Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

November 2016

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table of contents

1. Introduction ...... 1 2. Biodiversity ...... 5 3. Climate Change ...... 12 4. Landscape and Historic Environment ...... 22 5. Environmental Quality ...... 38 6. Land, Soil and Water resources ...... 44 7. Population and Communities ...... 48 8. Health and Wellbeing ...... 59 9. Transportation ...... 66 10. Economy ...... 71 11. Next steps...... 87

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Acronyms

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AQMA Air Quality Management Area BAP Biodiversity Action Plan BOA Biodiversity Opportunity Area CO2 Carbon dioxide DPD Development Plan Document EU European Union GhG Greenhouse gas emissions IMD Index of Multiple Deprivation kWh Kilowatt-hour LEP Local Enterprise Partnership LSOA Lower Super Output Area NERC Natural Environment Research Council NEWP Natural Environment White Paper NPPF National Planning Policy Framework NPPG National Planning Policy Guidance NVZ Nitrate Vulnerable Zone SA Sustainability Appraisal SAC Special Area of Conservation SDC Sevenoaks District Council SDST Sevenoaks District Strategy for Transport 2010-2026 SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SFRA Strategic Flood Risk Assessment SNCI Site of Nature Conservation Interest SPA Special Protection Area SPZ Groundwater Source Protection Zone SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SuDS Sustainable drainage systems SWMP Surface Water Management Plan UKCP UK Climate Projections WFD Water Framework Directive

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 1.1: Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

1. Introduction

Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District is located in the western part of Kent with the edge of Greater London to the north, Surrey to the west and East Sussex to the south. The district covers approximately 370km2 and has three principle towns, Sevenoaks, Swanley and Edenbridge. Much of the area is rural in character with 93% designated as Green Belt and about 60% lying within the Kent Downs or High Weald Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a population of approximately 118,000 the district is a popular place to live with good links into London by train, as well as connections across the South East by road via the M25, M26, M20 motorways and the A21 and A25.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035

Sevenoaks District Council is currently preparing a new Local Plan to replace the Core Strategy (adopted Feb 2011) and the Allocations and Development Management Plan (adopted Feb 2015). The new Local Plan, which will cover the period to 2035, will include strategic and detailed planning and development management policies, land allocations for housing, employment and mixed use and identify areas in the district for protection.

Key information relating to the Local Plan is presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Key facts relating to the Sevenoaks Local Plan

Name of Responsible Authority Sevenoaks District Council

Title of Plan Sevenoaks Local Plan

Subject Spatial plan

Purpose The Sevenoaks Local Plan will set out the strategy for future growth within Sevenoaks District in the period to 2035. It will replace the adopted policies of previous Core Strategy (February 2011) and the Allocations and Development Management Plan (February 2015).

Timescale To 2035

Area covered by the plan Sevenoaks District. (Figure 1.1)

Summary of content The Sevenoaks Local Plan will present the spatial vision for the district, strategic planning policies, development management policies, site specific allocations and proposals maps.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Name of Responsible Authority Sevenoaks District Council

Plan contact point Helen French, Senior Planning officer Email address: [email protected]

Sustainability Appraisal

SA is a mechanism for considering and communicating the impacts of an emerging plan, and potential alternatives in terms of key sustainability issues. The aim of SA is to inform and influence the plan-making process with a view to avoiding and mitigating negative impacts. Through this approach, the SA for the Local Plan seeks to maximise the developing plan’s contribution to sustainable development.

SA is undertaken to address the procedures prescribed by the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the SEA Regulations) which transpose into national law the EU Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive1. It also widens the scope of the assessment from focussing on environmental issues to further consider social and economic issues. SA is a legal requirement for Local Plans.

The National Planning Practice Guidance states that “the role of the Sustainability Appraisal is to promote sustainable development by assessing the extent to which the emerging plan, when judged against reasonable alternatives, will help to achieve relevant environmental, economic and social objectives.”

Two key procedural requirements of the SEA Directive are that:

1) A report (the ‘SA Report’) is published for consultation alongside the Draft Plan that presents an appraisal of the Draft Plan (i.e. discusses ‘likely significant effects’ that would result from plan implementation) and reasonable alternatives; and

2) When deciding on ‘the scope and level of detail of the information’ which must be included in the SA Report there is a consultation with nationally designated authorities concerned with environmental issues.

This Scoping Report

This Scoping Report is concerned with (2) above. It presents a suggested scope for the SA so that the nationally designated authorities (which, in England, are Natural England, the Environment Agency and Historic England) can provide timely comment.

Approach to scoping

Developing the draft scope presented in this report has involved the following steps:

1 Directive 2001/42/EC 2

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

1. Exploring the environmental context for the SA, i.e. reviewing high level messages (e.g. from government departments and agencies in particular) with a view to gaining an understanding of broadly what the SA needs to focus on. 2. Establishing the baseline for the SA, i.e. the current and further situation in the area in the absence of the Local Plan, in order to help identify the plan’s likely significant effects. 3. Identifying particular problems or opportunities (‘issues’) that should be a particular focus of the SA. 4. Developing a SA Framework comprising objectives and appraisal questions on the basis of these issues which can then be used to appraise the draft plan.

Structure of this report

SA themes

The outcomes of the scoping elements introduced through steps 1−4 above have been presented under a series of SA themes, as follows:

 Biodiversity  Land, Soil and Water Resources  Climate Change  Population and Communities  Landscape and Historic  Health and Wellbeing Environment  Transportation  Environmental Quality  Economy

The selected SA themes incorporate the ‘SEA topics’ suggested by Annex I(f) of the SEA Directive2. These were refined to reflect a broad understanding of the anticipated scope of plan effects.

It is intended that presenting the scoping information under these themes will help enable the reader to easily locate the information of greatest interest to them. Once agreed (i.e. subsequent to the current consultation), the suggested scope presented under nine themes will provide a methodological ‘framework’ for the appraisal of the draft plan and alternatives.

The discussion of the scoping information under each SA theme has been presented in Sections 2 to 10.

SA Framework to assess policy proposals

The SA Framework provides a way in which sustainability effects can be defined and subsequently analysed based on standard ‘tests’. Each proposal put forward for the Local Plan can then be assessed consistently using the framework.

2 The SEA Directive is 'of a procedural nature' (para 9 of the Directive preamble) and does not set out to prescribe particular issues that should and should not be a focus, beyond requiring a focus on 'the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors' [our emphasis] 3

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

The SA objectives and appraisal questions utilised for the SEA of Local Plan are presented under each of the themes in Sections 2 to 10.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

2. Biodiversity

Headline sustainability issues: Biodiversity

 The district has a rich biodiversity resource, which should be protected and enhanced.  Numerous nationally designated nature conservation sites are present in the district.  A very large proportion of the district’s land area is within SSSI Impact Risk Zones for the types of development which have the potential to take place through the Local Plan.  Habitats for numerous Protected Species are present in the district.  Features of biodiversity value such as trees, hedgerows, waterways and meadows should be protected from the impacts of future development and where possible enhanced. Their integrity should also be supported through improved ecological connections in the area, including through the provision of green infrastructure enhancements.  Sites rich in ecological and biodiversity value should be protected and opportunities for enhancement and improvements should be sought and encouraged.  The district has a rich geodiversity resource, which should be protected and enhanced.

Context review

EU Biodiversity Strategy

The European Commission adopted an EU Biodiversity Strategy in May 2011. The objective of the strategy is to “halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems services in the EU by 2020”.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Key messages include:

 Contribute to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity by minimising impacts and achieving net gains in biodiversity wherever possible.  Promote the ‘preservation, restoration and recreation of priority habitats, ecological networks’ and the ‘protection and recovery of priority species’. Plan for biodiversity at a landscape-scale across local authority boundaries.  Set criteria based policies for the protection of internationally, nationally and locally designated sites, giving weight to their importance not just individually but as a part of a wider ecological network.  Take account of the effects of climate change in the long term. Adopt proactive strategies to adaptation and manage risks through adaptation measures including green infrastructure (i.e. ‘a network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities’).

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Plan positively for ‘green infrastructure’ as part of planning for ‘ecological networks’.  High quality open spaces should be protected or their loss mitigated, unless a lack of need is established.

National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG)

Local Plans “should consider the opportunities that individual development proposals may provide to enhance biodiversity and contribute to wildlife and habitat connectivity in the wider area.”

Local Wildlife Sites are highlighted in the NPPG for their important contribution to ecological systems.

The NPPG gives guidance as to how the “mitigation hierarchy” should be applied.

Other National Documents

Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 places a duty on public bodies to conserve biodiversity.

The Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP)3 sets out the importance of a healthy, functioning natural environment to sustained economic growth, prospering communities and personal well-being. It was in part a response to the UK’s failure to halt and reverse the decline in biodiversity by 2010 and it signalled a move away from the traditional approach of protecting biodiversity in nature reserves to adopting a landscape approach to protecting and enhancing biodiversity. The NEWP also aims to create a green economy in which economic growth and the health of our natural resources sustain each other and markets, business and Government better reflect the value of nature. It includes commitments to:

 Halt biodiversity loss, support functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks by 2020;  Establish a new voluntary approach to biodiversity offsetting to be tested in pilot areas;  Enable partnerships of local authorities, local communities and landowners, the private sector and conservation organisations to establish new Nature Improvement Areas; and  Address barriers to using green infrastructure to promote sustainable growth.

The Biodiversity 2020 Strategy built on the Natural Environment White Paper and set out the “strategic direction for biodiversity policy for the next decade”. The aim of the strategy was to halt biodiversity loss and improve the ecological networks and ecosystems for all peoples.

3 Defra (2012) The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature (Natural Environment White Paper) [online] available at: http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm80/8082/8082.pdf 6

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Kent Biodiversity Strategy

The Kent Nature Partnership (KNP) was awarded Local Nature Partnership (LNP) status by the government in July 2012 to drive positive change in the local natural environment. In 2015 the Partnership adopted the Kent Biodiversity Strategy (Kent Biodiversity 2020 and Beyond – a Strategy for the Natural Environment 2015-2025). The Strategy aims to “halt overall biodiversity loss in Kent and Medway and to contribute to the conservation of national and global biodiversity, support healthy well-functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks, with more and better places for nature for the benefit of wildlife and people.”

Key objectives include:

 By 2020 measures will be in place so that biodiversity is maintained and enhanced, further degradation has been halted and where possible restoration is underway, helping deliver more resilient and coherent ecological networks, healthy and well-functioning ecosystems, which deliver multiple benefits for wildlife and people.  By 2020 we will have put in place measures so that biodiversity is maintained, further degradation has been halted and where possible restoration is underway, helping deliver good environmental status and our vision of clean, healthy, safe productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas.  By 2020, we will see an overall improvement in the status of our wildlife and will have prevented further human-induced extinctions of known threatened species.  By 2020, significantly more people will be engaged in biodiversity issues, aware of its value and taking positive action.

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

Internationally designated sites

No internationally or European designated sites including Ramsar, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are present wholly or partly within the district. In the wider area, the following are present:

 North Downs Woodlands SAC (c. 4km east of district boundaries)  Ashdown Forest SAC and SPA (c. 6km south of district boundaries)  Thames Estuary and Marshes SPA and Ramsar (c.7km north east of district boundaries)  Peters Pit SAC (c. 8km east of district boundaries)  Medway Estuary and Marshes SPA and Ramsar (c. 15km east of district boundaries)  Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment SAC (c. 16km west of district boundaries)

Nationally designated sites

In terms of nationally designated nature conservation sites, 18 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are present in the district which amounts to approximately

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

4% of the total land area. SSSIs are protected by law to conserve their interest for biodiversity or geological diversity. Sites are designated and their condition monitored by Natural England. 65% of the SSSI units within the district are deemed to be in a ‘favourable’ condition by Natural England, with 27% ‘unfavourable but recovering’.

The SSSIs present in the district are as follows:

 Cowden Pound Pastures  Cowden Meadow  Polebrook Farm  Westerham Mines  Scords Wood and Brockhoult Mount  Hubbard’s Hill  Knole Park  One Tree Hill and Bitchet Common  Dryhill  Westerham Mines  Sevenoaks Gravel Pits  Greatness Brickworks  Oldbury and Seal Chart  Westerham Wood  Magpie Bottom  Otfrod to Shoreham Down  Lullingston Park  Farningham Wood

SSSI Impact Risk Zones are a GIS tool/dataset which maps zones around each SSSI according to the particular sensitivities of the features for which it is notified. They specify the types of development that have the potential to have adverse impacts at a given location. Natural England is a statutory consultee on development proposals that might impact on SSSIs. A very large proportion of the district’s land area is within an SSSI Impact Risk Zone for the types of development which may take place through the Local Plan.

No National Nature Reserves are present in the district

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 2.1. Biodiversity constraints within Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Locally designated sites

A range of local biodiversity designations are present in the district, including Local Nature Reserves, Local Wildlife Sites, Kent Wildlife Trust Reserves and Roadside Nature Reserves.

Local Nature Reserves are places with wildlife or geological features of special interest locally. They offer people the chance to study nature, or simply to enjoy it. They are designated by local authorities under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Two Local Nature Reserves are present in the district, totaling approximately 80ha, as follows:

 Dryhill  Farningham Wood

Local Wildlife Sites are areas which are important for the conservation of wildlife. They may support threatened habitats, such as chalk grassland or ancient woodland, or may be important for the wild plants or animals which are present. 60 Local Wildlife Sites are present in the Sevenoaks District, which amounts to 6% of the total land area of the district.

Ancient woodland

In England and Wales, Ancient Woodland is land which has been continuously wooded since AD1600. The woodland is a diverse ecosystem with enormous biodiversity value providing a wide range of habitats for wildlife as well as hosting many different species. 11% of the district is designated as ancient woodland.

