the longer-term. Improving local employment opportunities should have a positive impact on the local economy and town centres. Targeting new employment opportunities in areas of greatest need may reduce the need to travel for some and may generate new travel for others. It will have no impact on the distances people need to travel to access health services. It is also not clear how viable it may prove to direct new employment opportunities to the most deprived wards.
Issue WB 2
The need to accommodate and care for an ageing population
11.13 In the Core Strategy Area requirements for health facilities are probably most notably determined by the demographic feature of the area, particularly an increasing elderly population. Between 2008 and 2025 the number of people aged 65 and over in Derbyshire Dales is projected to rise by 46% and in the High Peak 51%. This growth is reflected on both at county level and national level. The implications for this rise in the elderly will have a significant impact upon development through the Core Strategy. The ageing population will impact upon the care and support services. The number of people requiring medical priority re-housing in the Derbyshire Dales is 1500 people a year (PCT,2008). The choice of housing options available to the elderly needs further to support them through different phases of old age and meet their health and social needs.
Local Development Framework 79 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 11 Health and Wellbeing
Alternative Approach WB 1
To provide more social care facilities for the elderly in the Core Strategy Area, particularly in areas where demand is high
11.14 Implications of approach - Joint working required with other public services to ensure that need is met in the settlements which require improvement or effective future provision of social facilities to care for the ageing population.
11.15 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
11.16 The option to work jointly with other public services to provide more social care facilities for older people, in the settlements where this is most needed, offers a range of positive benefits. Targeting social care in this way should reduce health inequalities and improve the access to it for those currently in need. It should also help to provide better opportunities for older people to participate in cultural, leisure and recreational facilities.
Alternative Approach WB 2
Build and design lifetime homes which can be easily adapted to all ages of the local community.
11.17 Implications of approach - To follow the recommendations made in the Local Health Impact Assessment, which will inform future planning and design policies for this age group in order to maximise positive impacts on health of the local communities and minimise any negative health impacts.
11.18 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
11.19 This option will have an important positive impact on the provision of homes to meet the needs of a wide range of people, including elderly people and those using wheelchairs. When specifying the building of Lifetime homes, there is an opportunity to specify equally high environmental standards, delivering high levels of energy efficiency and water management. Helping to ensure that people are able to remain in their own home - if and when their circumstances change - will help to minimise health inequalities arising from those with health problems being forced to live in inappropriate housing. However, a policy to deliver only Lifetime homes across the sub-region would risk failure to meet housing targets.
80 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 11 Health and Wellbeing
Issue WB 1
The need to provide modern and accessible Health Care Facilities in all areas.
11.20 In many areas, the existing infrastructure of hospitals and health care facilities is ageing and is therefore inappropriate for modern service provision, limiting expansion of services and restricting accessibility for some for some sectors of the community. In order to improve these services, partners must work together to target improvements where they are needed most and to ensure that there is appropriate land allocated for them.
11.21 Derbyshire Primary Care Trust are currently consulting on their options for delivering health care facility improvements in Buxton and you may wish to consider their proposals here (LINK).
Alternative Approach WB 4
Allocate new land for health service facilities in the countryside?
11.22 This approach would enable the development of new health care facilities in attractive locations, delivering modern, fit for purpose buildings on new accessible sites.
11.23 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
11.24 Providing modern health care facilities in all areas will have a major positive impact on access to health care. Improvement in the health of residents, particularly those living in the most deprived wards, may not follow as a direct result. This option risks an important negative impact on the character and appearance of the landscape and risks loss of, or damage to, agricultural land. Development in the countryside will have a negative impact on noise and light pollution (given the likelihood of developing greenfield sites in more remote locations) and is likely to have a negative impact on tourism development. This option will also play no role in the development of town centres. It will be necessary to ensure that development in the countryside will not impact negatively on biodiversity since a loss of green open space will be inevitable. Creating areas of new hard surface where none existed before risks adding to surface water runoff at times of high rainfall. However, allocating new land for health care facilities in the countryside should reduce journey times for those who live outside the major towns and allowing new build premises gives the opportunity to deliver highly energy efficient buildings generating some of their own demand from on-site renewable sources.
Links to strategic objectives
Delivery
Local Development Framework 81 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 12 Open Space
12.1 The provision of open space for sports and recreation activities is important for the development of sustainable communities, as they promote social inclusion and community cohesion, contribute to the health and well being of local residents and improve the character and local distinctiveness of places.
