Meads SPD Sustainability Appraisal

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

Draft [interim] Sustainability Appraisal Report for [the Preferred Option draft of]

The Meads Ecological Park Supplementary Planning Document

May 2012

Formatting Note For the Final SA Report (to accompany the Adopted SPD), the date will be revised and other highlighted text on this front cover will be removed.

Sedgemoor District Council Strategy and Business Services

Project: LDF Document Title: Draft Sustainability Appraisal Report for the Preferred Option draft of The Meads Ecological Park Supplementary Planning Document

Author or Owner: Rob Shuttleworth, Principal Planning Officer Current version and status: Version 1.2: May 2012 Draft (N.B. Final SA Report will need some revision / additional text to cover how recommendations have affected the adopted SPD) Location: S:\Common Files\Sustainability Appraisal\SPD\ Meads Version history, change made, by V 1.1 created by RS on 18 June 2011 who, date: V 1.2 created by RS on 19 June 2011 – SA 17 inserted

Distribution: V1.1 to relevant members of LDF Team (NT/SH/SM) for (a) review and (b) for consideration alongside consultation responses. V1.2 for use in connection with Exec Report

Required Authorisation: Nick Tait, Service Manager - Policy

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

CONTENTS Page

Background 2

SA Process and Format 3

Who carried out the SA and when 3

Summary of Appraisal 3

Table 1 – Appraisal Matrix 5 - 18

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

Background

The proposed development of an Ecological Park on land at The Meads, Bridgwater is a proposal in the adopted Sedgemoor Core Strategy (Policy P1).

The Council is preparing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in order to elaborate on the proposal.

It was a formal requirement that the Core Strategy was subject to Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment) to ensure integration of environmental and sustainability considerations into the decision-making process.

Development proposals at this site and elsewhere will be need to satisfy a range of relevant planning policies set out in the Core Strategy.

Whilst there is no formal requirement that all SPD is subject of Sustainability Appraisal (SA), the Council has concluded that this particular SPD should be subject of SA. A screening / scoping report for various SPD was prepared in January 2011 and in respect of The Meads Ecological Park it was concluded that:

Because Policy P1 covers much more than just the Meads site, the Final SA Report is not as site specific as it might have been and the conclusions summarised above are potentially unreliable. There was no site-specific SA of the Eco Park at Issues and Options stage, but the potential development of adjacent land for residential development was assessed and is recorded at Annex B of the SA Report:  Areas of Search for Housing at Bridgwater - BW1 (Option F) Durleigh - See pages 33 – 58 of Annex B (The specific assessment matrices for the site are at pages 45 – 46) The assessment in Annex B includes reference to the presence of Bats (European Protected Species) in this area: Daubenton's Bats are likely to be using Durleigh stream at the south of the proposed site. This species is adverse to artifical lighting and therefore housing development to the north should have street lighting directed away from the stream and a buffer of planting used on the south side of the development to reinforce this condition. Pipistrelle bats may also be foraging in the area both along the stream and on the site itself. These will feed around street lights but use dark areas to commute. There is a maternity roost on Quantock Road There is some amount of suitable feeding habitat in the area which other species of bats may be using. Site selection should be directed to those fields which are heavily improved as they support less prey species than otherwise. Hedgerows and trees should be retained where possible to provide access routes. Generally Bridgwater area is poorly surveyed for bats compared to other parts of Somerset. Haygrove House may support a colony of one species or another. Site surveys would be needed to determine more detailed mitigation. Further SA required – this should utilise the various earlier SA work as a reference but needs to be a new exercise and use the updated SA Framework. The “Eco Park” and “housing” components should be assessed separately. Whilst the SA should help to shape the proposal in ways which counter

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

negative effects and maximise positive effects, it is anticipated that compliance with relevant Core Strategy Policies should provide the appropriate steer and therefore the SA is likely to be a “light touch” process at this stage. [Compliance with Core Strategy Policies S3, S4, and other relevant policies including D1, D2, D3, D5, D6, D9, D10, D14 – 21 should reach a similar end – draft of SPD should take account of relevant Policies, following which the SA should be able to confirm broadly positive effects]

The Core Strategy SA Report referred to above is available on the Council’s website - http://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5854

Reference above to “Eco Park” and “housing” components being assessed separately reflects an initial expectation that the scope of the SPD would cover not only The Meads but also potential development land south of Durleigh Road; whilst both components were covered in initial consultation carried out in autumn 2011 there has been a subsequent decision to focus the SPD solely on the Eco Park component.

SA Process and Format

SA is an iterative process aimed at testing and improving the performance of proposals against environmental, social and economic objectives. The SA is presented in the form of a table which is the “SA Framework” of 22 Sustainability Objectives and associated questions. The table is the same format as was used for the SA of the Core Strategy but with 2 objectives disregarded as being irrelevant to this scheme.

Who carried out the SA and when

The SA of the SPD was carried out by Council officers. This Draft SA Report covers the Preferred Option (May 2012).

Recommendations will remain to be considered alongside consultation responses when the SPD is finalised after public consultation. The final version of the SA Report will include a record of how SA recommendations have been taken into account.

Summary of Appraisal

This appraisal was carried out when the draft SPD was published for consultation at the Preferred Option stage. [And will be refreshed to cover the final version.]

The Interim SA contains recommendations in respect of 7 of the Environmental Objectives in the SA Framework, and 3 of the Social Objectives but none of the Economic Objectives.