Biodiversity Opportunity Areas

Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) are areas where conservation action, such as habitat creation, restoration or expansion, is likely to have the greatest benefit for biodiversity. They are centered on existing areas of biodiversity interest, but have a key role as areas which offer strategic opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and are expected to contribute towards the UKBAP priority habitat targets identified in regional and local Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. BOAs in Kent have been identified as suitable for establishing large habitat area and/or networks or wildlife habitats where the greatest gains can be made from enhancement, restoration or recreation, in conjunction with the Kent Biodiversity Strategy. Each BOA has a specific character and biodiversity targets, and indicate where the delivery of Kent Biodiversity Strategy targets should be focused in order to secure the maximum biodiversity benefit

Four BOAs are present in the district, including as follows:

 Central North Downs  Medway Gap and North Kent Downs  Greensand Heath and Commons  Medway and Low Weald Grassland and Wetland

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Summary of future baseline

Habitats and species have the potential to come under increasing pressures from housing and employment land provision in the district, including at designated sites. This includes through a loss of habitats and impacts on biodiversity networks. This may be exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which has the potential to lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of species and changes to the composition and character of habitats.

Benefits for biodiversity have the potential to arise from the increasing integration of biodiversity considerations within forward planning in the area associated with the Biodiversity Opportunity Area approach and efforts to improve green infrastructure networks across the district and sub-regionally.

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the plan for the Biodiversity SA theme?

Table 2.1 presents the SA objective and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 2.1: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Biodiversity

SA objective Appraisal questions

Protect and enhance all Will the option/proposal help to: biodiversity and geological features  Support continued improvements to the status of the SSSIs present in the district?  Protect and enhance semi-natural habitats?  Protect and enhance priority habitats, and the habitat of priority species?  Enhance regional ecological networks?  Support the provisions of the Kent Biodiversity Strategy, including relating to Biodiversity Opportunity Areas?  Achieve a net gain in biodiversity?  Protect and enhance the district’s rich geodiversity resource?  Support access to, interpretation and understanding of biodiversity and geodiversity?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

3. Climate Change

Headline sustainability issues: Climate Change

 Total energy consumption in the district is higher than the average for other local authorities in Kent.  Per capita domestic greenhouse gas emissions for the district are higher than for Kent, South East and England averages, and are also falling at a lower rate.  Transport is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the district.  Fluvial flooding associated with the River Darent, the River Eden and the River Medway is a risk for parts of the district.  Due to underlying geology, groundwater flooding is also a risk.  Surface water flooding is an issue in some parts of the district.  Water availability is likely to become an increasing issue regionally.  Climate change has the potential to lead to a range of impacts on the district. There is a need for the Local plan to seek to increase the district’s resilience to the effects of climate change through supporting adaptation to the risks associated with climate change in the area.

Context review

International

The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change released its fifth report in 2014. The Working Group report on Mitigation concluded that greenhouse gas emissions are still rising and it is getting increasingly difficult to limit the expected climate changes. It stated that in order to reduce greenhouse gas emission countries need to go further to invest in renewable and “clean” technologies and reduce demand for energy.

In its 2007 strategy on climate change, the European Commission assessed the costs and benefits of combating climate change and recommends a package of measures to limit global warming to 2° Celsius.4 In relation to energy, the Commission recommends that the EU's energy efficiency improves by 20% and the share of renewable energy grows to 20% by 2020.

NPPF

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) include:

 Support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate as a ‘core planning principle'.  There is a key role for planning in securing radical reductions in greenhouse gases (GhG), including in terms of meeting the targets set out in the Climate

4 Commission of the European Communities (2007) Limiting Global Climate Change to two degrees Celsius: The way ahead for 2020 and beyond [online] available at: http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2007:0002:FIN:EN:PDF 12

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Change Act 20085. Specifically, planning policy should support the move to a low carbon future through: o planning for new development in locations and ways which reduce GhG emissions; o actively supporting energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings; o setting local requirements for building's sustainability in a way that is consistent with the Government's zero carbon buildings policy; o positively promoting renewable energy technologies and considering identifying suitable areas for their construction; and o encouraging those transport solutions that support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reduce congestion.  Direct development away from areas highest at risk of flooding, with development ‘not to be allocated if there are reasonably available sites appropriate for the proposed development in areas with a lower probability of flooding’. Where development is necessary, it should be made safe without increasing levels of flood risk elsewhere.  Take account of the effects of climate change in the long term, taking into account a range of factors including flooding. Adopt proactive strategies to adaptation and manage risks through adaptation measures including well planned green infrastructure.

NPPG

Local Plans should support the delivery of appropriately sited green energy and the management of greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency measures. Local Planning Authorities should “adopt proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change”.

Climate change can be mitigated through Local Plans by reducing the need to travel, providing opportunities for renewable and low carbon energy technologies, identifying opportunities for decentralised energy and heating and through the design of new development to reduce energy demand.

Flooding

The Flood and Water Management Act6 highlights that alternatives to traditional engineering approaches to flood risk management include:

 Incorporating greater resilience measures into the design of new buildings, and retro-fitting properties at risk (including historic buildings)  Utilising the environment in order to reduce flooding, for example through the management of land to reduce runoff and through harnessing the ability of wetlands to store water

5 The Climate Change Act 2008 sets targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions through action in the UK of at least 80% by 2050, and reductions in CO2 emissions of at least 26% by 2020, against a 1990 baseline. 6 Flood and Water Management Act (2010) [online] available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/29/contents 13

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Identifying areas suitable for inundation and water storage to reduce the risk of flooding elsewhere  Planning to roll back development in coastal areas to avoid damage from flooding or coastal erosion  Creating sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)7

Further guidance is provided in the document Planning for SuDs.8 This report calls for greater recognition of the multiple benefits that water management can present. It suggests that successful SuDS are capable of ‘contributing to local quality of life and green infrastructure’s creation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was prepared for Sevenoaks in 2009 which supported the Core Strategy and Allocations and Development Management Plan. It is now considered to be out of date and a new assessment will be produced to form part pf the evidence base to support the Local Plan 2015-2035.

Kent County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority for the region in which Sevenoaks District lies. KCC have produced a Stage 1 Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) for Sevenoaks to identify what the local flood risk issues are, the effect they have and what options are available to manage them.

Baseline summary

Potential effects of climate change

The outcome of research on the probable effects of climate change in the UK was released in 2009 by the UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) team9. UKCP09 gives climate information for the UK up to the end of this century and projections of future changes to the climate are provided, based on simulations from climate models. Projections are broken down to a regional level across the UK and are shown in probabilistic form, which illustrate the potential range of changes and the level of confidence in each prediction.

As highlighted by the research, the effects of climate change for the South East by 2050 for a medium emissions scenario10 are likely to be as follows:

 the central estimate of increase in winter mean temperature is 2.2ºC and an increase in summer mean temperature of 2.8ºC; and  the central estimate of change in winter mean precipitation is 16% and summer mean precipitation is –19%.

7 N.B. The provisions of Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 will came into force on the 1st of October 2012 and makes it mandatory for any development in England or Wales to incorporate SuDs. 8 CIRIA (2010) Planning for SuDs – making it happen [online] available at: http://www.ciria.org/service/knowledgebase/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?Section =knowledgebase&NoTemplate=1&ContentID=18465 9 The data was released on 18th June 2009: See: http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/ 10 UK Climate Projections (2009) South East 2050s Medium Emissions Scenario [online] available at: http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/22290 14

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Resulting from these changes, a range of risks may exist for Sevenoaks. These include:

 increased incidence of heat related illnesses and deaths during the summer;  increased incidence of illnesses and deaths related to exposure to sunlight (e.g. skin cancer, cataracts);  increased incidence of pathogen related diseases (e.g. legionella and salmonella);  increase in health problems related to rise in local ozone levels during summer;  increased risk of injuries and deaths due to increased number of storm events;  effects on water resources from climate change;  reduction in availability of groundwater for abstraction;  adverse effect on water quality from low stream levels and turbulent stream flow after heavy rain;  increased risk of flooding, including increased vulnerability to 1:100 year floods;  changes in insurance provisions for flood damage;  a need to increase the capacity of wastewater treatment plants and sewers;  a need to upgrade flood defences;  soil erosion due to flash flooding;  loss of species that are at the edge of their southerly distribution;  spread of species at the northern edge of their distribution;  deterioration in working conditions due to increased temperatures;  changes to global supply chain;  increased difficulty of food preparation, handling and storage due to higher temperatures;  an increased move by the insurance industry towards a more risk-based approach to insurance underwriting, leading to higher cost premiums for business;  increased demand for air-conditioning;  increased drought and flood related problems such as soil shrinkages and subsidence;  risk of road surfaces melting more frequently due to increased temperature; and  flooding of roads.

Flood risk

Fluvial flood risk

Fluvial flood risk in the district is linked to the presence of the River Darent, the River Eden, the River Medway and the district’s underlying geology.

The River Darent (Main River) presents flood risk affecting South Darenth, Eynsford, Shoreham, Chipstead, Farningham, Otford, Sundridge, Brasted and Westerham. The River Medway (Main River) has affected Leigh and Penshurst. Flood risk associated

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016 with the River Eden affects Edenbridge and Penshurst. Overall, the 2009 SFRA highlighted that 2,889 properties in the district were at risk from fluvial flooding.11

Groundwater flooding

The geology of the district varies. The north of the district is made up of chalk, forming the North Downs. Moving south, the district’s geology changes to greensand and then to Weald clay. In this context, groundwater flooding occurs periodically when the water table in the underlying chalk and greensand rises to ground level. Groundwater flooding in the district can last several months, particularly toward the end of wet winters.

Surface water flooding

The Surface Water Management Plan for Sevenoaks identified areas at risk of localised flooding. The flood history detailed in the SWMP highlights that there are issues with insufficient capacity in watercourses and their culverts. Within the district the majority of the surface water flood events can be attributed to heavy rainfall overloading carriageways, drains and gullies.

11 Sevenoaks District Council (2011) Major emergency plan: Chapter 1 – Local Multi-Agency Flood Plan. [Online] Available from: http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/86786/Local_multi_agency_flood_plan_v 11_1.pdf 16

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 3.1: Flood Zones in Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Future baseline

Climate change has the potential to increase the occurrence of extreme weather events in the district, with increases in mean summer and winter temperatures, increases in mean precipitation in winter and decreases in mean precipitation in summer. The UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) team have estimated that under a medium emissions scenario, the central estimate of change in winter mean precipitation is an increase of 16%12, while there is estimated to be an average drop in summer precipitation of 19%. This is likely to increase the risk of flooding in winter months and increase water shortages during summer months with an increased need for resilience and adaptation.

The Environment Agency are considering an extension to the Leigh Flood Defence barrier which may result in flood water storage inside the district’s boundary. This would result in some existing greenfield land being no longer suitable for potential development. New up to date modelling for the Upper Medway and Darent Catchment will be available later in 2016. This will give a better indication of the areas likely to flood and will make some areas unlikely to be suitable for new development.

The Climate Change Partnership for the South East has produced a report detailing the risks faced in the region from climate change. Flooding was identified as a major risk, particularly to businesses and the local economy, where it could cause damage to assets, stock, and premises. The possibility of un-insurability and reputational damage represent significant threats.13

Climate Change Mitigation

Current baseline

In relation to greenhouse gas emissions, source data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change14 suggests that Sevenoaks District has consistently higher per capita domestic emissions than for Kent, the South East and England since 2005. The district has also seen smaller reductions in emissions per capita between 2005 and 2012 (15.8%) compared to Kent (27%), the South East (18.3%) and England (a 17.7% reduction).

12 UK climate projections (2009) South East 2050s medium emissions scenario [online] available at: http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/23907?emission=medium 13 Climate South East (2012) A summary of Climate Change Risks for the South East of England [online] available at: http://www.climatesoutheast.org.uk/images/uploads/South_East_LOW_RES.pdf 14 Department of Energy and Climate Change (2011) Official statistics: Local Authority carbon dioxide emissions [online] available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority- emissions-estimates 18

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 3.1 Carbon dioxide emissions and sources, plus emissions per capita, 2005- 201215 Industrial and Road and Domestic Total Commercial Transport (t CO2) (t CO2) (t CO2) (t CO2) Sevenoaks District 2005 1.9 2.9 5.4 10.1 2006 1.9 2.9 5.1 9.8 2007 1.8 2.8 5.3 9.9 2008 1.8 2.8 4.9 9.5 2009 1.6 2.5 4.7 8.8 2010 1.6 2.7 4.6 8.9 2011 1.5 2.4 4.5 8.3 2012 1.5 2.6 4.5 8.5 Kent 2005 4.4 2.5 2.7 9.6 2006 4.5 2.5 2.7 9.6 2007 4.1 2.4 2.7 9.3 2008 3.6 2.4 2.5 8.4 2009 2.8 2.2 2.4 7.3 2010 3.1 2.3 2.3 7.7 2011 2.8 2.0 2.3 7.1 2012 2.5 2.2 2.3 7.0 South East England 2005 3.0 2.6 2.6 8.2 2006 2.9 2.6 2.6 8.1 2007 2.8 2.5 2.6 7.9 2008 2.7 2.4 2.4 7.6 2009 2.3 2.2 2.3 6.9 2010 2.4 2.3 2.3 7.1 2011 2.1 2.0 2.2 6.4 2012 2.2 2.2 2.2 6.7 England 2005 3.7 2.5 2.3 8.5 2006 3.7 2.5 2.2 8.4 2007 3.5 2.4 2.2 8.2 2008 3.4 2.4 2.1 8.0

15 Department of Energy and Climate Change (2011) Official statistics: Local Authority carbon dioxide emissions [online] available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority- emissions-estimates 19

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Industrial and Road and Domestic Total Commercial Transport (t CO2) (t CO2) (t CO2) (t CO2) 2009 2.9 2.1 2.0 7.1 2010 3.0 2.3 2.0 7.3 2011 2.7 2.0 1.9 6.7 2012 2.9 2.2 1.9 7.0

In relation to CO2 emissions by end user, between 2005 and 2012 the proportion of emissions originating from industrial and commercial sources in the district fell slightly from 19% to 18%. In the same period the proportion of total emissions from domestic sources increased slightly from 29% to 31%. Emissions from transport fell from 53% to 47%.