12.2 The quality and provision of open spaces, sports and recreation facilities is generally good in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak. There are a number of different types of open space including parks and gardens, green corridors and civic spaces which have been assessed as part of the evidence base for the development of the Core Strategy. The assessment indicates that the quality of open spaces is high with a large number of people travelling from outside the planning area to utilise them on a regular basis and with local people people putting a high value on them.
12.3 Although the quality of the provision is generally high across the planning area, there is a shortfall in the level of provision for certain typologies, which has arisen due to changing needs and aspirations of local communities. The quality of allotment land for instance across the planning area is considered to be high, but the demand for allotments now far exceeds their supply. This is because people now recognise the health, social and environmental benefits of tending to plots of land such as these.
12.4 The core strategy will play a key role in ensuring that there is sufficient land allocated for informal sport and recreation to meet the needs of local communities and must address the key issues that have emerged from the evidence base.
Key Issues
12.5 There are a number of issues relating to the provision of open spaces for sport and recreation which have been identified through consultation with local communities, as well a comprehensive analysis of the range and quality of open spaces in the Core Strategy area.
The level of open space provision for the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak is generally good. The quality of the open spaces in the Core Strategy area is high. Need to improve public transport links between rural areas and open spaces in the town centres. Green infrastructure network is extensive but there is opportunity to extend this further. Need to improve network of bridleways in the countryside. There is a lack of open space provision for young people in rural areas There is a shortage of allotment land. Usage of motor vehicles on natural and semi natural open spaces impacts on the enjoyment of these spaces by certain groups of people. There is a shortage of indoor leisure provision in some of the major towns in the Core Strategy area.
82 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 12 Open Space
Alternative Approaches
Issue OS 1
Improve quality and provision of open spaces for sport and recreation in the Core Strategy area
12.6 High quality and accessible open space is important for the health and well being of local communities, as well as making a valuable contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of places.
Alternative Approach OS 1
Maintain and enhance quality of existing open spaces in the town centres and improve access by public transport and green infrastructure.
12.7 The quality and the level of provision of open spaces in town centres is sufficient to meet the needs of most communities within the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak. Accessibility by car is good for those who do not live in the vicinity of the parks and there are public transport links connecting the town centres with surrounding residential areas. Focusing resources on improvements to the town centre parks and gardens will improve the chance of achieving Green Flag status for these parks, thus raising their profile and attracting more people to use them.
12.8 Some rural communities only have limited access to the town centre open spaces except by car. Improvements to public transport and green infrastructure links to the town centres will enhance the ability of local residents to travel to the attractive town centre spaces by sustainable means.
12.9 Concentrating resources on town centre parks and recreation areas may be to the detriment of open spaces in residential areas however, as improvements are directed to areas of less need.
12.10 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
12.11 This option will have an important positive impact on the development and maintenance of high quality town centre parks and recreation areas, helping to develop attractive town centres that may in turn help to reduce the number of people travelling out of the area for leisure. It will also help to attract and retain town centre businesses and encourage visitors and visitor spend. However, concentrating resources on town centre parks only, at the expense of recreation areas within new residential sites, will lead to an increase in the number of journeys into town centres. Even with the development of green infrastructure, it remains likely that the majority of these new journeys will be made by car, generating traffic, noise and air pollution. The option also risks
Local Development Framework 83 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 12 Open Space
reducing access to recreation sites for those without transport and who live in settlements some distance from town centres. Reducing the amount of open space associated with new developments has a potentially negative impact on flood risk from increased surface run-off.
Alternative Approach OS 2
Ensure that developers make a contribution to the provision or improvement of new and existing open spaces for sport and recreation as part of all new development in the Core Strategy area
12.12 Open spaces are an important element of sustainable communities as they contribute to the health and well being of local residents as well as the environmental quality and character places. The provision of open spaces as part of new developments and the maintenance and improvement of existing sites may be delivered though funding secured through section 106 agreements. By clarifying desired purpose for section 106 money across the Core Strategy area, planners and partners will know what financial resources are available to deliver improvements to open space in the area.
12.13 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
12.14 This option is more likely to provide opportunities for people to take part in recreation close to home. However the quality of experience is likely to be lower than that offered under option OS1, which is the more likely to deliver parks to Green Flag status. Ensuring new open space is provided with new residential and other developments will indirectly provide support to the local economy by making the area an attractive place for the workforce to live; it will also make a valuable contribution to the experience of people visiting the area. Provision of new open space within residential areas will help to take the pressure off town centre parks and open spaces, minimising the need for recreation journeys. This option will make a major positive contribution to the environmental quality of streets and estates.
