Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment
COMPTON BASSETT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
2015 – 2030
Sustainability Assessment
Welcome to Compton Bassett
A Domesday Book Village
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment
Executive Summary
Compton Bassett Parish Council are intending to produce a Neighbourhood Plan for 2015-2030.
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan designated area includes an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) known as the North Wessex Downs and an area in the centre of Compton Bassett which was designated as a Conservation Area on 28 May 1991 by North Wiltshire Council. In addition, Compton Bassett is close to two of Wiltshire’s World heritage sites, Avebury (5 miles) and Stonehenge (20 miles).
Although it was initially thought that the scale of the proposed development within a previously consented development area was too small to cause any significant environmental impact, Compton Bassett Parish Council wanted to include a Strategic Environmental Assessment as good practice due to the central importance of the AONB and conservation area to the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan. In addition, Wiltshire Council’s screening opinion confirmed that a Strategic Environmental Assessment would be required to ensure, inter alia, that the proposals presented in the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development.
This report is in the form of a Sustainability Assessment incorporating the legal requirements of the EU Strategic Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes (The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive) and incorporates comments from the statutory consultation bodies: Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency.
The Sustainability Assessment (incorporating the SEA Directive requirements) includes a detailed assessment of the likely effects of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan on Heritage; Biodiversity; Landscape (particularly the AONB); Air quality & environmental pollution; Water resources, climate change & flood risk; Land & soil resources; Human population (demographics, employment, education, housing & health); Infrastructure (Transport, material assets, broadband, waste & renewable energy) and significant effects have been found in a number of areas. As a result the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan has been slightly revised and clarified in line with comments from Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency. A number of comments from Wiltshire Council have also been incorporated, where appropriate.
The sustainability assessment framework has been used to identify the potential adverse impacts of future developments so that they can be reduced and/or mitigated, particularly by promoting the use of brownfield sites within the Compton Bassett designated area which will be of significant benefit to the Compton Bassett Parish Council, Wiltshire Council and individuals who might be affected by any future proposed development.
It is concluded that up to 7 new dwellings on the brownfield site at Briar Leaze could be accommodated without any adverse impacts, but that significantly larger developments cannot be accommodated.
The Sustainability Assessment report is a key output of the appraisal process and will support the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan when both documents are submitted to Wiltshire Council, prior to detailed examination by the planning inspector.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction and Methodology 4
Chapter 2. Sustainability Assessment Methodology 15
Chapter 3. Identifying Sustainability Issues 67
Chapter 4. Sustainability Assessment of Alternatives 76
Chapter5. Consideration of Cumulative Effects 92
Chapter 6. Monitoring 93
Chapter 7. Conclusions 94
Chapter 8. Next Steps 99
Appendix 1: SEA Quality Assurance Checklist 100
Appendix 2: Habitats Regulations Assessment 103
Appendix 3: Statutory Consultee Comments 110
Appendix 4: Non-Technical Summary 120
Acknowledgements
With grateful acknowledgements to Wiltshire Council, Ordnance Survey and DEFRA for the use of detailed maps and other information throughout this document.
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Chapter 1. Introduction and Methodology
The Localism Act (2011) reformed the planning system to give local people the opportunity to shape their community and, in 2012, this was re-enforced by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF 2012) to further help local people to agree appropriate Neighbourhood Plans for sustainable development in their community.
The Minister for Planning has stated that sustainable development is about change for the better so that we hand on a better world than the one we inherited and has referred to protecting our natural and historic environment as well as improving our standard of design and that:
“Our historic environment, buildings, landscapes, towns and villages can better be cherished if their spirit of place thrives, rather than withers”
“with no local plan in place there will be a presumption in favour of sustainable development”
“Planning permission must be determined in accordance with the development plan”
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan is primarily about the use and development of land and buildings and will form the basis for determining local planning applications within the plan area and, once adopted, the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan have the same legal force as any other part of the official Development Plan – the policy that controls what happens in terms of the use and development of land.
The objectives of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan are:
1. Maintain and improve assets of community value
2. Maintain and improve local services for existing and new residents
3. Improve traffic safety and transport services
4. Sensitive development which protects and enriches the habitat and biodiversity of Compton Bassett
5. Encourage re-cycling, minimisation of the carbon footprint and the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish
6. Minimise the environmental impact of climate change on water resources and flood risk where possible
7. Preserve the character of Compton Bassett, conservation area, historic buildings and historic rights of way
8. Strengthen and support local economic activity
9. Delivery of a high quality housing growth strategy tailored to the needs and context of Compton Bassett
10. Protection of rural landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local green space & air quality
11. Protection of land and soil resources
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The vision of the Plan is to make Compton Bassett:
“an even better place to be, now and for future generations”.
This report provides a Sustainability Assessment of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan to provide evidence of sustainability and a framework for testing reasonable alternatives and future development proposals within the designated area of the Plan.
Although it was initially thought that the scale of the development within a previously consented development area was too small to cause any significant environmental impact, Compton Bassett Parish Council wanted to include a Strategic Environmental Assessment as good practice due to the central importance of the AONB and conservation area to the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan. In addition, Wiltshire Council’s screening opinion confirmed that a Strategic Environmental Assessment would be required to ensure, inter alia, that the proposals presented in the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development.
This report takes into account comments on the scoping report by the statutory consultation bodies: Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency together with Wiltshire Council. This report provides a Strategic Environmental Assessment in the form of a Sustainability Assessment of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan, incorporating the legal requirements of the EU Strategic Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes (The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive) which both supports the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan and provides a framework for testing future development proposals within the designated area of the plan. The designated area for the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan is:
With acknowledgements to Wiltshire Council
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The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan was instigated by Compton Bassett Parish Council in 2013 and a Steering Group (SG) was set up to take the process forwards. The timetable for the production of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan, the Sustainability Appraisal and Design Statement is shown below:
Date Action People Involved Problems 25/7/13 Compton Bassett Parish Council CBPC Availability of core data (CBPC) meeting gives permission for production of Compton Bassett SG Leaders Neighbourhood Plan (CBNP) and Cllr. D. Coward appoints Steering Group (SG) leaders (CBPC Vice Chair) Cllr. P. Alberry 29/8/13 First SG meeting SG Leaders & A divergence of views had some 20 Villagers to be accommodated to discuss draft within the questionnaire questionnaire 30/8/13 Draft Questionnaire produced and Cllr. P. Alberry circulated for comment 19/10/13 Second SG meeting to refine SG leaders with A divergence of views had questionnaire and agree final version input from some to be accommodated 20 Villagers within the questionnaire 21/11/2013 Progress report to CBPC CBPC 22/11/2013 Questionnaire delivered to all CBPC Co -ordination of hand dwellings by hand in Compton Bassett deliveries with additional electronic mailings to those with internet and public display in Village Hall and White Horse 14/12/2013 Public Meeting in Benson V illage Hall Circa 50 Villagers Valid comments which to discuss Questionnaire results & CBPC required some CBNP modifications 23/1/14 CBPC progress report & discussion CBPC 27/2/14 First Draft CBNP) sent to Wiltshire SG Council (WC) 5/3/14 Wiltshire Council (WC) Comments WC & SG Need to relate CBNP to Wilts Core Strategy & Policies 13/3/14 SG meeting SG 17/3/14 Re -draft of CBNP with WC comments SG Availability of data 20/3/14 CBPC progress report & discussion CBPC 31/3/14 WC confirm CBNP designated area Used in all CBNP future drafts 23/5/14 Re -draft agreed including WC Core SG Strategy & Core Policies & re- submitted to WC 28/5/14 CBPC progress report & discussion CBPC 29/5/14 Further WC comments WG 25/6/14 Agree CBNP re -draft & summary SG Copyright issues presentation for public meeting 26/6/14 Presentation of CBNP to Benson Cllr. P. Alberry & Village Hall Committee (BVHC) BVHC
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June CBNP available to all Villagers (e -mail, public copies in BVHC & White Horse; further copies available from Chair CBPC) 8/7/14 Public notice announcing CBNP CBPC CBNP copies available on consultation for a minimum 6 week website; Benson Village period Hall; White Horse Inn & Briar Leaze (Cllr Szczesiak) 17/7/14 CBPC progress report & discussion CBPC CBNP Area designation issue & need for Screening opinion on Sustainability Assessment (SA) 24/7/14 Public Meeting in Benson Village Hall Circa 50 Villagers A d ivergence of views to to discuss draft CBNP. Details of how & CBPC be accommodated in the and when to make representations CBNP – e.g. provision for discussed. old people; development outside the conservation area; development inside the conservation area but outside the designated development area 30/7/14 Re -draft CBNP in light of public discussion 7/8/14 Draft CBNP submitted to WC for SG comment 16/9/14 WC draft Screening Report confirming WC WC screening decision that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required for the CBNP 18/9/14 CBPC discussion of SA requirement CBPC 25/9/14 SG agree to include SA as good SG practice 26/9/14 Obtained environmental information Cllr. P. Alberry A diverse set of from the major landowners and information to be related to the various “magic maps” collated and evidenced 6/10/14 Feedback to local landowners to Cllr. P. Alberry check for accuracy 9/10/14 SG and CBPC discussions with CBPC & SG agreement of date for public consultation 10/10/14 SA produced & CBNP re -drafted for Cllr. P. Alberry consistency 13/10/14 Preparation of CB de sign statement Cllr. P. Alberry 29/10/14 Public Meeting in Benson Village Hall Circa 50 Villagers A divergence of views to to discuss CBNP, SA and design & CBPC be accommodated in the statement (DS) CBNP & SA 31/10/14 Referendum on acceptability of All Compton CBNP, SA and design statement (DS) Bassett Villagers 5/11/14 Formal letter of confirmation of CBNP WC designated area
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6/11/14 Final date for representations and CBPC voting slips 27/11/14 Final CBNP, SA & DS received by CBPC Compton Bassett Parish Council together with details of the referendum 2/12/14 Re -drafted CBNP, SA and DS SG Unsure that WC have submitted to WC understood CBPC position 5-6 week delay for consideration by Wiltshire Council Officers 2/12/14 Meeting with Mr. D. King (Wiltshire Cllr. P. Szczesiak & Mr. King advised that Council) Cllr. P. Alberry further documents would be required: Scoping Report; Basic Conditions Statement; Consultation Statement 3/12/14 Draft Consultation Statement Cllr. P. Alberry submitted 4/12 /14 Draft Basic Conditions Statement & Cllr. P. Alberry CBNP objectives submitted 8/12/14 Comments from Wiltshire Council on WC Draft SEA Scoping Report 9/12/14 Draft Scoping report submitted to Cllr. P. Alberry English Heritage; Natural England & Environment Agency 10/12/14 Further Wiltshire Council comments on Draft SEA Scoping Report 11/12/14 Further comments from Wiltshire Council on Draft SEA Scoping Report 15/12/14 Comments from Wiltshire Council on Draft Policies 16/12/14 Comments from Wiltshire Council on Basic Conditions Statement 18/12/14 Comments from Wiltshire Council on Consultation Statement 22/12/14 Comments received from English Comments used to revise Heritage and Natural England the Scoping Report, Sustainability Assessment, Basic Conditions Statement, Consultation Statement and Neighbourhood Plan 22/12/14 Revisions to Scoping Report, Cllr. P. Alberry Revisions include To Sustainability Assessment, Compton comments from Statutory 20/1/15 Bassett Neighbourhood Plan and Consultees and Wiltshire supporting documents Council 6/1/15 Revised Neighbourhood Plan Cllr. P. Alberry circulated to local Parish Councils for comment 6/1/15 Calne Without comments that the As at 10 February 2015,
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Plan would be considered at their no comments received. meeting of 2 February 2015. 7/1/15 Comments from Wiltshire Council on Draft Policies 8/1/15 Calne Parish Council comments that As at 10 February 2015, the Plan will be considered at their SG no comments received. meeting (8/1/15). 12/1/15 Revised Sustainability Assessment Cllr. P. Alberry submitted to North Wessex Downs for comments 12/1/15 Hilmarton Parish Council comments No revis ions required. received supporting Objective 3 “Improve traffic Safety & Transport Services”. 20/1/15 Comments received from Cllr. P. Alberry There were no comments Environment Agency from the Environment Agency so no further revisions were required 26/1/15 Wiltshire Council SEA Screening Final WC The final report confirms Report (following WC draft report on Wiltshire Council’s 16/9/14) and amended comments on previous screening previous draft SEA Scoping Report decision on 16/9/14 that comments an SEA is required for the CBNP. Note: This is not a problem as the CBPC had already decided to produce an SEA as good practice. WC’s amended comments on the draft SEA Scoping Report will require a minor revision to the Consultation Statement to record the change of advice. 29/1/15 Final revised version of Compton CBPC Bassett Neighbourhood Plan and Sustainability Assessment considered and approved by Compton Bassett Parish Council 30/1/15 Final revised version of Compton CBPC Bassett Neighbourhood Plan, Sustainability Assessment and supporting documents submitted to Wiltshire Council for public consultation and formal approval 2/2/15 Confirmation of receipt of 6 copies of Note: The Compton the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Bassett Neighbourhood Plan, Sustainability Assessment and Plan, Sustainability supporting documents by Wiltshire Assessment and Council (Mr P. Thurow). supporting documents were each burnt onto a
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single CD as the documents were too big to e-mail (44 MB in total). 6 identical copies were sent. 4/2/15 Calne Without Parish Council comment that they found the CBNP very useful and had no comments 9/2/15 CBPC clerk enquiry to Wilts Council CBPC Clerk on Plan progress 9/2/15 E-mail from Mr. D. King (Wiltshire WC & CBPC CBPC provide written Council Link Officer) denying receipt evidence to Mr King that of the Compton Bassett the first CBNP deposit Neighbourhood Plan, Sustainability had been signed for by Assessment and supporting Mr. P. Thurow on 2 documents and making serious February 2015. unsubstantiated criticisms of the level of consultation for the CBNP. Emergency meeting of CBPC convened for 19 February 2015 to consider Mr King’s unsubstantiated criticisms. 10/2/15 Further e -mail from Mr. King re - WC & CBPC CBPC response to Mr King stating that the CBNP had not been by e-mail indicating that received with further criticisms of his unsubstantiated CBPC. criticisms would be responded to in detail in due course. 16/2/15 E-mail from Mr. King stating that he WC It was not possible to has tracked down part of the submit the CBNP submission (3 CDs) with further electronically as the file criticisms of CBPC for not submitting size was too large (44MB) the CBNP electronically & stating that CBNP checks will take “2 weeks from today” 19/2/15 Emergency meeting of CBPC to CBPC Formal response from determine response to Mr King’s CBPC to Mr King’s e-mail criticisms of 9 February 2015 robustly rebutting all WC criticisms agreed and sent on 20 February 2015 23/2/15 WC blame volume of mail and hot - It was not possible to desk system for late receipt of CBNP submit the CBNP & repeat criticism of CBPC for not electronically as the file submitting the CBNP electronically as size was too large had been repeatedly requested and (44MB). CBPC provide claim that CBPC have a hostile written evidence that WC uncooperative attitude had never advised CBPC that the CBNP had to be submitted electronically;
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that the WC web site does not request electronic submission of CBNPs and that CBPC did not have a cooperative and hostile attitude 27/2/15 Response from Cherhill Parish Council on CBNP – “No Comments” 1/3/15 Request from Hilmarton Parish CDs produced and sent Council for a copy of the CBNP for Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Councils 2/3/15 Request for CBPC meeting on 3/3/15 WC & CBPC CBPC accept invitation to from Ms G. Clampitt-Dix (Head of meeting with WC Spatial Planning) with CBPC 3/3/15 Meeting with Ms G. Clampitt -Dix and WC & CBPC Initial CBPC response to CBPC to discuss removal of Mr King as all of WC’s 15 comments Link Officer; WC provide 15 further on CBNP provided on detailed comments on the CBNP 4/3/15 4/3/15 Ms. G. Clampitt -Dix e-mail requesting WC & CBPC CBPC response on 17 clarification on CBNP consultation March 2015 dates 7/3/15 CBPC provide detailed clarification on WC & CBPC CBNP consultation to WC 13/3/15 WC infer that the 6 week consultation CBPC response to WC period can only take place after the that this is not specified formal letter of confirmation of the in or required by the CBNP designated area has been legislation issued, which occurred on 5/11/14. 19/3/15 Further WC comments on the CBNP WC & CBPC CBCP response on 25 requesting amendments to 8 out of March 2015 11 CBNP policies 23/3/15 Comments from Green Square CBPC CBPC apology to Green Housing Association pointing out a Square Housing copyright infringement for the Briar Association and Leaze development immediate rectification of copyright infringement on CBPC web site 25/3/15 CBPC r espon se to all WC policy CBPC amendment requests on the CBNP 1/4/15 CBNP modified to take account of WC CBPC and Green Square Housing Association comments; Consultation Statement updated 1/4/15 CBPC advise WC that they have CBPC CBPC infer that the received advice from the Secretary of adequacy of consultation State DCLG that the issue of the is not a matter for WC adequacy of consultation is a matter and believe that WC have for the independent inspector not used a proper construction of Regulation 14 with regard
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to consultation requirements 1/4/15 WC reject CBNP on the gro unds of WC & CBPC inadequate consultation and compliance with regulation 14 and request further meeting 2/4/15 Emergency meeting of CBPC called CBPC for 8/4/15 to agree response to WC 8/4/15 Emergency meeting of CBPC CBPC CBPC agree response to WC and decide that it is more expedient to immediately initiate a second 6 week consultation starting on 9/4/15 and ending on 25/5/15, rather than argue over a proper construction of Regulation 14. 9/4/15 Public Notice CBPC Full details of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan proposals and supporting documents will be available for public inspection, final comments and final representations for a minimum period of 6 weeks from 9 April 2015. Copies of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan proposals will be available to be inspected/downloaded from the Compton Bassett website & will also be available in paper form in the Benson Village Hall; Briar Leaze (Cllr P. Szczesiak); at the White Horse Inn continuously from 9 April 2015 onwards. All comments & representations must be received before 25 May 2015 Comments & representations can be made by e-mail to Compton Bassett Parish Clerk [email protected] ) or by post to Dr P. Alberry, Whisper Cottage, 54 Compton Bassett, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 8RH 5/5/15 Meeting between CBPC & WC to CBPC & WC WC make further discuss CBNP issues comments on the CBNP which were noted for further consideration, as detailed later.
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13/5/15 Letter from Green Square Housing CBPC & Green Green Square comments Association commenting on the CBNP Square Housing noted for further Association consideration, as detailed later. 14/5/15 CBPC Meeting CBPC CBPC consider Green Square Housing Association comments and agree a response correcting numerous inaccuracies, requesting a meeting. 15/5/15 CBPC response to Green Square CBPC CBPC response correcting Group numerous inaccuracies 18/5/15 CBPC request advice from WC as to whether WC’s requested clarifications can be included in the first deposit 20/5/15 Heddington Parish Council consultation reply – “no comment” 20/5/15 WC response states that they “advise WC that any necessary amendments to the plan referred to in the consultation statement be made before it is submitted to Wiltshire Council”. 21/5/15 CBPC request further clarification CBPC from WC for specific clarifications and minor amendments 22/5/15 Green Square Group letter with Green Square Green Square comments further response to CBPC letter Group noted for further consideration, as detailed in the Consultation Statement. 26/5/15 WC clarification response: I confirm WC Noted that you can make amendments to the plan prior to submission to Wiltshire Council.
The consultation statement should explain how the neighbourhood plan has been influenced by and responded to consultation responses, including the reasons behind not making amendments suggested by representors, where that is the case. 26/5/15 Comments from Historic England (HE) HE CBPC prepare respon se to requesting further background HE with further information clarification, as detailed in the Consultation Statement. 28/5/15 CBPC provide background CBPC
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information to HE 28/5/15 Historic England confirm that the HE & CBPC CBPC incorporated HE’s information supplied (and contained comments and the CBPC in the Plan and supporting response in the documents) “helpfully clarifies Consultation Statement. previous uncertainties” such that they were “happy to regard this matter as satisfactorily closed” 29/5/15 CBPC meeting to approve Plan CBPC & Green CBPC approve Plan clarifications & reply to the further Square Group clarifications & Green response from Green Square Group Square group response second letter Comments from Bremhill PC, Cherhill As at 30 May 2015, no PC and North Wessex Downs AONB comments received. 30 /5/15 CBNP (with clarifications) and SA formally submitted to Wiltshire Council WC Public Consultation
CBNP (with clarifications) , SA & SC formally submitted to Planning Inspector Formal approval by Planning Inspector
The following sections cover the policy context (Schedule 2(a) and (e) of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004; a description of the environmental context (Schedule 2(b), 2(c) & 2(d)); a consideration of various alternatives (Schedule 2(h)) and the proposed next steps.
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Chapter 2. Sustainability Assessment Methodology
The following sections contain a brief summary of the key stages that will be completed during the preparation of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan, following the SEA Directive and national guidance ( “Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Government plan documents 2005” and “A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, 2005”).
There are five stages in the sustainability appraisal process:
• Stage A – Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope
• Stage B – Developing and refining plan options
• Stage C – Appraising the effects of the plan
• Stage D – Consulting on the draft Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan and the Sustainability Assessment
• Stage E – Monitoring and implementation of the plan
Full compliance with each of the stages is demonstrated in Appendix 1.