Most of the recommendations relate to gaps / omissions / clarifications, including matters relating to flood and drainage / materials / archaeology, some of which will probably benefit from further feedback from relevant consultees. Recommendations also relate to design detail (materials, crime and culture / environmental art) and layout - including a suggestion that there should be additional hedgerows / ditches to segregate public access areas from other areas of fields which will remain actively farmed (grazing / hay meadow). 3

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

The SA does not record any “major negative” predicted effects and the only “minor negatives” are in instances where the prediction is “negative / neutral”:  SA Objective 6 (To maintain and enhance the quality of landscapes and townscapes) - there is likely to be an unavoidable impact on parts of the site arising from construction works / earthmoving, but this temporary and short-term; and  SA Objective 8 (To protect and enhance the quality of land and soil) – there are impacts on at least some of the existing farmland elements of the site, and these impacts extend into the long-term. SA Recommendations identify some potential mitigation.

An “uncertain” finding is also recorded in two instances, but this does not involve any serious risk of major negative effects:  SA Objective 3 (materials and waste) - SA Recommendations identify some potential mitigation.  SA Objective 7 (historic environment) – the uncertainty is only short-term and there is little that the SPD can be expected to do but some additional text might be helpful.

In the long-term, the SA records “major positive” effects (as should be anticipated with a project of this nature) on:  SA Objective 5 (To maintain and enhance, biodiversity and geodiversity)  SA Objective 6 (To maintain and enhance the quality of landscapes and townscapes). These are the only major positives, but there are also predicted “positives” for both these objectives in the medium-term. There are also “positives” in the medium and long-term for: SA Objective 15 (To protect and improve human health) SA Objective 16 (To improve the quality of where people live).

Final text to be added in due course: “Changes to the SPD were made following consideration of both interim SA recommendations and consultation responses (i.e. the SA is not the sole influence)…”

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012 Table 1 – Appraisal Matrix

Plan: Sedgemoor SPD - The Meads Ecological Park Supplementary Planning Document (Preferred Option, May 2012) Predicted Effects SA Objectives Baseline Information Key + Positive, - Negative, o Neutral, ? Uncertain (++ / - - denotes potential major effect).

SA Objectives shown in (As per Core Strategy SA, with local Explanation of assessment and mitigation / enhancement grey are considered to supplement added in italics where Explanation of assessment, with reference to: appropriate) Likelihood / certainty of effect occurring be not applicable to the policy appraised. Geographical scale of effect / particularly sensitive locations Current environmental, social and economic trends Assumptions made With recommendations for mitigating negative effects and improving positive effects

Short Short Term Medium Term Term Long Environmental Objectives (1 – 10) 1 - Reduce vulnerability to the Sedgemoor District contains extensive areas of Whilst the Eco Park concept does not involve the construction of buildings, features such as effects of climate change. floodplain, both along the coast and the low-lying o o/+ o/+ surfaced paths, boardwalks, seating and play equipment are envisaged and the area’s status (ODPM SEA part of C2) wetlands of the Somerset Levels and Moors. as functional floodplain poses a potentially significant constraint. 1. Will the plan help to minimise the risk of flooding Large parts of the District’s two main urban areas The Eco Park concept includes the creation of a mosaic of wetland habitats. This is expected to people and property from (Bridgwater and Highbridge and Burnham) are in the to involve the excavation of some “scrapes” and ponds and whist most of the remainder would rivers and watercourses coastal floodplain. Almost all the land in the Levels be grazing marsh some tree planting is also envisaged. Such features are compatible with the and on the coast? (Nat 1 and Moors lies at or below the level of high spring continued occasional flooding of the area. and Nat 2) tides. 2. Will the plan ensure new There is a strong desire to achieve cycle route connectivity into the park from the canal. It is development is run-off Target ref: none relating to reducing vulnerability – desirable that this is flood resilient, e.g. raised above flood level (embankment / boardwalk). neutral? only relating to reducing emissions. Such structures in the north-west margins of the site would only slightly impinge on the extent of 3. Will the plan encourage the New target: no applications approved contrary to EA floodplain and would not significantly increase the risk of flooding elsewhere (e.g. embankment use of sustainable drainage advice. could be constructed from material excavated elsewhere on site). Whether the EA would systems where feasible? sanction such structures in the floodplain has not yet been established . 4. Will the plan help us to Most of the land between Durleigh Brook and Hamp cope with hotter, drier Brook, and also the Browne’s Pond area, lies in Flood Introduction of more open water and trees will provide additional natural cooling. The park will summers (shade, Zone 3 (EA Flood Zone map) and more specifically is be an accessible green space. ventilation, ground defined as Flood zone 3b (functional floodplain) in the conditions etc)? Sedgemoor District Strategic Flood Risk Assessment . Recommendation The EA position path construction in the floodplain should be established.

