Sustainability Appraisal of the Revised Growth Options

Doncaster Local Plan

Sustainability Appraisal of Doncaster’s Growth Options

March 2016

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Introduction and background

We are preparing a sustainability appraisal to inform the preparation of the Doncaster Local Plan. Sustainability appraisal is a tool designed to measure the possible effects of the Local Plan and ensure that its policies and proposals are aligned with other relevant plans and programmes, reflect the needs and priorities of the borough and accord with sound planning principles, such as good design, historic conservation, economic prosperity, carbon reduction, transport accessibility and mixed and balanced communities. This will, in turn, help us to make informed decisions about how the borough should grow and develop in the future.

We have developed a set of detailed criteria to assess and monitor the performance of the Local Plan, with input from a range of stakeholders, such as Planning Advisory Service, Environment Agency, Natural England and Heritage England. Further information about the scope and content of the appraisal can be found from our website at www.doncaster.gov.uk/ldf.

This report updates and expands upon the previous work (which focused on the options on how growth should be accommodated in the borough) to reflect the views of consultees and take account of new evidence.

Re-appraisal of the growth options

This report provides a re-appraisal of the growth options (see below) which we previously consulted you on in the summer of 2015. However, it focusses only on those options that are considered to be realistic and credible.

Option 1: the Core Strategy approach (business-as-usual). This option maintains the current strategy contained within the Core Strategy (the business-as-usual scenario).

Option 2: Doncaster main town focus. This is based on higher levels of growth in the main urban area of Doncaster and main towns (e.g. Armthorpe, Mexborough and Thorne) with reductions in surrounding areas.

Option 3: Greater dispersal. This option distributes growth across a wider range of settlements such as smaller market towns and free-standing villages.

New targets and evidence

Since the previous appraisal, new evidence has been published on future housing and job requirements.

Over the next 15 years, Doncaster will need to build over 15,000 new homes and around 20,000 new jobs to support the growth of the local economy and its growing population. These targets have been derived from an assessment of current and future needs and market conditions across the borough. The options have been reassessed in the light of these targets.

New hybrid option

From these options, we have developed our preferred strategy on how housing should be distributed across the borough.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

We are currently consulting you on our preferred approach. This takes account of the outcomes of the sustainability appraisal along with the feedback from the previous consultation and the findings of the evidence base (e.g. objectively assessed housing needs).

Our preferred approach is largely based on a combination of options 1 and 2, with the appraisal highlighting the benefits of concentrating growth within the main urban area, main towns and existing service centres which provide good access to infrastructure and services, such as public transport links, shops, leisure facilities and open spaces. Conversely, a more dispersed strategy (option 3) has the potential to dilute benefits associated with achieving a larger critical mass and possibly not maximise inward investment opportunities in and around the main urban area. We have rejected this approach in favour of the hybrid option.

This new option has been assessed against the objectives of the sustainability appraisal and the results are set out in the appendices.

Appraisal of the emerging aims and objectives

In response to feedback from the consultation, we have made some changes to the emerging aims and objectives of the Doncaster Local Plan.

These changes have been tested against the objectives of the sustainability appraisal (see appendix 2) to highlight both potential synergies and inconsistencies. The results confirm that they are mutually reinforcing and compatible.

Next stages

The next stage of the process will be to publish a full draft of the Doncaster Local Plan (including the overall strategy and a set of detailed policies) and invite comments on it. This will take into account the responses from previous consultations and the findings of the sustainability appraisal (plus any other new sources of evidence that emerge).

Alongside this, we will publish a sustainability appraisal of the emerging policies (including the overall strategy) and proposals within the draft plan. This will also summarise the findings of previous stages (including this report) to show the appraisal process has influenced the development of the plan from the outset.

Once adopted, the Doncaster Local Plan will guide future planning and development decisions in the borough up to 2032.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE NUMBER

Chapter 1 This introduces the sustainability appraisal process and explains how it relates to the 5-6 preparation of the Doncaster Local Plan.

Chapter 2 This provides the background to the development of these options and the emerging 7-11 aims and objectives of the Doncaster Local Plan. It also sets out the context in which the appraisal has been prepared.

Chapter 3 This briefly describes and explains the approach that has used to appraise and test the 11-12 potential options and the emerging aims and objectives of the Local Plan.

Chapter 4 This sets out the context and background in which the options have been developed 13-21 and refined and considered, including the underlying assumptions on which the appraisal is based.

Chapter 5 This compares the various options against each other (including the hybrid approach) 21-27 and summarises the results of the appraisal.

Chapter 6 This explains the relationship between the aims and objectives of the Local Plan and 27 the objectives of the sustainability appraisal.

Chapter 7 This sets out conclusions and recommendations that will influence the direction of the 27-28 Local Plan and outlines the reasons that alternatives have been rejected and the preferred option has been chosen.

Appendix 1 This explains how the appraisal relates to and applies the requirements of the Strategic 29 Environmental Assessment Directive.

Appendix 2 This compares how far the aims and objectives of the Local Plan are compatible with 30-39 the objectives of the sustainable development.

Appendix 3 This sets out the detailed appraisal of the potential growth options, taking into account 40-96 the objectively assessed needs and the findings of the previous appraisal.

Appendix 4 This provides the quality assurance checklist which explains how the appraisal 97-98 complies with the requirements set out in the Strategic Environment Assessment Directive.

Appendix 5 This outlines the recommendations from the Planning Advisory Service on the scope 99-100 and structure of the report.

Appendix 6 This explains how the responses from statutory consultees and stakeholders on the 101 sustainability appraisal have been taken into account. 4

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Introduction

1.1 Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council is preparing a new 15-year plan to guide growth and development across the borough. This is known as the Doncaster Local Plan.

1.2 The Doncaster Local Plan will establish how much and where growth (housing, jobs and associated infrastructure etc) should be located across the borough and how it will come forward. Once adopted, it will replace the adopted Core Strategy and adopted Unitary Development Plan.

1.3 Government regulations require that sustainability appraisal forms part of the process of preparing the new plan. Sustainability appraisal is a tool designed to predict, evaluate and monitor the performance of plans and programmes from the outset, including its emerging policies and proposals. The sustainability appraisal will sit alongside and inform the content and direction of the Doncaster Local Plan.

1.4 The sustainability appraisal is not, in itself, a decision making tool, but it will, nonetheless, influence future strategic choices on where new development and growth will take place across the borough.

Content of this report

1.5 This report explains how many new homes and jobs we need to plan for, and gives a range of options for how and where they could be located across the borough. Its main purpose is to predict and assess the potential effects of the Doncaster Local Plan, including the suitability of emerging options. This investigation has involved two main tasks.

 A comparison of the draft aims and objectives of the Doncaster Local Plan against the objectives of the sustainability appraisal.  An appraisal of the emerging options in terms of how growth should be distributed across the borough (see appendix 3).

1.6 We previously consulted you on the findings of the sustainability appraisal during the consultation on the emerging plan approach (June and September 2015). This consultation (known as the ‘issues and options’ stage) sought views on the emerging aims and objectives of the plan (including the vision on how the borough should grow and develop in the future) and the options on where new development should be distributed across Doncaster’s settlements.

1.7 This report updates and expands on the previous appraisal carried out in 2015. The results of the previous assessment have been carried forward and remain valid, but the new appraisal goes into more detail about the potential effects arising from each of these options, taking into account new evidence regarding future housing and employment needs and the results of the previous consultation (as summarised in appendix 6).

1.8 This report provides a more detailed comparative analysis of relative suitability of the growth options, as presented in the issues and options consultation, in terms of their ability to meet the needs and priorities of the borough over the next 15 years and beyond. In particular, it looks at how these various scenarios might affect the local economy; the natural and built environment; the well- being of the local community; the provision of local services; patterns of movement; current investment activity, and so on.

1.9 We are now consulting you on our preferred approach on where housing should be distributed across the borough. This approach reflects the results of the previous sustainability appraisal and consultation process. Your views are sought on the preferred approach and findings set out in this report. Your response to these options will directly help to develop the policies and proposals that will be included within the adopted Local Plan.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

1.10 We have revisited the sustainability appraisal to reflect the latest objectively assessed housing and job targets which were published following the issues and options consultation and the views of consultees.

1.11 This report includes a more detailed and systematic exploration of the likely significant effects of each option, against the objectives and sub-objectives of the appraisal framework, following advice from the Planning Advisory Service.

How to comment

1.12 If you would like to comment on the findings of this report, please send them via email to us at [email protected] using the comment form which can be downloaded from our webpage at www.doncaster.gov.uk/ldf.

Sustainability appraisal – purpose and requirements

1.13 Local authorities have a legal duty to appraise the effectiveness and performance of their development plans to help make informed choices about how their areas should grow and develop in the future. This process is known as “sustainability appraisal”.

1.14 Government guidance describes the sustainability appraisal process as “…an opportunity to consider ways by which the plan can contribute to improvements in environmental, social and economic conditions, as well as a means of identifying and mitigating any potential adverse effects that the plan might otherwise have. By doing so, it can help make sure that the proposals in the plan are the most appropriate given the reasonable alternatives”.

1.15 The sustainability appraisal is carried out during the preparation of the plan to influence its content and ensure that decisions are made in accordance with the aims of sustainable development. Ultimately, it will improve the quality of decision making at the local level.

1.16 A summary of the various roles and outputs of the sustainability appraisal are summarised below.

Box 1: Key outputs of the sustainability appraisal process: roles and functions

 Helps establish a sound evidence base  Identifies the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing the borough  Ensure the plan has been prepared in a transparent and systematic way  Considers alternative ways of implementing the plan (e.g. sites)  Help develop and refine the proposals and policies in the plan  Ensures that the plan reflects and integrates the principles of sustainable development  Helps justify interventions (e.g. considers the future of the borough without the plan)  Determines the significance of potential effects and ways to mitigate or offset them

1.17 A more detailed guide on how the appraisal informs the plan process is set out in the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report1.

1.18 This report must address the legal requirements of the EU Directive (2001/42/EC), known as the Strategic Environmental Assessment (or SEA) Directive. The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 give effect to this Directive and set out specific legal requirements for each stage of the sustainability appraisal process. Appendix 1 sets out how these requirements have been met in this report.

1 The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report sets out the context and role of the appraisal and how it will be carried out at each stage of the preparation process. It also identifies relevant environmental, economic and social issues facing the borough that the Local Plan should address and a set of evaluation criteria that will be used to appraise and monitor the effects of the Doncaster Local Plan (including alternative options). 6

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

CHAPTER 2: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL PROCESS AND THE PREPARATION OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN

Doncaster Local Plan

2.1 The Doncaster Local Plan will set out policies and proposals that will be used to guide decisions and investment across the borough, looking ahead to 2032. It will set out how and where the homes, jobs, community facilities, shops and infrastructure will be delivered and the type of places and envi- ronments we want to create. It will also set out policies on what will or will not be permitted.

2.2 Once adopted, it will replace the Core Strategy (which was adopted in 2012) and saved policies set out in the Unitary Development Plan (which was adopted in 1998).

2.3 The Doncaster Local Plan will be a single document covering the whole of Doncaster borough. Specif- ically, it will include:

 an overall vision (which sets out how Doncaster and the places within it will grow and develop in the future);  a series of aims and objectives, focusing on key issues;  a growth and regeneration strategy (which sets out where development will happen, when and by what means);  sites and proposals where new housing, business space and infrastructure and services will be located;  detailed policies which will be used to assess planning applications; and  clear arrangements for managing and monitoring the delivery of the plan.

2.4 A detailed and comprehensive evidence base has been used to inform the preparation of the Doncaster Local Plan and the sustainability appraisal process. More information about this can be found on our website at www.doncaster.co.uk/ldf.

Sustainability appraisal

2.5 Sustainability appraisal is carried out in a series of stages, as set out below. At each stage, the appraisal tool is used to assess and test the performance of the plan as it evolves, including the various options on how it could be developed. Table 1 below shows the relationship between the two processes. It also provides a summary of the sustainability appraisal process to date.

Table 1: Relationship between sustainability appraisal and local plan preparation Stage of the SA SA task Output Type of Stage of the Consultation / formal process report Local Plan engagement process Stage A: Setting A1: Identifying relevant Scoping report Interim Pre- Summer 2015 the context and policies, plans and publication objectives, programmes establishing the A2: Collecting baseline baseline and information deciding on scope A3: Identifying sustainability issues and environmental problems A4: Developing the SA framework A5: Consulting on the scope of the SA Stage B: B1: Testing the plan Appraisal of the Interim Pre- Summer 2015 Developing and objectives against the SA growth options – publication refining options framework compatibility matrix and assessing effects Stage B: B2: Developing the plan Appraisal of the Interim Pre- Summer 2015 Developing and options growth options publication refining options B3: Predicting the social, and assessing economic and effects environmental effects of Site selection Interim Pre- Informal consultation (4- 7

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

the plan options methodology paper report publication weeks) B4: Evaluating the effects stage of the plan in terms of Winter 2016 their significance and the overall sustainability of each option B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects Stage C: C1: Preparing the SA Appraisal of the Pre- Informal consultation (6- Preparing the SA report growth options publication weeks) report (revised) Appraisal of the site SA report Pre- March and April 2016 options publication Appraisal of the Separate – Pre- No consultation will take draft policies to be publication place included within final report Stage D: Seek D1: Public participation Appraisal of the Final SA Publication Comments will be invited representations vision, aims, report over a 6-week period. on the SA report objectives, policies from consultation and sites of the bodies and the Local Plan public D2: Appraising significant Appraisal of Final SA Publication Submission changes significant changes report to the Doncaster in the light of representations Stage E: Post E1: Prepare and publish Summary of the Adoption Adoption Outcome of examination adoption post adoption statement results statement Outcome of examination reporting and Making decisions and monitoring providing information through the production of an adoption statement

Context

2.6 Doncaster is growing and will continue to grow in the coming years. By 2032, Doncaster is expected to have more than 11,000 new residents and 20,000 more jobs2. Over a quarter of Doncaster’s population will be aged 65 years of age and above.

2.7 While the forecasted population growth rate is consistent with Doncaster’s historical growth rates, these numbers still raise important questions about how and where Doncaster should grow and develop over the next 15 years and beyond, and the impact that growth will have on people’s quality of life.

2.8 The new plan provides an opportunity to take a fresh approach to the urgent issues arising from climate change, resource depletion, land use and agricultural intensification, population and urban growth, lifestyle changes and economic diversification in response to changes in government policy, new institutional arrangements (e.g. devolution) and emerging growth and investment plans at the sub-regional and city region level.

2.9 The plan has genuine choices to make about where new homes, jobs and services should be located and what sort of places we want to live and work in. Local authorities need to consider a wide range of options when deciding where and how growth should happen and how services (e.g. infrastructure) should be provided. This process is a mandatory requirement of European and national legislation.

2 Doncaster’s jobs growth target has been derived from Sheffield City Region Integrated Infrastructure Plan Growth Plan (Ekosgen, 2014) which sits alongside the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan. Please note: the population growth rate (source: Department for Communities and Local Government) is a baseline figure and does not forecast growth from future policy interventions. 8

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

2.10 There is no statutory definition of an “alternative”. Government guidance defines an alternative as a “different way of fulfilling the objectives of the plan or programme”. In the context of this consultation, it means an alternative pattern of growth that would help meet the goals and aspirations of the borough. The overall aim of the appraisal process is to select the most suitable option/approach which best meets the objectives of the Local Plan and the priorities set out in other high level strategies and programmes. The appraisal also aims to provide a clear audit trail of how it has influenced and refined these options.

Updates to the evidence base

2.11 This report also takes account of new evidence on future housing and employment needs (including new targets from the recently-published Housing Strategy and Employment Needs Assessment) which has emerged since the previous appraisal. These targets form the basis of determining the scale and distribution of growth across the borough.

2.12 The effects of the options will need to be considered in the context of the latest baseline evidence. Since the publication of the sustainability appraisal, the evidence base has been updated to include the following information.

Doncaster Housing Needs Assessment

2.13 Based solely on official projection, the assessment identifies an objectively assessed need figure of 582 homes per year across the period 2015-32, but the figure rises to 920 new homes (net) per year (15,640 homes in total) once economic growth is taken into account. This comprises both housing for sale and rent on the open market and affordable housing for those people who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market. Thus, the objectively assessed need is made up of two elements.

Element Description Figure (net) Baseline growth This is the growth that would happen without policy 582 per year (63% of the overall intervention and which is needed to accommodate requirement) the existing population’s growing housing needs over the plan period. Housing growth This scenario is predicated on the planned economic 338 per year (37% of the overall growth over the plan period. requirement)

2.14 This figure provides the starting point for Doncaster’s Local Plan in terms of planning future housing delivery and is discussed in more detail in appendix 3. This is the key source of evidence upon which the growth options are based.

Doncaster Employment Land Needs Assessment

2.15 This study describes the equivalent assessment of employment land needs in Doncaster over the plan period (2015-2032).

2.16 Based on the latest available evidence, the study identifies the need to provide 474 hectares of employment land to address the jobs growth target set out in the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan (over the entire plan period) and the pro-growth ambitions of the Borough Strategy and Doncaster Economic Growth Plan, which includes a number of pipeline transformational projects. This also includes allowance for flexibility and choice in land provision.

2.17 The Sheffield City Region Growth Plan seeks to deliver 70,000 net additional jobs and 6000 new businesses across the city region over a 10-year period (from 2014 to 2024), with a view to bridging the gap between the economy of the Sheffield city region and the rest of the UK. It would also mean creating 30,000 new jobs in the highly skilled sectors (e.g. engineering, manufacturing and aviation) over the same period. Our own analysis suggests that Doncaster would contribute around 10% of this total (i.e. 11,825 net new jobs).