Stage A – Scoping to meet the requirements of the SEA Directive
Stage A1 – The identification of national, regional and local plans, programmes, policies and sustainability objectives that will impact on the emerging Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan;
• Stage A2 – The collection of baseline information to provide a picture of past, present and likely future conditions within the area. Key sources of information include census data; population forecasts; commissioned studies and local public consultation, developing key indicators to monitor the effects and performance of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan;
• Stage A3 – Identification of sustainability issues and problems affecting the area, which can be addressed through the development of policies and proposals within the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan;
• Stage A4 – Development of a sustainability appraisal framework to assess the impacts of the emerging Plan’s objectives, policies and proposals; and
• Stage A5 – Consultation on the appropriateness and robustness of the scope of the Sustainability Assessment and the proposed assessment framework.
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Stage A1 – Review of Relevant Policies, Plans and Programmes
The SEA Directive requires that the environmental report should include “an outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes” and that the environmental report should also include “the environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level which are relevant to the plan or programme”.
European Directive 92/43/EEC relating to the conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive) requires a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) to be undertaken conforming to the UK Habitats Directive via the Conservation and Species Regulations 2010. The HRA assesses any impact against the conservation objectives of sites of European importance for nature conservation to determine any likely adverse effects. Details of the HRA screening assessment for the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan are given in Appendix 2.
The CBNP sustainability assessment (which incorporates the requirements of the SEA Directive) has been drawn up following a review of:
1. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 2. Town and Country Planning Regulations 2011 3. Good Practice in EIA Guidance: Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment 4. A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2005 5. National Policy Planning Framework 2012 6. Planning Policy Guidance 12, 1992 7. The Localism Act 2011 8. Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 9. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 10. Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 11. Hedgerows Regulations 1997 12. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 13. Dorset Ecology Report DEC/1744 2009 14. UK census 2011 15. Wiltshire Core Strategy 2016 16. Wiltshire & Swindon Waste Core Strategy 2006-2026 17. Calne Community Area Plan 2004-2014 18. North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2009-2014 19. Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2006-7 20. Wiltshire and Swindon Economic Strategy 2003-2008 21. Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2008 22. Sustainability Appraisal Report, Focussed Consultation Document, 2012 23. Air Quality Strategy for Wiltshire 2011-2015 24. Wiltshire Carbon Management Plan 2013-2017 25. English Heritage “Heritage at Risk Register 2013” 26. Wiltshire Core Strategy – Assessment under the Habitats Regulations 2012
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The policy context is taken from the Wiltshire Core Strategy 2016 and the full policy details which affect the CBNP are given in the CBNP and summarised below:
Core Strategies and Policies Key Points CBNP Objective National Policy Planning Framework 2012 Achieving sustainable development Meeting the needs of the pr esent CBNP without compromising the ability of SA future generations to meet their own needs. A presumption in favour of sustainable development where development plans should meet the objectively assessed development needs of their area and where development proposals that accord with the development plan should be approved without delay. Supporting a prosperous rural Planning policies should support CBNP 8: Strengthen economy growth in rural areas in order to and support local create jobs and prosperity by taking economic activity a positive approach to sustainable new development. Promoting sustainable transport Transport policies should facilitate CBNP 2: Maintain sustainable development and reduce and improve local the need to travel to reduce services for existing congestion and pollution. and new residents Developments should demonstrate safe and suitable access for all, with appropriate parking provisions. Supporting high quality Advanced, high quality CBNP 2: Maintain communications infrastructure communications infrastructure is and improve local essential for sustainable economic services for existing growth. Access to broad band plays and new residents a vital role in enhancing the provision of local community facilities and services. The expansion of electronic communications networks, telecommunications and broadband should be supported. Delivering a wide choice of high The local plan should meet the CBNP 9: Delivery of a quality homes objectively assessed needs for high quality housing market and affordable housing in the growth strategy local area by identifying suitable tailored to the needs development sites for up to 15 years and context of where possible. Development plans Compton Bassett should include a mix of housing based on community needs, including affordable housing. Requiring good design Local and neighbourhood plans Compton Bassett should develop robust and Design Statement
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comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will CBNP 9: Delivery of a be expected for the area based on high quality housing the stated plan objectives. growth strategy tailored to the needs and context of Compton Bassett
Promoting healthy communities Planning policies should be inclusive, CBNP 10: Protection encouraging healthy community of rural landscape, interaction with safe, accessible AONB, visual environments with appropriate amenity, local green public space, green space and space & air quality community facilities to meet social, recreational and cultural needs. CBNP 2: Maintain and improve local services for existing and new residents Protecting green belt land National green belt policies protect CBNP 10: Protection unrestricted urban sprawl; prevent of rural landscape, neighbouring towns from merging; AONB, visual safeguard the countryside from amenity, local green encroachment; preserve special and space & air quality historic character; and assist in urban regeneration by recycling derelict land. Meeting the challenge of climate New developments sh ould adopt CBNP 6: Minimise change, flooding and coastal pro-active policies for a low carbon the environmental change future which will help to reduce impact of climate greenhouse emissions via energy change and flood risk efficiency improvements to existing where possible and new buildings, including the use of renewable energy. Conserving and enhancing the New developments should protect CBNP 10: Protection natural environment and enhance the natural and local of rural landscape, environment with regard to AONB, visual landscapes, geology, soil, water, air, amenity, local green noise pollution and bio-diversity. space & air quality The use of brownfield land should be encouraged where it is not of high environmental value. Particular CBNP 4: Sensitive emphasis should be given to development which protection of AONBs. protects and enriches the habitat and biodiversity of Compton Bassett
CBNP 11: Protection of land and soil resources Conserving and enhancing the Local plans should adopt a positive CBNP 7: P reserve the historic environment strategy for the conservation of the character of
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historic environment and heritage Compton Bassett, assets. New developments should conservation area, make a positive contribution to local historic buildings and character and distinctiveness, historic rights of way particularly in conservation areas. Where proposed developments might impact a heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation. Substantial harm to or loss of a grade II listed building, scheduled monuments and heritage assets of archaeological interest should be exceptional and for World Heritage sites it should be wholly exceptional. Facilitating the use of sustainable Substitu te materials, re -cycled CBNP 5: Encourage materials materials and/or minerals waste re-cycling, should be used where possible in minimisation of the preference to the extraction of carbon footprint and indigenous materials. the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish Wiltshire Core Strategy Providing for the most sustainable CBNP & SA pattern of development that minimises the need to travel and CBNP 1: Maintain maximises the potential to use and improve assets sustainable transport of community value
Creating the right environment to CBNP 2: Maintain deliver economic growth, delivering and improve local the jobs Wiltshire’s population services for existing needs locally, and taking a flexible and new residents and responsive approach to CBNP3: Improve employment land delivery traffic safety and transport services Managing development to ensure that jobs and the right infrastructure CBNP 4: Sensitive are delivered at the right time to development which ensure that out commuting, in protects and enriches particular to areas outside of the habitat and Wiltshire, is not increased and biodiversity of development does not have a Compton Bassett detrimental impact on infrastructure. CBNP 5: Encourage re-cycling, Working towards lowering minimisation of the Wiltshire’s carbon footprint through carbon footprint and the appropriate location of the increased use of development, and through renewable energy renewable energy and sustainable within the Parish construction
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Protecting and planning for the CBNP 6: Minimise enhancement of the natural, historic the environmental and built environments, wherever impact of climate possible, including maintaining, change and flood risk enhancing and expanding Wiltshire’s where possible network of green infrastructure to support the health and wellbeing of CBNP 7: Preserve the communities character of Compton Bassett, Providing high quality, well designed conservation area, development, and ensuring full local historic buildings and community involvement in planning historic rights of way for significant new proposals CBNP 8: Strengthen Providing the framework to deliver and support local appropriate community-led planning economic activity policy documents, Including neighbourhood plans CBNP 9: Delivery of a high quality housing growth strategy tailored to the needs and context of Compton Bassett
CBNP 10: Protection of rural landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local green space & air quality Core Policy 58 Wiltshire’s important monuments, CBNP 7: Preserve the Ensuring the conservation of the sites and landscapes and areas of character of historic environment historic and built heritage Compton Bassett, significance need to be protected conservation area, and enhanced in order that they historic buildings and continue to make an important historic rights of way contribution to Wiltshire’s environment and quality of life Core Policy 48 protecting the countryside and CBNP Supporting Rural Life maintaining its local distinctiveness
supporting the sensitive reuse of CBNP 1: Maintain built assets to help meet local needs and improve assets of community value supporting improved access between places and to services CBNP 2: Maintain and improve local supporting the community in taking services for existing ownership of local services and new residents CBNP3: Improve traffic safety and
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment
transport services
CBNP 10: Protection of rural landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local green space & air quality Core Policy 49 to protect and encourage the CBNP3: Improve Protection of rural services and development of rural services and traffic safety and community facilities facilities in Wiltshire transport services Core Policy 51 development should protect, CBNP 10: Protection Landscape conserve and where possible of rural landscape, enhance landscape character and AONB, visual must not have an unacceptable amenity, local green harmful impact upon landscape space & air quality character, while any negative impacts must be mitigated as far as possible through sensitive design CBNP 4: Sensitive and landscape measures. development which protects and enriches the habitat and biodiversity of Compton Bassett Core Policy 50 development should avoid and CBNP 4: Sensitive Biodiversity & Geodiversity reduce disturbance to sensitive development which wildlife species and habitats protects and enriches throughout the lifetime of the the habitat and development biodiversity of Compton Bassett Core Policy 52 conserving and enhancing the CBNP 10: Protection Green Infrastructure natural environment; providing of rural landscape, wildlife corridors; reducing noise and AONB, visual air pollution; and helping amenity, local green communities adapt to changing space & air quality climate through water and carbon management Core Policy 55 to maintain good air quality and CBNP 10: Protection Air Quality minimise air pollution of rural landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local green space & air quality Core Policy 57 a high standard of design is required CBNP 9: Del ivery of a Ensuring high quality design and in all new developments high quality housing place shaping growth strategy development is expected to create a tailored to the needs strong sense of place through and context of drawing on the local context and Compton Bassett being complimentary to the locality Core Policy 60 to help reduce the need to travel, CBNP3: Improve Sustainable transport particularly by private car, and traffic safety and support and encourage the transport services sustainable, safe and efficient
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movement of people and goods within and through Wiltshire Core Policy 40 Proposals for new hotels, bed and CBNP 8: Strengthen Hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest breakfasts & guesthouses together and support local houses and conference facilities with the sensitive extension, economic activity upgrading and intensification of existing tourism accommodation facilities will be supported where the proposals are of an appropriate scale and character within the context of the immediate surroundings and the settlement as a whole Core Policy 41 Sustainable construction and low - CBNP 5: Encourage Sustainable construction and low carbon energy will be integral to all re-cycling, carbon energy new development in Wiltshire minimisation of the carbon footprint and the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish Core Policy 42 Proposals for standalone renewable CBNP 5: Encourage Standalone renewable energy energy schemes will be supported re-cycling, installations subject to satisfactory resolution of minimisation of the all site specific constraints including carbon footprint and landscape (particularly round the increased use of AONBs), biodiversity, historic renewable energy environment, residential amenity within the Parish and high quality agricultural land Core Policy 43 provision of affordable housing may CBNP 9: Delivery of a Providing affordable homes vary on a site-by-site basis taking high quality housing into account evidence of growth strategy local need, mix of affordable housing tailored to the needs proposed and where appropriate, and context of the viability of the development Compton Bassett Core Policy 44 where it can be demonstrated that a CBNP Rural exceptions sites proposed development will meet a local need that cannot be CBNP 9: Delivery of a accommodated in any other way, high quality housing the council may permit small scale growth strategy residential development (7 dwellings tailored to the needs or less) outside but adjoining the and context of development limits of Local Service Compton Bassett Centres and Large Villages, or adjacent to the existing built area of Small Villages
the proposal must have clear support from the local community and must consist of 7 dwellings or fewer Core Policy 46 the provision, in suitable locations, CBNP 9: Delivery of a
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Meeting the needs of Wiltshire’s of new housing to meet the specific high quality housing vulnerable and older people needs of vulnerable and older growth strategy people will be required tailored to the needs and context of wherever practicable, Compton Bassett accommodation should seek to deliver and promote independent living Calne Area Strategy Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), CBNP 9: Delivery of a at least 1,605 new homes will be high quality housing provided, of which 1,440 should growth strategy occur at Calne and 140 homes will be tailored to the needs provided in the rest of the and context of community area Compton Bassett North Wessex Do wns AONB The AONB management plan CBNP 10: Protection Management Plan 2009-2014 addresses the need to conserve and of rural landscape, enhance the landscape, heritage and AONB, visual biodiversity within the AONB amenity, local green space & air quality Wiltshire Local Transport Plan The local transport plan aims to CBNP3: Improve 2006-7 improve access for goods and traffic safety and services, especially in rural areas to: transport services reduce speeding; respond to an increasing number of vehicles; improve road safety; maintain an integrated public transport network; provide a satisfactory bus network, especially in rural areas; improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians Wiltshire and Swindon Economic The strategy aims to: CBNP 8: Strengthen Strategy 2003-2008 encourage sustainable development and support local by increasing investment in economic activity employment and services; develop a skilled and adaptable workforce; ensure sustainable economic growth Wiltshire Bio -diversity Action Pl an Wiltshire contains a great diversity CBNP 4: Sensitive 2008 of habitat types including chalk development which grassland, chalk rivers, lowland protects and enriches grassland, areas of open water, the habitat and woods and forests which support a biodiversity of rich biodiversity which enhances the Compton Bassett quality of life and provides essential services to the wider eco-system. CBNP 10: Protection of rural landscape, The Habitat and Species action plans AONB, visual provide clear objectives, targets and amenity, local green actions to monitor and improve eco- space & air quality systems in Wiltshire. Sustainability Appraisal Report, Wiltshire’s sustainability report for CBNP 9: Delivery of a Focussed Consultation Document, the Calne area identifies a housing high quality housing September 2012 strategy which will deliver housing growth strategy
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growth to meet the local need and tailored to the needs underpin economic growth in Calne. and context of Compton Bassett The report identifies a lack of brownfield sites and highlights the adverse effects of greenfield development which will need to be mitigated by making effective use of the available land and preserving the AONB.
A level of transport growth is envisaged which will increase traffic volumes and cause a reduction in air quality.
The impact of any future development on the strategic road network must be considered together with the impact of the waste facilities at the edge of Calne which are a major source of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) through traffic which have a significant negative impact on Calne. Air Quality Strategy for Wiltshire Wiltshire’s policy is to seek to CBNP 10: Protection 2011-2015 maintain good air quality and to of rural landscape, strive to deliver improvements in AONB, visual areas where air quality fails national amenity, local green objectives in order to protect public space & air quality health and the environment.
Air quality across Wiltshire is generally good but there a number of air quality blackspots, one of which is in the Calne area where air quality significantly exceeds EU air quality limits and Calne was designated an Air Quality Management Area in 2013. Wiltshire Carbon Management Plan The Wiltshire carbon management CBNP 5: Encourage 2013-2017 plan aims to reduce Wiltshire’s re-cycling, carbon footprint from 60,436 tonnes minimisation of the
of CO 2 in 2012/13 to 11,823 tonnes carbon footprint and of CO 2 by 2016/17 by rationalising the increased use of office buildings and reducing energy renewable energy wastage. within the Parish English Heritage at Risk Register The Compton Bassett designated CBNP 2013 area is within 5 miles of Avebury and 20 miles of Stonehenge which are There are no heritage both designated World Heritage assets at risk with
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sites. the Compton Bassett designated plan area. The closest heritage assets at risk are the former aircraft hangars at Yatesbury Airfield, Cherhill which were built in 1917 as part of a training centre and are Grade II listed buildings. One hangar has been repaired and consent has been granted to demolish the second hangar. North Wiltshire Local Plan 2006 Sustainability Core Policy Development proposals will be CBNP examined against the following criteria: CBNP 8: Strengthen and support local Long term economic health of the economic activity local economy CBNP 1: Maintain Social inclusion and access to and improve assets community infrastructure of community value
Quality of the natural and historic CBNP 2: Maintain environment and improve local services for existing Use of natural resources and and new residents appropriate recycling, renewable energy and energy conservation CBNP 7: Preserve the character of Compton Bassett, conservation area, historic buildings and historic rights of way
CBNP 5: Encourage re-cycling, minimisation of the carbon footprint and the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish Community Infrastructure Core Development proposals will be CBNP Policy examined against the following criteria: Compton Bassett Design Statement Affordable housing CBNP 9: Delivery of a Education, skill training provision high quality housing and libraries growth strategy tailored to the needs Travel and support infrastructure and context of Community buildings and facilities Compton Bassett
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Health care provision and social services CBNP 2: Maintain and improve local New or improved public open spaces services for existing Leisure, sport and recreation and new residents provision CBNP3: Improve Waste management and recycling traffic safety and Environmental protection and transport services enhancement CBNP 10: Protection Information communication of rural landscape, technology infrastructure AONB, visual Art in the community amenity, local green space & air quality
CBNP 5: Encourage re-cycling, minimisation of the carbon footprint and the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish Development Control Core Policy Development proposals will be CBNP permitted subject to the following criteria: Compton Bassett Design Statement Respect for the local character and distinctiveness of the area with CBNP 7: Preserve the regard to the design, size, scale, character of density, massing, materials, siting Compton Bassett, and layout conservation area, historic buildings and Respect for the quality of the natural historic rights of way and built environment, including the historic environment, archaeology CBNP 9: Delivery of a and ecology high quality housing growth strategy Avoid unacceptable loss of privacy tailored to the needs and amenities to adjacent dwellings and context of Compton Bassett Safe, convenient access for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled people with minimal crime risk CBNP3: Improve Promote the use of renewable traffic safety and energy and local natural/recycled transport services materials CBNP 5: Encourage Efficient water supply use and re-cycling, disposal minimisation of the carbon footprint and Storage, collection & recycling of the increased use of
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refuse renewable energy within the Parish Promote travel reduction, public transport, cycling & walking CBNP 2: Maintain and improve local Site access, car parking and cycle services for existing storage and new residents
Avoid overload of existing services & CBNP 6: Minimise facilities the environmental impact of climate Avoid environment pollution and change and flood risk environmental health issues from where possible noise, light intrusion, smoke, fumes, effluent, vibration, waste or litter Business Development Core Policy New business development will be CBNP 8: Strengthen encouraged where it: promotes a and support local diverse and robust economy and economic activity reduces out-commuting; is of a scale which will maintain & improve local services; promotes the re-use of rural buildings in keeping with the surroundings with potential to sustain the local rural economy Areas of Outstanding Natural Priority will be given to the CBNP 10: Protection Beauty conservation and enhancement of of rural landscape, the natural beauty of the landscape. AONB, visual Development will be restricted to amenity, local green change of use of existing buildings space & air quality appropriate to the economic and social well-being of the area and which benefits the understanding & enjoyment of local amenities provided the proposal conserves/enhances the natural beauty including the open rural character, riverside/water features, wildlife sites, trees and/or woodland; is sited so as to minimise any impact and uses appropriate materials & landscaping Protection of Species Planning permission will not be CBNP 4: Sensitive granted for development which will development which have an adverse effect on badgers or protects and enriches species protected by Schedules 1, 5 the habitat and or 8 of the Wildlife & Countryside biodiversity of Act 1981 as amended by section 74 Compton Bassett of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 or Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations (1994) and Protection of
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Badgers Act 2000. Managing Nature Conservation De velopment which may adversely CBNP 4: Sensitive Features affect landscape features which are development which important to flora & fauna will only protects and enriches be permitted if the reasons for the habitat and development outweigh the need to biodiversity of retain the features and there are Compton Bassett appropriate mitigation measures. Conserving Biodiversity Development proposals which may CBNP 4: Sen sitive adversely affect biodiversity will only development which be permitted where there are protects and enriches appropriate mitigation measures. the habitat and biodiversity of Compton Bassett Woodland Creation, conservation & positive CBNP 4: Sensitive management of woodlands, development which particularly areas of ancient and protects and enriches semi-natural woodland will be the habitat and encouraged. biodiversity of Compton Bassett Trees, Site Features & the Control Development permission will not be CBNP 4: Sensitive of New Development granted where loss of trees, hedges, development which lakes/ponds or other important protects and enriches landscape & ecological features the habitat and where the features could be biodiversity of incorporated into the development Compton Bassett design CBNP 10: Protection of rural landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local green space & air quality Landscape Character of the The landscape of North Wiltshire CBNP 10: Protection Countryside and its socially distinctive of rural landscape, characteristics shall be conserved AONB, visual and enhanced. Development will be amenity, local green permitted where it does not space & air quality adversely affect the character of an area and features that contribute to CBNP 7: Preserve the local distinctiveness. character of Compton Bassett, conservation area, historic buildings and historic rights of way Renewable Energy Renewable energy projects will be CBNP 5: Encourage permitted provided such re-cycling, development would not cause harm minimisation of the to a designated historic area or carbon footprint and natural landscape. the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish
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Noise & Pollution Development will only be permitted CBNP 10: Protection where it would not generate, or of rural landscape, itself be subject to, harm upon AONB, visual public health or cause pollution to amenity, local green the environment by the emission of space & air quality excessive noise, light, intrusion, smoke, fumes, other forms of air CBNP 7: Preserve the pollution, heat, radiation, effluent or character of vibration. Compton Bassett, conservation area, historic buildings and historic rights of way Development in Conservation Areas Proposals for development in CBNP conservation areas will only be permitted where the proposal will Compton Bassett preserve or enhance the character Design Statement or appearance of the area. Open spaces, village greens, gaps between CBNP 9: Delivery of a buildings, fields, gardens and trees high quality housing that provide attractive views and growth strategy vistas to, from and within public tailored to the needs areas will be protected from and context of development that would fail to Compton Bassett preserve or enhance the character or appearance of a conservation CBNP 10: Protection area. In addition, the established of rural landscape, historic streets, building lines and AONB, visual frontages, burgage plots and amenity, local green boundaries, the plan form of space & air quality buildings, and other historic physical and landscape features will be CBNP 7: Preserve the conserved and incorporated into the character of proposal where appropriate. Compton Bassett, conservation area, historic buildings and historic rights of way Demolition in Conservation Areas Developments which require CBNP 7: Preserve the demolition of buildings or structures character of which make a positive contribution Compton Bassett, to the character or appearance of a conservation area, conservation area will not be historic buildings and permitted. historic rights of way Development, Demolition or Development or alteration affecting CBNP 7: Preserve the Alteration involving Listed Buildings a listed building will only be character of permitted where it preserves or Compton Bassett, enhances the building, its setting conservation area, and any features of special historic buildings and architectural or historic interest. historic rights of way Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Development will not be permitted CBNP 7: Preserve the Nationally Important Features where a proposal would have an character of adverse effect on a scheduled Compton Bassett,
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monument or other nationally conservation area, important feature or archaeological historic buildings and or historic interest or their setting. historic rights of way There will be a presumption in favour of the physical preservation in situ of nationally important archaeological remains and their settings, whether the site is scheduled or not. Locally Import ant Archaeological Development in defined areas of CBNP 7: Preserve the Sites special archaeological significance, character of or in other locally important Compton Bassett, archaeological sites will only be conservation area, permitted where any archaeological historic buildings and remains would be unaffected by the historic rights of way proposals or satisfactory measures are taken to ensure the physical preservation of any remains in-situ or where the need for and benefits of the development outweigh archaeological loss providing the key features are excavated and recorded. Enabling Development – Historic Proposals enabling development will CBNP 7: Preserve the Environment only be permitted in exceptional character of circumstances where the scale does Compton Bassett, not exceed what is necessary to conservation area, support the enabling development historic buildings and and where the actual development is historic rights of way in the national interest. Minimising the Need to Travel New develo pment should be CBNP 2: Maintain designed and located to minimise and improve local the need to travel whilst being services for existing accessible by cycling, walking and and new residents public transport. Housing developments should be accessible to jobs, education, health facilities, CBNP3: Improve shopping, leisure and local services. traffic safety and Proposals will be permitted where transport services they meet these sustainable transport requirements. CBNP 5: Encourage re-cycling, minimisation of the carbon footprint and the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish
Parking Parking applications are required to Compton Bassett provide levels of car, cycle and Design Statement disabled parking in accordance with the Countryside Standards set by the CBNP 9: Delivery of a
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Hig hway Authority. high quality housing growth strategy tailored to the needs and context of Compton Bassett Cycling, Walking & Public Transport Planning applications are expected CBNP 2: Maintain to make appropriate provision and and improve local give priority access for cyclists, services for existing pedestrians and public transport and new residents users. Measures must improve road safety, enhance the environment and assist the access and movement CBNP3: Improve of persons with a disability or traffic safety and impairment. transport services Safeguarding Development affecting public rights CBNP 7: Preserve the of way, cycle and pedestrian routes character of will only be permitted where Compton Bassett, satisfactory provision, in terms of conservation area, safety, attractiveness and historic buildings and convenience, is made to retain or historic rights of way divert the existing or proposed route. Residential Development Within Proposals for residential CBNP 9: Delivery of a Framework Boundaries development within the Framework high quality housing boundaries will be permitted growth strategy providing that priority is given to the tailored to the needs re-use of previously developed land and context of and buildings and the proposal is for Compton Bassett small scale or limited development and the most efficient use of the Compton Bassett land is achieved (a minimum density Design Statement of 20 dwellings per hectare) compatible with the site’s location, its accessibility and its surroundings. Residential Development in the New dwellings in the countryside Compton Bassett Open Countryside outside the Framework boundaries Design Statement will be permitted for the essential needs of agriculture, forestry or rural CBNP 10: Protection based enterprises or for replacement of rural landscape, of existing dwellings where the AONB, visual residential used has not been amenity, local green abandoned; the existing dwelling is space & air quality incapable of retention as is or is unsightly or out of character with its surroundings; the replacement dwelling is of a similar size and scale. Affordable Housing in Rural Areas The Council will seek to negotiate an Compton Bassett element of affordable housing to Design Statement meet local needs on all housing developments within the Framework CBNP 9: Delivery of a boundaries subject to the following high quality housing
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criteria: The Council will negotiate growth strategy on the basis that about 50% of the tailored to the needs dwellings permitted will be and context of subsidised housing with an Compton Bassett additional proportion of low cost housing subject to local need and site characteristics and that affordable housing should be provided on site, dispersed throughout the development or in any event in clusters of nor more than 15 dwellings so as to contribute toward mixed and inclusive communities. Affordable Housing o n Rural As an exception to normal planning Compton Bassett Exception Sites policies small affordable housing Design Statement developments will be permitted within and adjoining the villages in CBNP 9: Delivery of a the District provided that: there is high quality housing demonstrable local need for growth strategy affordable housing which cannot tailored to the needs otherwise be met and that the and context of scheme must be capable of Compton Bassett implementation and proper management to ensure that the benefits of the provision of affordable housing to meet local needs will be held in perpetuity.