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

2 - To reduce contributions to  The region is becoming warmer and by the It is intended that the Park is accessible on foot / cycle and will also be of a scale and character climate change 2050s average temperatures may be as much o o/+ o/+ that will provide an alternative to some car-based trips to countryside locations further afield. (Nat 17). as 3.5oC warmer in summer; This should have some beneficial effect on fuel use. 5. Will the plan help to reduce  High summer temperatures are becoming more emissions of greenhouse frequent, and very cold winters are becoming Recommendation gases by reducing energy increasingly rare; None consumption?  Winters are becoming wetter (a 5 - 20% 6. Will the plan help to increase is expected by the 2050s), whilst increase the supply and summers are becoming drier (10 - 40% encourage the use of decrease by the 2050s); renewable sources of  Relative sea level continues to rise, and could energy? be as much as 80cm higher by the 2080s; and  Loss of habitats and indigenous species could occur as well as longer growing seasons and increased potential for novel agricultural crops.  Climate changes will bring beneficial as well as detrimental effects to Somerset, e.g. a change in energy demand. 3 - To use materials efficiently Households produce about 50% of the waste At construction and operational stages the use of materials is likely to be relatively limited and and minimise waste, then re- produced in Sedgemoor, in 2004/5 an average of ? ? ? availability of locally-sourced material is uncertain. use or recover it through 0.955 tonnes per household was collected, of which There is good potential for the educational aspect of the Eco Park to promote waste recycling, composting or about 15% was recycled and composted (these minimisation, composting and other “green-living” issues. energy recovery. figures do not include home composting). The Sculpture / other art-based projects could focus on use of local / reclaimed materials. (Variant of ODPM SEA WS4) Somerset Municipal Waste Strategy aims for 60% 7. Will the plan encourage the recycling and composting by 2014. Extended kerbside use of locally-sourced recycling and a new kerbside composting collection Recommendation materials? service have recently been rolled out across The SPD should include reference to the opportunities for encouraging: 8. Will the plan encourage the Sedgemoor.  use of locally-sourced materials reuse and recycling of  reuse and recycling of materials materials?  wise use of natural resources 9. Will the plan help to in path and other construction works / sculpture and other art-based projects / through an minimise the use of natural educational role (waste minimisation / composting / green living). resources? 4 - To provide for and maintain Water supply could become stressed both from Eco Park proposals will not (cannot) fundamentally change the water flow system, but the sustainable sources of water increasing demand (from existing users and / or new o o/+ o/+ proposed creation of additional wetland areas (some of which will be seasonal) and ponds will supply (Variant of Nat 19). development) and from climate change (drier represent a positive benefit for nature conservation. 10. Will the plan encourage the summers are predicted which may mean not only less reduction of water rainfall but also greater losses from evaporation). There is good potential for the educational aspect of the Eco Park to promote wise use of water. consumption? (Nat 1) 11. Will the plan help to There are problems in the Cannington Brook Recommendation maintain water flows in management unit – water is removed from river flow It would be of advantage to public access to the Park if flood waters are managed in ways that local watercourses and and stored in the Ashford and Hawkridge reservoirs, do not totally inundate the area. The cutting of some additional ditches to help segregate public wetlands? leaving catchment streams “over abstracted” at low access is suggested elsewhere and may also help in respect of directing water flow - the flows (Parrett CAMS, Environment Agency, 2006). support of Environment Agency and Drainage Board needs to be established, but subject to There are also constraints in the Cheddar Yeo that, the SPD should include reference to new ditches. management unit where there is a large public water supply abstraction to Cheddar reservoir and “no water available” at low flows (Brue, Axe and North Somerset 6

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

Streams CAMS, Environment Agency, 2006).

Demand may be reduced through some measures as metering, grey-water recycling and rainwater harvesting.

English Nature (now Natural England) have commented that maintaining water supply of suitable quality and quantity is particularly important on sites such as the internationally important Somerset Levels and Moors as this is vital to achieving and maintaining favourable condition.

Water flows into The Meads area are significantly affected by: a) the presence of Durleigh Reservoir upstream of Durleigh Brook, and b) the courses of Durleigh Brook and Hamp Brook being directed as leats (above the valley floor). These interventions are in addition to the managed land drainage system operated in the floor of the valley. Waterlogged conditions occur in the fields in periods of wet weather, particularly in the winter and deeper flooding occurs particularly when the Durleigh Reservoir is full to capacity and surplus water is released from the sluice in Durleigh Brook.

Durleigh Reservoir receives water not only from its natural catchment but also pumped in from the canal.

5 - To maintain and enhance, Sedgemoor District contains parts of several sites that Enhancing biodiversity is a key objective of The Meads Eco Park project. biodiversity and geodiversity are of European Importance for nature conservation, o + ++ (Variant of Nat 14). either as The Meads Eco Park proposal will be a positive addition to the “accessible natural greenspace” 12. Will the plan help to • Special Protection Area (SPA); or available to Bridgwater residents and therefore helps to offset HRA concerns relating to conserve and enhance • Special Area of Conservation (SAC) potential recreational pressures arising from local population growth. (Core Strategy Habitat species diversity and in These include wetland sites (Severn Estuary and Regulations Assessment). particular avoid harm to parts of the Somerset Levels and Moors) that are also protected species? designated under the Ramsar Convention (i.e. have The Meads area currently hosts 2 County Wildlife Sites (Browne’s Pond and aquatic habitats at 13. Will the plan help to international importance). Witches Walk). maintain and enhance sites designated for their nature Some of these sites (Levels and Moors / land adjacent The area has excellent potential for creation of a more diverse mosaic of wetland habitats; the conservation interest to the Bridgwater Bay and Parrett estuary) are drained scoring recognises that this will take some time to mature. (including sites of wetlands where farming practices and water level international importance)? management have been regarded as key to their Following some initial concern that existing ecological survey material for the area (dating from 14. Will the plan help to continuing nature conservation value. However, if 2004) was unreliable as a baseline, there has been further survey work undertaken by SDC / maintain and enhance the regard is made to the wider context of climate change SCC / SWT ecologists. wildlife value of rural and and rising sea levels there is a likelihood that in the 7