2.18 This scenario has been projected forward past 2024 (the end date of the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan) to 2032 (the end date of the Local Plan period) to ensure consistency with the other 9

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

scenarios. This equates to 20,000 net new jobs.

Settlement audit

2.19 The audit has been updated and re-published on the website (see www.doncaster.gov.uk/ldf). This provides an up-to-date picture of service provision across the borough. It identifies key services and provides an audit of these for each community area; this reveals a clear hierarchy of settlements in terms of size and service function.

Type of settlement Description Service provision4 Main urban area of  Includes the town centre and surrounding  The main urban area provides Doncaster commercial and industrial areas and services for the whole borough residential suburbs and beyond. 7 main towns  Populations around and above 10,000  Each town has 10 or more of the 12 key services. 6 smaller coalfield and  2 market towns with populations of 3,400 -  Each town provides at least 7 market towns and 8,300 of the key services villages  4 large villages with populations over 1,000  Each village provides 4 or 5 key services.

Review of the green belt

2.20 A review of Doncaster’s green belt is currently underway and is one of many pieces of evidence that will inform the preparation of the Local Plan. The review does not itself make any decisions. Land can only be taken out of the green belt or added to it through the Local Plan process. The review comprises three pieces of work.

1) An assessment of the general extent of Doncaster’s green belt and the performance of the policies that protect the countryside outside the green belt. This finds that:

 the countryside in the east of the borough does not meet the national policy requirements for green belt or align with the original designation for the South Yorkshire green belt; there are no exceptional circumstances that would justify an eastward extension of Doncaster’s green belt; and

 the countryside protection policies that have been used for countryside outside the green belt have not permitted inappropriate development or performed inadequately. The countryside in the east of the borough can be properly protected using other policies.

2) An assessment of Doncaster’s green belt and how well it performs against the five green belt purposes. This finds that the vast majority of the 64 individually assessed green belt parcels contribute strongly to one or, in most cases, more than one of the five green belt purposes.

3) An assessment of individual site options. This will look at the implications of removing land from the green belt to accommodate housing or other Local Plan development allocations and advise on revised boundaries. This work will be published alongside other site assessment work to inform recommendations about amendments to the green belt.

2.21 The findings of the green belt review will sit alongside other evidence (including objectively assessed needs, settlement audit and the assessment of sites) and the sustainability appraisal.

2.22 The National Planning Policy Framework states (paragraphs 79 and 80) that: "The fundamental aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of green belts are their openness and their permanence. green belt serves five purposes: to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another; to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and to assist in urban regeneration, by encourag-

4 All of these settlements are considered to have a service function; that is, they have at least 4 of the 12 key services, of which at least 2 are primary key services (as defined in the settlement audit). 10

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

ing the recycling of derelict and other urban land". Green belts can, therefore, help meet some important sustainability objectives but the sustainability objectives of the local plan are much wider in scope and will drive green belt decisions rather than the other way round. The framework explains/summarises this relationship at paragraph 84 ("When drawing up or reviewing green belt boundaries local planning authorities should take account of the need to promote sustainable patterns of development. They should consider the consequences for sustainable development of chan- nelling development towards urban areas inside the green belt boundary, towards towns and villages inset within the green belt or towards locations beyond the outer Green Belt bound") and at paragraph 85 ("When defining boundaries, local planning authorities should: ensure consistency with the Local Plan strategy for meeting identified requirements for sustainable development").

CHAPTER 3: APPRAISAL METHODOLOGY

3.1 An appraisal tool has been developed in conjunction with the Planning Advisory Service and other stakeholders (e.g. Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England) to test and monitor the performance of the Doncaster Local Plan (including alternative options).

3.2 The assessment criteria cover a range of topics such as economic diversification, flood risk, social cohesion, accessibility, health, design and safety, climate change, biodiversity and landscape. This is known as the “sustainability appraisal framework”.

3.3 A detailed explanation of how these criteria have been developed is set out in appendix 3 of the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report.

3.4 Although aligned with high-level strategies and programmes set out in European and national legislation, the evaluation criteria have been carefully tailored to reflect the social, economic and environmental issues facing the borough (as outlined in appendix A and appendix B of the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report) and are based on the topics covered in the SEA Directive.

3.5 Appendix 2 overleaf describes and evaluates the performance of these options (including the existing baseline scenario) against the evaluation criteria to show how closely they reflect the principles of sustainable development. It attempts to describe and evaluate the potential significance of these effects, taking account the duration, frequency and magnitude and reversibility of these effects, as far as possible. The potential for cumulative effects are also considered. In doing so, it will ensure that the policies and proposals in the Local Plan are the most appropriate in the light of the alternatives.

3.6 For each criterion, a set of question prompts have been developed to help tease out/highlight the potential significance of these effects.

3.7 In the appraisal matrix, each option is given a score on how it performs against each criterion, using an eight point scoring system, as outlined below5.

Table 1: Sustainability appraisal scoring system Score Significance of impact Description of impact ++ Major positive1 Option will have a major positive impact on the SA objective when compared to the current and future baseline conditions + Minor positive Option will have a positive impact on the SA objective when compared to the current and future baseline conditions. Minor adverse effects may result but the overall effect will be positive. 0 Neutral Option is unlikely to create any significant impact (positive or negative) at present or in the future - Minor negative Option will have a negative impact on the SA objective being assessed when compared to the current and future baseline conditions. Minor positive effects may result but the overall effect will be negative -- Major negative1 Option will have a major negative impact on the SA objective when compared to the current and future baseline conditions ? Unknown/uncertain There is insufficient information about the implications of the option to make a robust assessment

5 Further detail on the scoring system is set out in the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report. 11

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

+/- A mix of positive and negative Option has both significant positive and negative effects. X No relationship Option is not relevant to the SA objective For the purpose of this assessment, significant effects are defined as those which have been identified as major positive (++) or major negative (--) in the assessment.

Nature and scale of the impact

Timescale / duration Short term The impact the option would have within the initial 0 - 5 years Medium term The impact the option would have within the initial 5 - 10 years Long term The impact the option would have beyond 10 years

Reversibility Permanent Option will have a permanent impact on the objective, from (irreversible) which recovery is not possible within a reasonable timescale or for which there is no reasonable chance of action being taken to reverse it. Temporary (reversible) Option will have a temporary impact, from which recovery is possible or for which effective mitigation is possible.

Duration Likelihood Option is likely to have an impact on the objective. Uncertainty The impact of the option on the objective is uncertain.

Scale of importance / impact (geographical area) Regional or national The impact of the option or policy is likely to occur over a very wide area (at a regional or national scale). Cross-border The impact of the option is likely to occur across local authority boundaries at city region or sub-regional scale. Local The impact of the option

3.8 Please note: the system of appraisal used does not attempt to give any particular weighting to the assessment of the options. The appraisal is essentially an objective-led approach which uses judgment and values to determine the ‘significance’ of the effects. Significance is, however, essentially subjective and relies on qualitative, contextual-based analysis, although some effects will clearly be more significant than others.

3.9 Every effort has been made to obtain up-to-date information and to accurately predict and evaluate the effects of the growth options. Yet, this is inherently challenging given the high level nature of the Doncaster Local Plan. For the purposes of the sustainability appraisal, we have made some assumptions about how these options will be implemented “on the ground” (having regard to the trends, projections and other relevant information set out in the baseline review). Assumptions adopted in the evaluation of impacts are reported in the relevant sections. However, these assumptions are often implicit, relying on expert professional judgment. In some instances, the effects are not known at this stage.

3.10 In addition, appropriate mitigation measures have been identified under each of the options (see appendix 3 and chapter 5) to reduce, prevent or offset any significant adverse impacts.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

CHAPTER 4: BACKGROUND TO THE APPRAISAL OF STRATEGIC GROWTH OPTIONS

Strategic growth options

4.1 The options - as expressed diagrammatically below - set out possible choices on how the vision, aims and objectives of the Doncaster Local Plan can be achieved. These have emerged from the review of the current social, economic and environmental characteristics of the borough.

4.2 In June-September 2015, we sought views on three broad options about where growth should be located across the borough (known as the ‘issues and options’ stage). The consultation elicited a number of responses from stakeholders on the options6.

4.3 Each option proposes a slightly different settlement hierarchy (based on a series of tiers 7) and apportions different levels of growth to each tier of settlement. The hierarchy will form the basis of the overall strategy of how growth will be distributed across the borough.

4.4 Economic investment priorities are also ranked in order of priority/importance, reflecting the broad distribution of growth set out under each scenario.

Option 1: the Core Strategy approach (business-as-usual): a distribution based on growth at the identified sub-regional centre (the main urban area of Doncaster), the other main towns (e.g. Mexborough and Thorne) and a number of settlements requiring regeneration (e.g. former mining communities) but limited growth elsewhere. This option maintains the current strategy contained within the Core Strategy (the business-as-usual scenario).

6 A summary of representations can be found from our web site at www.Doncaster.gov.uk/ldf. 7 By way of explanation, a settlement hierarchy is the process by which settlements are grouped or classified in a sequence, based upon the services they provide or their role and function. 13

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Option 2: Doncaster main town focus: a distribution based on higher levels of growth in the main urban area (including its town centre) with reductions in surrounding areas. Housing would be less dispersed relative to option 1.

Development outside Doncaster would be focused on the following towns: Adwick/Woodlands, Armthorpe, Askern, Conisbrough/Denaby, Rossington, Mexborough, Stainforth/Hatfield/Dunscroft/ Dunsville, and Thorne/Moorends. Housing development elsewhere would be confined to existing planning permissions (which are significant) and quality infill opportunities. Strategic employment growth locations would be as per option 1 but including also the A1 corridor alongside Adwick/Woodlands.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Option 3: Greater dispersal: a distribution based on a more dispersed pattern of growth throughout the borough with a much greater focus on smaller market towns (e.g. Tickhill, Askern and Bawtry) and clusters of villages (e.g. Auckley, Finningley, Hayfield Green and Sprotborough) in the rural hinterland. Less emphasis would be placed on housing growth within the main urban area (Doncaster) than options 1, but the main towns would see a similar level of growth as option 2.

Strategic employment locations will be as per option 2 but also include the FARRRS corridor (linked to Rossington and Airport/Hayfield Green) and an A1(M)-A19 growth corridor linked to sites at Adwick and Carcroft/Skellow reflecting ambitions for a new A1(M)-A19 link road.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

4.5 This consultation (known as the “issues and options” stage) also considered other potential growth options. These were as follows.

Option 4: New settlement or town: a distribution based on a new free-standing settlement or a major expansion of an existing settlement or group of settlements with around 5000 new homes alongside new schools, public transport and other infrastructure, which will be the main focus of new housing outside of the main urban area over the plan period and beyond.

Option 5: Low growth and environmental protection: a distribution based on lower levels of growth than the current baseline that will avoid protected sites (e.g. green belt and nature conservation interests) and flood risk areas.

Option 6: Total Dispersal: a market-driven distribution based on a complete dispersal of development and growth across all towns and villages.

4.6 However, we have rejected these alternatives (options 4 to 5) because they are either unrealistic or unachievable8. Each of these options has the potential to restrict long term economic growth and prosperity and undermine efforts to regenerate and renew former mining communities, contrary to the aims and objectives of the Doncaster Local Plan and generally run counter to the principles of sustainable development9.

4.7 For the purposes of the sustainability appraisal, these do not represent “reasonable alternatives” to the other approaches set out in this report under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive. None of them are likely to meet the vision, aims and objectives of the Local Plan. More detail on the

8 Government guidance stipulates that options should be realistic, practicable, relevant and potentially deliverable (see Planning Policy Practice Guidance, Department for Communities and Local Government). 9 Local planning authorities are not expected to evaluate options or alternatives that would be incompatible with national planning policy and legislation or generate them merely for the sake of assessment. In addition, any growth option must be capable of being delivered during a realistic timescale (see paragraphs 152, 157, 173, 177 of the National Planning Policy Framework). 16

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

reasons cited for rejecting these options is outlined within chapter 4 of the Issues and Options Consultation Paper (a copy of which can be downloaded from our website at www.doncaster.gov.uk/ldf).

New hybrid option

4.8 Following the consultation on the issues and options, a new hybrid option has been developed.

Hybrid option: Urban concentration and dispersal: a distribution based on similar levels of growth within the main urban area and main towns (Dunscroft, Dunsville, Hatfield and Stainforth; Thorne and Moorends; Conisbrough and Denaby; Mexborough; Armthorpe; Rossington; and Adwick and Woodlands) as the current adopted Core Strategy, with greater amounts of housing apportioned to service towns and villages (Carcroft and Skellow; Edlington; Tickhill; Askern; Bawtry; Auckley and Hayfield Green; Barnby Dun; Sprotbrough; Barnburgh and Harlington; and Finningley).

Housing would be more dispersed relative to options 1 and 2 but more growth will be directed towards the main urban area and main towns than option 3.

4.9 This option has emerged as the preferred approach from the consultation process and reflects the recommendations of the sustainability appraisal (as explained in paragraphs 4.27-4.30 below).

4.10 We are now out to consultation on this hybrid option, which sets out our preferred strategy for how housing should be distributed across the borough. A sustainability appraisal has been carried out of this option. The results are set out in more detail in appendix 2. A comparison has also been made of the hybrid option against the alternatives (options 1 to 3).

Appraisal of the strategic growth options

4.11 The results of the appraisal of the strategic growth options are summarised below. It also makes recommendations on which approach (in terms of where growth should be distributed across the borough) should be carried forward in the light of the alternatives. It also provides a summary of the reasons that the alternative options have been rejected, taking into account wider planning considerations, such as viability, national planning policy and infrastructure requirements. Full results of the appraisal are presented within the matrices at appendix 3.

4.12 In considering future growth options, particular regard has been given to the existing baseline situation (taking into account the priorities and targets set out in other relevant plans and programmes against which the plan must have regard) and new evidence.

4.13 During the issues and options stage, we suggested different growth ranges across different settlements under the three broad options. These were expressed as percentages of the total housing requirement rather than actual numbers of homes. This was because the objectively assessed need figure had not yet been agreed and published. The paper indicated that the total requirement would be around a thousand per annum.

4.14 The objectively assessed housing need set out in the Doncaster Housing Strategy identified an overall housing requirement of 920 dwellings per annum over the period between 2015 and 2032. This is based on a combination of local need (housing needed to accommodate the needs of the existing population) and need arising from economic growth (housing needed to accommodate a growing population required to meet the job targets set out in the Sheffield City Region Growth plan). However, this strategy was published very shortly after the commencement of the consultation and public attention was drawn to it on the website.

4.15 Doncaster’s objectively assessed housing need is based on a single figure (rather than a series of ranges) as it most accurately reflects the particular circumstances of the borough and market signals/historical trends. However, it is not practicable to assess the two scenarios as discrete options, based on a higher or lower figure. This is because:

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

 Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council and other local authorities in the city region have signed up to the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan, which sets out a commitment to create 70,000 new private sector jobs across the Sheffield city region over the period to 2024;  sufficient land is available across the borough to meet the objectively assessed housing need (as demonstrated through the Call for Sites/HELAA process) over the plan period;  the Borough Strategy sets out an ambitious agenda to achieve significant growth and change; and  under the duty to cooperate requirement, no requests have been made to us to accommodate or address any unmet need from our neighbouring authorities, and we have not requested that any of them absorb some of ours.

4.16 The sustainability appraisal needs to test the objectively assessed housing needs against future growth options. In order to further support the process, the objectively assessed housing need has now been applied to the four options (see below) to produce actual homes figures. The figures in table 1 below have been derived as follows: the objectively assessed need figure (920 x 15 years allocations = 13,800 new units) have been applied to the percentage distributions set out in the issues and options paper against each of the three options.

4.17 The new objectively needs target is similar (albeit slightly higher) to that planned within the Core Strategy (option 1) and the previous baseline target, so there will be no need to significantly raise densities on sites or place undue pressure on infrastructure and services.

4.18 The emerging preferred option is a hybrid approach in which the proposed allocations sit somewhere within the options ranges for most of the settlements. In the case of Hatfield/Stainforth/Dunscroft/Dunsville, Rossington and Armthorpe, the preferred option figures are larger than the other growth ranges, reflecting the fact that they are all well down the road of planning for housing in accordance with the previous, larger Core Strategy housing target 10 . Bawtry’s target is a little lower than anticipated by the options. The ranges for Mexborough, Adwick and Conisbrough are large, pending the site selection work which may (for example) allocate towards the top of the range for Adwick and towards the bottom of the range for the other two.