Residential Extensions Household extensions and Compton Bassett development within a residential Design Statement curtilage will be permitted provided that: it is in keeping with the host CBNP 9: Delivery of a building (other than in the case of high quality housing historic buildings where a change of growth strategy style might be desirable to indicate tailored to the needs the evolution of the building; it does and context of not result in un-neighbourly Compton Bassett development which would result in loss of sight, overshadowing, loss of privacy, oppression or other harm to amenities of occupiers of either adjacent private dwellings or the property itself; it maintains the scale and siting of the dwelling in relation to adjoining development, open spaces and the character of the area and the wider landscape and it does not result in the loss of or have a potentially adverse impact on protected trees, hedgerows or other important landscape features. Page 32
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Business Development on Proposals to provide business Compton Bassett Unallocated Sites development within the framework Design Statement boundary of Calne will permitted subject to the proposed use being of CBNP 9: Delivery of a an appropriate size and form for the high quality housing location and accessibility by a range growth strategy of transport routes. tailored to the needs and context of Compton Bassett
Business Development Within, or Development proposals to provide Compton Bassett on the Edge of Villages new small scale or expanded Design Statement business uses will be permitted within or adjoining villages with CBNP 8: Strengthen framework boundaries provided that and support local the development is appropriate with economic activity regard to the settlement and will not have an adverse impact on the surrounding road network. Rural Business Development Development proposals for business Compton Bassett uses in the countryside will be Design Statement permitted where they involve the re- use of existing rural buildings CBNP 8: Strengthen suitable for conversion, where the and support local architectural and historical interest economic activity of the original building is not compromised or it involves limited new building located well within (or well related to) an existing group of buildings and is sympathetic to local building styles and surroundings or it involves the limited expansion or replacement of existing premises where this would be more acceptable and sustainable than conversion and, in all cases, the proposal does not lead to the dispersal of business uses which would be detrimental to town and village vitality and economic viability and that due consideration be given to the impact on the local road network. Re -use of Rural Buildings Re -use of buildings in the Compton Bassett countryside will permitted, provided Design Statement that the proposed use: will be contained within the building (no CBNP 8: Strengthen extensive alterations); respects the and support local character, setting and local building economic activity styles; consideration is given to employment/community/residential
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uses; there is no abuse of the concession in relation to permitted development rights and there is no adverse impact on the local road network. Farm Diversification Proposals for farm diversification will Compton Bassett be permitted where the proposal: Design Statement will not materially prejudice the agricultural operations of the farm; CBNP 8: Strengthen the scale is appropriate to the rural and support local context; does not adversely affect economic activity the character of the environment, local amenities and the local road CBNP 10: Protection network. of rural landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local green space & air quality Signs & Advertisements Permission will be granted for signs Compton Bassett and advertisements provide that Design Statement they: do not prejudice public safety; are suitable in size, siting and design CBNP 7: Preserve the and do not affect the visual amenity. character of Compton Bassett, conservation area, historic buildings and historic rights of way Leisure Facilities & Open Space Proposals for leisure facilities and CBNP 1: Maintain open space within or adjoining the and improve assets Framework Boundaries of towns and of community value villages will be permitted and proposals for the redevelopment, CBNP 10: Protection replacement or improvement of of rural landscape, existing leisure facilities or open AONB, visual spaces will be permitted provided amenity, local green that: the replacement/improved space & air quality facilities are equivalent (no reduction); loss of facilities or open space would not result in a deficiency; the proposal is for outdoor/indoor leisure facilities which outweigh any loss of amenity and proposals will improve facilities ancillary to its use. Provision of Open Space Proposals for new housing Compton Bassett development will be required to Design Statement make provision for open space on site, to provide 15m 2 for local parks CBNP 9: Delivery of a and 3m 2 for play areas per person high quality housing although financial payments from growth strategy developers may be allowed for the tailored to the needs provision of alternative open space and context of
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and towards the upgrading of Compton Bassett existing local open spaces. Development will be required to CBNP 10: Protection make contributions to remedy local of rural landscape, space deficiencies and/or AONB, visual maintenance. amenity, local green space & air quality
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Step A2 – Review of Baseline Information
This chapter sets out the environmental context using a series of historical, environmental and socio- economic data which has been collected using the “magic-map” method, public domain information, landowner environmental information, village questionnaires and local knowledge. This information formed an evidential basis for the sustainability assessment scoping report which was submitted to Natural England, English Heritage, the Environment Agency and North Wessex Downs AONB for comment. The comments have been used to revise the scoping report and have been incorporated into this Sustainability Assessment and the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan.
Heritage
Compton Bassett is a very old settlement which is listed in the Domesday Book. T he suffix Bassett is believed to have been taken from Lord Fulke Bassett who came over with William the Conqueror and who was the overlord of Compton Bassett, Royal Wootton Bassett, Winterbourne Bassett and Hinton Bassett.
In 1341, the parish consisted of a main part (Compton Bassett) and a detached part named Cowage to the north-west which was transferred to Hilmarton in 1883 reducing the parish to 1042 hectares.
Compton Bassett Parish contains a number of archaeological features associated with the Late Medieval period or earlier agricultural activity, including a field system which survives as a “below ground” feature and the remains of two Saxon water mills, which are scheduled monuments in the area of national significance in what is the wooded valley known as Abberd Brook, as shown on the map below.
The modern boundary of Compton Bassett Parish is defined in the north-east where it follows the contours of a steep escarpment for 500 m., and in the west and north-east it follows various ancient streams, roads and tracks.
Compton Bassett is a small village of some 97 properties with a well-defined, close knit Community of around 220 people. Compton Bassett has a distinctive village architecture of chalk walled houses, stone-mullioned windows, dormer windows, brick quoins, gabled roofs and covered entrance porches, as shown below.
Compton Bassett also has a Grade I listed building, St Swithin’s Church dating from the 12 th century together with a number of Grade 2 listed buildings, examples of which are shown below.
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The particular geography, heritage, architecture and scale of Compton Bassett combine to make it a distinctive and separate entity from the adjoining Parishes of Cherhill, Hilmarton and Calne.
The designated Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan area contains a Grade I listed building (St Swithin’s Church – red star); a public house (The White Horse Inn – purple star); a number of grade II listed buildings and monuments (blue stars) together with a scheduled monument (Saxon Mill – green star) and evidence of stone age settlement (brown star), as shown below.
(With acknowledgements to Wiltshire Council)
Compton Bassett is close to two world heritage sites, Avebury (5 miles) and Stonehenge (20 miles) which should not be allowed to be affected in any way by any proposed developments in Compton Bassett.
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Heritage – Conservation Area
A substantial part of the Village is designated as a Conservation area on 28 May 1991, as shown below.
Compton Bassett Conservation Area (With acknowledgements to Ordnance Survey and Wiltshire Council)
Conservation areas are valued for their distinctiveness, visual appeal and historic character. Research by the London School of Economics and English Heritage has found that this value is usually reflected in the price of properties and their rate of appreciation compared to properties in other areas, even after adjusting for location and other factors.
However, living in a conservation area means that some additional planning controls and considerations will apply to all properties within the conservation area in order to provide protection for those historic and architectural elements within Compton Bassett which make the place special and are subject to additional planning controls, known as Article 4 Directions, which are listed in Appendix 2 of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan.
There are no extant tree preservation orders listed within Compton Bassett Parish but trees are also covered by the Article 4 Directions.
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Heritage – Public Rights of Way
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan designated area is criss-crossed by a number of rights of way, as shown in yellow below. The public rights of way and the stunning local vistas attract tourists, particularly to the bed and breakfast establishments and add to the appreciation of the landscape. These features should not be disturbed by new developments.
Public Rights of Way Selected National Heritage Data Scheduled Monuments (With acknowledgements fo DEFRA)
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Nature Conservation - Land Management
The Compton Bassett designated area consists mainly of grassland, arable land and mature woodland which are managed by the 4 major landowners by means of a variety of agri-environment schemes, as shown below:
Landowner 1
Landowner 2
Landowner 3
Landowner 4
Areas of Grassland & Woodland Areas of agri -management
Landowners 1 & 3 are predominantly arable farmers, Landowner 2 is an organic dairy farmer and Landowner 4 is a rare breed pig farmer.
The extensive woodlands contain a typical mixture of mature deciduous trees, notably with some old oaks, 200 year old beech trees and large willows. The woodland is managed so as to encourage wildlife by leaving dead timber and ivy on mature trees.
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A new mixed deciduous wood (Hayden Wood) has been recently planted (Landowner 4).
Cattle grazing (Landowner 2) produces a more varied sward than sheep grazing but a limited and controlled amount of sheep and cattle grazing is carried out in restricted areas (Landowner 3) with rare breed pig being farmed by Landowner 4. Note: The area farmed by Landowner 4 is not intensive and large areas have been left to encourage wildlife and include a newly planted area of woodland – Hayden Wood).
Land Management to protect environmental features include (but are not limited to) no applications of lime or pesticides, except in the case of non-organic arable land for the control of spear thistle, creeping thistle, curled dock, broad leaved dock, common ragwort, nettles, and other undesirable species where herbicides may be applied outside the organic management area.
Undesirable weeds are generally controlled by topping and hand pulling in organic areas with additional control by spot spraying and weed wiping in non-organic areas.
Semi-improved and/or rough grassland is managed to provide good conditions for Priority Habitat types on calcareous grasslands and includes some green lanes enclosed by mature hedges which support a number of wildflower species and provide a diverse habitat for a number of invertebrates which benefits a number of farmland birds including the tree sparrow and yellowhammer.
Land Management is carried out at both the Entry Level Stewardship level (Landowners 1, 2, 3 & 4) or the Higher Level Stewardship (Landowners 2 & 3).
The Land Management of Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Land also includes restrictions on land being levelled, in-filled, used for the storage or dumping of materials or used by motor vehicles or machinery (except where necessary for the management of the land where this would be likely to cause damage from rutting or compaction of the soil or otherwise damage any areas under Land Management.
In addition, fires are prohibited (including the burning of trash or cuttings) where they could cause damage to features of archaeological and/or historic interest or within 10 meters of tree canopies or on any areas managed for their wildlife habitat interest. Note: This does not restrict the ability to manage heathland vegetation by controlled burning in compliance with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations 1986).
Further restrictions include organised games, sports, rallies, camping, caravanning, shows and sales events where this is likely to damage areas being managed for their wildlife, archaeological and/or historic interest and is likely to cause unreasonable disturbance and/or unreasonable restriction to Public Rights of way or “access land” as designated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 together with metal detecting and archaeological fieldwork on all archaeological sites unless agreed with Natural England in writing.
Within the designated area, arable land management (HLS) of hedgerows follows the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 and includes some uncut hedgerows and a minimum height/width of around 2m/0.75m. Hedgerows with very high environmental value which support target species of farmland birds, insects or mammals such as the tree sparrow, brown hairstreak and dormouse and hedgerows
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment which make a significant contribution to the local landscape character and/or historically important boundaries are also carefully managed.
Nature Conservation - Biodiversity - Flora
The designated area contains a diverse range of flora which are typical of calcareous (chalk) grasslands and woodlands.
In particular, there are cowslips and rare bee orchids (landowner 2).
The HLS Land Management includes careful management of the Flora by using diverse grass margins 6 metres wide alongside arable cropping where the grass margin/strip is managed by a programme of sequential cutting to provide habitat and foraging sites for insects and wild birds. The flora rich grass margins reinforce field boundary patterns, strengthen the overall landscape of the area and provide protection for important historic features and sensitive habitat which could be damaged by agricultural operations and diffuse pollution.
The field margins (at full cover) contain no more than 5% of undesirable species such as nettles, docks, thistles and ragwort and typically contain:
Wildflower/Grass Species % Wildflower/Grass Species % Common Bent 8% Oxeye Daisy 1.5% Crested Dogtail 40% Birdsfoot Trefoil 2% Slender Creeping Red Fescue 28% Ribwort Plantain 0.5% Smaller Cat’s Tail 4% Hoary Plantain 1% Yarrow 0.5% Cowslip 0.5% Common Knapweed 2.5% Meadow Buttercup 2% Wild Carrot 0.8% Yellow Rattle 1.5% Lady’s Bedstraw 2% Common Sorrel 1.5% Field Scabious 1.2%
Flowering plants are also contained in the grass margins to boost the availability of essential food sources for a range of nectar feeding insects including butterflies, bumblebees and bees. The AONB has a significant population of butterflies which “spill over” into the village during the summer.
These 6 metre grass margin areas are allowed for grazing during late autumn/early winter but not during Spring/Summer.
The mixture of flowering plants in the grass margins typically contains:
Nectar Species % Red Clover 34% Alsike Clover 20% Sainfoin 29% Birdsfoot Trefoil 20% Musk Mallow 4% Black Knapweed (common) 2%
The field corners are also managed to provide a grassy area with flowering plants and scrub which benefits invertebrates, birds, reptiles and amphibians (where the margin is close to a water feature).
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Within the designated area such species are reported to include various species of mouse, shrew, stoats, weasels, grass snakes, slow worms and great crested newts. In fact the area is noted for the prevalence of slow worms and grass snakes.
In addition to the 6m grass margins, Landowner 3 also maintains a field circa 1 hectare specifically dedicated to nectar flowers together with a similar size wild flower hay meadow and large pond.
Landowner 2 maintains a variety of wild species – sunflower field – Starve Knoll – wild bird seeds top field.
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Nature Conservation - Biodiversity - Birds
The designated area is particularly rich in bird species which were surveyed by the British Trust for Ornithology (Mr. E. Escott) as a breeding bird survey in April and July 2012 for a circuitous walking route within the 1km area shown below (landowner 2) and were listed as:
Bird Species No in April 2012 No in July 2012 1 Blackbird 11 15 2 Black Cap 1 6 3 Blue Tit 12 4 4 Bullfinch 1 2 5 Buzzard 2 2 6 Carrion Crow 4 7 7 Chaffinch 18 8 8 Chiffchaff 5 4 9 Coal Tit 2 Not Seen 10 Corn Bunting 1 1 11 Dunnock 1 7 12 Garden Warbler Not Seen 1 13 Goldfinch 2 12 14 Goldcrest Not Seen 5 15 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Not Seen 16 Great Tit Not Seen 4 17 Jay 1 2 18 Linnet 2 2 19 Nuthatch 1 Not Seen 20 Pheasant 4 1 21 Pigeon 46 25 22 Red Leg Partridge 2 Not Seen 23 Robin 3 3 24 Song Thrush 1 1 25 Skylark 5 Not Seen 26 Swallow 2 1 27 White Throat Not Seen 8 28 Willow Warbler 1 Not Seen 29 Yellowhammer 1 1
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In addition, to the above, the following bird species have also been observed within the designated area: rooks (there are several large rookeries in the village), red kite, kestrels, swifts, green wood pecker, magpies, barn owls, long eared owls and tawny owls. In recent years lapwings have also been observed near Barnett’s Barn at the top of Hoopers Lane within the AONB (Landowner 3).
There are known to be active swallow nests in the land/buildings managed by Landowner 4 and Barn Owls have roosted (but not nested) in one of the farm buildings but nevertheless a barn owl box has been installed in the building.
The target “farmland birds” relating to the arable land in the designated area include lapwing (blue) and corn buntings (pink), are distributed as shown below.
“Farmland bird” main distribution
Arable fields support more breeding skylarks than any other habitat, particularly in large open fields with vegetation less than 50cm high where the breeding season can extend from April to August with up to 3 nesting attempts and can be accommodated by normal arable rotation. The HLS Land Management includes leaving unsown plots with an area of around 16m 2 spaced at a density of around 2 plots per hectare located away from field boundaries, margins, tree lines and woods (fields less than 10 hectares only).
In addition land parcels are also managed to provide a sustained source of food during winter months for targeted wild birds using a wild bird seed mixture on field margin strips which provide a sustainable feed supply through the winter until 31 March each year. The wild bird seed mixtures are as follows:
Corn Bunting Grey Partridge Tree Sparrow Spring Barley 60% Kale 10% White/red Millet 40% Triticale 20% Cereal 55% Triticale 25% Millet 10% Millet 20% Spring Wheat 15% Mustard 10% Quinoa 10% Quinoa 10% Fodder Radish 5% Fodder Radish 10%
Finally, Landowner 2 rears several thousands of pheasants and some partridge every year in the local woods and holds a number of shoots in the season. A number of woodland areas land parcels are set aside to provide natural seed to supplement the artificial feeding stations, all of which provide additional support for the wild bird species.