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

urban environments long-term a wetland environment of nature (hedgerows and other conservation value will be sustained through Recommendations wildlife corridors)? (SDC) adaptation across a wider area of the Levels and 1. The SPD should be clear that the development of more specific proposals need to be 15. Will the plan help to Moors rather than rigid defence of the currently informed by existing / additional ecological survey work. The survey work should be reported encourage habitat creation / designated areas. There is a need to focus on local in a manner which will identify what further action in respect of habitats / species may be restoration? and landscape scale habitat creation and sustainable necessary when detailed proposals are prepared / a planning application is submitted, i.e. this wetland management to help buffer and expand on should the existing designated sites.  Identify any specific features/areas of habitat to be retained and  Include recommendations on enhancement, mitigation and management. In addition, Sedgemoor District hosts numerous sites of national and county importance. The wider 2. The following should be added to the documents referenced in Section 2 (Policy Context): countryside is also significant for biodiversity (species  South West Nature Map and habitats).  Sedgemoor Green Infrastructure Strategy (2011) (both are referenced in the Core Strategy but should be also recorded here). County-wide Habitat Action Plans and Species Action Plans exist for: • Ditches & Ponds (focusing on rare plants and [N.B. the HRA conclusion in the SPD Scoping Report, when this SPD was also expected to invertebrates); include housing land was “The SPD should be clear that proposals need to be informed by • Gardens & Urban Greenspace; ecological impact assessment and to include appropriate mitigation (particularly in respect of • Hedgerows & Hedgerow Trees; housing / other construction) and enhancement.” The draft SPD includes content relating to • Roadside Verges & Green Lanes; “Area 7 – A green edge to broad location for residential development” so that the relationship • Traditional Orchards; between this area and the wider Meads is clearly illustrated; the detailed proposals for this area • Water & Wetlands; will come forward as part of the planning applications for residential development and be • Wood Pasture, Parkland & Veteran Trees; informed as required by the ecological impact assessment]. • Bats; • Lapwing; and • Otter. Final SA can pick additional pointers from Technical Workshop Sedgemoor specific Habitat Action Plans exist for: • Coastal & Marine; • Calcareous & Neutral Grassland; • Heathlands; and • Woodland.

Browne’s Pond and the ditches / associated land through the centre of The Meads (Witches Walk etc) are designated County Wildlife Sites, as is the nearby Durleigh Reservoir.

An ecological survey of the Meads was reported by SERC in 2004 but this is now potentially out of date and additional survey work has been / will be undertaken by SDC / SCC / SWT. 6 - To maintain and enhance  Sedgemoor District contains parts of two Areas The project involves the use of land which is mainly pasture. Creation of a more varied range the quality of landscapes and of Outstanding Natural Beauty (national o/- + ++ of wetland habitats could involve some earthmoving which would be a negative impact at townscapes designation). construction stage but this will soon pass. (Nat 15)  The District’s coast and countryside are 1. Will the plan help to important assets underpinning the local tourism The existing landscape is fairly typical of a Somerset Levels and Moors pastoral scene; the 8

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

reduce the amount of industry. proposal will introduce other wetland habitats that are also found in the Somerset Levels and derelict, degraded and  The Somerset Levels and Moors are regarded Moors, and whilst this is a change it should be regarded as an enhancement of landscape underused land (and by many people as being a particularly character. buildings)? distinctive landscape, and parts were designated 2. Will the plan help to as an “Environmentally Sensitive Area” (but ESA The introduction of additional wetland features will add to landscape interest; there would be make a positive funding was replaced by the generic some risk that tree planting could obscure long distance views to the Quantock Hills. Previous contribution to Environmental Stewardship Scheme in 2005). documentation has included plans with a clear indication that long views from the canal need to townscape character  Landscape character of the whole District has be taken into account, and whilst this is not compromised by the illustrative proposals in the and local been recorded in a Landscape Assessment draft SPD it would be helpful if the document included text / graphic reference to such strategic distinctiveness/sense document (SDC 2003). considerations so that these are a clear influence on detailed proposals. of place? 3. Will it create places, The Meads area brings countryside close in to the spaces and buildings centre of Bridgwater and was designated as a “Green that work well, wear Wedge” in the Local Plan. The area exhibits many of Recommendation well and look well? the characteristics of the Somerset Levels and Moors. The document should include text / graphic reference to strategic considerations such as the 4. Will the plan help to long-distance views from the canal towards the Quantock Hills so that these are recognised as maintain and enhance The Quantock Hills form the backdrop to views a clear influence on detailed proposals. the landscape westwards from the site, including from the canal. character and quality? 5. Will the plan help to respect the qualities of designated AONB?

7 - To conserve and enhance The District contains over 1,100 listed buildings, 14 Whilst there are no known archaeological sites within the main body of the proposed Eco Park the historic environment Conservation Areas, a battlefield site and numerous ? o/+ o/+ site, any significant digging to create ponds or ditches presents a possible threat / opportunity in (Variant of Nat 16). archaeological sites including 51 Ancient Monuments. respect of unknown archaeology. The draft SPD incudes reference at 4.5 to the need for 6. Will the plan help to In addition to such recognised heritage sites the archaeological assessment in this regard and at 4.6 there are pointers towards potential protect and enhance District’s buildings constitute material assets. heritage projects. SCC heritage staff has been involved in the Technical Workshops. sites, features and The “uncertain” score in the short term is a reflection of the current lack of certainty as to areas of historical, (Refer to baseline maps for historic assets) unknown archaeology, but there is clear recognition of this issue and in the medium / long term archaeological and the project provides opportunity for local heritage information / interpretation to be included. cultural value in both There are no known archaeological sites within the urban and rural areas? main body of the proposed Eco Park site, but there a Recommendation number adjacent or nearby. Somerset Historic Subject to any alternative response from SCC heritage staff, it would be helpful to specify that Environment Record shows the following references: the need for archaeological assessment referenced at 4.5 is specifically in respect of confirming  43826 – Bridgwater and Taunton Canal the acceptability of sites identified for excavation.  12435 – Franciscan Friary and later mansion (site of, between St Matthews Field and Broadway)  28302 – Medieval hamlet of Haygrove  30264 – Late Neolithic or bronze age pit, east of Haygrove Manor  30265 – Iron age / Roman enclosure and occupation, east of Haygrove Manor