Issue OS 2
Improve provision of allotment space within the Core Strategy area
12.15 The increased provision of allotment land has become a more desirable aspect of land use in recent years, as people have begun to realise the economic, social and environmental benefits of growing food locally. Demand for allotments outstrips supply in the plan area and so new land must be sought to ensure that there is enough allotment space to meet the needs of local communities.
84 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 12 Open Space
Alternative Approach OS 3
Support the growth of allotments in residential areas
12.16 This approach would ensure that there was an area of land designated for use as allotments in all major residential areas across the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.
12.17 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
12.18 This option will make a major positive impact on the area’s natural assets and might improve areas of lower landscape value. It will also have an important positive impact on bio-diversity and the development of wildlife corridors. Designating land for allotments may reduce built development in areas of flood-risk, helping to manage water. It will also have a major positive impact on people’s health and well-being and provide opportunities for people to participate in valuable recreational activities. There is a risk that designation of land for allotments might reduce the land available for employment use as well as the supply of land for housing.
Issue OS 3
The need for modern leisure and fitness facilities in town centres
12.19 The retail needs survey identified a range of improvements that could be made to town centres across the planning area. These include the provision of new indoor health and fitness facilities and the development of indoor leisure services such as bowling alleys and cinemas, in order to provide for those people who are currently travelling outside of the area to access these types of service.
Alternative Approach OS 4
Support the development of new leisure facilities such as bowling alleys and cinemas in the larger town centres
12.20 Development would be supported in the main centres of Glossop, Buxton and Ashbourne, to provide new leisure facilities for local residents to use. This would contribute to the vibrancy of the town centres, attracting more people to visit them more often and would reduce the amount of leisure expenditure leaking out of the area. It may also reduce reliability on the car as people have to travel less distance to access such services. In order for such development proposals to come forward, they need to be commercially viable and would probably be more sustainable if they were incorporated into mixed use developments.
Local Development Framework 85 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 12 Open Space
12.21 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
12.22 This option will have a major positive impact on improving opportunities to participate in indoor sports and leisure activities. Provision of new fitness facilities may lead to improved health (but is unlikely to address existing health inequalities). New leisure facilities will bring new jobs to the area (but not in the priority creative and knowledge-based sectors) and risks reducing the availability of sites and premises suitable for new business development. The vibrancy of town centres will be supported by this option - particularly at night - but leisure developments are unlikely to contribute to the distinctive nature of the area and risk a negative impact on sense of place. By helping to meet local needs locally, provision of new town centre facilities is likely to reduce the number of car journeys made out of the area. However this risks being off-set by any increase in the overall number of journeys made, with new town-centre trips being generated; a positive impact on tourism is expected. New indoor leisure facilities are likely to be highly energy intensive.
Links to strategic objectives
Delivery
86 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
13.1 It is now widely accepted that climate change is happening and is having a significant and potential lasting effect on weather patterns and the environment. The consequences of climate change are one of the most serious challenges facing the world today. There is an overwhelming body of evidence showing that human activity is resulting in an accelerated rate of global warming . Global temperatures are rising and are set to carry on increasing. The key effects of climate change are longer hotter summers, wetter winters and an increased risk of extremes in weather conditions and flooding.
13.2 Climate change is primarily caused by an increase concentration of greenhouse gases. The earth is surrounded by a layer of gases which act like the glass walls of a greenhouse; they let the suns rays enter but stop some of the heat leaving. This is a natural process and it is the layer of greenhouse gases that keep the planet warm enough to sustain life. Human activity has resulted in an increased emission of greenhouse gases and it is this accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that increases the greenhouse effect and causes global warming.
13.3 Carbon dioxide is the main contributor to the increase in greenhouse gases. The primary cause of carbon emissions is the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transport. Growing population together with increasing demands on transport and energy have lead to a dramatic rise in emissions.
13.4 The Government has put tackling climate change as one of the main issues facing the country and sees that planing has a key role to play. National planning policy advice is that climate change considerations should be integrated into all spatial planning concerns including transport , housing, economic growth, regeneration, water supply and waste management and not considered separately. Planning should contribute to reducing emissions and stabilising climate change (mitigation) and take into account the unavoidable effects of climate change (adaptation).