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Nature Conservation - Biodiversity - Mammalia
The designated area contains dairy cows (Landowner 2) and other cattle and sheep (Landowner 3) also graze on appropriate fields in the summer within the managed field boundaries and managed area which provides appropriate environmental protection. In addition, Landowner 4 farms several types of rare breed pigs outside the AONB limits including saddlebacks, large blacks, oxford sandy and blacks and mangolitzas.
A number of private individuals keep small numbers of sheep, goats, ducks, geese, rabbits and ferrets together with various breeds of domestic dogs. In relation to domestic dogs, it is important for all owners in the designated area to exercise appropriate control over their animals at all times to avoid unnecessary distress to the dairy cows, cattle, sheep and pheasants.
The designated area also has a significant deer population (roe and muntjac) with a large indigenous populations of badgers, weasels, stoats, rabbits, various types of mice and water voles in the water courses.
There is also a significant population of bats within the designated area.
The land/buildings managed by Landowner 4 were surveyed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust in August and September 2009 and showed significant soprano pipistrelle and long eared bat activity together with the presence of yellow underwing moth wings left by feeding bats. The survey concluded that the site “has generally good potential for roosting bats as a range of buildings are present with varying crevices for bats” and Landowner 4 has installed a number of roof access points together with bat boxes for roosting bats and bat friendly habitats as advised by Dorset Wildlife Trust. The site is also surrounded by farmland and some good hedgerows that would act as flight lines to small areas of woodland and to the large areas of woodland to the south east of the farm site.
This survey is likely to be typical of the designated area as there are numerous similar farm buildings, hedgerows, small woodland areas and large woodland areas.
In fact bats are a common feature in the village, particularly at dusk and numerous pipistrelle bats having been reported.
All species of bat are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with further amendments by way of the CRoW Act 2000 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994. Under these laws and regulations it is an offence to:
1. Intentionally, deliberately or recklessly kill, injure, capture or keep a bat 2. Intentionally, deliberately or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place used for rest, shelter or protection by a bat (i.e. bat roosts) 3. Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat whilst it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose
Note: Disturbing bats or damaging or destroying their roosts in dwelling houses may not be offences if English Nature is notified and allowed a reasonable time to advise on whether the proposed action should be carried out and, if so, the method to be to be used. However, failure to seek advice could result in prosecution.
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It is recommended that the use of chemicals toxic to bats be avoided; that tree management work should take account of any bats; that dead, dying or hollow trees are left standing where possible; rodent bait should be covered and loft water tanks should be covered.
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment
Landscape – AONB
The North Wessex Downs have an AONB designation which terminates at the road running through the middle of Compton Bassett, effectively the right hand side of the map above is within the AONB, as shown in green below, with the Compton Bassett Conservation Area outlined in orange.
AONB
AONB AONB
The landscape is of high visual amenity which acts as a tourist attraction to support the local economy, particularly the bed and breakfast businesses with the village and the White Horse Inn.
Typical views of the AONB and the village within the Neighbourhood Plan designated area are shown and typical local visual amenity in and around Compton Bassett are shown below:
Views of Compton Bassett from t he AONB
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment
Visual Amenity in and around Compton Bassett
Visual amenity is impaired at one end of Compton Bassett but the presence of Wiltshire’s largest landfill site to the south west of the designated area which is also adjacent to a large area of solar panels which are clearly visible from the AONB, as shown below.
Although these 2 areas are visible from the AONB they are not visually intrusive at the bottom of the escarpment and in most parts of the Compton Bassett Conservation Area.
However, the landfill site does make a negative contribution to air quality in Compton Bassett, as described in the next section.
Landfill Site (view towards AONB) Solar Panel Farm (view from AONB)
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment
Air Quality and Environmental Pollution
The presence of Wiltshire’s largest landfill site around 1 mile (2km) to the south west of the designated area makes a negative contribution to air quality in Compton Bassett due to the prevailing wind direction from the southwest. The smells are quite nauseous and at times the smells are sufficiently bad so as to prevent Compton Residents from being able to garden or open windows. This is likely to have a highly negative effect on bed and breakfast businesses and local amenity.
Pre vailing south westerly wind direction
Landfill area
There have been numerous formal complaints about the smells to the Environmental Agency from the Parish Council and local residents during 2013 and 2014 and, in August 2014, the complaints were sufficiently serious to make the National Press (Daily Telegraph & Daily Mail, August 2014).
Hills had previously issued a statement to Compton Bassett residents regarding the smells:
“Hills’ view was that the smells are likely to be emanating from Cell 21 (the current operational landfill cell) as a direct result of the exceptional rainfall this last Winter. Hills are currently taking a number of preventative measures to eliminate future smells.
Firstly they have already laid 6 horizontal pipes and connected 5 vertical wells in the waste body of Cell 21 to remove in-waste gases as they are generated and are intending to install a further 12 pin wells in the next 2 weeks which will remove gases from the top few metres of the Cell 21 waste pile. Hills have also installed a clay cap on the flanks of cell 21 to seal in
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the waste to help prevent odorous release and further rainfall water ingress. This installation of clay has been installed following the Environment Agency agreed CQA plan (Construction Quality Assurance).
The horizontal and pin well installation measures take around 5-6 weeks to become fully operational and are reported to have been successful elsewhere. As a consequence, Hills predict that the smells should have started to decrease and should significantly decrease by the end of June. In any event, Cell 21 is due to be capped off this August which should mean that the smells cease altogether thereafter.”
Unfortunately, (as at October 2014) the smells have not ceased and complaints are continuing.
However, the landfill site is due to close in 2022 and the landfill area is scheduled to be returned to agricultural use, so that the malodorous effects should at least be temporary and limited to 2022.
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Water Resources, Climate Change and Flood Risk
Drinking water is supplied to Compton Bassett by Wessex Water who source their supply from groundwater. The local chalk geology provides a natural aquifer and a plentiful supply of local run- off water such that houses in Compton Bassett had their own garden wells until quite recently. Historically, Compton Bassett operated a forge and laundry both of which require large amounts of running water.
In fact the local streams rarely stop flowing even in the driest summers and can give rise to a flood risk due to high levels of run-off during flash floods. A recent deluge (September 2014) deposited 55 mm of water (a month’s rainfall) in around 12 hours which caused temporary flooding in those houses opposite the main gullies which funnel run-off from the AONB escarpment, as shown below (blue arrows). In the lowest lying property in the centre of the village (opposite the Benson Village Hall in Briar Leaze), the flooding regularly causes the release of raw sewage into the property garden (red star). This is currently being managed by clearing the drainage ditches and roadside drains.
The onwards drainage from the escarpment via the streams and ditches creates the main flood risk area (Flood zone 1) as shown in blue below.
Flash flood risk
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Land and Soil Resources
The land within the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood designated area is classified as a “rolling clay lowland” in the west, a central wooded scarp and a calcareous (chalk) downland in the North Wessex Downs AONB in the east.
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan designated area has the following characteristics:
1. Mixed arable and pastoral land with water courses marked by Willows 2. Varied field pattern with networks of hedges and mature hedgerow trees 3. Woodland blocks including some ancient woodland of high ecological value and scattered mature trees 4. Wooded escarpment bisecting the designated area from north to south 5. Chalk downland of mixed arable and pastoral with networks of hedgerows, mature hedgerow trees and green lanes
Geological Map of Wiltshire Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan Designated Area
The chalk escarpment and chalk downs (Landowners 2 and 3) have historically been quarried for chalk blocks which have been used as the main building material for the local houses in Compton Bassett.
Geologically the main mineral is chalk with a sub-surface layer of Gault Clay and some sand/gravel deposits to the south west of the designated area which forms part of an extensive Minerals Resource Zone between Compton Bassett and Calne.
Within this zone, the agricultural land (classified as Grade 2 = best and Grade 3 = most versatile) located in the west of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan designated area contains a sand deposit of around 23.4 hectares which is estimated to have a potential yield of around 450,000 te of sand which is located ~1.2km from Compton Bassett and close to Freeth Farm and a few private residences. The AONB of the North Wessex Downs is some 300 metres to the east of the site.
There are also operational quarries located at Sands Farm (South) and Lower Compton (East) both of which operate as landfill facilities.
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If the site within the designated area is also quarried then landfill would not be permitted as there is sufficient permitted landfill capacity for Wiltshire, so the site would be restored in a phased manner to agricultural land incorporating hedgerows, ponds, arable fields and woodland using inert material.
The main ecological constraints are Abberd Brook which flows along the northern boundary of the site together with the network of hedgerows, tree lines and small copses which are crucial to the permeability of wildlife which includes badgers, bats, grass snakes and water voles.
Extraction activities are capable of producing dust clouds in dry weather and noise pollution.
Access would be likely to be via Sandpit Lane as there is a 7.5 te weight restriction through Compton Bassett.
The site is situated predominantly within Flood Zone 1 where the land interacts with Abberd Brook.
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Human Population – demographics, employment, education & housing
Demographics
The population of Compton Bassett has been a slow decline since the 1800s and is currently at just over 200.
In the 2013 survey, questionnaires were returned from 47 properties, representing the views of 85 (38%) individuals, 60 of whom came to a feedback presentation in Compton Bassett Village Hall.
The age distribution of the 85 individuals of Caucasian ethnicity shows that around 70% of the sample is over 50 with nearly 40% over 60 as follows:
Compton Bassett Age Distribution – 2013 Questionnaire
The total number of villagers (circa 200) means that any new housing development should be appropriate to the scale of the existing population and number of dwellings (circa 97). For example, this means that even a limited development of around 7 additional houses would be a 10% increase in dwellings and people.
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Employment
There are a significant number of farms and other businesses which provide employment with within Compton Bassett Parish.
Farms: Dugdales Farm, Manor Farm (comprising Austins Farm, Street Farm, and Manor Farm), Compton Farm, Buttle Farm (formerly Home Farm), Freeth Farm and Nolands Farm.
Businesses: There are around 24 businesses within Compton Bassett Parish which cover a diverse range of services including a public house, dairy farming, rare breed pig farming, holiday lets, residential lets, bed and breakfast, telecommunications, web site design, power station engineering consultancy, electrical services, building services, plumbing, professional artists, vintage car sales, mobile catering, investment management, garden services, hair dressing, accountancy and public relations and communications management.
Business Business Activity 1 Austin’s Farm Dairy Farming 2 Buttle Farm Rare Breed Pig Farming 3 Compton Farm Arable Farming 4 Dugdale’s Farm Arable Farming 5 Peter Alberry Ltd Power Station Consulting 6 Barlow Communications Ltd PR Consulting 7 EXL Services Ltd Marketing & Online shop 8 Travel Travel 9 The IT Partner Ltd Telecommunications 10 Retail On-line shop 11 The Hairpin Company Ltd Antique Cars 12 Compton Bassett Consultants Ltd Web Site Design & Author 13 Dove Cottage B&B Bed & Breakfast 14 The White Horse Ltd White Horse Inn 15 Mobile Catering Catering 16 International Energy Solutions Ltd Financial Services 17 Mas Management Ltd Personnel Development 18 Hairdresser Hairdressing 19 Plumbing Services Plumbing 20 Professional Painter Printing & Art Workshops 21 Therapist Reiki 22 Hungrylab Electrical Ltd Electrician 23 Trust Trust Management 24 Great Western Landscaping Company Ltd Landscaping
In addition, a significant number of people (around 25% or 52 out of 223 villagers) work from home on a permanent or occasional basis, relying on the internet for connectivity.
The Steering Group believe that appropriate rural employment and the ability to be able to work from home is socially desirable and environmentally preferable and should be encouraged, particularly by the development of internet connectivity and broadband speeds throughout Compton Bassett which would improve the long term sustainability of Compton Bassett by reducing the need to travel.
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Education
The Parish does not have any schools within its boundaries, but mindful of any growth in population of school going youngsters in the Parish it is important to ensure that the Education Authority continues to provide for the Parish needs.
Housing
Wiltshire’s Core Strategy for the Calne area indicates that around 75 houses need to be provided in the Calne Community area before 2026, as shown below.
Delivery of Housing 2006 to 2026 – Calne Community Area
Housing already provided for Housing to be identified
Area Requirement Completions Specific Remainder Permitted Strategic Sites To be 2006-2026 2006-2011 Sites identified Calne 1440 757 639 0 44 Remainder 140 72 18 0 75 Total 1605 829 657 0 119
Compton Bassett’s contribution to the total “remainder” new houses would be expected to be shared by the 6 outlying parishes in the Calne Community Area which consist of Calne Without, Bremhill, Hilmarton, Cherhill, Heddington and Compton Bassett, which is the smallest of the Parishes based on population and the second smallest based on Parish land area.
The respective populations of each Parish (2011 census) are shown below:
Parish Population Percentage Housing to be (2011 Census) Total Population identified Based on Population Calne Without 17,274 84.8% 62 Bremhill 942 4.6% 4 Hilmarton 746 3.6% 3 Cherhill 727 3.5% 3 Heddington 456 2.2% 2 Compton Bassett 227 1.1% 1 Total 20,372 100% 75
However, the respective land areas of each Parish which might be available for development do not reflect the respective populations:
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Calne Area Parishes Compton Bassett Parish Note: Compton Bassett Parish Boundary has with AONB & Conservation Area been slightly reduced Courtesy Ordnance Survey and Wiltshire Council
Compton Bassett’s housing contribution (as one of the smallest Parishes) based on land area would be expected to be around 7 additional new houses.
Parish Relative Relative Housing to be Parish Area Percentage identified Land Area Based on Area Calne Without 44 36.6% 27 Bremhill 30 25% 19 Hilmarton 16 13.3% 10 Cherhill 11 9.2% 7 Heddington 8 6.7% 5 Compton Bassett 11 9.2% 7 Total 120 100% 75
It should also be noted that around 60% of the Compton Bassett Parish land area is a mixture of AONB and Conservation Area and that the rest of the Parish consists of green field, high grade farming areas, which are unsuitable for significant development.
However, Compton Bassett has a limited brownfield area “designated” for development within the conservation area which contains a number of properties which are owned by Green Square Housing Association and some which are privately owned (shown as “red” properties) and located as shown in the exploded maps below, which could accommodate the 7 additional properties as Compton Bassett’s housing contribution.
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Compton Bassett Development Area
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan requires that all developments within the Parish should be sympathetic to and complement the predominant style of the existing properties within the Parish, maintaining the rural character of the village. This approach was supported by 77% of the questionnaire respondents who variously commented that they valued and wanted to preserve the “small village” character and distinctive architecture.
Future housing development was also supported by 47% of the questionnaire respondents but opposed by 48%. There was a majority in favour of 51% in favour of affordable homes for local people (39% opposed) which reduced to 40% in favour of small family homes (49% opposed) with only 12% in favour of large family homes (83% opposed) and almost universal opposition (94%) to flats.
Hence the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan accepts that up to 7 additional affordable homes for local people, in line with Wiltshire’s Core Strategy policy, would be acceptable within the designated development area of Briar Leaze, subject to the requirements of the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan requires that all developments within the Parish should be sympathetic to and complement the predominant style of the existing properties within the Parish, maintaining the rural character of the village. This approach was supported by 77% of the questionnaire respondents. There was a majority of 51% in favour of affordable homes for local people (39% opposed) which reduced to 40% in favour of small family homes (49% opposed) with 12% in favour of large family homes (83% opposed) and almost universal opposition (94%) to flats.
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Human Health
The health of people in the Calne area which includes Compton Bassett, is generally better than the England average.
Life expectancy for females at 84.3 years is slightly better than across Wiltshire at 83.9 years and life expectancy for males at 80.2 years is slightly worse than across Wiltshire at 80.4 years, although the difference is not likely to be statistically significant.
However, the gap in healthy life expectancy across the community between the most deprived and least deprived neighbourhoods is around 10.1 years. The CBNP seeks to limit any future degradation in Compton Bassett.
Notably, Calne which has a much higher proportion of car traffic and HGVs than Compton Bassett or the rest of Wiltshire has, at 122 cases per 100,000 population, the highest number of preventable mortality cases. At 60 cases per 100,000 population the highest mortality caused by respiratory disease, may well be linked to the diesel emissions from cars and HGVs which have resulted in Calne being designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and having around 5 locations with air quality above the EU statutory limit.
Health services are critical to the sustainability of any community. The Steering Group believe that even though Compton Bassett is a small settlement with no health services provided directly within the Parish, other than home care, it is important that health service providers continue to provide for the Parish needs as it develops over the next 15 years.
The Compton Bassett development area is capable of accommodating around 7 additional properties with a limited number of affordable housing development, including facilities for older people, nursing accommodation and care facilities for which there is a demonstrable local need. In line with the latest Housing Corporation standards this would be acceptable in Briar Leaze. However, such development will be required to be designed to a high quality, so as to be indistinguishable from other local developments. Wiltshire’s Core Policy 44 allows for the allocation of or granting of planning permission for small sites comprising of affordable housing only as an exception to normal policies.
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Infrastructure – Transport
Appropriate rural employment and the ability to be able to work from home is socially desirable and environmentally preferable and should be encouraged, particularly by the development of internet connectivity and broadband speeds throughout Compton Bassett which would improve the long term sustainability of Compton Bassett by reducing the need to travel.
Transport–Cars: Around 88% of the questionnaire respondents use a car as their main mode of transport and around 80% of the village Community access their properties via the single road through the village. However, 93% of the village questionnaire respondents though that speeding traffic was a significant problem in the village and 55% thought that this was dangerous on a daily basis.
This is a key issue as not only is it dangerous and illegal, but it detracts significantly from rural village life and would potentially restrict future local business development in the village.
Speeding Traffic in Compton Bassett : The neighbourhood speed watch has identified in excess of 5 vehicles per hour speeding through the village at peak times on a typical day, with a significant fraction driving at 40-60 mph in the 30 mph zone past the entrance to Briar Leaze towards the centre of the village. Note: Briar Leaze has the highest concentration of children in the village.
The Steering Group wish to see the Neighbourhood Plan address the high numbers of commercial vehicles (including large Heavy Goods Vehicles) and cars which currently travel through the Parish
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Transport-Buses: The current bus timetables meet the requirements of 84% of the respondents of the questionnaire but an improved evening service would be appreciated. The Steering Group believes that to encourage less reliance on cars by residents and workers in the community and to support viable local district shopping facilities, the bus frequencies should, at the very least, be maintained at the current frequency during daytime and early evening hours.
The Bus services (Connect 2) are provided by Wiltshire Council with a bus shelter located next to the Benson Village Hall.
Transport-Heavy Goods Vehicles: Compton Bassett currently has a weight restriction of 7.5te for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and is generally unsuitable for the passage of large HGVs due to the narrowness of the single road through the village and the presence of several sharp right angle bends. Unfortunately, large HGVs which exceed the 7.5te weight limit do access the village from time to time causing damage to verges, drainage ditches, road surfaces and pavements, as shown below.
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Infrastructure – Material Assets
Public Amenities: St Swithin’s Church, White Horse Inn; Benson Village Hall, War Memorial, Briar Leaze Playground, Village Pond; three post boxes; one public telephone box.
St Swithin’s Church White Horse Inn Benson Village Hall
War Memorial The Village Pond Benson Village Hall Open Space and Playground
The Pa ddock The Village Cricket Pitch
The current uses of these various buildings and open spaces furthers the social well-being and social interest of the local community.
Emergency service providers need to monitor their service delivery models to ensure that response times to remote areas, i.e. the Village, are maintained at national standards. The Steering Group believe that the response times of the emergency services is an important community attribute.
Fire Hydrants are provided along the main road at marked points for access by the local fire services, as required, and are thought to be entirely adequate for the needs of Compton Bassett.
Telephones: There is no public telephone box in Compton Bassett despite the fact that mobile telephone service reception is severely limited by the local escarpments throughout most of the village.
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Infrastructure – Broadband
Compton Bassett is uniquely disadvantaged because it is a conservation area where it is not always possible to fit common technical alternatives such as satellite, mobile and commercial CRB/cable alternatives. Consequently, a broadband service is either unobtainable or unacceptably slow.
The provision of a broadband service to all parts of the village at a minimum speed of 2MB/s is absolutely crucial to sustaining village businesses (including farms) who are required to make on-line returns to HMRC and HMG and to local villagers who are increasingly unfairly socially disadvantaged. The village is served from 2 exchanges located at a distance of 2-3 miles from either end of the village which extends to a total length of 2 miles. The wire connections are reported to be aluminium, so that the signal degrades rapidly through the village to the point where the signal strength is not sufficient to carry broadband at any workable speed.
Compton Bassett Broadband Speeds
Conservation Area
No Internet
Hilmarton Exchange (3m) 1.22 No Internet 1.12
3.91 * No Internet ** BT broadband tests only run intermittently 2.41 2.11 * 0.47 1.64 0.13 **
* Non BT Service Provider (Plus Net) 0.48
Calne Exchange With BT cable tunnel link (2m)
There is an existing (unused) BT cable tunnel from the Calne exchange (which is a super-fast broadband area) which could be used to provide an acceptable 2MB/s broadband service to the whole village. An independent assessment has shown that this solution is commercially viable and would be quick to implement. However, Wiltshire Council have advised that since the area of Compton Bassett (some of which cannot receive Broadband services at all) is served by the Calne Exchange which has commercial super-fast broadband any further service provision before 2016 would be in breach of EU state aid rules. This is clearly unacceptable and an action group has been formed to resolve the impasse.