Sevenoaks has the highest level of average domestic energy consumption in Kent at 21,847kWh. This is considerably higher than the Kent average of 17,754kWh or the South East average of 18,454kWh. The district’s domestic carbon dioxide emissions, 2.4ktCO2, are also higher than the Kent and national averages of 2.0 and 2.1ktCO2, respectively.

Future baseline

In terms of climate change mitigation, per capita emissions are likely to continue to decrease as energy efficiency measures, renewable energy production and new technologies become more widely adopted. This includes relating to transport, as increased take up of more energy efficient vehicles and electric vehicles takes place. However, increases in the built footprint of the district may lead to increases in overall emissions if efficiency measures do not keep pace.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the plan for the Climate Change SA theme?

Table 3.2 presents the SA objectives and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 3.2: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Climate Change

SA objective Appraisal questions

Promote climate change Will the option/proposal help to… mitigation in Sevenoaks District  Promote the use of sustainable modes of transport, including walking, cycling and public transport?  Reduce the need to travel?  Promote use of energy from low carbon sources?  Reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency? Support the resilience of Will the option/proposal help to… Sevenoaks District to the potential effects of climate  Ensure that no development takes place in change areas at higher risk of flooding, taking into the likely effects of climate change into account?  Sustainably manage water run-off, ensuring that the risk of flooding is not increased (either within the plan area or downstream) and where possible reduce flood risk?  Improve green infrastructure networks in the district area to support adaptation to the potential effects of climate change?  Promote resilience measures within buildings?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

4. Landscape and Historic Environment

Headline sustainability issues: Landscape and Historic Environment

 Sevenoaks has a distinctive and varied landscape which should be protected and enhanced.  60% of the district is covered by either the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Road and traffic noise has a significant impact on tranquillity in parts of the district.  Reflecting the historic evolution of the district, the district has a rich and varied historic environment resource.  Five conservation areas, two scheduled monuments and two registered parks and gardens have been deemed to be ‘at risk’ by Historic England.  93% of the district is covered by Green Belt designation.  New development has the potential to lead to beneficial and adverse effects on the historic environment, including through affecting the setting of cultural heritage assets and landscape/townscape quality.  New development could lead to pressures on non-designated sites and townscapes, including from the loss of key built and natural features.

Context review

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) include:

 Protect and enhance valued landscapes, giving particular weight to those identified as being of national importance.  Heritage assets should be recognised as an ‘irreplaceable resource’ that should be conserved in a ‘manner appropriate to their significance’, taking account of ‘the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits’ of conservation, whilst also recognising the positive contribution new development can make to local character and distinctiveness.  Set out a ‘positive strategy’ for the ‘conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment’, including those heritage assets that are most at risk.  Develop ‘robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area. Such policies should be based on stated objectives for the future of the area and an understanding and evaluation of its defining characteristics’.  Consider the effects of climate change in the long term, including in terms of landscape. Adopt ‘proactive strategies’ to adaptation and manage risks through adaptation measures including well planned green infrastructure.

The Government’s Statement on the Historic Environment for England16 sets out its vision for the historic environment. It calls for those who have the power to shape the historic environment to recognise its value and to manage it in an intelligent

16 HM Government (2010) The Government’s Statement on the Historic Environment for England [online] available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/publication s/6763.aspx 22

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016 manner in light of the contribution that it can make to social, economic and cultural life.

Local authorities with land in an AONB, acting jointly in the case of AONBs crossing administrative boundaries, are legally obliged under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to prepare and publish a plan which ‘formulates their policy for the management of the area and for the carrying out of their functions in relation to it’, and to review this plan every five years.

The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2014 – 2019 sets out a wide ranging vision for the AONB, as follows:

“In 2034… the qualities and distinctive features of the Kent Downs AONB, the dramatic south-facing scarp, secluded dry valleys, network of tiny lanes, isolated farmsteads, churches and oasts, orchards, dramatic cliffs, the ancient woodlands and delicate chalk grassland along with the ancient, remote and tranquil qualities, are valued, secured and strengthened. The Kent Downs has become a landscape where change supports the AONB’s distinctive features. Robust responses to development pressures and climate change have enhanced landscape character. The Kent Downs landscape is recognised and valued, enjoyed and cherished and its future conservation and enhancement is a certainty. Positive partnerships, local people and land managers act together to conserve, enhance and promote a nationally and internationally recognised and valued landscape.”

The Management Plan subsequently presents a series of policies and objectives to achieve this vision in the AONB, and proposes an Action Plan.

The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2014-2019 is the 3rd edition, mid-term review of the AONB Management Plan 2004: A 20 year Strategy. The Management Plan sets out a series of management objectives and targets, together forming the criteria against which actions and activities that have an effect on the AONB should be considered.

The Management Plan’s vision for the AONB is…“a landscape which:

 Retains its remarkable character and scenic beauty, and is functioning successfully as an attractive place to live and work.  Is adapting well to changing economic and climatic conditions.  Is recognised and valued by those living, working and visiting the area as a nationally important protected landscape championed by the High Weald Joint Advisory Committee.  Is maintained under ‘traditional’ land management practices, carried out by people connected to the land through work, lifestyle and leisure.  Displays the benefits of appropriate management in its highly interconnected and biodiverse ancient woodlands, meadows and heathland; and the improving condition of its routeways, sandrock and more naturally functioning river systems.  Is embracing a low-carbon future with green technologies underpinning a strong rural economy and thriving communities.  Accommodates an increasing number of households without compromising the characteristic historic settlement pattern as a result of strong planning policies and a sound understanding of the dynamics of sustainable communities.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Celebrates its woodland history and nurtures a woodland economy whose timber products are highly valued.  Sees land managed by a myriad of different people through diverse activities that are supported and nurtured where they deliver public benefits.  Encourages active participation by people, their communities and businesses, in conserving the area and managing change.  Provides a warm welcome and high quality experience for residents and visitors seeking inspiration and enjoyment of its landscape and rich, well understood and celebrated cultural heritage.”

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

Green Belt

93% of the district is covered by Green Belt designation. Its purpose is to:

 check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;  prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another;  assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;  preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and  assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

Landscape character

60% of Sevenoaks District is covered by land designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), designated under the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act 1949. Following the introduction of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the government confirmed that the landscape qualities of National Parks and AONBs are equivalent. As such the protection given by the land use planning system to natural beauty in both types of area should be equivalent.

The Kent Downs AONB was designated in 1968 and covers much of the central part of the district (excluding Sevenoaks town, Kemsing and Dunton Green). The AONB was designated in light of the following:

“The scarp slope and dry valleys of the Kent Downs are the main target for designation, particularly where they retain a downland character, that woodlands are highly valued throughout the designated area and particularly on the scarp slope and dry valley sides, and that other qualities of note are views from the escarpment, pastoral scenery, parklands, villages, churches and castles.”17

High Weald AONB was designated in 1983 and covers the southern part of the district. The High Weald AONB occupies the ridged and faulted sandstone core of an area known from Saxon times as the Weald. It is an area of ancient countryside and one of the best surviving medieval landscapes in Northern Europe, comprising of

17 From original designation of the AON, 1968 24

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016 rolling hills with small irregular fields, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 4.1: Area of Sevenoaks District covered by AONBs

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

The Sevenoaks Countryside Assessment18 was undertaken in 2004 and established a range of landscape character areas in Kent. The landscape Types with corresponding character areas located within Sevenoaks District, and brief descriptions, are presented below in Table 4.1. The Council are currently undertaking a revised landscape character assessment to support the emerging local plan. Table 4.1: Landscape Types within Sevenoaks District

Landscape Types Description Mixed Settled Undulating chalk downland with plateaus and some dramatic Down steep slopes. Open field systems and small scale enclosed pasture. Character Areas: Arable and grassland on slopes with woodland on hilltops. - Ash-cum-Ridley, Small compact farmsteads and hamlets on higher ground. - Fawkham, Urban influences. - Hartley and New Views well contained. Ash Green, Major communication routes impact on landform and local - West Kingsdown highways. Characteristic cross-contour and direct valley-bottom roads link existing settlements. Blocks of coppice woodland. Beech and oak standards. Large areas of formal recreational space.

Downs Farmlands Rolling downland, open medium scale field pattern. Long views. Character Areas: Arablisation of the plateau, loss of hedgerows and shaws. - Eynsford and Woodland now exists only in limited areas, generally on the Shoreham Downs, ridges - this includes species mixes characteristic of - Eynsford Downs ancient woodland; including yew and beech. (East), Hedgerows on roads, with standard oaks - Farningham Narrow roads with passing places - across contours or in the Farmlands, valley bottoms or along ridgelines. Roads are linked - Horton Kirby Downs very closely to topography, they are often eroded. - Horton Kirby Plateau Urban influences and agricultural buildings.

Wooded Downs An enclosed landscape, gently undulating and folding into steep valleys. Character Areas: Woodlands along tops of slopes with unimproved grassland - East Hill Woodlands used for recreation and paddocks on the steep - Knockholt and slopes. Halstead Downs Larger arable fields on flatter slopes. Narrow, winding lanes and small isolated settlements on higher ground. Small to medium scale irregular field pattern. Broken hedgerows along narrow lanes.

18 Sevenoaks Countryside Assessment Adopted October 2011 27

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Landscape Types Description Scarp Landscapes Enclosed, folding downland. Steep chalk scarp with a mosaic of mixed woodlands. Character Areas: Isolated farmsteads and enclosed pastoral fields. - Kemsing Scarp Occasional long views south, but generally enclosed by tree - Knockholt Scarp cover. Chalk quarrying - working and redundant quarries. Small to medium scale irregular field pattern. Small linear residential groups sited along narrow lanes at the foot of the scarp. Scarp-foot Large to medium scale, often intensive arable, chalky when Farmland Estates ploughed. Enclosed managed hedgerows rising up the scarp. Some shaws. Often based along the Pilgrim's Way - a defined, often hedgelined route of an ancient Character Areas: trackway. Cross-contour and along-contour highways. - Kemsing Scarp-foot estates Hedgerows are vulnerable. Scattered historic country houses at the foot of the scarp with - Knockholt scarp- foot estates mature parkland trees, indicative of former parkland estates. Isolated farmsteads and villages with historic cores and many examples of vernacular architecture. 20th century sprawl to periphery of villages. Long views to south from upper scarp. Pressure of urban fringe activities on traditional land uses. Major transport infrastructure of the M25 and the railway have fragmented the area to some extent, leaving small isolated pockets of land to revert to scrub. Fringe Landscapes Gently undulating enclosed landscape. Large areas of coppiced ancient woodland. Fragmented remnant broad-leaved woodland Character Areas: on hilltops. - Badgers Mount Regular rectangular, small to medium scale field pattern. - Crockenhill Fringe Intensive cultivation on fertile soils includes market gardening. - Farningham Woods Rough unimproved grassland used for paddocks. Fragmented - Hextable Fringe hedgerows along roads with standard trees. Occasional historic building in vernacular style. Generally isolated, 20th century residential and agricultural properties with suburban fringe development. Downs River Gently undulating river valley containing traditional rural Valleys settlements with many vernacular buildings and isolated farms. Character Areas: Enclosure is provided by small woodlands, riparian vegetation - Darent Valley – and embankments of major transport routes. Eynsford and The field pattern is small to medium scale and mostly regular in Shoreham form. - Darent Valley – Narrow, winding, hedge-lined lanes and wide A roads. Horton Kirby Many internal field boundaries supplemented or replaced by - Darent Valley – post and wire fencing, some are ditches. Otford Many fields of open pasture and smaller scale paddocks. - Otford Valley – East Many historic features and traditional buildings. - Otford Valley - West 28