Key Issues
Climate change is causing significant changes in weather patterns. Key changes are more dry spells, periods of heavy rain and extreme weather conditions. These potentially could lead to both a shortage of water and drought at certain times of the year and an increased risk of flooding at other times . There is a need to conserve water and plan for the increased risk of flooding. More intense rainfall will lead to increased flooding. Carbon emissions from energy consumption are a key contributor to climate change. Buildings account for over 50% of carbon emissions. The majority of energy in the East Midlands is generated from fossil fuels and renewable sources of energy are not widely used. Transport including private car use is a major source of emissions. Car ownership in the Core Strategy area is above average largely due to the rural nature of the area and poor accessibility and limited public transport provision. The majority of journeys to work in the Core Strategy area are made by car. Recycling can reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites. Waste in landfill sites produces methane a greenhouse gas twenty one times more potent than carbon dioxide. Both High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council have active in promoting recycling. Construction waste can be reduced though the use of local, sustainable buildings materials and recycling.
Local Development Framework 87 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
Within the Plan area there are many important habitats for biodiversity. These effects will impact on biodiversity both by direct impact on species and plant life and by changing habitats. Climate change will potentially impact on the landscape and character of the Plan area.
13.5 These issues have been condensed into four overarching themes.
Development needs to be resilient to the effect of climate change and use sustainable resources. Need to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable/low carbon energy. Reduce the need to travel and the use of the private car. Enhance and protect biodiversity , natural habitats and landscape character.
13.6 The latter two issues relating to transport and biodiversity and landscape character are dealt with in other sections of this document.
Alternative Approaches
Issue Issue CC 1
Development needs to be resilient to the effect of climate change and use sustainable resources
13.7 The location, design and construction of new developments needs to take account the effect of on climate change. New developments can have an significant impact on the environment by:-
By leading to an increase in emissions from energy use and waste going to landfill sites landfill sites. Increasing the demand for water putting pressure on existing water sources Increasing traffic generation causing an increase in CO2 emissions and a decrease in air quality.
13.8 The impacts of new developments can be minimised by: -
Locating new developments close to existing or planned public transport routes and shops, services and employment areas. Increasing the use of renewable and low carbon energy and energy efficiency measures Using sustainable design and construction techniques
88 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
Alternative Approach Issue CC 1
Ensure new developments use sustainable design and construction techniques
13.9 Sustainable design and construction is a general term that covers a wide range of building techniques. It includes:-
Measures to decrease waste both during the construction phase and occupation of the building and encourage recycling. Measures to conserve water resources and increase water efficiency to exceed building regulations. Maximise the use of recycled materials ,materials from sustainable sources and locally sources materials. Maximise the use of passive solar design to make the most use of natural daylight to reduce energy requirements. Buildings are flexible so they can adapt to future needs.
13.10 Requiring all new development to met challenging standards for sustainable design and construction would provide a positive contribution to tackling climate change and would ensure that promotion of sustainable development in the Plan area. The requirements could cover all or some of the measures detailed above.
13.11 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
13.12 The requirement for sustainable design and construction has the potential to encourage innovative new building design, making a positive contribution to attractive and distinctive town centres. This option will have an important positive impact on the energy efficiency of new buildings and on the proportion of energy produced and supplied from renewable sources. It will also encourage water efficiency and demand management, supporting the use of SUDs and helping to minimise impacts from additional waste arisings. For a given development, this option will also have a major positive impact on air quality, noise and light pollution. Sustainable design should include the development of infrastructure to encourage walking and cycling. This option will have an important positive impact on providing sustainably-designed homes providing affordable warmth for residents. However, requiring high standards of environmental performance is likely to increase costs for developers, if this prevents new development from coming forward, it risks acting as a barrier to business growth and inward investment, reducing access to jobs, services and facilities.
Local Development Framework 89 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
Issue Issue CC 1
Promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable low carbon energy
13.13 Emissions from energy use are a key cause of climate change and there is a need to both increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable/low carbon energy. The Government has set minimum standards for energy efficiency for new buildings in the Building Regulations. Standards over and above the minimum for dwellings are set the Code for Sustainable Homes. This which provides a national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new dwellings and for non residential development in Breeam which is a voluntary code which assesses the environmental performance of buildings .
13.14 The Government aims for all dwellings to be zero carbon by 2016 and has set progressive targets for reducing emissions from new homes though a step by step tightening of the Building Regulations.
13.15 The Core Strategy can seek to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions through the promotion of renewable and low carbon energy. The approach taken could be in line with minimum standards or could be more challenging setting targets specific to the Plan area which require high use of renewable low carbon energy sources developments.