If the Park were extended to Enmore Road this would also be in the vicinity of  35989 – Old road, Durleigh 9

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

 17975 – Sheepwash, east of Durleigh Bridge  12799 – Shrunken village, Durleigh

The Northfield Conservation Area is immediately north of St Matthews Field. 8 - To protect and enhance the  Agriculture is the predominant land-use in rural The project affects a substantial area of land, most of which is currently in agricultural use (the quality of land and soil Sedgemoor. 18.8% is Grade 1 or 2 in the o/- o/- o/- exceptions being land which is already public open space / allotments). The floodplain areas (Variant of Nat 21). Agricultural Land Classification. which comprise the major part of the Meads are grazing land classified as Grade 3b or 4 (i.e. 7. Will the plan help to  Soils in the Levels and Moors area not “best and most versatile”), improving to 3a west of Haygrove Lane. One field has already minimise or avoid the (approximately 60% of the District) are mainly reverted to a reedy environment. loss of best and most clay or peat, both of which have also been The introduction of new areas of wetland habitat will take some land out of agricultural versatile agricultural extracted as a mineral resource in some production but much is proposed to remain as grazing land. The areas where the most change land? (SDC) localities. is proposed are mainly Grade 3b. 8. Will the plan help to  There is relatively little derelict land. Two fields at Rhode Lane which are identified as the potential site for a local park / play area / protect soils?  There are 450 potentially contaminated sites, allotments (page 25) are Grades 2 and 3a, but there is clearly a logical and justifiable location 9. Will the plan help to mainly in urban locations. Since 2006 a number for this. reduce areas of of these sites have subsequently been Many of the fields in the area already experience a degree of trespass which can cause contaminated land or redeveloped and contamination remediated problems for farmers. avoid contaminating through the planning process, particularly at land? (SDC) Bridgwater and Highbridge. To the extent that some farmland will be lost to recreation / habitat / access there is a negative impact, but this is generally not on the best quality land. There is Grade 2 and 3a land south of Durleigh Road, including within “Area 7” and also at Hamp and There is potential for the project to improve overall site management and reduce problems of towards Durleigh (parts of Area 8). None of the land trespass, but this would be assisted if there were a greater degree of segregation of access in Areas 1-6 is classified as BMV; Areas 1, 3 and 5 routes than is currently shown around the fields in Areas 2 and 6. are non-agricultural. Recommendation Illustrative material for Areas 2 and 6 should give more attention to creating a layout which introduces additional hedgerows / ditches to segregate public access areas from other areas of fields which will remain actively farmed (grazing / hay meadow). Whilst not preventing the loss of some agricultural land, this would ensure that the potential productivity of remaining farmland is more secure.

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

9 - To protect and improve air Air quality in Sedgemoor currently meets government Whilst proposed primarily for biodiversity reasons, tree planting in the area will have carbon quality objectives. o o/+ o/+ capture benefits. The inclusion of a strategic cycle route has the potential to reduce car-based (Variant of Nat 13). travel and therefore traffic emissions (journey to work / school / leisure use). 10. Will the plan help to Historically levels of walking and cycling to work in reduce the incidence Sedgemoor have been relatively good, particularly in Recommendation of airborne pollutants? Bridgwater, but there are various threats to these None (SDC) patterns (perceived increased danger to cycling on 11. Will the plan help to busier roads, increased car ownership, relocation of encourage the employment sites etc). planting of vegetation, Access between villages and towns via public particularly trees, in transport is often very limited or non-existent. Those compensation for without access to a car need to use taxis / community carbon dioxide transport or get help from friends / relatives. emissions and other airborne pollutants? (SDC) 12. Will the plan help to avoid the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)? (SDC) 10 - To protect and improve River water quality is generally good and would not Whilst the proposal includes the creation of new ponds, and possibly additional ditches no water quality normally be adversely affected if development is o o o significant effect on water quality is anticipated. (Variant of Nat 12). connected by mains drainage to a treatment works of 13. Will the plan help to adequate capacity. Some rural parts of the District Recommendation improve the quality of are not served by mains drainage. A precautionary None inland water? (Nat 1) approach to the location of potentially polluting 14. Will the plan help to development will be appropriate – this may need to be improve the quality of covered in the LDF Core Strategy, but is most likely to coastal waters? (Nat be relevant at a more site specific scale (site 2) allocations and development control policies). 15. Will the plan help to protect the quality of Groundwater source protection areas and aquifers ground water? (SDC) have been identified by the Environment Agency.