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Landscape Types Description Gualt Clay Vale Gently undulating clay vale dominated by major transport routes. Character Areas: Poorly drained farmland with many ponds and low-lying hedge- - Darent Valley – lined lanes. The field pattern is generally irregular, Sundridge and small to medium scale, with internal boundaries of over-mature Chipstead native hedgerows supplemented with post and - Darent Valley – wire fencing. Westerham and Standard Oaks and Horse Chestnut found in the field Brasted boundaries and standard Oaks scattered across fields of - Kemsing Clay arable and pasture. Small blocks of mixed broadleaf woodland Farmlands and isolated shaws add to the feeling of enclosure. Large, open water bodies resulting from mineral workings, and water filled channels and associated riparian vegetation. Small historic villages. Greensand Parks Small to medium scale, undulating to steeply sloping rural and Farmlands landscape. Very enclosed intact farmland with strong hedgerow networks Character Areas: and scattered dense woodland and shaws. - Ide Hill Large country houses and extensive parkland with mature - Knole Park specimen trees scattered throughout. - Sundridge Farmlands Narrow, winding hedge-lined lanes along which are found - Westerham and isolated farmsteads and historic settlements. Brasted Parklands Many examples of traditional vernacular building styles including Oasts and timber framed barns. Largely a pastoral landscape. Occasional long views but generally a moderate range of views. Charts Densely wooded, undulating farmland and steep Greensand scarp slopes. Character Areas: The higher areas are covered with dense, mature broadleaf - Seal Chart woodlands with small clearings opening to rough - Sevenoaks Eastern grazing and sweet chestnut plantations on the lower slopes. Chart Small to medium-scale irregular fields of pasture, - Sevenoaks Wooded arable and orchard in the lower lying areas. Chart The topography and land use means that the area is generally - Westerham and enclosed with occasional long views south over Brasted Chart the Weald from viewpoints on the scarp slopes. Narrow lanes lined by mature hedgerows with occasional standard Oaks. Internal field boundaries being replaced by post and wire. Small isolated settlements scattered along lanes. Large areas used for urban recreational purposes.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Landscape Types Description Low Weald The Low Weald is a low lying, poorly draining landscape. It has a very distinctive field pattern. Character Areas: Traditionally, the landscape pattern is pastoral - fields enclosed - Bough Beech Rervoir by dense well maintained hedgerows with many and Low Weald standard oaks. Farmlands Sheep grazing is common. Often, a field will include a pond in - Charcott Farmlands one corner. The difficult nature of the soils means - Edenbridge Low that the traditional land-use survives today with little influence Weald Farmlands of arablisation. The field pattern is generally larger - Sevenoaks Weald to the west, with fewer woodlands. and Underriver Many examples of historic vernacular architecture can be found within the rural areas. Many gentrified oasts and barns. Eden and Upper Undulating enclosed small scale pastoral landscape. Medway Valleys The river meanders through the flattened flood plain and riparian vegetation indicates its course. Some dense Character Areas: scrub along areas of the river bank. - Eden Valley – Some larger arable fields above the flood plain. Chidingstone Tree cover is limited to small scattered shaws, mature trees - Eden Valley – along railway corridor, hedgerow standards and Edenbridge occasional standards within fields. - Eden Valley – Hever Many streams cross the landscape and drain into the river. - Eden Valley – Some mature hedgerows are intact along lanes elsewhere Penshurst fragmented and over mature, they are supplemented - Upper Medway - with post and wire fencing. Penshurst Areas liable to flooding. Isolated farmsteads, small hamlets and many vernacular buildings. High Weald Undulating landscape climbing to the south. Enclosed upper slopes where mixed broadleaf and coniferous Character Areas: woodland opens occasionally for long views north across the - Chiddingstone Low Weald. Significant areas of sweet chestnut Farmlands, coppice. Wooded ghylls in valleys. Medium-scale arable and - Chiddingstone Hoath pasture enclosed by woodland edge. Plateau Large rock outcrops on high ground. - Chiddingstone Dense, fragmented hedgerows along narrow undulating lanes Wooded Pastures with post and wire to internal field boundaries. - Cowden Farmlands Many streams and ponds throughout the area. - Ensfield Farmlands Small hamlets, isolated farms, numerous grand manor houses - Fordcombe and extensive parkland areas. - Marsh Green Many examples of historic vernacular buildings and features Wooded Pastures within the landscape. - North leigh farmlands - Penshurst and Leigh Parklands

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Historic Environment

Sevenoaks District has a rich historic environment. Numerous features and areas in the district are recognised through historic environment designations. These include statutory listed buildings and scheduled monuments, which are nationally designated, and conservation areas, which are designated at the local level. Historic England is the statutory consultee for certain categories of listed building consent and all applications for scheduled monument consent. The historic environment is protected through the planning system, via conditions imposed on developers and other mechanisms.

Scheduled monuments are sites of national importance and protected by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. According to the National Heritage List for England19, there are 25 scheduled monuments in the District, as follows:

 Roman granary, 250yds (230m) west of St Mary’s Church;  Two Milestones at West Kingsdown;  Fort Halstead;  Milestone on Pilgrim’s Way  Chapel, Maplescombe  St Thomas a Becket’s Well  Otford Roman Villa  Montreal Park Obelisk  Lullingstone Castle Gateway  Eynsford Bridge;  Camp at Squerryes Park;  Otford Palace;  Eynsford Castle;  Lullingstone Roman villa and Saxon church;  Bowl barrow at Otford Mount;  Bowl barrow 25m east of The Mount;  Bowl barrow in Millpond Wood;  A Romano-British villa and a possible Iron Age farmstead at Franks;  Medieval moated site, Filston Hall;  Medieval moated site, Devils Den;  Medieval moated site, Great Barnett’s;  Linear earthwork 230m south west of Covers Farm;  Medieval moated site and associated fishpond, Franks Hall;  Fort Farningham: a London mobilisation centre; and  Remains of medieval church and churchyard at Halstead Place.

The district contains 1,644 nationally listed buildings. This incorporates 31 Grade I listed structures, 92 Grade II* listed structures and 1,521 Grade II listed structures.

19 Historic England: Natural Heritage List for England: http://list.historicengland.org.uk [accessed 02/06/16]. 31

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

There are 17 registered parks and gardens in the district, but no historic battlefields.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 4.2: Location of scheduled monuments and historic parks and gardens in Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 4.3: Location of listed buildings in Sevenoaks District

Figure 4.4: Location of conservation areas in Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

The rich historic environment of Sevenoaks District is reflected by the designation of parts of the district as conservation areas in recognition of their special architectural and historic interest. There are 42 conservation areas in total in the District.

Conservation Area Appraisals have been prepared for all of the conservation areas in the district, providing detailed information on key features and areas of distinctiveness with the conservation areas20. 15 of the conservation areas have also had Management Plans prepared.

Since 2008, Historic England has released an annual Heritage at Risk Register. The Heritage at Risk Register highlights the Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings, and scheduled monuments, conservation areas, wreck sites and registered parks and gardens in England deemed to be ‘at risk’. The latest Heritage at Risk Register21 suggests there are nine areas or features deemed to be at risk in the district, including:

 Edenbridge Conservation Area  Riverhead Conservation Area  Seal Conservation Area  Sevenoaks High Street Conservation Area  South Darenth Conservation Area  Combe Bank, Sundridge with Ide Hill/Brasted (Registered Park and Garden)  Swaylands, Penshurst/Bidborough (Registered Park and Garden)  Chapel, Maplescombe, West Kingsdown (Scheduled Monument)  Remains of corner tower to former Archbishops Palace (Scheduled Monument)

It should be noted that not all of the district’s historic environment resources are subject to statutory designations, and non-designated features comprise a large part of what people have contact with as part of daily life – whether at home, work or leisure. For example, although not designated, many buildings and areas are of historic interest, and which are seen as important by local communities contributing to the character of the area. Examples of these in district are likely to include green spaces.

Undesignated actual or potential archaeological finds in the area are also of significance. In this context 3,822 entries on the Kent Historic Environment Record are located within Sevenoaks District.

Summary of future baseline

New development areas in the district have the potential to impact on the fabric and setting of cultural heritage assets. This includes through inappropriate design and layout. It should be noted, however, that existing historic environment designations will offer a degree of protection to cultural heritage assets and their settings. Also

20 The Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for the conservation areas in Sevenoaks District can be accessed at: http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/services/leisure-and-culture/conservation/conservation-area- appraisals 21 Heritage at Risk Register (2015), http://risk.historicengland.org.uk/register.aspx [accessed 02/06/16] 35

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

new development need not be harmful to the significance of a heritage asset; new development may be an opportunity to enhance the setting of an asset and better reveal its significance.

New development has the potential to lead to incremental changes in landscape and townscape character and quality in and around the district. This includes from the loss of landscape features and visual impact. There may also be potential effects on landscape/townscape character and quality in the vicinity of the road network due to an incremental growth in traffic flows.

There are likely to be small scale and incremental changes in tranquillity in and around the district, affected by changes in the levels of light and noise pollution.

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the plan for the Landscape and Historic Environment SA theme?

Table 4.2 presents the SA objectives and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 4.1: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Landscape and Historic Environment

SA objective Appraisal questions

Protect, maintain and Will the option/proposal help to… enhance Sevenoaks District’s cultural heritage  Conserve, and where possible, enhance cultural resource, including its heritage assets and their settings? historic environment and  Conserve, and where possible, enhance the archaeological assets. district’s conservation areas?  Reduce the number of features and areas in the district deemed to be ‘at risk’?  Support access to, interpretation and understanding of the historic environment? Protect and enhance the Will the option/proposal help to… character and quality of Sevenoaks District’s  Support the integrity of the Kent Downs landscapes and townscapes. AONB, including in conjunction with the provisions of the AONB Management Plan?  Support the integrity of the High Weald AONB, including in conjunction with the provisions of the AONB Management Plan?  Conserve and enhance landscape and townscape character?  Conserve and enhance local diversity and distinctiveness?  Support the integrity of the district’s conservation areas?  Preserve the historic settlement pattern of the district?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

5. Environmental Quality

Headline sustainability issues: Environmental Quality

 Nitrogen dioxide levels in excess of the annual average objective level have been monitored at 19 roadside locations in the district.  Eleven Air Quality Management Areas have been designated in the district. These have been designated due to emissions from road transport.  A significant proportion of the district is underlain by Groundwater Source Protection Zones, including Zone 1 Source Protection Zones.

Context review

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) drives a catchment-based approach to water management. In England and Wales there are 100 water catchments and it is Defra’s intention is to establish a ‘framework for integrated catchment management’ across England. The Environment Agency published updated River Basin Management plans (RBMPs) in February 201622. The plans seek to deliver the objectives of the WFD, namely:

 Enhance the status and prevent the further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and associated wetlands which depend on aquatic ecosystems;  Promote the sustainable use of water;  Reduce the pollution of water, especially by ‘priority’ and ‘priority hazardous’ substances; and  Ensure the progressive reduction of groundwater pollution.

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) regarding soils include:

 Protect and enhance soils. The value of best and most versatile agricultural land should also be taken into account.  Prevent new or existing development from being ‘adversely affected’ by the presence of ‘unacceptable levels’ of soil pollution or land instability and be willing to remediate and mitigate ‘despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate’.  Encourage the effective use of land’ through the reuse of land which has been previously developed, ‘provided that this is not of high environmental value’. Whilst there is no longer a national requirement to build at a minimum density, the NPPF requires local planning authorities to ‘set out their own approach to housing density to reflect local circumstances’.  Produce strategic policies to deliver the provision of a variety of infrastructure, including that necessary for water supply

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) regarding air quality include:

22 Available [online] at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/river-basin-management-plans- 2015 38

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 ‘Planning policies should sustain compliance with and contribute towards EU limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and the cumulative impacts on air quality from individual sites in local areas. Planning decisions should ensure that any new development in Air Quality Management Areas is consistent with the local air quality action plan’.  New and existing developments should be prevented from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of air pollution.

In terms of the local context, SDC is required to monitor air quality across Sevenoaks District, report regularly to Defra and take action where nationally set levels are likely to be exceeded. Monitoring is undertaken to assess levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, benzene and particulates. Where exceedances exist, areas are declared as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and local authorities are required to produce an Action Plan to improve air quality in the area.

Baseline

Air quality

Air quality monitoring

In relation to air quality monitoring, there are two continuous automatic air quality monitoring sites (CMS) in the district, both in Sevenoaks town. One of these monitoring sites – the Greatness background site - has monitored NOx, PM10 and O3 since 1997. The other monitoring site – the Bat and Ball roadside site – has monitored NOx and PM10 since 2006. SDC is installing a third CMS at Greatness quarry, which will monitor PM10.

There are 55 nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube sites in the district. These diffusion tube sites are non-automatic. Benzene is not monitored in the district, and sulphur dioxide is no longer monitored.

Air Quality Management Areas

In its Air Quality Action Plan 2009, the district established 11 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). These include:

 M20 – from junction 3 to the District boundary with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and part of the A20, Farnham  M25 – county border with Surrey to the district border with Dartford  M26 – from junction 5 of the M25 to the district boundary with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council  A20 (T) Swanley By-pass – from junction 3 of the M25 to the District boundary with the London Borough of Bromley.  A25 London Road, Riverhead and Dunton Green  M25 – junction 5 to Kent/Surrey border  Swanley – London Road (east), High Street, Bartholomew Way and parts of central town area.  Seal – High Street

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Sevenoaks – High Street and part of London Road, Pembroke Road and parts of the town centre  Westerham – High Street, Market Square, Vicarage Hill, and London Road (A233)  Sevenoaks – Bat and Ball junction with A25

Monitoring has identified nitrogen dioxide levels in excess of the annual average objective level at 19 roadside locations. These 19 roadside locations are found in existing AQMAs. Levels monitored in 2015 were generally lower than in previous years. In addition, no new significant sources of air pollution have been identified from monitoring efforts.

Sources of air pollution

Traffic is the primary source of air pollution in the district. There is one large sand quarry in the district, Sevenoaks Quarry. The quarry is co-located with a landfill site. Other than the quarry, however, there are no major industrial sources of air pollution in the district.53 One fugitive source of emissions has been identified in a previous round of review and assessment.

Water quality

In terms of water quality, Groundwater Source Protection Zones (SPZs) have been defined by the Environment Agency in England and Wales to protect groundwater sources such as wells, boreholes and springs that are used for public drinking water supply. The zones show the risk of contamination from activities that might cause groundwater pollution in the area. Reflecting the vulnerability of groundwater in the area to pollution, Zone 1 SPZs are located in the following locations: the area around Sevenoaks Hospital and Bat and Ball rail station; east of Seal; close to Knole House/Sevenoaks School; east of Sundridge; north west of Westerham; Eynsford; Hartley; and Ash Green. Larger Zone 2 and Zone 3 SPZs are located across the centre and north of the district.

The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) requires Member States to identify areas where groundwaters have nitrate concentrations of more than 50 mg/l nitrate or are thought to be at risk of nitrate contamination. Areas associated with such groundwaters are designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) within which, Member States are required to establish Action Programmes in order to reduce and prevent further nitrate contamination. The northern edge of the district is within a groundwater NVZ.