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Infrastructure – Waste
Local Recycling Facilities: The Steering Group want Compton Bassett Parish to have a low carbon footprint. Good kerbside collection of recyclable and compostable materials is important and the Steering Group believe this must continue and be further improved over the life of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan.
Infrastructure – Renewable Energy
The average electricity usage in Wiltshire is around 4,780 kWh per consumer year (2011 data) which is slightly higher than the UK average. There is an adequate but limited capacity supply of electricity to Compton Bassett via overhead lines with some solar panel generation for individual properties and local businesses.
Compton Bassett has no direct gas supply, so energy for heating is primarily from oil, wood pellets, LNG and wood.
There is no doubt that action will be required to limit the effects of climate but this should not be at the expense of the AONB and the conservation area visual amenity by the excessive use of solar panels on buildings and land within the conservation area or large solar panel farms within the AONB.
There is an existing planning application for a very large Materials Recycling Facility and Waste Transfer Station at Lower Compton adjacent to the designated area and the AONB. This facility will produce some 40,000 tonnes per annum of power station fuel pellets for waste to energy power stations. This may be the pre-cursor to a waste to energy power station which not only burns the 40,000 tonnes per annum of fuel pellets but also burns black bin bag waste which currently goes to landfill. Lower Compton is an entirely unsuitable location for such a facility which would be optimally located at Junction 17 next to the M4 (All such large MRF/WTS plants and waste to energy plants are located next to good motorway connections – a comparable facility at Aldridge near Birmingham is close to the M6, M5, M42). Such a development would increase the damage due to HGVs in Compton Bassett and would violate Swindon & Wiltshire’s Waste Core Strategy, Wiltshire’s sustainable transport policy and would exacerbate the air quality in the Calne AQMA which is already in breach of EU statutory limits in a number of locations.
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SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
The AONB, conservation area and village The village entrance signage is poor character make Compton Bassett a very special and attractive place to live and work Broadband and mobile service is either non- existent or very poor The village community spirit is well developed and highly supportive of village life Speed limits are too high through the village
There are few pavements through the village which increases the risk to walkers, dog walkers and horse riders from speeding traffic
Opportunities Threats
Provision of acceptable broadband and mobile The development area in the village is not services would enable farmers and businesses to currently covered by a Village Plan so that meet their statutory obligations, improve the inappropriate developments could arise quality of life, encourage tourists and reduce the carbon footprint by enabling “working from No improvement in broadband and mobile home” service provision
New and improved Village Hall A very large MRF/WTS is proposed adjacent to the landfill site which is likely to increase HGV Increased sports and social activities traffic through the village
New Village Sign The nauseous smells from the landfill continue to cause a public nuisance and potential health Nature reserve around the Village pond and/or hazard paddock Landfill activities could be extended in time and scope by further quarrying
Closure of the White Horse Inn
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Chapter 3. Step A3 – Identifying Sustainability Issues
The key environment and sustainability issues identified through wide consultation within the village are:
Heritage
1. There are a significant number of features within the area (listed buildings; scheduled monuments; characteristic village vernacular; archaeological features) which require protection for their heritage, archaeological and tourist attraction value.
2. The historic rights of way, by-ways and green lanes add to the appreciation of the local heritage and landscape, and attract walkers and tourists and should not be threatened by inappropriate developments. The White Horse Trail which crosses the designated area is of particular significance in this respect and requires specific management.
3. Future developments should be of limited scope, minimal density and in keeping with the character of the village to preserve its heritage. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope, low quality and not in keeping with the character of the village which erode its heritage.
Biodiversity
1. The designated area contains a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna which are protected by various land management schemes and must be protected and preserved from any inappropriate development.
2. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan, there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope which might adversely affect the local flora and fauna.
Landscape – AONB
1. A significant proportion of the designated area contains an AONB with stunning local vistas with a very high quality visual amenity which should be conserved and enhanced to preserve the natural beauty of the area. The chalk downs and escarpment are of particular significance in this respect with a close inter-relationship between the landscape quality and the wildlife habitats.
2. The AONB must be protected and preserved from any inappropriate development.
3. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan, there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope and of low quality which might adversely affect the AONB, landscape and visual amenity.
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Air Quality and Environmental Pollution
1. The air quality within the designated area is generally good with the exception of noxious smells from the adjacent landfill site and potential dust clouds from future mineral extraction activities. The air quality should be protected by improved landfill monitoring and management followed by closure of the landfill in 2022 and limiting extraction activities in close proximity to dwellings.
2. There is a risk that leachate from the landfill could pollute the water table, particularly in times of flood which should be carefully managed.
3. Climate change is likely to result in more extreme weather patterns, particularly strong winds and heavy rain, which could adversely impact water supply, communications, flood risk, food production, transportation and buildings. Planning and development policies will need to mitigate the impact of climate change as far as possible and new residential developments should utilise energy efficient designs and renewable energy where possible.
4. Air quality will deteriorate with increased car and HGV traffic. Any increase of local car traffic should be limited by appropriate development constraints and HGV traffic, which is currently restricted to a 7.5 te limit, should be enforced more effectively through improved signage and monitoring.
5. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan, there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope and low quality which might lead to unacceptable increases in car traffic and HGV traffic and small negative impacts on air quality, climate change and environmental pollution.
Water Resources, Climate Change and Flood Risk
1. There are no significant water resource supply issues but there is a risk of an increasing risk of flash flooding from the local escarpment due to climate change in some areas of the village from which existing dwellings and any future development should be protected.
2. There is no doubt that action will be required to limit the effects of climate but this should not be at the expense of the AONB and the conservation area visual amenity.
3. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan, there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope and extent which might increase the risk of flash flooding in some areas.
Land and Soil Resources
1. There is a risk that leachate from the landfill could pollute the water table, particularly in times of flood which should be carefully managed.
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2. The land within the development area is a mixture of rolling lowland and chalk downland which is classified as greenbelt agricultural land (Grade 2 - best and Grade 3 – most versatile), with the exception of a small brownfield development area in the centre of the village to which future development should be restricted.
3. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan, there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope and not restricted to the brownfield development area in the centre of the village which might put pressure on landowners to develop agricultural land.
Human Population – demographics, employment, education, housing & health
1. The demographics show an aging population with declining numbers such that limited future development in keeping with the small population would be desirable.
2. Small local businesses such as new bed and breakfast facilities, guesthouses. local workshops and businesses will be supported where the proposals are of an appropriate scale and character for the village.
3. The area is attractive to tourists and walkers which helps to maintain local employment and should be protected.
4. There is no provision for education within the village, which means that access to appropriate facilities outside the village is essential together with the provision of good broadband services to facilitate distance learning.
5. The Wiltshire Core Strategy and the Calne area strategy set out the quantum of future housing provision for Compton Bassett. Small scale high quality housing developments of up to 8 houses (or an appropriate mixture of affordable housing, including bungalows for the elderly), will be supported in the designated development area where proposals are consistent with the village design statement.
6. There is no provision for healthcare within the village, which means that access to appropriate facilities outside the village is essential together with the provision of good broadband services to facilitate remote access to GP facilities.
7. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan, there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope which might improve the demographics and housing availability but which would have a negative impact on employment, education and health.
Infrastructure – Transport, Material Assets, Broadband, Waste and Renewable Energy
1. The rural area is heavily dependent on the use of cars and public transport of which the sole provision is the Connect 2 service which must be maintained and enhanced.
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2. Car parking facilities are limited in the village and adequate provision for car parking must be provided by future developments.
3. Any increase in car traffic should be limited due to the narrow roads and lack of pavements to improve road safety together with the introduction of appropriate lower speed limits
4. Any increase in HGVs through the village should be limited due to the narrow roads, lack of pavements, sharp right angled bends at either end of the village and to minimise damage to verges, roadside drainage, road surfaces and pavements.
5. The few remaining material assets and public amenities, particularly the White Horse Inn and Benson Village Hall, are crucial to village life and the attraction of visitors and tourists and should be preserved and improved where possible.
6. Compton Bassett is uniquely disadvantaged because it is a conservation area where it is not always possible to fit common technical alternatives such as satellite, mobile and commercial CRB/cable alternatives. Consequently, a broadband service is either unobtainable or unacceptably slow. The provision of a broadband service to all parts of the village at a minimum speed of 2MB/s is absolutely crucial to sustaining village businesses (including farms) who are required to make on-line returns to HMRC and HMG and to local villagers who are increasingly unfairly socially disadvantaged.
7. Good kerbside collection of recyclable and compostable materials is important and must continue and be further improved.
8. There is no doubt that action will be required to limit the effects of climate, such as the increased use of renewable energy (e.g. solar panels) but this should not be at the expense of the AONB and the conservation area visual amenity.
9. Without the Compton Bassett Development Plan, there is a danger that future developments might be of unlimited scope and of low quality which would have a negative effect on transport, material assets, waste and renewable energy. However, the effect on Broadband is uncertain.
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Step A4 - Sustainability Assessment Framework
The sustainability assessment framework is based on the key sustainability topics identified previously.
Sustainability Sustainability Appraisal Key Issue s Potential Indicators Topic Objectives CBNP 7: Preserve the Conservation and Loss of historic character of Compton enhancement of historic character, listed Bassett, conservation area, character, listed buildings, assets of historic buildings and buildings, assets of community value & Heritage historic rights of way community value and historic rights of historic rights of way way when threatened by inappropriate commercial development and commercial pressures CBNP 4: Sensitive Monitoring and Loss of habitat and Biodiversity development which protection of habitat biodiversity protects and enriches the and biodiversity habitat and biodiversity of Compton Bassett CBNP 10: Protection of rural Maximise development Loss of greenfield landscape, AONB, visual of previously used land areas amenity, local green space and minimise use of & air quality greenfield areas Inappropriate high Landscape housing densities Appropriate housing densities with minimal Large scale in-filling in-filling Damage to AONB & Protection of the AONB visual amenity and local green space Poor air quality Protection of air quality Nauseous smells e.g. from local landfill
CBNP 10: Protection of rural Maintenance of good Poor air quality landscape, AONB, visual air quality with air amenity, local green space pollution from local Nauseous smells & air quality landfill and quarrying e.g. from local Air Quality and activities landfill Environmental CBNP 5: Encourage re- Mitigation for the Low use of
Pollution cycling, minimisation of the effects of road transport renewable energy carbon footprint and the increased use of renewable Encourage use of Extension of landfill energy within the Parish renewable energy & re- beyond temporary
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cycling permission to 2022
Number of houses meeting the BREEM standard for sustainable homes
Increased traffic CBNP 5: Encourage re - Protection of people Number of flooded cycling, minimisation of the and property from flood properties per year carbon footprint and the risk Water increased use of renewable Amount of raw energy within the Parish Ensuring drainage sewage release Resources, ditches, storm drains, Climate drains & gullies remain Adequate sewage Change and CBNP 6: Minimise the clear disposal for environmental impact of Flood Risk developments climate change and flood Encourage sustainable risk where possible developments with Unsustainable efficient use of water developments and resources developments in flood zones Encourage use of renewable energy & re- Low use of cycling renewable energy CNBP 11: Protection of land Protection of land and Loss of soil quality Land and Soil and soil resources soil resources by maintaining the soil Developments on Resources quality at Grade 2 (best) agricultural land and Grade 3 (most versatile) CBNP 8: Strengthen and Support local farming Appropriate small Human support local economic and local businesses, scale local business activity including tourism development Population CBNP 2: Maintain and Provide a supply of Appropriate local demographics, improve local services for affordable housing housing existing and new residents which meets the Calne development which employment, area strategy conforms to the education, CBNP 9: Delivery of a high Compton Bassett housing & quality housing growth Provide a supply of local Neighbourhood health strategy tailored to the housing which meets Plan and design needs and context of local needs and has full statement Compton Bassett local support
CBNP 10: Protection of rural Promote a supply of landscape, AONB, visual local housing which Loss of access to amenity, local green space complies with the education facilities & air quality design statement and local health care through poor Direct and remote broadband service
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access to education & health services Reduce the HGV and car Increased HGV & traffic through the car traffic & damage village to verges etc
Provision of local bus Loss of service CBNP3: Improve traffic service safety and transport services Traffic speed limit Speedwatch data reduction showing speed increases Infrastructure Increased home working to reduce Reduction in home transport burden working Transport, Material Benson Village Hall roof Closure of Village
Assets, & general maintenance Hall
Broadband, Upkeep of grade I & II Degradation of Waste listed buildings & grade I & II assets and monuments
Renewable CBNP 1: Maintain and Closure of White Horse Loss of key village Energy improve assets of Inn amenity community value Provision of broadband Continuation of no CBNP 2: Maintain and access & improvement broadband service improve local services for of broadband speed for or very poor existing and new residents all Compton Bassett broadband service
residents CBNP 5: Encourage re-
cycling, minimisation of the Encourage use of Low use of carbon footprint and the renewable energy & re- renewable energy increased use of renewable cycling energy within the Parish Low recycling rates
Compton Bassett Parish Council and the Steering Group have been working on the development of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan since July 2013.
Since Compton Bassett is a small close knit community it has been possible to involve all residents in a series of public consultations which identified a range of sustainability issues which have been recorded and addressed as appropriate in successive public meetings as part of the development of the draft Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan. Due to the small scale of the Plan and the nature of the close knit community it has been possible to progress the Plan relatively rapidly without any loss of stakeholder involvement compared to the progress which might normally be expected for a larger, more complex area.
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Step A5 – Appropriateness and robustness of the scope of the Sustainability Assessment and the assessment framework
The compatibility of the sustainability objectives and the assessment framework has been reviewed by the Statutory Consultees and modified in the light of their comments, as described in Appendix 3.
Sustainability Objectives CBNP Objectives 1-5
Key
Compatible (C) services & for existing Uncertain (U) minimisation of the minimisation Conflicting (C) No Link (NL)
recycling, recycling, development which development protectswhich the & biodiversity Bassett of Compton
the Parish energyble within
Maintain & improve assetsMaintain of community value & improve local Maintain new residents Improve traffic safety & transport services Sensitive habitat Encourage the footprint and carbon increased use of renewa Heritage (C) (NL) (NL) (C) (NL) Biodiversity (C) (NL) (NL) (C) (C) Landscape - AONB (C) (NL) (NL) (C) (C) Air Quality & Environmental Pollution (C) (U) (C) (C) (C) Water Resources, Climate Change & Flood Risk (NL) (NL) (NL) (C) (NL) Land & Soil Resources (NL) (NL) (NL) (NL) (NL) Human Population - demographics (C) (C) (NL) (C) (NL) Human Population - employment (C) (C) (NL) (C) (NL) Human Population - education (C) (C) (NL) (NL) (NL) Human Population - housing (C) (C) (NL) (C) (C) Human Population - health (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) Infrastructure - Transport (NL) (C) (C) (NL) (C) Infrastructure - Material Assets (C) (C) (NL) (NL) (NL) Infrastructure - Broadband Service (NL) (C) (NL) (C) (C) Infrastructure - Mobile Service (NL) (C) (NL) (NL) (NL) Infrastructure - Waste (C) (C) (NL) (C) (NL) Infrastructure - Renewable Energy (C) (C) (NL) (C) (C)
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Sustainability Objectives CBNP Objectives 6-11
& historic & historic quality quality
Key Compatible (C)
Uncertain (U)
Conflicting (C) No Link (NL)
on water risk on resources flood and
Minimise the environmental the environmental Minimise impact of climate change wherever possible Bassett,Preserve the character of Compton area, buildings historic conservation rights of way local support Strengthen economic and activity housingDelivery quality of a high growth the needsstrategy to and tailored context of Bassett Compton of rural landscape, Protection AONB, visual green local amenity, air and space soil resources of land and Protection Heritage (C) (C) (U) (C) (C) (C) Biodiversity (C) (C) (U) (C) (C) (C) Landscape - AONB (C) (C) (U) (C) (C) (C) Air Quality & Environmental Pollution (C) (NL) (U) (C) (C) (C) Water Resources, Climate Change & Flood Risk (C) (NL) (NL) (C) (C) (C) Land & Soil Resources (C) (NL) (NL) (NL) (C) (C) Human Population - demographics (NL) (NL) (C) (C) (NL) (NL) Human Population - employment (NL) (NL) (C) (C) (NL) (NL) Human Population - education (NL) (NL) (C) (C) (NL) (NL) Human Population - housing (C) (NL) (C) (C) (C) (C) Human Population - health (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) Infrastructure - Transport (NL) (NL) (NL) (U) (NL) (NL) Infrastructure - Material Assets (NL) (C) (NL) (NL) (C) (C) Infrastructure - Broadband Service (NL) (NL) (C) (C) (NL) (NL) Infrastructure - Mobile Service (NL) (NL) (C) (NL) (NL) (NL) Infrastructure - Waste (NL) (NL) (NL) (NL) (NL) (NL) Infrastructure - Renewable Energy (C) (NL) (NL) (C) (C) (C)
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Chapter 4. Sustainability Assessment
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan contains a number of objectives, policies, development limitations and aspirations together with the Compton Bassett Design Statement which provides further planning guidance and potential environmental impact mitigations. These, together with a number of alternatives have been assessed using the sustainability assessment framework described in the previous section. The protocol adopted is white (no significant effect), green (acceptable or beneficial effect); brown (unclear effect) and red (unacceptable or harmful effect).
Baseline Position
The sustainability assessment for the base line position (no change) and the effects of each of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan policies are shown below.
Sustainability Assessment Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan Policy
Impact Flood Risk Risk Flood Renewables 2.Local Services Services 2.Local 1.Community Assets Assets 1.Community Baseline - No change -change No Baseline 4.Habitat & Biodiversity Biodiversity & 4.Habitat 11. Land & soil Resources Resources soil & 11.Land Buildings & Rights of Way Way of Rights & Buildings 8. Local Economic Activity Activity Economic 8.Local
Strategy Growth 9. Housing 3.Traffic & Transport Services Services Transport & 3.Traffic 5. Recycling, Carbon Footprint & & Footprint Carbon 5.Recycling, 6.Climate Change, Water Resources & & Resources Water Change, 6.Climate
Historic Area, Conservation 7.Character, 10. Landscape, AONB, AirQuality & GreenSpace Visual Amenity, Herit age Biodiversity Landscape - AONB Air Quality & Pollution Water, Climate Change & Flood Risk Land & Soil Resources Human Population - demographics Human Population - employment Human Population - education Human Population - housing Human Population - health Infrastructure - Transport Infrastructure - Material Assets Infrastructure - Broadband Service Infrastructure - Mobile Service Infrastructure - Waste Infrastructure - Renewable Energy
The base line position (no change) is likely to result in unacceptable or harmful effects in Compton Bassett due to the demographics (aging population); unchanged traffic speeding (potential risk to
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment health); non-existent or poor broadband service (social disadvantage and harmful business effects); and non-existent or poor mobile service (social disadvantage and harmful business effects). The effects of each of these factors are uncertain for employment (ageing population; poor broadband and mobile service) and for health (risk of injury from traffic speeding) as the effects are longer term and will take some time to unfold. The base line position does not currently have any discernible or significant effect on heritage, biodiversity, landscape, air quality, water resources, land and soil resources, education, housing, material assets and waste.
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan objectives and policies have a presumption in favour of sustainable development and require brownfield development which is concentrated within the designated development area. However, the policies allow for strictly limited development outside the designated development area, providing it complies with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
These policies are considered to be reasonable because:
1. They have strong community support (98% of voters voted in favour) 2. They allow efficient and sustainable use of land 3. They protect the character, conservation area, historic buildings and rights of way 4. They protect the landscape, AONB, visual amenity, green space and air quality 5. They protect land and soil resources 6. They protect the local habitats and biodiversity 7. They protect community assets 8. They promote reasonable business development and housing growth 9. They encourage infrastructure development 10. They are consistent with National and Wiltshire policies
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan objectives and supporting policies together with a number of policy alternatives , which were considered to be realistic in the context of a small rural village, have been considered against the sustainability framework. The rationale for the sustainability assessment and selection of the optimum policy is given below:
CBNP Policies 1-4 & Alternatives
Objective Policy Development will be supported where it is sympathetic to the local character and
maintains and/or improves the historic and 1 Maintain and improve assets of natural assets of community value, community value providing it is fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The CBNP policy will preserve the heritage of the village, as some of the community assets are listed buildings, which will also have a beneficial effect on the health and well-being of the Compton Bassett community. Community assets left to market forces
If community assets are left to market forces, they may decay through neglect or be irreparably damaged in the pursuit of commercial interests. This would have a long term detrimental effect on
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment the heritage of the village together with the health and well -being of the community. In addition, it would increase the risk of damage to landscape, AONB and visual amenity.
Objective Policy Proposals for development will be required to identify their likely impact on
local infrastructure, services and
facilities and to demonstrate how any Maintain and improve local services for such impacts will be addressed, including 2 existing and new residents cumulative impacts. Developments which maintain and/or improve local services will be supported providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The CBNP policy will encourage a more sustainable lifestyle and promote development of the local infrastructure, including emergency services, health services, and education services. The Parish does not have any schools within its boundaries, but mindful of any growth in population of school going youngsters in the Parish it is important to ensure that the Education Authority continues to provide for the Parish needs. In this respect, access to broadband services for school work research projects is becoming increasingly important and unfairly disadvantages village residents who live in areas of Compton Bassett for which broadband services and mobile telephone services are not currently available.