Table 1: Distribution of the objectively assessed need figure (920 per annum) in accordance with the three options Settlement OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 HYBRID OPTION DONCASTER MAIN 6,900 - 8832 7590 - 9660 6210 - 7590 7136 - 7696 URBAN AREA Hatfield, Stainforth 897 497 - 690 497 - 690 1174 Dunscroft and Dunsville Thorne and Moorends 483 – 690 497 - 690 497 - 690 510 - 1069 (Thorne) Up to 345 (Moorends) Conisbrough and 483 – 690 497 - 690 497 - 690 450 - 1009 Denaby (Conisborough) Up to 345 (Denaby) Mexborough 483 - 690 497 - 690 497 - 690 465 - 1024 Armthorpe 483 - 690 497 - 690 497 - 690 800 Rossington 897 497 - 690 497 - 690 934 Adwick and Woodlands 483 - 690 497 - 690 497 - 690 270 - 829 Carcroft and Skellow Up to 345 138 - 276 276 - 414 255 Sprotbrough 0 0 Up to 207 90 Edlington Up to 345 138 - 276 276 - 414 226 Askern 483 - 690 138 - 276 276 - 414 165 Tickhill 0 138 - 276 276 - 414 165 Bawtry 0 138 - 276 276 - 414 105 Barnby-Dun 0 0 Up to 207 105

10 In December 2015, planning permission was secured to build a major new urban extension (including housing, jobs, leisure facilities, shops and open spaces) within the Hatfield/Stainforth/Dunscroft/Dunsville area (known as ‘Unity’). 18

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Auckley and Hayfield 0 0 Up to 207 105 Green Barnburgh and 0 0 Up to 207 60 Harlington Finningley 0 0 Up to 207 45 Toll Bar and Almholme 0 0 Up to 207 0

Assumptions

4.19 In undertaking this appraisal a number of assumptions have been made as follows.

• Insufficient land is available within Doncaster’s existing urban areas to accommodate future needs over the plan period. This will necessitate the release of greenfield land (in the form of large-scale urban extensions) on the edge of the main urban area and main towns in the open countryside.  Employment opportunities are located at several locations in the borough with new areas emerging. Settlements have been identified on the basis of the scale and level of service provision within them and accessibility to public transport. The main urban area (Doncaster) and outlying towns (known as main towns within the hierarchy) have relatively good access to existing and planned employment and service opportunities, notably the proposed business parks within Unity, Iport, Doncaster Sheffield Airport and West Moor Park and existing town, district and local centres. Doncaster’s main urban area contains a sub-regional town centre and several local centres such as Balby, Woodfield Plantation, Bentley and Edenthorpe as well as the Lakeside area. A key overriding goal of the Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy is to support economic growth through the provision of public transport links that connect people to jobs and training in both rural and urban areas. In addition, there is a growing need to increase skills levels and labour mobility across Doncaster’s settlements to enable them to compete more effectively in national and global markets.  As explained in the scoping report, over two fifths of the borough is at a high or medium risk of flooding. Areas at risk are the main urban area of Doncaster (parts of Doncaster town centre, Bentley, Wheatley Hall Road and Kirk Sandall), Thorne, Moorends, Hatfield-Stainforth, Carcroft, Askern and a number of other smaller villages. These areas generally perform well in the settlement audit and have good access to shops and services and public transport. However, a policy approach of avoiding flood risk areas within these locations will mean that growth will need to be dispersed more widely across a broader range of settlements which are located in less sustainable locations, especially in terms of proximity to public transport and essential services.  Flood risk avoidance is a requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework. However, Doncaster does not have a sufficient supply of land (outside of existing flood risk areas) to deliver its objectively assessed need over the course of the plan period. Avoiding flood risk areas completely will means that housing needs cannot be met locally and people will often need to travel somewhere else to live or work, especially as the population is aging and households become smaller and less mobile. As a consequence, new housing will need to be accommodated within flood risk areas through the settlement hierarchy to meet local needs, but development will still need to be made safe through mitigation of the exception test and will also be subject to viability assessment (where it is anticipated that flood risk mitigation will be given high priority relative to other factors).  In view of these constraints, new development (especially urban extensions) will have adverse impacts (albeit to varying degrees) on the environment, such as biodiversity (i.e. from the displacement of wildlife), soil and water quality and the character and appearance of the landscape, especially where it results in the loss of greenfield land and areas of amenity value (e.g. agriculture). In many cases, it will be possible to reduce, offset or avoid these adverse effects with appropriate mitigation. In addition, future economic and population growth will generate more waste, increase greenhouse gas emissions and increase the consumption of resources.  Partners and stakeholders within the Sheffield city region have a strong commitment to delivering the economic growth investment priorities identified under each option. Some of the road schemes have planning permission or have been provisionally granted funded through the Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund process. For example, Doncaster Sheffield Airport (including the Iport) and DN7 area (Hatfield/Stainforth) have been identified as key spatial 19

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

priorities within the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan, where major growth and investment is expected to occur over the period to 2024 and beyond.  Other well-known principles (from the National Planning Policy Framework) that will influence the location and scale of new development across the borough include the following.

 Patterns of growth should be actively managed in order to make the fullest possible use of public transport, walking and cycling, and focus significant development in locations which are or can be made sustainable (paragraph 17).  In drawing up Local Plans, local planning authorities should recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and pursue policies to support their viability and vitality (paragraph 23).  In rural areas, the retention and development of local services and community facilities in villages, such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship, should be promoted through local and neighbourhood plans (paragraph 28).  In preparing local plans, local planning authorities should support a pattern of development which, where reasonable to do so, facilitates the use of sustainable modes of transport, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce congestion (paragraph 30).  Sustainable development should be promoted in rural areas by locating new housing where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. For example, where there are groups of smaller settlements, development in one village may support services in a village nearby (paragraph 55).

4.20 It is within this context that the strategic growth options (1-4) have been derived, refined and assessed.

Relationship between the hybrid option and the current baseline situation

4.21 As explained above, the sustainability appraisal has been updated to include a more detailed assessment of the potential effects of each growth option in the light of responses from the issues and options consultation and advice from the Planning Advisory Service.

4.22 The sustainability appraisal assesses the hybrid option against the baseline of the Core Strategy (on which the current strategy is based). This allows meaningful comparison to be made against all of the options.

4.23 Several transformational projects and plans are already underway (or in the pipeline) within the borough and these are located at key locations along the strategic highway network. These include the following.

 Doncaster Sheffield Airport now has an enterprise zone; the recent opening of the new link road (known as FARRRS) from junction 3 of the M18 motorway to the airport should facilitate increased flights and destinations and growth of airport-related businesses at the business park.  Rossington Inland Port (iPort) is a regionally significant strategic rail freight interchange, which will deliver over 6 million square foot of grade A logistics warehousing linked with a high specification rail freight intermodal container hub, providing rail freight services with continental gauge clearance to all major UK ports and the Channel Tunnel.  Unity (formerly known as the “DN7 Initiative”) is a major mixed-use development at Hat- field/Stainforth that will incorporate new homes, shops, learning and healthcare facilities, green spaces and employment and business uses alongside a new link road (from the power park to junction 5 of the M18 motorway) and carbon capture power station.  Doncaster Lakeside continues to prove attractive for both housing and commercial investment and will accommodate the new national college for high speed rail (which now has planning permission) and a new secondary school.  The Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ) within the heart of the town centre has seen the development of new civic offices, theatre and town square with a new cinema and hotel planned.  PGA Rossington: the Professional Golf Association is supporting the development of a new PGA golf course south of Rossington with accompanying fairway homes.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

4.24 These projects represent commitments and already have substantial funding in place. Employment opportunities are focussed around Doncaster’s connectivity, which is based principally on the M18 motorway, part of the A1(M) motorway and Doncaster town centre. Some economic development schemes (e.g. A1-A19 link and the dualling of the A630 West Moor Link) are still at an early stage and require further support within the planning approval process.

4.25 In this respect, the appraisal of the hybrid option reflects the current baseline situation and considers the implications arising from the distribution of housing on existing transformational projects.

4.26 The latest consultation paper sets out a settlement hierarchy which establishes where housing growth will be directed across the borough. It also includes a specific housing requirement figure for the settlements in Doncaster (see table 3).

Table 3: Summary of proposed housing distribution Settlement Proposed new homes allocation Doncaster Main Urban Area  Between 7,136 and 7,696 7 Main Towns Dunscroft, Dunsville, Hatfield and Stainforth  615 –1,174 Thorne and Moorends  510 –1069* Mexborough  465 – 1,024 Conisbrough & Denaby  450 – 1,009 Armthorpe  800** Rossington  375 –934 Adwick and Woodlands  270 – 829 10 Service Towns and Villages Carcroft and Skellow  255 Edlington  226 Tickhill  165 Askern  165 Bawtry  105 Barnby Dun  105 Auckley and Hayfield Green  105 Sprotbrough  90 Barnburgh and Harlington  60 Finningley  45 Total  13,800 homes 40 defined villages - infill development only within defined village boundaries Adwick-upon-Dearne; Arksey; Austerfield; Blaxton; Braithwell; Braithwaite; Branton; Brodsworth; Burghwallis; Cadeby; Campsall; Clayton; Clifton; Fenwick; Fishlake; Hampole; Hatfield Woodhouse; Hickelton; Highfields; High Melton; Hooton Pagnell; Kirk Bramwith; Lindholme; Loversall; Marr; Micklebring; Moss; Norton; Old Cantley; Old Denaby; Old Edlington; Owston; Pickburn; Skelbrooke; Stainton; Sutton; Sykehouse; Thorpe in Balne; Toll Bar; Wadworth All other settlements - Development in accordance with green belt or countryside policy area policies only *sequential approach to flood risk will apply to eco-led housing **set to meet the current Neighbourhood Plan target.

How have the findings of the sustainability appraisal informed the development of the housing distribution strategy?

4.27 As explained above, the three broad growth options (which we consulted you on during the issues and options stage) have already been subject to sustainability appraisal. We appraised each option against the objectives of the sustainability appraisal.

4.28 The urban-centric approach (option 2) emerged as the most sustainable approach to distributing growth across the borough11. Option 1 (the “business-as-usual option”) also scored well in the ap-

11 On balance, the sustainability appraisal concluded that option 2 (Doncaster and main towns focus) would have slightly more long term benefits - mainly arising from the critical mass of focusing more development on the main urban areas and growth corridors 21

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

praisal, even though it might not offer the same economies of scale. A more urban-centred approach would addresses housing need in the locations where the greatest need arises and development would take place where a wider range of jobs, services and facilities are concentrated, including public transport. Journey lengths/levels of car use are likely to be lower, giving rise to fewer emissions. This will ensure that the benefits from growth and infrastructure funding are not spread too thinly across the borough and that transformational projects (e.g. urban centre regeneration) are supported12. Overall, options 1 and 2 performed most strongly across the range of sustainability criteria, with similar scores in most categories.

4.29 The appraisal, therefore, supports a focus on the main urban area (Doncaster) and the main towns (Dunscroft, Dunsville, Hatfield, Stainforth, Thorne and Moorends, Mexborough Conisbrough and Denaby, Armthorpe and Rossington). The preferred hybrid strategy (option 4) proposes slightly more than 90% of the borough’s housing growth in these locations, which have the most capacity to accommodate development. In addition, it proposes modest housing growth (up to 10%) in ten other service towns and villages (e.g. Bawtry and Tickhill) so as to extend the approach of meeting housing needs locally within different parts of the borough. Overall, the scale of housing growth outside of the main urban area and main towns is around 10% of the total borough-wide allocation, which is potentially less than under option 1, around the same as option 2 (but more dispersed than option 2) and significantly less than under option 313.

4.30 Stakeholders and consultees - who responded to the issues and options consultation - are also strongly supportive of options 1 and 2. In addition, there is widespread support in favour of locating housing close to existing or planned services (e.g. schools, open spaces, leisure facilities and shops) to meet local need.

CHAPTER 5: ASSESSMENT AND COMPARISION OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Assessment and comparison of Doncaster’s growth options

5.1 This section provides an overview and comparison of the growth options (1-4) and summarises the significant positive and negative effects as well as potential neutral effects arising from each option. More detailed analysis is outlined within appendix 2 (see overleaf).

5.2 Under each objective a score has been assigned. The scores are not weighted but they give an indication of the relative significance of the potential effects and allow us to compare the results against the alternatives. A summary is also given below of the reasons for rejecting options and the reasons for selecting the preferred approach to housing distribution.

5.3 In many cases, the scoring remains the same as the previous appraisal. However, some of the scores have changed to reflect the latest baseline picture and the assumptions set out in paragraph 4.19 above.

5.4 A brief overview of the appraisal results is outlined in the non-technical summary at the beginning of this document.

5.5 Due to the high level nature of the assessment, some uncertainty remains regarding the potential effects of the growth options on some of the sustainability objectives, in particular health, education, along key transport routes (where investment and funding will be targeted in accordance with the priorities set out in the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan) - compared to spreading growth across a larger number of settlements (option 1). Greater urban concentration would promote more sustainable patterns of travel and balanced mixed-use communities. 12 The previous appraisal is set out in the “Sustainability Appraisal of Doncaster’s Growth Options”. 13 Under the hybrid option, more housing will be accommodated within some of the main towns (Rossington and Stainforth/Hatfield) and less in others, whereas options 1-3 set similar ranges within each town. This reflects the different sizes of the Main Towns and the proposal to direct local needs growth on a pro-rata basis. It also reflects the scale of approved schemes at Rossington and Stainforth/ Hatfield, progress with the neighbourhood plan at Armthorpe and the flood risk constraint at Thorne/Moorends.The overall scale of growth proposed in the main towns is 35-39% which is higher than options 2 and 3 (each 25-35%) but within the option 1 range. The proposed scale of growth in the combined service towns and villages under the hybrid option is within the ranges for the small towns set out in options 1 and 2 but less than that in option 3 whilst the proposed level of growth in the service villages is less than set out in option 3. 22

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

historic/cultural heritage and local distinctiveness. The scale and magnitude of the potential impact arising from these options will largely depend on the quality and location of new development (e.g. housing and employment) which is not known at this stage. In some cases, greater dispersal could change the role and function of settlements as service centres which may impact on their identity and sense of place. Because all of the options direct growth to varying degrees to the main urban areas the scores are relatively evenly balanced but the difference between them will become more pronounced when the location of new development has been determined through the site selection process.

5.6 The Core Strategy (on which option 1 is based) seeks to focus employment opportunities within the M18 motorway corridor around the main urban area and main towns, whereas options 2, 3 and 4 would provide more growth opportunities along the A1 (M) corridor within the north of the borough (specifically Adwick and Carcroft Common) which would support the local economy and widen access to jobs and skills.

5.7 Concentrating new homes and jobs towards the most accessible locations in the borough will result in significant positive effects, particularly in relation to improved accessibility and reduced car use. The main urban area of Doncaster lies in the heart of the borough and offers a range of employment, shopping, public administration, leisure, health care and further and higher education facilities, commensurate with its status as one of the largest towns in England. Doncaster’s town centres are relatively healthy and vibrant but need a greater variety of uses and activities (including housing) to attract more visitors and investors. In particular, they face direct competition from out-of- centre locations (e.g. retail parks and superstores) and the growth of ecommerce. Currently, there is very limited housing and office provision within Doncaster town centre. The urban centric approach (option 2) would help reinforce and support the role of Doncaster as a major commercial and shopping centre of regional significance, which is demonstrating increasing potential to attract high quality investment and employment and visitor opportunities, taking advantage of significant development and redevelopment opportunities and recent major improvements to infrastructure and service provision. Option 2 would also support the development of critical mass at a more limited number of other towns in the borough where population size, services and/or proposed jobs and infrastructure make them the most sustainable places in which to accommodate significant growth. There are a number of redevelopment opportunities on the edge of the town centre close to existing public transport links and the waterfront areas where major mixed-use development is planned.

5.8 Option 1 (business-as-usual) would have similar benefits to option 2, but would steer less growth to the main urban area. The other options place more of a focus on settlements to the north and north west of the main urban area which suffer from relatively high levels of deprivation such as Adwick, Carcroft Common and Skellow. Some of the communities in the north and north west of the borough are more isolated from employment opportunities, which are more concentrated in the south and east of the borough near to the M18/M180 motorways and airport, especially in high value sectors, as current connections especially east to west links are lacking. There are plans to link these communities to the strategic highway network via a new east-to-west route from the A19 to junction 37 of the A1(M). This, in turn, will significantly reduce journey times between the northern cluster of settlements and commercial and housing opportunities along the key transport nodes and main urban areas.

5.9 Options 2 and 4 seek to direct more growth to existing market towns in recognition of their role as key service centres. Like some of the main towns, both Tickhill and Bawtry have defined district centres which provide a range of retail and other services serving the surrounding rural catchment. However, this approach could have indirect negative impacts on the historic and built environment objectives. Due to the lack of infill or brownfield opportunities within existing settlement boundaries, modest urban extensions will be required on the edge of the built-up-area in order to accommodate new housing, which has the potential to undermine the historic setting and character of Bawtry and Tickhill.

5.10 The main urban area (Doncaster) and main towns (Dunscroft, Dunsville, Hatfield, Stainforth, Thorne and Moorends, Mexborough Conisbrough and Denaby, Armthorpe and Rossington) offer significant opportunities to re-use and redevelop well-located urban brownfield land and regeneration areas, such as town centre waterfront sites and housing renewal sites. However, the market is not always able or willing to deliver such sites. Following the recession, the private housing market is now more 23

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

focussed on higher value areas and greenfield countryside sites (including green belt sites) and views some urban brownfield sites as unviable or at least unable to support affordable housing and other community benefits. For instance, option 2 will require coordinated public intervention to bring forward sustainable development opportunities in existing urban areas (e.g. Doncaster town centre) and address market viability considerations, especially in association with the delivery of new infrastructure and services.

5.11 Option 2 (urban concentration) would deliver growth in relation to Doncaster and main towns, but would fail to meet local needs in some of the smaller settlements, such as large villages and market towns, where the housing market is more buoyant. Less growth also means there will be fewer opportunities to support local services and businesses in the small towns and villages (although sizeable permissions have yet to be delivered in some areas).

5.12 The hybrid option is essentially based on the principles of concentrating development within existing urban areas (preferably on vacant or underused sites with good transport links), whilst addressing local priorities and needs within smaller settlements. It will maximise the regeneration of poorer urban areas, brownfield sites and existing service centres although could generate indirect regeneration benefits associated with greater delivery on higher value sites. This will ensure the benefits of growth, including jobs and housing, can be spread more widely across the borough.