Soil quality

No detailed information on contaminated land is currently available for the district. A contaminated land strategy has however been adopted in the district in response to Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Summary of future baseline

New housing and employment provision in the district and sub-regionally has the potential to have adverse effects on air quality through increasing traffic flows and

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016 associated levels of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide. Areas of particular sensitivity to increased traffic flows are likely to be routes with the largest congestion issues, including AQMAs. Any increases may however be offset in part by factors such as measures implemented through the Kent Local Transport Plan to encourage modal shift from the private car and the improved fuel economy and efficiency of vehicles.

Water quality is also likely to continue to be affected by pollution incidents in the area, the presence of non-native species and physical modifications to water bodies. In the short term, the requirements of the Water Framework Directive are likely to lead to continued improvements to water quality in watercourses in the wider area.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 5.1: Location of Groundwater Source Protection Zones in Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the Environmental Quality SA theme?

Table 5.1 presents the SA objective and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 5.1: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Environmental Quality SA objective Appraisal questions

Improve air, soil and water Will the option/proposal help to… quality.  Maintain or improve local air quality?  Promote the remediation of contaminated land?  Protect and improve the area’s chemical & biological water quality?  Protect groundwater resources?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

6. Land, Soil and Water resources

Headline sustainability issues: Land, Soil and Water resources

 Water availability in the wider area may be affected by regional increases in population and an increased occurrence of drought resulting from climate change.  Significant areas of land classified as the best and most versatile agricultural land are present in the district.  The introduction of the Sevenoaks-wide brownfield register may support increases in the development of previously developed land. This will be reinforced by the ongoing designation of the Green Belt, which covers 93% of the district.  Due to increasing legislative and regulatory requirements, there are increasing pressures to improve recycling and composting rates.

Context review

The EU’s Soil Thematic Strategy23 presents a strategy for protecting soils resources in Europe. The main aim of the strategy is to minimise soil degradation and limit associated detrimental effects linked to water quality and quantity, human health, climate change, biodiversity, and food safety.

The Water Framework Directive drives a catchment-based approach to water management. In England and Wales there are 100 water catchments and it is Defra’s intention is to establish a ‘framework for integrated catchment management’ across England. The Environment Agency is currently seeking to establish ‘Significant Water Management Issues’ within catchments with a view to presenting second River Basin Management Plans to ministers in 2015. The plans will seek to deliver the objectives of the WFD namely:

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) include:

23 European Commission (2006) Soil Thematic Policy [online] available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/soil/index_en.htm 44

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With regards to waste, the NPPF does not contain any specific waste policies as waste planning policy will be published as part of the National Waste Management Plan.

Other key documents at the national level include Safeguarding our Soils: A strategy for England24, which sets out a vision for soil use in England, and the Water White Paper25, which sets out the Government’s vision for a more resilient water sector. It states the measures that will be taken to tackle issues such as poorly performing ecosystems, and the combined impacts of climate change and population growth on stressed water resources. In terms of waste management, the Government Review of Waste Policy in England26 recognises that environmental benefits and economic growth can be the result of a more sustainable approach to the use of materials.

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

Agricultural land

The Agricultural Land Classification classifies land into six grades (plus ‘non- agricultural’ and ‘urban’), where Grades 1 to 3a are the ‘best and most versatile’ land and Grades 3b to 5 are of poorer quality.

In terms of the location of the best and most versatile agricultural land, no land has been classified as Grade 1 land in the district. Land classified as Grade 2 land is present in the north of the district, in the vicinity of Swanley and Horton Kirby, as well as in a band running from Eynsford, Otford and Chevening to the western edge of the district. Whilst significant areas of Grade 3 land are present in the district, recent land classification has not been carried out to determine whether this comprises land classified as the best and most versatile (i.e. Grade 3a land) or land classified as Grade 3b land.

Waste management

There are four Household Waste and Recycling Centres that serve the district, with one located within the district. They are located in Sundridge, Swanley, Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells. Each of these Household Waste and Recycling Centres is operated by Kent County Council, rather than Sevenoaks District Council. In addition there are 40 smaller recycling sites located in the district.

Water availability

24 Defra (2009) Safeguarding our Soils: A strategy for England [Online] Available at: http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/land/soil/documents/soil-strategy.pdf 25 Defra (2011) Water for life [online] available at http://www.official- documents.gov.uk/document/cm82/8230/8230.pdf 26 Defra (2011) Government Review of Waste Policy in England [Online] Available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13540-waste-policy-review110614.pdf 45

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

In relation to water availability, the Darent and Cray Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy27 highlights that the Darent and Cray catchments are largely not available for licensing. More water has been removed from these catchments than the amount available. In this context Sevenoaks District lies within an area of water stress where consumption is greater than production; the Government’s 2013 Water Stressed Areas highlighted that much of district is classified as under “Serious” or “Moderate” water stress.

Summary of future baseline

The introduction of the Sevenoaks-wide brownfield register may support increases in the development of previously developed land through providing house builders with up-to-date and publicly available information on all brownfield sites available for housing locally.

Due to increasing legislative and regulatory requirements, there are increasing pressures to improve recycling and composting rates and move towards zero waste to landfill. However, potential population increases within the district may increase pressures on recycling and waste management facilities. Furthermore, Defra’s estimation for waste growth shows that national waste growth and estimates of future waste arisings are expected to remain consistent with current levels28. This is because widespread initiatives to reduce waste and improve materials reuse and recycling are likely to reduce long-term production of waste.

Water availability in the wider area may be affected by regional increases in population and an increased occurrence of drought, which is estimated to become increasingly prevalent in the South East as the effects of climate change take hold.29

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the Land, Soil and Water Resources SA theme?

Table 6.1 presents the SA objectives and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 6.1: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Land, Soil and Water Resources SA objective Appraisal questions

Ensure the efficient use of Will the option/proposal… land.  Avoid the use of land classified as the best and most versatile agricultural land?

27 Environment agency (2014) The Darent Management Catchment [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/289922/LIT_5357_c 4dd09.pdf 28 Defra (2015) Provisional Statistics on Waste Managed by Local Authorities in England including April to June 2014. 29 UK Climate Projections (2009) South East 2050s Medium Emissions Scenario [online] available at: http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/22290 46

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 Promote the use of previously developed land? Promote sustainable waste Will the option/proposal help to… management solutions that encourage the reduction, re-  Reduce the amount of waste produced? use and recycling of waste.  Move waste up the waste hierarchy?  Encourage recycling of materials and minimise consumption of resources during construction? Use and manage water Will the option/proposal help to… resources in a sustainable manner.  Minimise water consumption?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

7. Population and Communities

Headline sustainability issues: Population and Communities

 The district, in common with many other areas, is experiencing an ageing population. This will have implications for health service provision and the provision of other services, facilities and amenities.  New community and employment provision in the district should reflect existing and future needs.  Whilst deprivation levels are low in the district, there are pockets of deprivation, including in Swanley, Hartley and some rural areas.  Affordability of housing in the district is a key issue. Median house price to income ratios was 10.47 in 2013, an increase from 9.29 in 2008.  Investment in open space, sports facilities and walking and cycling infrastructure should be supported in order to encourage increased physical activity.

Context review

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) include:

 To ‘boost significantly the supply of housing’, local planning authorities should meet the ‘full, objectively assessed need for market and affordable housing’ in their area. They should prepare a Strategic Housing Market Assessment to assess their full housing needs, working with neighbouring authorities where housing market areas cross administrative boundaries. The Strategic Housing Market Assessment should identify the scale and mix of housing and the range of tenures that the local population is likely to need over the plan period.  With a view to creating ‘sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities’ authorities should ensure provision of affordable housing onsite or externally where robustly justified.  In rural areas, when exercising the duty to cooperate with neighbouring authorities, local planning authorities should be responsive to local circumstances and plan housing development to reflect local needs, particularly for affordable housing, including through rural exception sites where appropriate. Authorities should consider whether allowing some market housing would facilitate the provision of affordable housing to meet local needs.  The NPPF attaches great importance to the design of the built environment. It explains how good design is a key aspect in sustainable development, and how development should improve the quality of the area over its lifetime, not just in the short term. Good architecture and landscaping are important, with the use of design codes contributing to the delivery of high quality outcomes. Design should reinforce local distinctiveness, raise the standard more generally in the area and address the connections between people and places.  The social role of the planning system involves ‘supporting vibrant and healthy communities’.  The planning system can play an important role in facilitating social interaction and creating healthy, inclusive communities

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Promote the retention and development of local services and community facilities such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship.  Ensure that developments create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion. Places should contain clear and legible pedestrian routes, and high quality public spaces, which encourage the active and continual use of public areas.  Ensuring that there is a ‘sufficient choice of school places’ is of ‘great importance’ and there is a need to take a ‘proactive, positive and collaborative approach’ to bringing forward ‘development that will widen choice in education’.

The Select Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change report Ready for Ageing?30 warns that society is underprepared for the ageing population. The report says that ‘longer lives can be a great benefit, but there has been a collective failure to address the implications and without urgent action this great boon could turn into a series of miserable crises’. The report says that the housing market is delivering much less specialist housing for older people than is needed. Central and local government, housing associations and house builders need urgently to plan how to ensure that the housing needs of the older population are better addressed and to give as much priority to promoting an adequate market and social housing for older people as is given to housing for younger people.

Sevenoaks Community Plan

A draft Sevenoaks Community Plan was released for consultation in early 2016. The Community Plan, which was prepared by the Sevenoaks District Local Strategic Partnership, creates a long-term vision for the Sevenoaks District and sets out the community’s priorities for action.

The key priorities set out in the Community Plan are as follows:

 Safe Communities: A safer place to live, work and travel  Green Environment: People can enjoy high quality urban and rural environments  Dynamic Economy: A thriving local economy where businesses flourish, where people have skills for employment and tourism is supported  Caring Communities: Children are enabled to have the best start and people can be supported to live independent lives  Healthy Environment: People have healthy lifestyles, access to quality healthcare and health inequalities are reduced  Sustainable Economy: People can live, work and travel more easily and are empowered to shaped their community

30 Select Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change (2013) Ready for Ageing? [online] available at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/public-services- committee/report-ready-for-ageing/ 49

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

Demographic makeup of the district

According to the most recent census data available, in 2011 the total population of Sevenoaks District was 114,89331. This was an increase of 5,588 from the 2001 census, or a 4.86% population growth (see Table 7.1). The rate of population growth in the District during this period was below regional and national comparators. The latest mid-year estimates available from Kent County Council32 suggest that the population of the district in 2014 was 117,800.

Table 7.1 Population growth, 2001-201133

Sevenoaks Date South East England District 2001 109,305 8,000,645 49,138,831 2011 114,893 8,634,750 53,012,456 Population Change 4.86% 7.93% 7.88% 2001-2011

31 Office for National Statistics (2011) Neighbourhood Statistics [online] available at: http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/ 32 Kent County Council: Time series of Mid-Year Population Estimates 1995 – 2014 https://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/14726/Mid-year-population-estimates-time- series.pdf 33 ONS (2011) Census 2011, Population Density, 2001 (UV02) 50

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 7.2 highlights the age structure of Sevenoaks District compared with South East and England averages. Adapted from statistics compiled by the ONS, the data indicates the total population of each age group, and the percentage of that group within the total population of each area.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 7.2 Age structure (2011)34

Age group Sevenoaks District South East England

22,412 1,642,084 10,022,836 0-15 (19.5%) (19%) (18.9%)

10,699 969,055 6,284,760 16-24 (9.3%) (11.2%) (11.9%)

27,611 2,289,335 14,645,152 25-44 (24%) (26.5%) (27.5%)

24,316 1,716,857 10,276,902 45-59 (21.1%) (19.4%) (19.4%)

29,855 2,017,419 11,832,806 60+ (25.9%) (23.3%) (22.3%)

114,893 8,634,750 53,012,456 Total (100%) (100%) (100%)

As highlighted by the above table, the district has a significantly lower proportion of individuals across the 0-44 age range compared to national and regional averages, with a higher proportion of the 45-59 age group within the district than all other comparators. There are 29,855 people aged 60 or over living in the district, which comprises 25.9% of the population. This proportion is higher than South-East and England comparators.

Ethnicity

34 ONS (2011) Census 2011, Age structure (KS108EW) 52

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 7.3 shows the breakdown of ethnic groups in the District. The district is predominantly comprised of White English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British or White Irish people (91%). A further 3.6% belong to ‘Other white’ groups. Other ethnic groups comprise less than 1% of the district’s population.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 7.3. Ethnicity

Ethnic group Sevenoaks South East England White English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern 91% 85.2% 79.8% Irish/British White Irish 91% 85.2% 79.8% White Gypsy or Irish Traveller 0.3% 0.2% 0.1% White; other white 3.6% 4.4% 4.6% Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups: White 0.4% 0.5% 0.8% and Black Caribbean Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups: White 0.2% 0.3% 0.3% and Black African Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups: White 0.6% 0.7% 0.6% and Asian Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups: Other 0.3% 0.5% 0.5% mixed Asian/Asian British: Indian 0.6% 1.8% 2.6% Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 0.1% 1.1% 2.1% Asian/Asian British: Bangladeshi 0.1% 0.3% 0.8% Asian/Asian British: Chinese 0.4% 0.6% 0.7% Asian/Asian British: Other Asian 0.5% 1.4% 1.5% Black/African/Caribbean/Black 0.5% 1% 1.8% British: African Black/African/Caribbean/Black 0.2% 0.4% 1.1% British: Caribbean Black/African/Caribbean/Black: Other 0.1% 0.2% 0.5% Black Other Ethnic Group: Arab 0.1% 0.2% 0.4% Other Ethnic Group: Any Other Ethnic 0.1% 0.4% 0.6% Group

Deprivation

The Multiple Deprivation Index (2010) shows that Sevenoaks District is the least deprived borough/district in Kent. This is reflected in the national rankings which highlights it is of 276th out of 326 local authorities nationally. Whilst overall deprivation is low in the district, there are pockets of relative deprivation, including in Swanley and some rural areas. 10% of residents are among the two most deprived quintiles in the country, and overall, 2,600 children (11.7%) live in poverty in the district. Wards that are considered as ‘more deprived’ include Swanley White Oak, Farningham, Horton Kirby and South Darenth, and Edenbridge. Swanley St Marys is the only ward in the district that is within the 20% most deprived wards in Kent. 54

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Wards within the 20% least deprived wards in Kent include Sevenoaks, Otford & Shoreham, Kemsing, Brasted, Chevening & Sundridge and Westerham & Crockham Hill.