Broadband service (improvement) and mobile service (improvement) are key aspirational targets which are likely to have a positive effect on Compton Bassett, if the proposals in the CBNP can be achieved. Note: The key issue is not superfast broadband (20 MB/s) but access to broadband services at a workable speed of 2 MB/s.
Other Services
Fire Hydrants are provided along the main road at marked points for access by the local fire services, as required, and are thought to be entirely adequate for the needs of Compton Bassett.
Power is supplied by overhead cables to Compton Bassett and is vulnerable to disruption from falling trees during periods of strong winds and lightning strikes.
There are no public telephone boxes in Compton Bassett despite them being essential as mobile telephone service reception is severely limited by the local escarpments throughout most of the village.
Local services left to market forces
If local services are left to market forces, then Compton Bassett will be uniquely disadvantaged as a conservation area where it is not always possible to fit common technical alternatives to broadband such as satellite, mobile and commercial CRB/cable alternatives.
This is likely to damage access to education, access to health, encourage unnecessary travel and damage local economic activity.
Hence broadband connectivity cannot be left to market forces as it is a key issue for Compton
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Bassett which has a large number of businesses (around 24) based in the Village and people who work from home from time to time (around 53 out of 223 villagers) which means that Compton Bassett residents will be unfairly socially disadvantaged, particularly given the increasing requirements of HMRC to file and pay for VAT on-line and retail options, ticket reservations which are only available on-line.
Objective Policy Developments which maintain and/or improve traffic safety and transport
services will be supported providing they
are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Improve traffic safety and transport Developments should assess and, where services necessary, provide mitigation for the 3 potential impact of traffic generation on pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers, road safety, parking and congestion within the Parish.
Developments which would cause unacceptable highway dangers will not be permitted.
The CBNP policy is likely to have a positive effect on Compton Bassett as it may allow improvements to traffic safety and safeguard sustainable modes of travel for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and dog walkers and support the continuation of bus services (Connect 2) which are provided by Wiltshire Council with a bus shelter located next to the Benson Village Hall.
Traffic speeds unrestricted
Unrestricted traffic speeds will encourage high speed traffic through the village which is noisy, dangerous (health & safety issue) and illegal, and detracts significantly from rural village life.
High speed traffic will have undesirable effects on the character of Compton Bassett by making it a high speed thoroughfare, causing vibration damage to listed buildings and causing some limited environmental pollution.
Transport services left to market forces
Rural bus services are under threat as the commercial viability is not robust. This would potentially have a negative effect on the community as it would make owning a car a pre-requisite for Compton Bassett residents with non-sustainable implications and detrimental effects on access to health care for older members of the community. The increased use of cars would be likely to have a negative effect on air quality and pollution but probably not a very significant effect.
Compton Bassett has a 7.5 te weight restriction for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) but this does not prevent waste HGVs travelling through the village to Hills Waste solutions at Lower Compton via the shortest route from the A3102. Unrestricted access might allow more HGVs through Compton Bassett at high speed causing significant damage to drainage ditches (increasing flood risk) and damage to verges and paving together with an increased safety risk due to the general lack of pavements in the village
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Objective Policy Proposals for development which Sensitive development which protects and protect and, where possible, enrich the enriches the habitat and biodiversity of 4 habitat and biodiversity of Compton Compton Bassett Bassett will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The CBNP policy is likely to have a positive effect on Compton Bassett. The rich and diverse natural environment, including the AONB, the local flora/fauna, landscape (particularly hegdgerows which form natural wildlife corridors) and local green spaces is an integral part of Compton Bassett rural life. The rural setting is highly prized by the community as evidenced by the Compton Bassett consultation and plebiscite. The community wants to see a responsible balance between necessary human activity and the natural environment, particularly wildlife and its habitat. Hence developers will be required to protect and enrich the habitat and biodiversity in compliance with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
No protection of habitat & biodiversity
If no additional protection were afforded by the CBNP, then the AONB and conservation area would still be protected by National and Wiltshire policies. However, this alternative provides least guidance to developers taking into account the local nuances (including areas of Compton Bassett which are outside the AONB and the central conservation area) which are not captured to the same extent by national or regional policies which opens the door to a gradual degradation of habitat and biodiversity on a piecemeal basis which would, in the long term degrade the local amenity to the detriment of the health and well-being of the community.
Limited protection of habitat & biodiversity
Limited protection of the habitat and biodiversity (protection limited to the AONB and conservation area) would not protect substantial areas of Compton Bassett which are outside the AONB and the central conservation area. These areas outside the AONB and conservation area are not captured to the same extent by national or regional policies, which potentially opens the door to a gradual degradation of habitat and biodiversity on a piecemeal basis which would, in the long term degrade the local amenity to the detriment of the health and well-being of the community.
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Sustainability Assessment
Alternative Policies
Impact
of
CBNP Policies 1-4
And 2.Local Services Services 2.Local 1.Community Assets Assets 1.Community Baseline - No change -change No Baseline 4.Habitat & biodiversity biodiversity & 4.Habitat
Alternatives speeds unrestricted Traffic 3.Traffic & Transport Services Services Transport & 3.Traffic Local services left to market forces market to servicesleft Local No protection of habitat & biodiversity & habitat of protection No forces market to left assets Community forces market to left services Transport Limited protection of local habitat & biodiversity & habitat local of protection Limited
Herit age Biodiversity Landscape - AONB Air Quality & Pollution Water, Climate Change & Flood Risk Land & Soil Resources Human Population - demographics Human Population - employment Human Population - education Human Population - housing Human Population - health Infrastructure - Transport Infrastructure - Material Assets Infrastructure - Broadband Service Infrastructure - Mobile Service Infrastructure - Waste Infrastructure - Renewable Energy
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CBNP Policies 5-7 & Alternatives
Objective Policy Proposals for development should encourage re-cycling, minimisation of the
carbon footprint and the increased use of
renewable energy within the Parish, and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Proposals for wind turbines, biomass generators, anaerobic digestion plants and other energy from waste Encourage re-cycling, minimisation of the 5 technologies will only be supported carbon footprint and the increased use of where they have an acceptable impact on renewable energy within the Parish landscape, particularly in and around the AONB and the Conservation Area; visual amenity particularly in the AONB and Conservation Area; habitats and biodiversity; the historic environment; residential amenity, including noise, odour and safety; and agricultural land/soil.
The CBNP supports the responsible local use of renewable energy for existing housing, businesses and new developments, where acceptable and positive effects have been identified. Large scale proposals for wind turbines, anaerobic digestors, solar panels in the AONB/local green space and waste to energy plants will not be supported.
No encouragement of recycling
No encouragement of recycling is not likely to have any immediate effect as Compton Bassett currently recycles bottles, tins, plastic, cardboard and green waste and there is a local household recycling centre located about 2 km from the edge of Compton Bassett. However, such a policy would result in sustained levels of landfill in the landfill site at the edge of Compton Bassett which borders on the AONB which is not compatible the protection of the AONB (CBNP Policy 7) and would not be compatible with National and Wiltshire policies on recycling.
No attempt to minimise carbon footprint
No attempt to minimise the carbon footprint is not likely to have any immediate effect. However, such a policy is not compatible with CBNP policy 6 (Climate Change & Flood Risk) and would contribute to global warming which is likely to be associated with more energetic and wetter weather, particularly in Winter periods which will increase the flood risk.
Unrestricted deployment of renewable energy
Large scale renewable energy developments such as large scale solar farms which have already been constructed close to the AONB and wind turbines would have a detrimental effect on the heritage, biodiversity and landscape in that they interfere with the habitat of many wildlife species and negatively impact the visual amenity.
The rotating blades of wind turbines are known to have a detrimental effect on birds and bats, based
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment on the increasing evidence of dead species at the base of wind turbines. This would have an unacceptable effect on the diverse flora and fauna in the AONB. It is not certain whether the low frequency noise would have any long term health effects but there is mounting evidence that such noise can affect sleeping patterns and damage the inner ear.
A “waste to energy” power station is also an alternative either within the designated area or (more likely) sited within the adjacent landfill boundary. The site is already designated (Wiltshire & Swindon Waste Core Strategy 2006-2026) as a site for waste management (excluding waste to energy). However, the potential approval of a recent (or future) planning application for a “fuel pellet factory” producing around 40,000 tonnes per annum from plastic and cardboard might encourage waste to energy plant development applications at the same location since such a plant would potentially have the ability to burn black bin bag waste to reduce the landfill tax burden and comply with EU Directives. This would be likely to have an unacceptable and harmful effect on the heritage, biodiversity, landscape (particularly the AONB which is literally “just access the road” and air quality due to the emissions and loss of visual amenity with limited benefits on local employment.
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Objective Policy Proposals for development should Minimise the environmental impact of climate minimise the environmental impact 6 change on water resources and flood risk of climate change on water where possible resources and flood risk where possible and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. The CBNP supports proposals to minimise the environmental impact of climate change on water resources and flood risk. Drinking water is supplied to Compton Bassett by Wessex Water who source their supply from groundwater. The local chalk geology provides a natural aquifer and a plentiful supply of local run-off water such that water shortages are very rare.
Flood ditches are maintained by local farmers and, in general, they are successful in preventing flooding.
Roadside drainage is an issue during periods of heavy rain and constant attention is required to ensure that the roadside ditches are properly maintained.
No attempt to minimise impact of climate change, water resources & flood risk
No attempt to minimise the effects of climate change and flood risk will not likely to have any immediate effect on water resources and flood risk. However, such a policy is not compatible with CBNP policy 6 (Climate Change & Flood Risk) and would contribute to global warming which is likely to be associated with more energetic and wetter weather, particularly in Winter periods which will decrease the possibility of water shortages but increase the flood risk.
In recent years minor flooding has occurred at the Village Pond and heavy run-off down gullies from the escarpment between the War Memorial and the centre of the village has flooded a number of local houses. The most serious incident involved the storm drains which lifted during heavy rain (December 2013) and released raw sewage onto the garden of a bungalow at the lowest point in the village. This could increase if new developments did not attempt to minimise the environmental impact of climate change.
The flooding risk is also exacerbated by large potholes (classed as over-runs by Wiltshire Council) but which extend into the road and are several inches deep, causing a significant road hazard.
Objective Policy Proposals for development should Preserve the character of Compton Bassett, preserve the character of Compton conservation area, historic buildings and 7 Bassett, Conservation Area, historic historic rights of way buildings and historic rights of way and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The CBNP policy protects the character, conservation area, historic buildings and rights of way, particularly when taken in the context of the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Compton Bassett’s physical attractiveness is underpinned by its heritage and is the key to the long term success of the village in terms of economic activity (tourism, particularly as a base from which to explore Wiltshire) and the well-being of the residents who value the distinctive character of the village above other attributes. This policy, when taken together with the CBNP policy on economic activity provides the
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Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment optimal balance between “preservation in aspic” and reasonable economic activity, compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Total protection for conservation area
This policy would effectively prevent all change in the conservation area of Compton Bassett and would effectively preserve Compton Bassett in “aspic” akin to living in a museum. This is not considered to be reasonable, healthy or practicable and is inconsistent with Wiltshire policies. It is also incompatible with the reasonable deployment of renewable energy in the conservation area but would allow renewable energy within the Compton Bassett designated but outside the conservation area, consistent with the Compton Basset Design Statement. The policy may also prejudice the long term protection of community assets if all remedial work were to be prohibited.
No protection of character, conservation area & historic buildings
This policy provides no additional protection but protection would still be afforded by conservation status but would potentially endanger the character, conservation area and historic buildings in Compton Bassett together with the areas outside the conservation area which would potentially cause too much harm or potential harm to conservation interests which are a core feature of the CBNP.
No protection of rights of way
This policy provides no additional protection but protection would still be afforded by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000. Potential loss of rights of way would endanger the heritage of Compton Bassett and potentially cause long term harm to the well-being of the community.
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Sustainability Assessment
Alternative Policies
Impact
Of
CBNP Policies 5-7
And Rights of Way Way Rightsof historic buildings buildings historic Baseline - No change -change No Baseline Alternatives No protection of rights of way way of rights of protection No No encouragement of recycling recycling of encouragement No
area conservation for protection Total No attempt to minimise carbon footprint footprint carbon minimise attemptto No 5. Recycling, Carbon Footprint & Renewables Renewables & Footprint Carbon 5.Recycling, Unrestricted deployment of renewable energy energy renewable of deployment Unrestricted No protection of character, conservation area & conservation character, of protection No 6.Climate Change, Water Resources & Flood Risk Risk Flood & Resources Water Change, 6.Climate No attempt to minimise climate change & flood risk flood & change climate minimise attemptto No & Buildings Historic Area, Conservation 7.Character, Herit age Biodiversity Landscape - AONB Air Quality & Pollution Water, Climate Change & Flood Risk Land & Soil Resources Human Population - demographics Human Population - employment Human Population - education Human Population - housing Human Population - health Infrastructure - Transport Infrastructure - Material Assets Infrastructure - Broadband Service Infrastructure - Mobile Service Infrastructure - Waste Infrastructure - Renewable Energy
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CBNP Policies 8-11 & Alternatives
Objective Policy Development proposals which strengthen and support local economic activity will
be supported, providing they are fully
compliant with Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan policies and the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The conversion of existing buildings and Strengthen and support local economic small scale expansion of existing 8 activity employment premises will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Development proposals which promote or provide broadband and high speed broadband services will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The CBNP policy strengthens and supports local economic activity consistent with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. There are around 25 existing businesses in Compton Bassett, with a significant number of people working from home on a permanent or occasional, regular basis. Small business developments were acceptable to a majority (44%) of the questionnaire respondents and proposals for new bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and conversions will be supported where the proposals are of an appropriate scale and character within the context of the immediate surroundings (consistent with the Compton Bassett Design Statement) and the settlement as a whole, in line with Wiltshire’s Core Policy 40 and which are likely to have a positive impact on tourism and related economic activity within a sustainable context. More facilities are likely to be required for Compton Bassett as a working village to accommodate and entertain visitors so the CBNP strikes a reasonable balance to prevent damage to heritage, biodiversity, agriculture, land/soil and visual amenity.
The limited business developments are unlikely to have any significant on the WHS sites at Avebury (5 miles away) and Stonehenge (20 miles away) and the English Heritage “Assets at Risk”, which consists of an aircraft hangar at Yatesbury (3 miles away).
Unrestricted large business development
Unrestricted large scale business development (including quarrying) would be likely to have an unacceptable and harmful effect on heritage, landscape, land and soil resources and transport, due to increased vehicle movements, particularly if HGVs were involved. This would be detrimental to the health and well-being of the community. In addition, this policy could lead to greenfield developments which could potentially damage the biodiversity, air quality and flood risk.
However, this policy might lead to benefits in terms of demographics, employment, improved broadband/mobile services and an increase in renewable energy, albeit this last benefit might be at the expense of the local green space, AONB and visual amenity.
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Objective Policy Up to 7 additional affordable homes in the Briar Leaze development area (as
defined in the CBNP) for local people will
be supported over the period 2015 to 2030, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Delivery of a high quality housing growth Statement. 9 strategy tailored to the needs and context of Compton Bassett It is expected that these homes will remain as affordable dwellings for local people in perpetuity.
Individual developments outside the Briar Leaze development area, such as conversion of existing buildings and housing extensions will be allowed, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The CBNP policy includes a development limitation of up to 7 high quality new dwellings in the designated development area in the centre of the village at Briar Leaze which would not have any significant effect on the heritage, the biodiversity, the landscape, the air quality, the water resources, the land and soil resources, employment, education, housing, health, material assets and renewable energy as the development (up to 7 dwellings subject to an comprehensive Design Statement) is a small, localised development within a previously consented development envelope of 20 dwellings.
This policy is consistent with the Wiltshire Core Strategy which proposes up to 75 dwellings in the 6 parishes in the Calne area.
Since 60% of the Compton Bassett designated area is either AONB or Conservation Area with the remainder of the land being high grade farming land, the brownfield site at Briar Leaze is the only suitable area for a limited development.
Furthermore, the existing Briar Leaze brownfield site development (20 affordable homes) is a later addition to the village with a lesser heritage significance and contribution to the conservation area so that it can accommodate a degree of change of up to 7 additional dwellings without causing significant harm, since this amount can be largely screened out by the existing tree distribution.
The CBNP development limitation will have a positive effect on demographics as the existing population of around 200 could cope with an influx of some 30 individuals (15% increase in total village population). Furthermore, as the new developments will be required to have good broadband connection, an improved broadband service should also be available to adjacent properties which currently have no broadband or poor (<2 Mbps) broadband services.
The limited housing development (up to 7 dwellings) are unlikely to have any significant on the WHS sites at Avebury (5 miles away) and Stonehenge (20 miles away) and the English Heritage “Assets at Risk”, which consists of an aircraft hangar at Yatesbury (3 miles away). For example, any additional traffic along the A4 past Yatesbury would be around 20 car movements per day compared to over 13,000 other daily car movements along the A4 (Wiltshire Council Traffic data).
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Unrestricted development & in-filling
In contrast, the alternative of significant unrestricted development and significant in-filling would have a major detrimental effect on Compton Bassett with the only potential positive effect probably being on the demographics.
For example, the unacceptable effects for an increase of around 50 dwellings would mean that the current population of ~200 would nearly double. This would be unacceptable and disproportionate effect which would change the fabric and character of the local community and create harmful effects to the heritage, landscape and transport together with a number of uncertain but probably negative effects, including acute, short term construction effects.
Since 60% of the Compton Bassett designated area is either AONB or Conservation Area with the remainder of the land being high grade farming land, there are no suitable areas for significant development other than the brownfield site at Briar Leaze. As a consequence, any significant development would have to consist of high density housing on the only brownfield site in the village.
A significant development with high density housing at Briar Leaze would inevitably have a negative impact on the AONB as the high concentration of housing would be highly visible from the AONB. In addition, a high local density of housing would stand out like a sore thumb and be highly detrimental to both the landscape and character as the majority of dwellings (a significant number of which are listed) are discrete and strung out due to the ribbon structure of the village and there only being a single narrow road through the whole of Compton Bassett.
The harmful effects of any significant development would be exacerbated by the poor infrastructure. For example, there are no schools or shops in Compton Bassett which would mean that the residents in any new significant development would have to travel through the only narrow road in Compton Bassett with a number of sharp, blind bends at both ends of the village which restrict access and increase the risk of accidents and congestion at peak times. The main schools and shops are in Quemerford and Calne to which residents would have to travel by car or by bus along the A4 where the air quality is already significantly above the EU legal limits.
In addition, poorer residents would be adversely affected by the local bus service (single decker, small size buses) which has quite a restricted capacity.
Finally, the centre of Compton Bassett has a wholly inadequate Broadband service and in a number of areas there is no BT broadband service, no access by satellite and no access to a mobile phone signal. Broadband access and broadband access at a workable speed is increasingly essential for local business, access to medical services and for shopping, particularly for elderly residents. In addition, school children are increasingly disadvantaged as local schools rely on internet access for homework assignments.
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Objective Policy Development proposals which protect the rural landscape, AONB, Protection of rural landscape, AONB, visual 10 visual amenity, local green space amenity, local green space & air quality and air quality will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. The CBNP policy provides additional protection for the rural landscape, AONB, local green space and air quality which are essential to the well-being of the local community as well as being the key to future economic activity from tourism.
The community wants to see a responsible balance between necessary human activity and the rural landscape, particularly the AONB and local green space. Air quality is a problem due to waste tip developments at Lower Compton which border on the designated area and the AONB. Hence developers will be required to protect and enrich the rural landscape and AONB, where possible in compliance with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
No protection of landscape, AONB & visual amenity
This policy provides no additional protection but protection would still be afforded for the AONB from Wiltshire policies. However, there would be an increased risk to the landscape and local green space which would potentially endanger the visual amenity and health and well-being of the community. In addition, the areas outside the AONB and conservation area would be largely unprotected but which are sufficiently close to cause concerns over the adjacent AONB and local green space which are a core feature of the CBNP.
This might also encourage further waste tip developments which could potentially adversely affect the Compton Bassett air quality.
However, the policy would make it easier for housing development on local green space and green field areas outside the AONB.
No protection of local green space
This policy provides no additional protection for local green space but protection would still be afforded from Wiltshire policies. However, there would be an increased risk of development of the local green space which would potentially endanger the visual amenity and health and well-being of the community.
However, the policy would make it easier for housing development on local green space and green field areas outside the AONB.
No protection of air quality
This policy increases the risk of a deterioration of air quality from unrestricted developments within the designated area and from developments close to the designated area such as the Lower Compton landfill or a local waste to energy power station. Any deterioration in air quality also increases the risk of health issues, depending on the type and concentration of air pollutant.
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Objective Policy Development proposals which protect land and soil resources will 11 Protection of land and soil resources be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. The CBNP policy protects land and so il resources in Compton Bassett which are managed by a variety of agri-management schemes for arable farming, dairy farming, rare breed pig farming, rare breed sheep farming and woodland management. Land management is carried out at both entry level and higher level stewardship which contains a number of restrictions on land and soil usage which are re-enforced by the CBNP policy. The land is classified as greenbelt agricultural land (Grade 2 – best and Grade 3 – most versatile with the exception of the small brownfield development area in the centre of the village. This type of land is considered to be important by Natural England and needs additional protection.
This provides a complementary level of protection for the biodiversity, landscape, AONB and visual amenity which underpins Compton Bassett rural life and the community sense of well-being.