5.13 While it disperses growth more widely to serve towns and villages within the wider rural hinterland, the extent of growth in these locations is relatively small in scale (limited to that which is necessary to meet local needs) and focusses on settlements that have an existing service function. Less housing growth will be accommodated within the main urban area relative to option 2 (and towards the bottom of the range under option 1) but more than in option 3. However, this approach has the potential to undermine the development of critical mass at Doncaster and reduce the quality and diversity of investment in the borough as a whole.

5.14 Doncaster’s green belt comprises of substantial areas of open space and landscape value, including historic parks and gardens, limestone gorges, geological/wildlife sites and conservation areas close to existing urban areas. However, the green belt and the wider countryside is coming under increasing pressure from urban development, tourism and small-scale incremental changes as a result of land-use competition and urban containment, especially on the fringe of the main urban area.

5.15 As explained above (see paragraphs 4.19 and 4.20), significant new urban extensions will be required on the edge of the main urban area and main towns (under all of the options) to meet identified needs over the course of the plan period. In the case of Rossington and Stainforth/Hatfield, approved schemes will more than address identified requirements. In addition, more modest new urban extensions are needed to Carcroft/Skellow, Tickhill, Bawtry, Sprotbrough, Barnby Dun, Barnburgh/Harlington and Finningley. Approved schemes also more than address the identified requirements in Askern, Edlington and Auckley/Hayfield Green.

5.16 Clearly, a more dispersed strategy (option 3) would have a greater impact on the character and openness of the green belt and the open countryside (including prime agricultural land) relative to the other options. The hybrid option would also result in significant loss of agricultural land and green belt (more so than options 1 and 2). However, this is tempered by the fact that growth will be relatively modest within the service towns and villages and will be focussed primarily on meeting local needs.

5.17 The precise impact of greenfield development will depend on its location. Large-scale extensions to the main urban area and main towns and market towns would potentially give rise to significant landscape impacts. However, the extent of development would need to be planned in such a way as to limit the impact on the openness of the strategic gaps between the main urban area and outlying towns such as Armthorpe and Barnby Dun.

5.18 New development will also place significant pressure on the delivery of infrastructure and services within the borough in the face of new and emerging technologies, rising costs, changing lifestyles and significant gaps in provision. Like many other areas, Doncaster requires significant investment in new infrastructure to meet its future growth needs and keep pace with current demands. Doncas- 24

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

ter faces a significant shortfall of affordable homes. There also shortages in most types of open space in the vast majority of settlements. Population and housing growth is also placing significant pressure on both primary and secondary school places. In Doncaster, the housing requirement cannot be accommodated wholly within existing urban areas and some growth will need to be accommodated within flood risk zones and green belt/countryside locations to address local needs and support the regeneration of existing towns and communities. In view of these trends, appropriate trade-offs will need to be made between affordable housing and the other infrastructure requirements to secure the delivery of new housing, based on local priorities, especially within areas of low market demand. Getting this balance right is critical in ensuring viable development.

5.19 In this context, the hybrid approach seeks to ensure that sufficient opportunities come forward across the borough to secure affordable housing, open space and other types of infrastructure in line with local and national priorities. Housing growth would be spread across a relatively large number of settlements in both rural and urban areas (including more market-friendly locations) to meet local needs and secure the delivery of affordable homes. Market attractive locations should provide a better return from development in terms of infrastructure, affordable housing, and community benefits. The current market favours a larger spread of settlements and locations for both housing and economic investment than those set out in the Core Strategy (as per the hybrid approach).

5.20 Large-scale urban extensions to the main towns and smaller market towns should present opportunities to improve the quality of service provision in the immediate area (e.g. new community facilities and shops) and address deficiencies in provision (e.g. greenspace) and improve links to the wider green infrastructure network. Dispersed, smaller scale development will also place additional pressure on existing facilities and services especially within the main urban areas (schools, health centres and recreation space etc). Those settlements where such facilities are operating at or close to capacity may be adversely affected.

5.21 Some of the key development and redevelopment opportunities within the borough (e.g. Thorne and Doncaster town centre) lie within flood risk zones (albeit benefiting from existing flood defences). In Thorne and Moorends, new housing and employment opportunities will need to be accommodated within medium to high risk flood zones; both areas are almost entirely located within medium to high flood risk areas and so development within them is unavoidable. The current adopted Core Strategy proposes significant growth within Thorne and Moorends. However, the extent of mitigation necessary to make most sites safe from flood risk could render them unviable and undevelopable in the plan period. Although option 4 proposes more growth within Thorne and Moorends than the other options (see table 3), a much lower figure is anticipated due to the application of the sequential flood risk which will mean avoiding development (i.e. housing arising from economic growth) within high to medium risk flood zones and minimizing the potential risks arising from flooding in line with national policy requirements. In addition, option 4 focusses more growth around the cluster of villages and towns in the south west of the borough (e.g. Finningley, Auckley and Hayfield Green and Tickhill) where there are no known flood risk constraints.

5.22 A greater spread of development would help sustain rural services and support the regeneration of former mining communities, especially in the north of the borough. It also would provide more choice to developers in a more market responsive environment. Greater opportunities exist to improve the quality of housing and deliver affordable housing targets (most parts of the borough have a requirement) on sites where viability will be less of a constraint. Doncaster could do with more executive homes to meet the needs of an increasingly skilled workforce, with Tickhill and Bawtry offering favorable locations. In addition, more growth will be directed away from medium to high risk flood areas.

5.23 Whilst offering greater choice and flexibility in the land supply, it risks placing housing in less sustainable locations and in locations which reduce its ability to support regeneration within the main urban area or help sustain existing services in existing urban areas.

5.24 Despite being a metropolitan borough, Doncaster has a large rural hinterland with a relatively dispersed pattern of settlements beyond the main urban area, where many communities grew up around pitheads (which have since closed). Consequently, people living in these areas are often reliant on motorised transport, or have to travel longer distances to access jobs and services, notably within the main urban area and existing town centres. Because of this, Doncaster has a 25

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

relatively high carbon footprint compared to other metropolitan areas. Reinforcing this dispersed pattern is likely to exacerbate existing problems such as traffic congestion, long-distance commuting, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution levels and flood risk. Consequently, the alternative strategy of greater dispersal (option 3) to the smaller settlements would lead to a less sustainable pattern of development with regard to transport patterns related to provision of employment opportunities, retail facilities and social and community services.

5.25 All of the options will place significant pressure on water, soil and land resources. Such resources are finite and there is an important need to preserve and protect them (e.g. aquifers and high quality prime agricultural land) from inappropriate development.

5.26 Air quality has improved significantly in recent years, but it is still deteriorating along main routes leading into the town centre and along motorway junctions due to nitrogen dioxide from congestion and rising traffic levels. In most cases, new development has the potential to have a negative impact on air quality objectives, especially within the air quality management areas. Appropriate measures such as tree planting, traffic management controls, fuel-efficient technologies, emission- controls and dust abatement techniques will need to be put in place to offset or mitigate the impact on air quality arising from new development.

5.27 The planned expansion of the airport business park and other travel-intensive developments at key locations along the strategic highway network (e.g. iport, Unity and Rossington PGA) could generate adverse environmental effects as a result of the contribution they could make to increasing traffic movements and associated greenhouse gas emissions, especially where journeys are car rather than public transport based. Suggested mitigation measures that could be introduced through the Local Plan include:

• improvements to public transport access to the airport and other development sites, such as park and ride, bus priority schemes and interchanges; • traffic management measures; • surface access; and • ongoing work on flood management.

5.28 Doncaster’s biodiversity and geodiversity assets are under threat from a wide range of pressures such as agricultural intensification, flooding, air pollution, water abstraction, habitat fragmentation and development. These threats have the potential to result in the loss or degradation of habitats or geological features (e.g. Thorne and Hatfield Moors). There are a large number of local wildlife and geological sites across the borough, a number of which are within or near to existing urban areas. In most cases, large-scale development will (to varying degrees) affect the integrity of habitats and species. Like many of the other objectives, the extent and scale of harm will depend on the location of new development and the extent of new greenery and compensatory measures within new development. Long term effects are difficult to predict at this level, but dispersed growth may have greater negative impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity objectives from fragmentation and habitat loss. Conversely, option 2 would minimise the extent of development within countryside and areas of habitat.

5.29 Options 1, 2, 3 and 4 will help reduce social exclusion, poverty and disadvantage because growth will be directed to areas that require regeneration and investment and have good access to jobs and services. On the other hand, a more dispersed pattern of growth (based on previous trends in permissions and completions) could dilute benefits associated with achieving a larger critical mass of development and not maximise opportunities for high quality inward investment. It could also lead to higher levels of car use and longer journey lengths.

How does the options relate to other plans and strategies?

5.30 The proposed options are generally compatible with the plans and strategies in neighbouring parts of South Yorkshire and the aspirations of the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan. Major transport schemes (e.g. Hatfield Link Road, A1(M)-A19 Link, FARRRS and Barnsley/Doncaster Bus Rapid Transit) will benefit from significant funding from the Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund and other sources such as government grants and capital loans. These schemes will open up

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

development opportunities within key sites and deliver a significant number of new homes and jobs. All of the options will support and help deliver the strategic land use and regeneration priorities set out in the Sheffield City Region (see paragraph 4.19) but options 2 and 4 will direct more growth to these areas. New road links will encourage car-bourne commuting from neighbouring authorities such as Barnsley, Rotherham, Selby and Bassetlaw.

CHAPTER 6: DEGREE OF COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN THE EMERGING AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN AND THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

6.1 Government guidance states that the objectives of the local plan must be tested against the objectives of the sustainability appraisal to highlight both potential synergies and inconsistencies/conflicts14. The degree of compatibility of the aims and objectives and the objectives has been tested using the framework set out in the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report and in appendix 2.

6.2 The aims and objectives of the emerging Doncaster Local Plan have been derived from the review of relevant plans and programmes and the key issues identified in the baseline review (see appendix 2 of the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report). These will help to implement the overall vision of the Doncaster Local Plan.

6.3 Appendix 2 of this report shows how far these aims and objectives are compatible with the objectives of the sustainability appraisal. The results confirm that the objectives are mutually reinforcing and compatible.

6.4 Some of the aims and objectives have been subject to revision and this process is set out in the aims and objectives paper which accompanies the current consultation. This includes a new aim relating to health and well-being and some new objectives. You can view or download these from our web site at www.doncaster.gov.uk/localplan. A summary of the aims and objectives is set out in appendix 2. These changes reflect the views of stakeholders from the previous consultation.

6.5 The compatibility matrix table has been updated accordingly to reflect these changes. In addition, it explains in more detail where potential conflicts between the local plan and sustainability appraisal might occur and how these will be addressed (in the light of advice from Planning Advisory Service).

CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 This report has considered the potential environmental, social and economic and environmental effects of Doncaster’s growth options against a series of evaluation criteria. These criteria have been derived from the main themes from the baseline review and reflect the priorities from relevant plans and programmes. The key strengths and weaknesses of these options are set out in the appendix.

7.2 This appraisal has been updated to include a more detailed assessment of the broad growth options, including a new hybrid option (based largely on a combination of options 1 and 2) that has emerged following the previous consultation. This option outlines the preferred strategy for how housing should be distributed across the borough and takes account of the outcomes of the appraisal process (the urban concentrated approach emerged as the most sustainable of the options) along with the feedback from the previous consultation and the findings of the evidence base (e.g. objectively assessed housing needs). We have appraised this new option against the objectives of the sustainability appraisal and the results are set out in the appendices. Overall, this hybrid approach scores well against the objectives and offers a realistic alternative to the other three options.

7.3 Further work is needed to investigate the potential implications of high-speed rail (in particular HS2 and HS3) on the future growth and regeneration of the borough. Most employment opportunities are

14 A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, September 2005). 27

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

close to the road network but there is scope to improve connectivity between rail interchanges and emerging hubs and key sites such as Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Doncaster Waterfront. Large sites and opportunity areas require a comprehensive approach to future planning and development in the town centre; in some cases, this may involve the remodeling of existing streets and buildings subject to selective clearance and redevelopment. Significant interventions will be required from both public and private sectors to facilitate the delivery of sites and the provision of infrastructure within Doncaster’s existing town centres. Option 4 aims to balance the needs of the town centre and main urban area against market realism and economic viability considerations. With the long lead-in times, the potential benefits of high speed rail in terms of improved accessibility, connectivity and skills will not begin to take root until towards the end of the plan period, but it is likely to trigger a need to review the Doncaster Local Plan. Potential long term options include a new integrated growth zone centred on the railway station and interchange in the town centre with high intensity development and an extension to the existing airport business park (via a new railway station).

Reasons for rejecting alternatives and choosing the preferred option

7.4 Option 1 (based on the current Core Strategy) has its merits from a regeneration point of view but steers too much growth to medium to high risk flood areas and too little growth towards market towns and villages which already benefit from reasonably good service provision and the more isolated communities in the north of the borough where new opportunities are emerging. Option 3 has also been rejected on the basis that it would give rise to more adverse impacts on the environment, some of which would cause significant harm the character and appearance of the green belt and the physical identity and settings of existing settlements. While the appraisal predicts that option 4 will have a greater impact on the openness of the green belt and countryside than options 1 and 2, it seeks to provide an appropriate balance between a focus on the larger and more accessible urban areas (i.e. the main urban area and main towns) to supports regeneration and address deprivation, whilst supporting rural communities with levels of growth that address their needs and support local services. In addition, it will ensure that local housing needs (including affordable housing) are met across the borough.

7.5 On balance, options 2 and 4 score best against the sustainability criteria. If the economy improves and grows significantly in the medium to long term, there will be more opportunities to increase the density and intensity of development in the main urban area and at key transport nodes, especially within the town centre. If this happens, a stronger case could be made in favour of the urban concentration approach, which can be considered through a future review of the Doncaster Local Plan.

Next stages

7.6 The next stage of the process will involve assessing the effects of potential development sites (e.g. housing, employment and mineral sites) to help determine the most suitable and sustainable options. These have emerged from the ‘call for sites’ consultation.

7.7 Following this, we will prepare a full draft of the Doncaster Local Plan. This will take into account the consultation responses and the findings of sustainability appraisal (as well as any other new sources of evidence that emerge).

7.8 The Doncaster Local Plan will set out a preferred strategy for Doncaster will grow and develop in the future and a series of detailed policies to help implement it. These will be subject to further sustainability appraisal and public consultation as part of this process.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

APPENDIX 1: LINKS BETWEEN THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL AND THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

The sustainability appraisal of the Doncaster Local Plan, in line with the requirements of relevant legislation and guidance, provides the following information (which is contained in the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report and Sustainability Appraisal of Doncaster’s Growth Options - this report).

SEA Directive requirements Location

Outline relationship of the plan to other relevant plans and programmes Appendix 1 of the scoping report Set out the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment Appendix 2 of the scoping and the evolution of the environment if the neighbourhood plan was not report implemented Set out the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be Appendix 2 of the scoping significantly affected by the plan. report Describe any existing environmental problems Appendix 2 of the scoping report Identify the environmental protection objectives established at Appendix 1 of the scoping international, community or national level report

Authorities with specific environmental responsibilities (article 6 (3)) to Chapter 1 of the scoping be consulted when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the report. information to be included in the environmental report Consider the ‘reasonable alternatives’, taking into account the Chapters 4 and 5 and objectives and geographical scope of the plan appendix 3 of this report Outline the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with include a Chapter 7 of this report and description of any difficulties encountered in comparing the required assumptions set out in information. chapter 4 (paragraph 4.19) of this report Set out the likely significant effects of the plan on the environment. Chapters 4 and 5 and appendix 3 of this report Set out the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce or offset any Appendices 2 and 3 of this significant adverse effects of the plan. report Member states shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the Appendix 3 of the scoping implementation of plans and programmes in order to identify, at an report early stage, unforeseen adverse effects and be able to undertake appropriate remedial action (article 10). Provide a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring Appendix 3 of the scoping in accordance with article 10. report

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

APPENDIX 2: DEGREE OF COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN THE DRAFT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN AND THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

The aims and objectives of the emerging Doncaster Local Plan will be tested at each stage of the preparation process as they are refined.

Since the previous consultation, the aims and objectives have been updated and revised to reflect the views of consultees and the results of the sustainability appraisal. These flow from the spatial vision of the borough and the issues identified in the baseline review.

Main changes include:

 a new aim covering health and well-being, along with associated objectives;  a new objective seeking to protect and enhance Doncaster’s water environment, including its rivers, canals, lakes and ground water aquifers;  a new objective seeking to create more thriving, accessible and attractive town, district and local centres;  a new objective seeking the successful delivery of new homes throughout the borough, preferably within accessible and well-served locations such as small towns and large villages; and  minor wording changes to some of the aims and objectives.

A more detailed breakdown of these changes can be found within the list of consultation documents from our website at www.doncaster.gov.uk/ldf.

The table overleaf compares the revised aims and objectives against the objectives of the sustainability appraisal.

Aim 1: Jobs and growth:

Support the conditions and opportunities for attracting high quality inward investment and jobs including green and high-tech industries and other innovative sectors that will help grow and diversify Doncaster’s economy and support its role as a sub-regional centre.