13.16 There are a range of types of renewable energy low carbon sources that are suitable for use in the Plan area. Their use is growing and as they become more widely available it is anticipated their costs will decrease. Types of renewable low carbon energy include:-
Wind turbines Hydro electric schemes Energy from waste Biomass Small scale hydro electric schemes Solar thermal Solar photovoltaic Ground source heat pumps Decentralised energy schemes
13.17 Three broad approaches are detailed below. They are not mutually exclusive and could be possible that the Core Strategy will contain policies based on a combination of these approaches.
90 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
Alternative Approach Alternative Approach CC 1
Require a Code for Sustainable Homes or Breeam rating
13.18 The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is a national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new dwellings. It measures the the sustainability of a home against design categories rating the whole home as a complete package not solely focusing on energy use. The design categories included in the Code are energy CO2, water, materials, surface water run off waste, pollution, health and well being, management and ecology.
13.19 The energy efficiency category is the most significant aspect of the code rating and minimum standards in the energy category have to be achieved to met each level of the code.
13.20 The code was introduced in 2006 and it became mandatory in May 2008 for all homes to declare a code rating, although they can declare a nil rating certificate if no code assessment has been carried out. The code is a central part of the government's target to achieve zero carbon homes by 2016. The following table shows the government's timescale for achieving zero carbon homes and the percentage increase in carbon emission rate of dwellings compared with Part L of the building regulations 2006.
Date improved standards 2010 2013 2016 required
Improvements in the carbon 10% 18% 25% 44% 100% Zero emissions of new dwellings carbon compared with 2006 building regulations
Equivalent level within the code Level 1 Level2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Table 2
13.21 All dwellings should have should have an improvement in dwelling emission rate of 25% by 2010 and of 44% by 2013 with zero carbon being achieved by 2016. The building regulations are proposed to increase their requirements to match the code.
13.22 Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (Breeam) is a voluntary standard used to assess the environmental performance of non domestic buildings. It assesses the environmental performance in the following areas management, energy use, health and well being, pollution, transport, location, landuse, ecology, materials and water consumption. Credits are awarded in each area according to performance. A set of environmental weightings than enable the credits to be added to produce an overall score which provides a rating of pass, good, very good excellent or outstanding. There are minimum scoring requirements for carbon emissions and water use. It is updated regularly to reflect changes in the building regulations.
Local Development Framework 91 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
13.23 The Core Strategy could set challenging targets requiring new dwellings to meet a level of the code higher than the minimum set by building regulations. For example
Up to 2010 all new dwellings shall achieve level 3 of the code From 2010 all new dwellings shall achieve level 4 of the code From 2013 all new dwelling s shall be zero carbon.
13.24 Different targets could be set for different locations and thresholds on the size of residential developments where the target would apply could be set. For example the target would only apply to developments of five dwellings or more. Similar targets could be set for non domestic buildings to meet a specific Breeam rating.
13.25 Requiring developments meet a level in either the code or Breeam would ensure a wider sustainability remit was covered with all aspects of the design categories being included. It would also give developers flexibility in how they were to meet the reduction in carbon emissions by not specifying that renewable or low carbon energy sources have to be used.
13.26 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
13.27 This option would have the greatest positive impact on the environmental performance standards of new buildings, including ensuring high levels of energy efficiency. Specifying the achievement of high levels of CSH (for housing) and BREEAM (for non-residential developments) will help to support the development of renewable energy in the sub-region, however it would place additional costs on developers and may prevent some development from taking place. This option will enable flexibility of building design, enabling buildings in heritage sensitive areas to meet CSH or BREEAM standards in the most appropriate way for the location. Specifying high levels of CSH will also deliver a major positive contribution to residents’ affordable warmth.
Alternative Approach Alternative Approach CC 2
Develop a Merton style target requiring a percentage of energy use for new developments is generated from on site renewables.
13.28 The London Borough of Merton was the first local authority to develop a renewable energy target planning policy. The policy required all new non domestic major developments to generate 10% of their energy through on site renewable resources. This became known as the Merton Rule a planning requirement for developers to incorporate on site renewables to generate a proportion of a development's energy use.
13.29 The target can be measured through either a reduction of the development's energy use or carbon dioxide emissions. There has been a shift to measuring the percentage target through carbon emissions rather than the energy used. Measuring carbon emissions fits with the
92 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
governments targets of reducing carbon emissions, its compatible with the building regulations which measure buildings emissions rather than energy use and it recognises that grid electricity has a higher carbon burden than per unit than mains gas.