No protection of land & soil resources
This policy provides no additional protection (other than that afforded by Wiltshire policies) and increases the risk of developments which damage the land and soil resources. A loss of protection could potentially increase the risks to biodiversity, landscape, AONB and visual amenity which underpins Compton Bassett rural life and the community sense of well-being, and might increase the potential for unrestricted development of solar panel renewable energy schemes.
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Sustainability Assessment
Alternative Policies
Impact
Of
CBNP Policies 8-11 amenity & Air Quality AirQuality & AONB, Visual Amenity, Green Space GreenSpace Amenity, Visual AONB, And -change No Baseline 8. Local Economic Activity Activity Economic 8.Local 11. Land & soil Resources Resources soil & 11.Land No protection of air quality quality air of protection No 9. Housing Growth Strategy Growth 9. Housing
Alternatives space green local of protection No Unrestricted development & in-filling in-filling & development Unrestricted No protection of land & soil resources soil & land of protection No Unrestricted large business development development business large Unrestricted No protection of landscape, AONB & visual visual AONB& landscape, of protection No
10. Landscape, 10.Landscape, Herit age Biodiversity Landscape - AONB Air Quality & Pollution Water, Climate Change & Flood Risk Land & Soil Resources Human Population - demographics Human Population - employment Human Population - education Human Population - housing Human Population - health Infrastructure - Transport Infrastructure - Material Assets Infrastructure - Broadband Service Infrastructure - Mobile Service Infrastructure - Waste Infrastructure - Renewable Energy
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Chapter 5. Consideration of Cumulative Effects
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan is expected to have positive benefits for the local community in terms of making Compton Bassett “a better place to live” by improving and sustaining the overall quality of life in terms of economic prosperity, local infrastructure, well-being, social vitality and access to affordable housing.
Most of the cumulative effects are relatively minimal and beneficial as the policies are designed to be homogeneous, self-consistent and self-re-enforcing, providing a reasonable between “preservation” and the amount of “change” which can be accommodated by a small community of around 200 individuals
The proposed development in the Plan is relatively modest and on a small scale so that any individual impacts and cumulative impacts are relatively low but do allow Compton Bassett to develop and move forwards whilst preserving the best aspects of village life without prejudice to future development options.
The potential limited negative effects can be mitigated to some extent over time by:
Technique Mitigation Future development can be restricted to the least sensitive locations within the village, such as the available brownfield Development Location Selection land and in the remaining land within the Compton Bassett designated area but located outside the AONB and conservation area. Any loss of habitat or green space could be replaced by an equivalent area within the Compton Bassett designated area.
Replacement and change of use Various small green space areas within the Compton Bassett designated but outside the AONB and which are “un-used” could be re-developed via a change of use to allotments, preserving the green space and benefiting local residents. Improvements in technology will result in im proved communication (broadband and mobile phone technology) which will reduce the need to travel and encourage economic Technology Advances development within Compton Bassett.
Increased, appropriate use of sustainable construction and renewables will mitigate negative impacts on climate change Compton Bassett residents could themselves reduce negative impacts by improving sustainable transport (particularly if broadband was available throughout the village), by growing food on appropriate garden space and allotments, by Behaviour Modification increased re-cycling, increased use of renewable energy and better home insulation, drainage ditch clearance, awareness and support of habitat and wild life sensitivities, sustainable development for conversions/extensions (consistent with the Compton Bassett Design Statement and increased use of organic farming/gardening methods.
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Chapter 6. Monitoring
The effects of the CBNP will be monitored by the Compton Bassett Parish Council using the indicators described in the Sustainability Assessment Framework.
This includes all losses of landscape, character, visual amenity, assets of community value, biodiversity, green space, rights of way. In addition, monitoring arrangements would also include inappropriate housing developments, poor air quality, increased traffic, increased speeding traffic, damage to verges etc., together with the number of flooded properties per year, the number of appropriate small scale business development, the quality of the broadband service, the quality of the mobile service and renewable energy usage within the designated area.
Sustainability Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability Appraisal Potential Indicators Topic CBNP Objectives CBNP Policies Objective 7: Preserve the CBNP P 7: Proposals for Loss of historic character of Compton development should character, listed Bassett, conservation area, preserve the character of buildings and assets historic buildings and Compton Bassett, of community value Heritage historic rights of way Conservation Area, historic & historic rights of buildings and historic rights way of way and be fully compliant with the No damage to Compton Bassett Design Avebury, Statement Stonehenge or Yatesbury Objective 4: Sensitive CBNP P 4: Proposals for Loss of habitat and Development which development which protect biodiversity protects and enriches the and, where possible, enrich Biodiversity habitat and biodiversity of the habitat and biodiversity Compton Bassett of Compton Bassett will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement Objective 10: Protection of CBNP P 10: Development Damage to rural rural landscape, AONB, proposals which protect the landscape visual amenity, local green rural landscape, AONB, space & air quality visual amenity, local green Damage to AONB Landscape space & air quality will be supported, providing they Loss of visual are fully compliant with the amenity Compton Bassett Design Statement Damage/loss of local green space
Large scale in-filling
Poor air quality Objective 10: Protection of CBNP P 10: Development Poor air quality rural landscape, AONB, proposals which protect the
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visual amenity, local green rural landscape, AONB, Na useous smells Air Quality and space & air quality visual amenity, local green from local landfill space & air quality will be Environmental supported, providing they Low use of Pollution are fully compliant with the renewable energy Compton Bassett Design Statement Extension of landfill beyond temporary permission to 2022 Objective 5: Encourage CBNPP 5: Proposals for recycling, minimisation of development should Number of houses the carbon footprint and the encourage re-cycling, meeting the increased use of renewable minimisation of the carbon BREEAM standard energy within the Parish footprint and the increased for sustainable use of renewable energy homes within the Parish, and be fully compliant with the Increased traffic Compton Bassett Design pollution Statement.
Proposals for wind turbines, biomass generators, anaerobic digestion plants and other energy from waste technologies will only be supported where they have an acceptable impact on landscape, particularly in and around the AONB and the Conservation Area; visual amenity particularly in the AONB and Conservation Area; habitats and biodiversity; the historic environment; residential amenity, including noise, odour and safety; and agricultural land/soil. Objective 5: Encourage CBNP P 5: Proposals for Number of flooded recycling, minimisation of development should properties per year the carbon footprint and the encourage re-cycling, Water increased use of renewable minimisation of the carbon Amount of raw energy within the Parish footprint and the increased sewage release Resources, use of renewable energy Climate within the Parish, and be Adequate sewage Change and fully compliant with the disposal for Flood Risk Compton Bassett Design developments Statement. Unsustainable Proposals for wind turbines, developments and biomass generators, developments in
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anaerobic digestion plants flood zones and other energy from waste technologies will only Low use of be supported where they renewable energy have an acceptable impact on landscape, particularly in Number of houses and around the AONB and not meeting the the Conservation Area; BREEAM standard visual amenity particularly for sustainable in the AONB and homes Conservation Area; habitats Objective 6: Minimise the and biodiversity; the historic environmental impact of environment; residential climate change on water amenity, including noise, resources and flood risk odour and safety; and where possible agricultural land/soil.
CBNPP 6: Proposals for development should minimise the environmental impact of climate change on water resources and flood risk where possible and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Objective 11: Protection of CNBP P 11: Development Loss of soil quality Land and Soil land and soil resources proposals which protect land and soil resources will Developments on Resources be supported, providing agricultural land they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Objective 8: Strengthen and CBNP P 8: Development Appropriate small Human support local economic proposals which strengthen scale local business activity and support local economic development Population activity will be supported, providing they are fully Appropriate local demographics, compliant with Compton housing Bassett Neighbourhood Plan development which employment, policies and the Compton conforms to the education, Bassett Design Statement. Compton Bassett housing & Neighbourhood health The conversion of existing Plan and design buildings and small scale statement expansion of existing employment premises will be supported, providing they are fully compliant Loss of access to with the Compton Bassett education facilities
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Design Statement. and local health care through poor Development proposals broadband service which promote or provide broadband and high speed Loss of local broadband services will be services such as supported, providing they buses and are fully compliant with the broadband Compton Bassett Design Statement. Number of houses not meeting the Objective 2: Maintain and CBNPP 2: Proposals for BREEAM standard Improve Local Services for development will be for sustainable Existing & New Residents required to identify their homes likely impact on local infrastructure, services and Appropriate facilities and to number of demonstrate how any such developments for impacts will be addressed, affordable homes including cumulative for local people impacts. Housing Developments which conversions and maintain and/or improve extensions which local services will be do not conform to supported providing they BREEAM and CABE are fully compliant with the standards Compton Bassett Design Statement. Developments which reduce the Objective 9: Delivery of a CBNPP 9: Up to 7 additional sense of high quality housing growth affordable homes in the community well- strategy tailored to the Briar Leaze development being needs and context of area (as defined in the Compton Bassett CBNP) for local people will be supported over the period 2015 to 2030, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
It is expected that these homes will remain as affordable dwellings for local people in perpetuity.
Individual developments outside the Briar Leaze development area such as conversion of existing buildings and housing
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extensions will be allowed, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
CBNPP 10: Development Objective 10: Protection of proposals which protect the local green space, rural landscape, AONB, conservation area, AONB, visual amenity, local green landscape, air quality and space & air quality will be existing buildings supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement Objective 3: Improve traffic CBNP P 3: Developments Increased HGV & safety and transport which maintain and/or car traffic & services improve traffic safety and damage to verges, transport services will be drainage ditches, supported providing they pavements etc are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Accidents to Statement. pedestrians, dog walkers, horse Developments should assess riders Infrastructure and, where necessary, provide mitigation for the Car accidents potential impact of traffic Transport, generation on pedestrians, HGVs getting stuck Material cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers, road safety, Assets, HGVs over 7.5te parking and congestion passing through the Broadband, within the Parish and village Waste include appropriate and mitigation measures. Loss of service
Renewable Developments which would Speedwatch data Energy cause unacceptable highway showing speed dangers will not be increases permitted. Reduction in home working CBNPP 1: Development will Objective 1: Maintain and be supported where it is Improve Assets of Closure of Village sympathetic to the local Community Value Hall character and maintains
and/or improves the historic Degradation of and natural assets of grade I & II assets community value, providing
it is fully compliant with the
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Statement. Objective 2: Maintain and Continuation of no Improve Local Services for CBNPP 2: Proposals for broadband service Existing & New Residents development will be or very poor required to identify their broadband service likely impact on local infrastructure, services and Solar panels in facilities and to AONB demonstrate how any such impacts will be addressed, including cumulative Low use of impacts. renewable energy
Developments which Low recycling rates maintain and improve local services will be supported providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Objective 5: Encourage recycling, minimisation of CBNPP 5: Proposals for the carbon footprint and the development should increased use of renewable encourage re-cycling, energy within the Parish minimisation of the carbon footprint and the increased use of renewable energy within the Parish, and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Proposals for wind turbines, biomass generators, anaerobic digestion plants and other energy from waste technologies will only be supported where they have an acceptable impact on landscape, particularly in and around the AONB and the Conservation Area; visual amenity particularly in the AONB and Conservation Area; habitats and biodiversity; the historic environment; residential amenity, including noise, odour and safety; and agricultural land/soil.
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Chapter 7. Conclusions
The Sustainability Assessment has determined the likely effects of implementing the Compton Bassett Neighbour Plan and significant effects have been found in a number of areas. As a result the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan has been slightly revised and clarified in line with comments from Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency. A number of comments from Wiltshire Council have also been incorporated where appropriate.
It has been shown that the sustainability assessment framework can be used to identify the potential adverse impacts of future developments so that they can be reduced and/or mitigated, particularly by promoting the use of brownfield sites within the Compton Bassett designated area.
This will be of significant benefit to the Compton Bassett Parish Council, Wiltshire Council and individuals who might be affected by any future proposed development.
Chapter 8. Next Steps
The Sustainability Assessment report will be formally submitted to Wiltshire Council alongside the slightly modified Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan so that they can facilitate the formal public consultation of the Plan before submitting it to the independent planning inspector for statutory examination so that the soundness of the Plan and its supporting evidence base can be determined.
It is possible that the consultation and examination process might require further modifications to the Sustainability Assessment report and corresponding modifications to the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan before it can be adopted and “made”.
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Appendix 1 SEA Quality Assurance Checklist
The Quality assurance check list below has been used to ensure that the requirements of the SEA Directive have been met and fully integrated into the sustainability process covered in this document and covers the technical and procedural steps of the sustainability assessment process.
SEA Directive Requirements
Objectives & Context Compliance The purpose and objectives are explained Yes – Chapter 1 Sustainability issues including international and EU objectives are Yes considered in developing objectives and targets Steps A1 to A3 SA objectives are identified and linked to indicators/targets as appropriate Yes - Step A4 Conflicts that exist between SA objectives and other plan objectives are Conflicts between identified and described Heritage & Landscape were identified by the Statutory Consultees and eliminated Scoping The environmental consultation bodies are consulted Yes – Appendix 3 The assessment focusses on key issues Yes - Steps A1 to A3 Technical procedural and other difficulties are discussed and assumptions Yes – SA report & and uncertainties are explained as appropriate Consultation Statement Optio ns/Alternatives Considered Realistic alternatives are considered Yes – Step A5 Alternatives include “baseline” case Yes – Step A5 Sustainability effects are identified Yes – Step A5 Inconsistencies are identified Yes – Step A5 Baseline Information Relevant aspects of the current environment are provided and considered Yes – Step A2 against the “baseline” case Characteristics of the designated area likely to be affected are described Yes – Step A2 Difficulties such as deficiencies in information are explained Yes – Step A2 Prediction & Evaluation of significant effects Likely significant social, economic and environmental effects are identified Yes – Step A5 including biodiversity, population, human health, flora, fauna, soil, water, air, climate, material assets, heritage and landscape Mitigation Measures Measures to prevent &reduce any significant adverse effects are considered Yes – Chapter 5 Development issues are considered Yes – Chapter 5 The Sustainability Assessment Report Uses simple language and uses maps/illustrations as appropriate Yes – SA Report Explains who were consulted, how and when Yes – SA Report & Consultation Statement
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Identifies key sources of information Yes - SA Consultation Statutory consultation bodies, other consultees and the public consulted Yes – Appendix 3 & Consultation Statement Decision Making & Information The Sustainability Assessment has been integrated into the Plan Yes - CBNP Monitoring Measures Monitorin g measures have been proposed and will be implemented Yes - CBNP
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Appendix 2 Habitats Regulations Assessment
Welcome to Compton Bassett
A Domesday Book Village
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Habitats Regulations Assessment
European Directive 92/43/EEC relating to the conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive) requires a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) to be undertaken conforming to the UK Habitats Directive via the Conservation and Species Regulations 2010. The HRA assesses any impact against the conservation objectives of sites of European importance for nature conservation to determine any likely adverse effects.
Natura 2000 is the European Union network of protected areas which are recognised as sites of EU importance under the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna and include Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
The purpose of the HRA is to ensure that the integrity of European sites is protected at the national, regional and local level.
European Directive 92/43/EEC, Article 6(3) states that “Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives.”
The relevant Natura 2000 sites within Wiltshire are as follows: 1. Salisbury Plain (SAC & SPA); 2. Bath & Bradford on Avon (SAC); 3. Pewsey Downs (SAC); 4. North Meadows & Clattinger Farm (SAC); 5. River Avon (SAC); 6. Porton Down (SPA); and 7. Rodborough Common (SAC).
The key potential environmental issues are Recreation (Sites 1 & 3); Hydrology/Hydrogeology (Sites 1-5); Nitrogen Deposition (Sites 1 & 4-7); Physical Damage/Interruption of Flight Lines (Site 2).
The Wiltshire HRA assessment in the Wiltshire Core Strategy shows the following assessment for the Calne area which contains the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan development area:
Plain Salisbury & Avon on Bradford Bath Downs Pewsey Meadows North Avon River Down Porton Commn Rodborough
Calne Area
Recreation Hydrology/Hydrogeology H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 Nitrogen Deposition Physical Damage Interruption of Flight Lines Key: Red = environmental issue requires assessment; Green = environmental issue does not apply H1 = the Compton Bassett development area is within the Wessex Water Northern Resource Zone
The draft policies of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan have been screened against the potential environmental issues relating to each of the relevant Natura 2000 sites.
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Recreation: The Compton Bassett Development Area is not within 15km Sites 1, 2, 4-7, so that, taken with the small scale of the Compton Bassett development (up to 7 houses), it can be concluded that the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan would not have any significant environmental impact. As part of the North Wessex Downs AONB, Pewsey Downs attracts large numbers of visitors every year and the North Wessex Downs AONB has a management plan which provides a basis for managing the environmental impacts. The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan designated area is not within 5km of the SAC and is only just within 15km of the SAC. Consequently, the small scale of the proposed development (up to 7 new houses) would be likely to have a “de minimis” effect on the AONB. In addition, the issues relating to additional recreational pressure as a result of residential development growth are dealt with in Core Policy 50 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy and Natural England have agreed that the levels of housing proposed within the Wiltshire Core Strategy (and the Calne Area Strategy which encompasses Compton Bassett) fall within the scope of the Wiltshire Core Strategy HRA and would not be likely to have any significant effect on the Pewsey Downs SAC.
Hydrology/Hydrogeology, Water Resource: The very limited amount of development proposed by the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan will be easily accommodated by the current abstraction license levels which have undergone HRA by the Environment Agency as has Wessex Water’s Water Resource Management Plan and would not be likely to have any significant effect.
Hydrology/Hydrogeology, Water Quality: The proposed development is not within 15km of most of the SACs and only just within 15km of the Pewsey Downs SAC and the small scale of the proposed development (up to 7 new houses) would be likely to have a “de minimis” effect. Water quality is dealt with in Core Policy 50 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy which has been addressed in the emerging Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan.
Nitrogen Deposition: The effect on Natura 2000 sites, as identified in the Wiltshire Core Strategy HRA has been considered and the small scale of the proposed development (up to 7 new houses) would be likely to have a “de minimis” effect making it unlikely that any significant impact (or any impact) would occur as a result of the implementation of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan.
Physical Damage/Interruption of Flight Lines: The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan designated area is sufficiently far from Bath (30 km) and Bradford on Avon (24 km) that the SAC there would be no physical damage or interruption of flight lines.
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Screening of Emerging Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan Policies
The objectives and policies of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan are:
Objective Policy Development will be supported where it is sympathetic to the local character and
maintains and/or improves the historic and 1 Maintain and improve assets of natural assets of community value, providing it community value is fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Proposals for development will be required to identify their likely impact on local
infrastructure, services and facilities and to demonstrate how any such impacts will be Maintain and improve local services for 2 addressed, including cumulative impacts. existing and new residents Developments which maintain and improve local services will be supported providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Developments which maintain and/or improve traffic safety and transport
services will be supported providing they
are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Developments should assess and, where Improve traffic safety and transport necessary, provide mitigation for the 3 services potential impact of traffic generation on pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers, road safety, parking and congestion within the Parish and include appropriate mitigation measures.
Developments which would cause unacceptable highway dangers will not be permitted. Proposals for development which protect and, where possible, enrich the habitat and Sensitive development which protects 4 biodiversity of Compton Bassett will be and enriches the habitat and supported, providing they are fully biodiversity of Compton Bassett compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Proposals for development should encourage re-cycling, minimisation of the
carbon footprint and the increased use of
renewable energy within the Parish, and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
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generators, anaerobic digestion plants and other energy from waste technologies will
only be supported where they have an 5 Encourage re-cycling, minimisation of acceptable impact on landscape, the carbon footprint and the increased particularly in and around the AONB and use of renewable energy within the the Conservation Area; visual amenity Parish particularly in the AONB and Conservation Area; habitats and biodiversity; the historic environment; residential amenity, including noise, odour and safety; and agricultural land/soil. Proposals for development should minimise 6 Minimise the environmental impact of the environmental impact of climate change climate change on water resources and on water resources and flood risk where flood risk where possible possible and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Proposals for development should preserve Preserve the character of Compton the character of Compton Bassett, Bassett, conservation area, historic 7 Conservation Area, historic buildings and buildings and historic rights of way historic rights of way and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Development proposals which strengthen and support local economic activity will be supported, providing they are fully
compliant with Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan policies and the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The conversion of existing buildings and Strengthen and support local economic small scale expansion of existing 8 activity employment premises will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Development proposals which promote or provide broadband and high speed broadband services will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Up to 7 additional affordable homes in the Briar Leaze development area (as defined in
the CBNP) for local people will be supported
over the period 2015 to 2030, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
It is expected that these homes will remain Delivery of a high quality housing 9 as an affordable dwelling for local people in growth strategy tailored to the needs perpetuity. and context of Compton Bassett Individual developments such as conversion of existing buildings and housing extensions will be allowed, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design
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Statement. Development proposals which protect the rural landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local
10 Protection of rural landscape, AONB, green space and air quality will be visual amenity, local green space & air supported, providing they are fully quality compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. Development proposals which protect the land and soil resources will be supported, 11 Protection of land and soil resources providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The effect of the policies have been considered individually and in combination and the effects of the whole plan in relation to the Wiltshire Core Strategy have been examined against the screening criteria developed Natural England, so that there is an evidenced audit trail. This process identified the need for some minor policy re-wording and emphasis and a new policy (Policy 11) relating to the protection of Land and Soil Resources.