Census statistics which measure deprivation across the four ‘dimensions’ of deprivation35 including: any member of a household not a full-time student is either unemployed or long-term sick; education (no person in the household has at least level 2 education, and no person aged 16-18 is a full-time student); health and disability (any person in the household has general health ‘bad or ‘very bad’ or has a long term health problem); and housing (household’s accommodation is either overcrowded, with an occupancy rating -1 or less, or is in a shared dwelling, or has no central heating), show that Sevenoaks District has significantly more households which are not deprived any dimension than all other comparators (see Figure 7.1). There are also fewer households that are deprived in 1, 2, 3, or 4 dimensions than the regional and national averages.

Figure 7.1 Relative deprivation dimensions

35 ONS (2011) Census 2011, Households by Deprivation Dimensions, 2011 (QS119EW) 55

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 7.2 Deprivation in Sevenoaks District

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Housing

Figure 7.3 shows the tenure of households36 in Sevenoaks District in comparison with tenure in the South East and England. A higher proportion of the district’s residents live in housing owned either outright or with a mortgage (72.7% in total) than regional (67.6%) averages. These figures are also higher than the national average of 63.3%.

Sevenoaks District has a smaller proportion of people that rent privately than regional and national averages. The district also has lower proportions of social rented tenures than regional and national averages, although the proportion of social rented tenures is only fractionally smaller than South East averages.

In terms of house prices the medium selling price in 2013 was £292,00037. Alongside, the median house price to income ratios was 10.47 in 2013. This is an increase from 9.29 in 200838.

In 2015, there were 715 households on local authority housing waiting lists in Sevenoaks District, a decrease of 429 since 2010.39

Figure 7.3: Tenure by household

Community Facilities

36 ONS (2011) Census 2011, Tenure - Households, 2011 (QS405EW) 37 Department for Communities and Local Government Live Table 582: median house prices based on Land Registry data, by district, from 1996 (quarterly) 38 Department for Communities and Local Government Live Table 577: ratio of median house price to median earnings by district, from 1997 39 DCLG (2012) Statistical data set Live tables on rents, lettings and tenancies. Table 600: numbers of households on local authorities' housing waiting lists, by District: England 1997 to 2013. 57

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

There is an adequate supply of community facilities across the District, with each parish having a number of community facilities available. The Sevenoaks Settlement Hierarchy 2015 update for the Annual Monitoring Report shows that a number of community facilities (i.e. village halls, medical service, post office, recreation space) are available to larger settlements within the district (main District settlements, local service centres and service villages). However, some small villages or hamlets within the district do not have immediate access to a community facility and have to travel to larger communities to use certain community facilities.

There are currently 49 state schools within Sevenoaks District, with 41 institutions offering primary education. There are five secondary schools with the District and three specialist schools catering for different needs. There are eleven independent schools within the district, catering for both primary and secondary education. A majority of the schools are mixed gender; however there are some single-sex independent schools. The district does not have a dedicated higher education facility (i.e. a college or college/university campus).

Safety

Sevenoaks has a relatively low crime rate. As highlighted by Figure 7.4 , Sevenoaks has a low crime rate per 1,000 population, and one of the lowest in Kent.40

Figure 7.4: Crime rates

Summary of future baseline

Recent population increases experienced in Sevenoaks District are likely to continue due to inward migration to the district, including from London and other parts of the South East.

40 Police.uk ONS statistics, March 2015: https://www.police.uk/ 58

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

In line with other areas, population trends have the potential to result in a further increase in the proportion of older people within the district. Forecasts suggest the number of people aged 85 and over in the district will increase 17% in the period 2015-2019.41

The suitability of housing for local requirements depends in part on the successful implementation of appropriate housing policies taken forward through the Local Plan. However, without interventions, the affordability, suitability and quality of housing in the district may continue to be undermined. Unplanned development may also have wider implications in terms of transport and access to infrastructure or the natural environment.

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the Population and Communities SA theme?

Table 7.4Table 6.1 presents the SA objectives and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 7.4: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Population and Communities

SA objective Appraisal questions

Provide everyone with the Will the option/proposal help to: opportunity to live in good quality, affordable housing,  Support the provision of a range of house types and ensure an appropriate and sizes? mix of dwelling sizes, types  Support enhancements to the current housing and tenures. stock?  Meet the needs of all sectors of the community?  Provide quality and flexible homes that meet people’s needs?  Promote the use of sustainable building techniques, including use of sustainable building materials in construction?  Provide housing in sustainable locations that allow easy access to a range of local services and facilities?

Cater for existing and future Will the option/proposal help to: residents’ needs as well as the needs of different  Promote the development of a range of high groups in the community, quality, accessible community facilities? and improve access to local,  Encourage and promote social cohesion and high-quality community encourage active involvement of local people in services and facilities. community activities?

41 SDC(2015) Sevenoaks District Health Inequalities Plan 59

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Reduce deprivation and  Minimise fuel poverty? promote more inclusive and  Maintain or enhance the quality of life of self-contained communities. residents?  Improve the availability and accessibility of key local facilities, including specialist services for disabled and older people?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

8. Health and Wellbeing

Headline sustainability issues

 The health of people in Sevenoaks District is generally favourable when compared to the England average.  Life expectancy in the district is high, with a higher proportion of residents expected to live longer in rural areas than those residents living in the larger urban areas. Life expectancy is 3.2 years lower for men and 1.2 years lower for women living in the most deprived areas of Sevenoaks District when compared to those living in the least deprived areas.  Road safety is an issue in the district, with the rate of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents significant higher than the average for England.  Ongoing cuts to community services have the potential to lead to effects on health and wellbeing over the longer term.  Obesity is seen as an increasing issue by health professionals, and one that will contribute to significant health impacts on individuals, including increasing the risk of a range of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.  Forecasts suggest the number of people aged 85 and over in the district will increase 17% in the period 2015-2019. An ageing population has the potential increase pressures on healthcare services in the district.

Context

Key messages from the NPPF include:

 The social role of the planning system involves ‘supporting vibrant and healthy communities’.  A core planning principle is to ‘take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all’.  The planning system can play an important role in facilitating social interaction and creating healthy, inclusive communities’  Promote the retention and development of local services and community facilities such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship.  Set out the strategic policies to deliver the provision of health facilities.  Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities.

The NPPG states that health and wellbeing and health infrastructure should be considered in local plans. In this context local plans should promote healthy lifestyles, social and cultural wellbeing and ensure access to the whole community by all sections of the community is promoted.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

In relation to other key national messages in relation to health, Fair Society, Healthy Lives42 (‘The Marmot Review’) investigated health inequalities in England and the actions needed in order to tackle them. Subsequently, a supplementary report was prepared providing additional evidence relating to spatial planning and health on the basis that that there is: “overwhelming evidence that health and environmental inequalities are inexorably linked and that poor environments contribute significantly to poor health and health inequalities”.

The increasing role that local level authorities are expected to play in providing health outcomes is demonstrated by recent government legislation. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 transferred responsibility for public health from the NHS to local government, giving local authorities a duty to improve the health of the people who live in their areas. This will require a more holistic approach to health across all local government functions.

In 2013 Sevenoaks District Council published the first Mind the Gap Health Inequalities Action Plan. Updated in 2015, the plan sets out the key priorities for health and wellbeing in the district and an associated action plan.

The key aims for the period 2015-2018 stated in the plan are as follows:

1. Give every child the best start in life  Promoting healthy weight for children

2. Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives  Support older people to keep them safe, independent and leading fulfilling lives

3. Create fair employment and good work for all  Support businesses to have healthy workplaces

4. Ensure healthy standard of living for all  Meet the housing needs of people living in the district including affordable and appropriate housing

5. Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities  Sustain and support healthy communities

6. Strengthen the role and impact of ill health prevention  Reduce the gap in health inequalities across the social gradient

42 The Marmot Review (2011) The Marmot Review: Implications for Spatial Planning [online] available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/12111/53895/53895.pdf

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

As highlighted in Table 8.1, general health across Sevenoaks District is broadly favourable against all comparators. In this context 51.1% of people reported that they were in ‘very good’ health43, which is above the comparative averages. The proportion of people reporting that they were in ‘very bad’ or ‘bad’ health’ is lower than regional and national averages.

Table 8.1 General Health Sevenoaks District South East England Very Good 51.1% 49% 47.2% Health Good Health 33.4% 34.6% 34.2% Fair Health 11.5% 12% 13.1% Bad Health 3.1% 3.4% 4.2% Very Bad Health 0.9% 1 % 1.2%

At the 2011 census some 6.3% of residents of Sevenoaks District reported that they were limited ‘a lot’ with day to day activities due to long-term health problems or disabilities, with 8.6% of people limited ‘a little’. This is more favourable than regional averages and significantly more favourable than the average for England and Wales.44

Public Health England figures45 for Sevenoaks District shows that life expectancy in the District is 81.3 for men and 84.4 for women, above the national average of 79.2 and 83, respectively. The 2015 Health Profile for Sevenoaks46 suggests that life expectancy is 3.2 years lower for men and 1.2 years lower for women for those living in the most deprived areas of Sevenoaks District when compared to those living in the least deprived areas of the district.

Forecasts suggest the number of people aged 85 and over in the district will increase 17% in the period 2015-2019.47

Figure 8.1 below shows life expectancy at birth in different parts of the district.

43 ONS (2011) Census 2011, General Health (QS302EW) 44 Kent County Council (2016) Business Intelligence Statistical Bulletin – disability in Kent. [Online] Available from: https://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/8181/Disability-in-Kent.pdf [Accessed 14/04/2016.] 45 Public Health England (2016) Local Health [Online] Available at: http://www.localhealth.org.uk/#sly=ltla_2013_DR;z=436462,258807,232546,207269;v=map8;l=en;si d=139 [Accessed 13/04/2016.] 46 Health Profile for Sevenoaks District (2015) [Online] Available at: http://www.apho.org.uk/resource/view.aspx?RID=50215&SEARCH=Sevenoaks&SPEAR= [Accessed 13/04/2016.] 47 SDC(2015) Sevenoaks District Health Inequalities Plan 63

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 8.1. Life expectancy at birth of different wards in Sevenoaks (based on data from 2010-2014)

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 8.2, which is from the health profiles developed by Public Health England, shows how the health of Sevenoaks compares with the rest of England.

Figure 8.2. Health profile for Sevenoaks48

According to the 2015 Health Profile for Sevenoaks, some 19.7% of the District’s population was classified as obese in 2012, which is favourable when compared to averages for England. The number of deaths attributable to smoking (168 deaths per annum) and recorded diabetes are also better than the national average, with adult physical activity (62.8%) in the district also favourable. The number of hospital stays as a result of alcohol-related harm (507 stays per annum) and the number of hospital stays as a result of self-harm (145 stays per annum) was also favourable when compared than the national average.

48 Health Profile for Sevenoaks District (2015) [Online] Available at: http://www.apho.org.uk/resource/view.aspx?RID=50215&SEARCH=Sevenoaks&SPEAR= [Accessed 13/04/2016.] 65

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

In addition, rates of statutory homelessness, violent crime, long-term unemployment, drug misuse, and early deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer are favourable when compared with the national average. Rates of sexually transmitted diseases and the rate of under-18 conceptions are also better than the national average.

Whilst most indicators of health suggest that health in the district is favourable when compared to national averages, the rate of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents is significant worse than the average for England. SDC’s Health Inequalities Action Plan 2015-201849 also suggests that the district is similar to the England average in respect to the incidence of malignant melanoma, hip fractures in the over 65s, excess winter deaths, and infant mortality.

Local priorities in Sevenoaks District include addressing childhood obesity, tackling smoking during pregnancy, and reducing road injuries.

Summary of future baseline

Broadly speaking, the health of the population in Sevenoaks is favourable when compared with national averages. This trend is likely to continue.

Ongoing cuts to community services have the potential to lead to effects on health and wellbeing over the longer term.

Obesity is seen as an increasing issue by health professionals, and one that will contribute to significant health impacts on individuals, including increasing the risk of a range of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Forecasts suggest the number of people aged 85 and over in the district will increase 17% in the period 2015-2019. An ageing population has the potential increase pressures on healthcare services.50

49 Sevenoaks District Council (2015) Sevenoaks District’s Health Inequalities Action Plan 2015-2018. [Online] Available from: http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/204263/2015- 18-Sevenoaks-Mind-the-Gap-HI-Plan.pdf 50 Select Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change (2013) Ready for Ageing? [online] available at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/public- services-committee/report-ready-for-ageing/ 66

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the Health and Wellbeing SA theme?