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: a) promote Doncaster’s town centre as the borough’s main location for shopping, indoor leisure, culture and business and strengthen its role as a major sub-regional centre, and direct town centre uses towards existing centres; b) provide a choice and range of employment, housing and mixed-use sites in accessible locations to meet the needs of existing and future users; c) secure the provision of necessary infrastructure such as water, gas, electricity and phone networks (including improvements to existing services); d) direct new development to emerging growth corridors such as town centres and key transport routes (e.g. Doncaster Sheffield Airport) to promote clusters of economic activity (e.g. innovative and hi-tech industries such as low carbon, aviation and engineering) and investment and support the role of Doncaster as a logistics centre of national significance; e) secure and maintain a steady and constant supply of minerals (including sharp sand and gravel and limestone); and f) diversify the rural economy in a way that protects the open countryside whilst supporting businesses and existing communities.

Aim 2: Regeneration and community pride

Support regeneration in all our communities to tackle deprivation and promote civic pride, especially those living in the most disadvantaged areas.

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to:

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

a) encourage the re-use of sites and buildings, especially well located and underused brownfield land (e.g. redundant or unused sites and empty properties) to help revitalise areas of low housing demand and stimulate growth; b) create more thriving, accessible and attractive town, district and local centres, with a greater range and mix of uses; c) make sure that schools have enough capacity to accommodate new pupils from developments and enough places can be created to accommodate them, in the right locations; and d) secure training and local employment provision (including apprenticeships and services) in association with new development and emerging growth sectors

Aim 3: Quality of place:

Make sure that our towns, suburbs, villages and countryside benefit from high quality development that reinforce distinctive and vibrant places and conserve the built and natural heritage.

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to:

a) protect, maintain and enhance the distinct character, identity and setting of settlements; b) support high quality infill in smaller villages and support the retention and provision of services meeting local needs; c) reinforce the distinctive character of locally important landscapes and ecological features such as tree-lined verges, historic field patterns, rich species meadows, lowland moors and woodlands; d) make sure that new development is safe and secure and achieves high standards of design, open space and landscaping; and e) protect and enhance the borough’s cultural and heritage assets such as archaeological remains, parks and gardens and historic buildings.

Aim 4: Natural environment and countryside

Maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the countryside and the natural environment, including areas of landscape and biodiversity value

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: a) protect and improve the appearance, character and role of the different landscapes in the borough, including minimising the loss of green belt land and open countryside; b) improve access to and extend networks of high quality green spaces and corridors (e.g. river valleys and wetlands) to support wildlife, encourage physical activity and improve links to other parts of the city region and beyond, especially within the Dearne Valley and Humberhead Levels; c) improve the amount, quality and accessibility of green space, especially where existing provision is deficient; d) protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity networks, trees, hedgerows and geodiversity sites, such as Thorne and Hatfield Moors, Potteric Carr and Spotborough Gorge and important habitats, from loss or damage through effective management, in partnership with other agencies, whilst achieving net gains, where possible; and e) maintain and improve the quality of Doncaster’s water environment, including its rivers, canals, lakes and ground water aquifers, particularly within the Don and Trent catchment areas.

Aim 5: Energy and climate change

Support the transition to a low carbon borough in a way that reduces emissions and energy use, combats the impacts of climate change and encourages more efficient use of its natural resources such as energy, water and minerals

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: a) maximise the generation and use of renewable energy from low carbon sources, such as solar power, carbon capture, biomass and energy from waste (for example, through the creation of decentralised energy networks); 31

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS b) direct inappropriate development away from areas at risk of flooding (consistent with other objectives) and encourage flood resilient design; c) make sure that new development minimises energy demand and consumption, connects to renewable forms of energy, reduces surface water run-off, improves water quality and prevents waste; and d) put in place measures to make sure that new development is compatible with neighbouring land uses, removes contamination and does not give rise to unacceptable levels of air, water, noise and light pollution.

Aim 6: Transport and movement

Improve travel choice within the borough and to the wider city region and beyond to address congestion, improve journey times and improve access to services and jobs, especially by public transport, cycling and walking

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: a) ensure that new development is in places where it will be accessible to everyone, preferably by walking, cycling and public transport; b) maintain and improve transport links (both internally and externally) between communities, jobs and services, especially to neighbouring town and economic centres, airports (e.g. Doncaster Sheffield Airport), coastal ports and high-speed rail stations, making best use of existing / planned networks; c) enhance the gateway approaches and key transport corridors leading into the town centres (e.g. priority bus and rail routes) and other key areas with high quality public realm and buildings; and d) improve the sustainable movement of freight within and around Doncaster, making more use of water and rail.

Aim 7: Homes and communities Increase the provision of new homes throughout the borough to meet current and future needs and create mixed and balanced communities, particularly in areas with access to services.

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: a) deliver a range of high quality homes of different styles, tenures and sizes (including individual groups such as gypsy and travellers, young families, students, professionals and old and vulnerable people) which people can afford and can be made viable; b) focus new homes primarily within the main urban area of Doncaster and to the borough’s other large towns (Mexborough, Thorne/Moorends, Armthorpe, Askern, Adwick/Woodlands, Conisborough/Denaby, Dunscroft/Dunsville/Hatfield/Stainforth and Rossington); c) improve the quality and condition of existing homes to make them more efficient and resilient to the impacts of climate change, targeting those households living in fuel poverty; and d) secure the delivery of new homes (including affordable housing) within accessible and well-served locations such as small towns and villages.

Aim 8: Health and well-being Improve the health and well-being of people of all ages and backgrounds and reduce inequalities and obesity levels across the borough

To achieve this aim, our objectives are to: a) create healthier and more vibrant neighbourhoods (including a mix of uses and green spaces) that are walkable and well-connected to existing communities, where infrastructure and services exist or are planned; b) provide new or improved health, sport and recreation facilities and greenspaces to support housing and address deficits, particularly in areas of recognised need; c) protect and maintain existing shared services, community facilities and sport and recreational spaces unless surplus to requirements or alternative and better provision can be provided elsewhere; and d) control and manage the impact of takeaways, fast food outlets, pubs and bars to avoid over concentration within existing centres and direct them away from schools and hospitals.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal 1 Maintain and increase a) Maintain • Create jobs / new businesses Support - 1,2,3,6,7 and 8 Support: Doncaster’s growth and strengthen • Support existing businesses Doncaster places the economy at the centre of its strategy and has ambitions plans to deliver and prosperity and economic • Increase wealth Potentially conflict – 4 and significant growth and regeneration through its local plan. diversify its economic growth • Attract investment and trade 5 base • Close the ‘output gap’ Aim 1 has particularly strong links to this objective. In essence it seeks to seek to foster condi- • Improve financial security tions to ensure that the borough is able to attract high quality business investment (including • Provide a supply of available higher sector jobs such as engineering and hi-tech green industries) to help broaden the work- land for all business needs force, boost skills and reduce the output gap between Doncaster and the rest of the region. • Promote tourism Particular emphasis is placed on promoting innovation and economic clusters (around Doncas- • Support home working / e- ter and Sheffield Airport and M18 and A1(M) motorway corridors and the town centres) to commerce support the role of Doncaster as a trading centre of national significance. • Improve quality of life In addition, aims 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 will have a strong indirect positive impact on this objective, particularly in terms of:

 attracting a more skilled workforce (e.g. providing housing aimed at students and professionals);  facilitating better transport links (both internally and externally) to ensure people have good access to jobs, including those from deprived communities;  promoting a more attractive environment and setting in which to encourage investment and attract new businesses;  making efficient use of existing resources and energy to reduce development costs and increase living standards;  securing training and employment provision in association with large-scale development; and,  improving the health and well-being of the borough’s population hence providing a fit, healthy and productive workforce.

Potentially conflict: Aim 4 seeks to maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the countryside and the natural environment, including landscape and biodiversity value. Land requirement for strategic distribution warehousing in particular frequently requires large greenfield countryside sites due to locational needs of the distribution and logistics sectors. Policies on design, landscaping, biodiversity etc will require any such development to minimise such impacts. Once the development needs for the plan period are identified and allocated, policies will protect the rest of our natural environment and countryside from inappropriate development.

Aim 5 seeks to direct inappropriate development away from areas at risk of flooding (consistent with other objectives). There is potential conflict with this objective therefore given that junctions 4, 5 and 6 of the M18/M180 motorway corridor are flood risk zone 3. However, development in flood risk areas is acceptable providing the sequential test can be demonstrated, and it can be proven that it will be safe for its occupiers. In addition, most employment uses are less vulnerable development in flood risk terms.

33 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal b) Economic  Provide a skilled workforce. diversification • Broaden sectoral mix • Less reliance on current high volume sectors • More workers in ‘higher value’ sectors • Promote rural diversification 2 Reinforce and a) Support  Maintain and protect the Support - 1,2,3,4,6 and 8 Support: support community community physical identity and setting Boosting civic pride and community identify is a key theme underpinning the aims and objec- identity and pride identity of existing settlements Potentially conflict - 7 tives of the Doncaster Local Plan. Although difficult to quantify, the aims and objectives will • Conserve and protect existing have indirect benefits on this objective. These include:

services and facilities (especially in more remote areas)  protecting and maintaining the distinct identity and physical setting of existing self- • Promote greater community contained settlements beyond the main urban area, some of which are vulnerable to coa- cohesion lescence (which will help reinforce community identity and pride in place); • Don’t make everywhere the  promoting more distinctive, safer and attractive settlements which have a unique sense of same place; b) Pride  Get people involved in local  supporting infill opportunities in existing small towns and villages in the rural hinterland to issues. support the retention of local services; • Foster positive perceptions of  enhancing the vitality and viability of existing town centres, especially the sub –regional the area centre of Doncaster; • Make people proud of their  promoting tourism and cultural activities; and, own community and  creating healthier and more vibrant neighbourhoods. Doncaster Potentially conflict: Aim 7 looks to increase the provision of new homes to meet future need which may require extensions and possible coalescence of settlements. Such negative impacts will be mitigated through use of urban sites where possible and also policies on design and landscaping seeking to ensure distinctive settlements are maintained and their setting enhanced. 3 Improve a) Accessibility  Ensure places can be ac- Support - 1,2,3,5,6 and 7 Support: accessibility to to places cessed via public transport A strong degree of compatibility exists between the aims and objectives of the emerging Local places and • Encourage a modal shift Plan and this objective, with a view to improving accessibility/connectivity across the borough • Minimise travel to work dis- and beyond. Aim 6 has particularly strong links to this objective, because it focusses on im- services, both tances proving travel choices both in the borough, the wider city region and beyond. within and outside • Has footpath access where of the borough possible Below summarises the main outcomes of the aims and objectives that will contribute towards • Has cycle paths where possi- the achievement of this objective: ble • Have adequate parking facili-  New development will be focussed in places which are accessible to jobs, services and ties shops, places of work and services. • Has road access where possi-  Improvements will be made to improve the reliability and capacity of the existing network ble (including road, cycle, rail and telecommunications) to meet future business needs and re- b) Accessibility  Facilitate access to services duce travel costs/distances. to services and facilities such as health,  Greenspaces and corridors such as waterways and river valleys will serve more than one education, open spaces and function and will become safer and more accessible to encourage physical activity, support shops etc wildlife and improve links to other parts of the network; • New development should be  Gateways and transport corridors leading to the town centre will be improved. close to services  Measures will be implemented to facilitate strategic access via road, rail and public transport • Facilitate the transport of between communities, jobs and services both within and outside of the borough and mini- freight by sustainable means mise journey times.  Minimise the need to travel  Better use will be made of water and rail-based freight. 34 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal 4 Ensure resources a) Energy  Reduce the reliance on, and Support - 1,5 and 6 Support: are available and resources the consumption of, finite fos- Aim 5 of the Doncaster Local Plan has particularly strong links to this objective. It seeks to efficiently used to sil fuels support the transition to a low carbon borough in a way that reduces energy and waste and  Reduce greenhouse gas emis- exploits its existing resources. sustain sions development and  Reduce energy use and en- Below summarises the main outcomes of the aims and objectives that will contribute (directly reduce waste and courage the production and or indirectly) towards the achievement of this objective. consumption use of renewable energy b) Minerals and  Reduce primary mineral ex-  Secure and maintain a steady and constant supply of minerals; construction traction  Renewable energy generation and use will be encouraged and promoted within new devel-  Increase the use of recycled opments such as solar power and carbon capture; and reclaimed aggregates  New development will minimise energy demand and water and waste consumption with  Incorporate sustainable links to sustainable drainage systems and low carbon energy networks; design and construction  Priority will be given to reusing vacant and underused buildings and existing infrastructure practices to make best use of existing resources (e.g. through the use of recycled aggregates); and, c) Efficient use  Encourage reuse/recycling  Improving public transport and travel choice will encourage modes of travel not as reliant of waste and minimise waste on the private car. 5 Provide affordable, a) Affordability  Provide housing (including Support - 1,2,3,5 and 7 Support: good quality affordable housing) that is The results confirm there is a strong positive correlation between aim 7 of the emerging plan housing that is available to everyone to Potentially conflict – 4 and and objective 5 of the sustainability appraisal; both place strong emphasis on ensuring that address future needs 5 everyone has good access to high quality and affordable housing, including individual and vul- available to b) Quality  Promote and encourage good nerable groups. These include gypsy and travellers, young families, professionals, old and everyone, including quality design and sustainable vulnerable people and students. New housing will be directed towards the main urban area vulnerable and homes and main towns where there is good access to jobs and services and both rural (e.g. infill sites) disadvantaged and urban locations. In other words, it will ensure that new homes are provided to the right c) Mix and  Ensure an appropriate mix of groups standards, in the right locations, at the right time; ensuring a balance of housing types and range of housing, tenures and types tenures that people are able to access. This will include more private sector family housing, homes sheltered accommodation, student housing and rural housing. d) Availability  Increase the supply of housing This objective (along with aim 7) strongly reflects the priorities of the Housing Strategy and • Address areas of housing Borough Strategy set out in the review of plans and programmes. The Borough Strategy wants market failure to accelerate the pace of housing delivery and bring forward greener and more sustainable homes, particularly within areas of high development potential. Accelerating the provision of new housing will help achieve many of the other aims and objectives, especially aim 3 (quality of place) and aim 2 (regeneration and community pride).

Potentially conflict: Aim 4 seeks to protect the natural environment and countryside, although it is likely that meeting the housing needs of the borough will require land in the countryside as it is unlikely that all of the growth will be able to be accommodated on urban sites. Policies on design, landscaping, biodiversity etc will require any such development to minimise such impacts. Once the development needs for the plan period are identified and allocated, policies will protect the rest of our natural environment and countryside from inappropriate development.

Aim 5 seeks to direct inappropriate development away from areas at risk of flooding (consistent with other objectives). There is potential conflict with this objective therefore given that virtually the entire of Thorne-Moorends is within flood risk zone 3, and significant flood risk constraints are prevalent in other parts of the borough, including the town centre. However, development in flood risk areas is acceptable providing the sequential test can be demonstrated, and it can be proven that it will be safe for its occupiers (the exception test).

35 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal 6 Reduce social Social exclu-  Minimise disadvantage or Support - 1,2,3,6,7 and 8 Support: exclusion and sion discrimination A strong degree of compatibility exists between objective 6 of the sustainability appraisal and disadvantage • Ensure that as many people aims 2, 3 and 7 of the emerging plan. Some communities in Doncaster are socially excluded as possible have good access from opportunities (e.g. broadband) and places of work. to shops and services Social  Reduce concentrations of Several key messages emerge from the aims and objectives that will specifically tackle depri- disadvantage socio-economic disadvantage vation and social exclusion in Doncaster: • Reduce the gap between affluent and deprived areas  All communities should benefit from growth and regeneration;  New development should meet the needs and demands of specific groups especially more vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, young people and gypsy and travellers;  Areas of low housing demand and dereliction will be revitalised and regenerated;  Employment and training provision will be secured in association with large-scale development to help increase economic activity and skill levels;  Growth will be targeted towards areas in need of regeneration and investment, such as town and district centres, former mining communities and areas of low housing demand;  New development will be directed toward places that are accessible to everyone, especially where existing infrastructure and service provision is already available or is planned;  A range and choice of employment sites will be provided in both rural and urban areas and deprived areas;  Sufficient capacity will be provided to meet the education and health needs of the population;  Neighbourhoods will be better connected to jobs, services and transport networks;  New growth will help boost civic pride and community identity; and,  Create healthier and more vibrant neighbourhoods that are well-connected to communities, infrastructure and services, and provision of new and improves services to address deficits, particularly in areas of need. 7 Make places that a) Attractive  Deliver a high quality built Support - 3, 4 and 6 Support: are safe, attractive, and distinctive environment Strong positive links exist between the objective and the aims and objectives of the local plan culturally places • Promote local distinctiveness in recognition of the need to create more vibrant, attractive, safe and distinctive places. In • Provide more greenspaces essence, aim 3 provides a spatial interpretation of how this objective will be achieved. interesting and and trees distinctive to live, • Maintain and improve the Below summarises the main outcomes of the aims and objectives that will contribute (directly work and travel in character and setting of the or indirectly) towards the achievement of this objective: townscape and landscape b) Safety and  Promote buildings and devel-  More and better connected greenspaces which facilitate the movement of people and security opments which are ‘secure by wildlife; design’  Neighbourhoods will be safer, healthier and better connected to existing communities via • Address anti-social behaviour walking, cycling and public transport with associated green infrastructure; • Maximise the security of  New buildings and spaces will be designed to a high standard; homes and workplaces  The distinct character and setting of existing settlements will be preserved from inappro- • Reduce crime priate development; • Reduce fear of crime  Infill development will be supported within rural areas to support the retention of jobs and • Minimise risk to health and services; safety  Important landscapes and townscapes (including the historic setting of towns and villages) will be protected and enhanced; and,  Cultural, tourism and leisure attractions will be protected and promoted to give people the very best life opportunities.