The Meads area includes a network of watercourses, including drainage ditches and much of the area overlies a “minor aquifer”. Social Objectives (11 – 19) 11 - To provide everybody Housing Tenure - 87.44% privately owned, 9.05% with the opportunity to live in local authority, 3.51% registered social landlord. a decent home (Nat 4) Housing Quality - The Sedgemoor Housing Strategy 16. Will the plan help to 2004-07 outlines that in the private sector housing increase the range market 4.5% of properties in Sedgemoor are and affordability of considered to be unfit, with a further 8.1% considered housing for all social to be in a poor state of repair. Of 4,231 Council owned groups? (Nat 2) properties it is estimated that 41% currently do not 11

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

17. Will the plan help to meet the Decent Homes Standards and a further 45% reduce will fail if remedial action is not taken between now homelessness? (Nat and 2010. 1) 18. Will the plan help to House Price to Income Ratio - Since 1999 house improve the quality of prices in Sedgemoor have risen on average by 63.3%. existing homes and Average weekly gross full-time wages by residence in reduce the number of Sedgemoor stood at £400.10 in 2009 (NOMIS Annual unfit homes? (Nat 3 survey of Hours and Earnings) that equates to an and South West average gross annual income £20,805. The Average Regional Housing House price for the District at £159,036 in the first Strategy 2005-2016) quarter of 2009 (Land Registry). 19. Will the plan help to ensure the housing Bridgwater has a higher proportion of lower priced needs of the housing than Burnham & Highbridge and Cheddar. community are met locally? (MD) Average household size in Sedgemoor at 2.34 persons is smaller than the national average of 2.36 and is likely to become smaller still with the increasing proportion of the population in the higher age groups (Somerset Housing Market Assessment).

In terms of barriers to services and housing, much of rural Sedgemoor is ranked as being in the worst 20% of all areas in England and there are 8 LSOAs in the bottom 10% in the country with the greatest challenges in this regard being found in Wedmore and Mark which is the 577th worst (out of over 32,000) LSOAs nationally.

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

12 - To reduce poverty and Bridgwater is one of the most disadvantaged areas in The project is not one which involves a significant number of job opportunities at construction or social exclusion Somerset, with nine out of the ten worst LSOAs in o o/+ o/+ operational phases so no significant effect on incomes is expected, but to the extent that the (Variant of Nat 1). Sedgemoor across all domains located in the town. In project includes potential for volunteer activity there may be some social benefits. 20. Will the plan help to relative terms deprivation levels are low when reduce poverty and compared to other urban centres in the South West, Recommendation social exclusion in although significant in local terms (2007 IMD); None. those areas most affected? (Nat 1) Other locations with high levels of deprivation are Burnham and Highbridge;

Bridgwater Hamp and Sydenham LSOAs perform particularly poorly in relation to education, skills and training with one LSOA being the 114th worst in England and 9 wards across Sedgemoor being in the worst 10%. There is a particular need to focus on improving skills levels to allow residents to access employment opportunities. The three LSOAs in Bridgwater Sydenham rank very poorly across a wide range of domains, particularly in relation to income and skills levels;

On key indicators of quality of life (crime, environment, and health), Sedgemoor performs reasonably strongly, having some pockets of deprivation. This high perception of quality of life in the District is a major “selling point” to build on that will drive sustainable economic growth. 13 - To reduce anti-social Almost all residents surveyed say that they feel fairly As with any publicly accessible area, there may be some risk of abuse. The presence of people activity, crime and manage the safe or very safe outside during the day and o o o in the area and the natural surveillance provided by adjacent properties overlooking the area fear of crime approximately 73% say that they feel fairly safe or should suppress actual / fear of crime but the need for wardening / policing will need to be (Variant of Nat 5). very safe outside after dark (2006/07). responsive to future circumstances. 21. Will the plan help to reduce actual levels of Wards within urban areas fair worst than rural wards Improvements to pedestrian and cycle accessibility, including provision for wheelchair users will crime? (Nat 1) with regards to the key crime indicators; criminal need to incorporate measures to prevent unauthorised motor cycle / vehicle access. 22. Will the plan help to damage, cases of domestic violence and youth manage the fear of offending team referrals, with those in Bridgwater Recommendation crime? (Nat 2) appearing particularly frequently (namely Victoria, Add specific reference to the need for access points to incorporate measures designed to 23. Will the plan help to Sydenham and Hamp). prevent unauthorised motor cycle / vehicle access. reduce anti-social activity? (SDC) Fields in the area are already subject of some trespass and there has been some anti-social behaviour at Browne’s Pond 14 - Improve opportunities and Total population grew by 18% in the 20 years 1982- The project is not one which involves a significant number of job opportunities at construction or access to jobs 2002, a much faster rate than UK average (5.9%) or o o/+ o/+ operational phases. 24. Will the plan help to SW region average (12.6%). The growth is largely The inclusion of a strategic cycle route which links to the canal path has the potential to assist reduce overall the result of net in-migration. Mid Year Estimates access to the town centre and other parts of town. unemployment and 2004-2008 estimate that the population of the District provide job has grown by another 3.4% during this period. Recommendation 13

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

opportunities for those (None) most in need? (Nat 1 Although population has increased across the District, & 3) population estimates indicate that there appears to 25. Will the plan help to have been a slight shift in the proportions of people increase the diversity living in urban and villages/hamlets or isolated of employers? (SDC) settlements since 2001 – a slightly lower proportion of 26. Will the plan help to the District’s population now live in the urban increase the settlements (49.5% compared to 54.0% in 2001) and accessibility of key a slightly higher proportion of the District’s population employment sites by now live in villages/hamlets or isolated settlements public transport, (39.5% compared to 28.6% in 2001). walking and cycling? (SDC) A noticeable change in the age profile between 1991 and 2001 is a decline in the 16-19 and 20-29 age groups (down from 5.3% to 4.6% and 13% to 9.1% respectively), with the total number 16-30 falling by 3,639. Under-16’s continue to make up just under 20% and over-60’s almost 25% of total population. Over 75’s increased from 8.3 to 9.2%.