13.30 A Merton style target would set a more challenging requirement than the minimum standards approach and would lead to a greater reduction of carbon emissions in the Plan area. The ease of meeting a higher percentage target for carbon reductions could well depend on the nature and location of the development. A blanket policy that covered all development across the Plan area would not be appropriate and if more rigorous standards are to be required it would be preferable to set thresholds for the type of development, its size and location. Any targets set would need to increase overtime to ensure they remain higher than the minimum requirements in the Building Regulations.
13.31 Key issues that need to be considered are
What should be the percentage reduction in carbon emissions (above the building regulation standards)generated from renewable energy or low carbon energy sources.
What type of development should the target apply to. For example all new residential or all residential developments for more than five dwellings. For all all non residential development or those incorporating gross floorspace in excess of 1,000sq m. Should different targets be set for types of development
Should the target be applied across the whole of the Plan area or set differently for different areas. For example a lower target for rural areas to allow for the increased costs in such developments.
13.32 The Core Strategy could require all developments either new build or conversions to incorporate on site renewable energy or low carbon equipment to reduce the predicted CO2 emissions by the following percentage: -
Major developments those for ten or more dwellings or gross floor area greater than 1000 sq m floorspace 20% reduction. Minor developments less than ten dwellings or less than 1000sq m 10% reduction.
13.33 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option as:
13.34 This option would deliver new homes and business premises to the minimum building regulation standards, with a percentage of energy generated from renewables. It would place additional costs on developers and may prevent some development from taking place. However this option would have a major positive impact on the development of renewable energy in the sub-region and there may be new business opportunities available from local markets in renewable technologies. Building new homes designed to meet a proportion of their own energy demand from on-site renewable sources will make a positive contribution to residents’ affordable warmth. However this option risks a conflict of interest between meeting design standards required by the heritage value of an area and the need to include renewable energy technology. Also opportunities to improve on building regulation standards are lost.
Local Development Framework 93 Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 13 Climate Change
Alternative Approach Alternative Appraoch CC 1
To set minimum standards necessary to comply with government policy.
13.35 This approach would see significant improvements in the energy efficiency of new buildings as the requirements in the building regulations increase and would ensure that all new dwellings are zero carbon by 2016. However it would offer little encouragement to developers to met anything other than minimum standards and would not lead to the widespread establishment of renewable energy sources. Further it does not look to take advantage of any special characteristics of the Plan area that that would aid the development of renewables. For example hydro power has historically been a source of power in the area and many settlements are built along existing rivers.
13.36 How sustainable is this option? The interim sustainability appraisal has scored this option
as:
13.37 Because this option imposes least requirements on developers, it is the most likely to bring forward development. This option would deliver new homes and business premises to the minimum building regulation standards - standards that are increasingly rigorous in terms of energy and water efficiency. There is no risk of compromising the design of new development in heritage sensitive areas by requiring the inclusion of any renewable energy technology. Of the three options, it will have the least positive impact on contributing to renewable energy targets and will do least to offer residents affordable warmth.
Links to strategic objectives
Delivery
94 Local Development Framework Joint Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy - Issues and Options 15 How to contact us
15.1 If you have any questions about this document please contact the Planning Policy teams at either Derbyshire Dales District Council or High Peak Borough Council.
Derbyshire Dales District Council Town Hall Bank Road Matlock Derbyshire DE4 3NN
Tel. 01629 761100
Email [email protected]
High Peak Borough Council
Tel. 0845 129 77 77 and ask for Planning Policy
Email [email protected]
Local Development Framework 95 Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy Joint Advisory – 7th January, 2009 This information is available free of charge in electronic, audio, Braille and large print versions, and in other languages on request.
For assistance in understanding or reading this document or specific information about these Minutes
please call Christine Laver on 01629 761300 or e- mail [email protected] DERBYSHIRE DALES AND HIGH PEAK JOINT CORE STRATEGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of a Meeting held on Wednesday, 7 th January, 2009 in the Committee Room, High Peak Borough Council Offices, Chinley at 6.30pm
PRESENT Councillor Linda Baldry - In the Chair
Tracy Critchlow (DD) Steve Flitter (DD), Peter Kay (HP), David Lomax (HP), Tony Millward (DD) Chris Pearson (HP), Lewis Rose, OBE, Geoff Stevens (DD), (DD) and Jean Wharmby (HP)
Paul Wilson (Head of Planning Services - DDDC), Adrian Fisher (Head of Planning & Development Services – HPBC), Hilary Senior (Principal Planning Policy Officer – HPBC), Mike Hase (Planning Policy Manager – DDDC), Richard Tuffrey (Business Manager – Planning Policy and Design - HPBC), and Christine Laver (Committee Administrator - DDDC).
APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Caitlin Bisknell, Mike Ratcliffe and Simon Spencer. Councillor Tony Millward attended as a substitute member.
329/08 – ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN It was moved by Councillor Peter Kay, seconded by Councillor Lewis Rose and
RESOLVED That Councillor Linda Baldry of High Peak Borough Council be (Unanimously) elected Chairman of the Committee until the next Annual Meetings of the Councils.
330/08 – APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN It was moved by Councillor Linda Baldry, seconded by Councillor Peter Kay and
RESOLVED That Councillor Lewis Rose be appointed Vice Chairman of the (Unanimously) Committee until the next Annual Meetings of the Councils..
331/08 – MINUTES It was moved by Councillor Jean Wharmby, seconded by Councillor Lewis Rose and
RESOLVED That the minutes of the meeting of the Derbyshire Dales and High
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(Unanimously) Peak Joint Core Strategy Advisory Committee, held on 17 th November, 2008 be approved as a true record.
332/08 – JOINT DERBYSHIRE DALES AND HIGH PEAK CORE STRATEGY DRAFT ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION DOCUMENT At its previous meeting on 17 th November, 2008 the Committee discussed the key issues that had emerged from the evidence base developed to underpin the preparation of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy. It was resolved that the views of the Committee, arising from consideration of issues raised within the report, be included in the preparation of the Issues and Options document that was now presented for consideration.
Mike Hase gave an introductory presentation in which he outlined the timetable for the publication of the finished Core Strategy and explained that the version of the Issues and Options document currently presented to Members was incomplete and in need of extensive editing. However, the timetable was such that delegated authority was needed to enable Officers to complete and refine the draft document for presentation to the Council at Derbyshire Dales and the Executive at High Peak within the necessary timescale.
Following approval by the Council and Executive the document would form part of a stakeholder consultation exercise that would also include a summary leaflet for wider distribution. A sustainability appraisal would also be carried out.
The final draft of the Core Strategy would be submitted to the Secretary of State but prior to its adoption it would be examined in public by a Planning Inspector who would consider whether it was prepared in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures, if it was adequately justified on the basis of a robust evidence base and that it was capable of being delivered.
The Vision
The basis of the Core Strategy would be a vision that the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) had also agreed to use as the basis for its Sustainable Community Strategy, which was currently drafted as follows
The Peak District will be a distinctive, high quality , rural environment with … • Healthy and safe people of all ages • High skill, high wage jobs • Affordable, decent homes for local people • Towns and villages that offer a high quality of life
Mike Hase explained that this vision would be translated into the strategic objectives necessary for its fulfilment. The document would also contain a delivery strategy for the achievement of the strategic objectives and would set targets against which progress towards the objectives could be measured.
Points raised by Members in relation to the Vision included:- (Officer responses are shown in italics)
• Whether the Peak District National Park Authority also intended to use the same vision statement in its Core Strategy and, if not, whether the use of the term Peak District was
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appropriate for the Joint Core Strategy.
• Legislation meant that the Peak District National Park Authority would need to take account of the LSP’s Sustainable Community Strategy but it had not, currently, made a commitment to adopt the same wording.
• Concern was raised, as at the previous meeting, about the inclusion of “High skill, high wage jobs” in the vision as Members felt that this did not reflect the reality of jobs in the area, particularly in relation to tourism related work.
• This issue was also raised at the LSP. It was necessary to set goals sufficiently high to enable success to be measured. However this point was taken into consideration in drafting the strategic objectives in relation to the development of facilities and local businesses.
• Why was transport not mentioned in the vision?
• The vision was based on the priorities identified in extensive consultation by the LSP. The four major issues identified were included in the vision but the Core Strategy would also take account of transport and climate change issues that were identified by the LSP as cross-cutting themes in relation to the four main priorities.
• Other points made throughout the discussion, in relation to wording and terminology were noted by Officers and would be given due consideration.
Development Options
Councillor Geoff Stevens arrived at 7.00pm during discussion of this item.
In this section three options for patterns of development had been identified for discussion.
These were
• Concentrated growth in market towns • Semi dispersed growth • Dispersed growth
The implications of each of these options were explained to the Committee. It was noted that it might be appropriate for different options to apply in different areas. Adrian Fisher also informed Members that it was very likely that greenfield sites would be required to meet housing targets in High Peak.