36 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal 8 Renew and reuse a) Land and  Encourage the re-use of Support - 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 Support: existing buildings, buildings brownfield land, vacant sites A strong degree of compatibility exists between the aims and objectives of the sustainability land and and existing buildings Potentially conflict – 1, 5 appraisal and aims and objectives of the emerging plan, in particular aims 2 and 5. Aim 2 • Avoid the unnecessary use of and 7 seeks to ensure that new development will make best use of existing land and buildings. This infrastructure greenfield sites will minimise the loss of agricultural land and protect the open countryside. Significant priority • Support renewal of old and/or will be placed on revitalising older housing areas and renewing and rebalancing existing stock poor areas of housing in areas of low demand. Where possible, sustainable design measures will be implemented to • Protect and enhance the improve the efficiency of the housing stock (see aims 5 and 3). amenity of the area  Remove unstable and Aim 5 seeks to put in place measures to remove contamination and other physical constraints contaminated land in the interests of protecting and enhancing amenity. Aim 1 seeks to make sure that sufficient b)  Capacity of existing infra- infrastructure is provided in the right locations to support existing business and new develop- Infrastructure structure to support new de- ment which will also require improvements to the existing network. Aim 8 looks to provide new velopment infrastructure to address deficits, especially in areas of recognised need. • Quality of existing infrastructure provision Potentially conflict: Both aims 1 and 7 seek to provide sufficient land to meet the borough’s housing and economic development needs over the plan period. Although some may be able to be accommodated on urban sites, including reusing previously developed land, it will be necessary to also bring forward greenfield sites to meet our needs and the requirements for sites to be deliverable and attractive to the market and modern day local needs of business. Policies on design, landscaping, biodiversity etc will require any such development to minimise such impacts. Once the development needs for the plan period are identified and allocated, policies will protect the rest of our natural environment and countryside from inappropriate development. Although aim 5 has been identified as supporting this sustainability appraisal objective, it seeks to direct development away from flood risk areas (where possible). There is a strong correlation between brownfield sites and high levels of flood risk in the borough e.g. Doncaster town centre. The sequential and exception tests allow for development to come forward in flood risk areas. 9 Improve the health a) Health  Address health inequalities Support - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and Support: and well-being of • Make it easier for people to 8 The health of Doncaster’s residents is improving but it remains a pressing concern, with high the borough’s pursue a healthy lifestyle rates of obesity and sickness compared to other areas. Aim 8 in particular will help promote • Promote access to healthcare and improve the health and well-being of the borough and support a reduction in health inequi- population • Reduce the fear of crime and ties between communities. This will be achieved in the following ways: anti-social behaviour

37 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal b) Well being  Increase personal satisfaction  New development will improve the quality of housing and housing conditions especially in • Improve quality of life areas of low demand to meet the needs of the borough including vulnerable groups such • Enhance people’s ability to as the elderly and young people; access opportunities  New housing will be located within close proximity to jobs and services, thus reducing the • Encourage community partici- need to travel. pation  A series of walkable, low carbon neighbourhoods will be created to promote more healthy lifestyles and reconnect existing communities where existing services and infrastructure exist or are planned;  Good quality agricultural land will be protected where possible from urban encroachment as a source of local food production;  Safe walking and cycling routes will be protected and provided at key locations to promote physical activity and active living;  New development will be focussed in places which are accessible to everyone and have good access to jobs and services and jobs;  Creating more accessible and distinctive communities will in turn offer more transport choices, higher levels of social interaction and physical activity and reduced emissions from transport; and,  Measures will need to be introduced to ensure that new development does not give rise to unacceptable impacts on noise, air and light pollution or other environmental hazards, which might lead to an adverse impact on human health.

This will in turn support the implementation of the Doncaster Health and Well Being Strategy and Doncaster Corporate Plan. 10 Provide education a) Education  Improve educational attain- Support - 1,2, and 6 Support: and training ment Education and skills are paramount to the future well-being of the borough. Explicit recognition provision to build • Provide more/sufficient school is given to the importance of providing a stronger and more diverse skills base (especially in places to address future need high-end sectors such as green industries, rail engineering and aviation) and raising the quality the skills and b) Skills and  Improve qualifications and of education and training provision to attract investment, encourage innovation and support capacity of the training skills in young people the role of Doncaster as a major economic driver of the Sheffield city region within aims 1, 2 population • Provide opportunities for and 6 of the Doncaster Local Plan. adults to learn new skills

11 Manage and adapt a) Flood risk  Avoid inappropriate develop- Support - 2,3,4,5 and 6 Support: to climate change ment in flood risk areas Climate change mitigation and adaptation is a key theme underpinning the aims and objectives  Manage flood risk on sites at Potentially conflict – 1 and of the Doncaster Local Plan. For instance, aim 5 (energy and climate change) covers flood risk, risk of flooding 7 renewable energy, sustainable drainage, water supply, energy efficiency improvements and b) Greenhouse  Reduce greenhouse gas emis- emission reductions within new development. gas emissions sions Below summarises the main outcomes of the aims and objectives that will contribute (both  Improve/increase Doncaster’s resilience to climate change directly and indirectly) towards the achievement of this objective:

 Support the delivery of renewable and low carbon en-  Doncaster’s green infrastructure network will be strengthened and improved to help man- ergy and associated infra- age surface water, absorb pollution and emissions (e.g. carbon sinks), support urban structure cooling, promote more sustainable and less polluting forms of travel (e.g. cycling and walking) and reduce erosion;  Secure energy efficiency improvements  Renewable energy generation and use (including low carbon decentralised networks) will

38 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal c) Water  Encourage sustainable drain- be encouraged and exploited to help achieve self-sufficiency, save energy and reduce our supply and age practices reliance on fossil fuels; drainage  Manage and protect our water  New development should be low carbon and resource efficient; supply  Energy demand and consumption will be minimised through the use of renewable energy, sustainable urban drainage, waste minimisation and flood resilient design;  New development will be directed away from areas at risk of flooding as far as possible; and,  Alternative forms of transport to the private car will be encouraged (e.g. walking, cycling and public transport) to help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Potentially conflict: Aims 1 and 7 seek to provide sufficient land for our housing and economic development needs over the plan period. Although aim 5 seeks to direct development away from flood risk areas (where possible) the significant flood risk constraints for the borough e.g. virtually all of Thorne-Moorends is within flood risk zone 3, and junctions 4,5 and 6 of the M18/M180 motorway corridor are within flood risk zone 3. It may not be possible, therefore, to avoid flood risk, although the sequential and exception tests (where necessary) allow for development in flood risk areas providing it can be made safe. 12 Protect, increase a) Biodiversity  Protect, maintain and improve Support – 2, 3 and 4 Support: and enhance the (habitats and sites of international, national On the whole, there is a strong positive correlation between the two sets of aims. The Local natural species) and local importance Potentially conflict – 1 and Plan includes a specific aim relating to the natural environment, including Doncaster’s land- 7 scape and open countryside. environment,  Create new areas of biodiver-

including the sity value  Offset / compensate for the Potentially conflict: landscape, its loss of habitats and species as However, some conflicts may occur between aims 1 and 7 of the Local Plan and objective 12. underlying geology a result of development Regardless of which option is chosen, new urban extensions may be required on the edge of existing settlements to accommodate the needs arising from growth and avoid significant phys- and wildlife habitat b) Geodiversity Protect, maintain and improve  ical constraints. This may have implications therefore in terms of our natural environment. sites of geodiversity im- Developers will be expected to provide suitable mitigation and compensatory measures to portance offset or reduce the impact arising from development on biodiversity and geological interests c) Landscape  Maintain and enhancing and the amenity of the wider landscape. landscape quality and character 13 Protect, conserve a) Historic  Protect, maintain and im- Support - 3 Support: and enhance the places prove the character and ap- Aim 3 has a specific objective relating to Doncaster’s cultural and historic heritage. The broad historic and cultural pearance of conservation are- Potentially conflict – 1 and thrust of the objective is to protect, maintain and improve the character and appearance of as 7 conservation areas, listed buildings and historic parks and gardens. Other important features of heritage  Maintain and protect historic the historic environment include geodiversity sites (e.g. Don Gorge) and the moors. These will buildings, scheduled ancient be protected under aim 4. monuments and their settings  Protect, maintain and im- Potentially conflict: prove national and local his- Aims 1 and 7 seek a significant level of development to meet our future housing and economic toric parks and gardens development needs which may involve sites that could impact on our heritage assets. Where b) Cultural  Promote and increase tourism development may impact on our heritage, policies in relation to design and mitigation will limit heritage  Sensitive management of the potential negative effects e.g. layout, density, landscaping and screening. historic townscape

 Protect undesignated archaeological assets from damage or loss

39 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

No Sustainability Detailed decision making criteria Aims and objectives of Comment appraisal objective the Local Plan which support/potentially conflict with the objectives of the appraisal 14 Protect and a) Land and  Avoid the sterilisation of min- Support - 2,3,4,5 and 6 Support: enhance soil, air soil erals The Doncaster Local Plan sets out an approach to managing land, soil, air and water resources and water quality  Restore, reclaim and remedi- Potentially conflict – 1 and in the borough. ate vacant and derelict land 7 Strong positive links exist between the aims and objectives and soil, air and water objective as (watercourses and summarised below: ground water) (e.g. contaminated sites)  Encourage local food production  The best and most versatile agricultural land will be protected from development to protect local food-growing and prevent soil and water erosion; b) Water  Increase the quality and  New development may be focused within urban areas in areas of lower environmental quantity of the water envi- quality in preference to greenfield sites; ronment  New development must be designed to minimise exposure to air, water and soil pollution  Reduce direct and indirect and incorporate appropriate mitigation measures according to sustainable design princi- pollution on the water ples; environment  Best use should be made of existing vacant and derelict buildings and spaces so as to c) Air  Reduce/minimise air pollu- safeguard or improve soil quality and bring land back into productive use and, tion(e.g. increased traffic)  Water abstraction within the aquifers will be avoided to prevent pollution and avoid and noise further depletion of ground water supplies.  Maintain or improve air quality especially at motorway Potentially conflict: junctions and busy A roads Aims 1 and 7 seek a significant level of development to meet our future housing and economic development needs which may involve sites that could impact on agricultural land, sterilise minerals resources etc. Policies on air, water and soil will require any potential negative effects to be mitigated.

40 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

APPENDIX 3: DETAILED APPRAISAL OF THE STRATEGIC GROWTH OPTIONS (INCLUDING THE NEW HYBRID APPROACH)

Option 1 (the Core Strategy approach: business-as-usual)

41 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance Economic  Provide a skilled Long Uncertain Permanent Skills and need Local and sub- Employment in Doncaster is skewed towards lower value employment diversification workforce. / demands are regional sectors (e.g. retail, wholesale and construction) and is lacking employees  Broaden sectoral temporary dependent on soft in the higher value sectors such as finance and real estate. This leaves mix interventions – High value sectors Doncaster’s economy more vulnerable to economic downturns.  Less reliance on impact is quite (e.g. engineering current high vol- uncertain as the and aviation) have However, schemes and opportunities such as the airport business park ume sectors options do not high profit or (enterprise zone), energy business park (Unity), national rail college and  More workers in directly address revenue, consider regeneration of the town centre should attract investment in ‘higher ‘higher value’ skills and social impact and value’ sectors, such as research and development, aviation, engineering sectors diversification but are important to and business and commerce.  Promote rural di- concentrating local, regional and versification growth around national growth corridors economies. will have more positive impact - requires a step change in economic productivity and skills. Overall score: ++ /? This option will have significant positive effects on this objective but still some uncertainty exists about the future state of the local economy during the plan period due to fluctuations in market conditions and reductions in public funding. 2. Reinforce and Support  Maintain and pro- Medium to Uncertain Permanent The Local Plan will Local/neighbourho Option 1 has the potential to reinforce settlement identity and pride support community tect the physical long but some / need to have regard od level subject to maintaining the distinct identity of settlements and community identity identity and set- impacts temporary to the need to communities. New development also provides an opportunity to create identity and ting of existing are likely reflect the identities more cohesive and balanced communities. However, urban extensions are pride settlements to occur of communities and required on the edge of existing settlements to accommodate future  Conserve and pro- foster a strong housing needs. As a result, the openness of the strategic gaps between tect existing ser- sense of place. the main urban area and outlying settlements would be significantly vices and facilities reduced. This in turn could undermine the physical setting and identity of (especially in more The extent and these areas. remote areas) nature of the impact  Promote greater will depend on a New development on the edge of the built-up-area will need to be community cohe- number of sensitively managed through effective landscaping between towns and sion interlinked factors, villages and the main urban area without harming the character and  Deliver affordable such as the extent physical identity of individual settlements. There is also a need to protect homes to which a the blending of villages and maintain distinct village boundaries.  Don’t make eve- settlement is rywhere the same distinctive, safe and Option 1 concentrates on the main urban centre and growth towns. Any self-contained; the growth will impact on services such as health centres and schools. Where quantity and quality population increases significantly then additional services will have to be of services and factored into plans and where sites are not of a significant size, these will facilities (e.g. have to be factored out of section 106 monies or other funding sources. access to open Caution is needed when growth is exponential to the existing service space); the location needs and reviews of existing services will be needed to address this of new development etc.

42 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

New development will help to create more attractive and safer places to live, work and socialise, where there is good access to public spaces and services. This will in turn help foster positive perceptions of the area.

Overall score: ++/- This option has the potential to have significant positive impacts on the identity and profile of settlements and individual communities and the pride of place, with its focus on regenerating deprived communities, but there remains a risk that growth will reduce the sense of physical separation between them and in turn create a dense mass of development which undermines their character and setting. Targeting growth and investment in existing communities and town centres will help build community cohesion and improve civic pride.

43 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Accessibility to  Facilitate access to Medium to Likely Temporary Local, sub- This option seeks to facilitate and direct growth towards the most services services and facili- long or regional, regional sustainable settlements within the borough where there is good access to ties such as health, permanen national and shops and services and other community facilities. education, open t international spaces and shops Focusing growth within the main urban areas and service centres close to etc. employment, services and public transport nodes will help reduce the  New development High speed rail will need to travel and reduce reliance on motorised transport. should be close to significantly reduce services travel time times Beyond the main urban area, settlements (e.g. Thorne, Mexborough,  Facilitate the between Conisborough and Askern) benefit from good access to road and rail transport of freight Doncaster, major networks. However, some of the towns and villages within the wider by sustainable cities and towns, hinterland remain isolated from work and leisure opportunities. means coastal ports and  Minimise the need continental Europe Doncaster is well placed to capitalise on the emergence of high-speed rail to travel and other key proposals emerging from the government’s ‘northern powerhouse’ vision including the electrification of mainline services, the national college for high-speed rail and the proximity of the proposed high speed rail station (HS2) in Sheffield. The current strategy identifies significant investment opportunities within close proximity to transport nodes (e.g. Lakeside, Doncaster town centre, Unity etc) and links, including railway stations, park and ride sites, motorway junctions and freight services, with good connections to the wider network.

This option focusses more growth within the small market towns and 44 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance large villages beyond the main urban area. This will require the provision of regular bus services, adequate bus stops and cycle/pedestrian routes to increase access to services and reducing social exclusion. Overall score: ++ This option would contribute positively to the achievement of this objective, along with many of its sub-objectives. 4. Ensure Energy • Reduce the reliance Medium to Likely Permanent All options are Local and sub- This option would encourage the greater utilisation of energy and mineral resources are resources on, and the long resource intensive regional. Sites will resources and a broader mix of uses that are more resource efficient than available and consumption of, and will result in need to be other settlement patterns (e.g. increased density and use of brownfield efficiently used finite fossil fuels more greenhouse safeguarded in land). This in turn will result in less reliance on motorised modes of to sustain • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions – the order to ensure a transport, lower energy consumption and better access to services in development gas emissions scale of impact will steady supply of towns and villages. More dense concentrations can also present and reduce • Reduce energy use vary depending on mineral and energy opportunities to secure the adequate and efficient provision of services waste and and encourage the the location and resources. such as water, electricity and telecommunications. consumption production and use scale of new of renewable development energy Minerals and  Increase the use of Medium to Likely Permanent Doncaster has New development could potentially have an impact on mineral resources construction recycled and re- long challenging targets (e.g. sand and gravel and limestone) in that it could sterilise sites such as claimed aggregates to deliver a areas of search and safeguarded areas and reduce access to mineral  Reduce primary significant reduction resources in the future. The extent of the impact will depend on the mineral extraction in carbon dioxide location and scale of new development.  Incorporate sus- and re-use and tainable design and recycle its natural New development should, as far as possible, avoid areas where mineral construction prac- and man-made extraction takes place or has potential to take place in the future. tices resources in a way that reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, diverts waste from landfill and improves the energy efficiency of buildings and spaces (e.g. through the use of renewable energy and design measures such as green roofs. Efficient use of  Encourage re- Short, Likely Temporary Medium to high Local, sub-regional The extent and magnitude of the impact on the use of waste is uncertain waste use/recycling and medium and / priority - EU and regional – at this stage - this largely comes down to the level of design/build quality minimise waste long term permanen requirement to significant cross of new development and the production of more energy efficient homes. t avoid landfill and boundary flows of This is more a policy issue than a location issue. increase recycling waste between Doncaster, Efficient recycling and waste management systems will be incorporated Barnsley, into the design and layout of new development. Rotherham and Sheffield

45 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Doncaster faces a significant shortfall of affordable housing. However, in some cases, this might affect the viability of development, especially in areas of market failure or uncompetitive land values, such as in the town centre, where larger sites require significant land assembly and remediation.