Table 8.2 presents the SA objective and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 8.2: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Health and Wellbeing

SA objective Appraisal questions

Improve the health and Will the option/proposal help to… wellbeing of Sevenoaks District’s residents.  Promote accessibility to a range of leisure, health and community facilities for all age groups?  Encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce health inequalities?  Enhance multifunctional green infrastructure networks in the district?  Provide and enhance the provision of community access to green infrastructure?  Improve access to the countryside for recreation?  Enhance the energy efficiency and quality of the housing stock?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

9. Transportation

Headline sustainability issues: Transportation

 Car ownership is high in the district.  There are a number of congestion issues in the district, with particular traffic hotspots in Sevenoaks, Swanley and Westerham.  There is potential for the number of people working from home in the district to significantly increase.  A lower proportion of people travel to work by bicycle or on foot than regionally or nationally.  New development areas should be situated in accessible locations which limit the need to travel by the private car.

Context review

European and UK transport policies and plans place emphasis on the modernisation and sustainability of the transport network. Specific objectives include reducing pollution and road congestion through improvements to public transport, walking and cycling networks and reducing the need to travel. National policy also focuses on the need for the transport network to support sustainable economic growth.

Growth without Gridlock: A Transport Delivery Plan for Kent 51 sets out a 20 year funding plan for the county. Key proposals relevant to Sevenoaks District include:

 Improvements to the A21 corridor.  Provision of east facing slips on the M25/M26 to enable traffic approaching from the south to travel east on the M26 and M25.  Development of Urban Traffic Management and Control to maximise efficient use of the existing road network and improve air quality.  Bus lanes and bus priority measures to improve the commercial viability of operating buses to, from and within Sevenoaks District.  Extend and improve walking and cycling routes.  Improved community and voluntary transport options.  Ensuring reliable and improved services for rail commuters into London from Sevenoaks.

The Sevenoaks District Strategy for Transport 2010-202652 (SDST) presents a long term strategy and an implementation plan for the district. The SDST has ‘shared priority’ objectives of improving accessibility, tackling congestion and journey time reliability, providing safer roads, and improving air quality.

51 Kent County Council (Dec 2010) Growth without Gridlock: A Transport Delivering Plan for Kent 52 SDC and Kent Highway Services (July 2010) The Sevenoaks District Strategy for Transport 2010- 2026 68

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

Road network and congestion

Three major motorways cross Sevenoaks district. The M20 links London and the M25 with Maidstone, Ashford and the Channel ports and can be accessed from the district via the M25 and M26. The M25 is the main orbital motorway for London, and links the district with all other key routes in the UK. The M26 links the southern part of the M25 with the M20, and can be accessed from the district via Junction 5 of the M25 and the A25.

In terms of other main routes in the district, the A21 links Sevenoaks with the M25, Tonbridge and Hastings. Whilst dualled within the district, there are significant ‘pinchpoints’ on the route south of the district, including north and south of the Pembury bypass. Construction is currently underway to dual this section and should be complete by summer 2017. A further key route in the district is the A25, which runs in an east-west direction through Seal, Sevenoaks, Sundridge, Brasted and Westerham, and links the north of the district with the Surrey and M26.

There are a number of congestion issues in the district, with particular traffic hotspots in Sevenoaks, Swanley and Westerham.53 Local journeys, school runs and commuting to London are key contributors.

Rail network

Rail links in the district are good. There are links from Sevenoaks to London stations (including London Charing Cross, Waterloo East, Cannon Street, City Thameslink and St Pancras International), Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Hastings, and Ashford, Canterbury and Ramsgate. Journey times are 31 minutes to central London. Links from Swanley include to London Victoria, London St Pancras, Bromley, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Canterbury, Dover Priory, Maidstone and Ashford. Journey times to central London from Swanley are 26 minutes.

Other railway stations in the district include Longfield, Eynsford, Shoreham, Otford, Dunton Green, Bat & Ball and Kemsing in the north of the district. In the south of the district, Edenbridge, Penshurst andLeigh railway stations are located on the Tonbridge to East Croydon / London Victoria line and Edenbridge Town, Hever and Cowden railway stations are located on the Uckfield to East Croydon / London Bridge line.

Availability of cars and vans

Figure 9.1 highlights the availability of cars and vans in the district. The proportion of households with no access to a car/van is significantly lower than regional and national averages, whilst the proportion of the population with two or more

53 Sevenoaks District Council (2015) 2015 Updating and Screening Assessment for Sevenoaks District Council 69

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016 cars/vans is significantly higher. The proportion of households with three or more vehicles is also higher than all comparators, as is those households with four or more. High car ownership in the district reflects the district’s relative affluence and, in parts, its rural nature.

Figure 9.1: Car and van ownership.

Travel to work

Figure 9.2 shows the method of travel to work for residents in the district, compared with regional and England averages. As highlighted by the figure, the proportion of people who travel to work driving a car or van is lower than regional comparators, but higher than national comparators. A lower proportion of people travel to work by bicycle or on foot than all other comparable areas. In contrast a considerably higher proportion of residents work from home when compared to regional and national averages, and, reflecting the district’s rail links to London, a significantly higher proportion of people travel to work by train.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 9.2: Method of travel to work.

Summary of future baseline

Given high car ownership, the car is likely to remain a dominant form of transport in the district over the coming years. New housing and employment provision also has the potential to increase traffic flows without appropriate locational policies and interventions. As such congestion is likely to continue to be an issue for parts of the district.

Whilst negative effects of new development on the transport network are likely to be mitigated in part by measures outlined in a future Kent Local Transport Plan and the provisions of the Sevenoaks District Strategy for Transport, there will be a continuing need for development to be situated in accessible locations which limit the need to travel by private car.

Given the district’s proximity to London, and good links available locally, travel by rail is likely to continue to be a dominant mode of travel for work purposes. There is potential for the number of people working from home in the district to significantly increase due to modern working patterns and through the provision of high-speed broadband.

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the Transportation SA theme?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 9.1 presents the SA objective and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 9.1: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Transportation

SA objective Appraisal questions

Promote sustainable Will the option/proposal help to… transport use and reduce the need to travel.  Reduce the need to travel through sustainable patterns of land use and development?  Encourage modal shift to more sustainable forms of travel?  Enable transport infrastructure improvements?  Facilitate working from home and remote working?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

10. Economy

Headline sustainability issues: Economy

 Sevenoaks District’s economy is broad-based, with a high representation of knowledge-based businesses.  87% of businesses in the district employ less than ten people, and only 2% employ 50 or more people.  Unemployment rates in the district have been consistently lower than county and national levels.  Average earnings in the district are significantly higher than county and national earnings.  Business survival rates in years one and three are higher than county and national averages, but lower by year five.  The rural economy will continue to play a large part in the economic vitality of the district.  The tourism and visitor economy provides significant opportunities for growth.

Context review

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) include:

 The planning system can make a contribution to building a strong, responsive economy by ‘ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure’.  Capitalise on ‘inherent strengths’, and to meet the ‘twin challenges of global competition and of a low carbon future’.  Support new and emerging business sectors, including positively planning for ‘clusters or networks of knowledge driven, creative or high technology industries’.  Support competitive town centre environments.  Edge of town developments should only be considered where they have good access. This should be followed with an impact assessment to ensure the town centre remains viable in the long term.  Enhance and retain markets is also outlined.  Support the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas and promote the development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses.

Local Plans should:

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Policies should avoid protecting land for employment where there is no reasonable prospect of a site being used for the allocated employment use  Planning policies should support economic growth in rural areas

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is the business-led, public/private body established to drive economic growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock. The LEP is one of 39 partnerships set up by the government to be the key body determining strategic economic priorities while making investments and delivering activities to drive growth and create local jobs.

The LEP published its Strategic Economic Plan in 2014, which subsequently informed the South East Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal from central government. The key themes of the plan are as follows:

 Enhancing Transport Connectivity  Increasing Business Support and Productivity  Raising Local Skill Levels Supporting  Housing and Development

The LEP and central government subsequently agreed to co-invest in the following jointly-agreed priorities from 2015-16:

 33 transport projects across the Local Enterprise Partnership area - to enable major new developments, address existing pinch points and congestion issues, and encouraging increased use of sustainable transport modes;  the development of Growth Hubs; and  a skills capital programme for the South East Local Enterprise Partnership area.

 Aim 1.1: Market Sevenoaks District as a place to invest and grow  Aim 1.2: Encourage viable and vibrant town centres through a range of partnerships  Aim 1.3: Maintain and protect employment land and commercial premises  Aim 1.4: Work with Qinetiq to develop an engineering cluster and training opportunity  Aim 2.1: Work with businesses to identify skills gaps  Aim 2.2: Work with education and skills providers to bring the right skills  Aim 2.3: Our Team around your business – soft landing for new or expanding businesses  Aim 2.4: Single point of access for funding and business support  Aim 3.1: Ensure that the District has broadband, mobile telephone and other 21st Century connectivity  Aim 3.2: Inclusion of Swanley in Transport for London’s travel zone including making it Oyster card ready and making improvements to the rail station  Aim 3.3: Investigate the inclusion of Bat and Ball and Eynsford in Transport for London’s travel zone

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Aim 3.4: Support efforts to improve car parking in the District  Aim 3.5: Support efforts to ease congestion in Sevenoaks and Swanley  Aim 3.6: Ensure areas are sufficiently protected from extreme weather and flooding  Aim 4.1: Ensure that businesses are able to access training and funding opportunities to become more energy efficient  Aim 4.2: Install charge points for electric vehicles in the District  Aim 4.2: Provide energy efficiency workshops and information packs  Aim 6.1: Retain existing employment sites in rural settlements  Aim 6.2: Establish rural sector skills pathways  Aim 6.3: Showcase food produced in Sevenoaks  Aim 7.1: Work with local businesses to market the District as a place to work, live, travel and stay  Aim 7.2: Help facilitate growth in the tourism industry  Aim 7.3: Co-ordinate partnership working to develop longer term destination plans to enhance the District’s offer as a key tourism destination in Kent  Aim 7.4: Support existing accommodation providers and attractions through training and knowledge sharing

The strategy also highlights Swanley, Fort Halstead, New Ash Green village centre, Sevenoaks town centre and Bat & Ball as key ‘places for growth and improvement’.

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

The district’s economy is broad-based; the balance of employment is not skewed by one dominant sector or large employer. 87% of businesses in the district employ less than ten people, and only 2% employ 50 or more people. Dependence on the public sector is low. There is a large ‘knowledge economy’, with some 7,500 jobs in the sector in 2010. A majority of these jobs are in scientific research and development54.

As Figure 10.1 illustrates, economic activity rates in the district are broadly in line with regional averages, and higher than national values.

54 Sevenoaks District (2014) Economic Development Strategy. [Online] Available from: http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/179217/Economic-Development- Strategy.pdf 76

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 10.1: Percentage of residents aged 16-74 economically active

Rates of full time employment in Sevenoaks (38.8%) are lower than regional levels (40.5%) but similar to national levels (38.6%). Rates of part-time employment in Sevenoaks are fractionally higher (14%) than regional (13.8%) and national (13.7%) comparators.

The average unemployment rate in the district has stayed consistently below county and national unemployment averages. In September 2014, unemployment in the district was 0.9%, lower than Kent (1.8%) and the UK (2.2%).55

Business survival rates in the district are higher than county and national averages in the first and third year of business operations. However, they are lower than county and national averages in the fifth year of operations (see Table 10.1).54

Table 10.1: Business survival rates

Year Sevenoaks District Kent UK

Year 1 93% 91% 92%

Year 3 65% 60% 60%

Year 5 42% 43% 44%

Average earnings in the district are significantly higher than the county and national average. Median weekly full-time earnings in the district are £690.70; the county

55 Sevenoaks District (2015) Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership – Strategic Assessment 2015. [Online] Available from: https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/174912/SDC-Strategic-Assessment- Final.pdf 77

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016 median is £610.40, and the national median is £558.80. Median workforce earnings follow a similar pattern (£602 in the district; £542.70 in Kent; and £558.30 across the UK).54

The population of the district is generally well qualified, with 32% of residents aged 16 and above having at least a Level 4 Qualification56, as shown in Figure 10.2. This is higher than the regional (29.9%) and national (27.4%) comparators57. A similar number of people in the district have no qualifications (19.2%) compared to the regional (19.1%) and national (22.5%) average.

Figure 10.2: Highest Level of Qualification58

Figure 10.3 highlights the occupation of working-age residents. Overall, the occupation profile for Sevenoaks District is broadly aligned with regional and national averages, with some notable exceptions. The district has significantly larger proportions of people in ‘manager, director and senior official’ roles, and significantly fewer in ‘elementary occupations’ when compared to regional and national averages.

56 Level 4 and above qualifications cover: Degree (BA, BSc), Higher Degree (MA, PhD, PGCE), NVQ Level 4-5, HNC, HND, RSA Higher Diploma, BTEC Higher Level, Professional Qualifications (Teaching, Nursing, Accountancy). 57 ONS (2011) Census 2011, Qualifications and Students (KS501EW) 58 ONS (2011) Census 2011, Highest Level of Qualification (QS501EW) 78

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Figure 10.3 The occupation of usual residents aged 16 to 74 in employment59

A high proportion of the district’s residents commute to London for work purposes each day.

The rural economy is an important aspect of the Districts Economy and economic activity. The 2011 census indicates that 46% of the District’s employed residents live in rural areas.

Figure 10.4 shows the industry for residents in urban and rural areas of Sevenoaks district. Overall the chart shows that there is a reasonable spread between industries across the areas. It also shows that the construction industry plays a greater role in the rural economy with agriculture, forestry and fishing, accommodation and food, administrative and support services also more prominent in the rural areas of the District.

59 ONS (2011) Occupation 2011 (KS610EW) 79

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Agriculture, forestry and fishing Mining and quarrying Manufacturing Electricity, gas, steam and air… Water supply, sewerage, waste… Construction Wholesale and retail trade; repair of… Transport and storage Accommodation and food service activities Information and communication Financial and insurance activities Real estate activities Professional, scientific and technical… Administrative and support service activities Public administration and defence;… Education Human health and social work activities Arts, entertainment and recreation; other… Activities of households as employers;… Activities of extraterritorial organisations…

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16%

Urban Rural

Figure 10.4 Industry of Urban and Rural Employment in Sevenoaks 201160

Summary of future baseline

The district has a thriving business community and strong foundations in place for future economic growth. The resident workforce is highly skilled. As such the district is likely to continue to have high economic activity rates and relatively low unemployment.