The criteria used were as follows:
Category Criterion A1 The policy will not itself lead to development e.g. because it relates to design or other qualitative criteria A2 The policy is intended to protect the natural environment A3 The policy is intended to conserve or enhance the natural, built or historic environment A4 The policy would positively steer development away from European sites and associated sensitive areas A5 The policy would have no effect because no development could occur through the policy itself, the development being implemented through later policies in the same plan, which are more specific and therefore more appropriate to assess for their effects on European sites and associated sensitive areas B No significant effect C Likely significant effect alone D Likely significant effects in combination
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Natural England Policy Criterion 1 CBNP Policy 1: Development will be supported where it is A1 sympathetic to the local character and maintains and/or improves A3 the historic and natural assets of community value, providing it is fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. 2 CBNP Policy 2: Proposals for development will be required to A1 identify their likely impact on local infrastructure, services and facilities and to demonstrate how any such impacts will be addressed, including cumulative impacts.
Developments which maintain and/or improve local services will be A1 supported providing they are fully compliant with the Compton A3 Bassett Design Statement. 3 CBNP Policy 3: Developments which maintain and/or improve A1 traffic safety and transport services will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. A1 Developments should assess and, where necessary, provide A2 mitigation for the potential impact of traffic generation on pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers, road safety, parking and congestion within the Parish.
Developments which would cause unacceptable highway dangers A1 will not be permitted. 4 CBNP Policy 4: Proposals for development which protect and, where A1 possible, enrich the habitat and biodiversity of Compton Bassett will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. 5 CBNP Policy 5: Proposals for development should encourage re- A1 cycling, minimisation of the carbon footprint and the increased use A3 of renewable energy within the Parish, and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Proposals for wind turbines, biomass generators, anaerobic digestion plants and other energy from waste technologies will only be supported where they have an acceptable impact on landscape, particularly in and around the AONB and the Conservation Area; visual amenity particularly in the AONB and Conservation Area; habitats and biodiversity; the historic environment; residential amenity, including noise, odour and safety; and agricultural land/soil. 6 CBNP Policy 6: Proposals for development should minimise the A1 environmental impact of climate change on water resources and flood risk where possible and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. 7 CBNP Policy 7: Proposals for development should preserve the A1 character of Compton Bassett, Conservation Area, historic A3 buildings and historic rights of way and be fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. 8 CBNP Policy 8: Development proposals which strengthen and A1 support local economic activity will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan Page 109
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policies and the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
The conversion of existing buildings and small scale expansion of A1 existing employment premises will be supported, providing they B are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
Development proposals which promote or provide broadband and A1 high speed broadband services will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
9 CBNP Policy 9: Up to 7 additional affordable homes in the Briar A5 Leaze development area (as defined in the CBNP) for local people B will be supported over the period 2015 to 2030, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement.
It is expected that these homes will remain as affordable dwellings for local people in perpetuity.
Individual developments outside the Briar Leaze development area,
such as conversion of existing buildings and housing extensions, A1 will be allowed, providing they are fully compliant with the Compton Bassett Design Statement. 10 CBNP Policy 10: Development proposals which protect the rural A1 landscape, AONB, visual amenity, local green space and air quality A2 will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with the A3 Compton Bassett Design Statement. 11 CBNP Policy 11: Development proposals which protect land and soil A1 resources will be supported, providing they are fully compliant with A2 the Compton Bassett Design Statement. A3
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan policies would not have any effect in combination and, as the policies are entirely consistent with the Wiltshire Core Strategy there would not be any combination effects with the Wiltshire Core Strategy.
HRA Assessment Conclusion
The only site allocated for limited development in the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan is within a previously consented development area and would be expected to have a “de minimis” effect on Natura 2000 sites in Wiltshire due to the distance from each site and the small scale of the proposed development.
It is therefore concluded that the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan and its associated policies would have no likely significant effects on the Natura 2000 sites in Wiltshire either individually or in combination.
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Appendix 3 Statutory Consultee Comments on Compton Bassett Scoping Report Sustainability Assessment
English Heritage
English Heritage Comment s on Scoping Report Action Taken We have only a few observations to make and these can be summarised as follows: The report does not set out why an SEA is required, which would be Details have been added useful as a steer so we as consultees will know whether the relevant to the Executive Summary issues are ones relating to our statutory interests. But a parallel and Introduction of the consultation from Wiltshire Council on their SEA Screening Scoping Report and the Determination highlights that they have advised that an SEA will be Sustainability Assessment. required due to the housing proposals within the emerging Neighbourhood Plan which are likely to impact upon the Conservation Assessments of the likely Area and Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) as environmental impacts on designated heritage assets. The proposals may well impact on other as Avebury and Stonehenge yet unidentified heritage assets also. have been included in the Scoping Report SA! Table and the Sustainability Assessment. It is therefore important that the Scoping exercise identifies all relevant Avebury and Stonehenge heritage assets together with an understanding of their significance so (World Heritage Sites) that a comprehensive impact assessment and options evaluation can have been included in the take place. The Review of (Heritage) Baseline Information on pp21 & Scoping Report SA! Table 22 of the Scoping Report provides a useful overview of the heritage and the Sustainability character of the Plan area but does not mention the WHS. It might also Assessment. These are be useful to schedule the designated heritage assets and those which located 5 miles and 20 may be on the national Heritage At Risk Register, information which miles respectively from the can be found via your Historic Environment Record. Compton Bassett designated area and the environmental impact of up to 7 additional houses is judged to be “de minimis”.
A review of the English Heritage “Assets at Risk Register” has also been included in both the Scoping Report and the Sustainability Assessment. The section on Heritage also seems to confuse Areas of Outstanding AONB has been removed Natural Beauty and Conservation Areas: the former is not a heritage from Heritage and is now designation and so might more rightly be considered in the section on included under Landscape. Nature Conservation; and Conservation Areas are heritage The Scoping Report, designations so would more accurately be located in the heritage Sustainability Assessment section. and the Neighbourhood
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Plan have all been modified accordingly. Otherwise, there appears to be no reference in Section A1 to the A review of the National National Planning Policy Framework and the policy provisions relevant Planning Policy Framework to the locally determined issues on p7. has been added to the Scoping Report, the Sustainability Assessment and the Neighbourhood Plan. Guidance on the provision of Heritage within scop ing and SEA exercises The guidance has been can be found on our website at http://www.english- reviewed. heritage.org.uk/publications/strategic-environ-assessment- sustainability-appraisal-historic-environment/. I have also attached a generic template letter which sets out in more detail how heritage can be accommodated within SEA exercises and includes a list of additional information sources. The emerging Plan itself is good generally at identifying and promoting The Conservation Area was the protection and enhancement of the area’s distinctive heritage and designated by North those provisions are welcome. In terms of specific provision for Wiltshire Council on 28 development, it is not clear from the Plan how the “Development May 1991. The Area” within the Conservation Area as set out on p24 has been “Development Area” designated and the basis upon which it has been determined that it is within the Conservation capable of accommodating 7 additional properties. This allocation Area was a pre-existing needs to be assessed against the significance of the character and designation by the existing appearance of the Conservation Area and other relevant heritage Statutory Body which is assets as evidence to determine its suitability in principle, and if presumed to be North deemed acceptable that information can then be used to define and Wiltshire. justify a brief for the site in terms of capacity, layout, design etc etc. The allocation has been revised downwards to up to 7 additional properties in the light of the adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy (2 December 2012) and the basis for the allocation has been assessed (as required). The details are included in the Scoping Report, the Sustainabilty Report, the Sustainability Assessment and the Neighbourhood Plan
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Natural England
Natural England Comment s on Scoping Report Action Taken Thank you for the above your consultation. Natural England is a non - Noted. departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
The area where we can contribute most in terms of advice is the Noted. Sustainability Assessment Framework, and so have concentrated our advice on this aspect of the report.
In terms of our remit, the principle reason for requiring a Sustainability AONB has been Appraisal is the fact that much of the NDP area falls within the North removed from Heritage Wessex Downs AONB. We advise that the presence of this landscape and is now included designation as a major environmental feature of the plan area is reflected in under Landscape with the Sustainability Assessment Framework. Whilst there is a landscape additional emphasis in topic, the AONB designation is not specifically picked out as a factor to the Scoping Report, consider, and we advise that it should be. Sustainability Assessment and the Neighbourhood Plan. For clarity, we advise that the objectives listed in the second column are The relevant Ta ble has exclusive, that is to say, not covered in multiple rows. Doing this will make been modified as it clearer when appraising, say, housing site options, where it will be clear requested in the where issues such as landscape are considered. At the moment, landscape Scoping Report and is referred to under all bar one of the Sustainability Topics. Sustainability Assessment. Under land and soil resources, we advise that protecting best and most A new objective and versatile soils should be an objective. policy have been added to the Scoping Report, Sustainability Assessment and Neighbourhood Plan. In other regards we advise that the SA framework appears to cover all other Noted aspects of the natural environment satisfactorily.
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Environment Agency Environment Agency Comments on Scoping Report Action Taken
“We have been consulted on the above document by Dr Peter Alberry of Compton Bassett Parish Council (received 09 December 2014). No action required
The report adequately covers all the environmental issues which fall within our remit, therefore we have no comments to offer”.
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Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council Comments on Scoping Report Action Taken “The Sustainability Assessment contained in this document shows that Statement removed . the proposed permitted development of up to 10 [now 7] houses in the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan area which “would not be likely The Scoping Report and to have significant environmental effects” and where the potential Sustainability Assessment environmental impact would be further mitigated by the Compton refer to Wiltshire Council’s Bassett Design Statement” screening opinion (see Executive Summary and Wiltshire Council: “This disagrees with the Screening Report. The LPA Introduction of each has responsibility for deciding what this says - it is not for the NP to do document. so.” Add Chapter 5: SEA Framework Objectives Chapter Headings removed.
Sustainability Assessment Framework Objectives (including the SEA requirements) were already included in the original Scoping Report and remain included under Step A4 (see page 78) of the revised Scoping Report. Remove Chapter 6: Monitoring Chapter Headings removed.
Potential indicators remain in Sustainability Assessment Framework Objectives (including the SEA requirements) under Step A4 (see page 78) of the revised Scoping Report. Add Chapter 7: Next steps and consultation on this report Section on Next Steps added (see page 85) of revised Scoping Report. You need to explain why an SEA is required by quoting the screening The Scoping Report and opinion. You cannot disagree in this document [SEA Scoping] with the Sustainability Assessment Screening Opinion refer to Wiltshire Council’s screening opinion (see Executive Summary and Introduction of each document). SA Directive 2001/42/EC legal requirements: Setting the context and The original Scoping objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope. Report contained a section on Policy Context which The environment Report shall include information on (inter alia): reviewed the Wiltshire
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Core Strategy and the “The relationship (of the plan or programme) with other relevant plans Calne Area Strategy. and programmes” (Annex 1a) The revised Scoping “The environment protection objectives, established at international, Opinion has been European Community or national level. Which are relevant to the plans expanded (see pages 28- or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental 46 of the revised Scoping considerations have been taken into account during its preparation” Report) to additionally (Annex 1e). include reviews of the National Policy Planning “Relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely Framework 2012; North evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programmes” Wessex Downs AONB and “the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly Management Plan 2009- affected” Annex 1b and c) 2014; Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2006-2007; “ Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or Wiltshire & Swindon programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of Economic Strategy 2003- particular environmental importance, such as areas designated 2008; Wiltshire pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC” (Annex 1 d) Biodiversity Action Plan 2009; Wiltshire’s “The authorities which, by reason of their environmental Sustainability Appraisal responsibilities, are likely to be concerned by the environmental effects Report Focussed of implementing plans or programmes, shall be consulted when Consultation Document, deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information which must September 2012; Air be included in the environmental report” (Article 5.4 and 6.3) Quality Strategy for Wiltshire 2011-2015; Wiltshire Carbon Management Plan 2013- 2017; English Heritage At Risk Register 2013 and the North Wiltshire Local Plan 2006. Note: It was pointed out that this plan had been superseded by the Wiltshire Core Strategy but Wiltshire Council insisted that it be included in an e- mail dated 15 December 2012 which stated:
“As the LPA we can confirm unequivocally that the North Wiltshire Local Plan is still in force for your area. It has not been superseded by the Wiltshire Core Strategy, nor will it be until that document is formally adopted. The Core Strategy has not yet been formally adopted. Page 116
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Adoption is planned to take place in early 2015. The Regulations state quite clearly that the SEA must cover all relevant policies and this would include those of the Local Plan”.
The revised Scoping Report contains a SEA Quality Assurance Checklist (see page 84) which demonstrates that the Scoping Report and Sustainability Assessment incorporating the SEA Directive requirements (see Appendix 1, page 90) are fully compliant with the SEA Directive requirements. The Scope of this rep ort See Revised Sustainability Assessment incorporating The scoping procedure will set out collected information from various the SEA Directive sources, objectives and comparisons which can be used in the requirements. compilation of the Plan. This is the method used by the LA and advised by the ODPM and PAS. The original Scoping Report contained a section To establish key issues information will be collected by the following on Policy Context which means: reviewed the Wiltshire Core Strategy and the • Identifying relevant Plans, Policies and Programmes. Calne Area Strategy.
• Compiling baseline information. The revised Scoping • Identifying key sustainability and environmental issues and Opinion has been problems. expanded (see pages 28- 46 of the revised Scoping • Establishing appraisal objectives and a sustainability Report) to additionally appraisal framework. include reviews of the National Policy Planning Following this initial scoping process a Sustainability Appraisal Report Framework 2012; North will be published for consultation alongside the NDP. This will assess Wessex Downs AONB the likely significant effects of the NDP and reasonable alternatives Management Plan 2009- taking into account the objectives and geographical scope of the plan. 2014; Wiltshire Local The topic areas selected for the scoping report have been drawn from Transport Plan 2006-2007; those used by the LA in their procedures used when compiling the Core Wiltshire & Swindon Strategy with some additions suitable for Pewsey area. Sustainability Economic Strategy 2003- guidance requires that any inter-relationship between topic areas 2008; Wiltshire should be taken into consideration and addressed in the report. The Biodiversity Action Plan sustainability topics considered in this report encompass those 2009; Wiltshire’s required by the SA Directive but include wider social and economic Sustainability Appraisal Page 117
Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment considerations. Report Focussed Consultation Document, September 2012; Air Quality Strategy for Wiltshire 2011-2015; Wiltshire Carbon Management Plan 2013- 2017; English Heritage At Risk Register 2013 and the North Wiltshire Local Plan 2006. Note: It was pointed out that this plan had been superseded by the Wiltshire Core Strategy but Wiltshire Council insisted that it be included in an e- mail dated 15 December 2012 which stated:
“As the LPA we can confirm unequivocally that the North Wiltshire Local Plan is still in force for your area. It has not been superseded by the Wiltshire Core Strategy, nor will it be until that document is formally adopted. The Core Strategy has not yet been formally adopted. Adoption is planned to take place in early 2015. The Regulations state quite clearly that the SEA must cover all relevant policies and this would include those of the Local Plan”.
Each of the above documents [documents listed in Chapter 2] needs to The original Scoping be reviewed to show how it is relevant. This does not have to be Report contained a section comprehensive – for instance it could be done via a table. on Policy Context which reviewed the Wiltshire For each document reviewed you should provide the following: Core Strategy and the Calne Area Strategy. • Name of policy/plan/programme/legislation • Author The revised Scoping • Date of publication Opinion has been • Brief summary of document expanded (see pages 28- • Key objective/requirements/conclusions to be taken into 46 of the revised Scoping consideration in your neighbourhood plan Report) to additionally Page 118
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• How the objectives might be considered in your neighbourhood plan include reviews of the National Policy Planning An example of how you might present this information is shown below. Framework 2012; North Wessex Downs AONB EXAMPLE: Management Plan 2009- 2014; Wiltshire Local Plan/Programme/legislation Air Quality Strategy for Wiltshire 2011- Transport Plan 2006-2007; 2015 Wiltshire & Swindon Economic Strategy 2003- Author Wiltshire Council 2008; Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan Document date January 2010 2009; Wiltshire’s Sustainability Appraisal Summary of document Report Focussed Local authorities have a duty under the Environment Act 1995 to Consultation Document, review and assess local air quality within their areas, against a set of September 2012; Air health-based objectives for a number of specific air pollutants. The Quality Strategy for document provides an overview of air quality across Wiltshire and Wiltshire 2011-2015; focuses on key areas where air quality could and should be improved. Wiltshire Carbon The purpose of the Strategy is to support the achievement of air quality Management Plan 2013- objectives and to raise air quality as an issue for consideration within a 2017; English Heritage At wide range of local government and regional planning frameworks. Risk Register 2013 and the Consideration of air quality objectives will hopefully help reduce the North Wiltshire Local Plan risk of the most serious health effects related to pollution. 2006. Note: It was pointed out that this plan had been Key objectives/requirements/conclusions to be taken into superseded by the consideration in neighbourhood plan Wiltshire Core Strategy but Wiltshire Council insisted The main aim of the strategy is that: ‘Wiltshire Council working that it be included in an e- collaboratively will seek to maintain the good air quality in the county mail dated 15 December and strive to deliver improvements in areas where air quality fails 2012 which stated: national objectives in order to protect public health and the environment’. “As the LPA we can confirm unequivocally The strategy will seek to: that the North Wiltshire Local Plan is still in force 1. Promote greater consistency across a range of policy areas for the for your area. It has not achievement of improved local been superseded by the air quality, including local spatial planning, transport planning, health, Wiltshire Core Strategy, industry, housing and nor will it be until that environmental protection, and to ensure air quality is addressed in a document is formally multi-disciplinary way within adopted. The Core the different departments of Wiltshire Council; Strategy has not yet been 2.Provide the framework for a consistent approach to addressing local formally adopted. air quality considerations in Adoption is planned to spatial planning and development control processes; take place in early 2015. 3.Provide a baseline framework for developing a coherent air quality The Regulations state policy across Wiltshire with quite clearly that the SEA particular reference to spatial and transport planning, and the must cover all relevant proposed Local Development policies and this would Framework, Core Strategy and third Local Transport Plan; include those of the Local 4.Provide a link to wider initiatives across the authority (for example Plan”. Page 119
Compton Bassett Strategic Environmental Assessment climate change programmes, community initiatives and energy efficiency programmes). 5.Build on existing practice.
How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in your neighbourhood plan
Planning documents should aim to help achieve the objectives of the air quality strategy through the development of policies that will improve air quality. Spatial planning has an important role in helping to improve air quality in Wiltshire through providing development in sustainable locations that will help reduce the need to travel and encourage use of sustainable transport.
The final part of this is to summarise the document review. In particular, has the document review highlighted any key issues that your neighbourhood plan should focus on?
This section [Sustainability Context] is fine but it does not include the consideration of the area evolving without a plan as stated above (‘and the likely evolution thereof without the implementation of the plan’).
You could say here (for clarity): ‘Overall, examining the above evidence Added under Step A3 (see and discussing this within the village, it is clear that the key page 75 of the revised environment and sustainability issues are’: … [Refers to Chapter 4] Scoping Report).
Chapter 6 : Scoping Report Conclusion “Scoping Report Conclusion” added (see Brief summary of report and its influence on your emerging plan. page 85 of the revised Scoping Report). Chapter 7: Next steps and consultation on this report “Next Steps” added (see page 85 of the revised You should point out the consultation you intend to do on the Scoping Scoping Report). Report:
The SA Directive 2001/42/EC requires consultation with: “Authorities with environmental responsibility when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the environmental report (Article 5.4)”
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Appendix 4 Non-Technical Summary
Welcome to Compton Bassett
A Domesday Book Village
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Non-Technical Summary
Compton Bassett Parish Council are intending to produce a Neighbourhood Plan for 2015-2030.
The Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan designated area includes an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) known as the North Wessex Downs and an area in the centre of Compton Bassett which was designated as a Conservation Area on 28 May 1991 by North Wiltshire Council. In addition, Compton Bassett is close to two of Wiltshire’s World heritage sites, Avebury (5 miles) and Stonehenge (20 miles).
Although it was initially thought that the scale of the proposed development within a previously consented development area was too small to cause any significant environmental impact, Compton Bassett Parish Council wanted to include a Strategic Environmental Assessment as good practice due to the central importance of the AONB and conservation area to the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan. In addition, Wiltshire Council’s screening opinion confirmed that a Strategic Environmental Assessment would be required to ensure, inter alia, that the proposals presented in the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Development Plan contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development.
This report is in the form of a Sustainability Assessment incorporating the legal requirements of the EU Strategic Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes (The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive) and incorporates comments from the statutory consultation bodies: Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency.
The Sustainability Assessment (incorporating the SEA Directive requirements) includes a detailed assessment of the likely effects of the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan on Heritage; Biodiversity; Landscape (particularly the AONB); Air quality & environmental pollution; Water resources, climate change & flood risk; Land & soil resources; Human population (demographics, employment, education, housing & health); Infrastructure (Transport, material assets, broadband, waste & renewable energy) and significant effects have been found in a number of areas. As a result the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan has been slightly revised and clarified in line with comments from Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency. A number of comments from Wiltshire Council have also been incorporated, where appropriate.
It is concluded that the sustainability assessment framework can be used to identify the potential adverse impacts of future developments so that they can be reduced and/or mitigated, particularly by promoting the use of brownfield sites within the Compton Bassett designated area which will be of significant benefit to the Compton Bassett Parish Council, Wiltshire Council and individuals who might be affected by any future proposed development.
The Sustainability Assessment report is a key output of the appraisal process and will support the Compton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan when both documents are submitted to Wiltshire Council, prior to detailed examination by the planning inspector.
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