Less growth within the market towns (Bawtry and Tickhill) will reduce the capacity to accommodate executive homes to address the needs of families and professionals.

46 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

This option seeks to provide a broad choice and range of housing locations and sites across the borough in both rural and urban areas. This should, in turn, speed up the delivery of housing in these areas.

Growth will be directed to areas of Doncaster to renew housing market areas which are under delivering. The council is working in close partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency to deliver underperforming site such as several extant permissions within Edlington. Overall score: ++/? This option will significantly increase the supply of housing (including affordable housing) across the borough in a broad number of locations, with a particular focus on the main urban area and outlying former mining towns where there are significant investment opportunities. However, the impacts on the quality, mix and range of homes are largely unknown at this stage and will be determined at the planning application stage. 6. Reduce social Social exclusion  Minimise disad- Medium to Likely Temporary High - tackling Local and This option will spread growth across the main urban area and a number exclusion and vantage or discrimi- long or social exclusion and neighbourhood of former mining communities such as Armthorpe, Stainforth, Hatfield disadvantage nation permanen disadvantage is one level and Rossington, which already have good transport links and access to of the major shops and services, whilst supporting rural communities in the wider  Ensure that as many t people as possible challenges facing hinterland to address local needs and support local services. The most have good access to Doncaster and deprived areas in the borough are located in the main urban area and the shops and services requires a outlying former mining towns.

47 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance Social  Reduce concentra- Medium to Likely Temporary coordinated Focusing development in and around deprived areas provides disadvantage tions of socio- long or approach from a opportunities to improve community services and facilities; reduce economic disad- permanen range of delivery poverty; improve access to the job market; and promote social inclusion. mechanisms, A targeted growth strategy will help regenerate and breathe new life into vantage t  Reduce the gap be- including the Local deprived areas and combat social exclusion. tween affluent and Plan. deprived areas Large developments which incorporate affordable housing as well as market housing will close the gap between affluent and deprived areas as areas will have better access to economic opportunities as employment sites are brought forward. Overall score: ++ The Core Strategy seeks to provide an appropriate balance between a strong regeneration focus (brownfield sites, housing renewal, town centre revitalisation etc) and supporting the role of existing rural communities. It also allows a relatively large number of relatively sustainable settlements (of varying sizes) to continue growing. This approach will give rise to significant positive benefits in the medium to long term, especially in terms of bringing underused sites back into use, revitalising areas of low demand, creating new investment opportunities and widening access to job opportunities in deprived areas. 7. Make places Attractive and  Deliver a high quali- Medium to Likely Permanent Medium to high Borough-wide. Doncaster is a relatively deprived borough with pockets of severe social that are safe, distinctive ty built environment long term Crime is falling but disadvantage. The decline of traditional industries such as steel and attractive, places  Promote local dis- there are some mining has left a legacy of social and economic problems especially within culturally tinctiveness hot-spots such as former coalfield areas in the west (e.g. Mexborough and Conisborough) interesting and  Provide more green- the town centre and north of the borough (e.g. Stainforth) which characteristically have distinctive to spaces and trees where anti-social lower access to services, comparatively lower levels of employment and live, work and  Maintain and im- behaviour is a disposable income and poorer health. travel in prove the character recurring problem. and setting of the New development and infrastructure is needed to deliver regeneration townscape and and investment within areas of market failure to stimulate growth and landscape physical change so that local communities can benefit from and access  Promote buildings the new jobs and opportunities. and developments which are ‘secure by This option is reliant on interventions to plan and design new design’ development in association with infrastructure and urban programmes  Address anti-social such as town planning and master-planning work within the main urban behavior areas and town centres where land values are considerably lower than  Maximise the securi- out-of-town greenfield sites. This co-ordinated approach will help deliver ty of homes and a high quality urban environment but private developers will want to workplaces develop those sites which are less constrained first and so it depends on  Reduce crime the ability of stakeholders to deliver high quality schemes. However, the quality and appearance of new buildings and spaces will depend on the robustness of design policies and standards set out in the local plan and the financial viability of the proposed development. Long term effects on this objective are uncertain but some indirect effects may occur in the short and medium term

Development proposals should have a positive impact on this objective, subject to good design. However, there could be some negative impacts on the character and setting of existing settlements close to the urban area where development encroaches into the open countryside. Armthorpe, Rossington and Kirk Sandall are vulnerable to coalescence because the strategic gaps between them and the main urban area are 48 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance quite narrow. Safety and • Reduce fear of crime Medium to Likely Permanent Medium to high - The impact on this objective is unknown at this stage and will largely security • Minimise risk to long term national policy depend on the design, layout and location of new development. health and safety recognises that safety and security are essential in creating successful development. Overall score: +/? At this stage, there is a large degree of uncertainty regarding the potential impact of this option upon the appearance, character and distinctiveness of Doncaster’s settlements. The extent and magnitude of the effects will depend on the quality and location of new development and the robustness of planning policies (taking into account the recommendations of the green belt review). 8. 8. Renew and Land and  Encourage the re-use Medium to Likely Permanent Medium - all options Local Under the existing strategy, priority is given to the redevelopment of reuse existing buildings of brownfield land, long term will result in the existing urban brownfield sites (including surplus council land) and buildings, land vacant sites and ex- permanent loss of Green belt, in remodeling and upgrading existing neighbourhoods (e.g. housing and infrastruc- isting buildings greenfield land, and particular, is of renewal) and town centre regeneration. There are a number of vacant ture  Avoid the unneces- some will mean the landscape value and underused brownfield sites within or on the edge of existing town sary use of green- loss of green belt and plays an centres (e.g. Mexborough Waterside and Doncaster Waterfront). The field sites and open important role in strategy seeks to focus growth within the main urban area (between a  Support renewal of countryside. preventing urban half and two-thirds of the overall housing requirement) and the main old and/or poor are- sprawl and towns (e.g. Armthorpe, Adwick, Thorne and Mexborough). as of housing The use of maintaining  Protect and enhance greenfield sites has countryside the amenity of the the potential to character and area have a detrimental openness. impact on the character and visual amenity of the landscape and countryside. Infrastructure  Remove unstable Medium to Likely Permanent High – medium Local, sub- New development in the main urban area and outlying towns will put and contaminated long term regional, regional pressure on existing services and infrastructure such as health and land Infrastructure plays and national educational facilities - section 106 and commuted sums should be used to  Capacity of existing a crucial role in ensure adequate facilities are available within growing communities. infrastructure to shaping the future Key documents support new devel- growth and well- include However, the evidence suggests that the impact of growth on services opment being of the Sheffield City and infrastructure will be less than originally envisaged (the new housing  Quality of existing borough. It will help Region Growth and job targets are below the previous estimates set out in the Core infrastructure provi- facilitate the Plan, Sheffield City Strategy). Fewer homes and jobs will need to be provided through the sion delivery of new Region Transport Doncaster Local Plan. homes, jobs and Strategy and One services and North: A Successful implementation of the current strategy is heavily dependent improve the Proposition for an on the delivery of key infrastructure including new link roads, public connectivity of the Interconnected realm improvements, flood defence systems and utility works. borough, including North. its links to towns, This option would also place less pressure on some infrastructure (e.g. villages and services health and open space facilities) relative to a more concentrated within the city approach; it would also support infrastructure delivery in outlying areas. 49 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance region and beyond. Overall score: ++/ - This option will encourage the re-use of brownfield and redundant sites and promote housing renewal and growth within deprived areas in preference to unsustainable greenfield sites but the countryside (including the amenity of the green belt) will still be subject to significant development pressure. Meeting the housing requirement will necessitate the release of greenfield land within the statutory green belt or open countryside to address local needs. 9.Improve the Health  Address health ine- Medium to Likely Permanent High importance – The scale of the Creating healthier places and lifestyles will depend on a number of locally health and well- qualities long term the health of people problem is influenced factors such as the proportion of open space within new being of the  Make it easier for in Doncaster is borough-wide. development, availability of transport and planning permissions (e.g. hot borough’s people to pursue a generally worse food takeaways) and the location of new development. The scale and population healthy lifestyle than the national magnitude of these effects are largely uncertain at this stage.  Promote access to average although . healthcare the gap has Growth will be directed towards settlements which generally have high narrowed in recent levels of deprivation and health issues. However, the impact could be years. both positive and negative. On the one hand, an urban-centred approach will, in turn, increase levels of air pollution and congestion along major arterial routes leading into the main urban areas. On the other hand, urban locations tend to have better access to services such as recreational space, health care, leisure facilities and public transport opportunities. Expansion of the main urban centre will also put pressure on existing health services. Well being  Reduce the fear of Medium to Likely Permanent High - prioritising Neighbourhood Although the effects are difficult to predict at this stage, this option crime and anti- long term health and and local level should have an indirect positive impact on community well-being and social behavior community well- satisfaction in the long term. This strategy seeks to prioritise growth and  Increase personal being are key Community investment within the main urban area and former mining towns to help satisfaction strategic goals. centres and shops regenerate and renew areas of low demand and existing town centres.  Improve quality of are accessible in life However, well-being most towns and This option will also enhance people’s ability to access opportunities such  Enhance people’s is difficult to the main urban as home ownership, jobs, community facilities and sport and recreation. ability to access measure because area of Doncaster. opportunities the interpretation of Some rural and  Encourage commu- the term is quite isolated nity participation subjective – often communities lack relies on empirical basic community evidence. facilities. Overall score: +/-/? Predicting health and well-being outcomes is difficult at this strategic level but the overall strategy is likely to give rise to more positive than negative impacts such as the provision of open space, recreation and play opportunities, improvements to cycle and pedestrian routes and remediation of contaminated land. Many of these effects will depend on the precise location and nature of development. In addition, growth will also be concentrated within areas which already benefit from good access to services, open spaces and recreational opportunities.

50 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Skills and  Improve qualifica- Medium to Likely Permanent Improving skills and Doncaster and This option would not impact directly on this objective but the national training tions and skills in long term training is wider Sheffield city rail college and university technical college will go some way to provide young people paramount to region education and training to build skills and capacity in Doncaster (including  Provide opportunities achieving the vision post-16 and vocational qualifications) but further work is needed to look for adults to learn and aims of the at how education and the educational establishments across Doncaster new skills Borough Strategy can improve qualifications and skills in young people. and Sheffield City Region Growth Plan.

Overall score: +/? Improving education and training outcomes depends on a wide variety of interventions, including new investment programmes (e.g. new or expanded schools), apprenticeships and on the job training. Housing growth will be directed towards the main urban area and main towns where further education and secondary school facilities are located or planned. This will allow more residents to access opportunities closer to where they live or work. Developers will be expected to make a contribution towards the provision of new school places within areas of identified need. The provision of new or improved education and training facilities should have indirect positive benefits on future attainment levels. 11.Manage and Flood risk  Avoid inappropriate Medium to Likely Permanent High - land use Local, sub – Extensive flood risk areas affect parts of most of the growth locations set adapt to climate development in flood long term planning will have a regional, regional out in the Core Strategy (including parts of the main urban area change risk areas significance and national and (Doncaster), Adwick, Askern and Hatfield-Stainforth) and virtually all of  Manage flood risk on influence on climate global Thorne and Moorends area. Employment opportunities associated with sites at risk of flood- change and the M18/M180 motorway corridor are also constrained. ing greenhouse gas Climate change emissions. impacts remain The Core Strategy proposes growth that will require significant uncertain and the development within flood risk areas; a greater proportion of new homes By virtue of its extent and will be focused within Thorne and Moorends than the other options (2-4). geography, magnitude of these Urban extensions will be necessary to accommodate this growth (even at

51 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance Doncaster is effects will the lower end of the range). Any extensions at Thorne and Moorends will particularly dependent a broad require land in flood zone 3. In many cases, it will not be possible to vulnerable to the range of factors avoid development in flood risk areas. impacts of climate including future change. weather patterns, In these locations, appropriate mitigation measures will need to be put in use of technology place to ensure that new development does not increase the risk of New development and proximity to flooding elsewhere. In addition, improvements are needed to strengthen will need to mitigate services etc. and reinforce existing flood defences and pumping stations along flood risk in Doncaster’s rivers. susceptible areas to avoid exacerbating Proposed allocations in flood risk will need to: elsewhere.  satisfy a sequential approach taking account of wider sustainability A number of considerations; settlements benefit  satisfy exceptions tests with mitigation and from existing flood  manage residual risk without exacerbating flood risk elsewhere. defences and warning systems. Improving flood defences and reducing development on flood plains could improve/increase resilience to climate change. However, mitigation may prove costly and will have to be considered alongside wider viability testing. Greenhouse  Reduce greenhouse Medium to Likely Permanent The climate in Doncaster is a This option will focus new development on existing settlements which gas emissions gas emissions long term Doncaster is logistical hub, due already have a good level of services and facilities and should limit the changing faster than to its proximity to overall need to travel. Overall, it has potential to reduce greenhouse gas ever before and road and rail emissions in central and denser locations. More compact forms of urban poses significant networks. These development tend to reduce consumption (per capita), increase shading threat to the impacts on air and increase opportunities for low carbon energy and associated infra- livelihood, security quality and structure. However, dispersed growth will also increase greenhouse gas and health of its greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption from rising car usage and conges- people and emissions over a tion. Significant growth will also place considerable pressure on existing environment, and wide area. water and waste supplies. its low-lying nature makes it particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Water supply  Improve/increase Medium to Likely Permanent High - Doncaster Local, regional and The quality of groundwater is at risk from nitrate pollution, particularly and drainage Doncaster’s resili- long term overlies two national within the vicinity of Thorne and Hatfield Moors. In this context, it is ence to climate principal aquifers: (Sherwood important that new development does not impact on water quantity or change Sherwood Sandstone is the harm water quality within the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer either from  support the delivery Sandstone (from second most increased abstraction or increased pollution. Doncaster has a number of of renewable and low which drinking important source source protection zones including at Hatfield, Dunscroft, Edenthorpe, carbon energy and water is obtained) of ground water in Cantley, Rossington, Bessacarr and Austerfield where development might associated infra- and the Magnesian the UK). cause pollution or undermine ground water sources, such as wells and structure Limestone (from springs. The Environment Agency will generally refuse new abstraction  Secure energy effi- which drinking Depending on the licenses in these areas. ciency improvements water can be location and nature  Encourage sustaina- obtained). However, of new However, the effects of the option are unclear at this stage. Water quality ble drainage practice ground water development, the modeling is highly uncertain and relies on a number of assumptions. On 52 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Significant negative effects are predicted on both flood risk (due to the extent of flooding) and greenhouse gas emissions (from increased energy demand and travel). However, measures can be put in place to minimise these effects. 12. Protect, Biodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent Increasing Local, sub- Option 1 would require large releases of greenfield land on the edge of increase and (habitats and and improve sites of long term (irreversib development will regional, regional existing settlements, leading to the loss and disruption of habitat and enhance the species) international, na- le) / inevitably cause and international species. Greenfield development would also affect the setting of the natural some habitat loss (hierarchy of landscape and existing settlements. tional and local im- temporary environment, portance and fragmentation. nature (displacem including the  Create new areas of conservation sites) The extent and scale of harm will depend on the extent of new greenery landscape, its biodiversity value ent) However, the and compensatory measures within new development. Some brownfield underlying  Offset / compensate potential Scale and sites within urban areas have been left vacant over a long period of time geology and for the loss of habi- significance of these magnitude of and have developed biodiversity interest in their own right from pioneer wildlife habitat tats and species as effects will largely impact will vary species which are beneficial to wildlife such as birds, butterflies and other a result of develop- depend on the site depending on how inserts ment selection process. housing is Geodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent distributed across Doncaster’s biodiversity and geodiversity assets are under threat from a and improve sites of long term In addition, settlements. More wide range of pressures such as climate change, agricultural geodiversity im- compensation and dispersed options intensification, air pollution, water abstraction, habitat fragmentation portance mitigation will be will have a greater and development. These threats have the potential to result in the loss addressed at the impact. or degradation of habitats or geological features (e.g. Hatfield Moor). detailed policy level. Whilst the effects of the option on the natural environment remain Appropriate policy Insufficient infill or uncertain at this stage and depend on the location and scale of new protection will need brownfield development, it is anticipated that the overall cumulative impact will be to be afforded to opportunities are negative.