15.3% of households are lone pensioners. 15 - To protect and improve Life expectancy at birth (male 78.8, female 82.9) is The provision of a major area of accessible natural greenspace will have multiple benefits for human health similar to regional figures. Axbridge has the highest o + + the health of local residents in terms of physical activity, relaxation and contact with nature. (Variant of Nat 2 / ODPM SEA mortality rate per 100,000 population from all causes Some local residents already enjoy some of these benefits but the proposal extends access and P1). (1,061.5), followed by Bridgwater Hamp (743.9). The the range of activities and quality of experience. 27. Will the plan help to main cause for mortality in the District is circulatory improve access to disease. Recommendation high quality health (None) facilities? (Nat 2) 18.9% of the population have a limiting long-term 28. Will the plan help to illness, health problem or disability which limits their reduce health daily activities. inequalities? (Nat 4) 29. Will the plan help to Hospitals at Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea provide encourage walking limited services and Sedgemoor residents are and cycling? generally referred to hospitals at Taunton and Weston-super-Mare.

16 - To improve the quality of High percentages of residents appear to have felt that The proposals will undoubtedly help to improve the quantity, quality, accessibility and amenity where people live activities for teenagers, facilities for young children, o + + value of public open space. The core of the area will be farmland / nature conservation areas, (Nat 8). parks and open spaces, and sport and leisure facilities with existing and proposed areas of more accessible public open spaces at the peripheries. 30. Will it improve the had got better or stayed the same in the three years The overall assemblage is intended to provide a high quality park serving not only the satisfaction of people 2001-2004. immediate neighbourhoods but the town as a whole, with facilities meeting a range of informal with their recreational needs across all ages and abilities. neighbourhoods as 46% % of the population are reported to be within 20 places to live? minutes of a range of 3 different sports facility types – Recommendation 31. Will the plan help to this compares well with a national average of 21%. The recommendation set out at SA Objective 8 concerning illustrative material for Areas 2 and 6 improve the quantity, (additional hedgerows / ditches to segregate public access areas from other areas of fields quality, accessibility There is a wide range of neighbourhoods / which will remain actively farmed) is also relevant here and can be extended to ensure that 14

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

and/or amenity value settlements / communities in the district. there is an appropriate focus on ensuring that the zone which is most accessible from the canal of public open space? and St Matthew’s Field is recognised as the area in which the features of the Eco Park are The district’s towns and Cheddar have a range of showcased (samples of habitat – pond, woodland, wildflower meadow – and information about town centre / local shops and supermarkets, schools where to find more / what to look out for; play features; fitness features; art features; information (primary and secondary), doctor’s surgeries / medical points). centres and dentists. Most are potentially accessible on foot but many who are able to do so actually travel by car.

Several of the district’s larger villages have most of the above (but lack secondary schools / supermarkets).

Facilities in smaller villages are more variable (e.g. primary school and / or shop) and many have none. The number of parishes without a Post Office or convenience store has increased since 2006. 17 - To minimise vibration, The District’s countryside is vulnerable to being The project involves very limited construction work and relatively low-key activities which are noise and light pollution adversely affected by urban development. The impact o o o not predicted to result in significant vibration / noise / light pollution effects. (Variant of RSS SSA 6.5). of noise and light pollution has also reduced the 32. Will the plan help to extent of “tranquil areas” in the countryside. Recommendation avoid light pollution, (None) particularly in sensitive 57.4% of people are satisfied with the service areas? Sedgemoor District Council provides in terms of 33. Will the plan help to keeping public land clear of litter and refuse avoid an increase in (Sedgemoor Place Survey, 2008) noise and vibration levels?

18 - Give everyone access to The number of parishes without a primary or first The proximity to local primary, secondary and special needs schools means that the Meads Eco learning, training, skills and school has also increased over the same period. o o/+ o/+ Park has good potential to serve as an educational resource. Potential involvement of knowledge Bridgwater College and also the wider community in respect of not only an educational role but (RSS SSA 2.2, alternative to Nat 80.8% of Sedgemoor’s working population have at also learning skills and knowledge through volunteer projects is also identified. (Paragraphs 3.5 3). least a basic (NVQ1 or equivalent GCSE) qualification – 3.11 refer) 34. Will the plan help to – this is slightly lower than regional (83.8%) but higher improve the quality that national (78.9%) averages – but relatively lower Recommendation and/or accessibility of percentages at higher qualifications. 24.8% have (None) schools, colleges and NVQ4 (degree) and above, compared with regional libraries? (SDC/Reg) 28.3% and national 29%. The figure for Sedgemoor has improved by 6% since 2004.

Issues relating to low levels of Higher Education entry are concentrated within Bridgwater as seem to be high levels of those not staying in education beyond 16 (although Berrow, Highbridge and Burnham South also appear here).

The three Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in 15

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

Bridgwater Sydenham rank very poorly with regards to income and skills levels in the 2007 IMD. 19 - Increase access to and High percentages of residents appear to have felt that The project area included St Matthew’s Field, which is already the town’s major “event field” encourage participation in activities for teenagers, facilities for young children, o o/+ o/+ (annual fair, fireworks). Para 5.5 references potential for other events and in this context the cultural activities parks and open spaces, and sport and leisure facilities proximity of the YMCA may also be relevant. (Variant of RSS SSA 2.5). had got better or stayed the same in the three years Green Gym facilities are mentioned (Area 2, 5, 7 and 8) and the possibility of informal pitches is 35. Will the plan help to 2001-2004. mentioned at Area 4 but there are no formal sports pitches proposed. safeguard, create or There is reference at 5.4 to environmental artwork and public art displays as things that could improve facilities and Bridgwater has in the past had the benefit of sports be developed in the long term – this rather overlooks the potential for artistic creativity to be an spaces which support and social facilities provided by major employers influence on design of features from the outset (e.g. seating, gates, signs and play equipment). cultural, sporting, (Wellworthy, Hinkley Point, British Cellophane) but two leisure activities such of these closed many years ago. Recommendation as performing and Opportunities for creative design and environmental artwork from the outset of the project visual arts, museums, should be given more emphasis (text and illustrations). sports facilities and places of worship? (SDC) 36. Will the plan help to improve access to facilities and spaces, which support cultural, sporting, leisure activities? (SDC)