An increasing trend of homeworking, self-employment and home based businesses is likely to have influence on the district’s economic landscape in forthcoming years. Likewise an increasing trend of businesses relocating from London may support the local economy.

The rural economy will continue to play a large part in the economic vitality of the district.

60 Taken from the Sevenoaks and Tunbridge wells Economic Needs Study 2016.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

The district has an important tourism offer and historic and cultural legacy, which provides significant opportunities for the economy.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the Economy SA theme?

Table 0.1 presents the SA objective and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 0.1: SA Framework of objectives and appraisal questions: Economy

SA objective Appraisal questions

Promote the economic Will the option/proposal help to… vitality of Sevenoaks District  Support the economic vitality and viability of the district’s settlements?  Create opportunities for a variety of businesses to flourish in the district?  Enable transport infrastructure improvements?  Support the rural economy?  Support the visitor economy?  Facilitate working from home, remote working and home-based businesses?  Enhance educational opportunities?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

11. Town and Local Centres

Headline sustainability issues: Town and Local Centres

 Vacancy rates are relatively low in Sevenoaks District; however these rates are likely to increase in some centres such as Swanley and Edenbridge if measures to support the viability of these centres are not enacted.  The district is well supported by Local Centres, including Neighbourhood Centres and Village Centres, which are key elements of the vitality of the district.

Context review

Key messages from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) include:

 Support competitive town centre environments.  Edge of town developments should only be considered where they have good access. This should be followed with an impact assessment to ensure the town centre remains viable in the long term.  Enhance and retain markets is also outlined.  The planning system can make a contribution to building a strong, responsive economy by ‘ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure’.  Capitalise on ‘inherent strengths’, and to meet the ‘twin challenges of global competition and of a low carbon future’.

Local Plans should:

 Set out a clear economic vision and strategy for their area which positively and proactively encourages sustainable economic growth  Support existing business sectors  Plan for new or emerging sectors  Flexibility to accommodate needs not anticipated  Identify priority areas for economic regeneration  Policies should avoid protecting land for employment where there is no reasonable prospect of a site being used for the allocated employment use  Planning policies should support economic growth in rural areas

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

 Enhancing Transport Connectivity  Increasing Business Support and Productivity  Raising Local Skill Levels Supporting  Housing and Development

The LEP and central government subsequently agreed to co-invest in the following jointly-agreed priorities from 2015-16:

At a district level the Sevenoaks Economic Development Strategy was adopted in 2014 and sets out the major priorities for economic development in Sevenoaks District over the period 2014- 2017. A key aim of the strategy is to ‘Encourage viable and vibrant town centres through a range of partnerships’. The strategy also highlights Swanley, Fort Halstead, New Ash Green village centre, Sevenoaks town centre and Bat & Ball as key ‘places for growth and improvement’.

Baseline summary

Summary of current baseline

Town Centres

Sevenoaks is the key town centre within Sevenoaks District. The next two largest town centres within the district include Swanley and Edenbridge. The role of these three town centres is discussed below:

 Sevenoaks: Sevenoaks is located in the centre of the District and is considered as the most successful town centre despite competition from other large centres outside the District.

The town centre is built around the High Street which is a designated conservation area. The town centre features a wide range of retail units, including two supermarkets and several cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants. Sevenoaks also includes a range of non-retail uses and facilities including banks, estate agents, salons and office space. The town centre benefited from the completion of the Bligh’s Meadow development in 2007 which has a good range of independent shops, services and multiple stores and the completion of a large Marks and Spencers in 2015.

The Local Data Company reported that Sevenoaks was the best performing medium-sized town centre in the country with a vacancy rate below 5%61. This

61 Local Data Company (2011) ‘The Good, the bad and the (very) ugly’, cited in Property Mall (2011) http://www.propertymall.com/property-news/article/26379- 84

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

claim is supported by further evidence in the Sevenoaks Topic Paper62 which monitored vacancy rates within the proposed primary frontage between 2011 and 2013 and the Authority Monitoring Report since 2014. The vacancy rates for 86 units in the primary frontage are presented in the table below:

Table 11.1: Vacancy rate in Sevenoaks town centre

Spring Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

5 (5.8%) 3 (3.5%) 3 (3.5%) 2 (2.3%) 1 (1%) 3 (3.5%)

The table shows that vacancy rates have been consistently low confirming that the centre is performing well, even during periods of global economic recession.

 Swanley: Swanley is located in the north of Sevenoaks, and is the second largest town in the district. There is a shopping centre which provides a precinct containing several retail units. There are two supermarkets in close proximity to the shopping centre and other A1 shop units. The shopping centre also includes non-retail uses including a bank, doctors’ surgery and pharmacy. Swanley is well served and has services which include a youth and community centre, leisure centre, library, civic centre, schools, railway station and a range of other community facilities and support services63

Swanley is identified by the Council as being in need of regeneration due to high levels of vacancies and a limited range of stores. The Retail Study 2016 reports that the town is only capturing a small proportion of available expenditure (particularly non-food goods from out-of-District locations), and recommends that greater provision of non-food good retail space within the centre needs to be increased if local shoppers are to be brought back into the town. The vacancy rates for 38 units which are reported in the Sevenoaks Topic Paper and the Authority Monitoring Reports are presented in the table below.

Table 11.2: Vacancy rate in Swanley town centre Spring Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 5 (13.2%) 4 (10.5%) 3 (7.9%) 4 (10.5%) 3 (7.9%) 2 (5.3%)

62 Sevenoaks District Council LDF Allocations and Development Management Plan: Town and Local Centres Topic Paper [online] Accessed 28/11/2016 63 Sevenoaks Economic Development Strategy [online] Available at: https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/179217/Economic-Development- Strategy.pdf 85

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

The figures show that vacancy rates have declined since 2011, however due to the small number of units present within the Town Centre these figures are sensitive to change.

 Edenbridge: Edenbridge is located in the south of the district and is based around the High Street which is linear in form. There are a variety of shops and amenities within the High Street which serve the local area and beyond. There are also a number of dwellings within the town which contribute to the mixed- use character of the town centre. The town centre benefits from free parking to the east and west of the High Street. The vacancy rates for 76 units which are reported in the Sevenoaks Topic Paper are presented in the table below. Vacancy rates for 2014 onwards have been taken from the Authority Monitoring Report.

Table 11.3: Vacancy rate in Edenbridge town centre Spring Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

8 (10.5%) 8 (10.5%) 7 (9.2%) 11 (14.5%) 10 (13.2%) 9 (11.8%)

Vacancy rates reported in Edenbridge have remained relatively high compared with Sevenoaks and Swanley town centres. The Council is looking at opportunities to improve the town centre and continue to work closely with the Edenbridge Town Council to produce a neighbourhood plan for Edenbridge Town.

Local Centres

Local Centres comprise a limited range of facilities compared to a Town Centre. There are two types of Local Centres which have been identified: Neighbourhood Centres and Village Centres. These are are described below.

Neighbourhood Centres:

The Allocations and Development Management Plan defines Neighbourhood Centres as local centres within urban areas which provide local shops and services that meet the day-to-day needs of local residents. Centres are designated if they contain five or more A1 units; and they contain a supermarket, convenience store, newsagent, pharmacy or post office. By applying these criteria the following Neighbourhood Centres have been identified.

Table 11.4: Neighbourhood Centres in Sevenoaks District Neighbourhood Centre Description Northern St John’s, Sevenoaks Located on St John’s Hill, this Neighbourhood Centre includes approximately 40 units, incorporating a petrol station, small supermarkets, takeaways, cafes and pubs as well as some A1 uses.

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Southern St John’s, Sevenoaks Located on St John’s Hill, this Neighbourhood Centre includes approximately 14 units which are mainly A1 uses in the form of shops and convenience stores. Tubs Hill and Station Parade, Tubs Hill is a circa 1960’s Parade containing mainly Sevenoaks A1 uses as well as food and drink units. The centre benefits from an adjacent car park. Station Parade is adjacent to Tubbs Hill Parade and includes approximately ten units. It includes A3 takeaways, a hair salon, a convenience store and estate agents. A bus-stop and on street parking are located in front of units. London Road, Dunton Green This contains a Parade of approximately ten units (near Lennard Road) which are mainly A1 uses. The Parade includes a takeaway, a convenience store and a café. The parade benefits from car parking opposite the retail units. Riverhead Centre Retail units on London Road and White Hart Parade include a post office, hairdressers, several retail units plus takeaways and a library. There are two pubs and banks which serve the community. Manse Parade, Swanley This contains a linear row of eight units with residential accommodation above. The Parade benefits from an adjacent car park. It features a newsagent’s, funeral directors, a café and estate agents.

Village Centres:

Village Centres are designated if they contain five or more A1 units or a supermarket and/or convenience store and at least three additional A1 units. The following Village Centres have been identified:

Table 11.5: Village Centres in Sevenoaks District Village Centre Description Kemsing – The Parade The Parade is a linear row of eight units with residential accommodation above. Units include a post office, hairdressers, convenience store, and takeaways. Seal – High Street The High Street is scattered with units, of which many are A1 uses. The area includes a convenience store and a small collection of other retail units. Otford – Bubblestone Parade A linear row of seven units, often there is residential accommodation above the shops. Units include a post office, hairdressers, convenience store, sports shops and estate agents. 87

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Otford – High Street A rural high street containing a collection of boutique style shops dedicated to higher end fashions and furnishings. There are also three pubs and a village hall which serve the community. Brasted – High Street and the A rural high street containing a number of Green dwellings as well as a few boutique style shops. Westerham Town Centre This is a sprawling centre offering a range of uses including hotels, restaurants, pubs and retail units. The units are focussed around the market square but then extend along adjacent streets. Crockenhill – Broadway A parade of shops containing mainly A1 uses. There is a convenience store and post office as well as a takeaway. West Kingsdown – Hever Road A linear row of nine units with residential accommodation above the shops. Uses include mainly A1, there are convenience stores, takeaway, post office and pharmacy. New Ash Green Centre Includes a circa 1960s shopping centre ‘New Ash Green Shopping Centre’ which includes a variety of uses including banks, retail uses and also a pub. There is a large car park adjacent to the shopping centre. Hartley – Cherry Trees This is a circa 1960s precinct containing 6 units within a residential area. The majority of units are A1 uses. Hextable – Upper Main Road On Main Road there are four units including a pharmacy, hairdressers, convenience store and take-away. There is a further Post Office/Convenience store located on the corner of Crossways.

Summary of future baseline

Sevenoaks benefits from a range of Town, Neighbourhood and Village Centres which provide a local resource for the communities that they serve. Vacancy rates are relatively low in the district; however these rates are likely to increase in some areas such as Swanley and Edenbridge if regeneration activities are not supported. The long term impact of online shopping is not yet fully realised, however it may put added pressure on town centres in in the district due to the reduction in footfall and trade.

Changing work patterns, including working and running businesses from home, or from flexible units provide opportunities for enhancing the vitality of centres in the district.

What are the SA objectives and appraisal questions which will be used to assess the Town and Local Centres SA theme?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

Table 11.6 presents the SA objective and appraisal questions that will be used to assess the Local Plan in relation to this SA theme.

Table 11.6: SA objectives and appraisal questions: Town and Local Centres

SA objective Appraisal questions

Promote the vitality of Will the option/proposal help to… Sevenoaks District’s Town, Neighbourhood and Village  Support the vitality and viability of Sevenoaks centres. District’s Town, Neighbourhood and Village Centre?  Support the retail offer of Sevenoaks, Swanley and Edenbridge town centres, including retail markets?  Promote a daytime and night time economy of Sevenoaks, Swanley and Edenbridge town centre?  Preclude the development of out of centre shopping precincts?  Promote the local offer of the district’s six Neighbourhood Centres and eleven Village Centres?

Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015-2035 SA Scoping Report Nov 2016

12. Next steps

Subsequent stages for the SA process

Scoping (the current stage) is the first stage in a five-stage SA process:

 Scoping (NPPG Stage A)  Appraise reasonable alternatives, with a view to informing preparation of the draft plan, and subsequent appraisal of the draft plan (NPPG Stage B)  Prepare the SA Report with a view to informing consultation (NPPG Stage C)  Consultation on the SA Report (NPPG Stage D)  Publish a ‘statement’ at the time of plan adoption in order to ‘tell the story’ of plan-making/SA (and present ‘measures decided concerning monitoring’) (NPPG Stage E)

The next stage will involve appraising reasonable alternatives for the Local Plan. This will consider alternative policy approaches for the district, including alternative spatial strategies. The findings of the appraisal of these alternatives will be fed back to the Local Plan development team so that they might be taken into account when preparing the draft plan.

Once the draft plan has been prepared, it will be subjected to SA and the SA Report prepared for consultation alongside it as part of a Regulation 19 consultation on the draft plan.

Consultation on the Scoping Report

Public involvement through consultation is a key element of the SA process. At this scoping stage, the SEA Regulations require consultation with statutory consultation bodies but not full consultation with the public.

The statutory consultation bodies are the Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England. The Scoping Report has been released to these three statutory consultees.

Consultees are invited to comment on the content of this Scoping Report, in particular the evidence base for the SA, the identified key issues and the proposed SEA Framework.

This consultation period runs from 9th December 2016 until 20th January 2017. Comments on the Scoping Report should be sent to:

[email protected]

All comments received on the Scoping Report will be reviewed and will influence the development of the SA where appropriate.