Housing
In relation to housing it had to be determined whether the targets of the two individual districts should be treated separately or combined for provision across the whole sub region and also whether the target(s) should be split on a sub-area basis. It was necessary to meet the needs of all communities and, in providing the required general mix of housing, to consider the needs of an ageing population and the need for affordable housing.
Thresholds for affordable housing would need to be reviewed as would the types of tenure
46 Issued 14th January, 2009 Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy Joint Advisory – 7th January, 2009 being provided, as surveys had shown that the requirement for affordable rented homes and for shared ownership was split approximately 80% to 20%. High Peak currently had a threshold of 30% and Derbyshire Dales 45%.
• The issues and options document should offer as many options on the level of affordable housing as possible and should include the 54% option included in the Regional Spatial Strategy.
• Extensive consultation was undertaken in the preparation of the Joint Affordable Housing Plan and this would be taken into account . Also a toolkit had been developed to test the viability of sites and assess the level of affordable housing that they could be expected to sustain. As this was a long term strategy it also needed to have sufficient flexibility to change in response to the economic circumstances prevailing at any one time.
• Would all the options still provide for affordable housing in villages.
• It was necessary to consider the sustainability of all development, including affordable housing. However, one option would be to allow only affordable housing in villages if the selected option for development strategy was 1 or 2.
Employment
The Employment Land Review had raised a number of key issues. There was no specific target in the Regional Spatial Strategy but the consultants had suggested that 51 hectares of employment land would be required. There was a need to look at existing sites and identify whether they were still fit for purpose and pragmatically consider whether mixed used development may be a more appropriate means of securing more modern business premises.
Environment
There was a need to protect and enhance the high quality environment in all its forms and one issue considered was the integration of renewable energy. A draft of the consultant’s report had indicated that much of the area did not have the capacity for large-scale wind turbine development but, equally, large parts of the area were capable of hosting smaller scale turbines and there was a decision to be made as to which of these options had least impact on the landscape.
• What was the position of the Peak District National Park Authority in relation to wind turbines.
• The Peak District National Park Authority had been supportive of DDDC in its opposition to the proposed wind farm at Carsington.
• It was suggested that a survey of average wind speeds should be done to identify whether all potential sites were suitable in that respect.
• It was noted that some community-based schemes had already received local support and that water power was considered by many to be a more acceptable solution than wind turbines.
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Retail
The retail survey reported at the previous meeting had identified the capacity available for particular forms of retail across the area. It was considered that town centre retail development should be a priority but Derbyshire Dales DC was working with Derbyshire County Council on strategies to maintain the viability of small rural communities. This work was aimed at the communities south of Ashbourne but the outcomes may be applicable to similar villages elsewhere. One aspect of the research being investigated was assessing the potential for bringing mobile services to the communities to maintain their viability.
Access and Transport
Some options for rural transport that had emerged from the work mentioned in the previous section were included in the Issues and Options document but more work with the County Council was required.
• It was felt that Community Transport should be supported and encouraged.
• The services provided by Community Transport organisations varied widely but there was much to be taken from the best examples
• It was noted that rail travel was not highlighted in the document.
Health and Well Being
A number of issues were raised under this topic. Concerns included the needs of an ageing population and pockets of various types of ill-health. There was a need to ensure that the Core Strategy provided the facilities necessary to support the work of health services and that homes of the right type were available to those in particular need.
• It was felt that resources needed to be directed to areas of most need and that the label ‘deprived area’ stigmatised those who lived there and should be avoided if possible.
Open Space
Open space referred to urban space as well as rural and the Core Strategy needed to ensure the correct level of provision in the right places.
A study was in its final stages.
Climate Change
Climate change was a prominent topic both nationally and regionally and the Core Strategy had an important role to play because it cut across all the identified priorities. It could be addressed through renewable energy provision, sustainable development and the requirement that all new homes have a zero carbon rating by 2016. Work with the County Council on its Climate Change Strategy was ongoing and the policies contained therein would contribute to the Core Strategy.
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It was moved by Councillor Jean Wharmby, seconded by Councillor Lewis Rose and
RESOLVED That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning Services (Unanimously) (Derbyshire Dales) and Head of Planning and Development Services (High Peak), in conjunction with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee, to finalise the content and format of the Issues and Options Consultation Document, set out in Appendix 1 to the report, prior to presentation to Council at Derbyshire Dales and the Executive at High Peak..
MEETING CLOSED 8.15 PM
CHAIRMAN
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