Economic Objectives (20 – 22) 20 - To encourage a diverse, In line with national trends, employment in agriculture This project is not directly serving economic development, but it does form part of the long-term robust and thriving economy and manufacturing has been declining and service o o o/+ transformational vision for the town (Bridgwater Vision / Sedgemoor Co re Strategy, as (Alternative to Nat 22). sector employment increasing. The extent of referenced at pages 2 & 3) and its delivery is therefore part of the strategy of enhancing the 37. Will the plan help to commuting has also increased. Service sector image of the area. encourage and employment is to some degree directly related to the accommodate both size of local population (retail, healthcare, professions Recommendation indigenous and inward etc.). Tourism is also significant in the District. This (None) investment? (Nat Obj situation is unlikely to be static. 24) 38. Will the plan help to Geographically, the rural areas of Sedgemoor (i.e. enhance the image of anywhere outside Bridgwater and the area as a business Burnham/Highbridge) are the most economically and tourism location? vulnerable. Low productivity and wages (especially in (adapted from Nat Obj the tourism sector), concentration of economic activity 26) in declining sectors, a limited range of employers and 39. Will the plan help to poor accessibility are key issues. The long-term improve the resilience decline in agriculture also has significant implications of business and the for the district’s land-based economy, as farm economy? (SDC) businesses increasingly need to develop multiple 40. Will the plan help to income streams to survive and a diversification of the promote sustainable rural economy is needed to offset the changes in 16

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

leisure and tourism? agriculture (Sedgemoor District Council, 2010). (SDC) 41. Will the plan help to  Average (median) gross weekly earnings for make land and workers in Sedgemoor (£400.10) were lower than property available for regional (£453.80) and national (£490.20) business averages in 2009. development? (Nat  Earnings by residence in Sedgemoor in 2009 obj 24, Q3) (£458.00) were also slightly lower than the South 42. Will the plan help to West regional (£460.10) and national (£491.00) encourage rural averages. There has been an increase of £40.90 diversification? (Nat in earnings by residence and an increase of obj 23, Q2) £34.20 in gross weekly earnings for workers in 43. Will the plan help to Sedgemoor since 2005. support the  In 2009 74% (52,000) of Sedgemoor’s working local/regional food age population were in employment – this was industry? (Food 2030, slightly lower than regional averages (77.3%) but DEFRA, 2010) higher than national averages (73.3%) – and unemployment, defined as economically inactive persons who want to work, was lower than national averages at 5.3% (3,500) but has been consistently higher than the regional average for the past 3 years. Since 2005, unemployment has increased by 1% which is in line with national trends following the ‘credit crunch’.

Higher rates of unemployment have been recorded for Victoria, Hamp and Sydenham wards in Bridgwater. Manufacturing, construction and transport account for a higher proportion of employment in Sedgemoor than regional averages and with regards to the national averages in manufacturing and transport.

21 - Promote vitality and Sedgemoor was largely successful in securing viability of town and local developments within or close to the established town centres centres of Bridgwater and Burnham & Highbridge, 44. Will the plan help to rather than out of town developments, but this has not maintain or increase prevented the decline of some shopping streets. the diversity of uses in Rural centres and villages have also suffered the town, local and rural closure of some banks, post offices and shops – since centres? (SDC) 2006, 7 additional parishes in the District now have no 45. Will the plan improve Post Office or convenience shop. Retail facilities in access to local shops? the District also face competition from higher-order 46. Will the plan maintain centres at Taunton, Exeter, Weston-super-Mare, the retail function Bristol / Cribbs Causeway and the factory outlet centre within town centres at Street. and the provision of complimentary uses?

Draft SA Report for The Meads Ecological Park SPD, May 2012

22 - To reduce the effect of Overall road traffic in Somerset increased 33% in the This project is not primarily concerned with traffic matters, but the inclusion of cycle routes / congestion 10 years 1993-2003, including large rises on the M5 o o/+ o/+ multi-user paths is intended to improve opportunities for non-car travel not only for recreational (Alternative to Nat 11). and the A roads. Road traffic is forecast to continue access but also for journeys to school / work / town centre. increasing. 47. Will the plan help to Recommendation facilitate efficiency in Most congestion experienced within Sedgemoor (None) freight distribution? occurs in Bridgwater. Morning and evening queues on (Nat Obj 25) the A38 near M5 junction 24 are not uncommon. 48. Will the plan help to Delays are an inconvenience for the motorist and reduce the constitute additional cost to business. Additional need/desire to travel development has the potential to add to congestion by car? (Reg. 4.1) unless a package of sustainable transport alternatives 49. Will the plan help to is provided and used. reduce traffic volumes and avoid exacerbating congestion? (adapted from Nat 11.1) 50. Will the plan help to reduce the effect of heavy goods traffic on people and the environment? (Nat 11.3) 51. Will the plan help to increase the proportion of journeys using modes other than the car? (Nat 11.4)

Summary of appraisal

This appraisal was carried out when the draft SPD was published for consultation at the Preferred Option stage.

The SA contains recommendations in respect of 7 of the Environmental Objectives in the SA Framework, and 3 of the Social Objectives but none of the Economic Objectives.