53 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance Landscape  Maintain and en- Short, Likely Permanent biodiversity and available within The Core Strategy proposes significant new urban extensions on the edge hancing landscape medium to geodiversity in the existing of the main urban area and outlying towns (e.g. Armthorpe, Thorne, quality and charac- long term Local Plan such as settlements to Adwick, Rossington and Hatfield and Stainforth) to accommodate future ter landscaping/screeni accommodate growth needs within these areas. Large urban extensions could have a ng and good quality future housing significant negative impact upon the character and appearance of the design. growth needs of countryside and landscape, especially at the urban fringe. the borough during Where possible, new the plan period. Masterplanning and extensive buffers will be required to protect the development should landscape and townscape around existing settlements and facilitate the but avoid areas of further development of the green network biodiversity, geodiversity and In addition, urban extensions could potentially harm the character and landscape value. quality of the landscape around the smaller settlements. 13. Protect, Historic places  Protect, maintain Short, Likely Permanent High-medium. The Local (e.g. The findings of the assessment are largely uncertain or unknown at this conserve and and improve the medium to historic environment conservation stage. The scale and magnitude of impact will depend on the nature of enhance the character and ap- long term makes a significant areas) the development and the size and complexity of the site. This will be historic and pearance of conser- contribution to the determined through the preparation of site-specific heritage / cultural heritage vation areas character and National (e.g. archeological assessments.  Maintain and pro- distinctiveness of listed buildings, tect historic build- the borough and ancient There will be some positive effects on the setting and character of ings, scheduled an- requires protection monuments, parks existing market towns in the south west of the borough. The current cient monuments from inappropriate and gardens and strategy seeks to restrict the scale of development around the market and their settings development. other major towns of Bawtry and Tickhill. In these areas, priority is given to  Protect, maintain attractions) conservation and enhancement such as infill opportunities and and improve na- Doncaster is a environmental improvements within existing settlement limits. tional and local his- relatively old Proposals should Continuation of this approach would, in turn, help protect and maintain toric parks and gar- borough with be in general con- the historic character and setting of these areas. dens numerous historic formity with con- Cultural  Promote and in- Medium to Likely Permanent assets. Tourism is servation area Doncaster town centre has six conservation areas. Thorne and Mex- heritage crease tourism long term growing and visitor appraisals, man- borough town centres also have conservation areas. Impact could be  Sensitive manage- numbers exceed agement plans and positive or negative depending on the nature of the scheme and its loca- ment of historic many other historic other relevant tion in relation to each conservation area. It underscores the need to townscape areas. guidelines. adopt a sensitive approach to the management of historic townscapes  Protect undesignat- within these locations. Some of the key development sites are located ed archaeological within close proximity to historic assets such as listed buildings and assets from damage scheduled monuments. or loss This option focusses growth around areas of high accessibility such as cycle and walking routes, canals and rivers and wetlands and the proposed PGA golf course. This should indirectly promote tourism activities at key locations such as Lakeside and expansion of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Overall score: +/? Overall, this option will have a positive impact on the setting and character of historic market towns (Bawtry and Tickhill). However, the scale and magnitude of impact will largely depend on the location of housing, retail and employment sites.

54 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance 14.Protect and Land and soil  Avoid the sterilisa- Medium to Likely Permanent High-medium Local, sub regional, This option would focus growth in and around town centres, the main enhance soil, air tion of minerals long term regional (due to urban area and existing settlements, which would limit the loss of and water  Restore, reclaim Doncaster has a extent of river significant good quality agricultural land. However, existing greenbelt quality and remediate va- significant supply of catchment areas) boundaries would need to be amended to accommodate new urban (watercourses cant and derelict agricultural land, extensions at Mexborough, Conisbrough, Askern and Adwick and on the and ground land (e.g. contami- some of which is west sides of Doncaster and Rossington and possibly at Denaby, Edlington water) nated sites) among the most and Carcroft/Skellow. There would lead to a significant loss of green belt  Encourage local productive in and countryside. food production England. Urban brownfield redevelopment and mixed-use schemes (e.g. waterfront However, some sites in the town centre) and main urban area will be supported through green belt and SCRIF funding. countryside/agricult ural land will need to be released in order to accommodate this growth. Water  Increase the quality Medium to Likely Permanent High - EU National (the Effects on water quality and quantity remain uncertain at this stage in the and quantity of the long term requirement Sherwood absence of detailed water planning (which will follow from the analysis of water environment (European Water sandstone aquifer potential sites).  Reduce direct and Framework is of national indirect pollution on Directive) importance) The protection of ground water resources especially in urban areas (e.g. the water environ- Sherwood Sandstone aquifer) also presents a significant challenge ment because it the primary source of our drinking water and needs to be  Reduce the poten- protected from over-abstraction and pollution (e.g. surface water run- tial risk to ecosys- off). tems (e.g. wetland and riparian habitats) and ecological receptors Air and noise  Reduce/minimise air Medium to Likely Permanent High to medium Local and sub- Employment opportunities will be focussed predominantly along pollution(e.g. in- long term regional motorway corridors and key routes leading into the main built-up-areas creased traffic) and Although air quality which are heavily congested at peak times and some site will be located noise has improved in The extent and within declared air quality management areas. Air pollution levels tend to  Maintain or improve many parts of the magnitude of these be higher around key congested transport routes. air quality especially borough, air impacts will largely at motorway junc- pollution still poses depend on the Urban extensions in outlying settlements may also lead to increased tions and busy A continuing risks to design and location commuting patterns with accompanying rises in air pollution. Some roads health and of new communities may also experience negative impacts as a result of  Reduce the poten- ecosystems. There development, nuisance effects such as noise from aircraft traffic (e.g. Finningley and tial risk to ecosys- are localised including the Rossington). tems (e.g. wetland pockets of poor air quality of and riparian habi- quality around the mitigation, such as A more dispersed pattern of growth will lead to increased traffic flows and tats) and ecological motorway junctions tree planting. emissions – some villages have capacity issues and may not be able to receptors and parts of the cope with the increased level of traffic arising from growth. town centre due to nitrogen dioxide In addition, there will be negative effects in relation to noise, dust and emissions from road light pollution in the short term until development sites are completed. 55 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Overall score: --/+/? This option would focus growth in and around town centres, the main urban area and existing settlements, which would limit the loss of significant good quality agricultural land. However, major urban extensions would encroach into the open countryside at the urban fringe and thus reduce opportunities for food and energy production.

Growth would be focused along some parts of the motorway network and the town centre where air quality is deteriorating. Appropriate mitigation measures would be required to offset the impact of new development on air quality in these locations.

Option 2 (Doncaster and main towns focus)

 Increase wealth than historic build benefits but more motorway junctions and airport business park. There are many existing  Attract rates) dispersed options underused brownfield sites in the urban centre such as Waterfront, investment will have a lesser Marshgate and Wheatley Hall Road. SCRIF funding has been allocated to  Close the ‘output Scale of impact is impact schemes located in the town centre to unlock job and business growth. gap’ uncertain as  Improve financial dependent on It is estimated that Concentrating jobs and new businesses in areas where services already security market factors / approximately exist and areas of new growth will promote more sustainable patterns of  Provide a supply public intervention 20,000 new jobs development and support the growth of existing businesses. Strategic of available land will be created employment growth locations would reflect option 1 but also include the for all business Creating conditions over the local plan A1 corridor alongside Adwick/Woodlands. needs for growth - period. These jobs  Promote tourism depends on are earmarked for This option seeks to focus more growth within market-attractive locations  Support home business moving Doncaster but will such as main towns with up to 2% growth within the smaller towns and working / e- into the area` benefit the villages and along transport corridors where there is a good supply of commerce Sheffield city deliverable and viable sites. Market-attractive locations should provide a  Improve quality region overall. better return from development in terms of infrastructure, affordable of life housing and community benefits. This option proposes a slightly higher level of housing growth in the main urban area than the current Core Strategy and advocates the development of critical mass at Doncaster and thus the quality and diversity of investment in the borough.

56 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

In view of the size of the borough, significant investment is needed into high-speed broadband and other sources of connectivity such as satellite broadband which encourages home working especially within rural areas.

Economic  Provide a skilled Long Uncertain Permanent Skills and need Local (e.g. growth The current sectoral mix is skewed towards lower value sectors such as diversification workforce. / demands are at the airport and construction, public sector and retail. However, planned investments such  Broaden sectoral temporary dependent on soft main urban area as airport business park, planned rail academy, energy technology park mix interventions – will support (unity) and rail logistics (iPort) have the potential to broaden sectoral mix  Less reliance on impact is quite diversification in and promote the growth of higher value sectors such as research and current high uncertain as the new sectors such development, air and rail related services and business and commerce. volume sectors options do not as aviation and rail  More workers in directly address engineering), Significant investment of manufacturing or ICT sectors would boost ‘higher value’ skills and regional and Doncaster’s durability in an economic downturn. A broadening of the sectors diversification but national sectoral mix will increase output and make Doncaster’s economy more  Promote rural concentrating resilient to change. diversification growth around High value sectors growth corridors have high profit or will have more revenue, consider positive impact - social impact and requires a step are important to change in economic local, regional and productivity and national skills economies. Overall score: ++ /? Major development will be concentrated within the most sustainable areas of the borough and the key linkages to the strategic road network with the inclusion of the A1 corridor alongside Adwick and Woodlands. This will promote positive economic benefits within the borough. However, a degree of uncertainty will remain about the future state of the economy during the plan period due to fluctuations in market conditions and reductions in public funding. This option will ensure the retention and creation of a range of strategic employment sites across the borough which will in turn support business growth and promote community cohesion.

57 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

This option is mainly focussed on the main urban area and main towns where development needs to be tied into infrastructure and services.

It is essential that the local communities are engaged in decision making processes through consultation on planning applications. Overall score: ++/-- This option has the potential to have significant positive impact on the identity of settlements and individual communities, which could instill a sense of pride in the places where people live and work. However, the expansion of settlements through new development could have an adverse impact on place setting where dense development would dilute the existing form - this can be mitigated through the appropriate design and layout. 3. Improve Accessibility to  Ensure places can Medium to Likely Permanent Significant - access Local, sub- This option will facilitate shorter journeys and enable the use of existing

58 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Housing growth will be targeted towards the main urban area and the main towns. These settlements offer a broad range of functions and services as well as employment opportunities and are located close to key transport routes such as railway stations and motorways.

The strategic employment sites are primarily located on the motorway arteries with connectivity improvements such as the Unity link road. Also, the FARRRS link connecting from junction 3 of the M18 motorway to the airport providing easy access to the airport business park and the promotion of international travel for airport users. Accessibility to  Facilitate access to Medium to Likely Temporary Local, sub- This option seeks to concentrate growth within the most sustainable services services and long or regional, regional places within the borough where there is good access to services, facilities facilities such as permanen and national and opportunities. Significant opportunities are emerging from the health, education, t government’s decision to locate the national rail college in Doncaster and open spaces and High speed rail will the proximity of the proposed HS2 rail interchange in Sheffield. shops etc. significantly reduce  New development travel times should be close to between services Doncaster, major  Facilitate the cities, coastal ports transport of freight and continental by sustainable Europe. means  Minimise the need to travel

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New development will as far as possible avoid areas where mineral extraction takes place or has potential to take place in the future. Recycling of aggregate and minerals will be encouraged where possible.

Efficient recycling and waste management systems will be incorporated into the design and layout of new development.

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Quality  Promote and Medium to Likely Permanent Medium - good Borough-wide This option places focus on delivering viable and deliverable sites in more encourage good long quality design is a market friendly locations. This should facilitate the delivery of better quality design and key aspect of quality developments and more affordable homes. sustainable homes planning and sustainable However, the potential impacts on the quality of housing design are not development. fully known and remain uncertain. Good quality design depends on a number of factors including the nature of the proposal, the robustness of Some parts of the policies within the plan and construction costs. In some cases, such as Doncaster are run heavily constrained brownfield sites within the urban area, good design down and require may be compromised. major redevelopment and regeneration. The quality of housing development, whilst improving, remains mixed. Mix and range  Ensure an Medium to Likely Permanent High – key to Borough-wide Option 2 will ensure a good supply of accessible and high quality housing of homes appropriate mix of long creating a that is sympathetic to existing locations. New housing developments will housing, tenures and successful and be required to include a mix of house size, type, price and tenure to types sustainable address identified needs and market demand. community

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance Availability  Increase the supply Medium to Likely Permanent High - demand Borough-wide Growth will be directed to areas of Doncaster in need of housing renewal of housing long currently outstrips where market areas which are under delivering. The council is working in  Address areas of supply (although close partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency to deliver housing market housing completions underperforming sites within the borough (e.g. extant permissions within failure have increased Edlington). significantly in recent years) Overall score: +/- This option will provide a similar choice of housing locations to the Core Strategy (option 1) but more growth would be directed to the 7 main towns, with significant reductions to Askern and Rossington. However, the impacts on the quality, mix and range of homes are largely unknown at this stage and will be determined at the planning application stage. 6. Reduce Social  Minimise Medium to Likely Temporary Tackling social Local Option 2 would direct more growth towards the urban centre and key social exclusion disadvantage or long or exclusion and economic corridors where a range of transport modes are available so the exclusion and discrimination permanen disadvantage is one benefits would be potentially reach a wider cross-section of the disadvantage  Ensure that as many t of the major population. people as possible challenges facing have good access to Doncaster and New housing developments will be required to include a mix of house size, shops and services requires a type, price and tenure to address identified needs and market demand Social  Reduce Medium to Likely Temporary coordinated and to support mixed communities as set out in Local Plan policy. This will disadvantage concentrations of long or approach from a provide opportunities disadvantaged people to obtain a dwelling which socio-economic permanen range of delivery suits their needs. disadvantage t mechanisms,  Reduce the gap including the Local between affluent Plan. and deprived areas Overall score: ++ This option advocates a regeneration strategy (brownfield sites, housing renewal, town centre revitalisation etc), especially within deprived areas, but this needs to be realistically balanced with market conditions and viability considerations which will fluctuate over the plan period. 7. Make places Attractive and  Deliver a high Medium to Likely Permanent Design is of a mixed Borough-wide. This option is reliant on interventions to plan and design new development that are safe, distinctive quality built long term quality in the in association with infrastructure and urban programmes such as town attractive, places environment Crime is falling but planning and master-planning work within the main urban areas and town culturally  Promote local there are some centres where land values are considerably lower than out of town interesting and distinctiveness hot-spots such as greenfield sites. This coordinated approach will help deliver a high quality distinctive to  Provide more the town centre urban environment but private developers will want to develop those sites where anti-social which are less constrained first and so it depends on the ability of live, work and greenspaces and behaviour is a stakeholders to deliver high quality schemes. travel in trees  Maintain and recurring problem. improve the However, the degree and magnitude of the impact will largely depend on character and the quality and location of new development, the robustness of design setting of the policies and the financial viability of the proposed development. For townscape and example, a new residential community will require comprehensive planned landscape approach to create a distinctive sense of place.  Promote buildings and developments Long term effects are uncertain but some indirect effects may occur in the which are ‘secure short and medium term. by design’  Address anti-social behavior  Maximise the 62 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance security of homes and workplaces  Reduce crime 8. Safety and  Reduce fear of Medium to Likely Permanent Medium – high Doncaster is a relatively deprived borough with pockets of severe social security crime long term priority – national disadvantage. The decline of traditional industries such as steel and • Minimise risk to policy recognises mining has left a legacy of social and economic problems especially within health and safety that safety and former coalfield areas in the west (e.g. Mexborough and Conisborough) security are and north of the borough (e.g. Stainforth) which characteristically have essential in creating lower access to services, comparatively lower levels of employment and sustainable disposable income and poorer health. communities New development and infrastructure is needed to deliver regeneration and investment within areas of market failure to stimulate growth and physical change so that local communities can benefit from and access the new jobs and opportunities. Fuel poverty levels are higher than the national average due to relative low incomes and the lack of energy efficiency within existing building stock (especially private rented properties). Overall score: +/? New development should have a positive impact on these objectives subject to good design. However, the appearance, character and distinctiveness of Doncaster’s settlements is very much dependent on the location of new development and the robustness of planning policies and design principles. 9. 8. Renew and Land and  Encourage the re-use Medium to Likely Permanen Medium - all options Local Option 2 would prioritise urban brownfield sites over greenfield sites in reuse existing buildings of brownfield land, long term t will result in the more sustainable locations but large-scale greenfield urban extensions to buildings, land vacant sites and permanent loss of Green belt in Doncaster and the main towns will still be required to accommodate future and existing buildings greenfield land, and particular is of needs (especially where there is a specific need to avoid flood risk). infrastructure  Avoid the some will mean the landscape value loss of green belt and plays an In general, the priority within existing deprived communities will be unnecessary use of greenfield sites and open important role in regeneration and housing renewal rather than market-led growth (e.g.  Support renewal of countryside. preventing urban Denaby, Moorends and parts of the main urban area such as Bentley). old and/or poor sprawl and There are significant flood risk issues in and around Moorends. areas of housing The use of greenfield maintaining  Protect and enhance sites has the countryside New development may put more pressure on greenspaces in existing the amenity of the potential to have a character and urban areas and urban sites with conservation value. area detrimental impact openness. on the character and visual amenity of the landscape and countryside. Infrastructure  Remove unstable Medium to Likely Permanen High – medium Option 2 focusses on facilitating land to the most sustainable places within and contaminated long term t priority ( see Doncaster. The existing nfrastructure is integral to supporting new land Sheffield City Region developments. New developments should be designed to incorporate with  Capacity of existing Infrastructure existing form of infrastructure and therefore create a development design infrastructure to Strategy) which is commensurate with the urban form. support new development Existing infrastructure is integral to supporting new developments. New  Quality of existing developments should be designed to incorporate with existing form of infrastructure infrastructure and therefore create a development design which is provision commensurate with the urban form. The assessment of the quality of existing infrastructure should factor into new developments and also seek

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11.Manage and Flood risk  Avoid inappropriate Medium to Likely Permanent High - land use Local, sub – Option 2 is slightly better placed to benefit from the deployment of low adapt to development in flood long term planning will have a regional, regional carbon energy such as district heating and solar photovoltaics (e.g. town climate change risk areas significance and national and centres). The compact urban form of the main urban area is well suited to  Manage flood risk on influence on climate global the retrofitting of a range of energy technologies, with the potential to 65 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

A number of settlements benefit from existing flood defences and warning systems. Greenhouse  Reduce greenhouse Medium to Likely Permanent The climate in This option will focus new development on existing settlements which gas emissions gas emissions long term Doncaster is already have a good level of services and facilities and should limit the changing faster than overall need to travel. Overall, it has potential to reduce greenhouse gas ever before and emissions in central and denser locations. More compact forms of urban poses significant development tend to reduce consumption, increase shading and increase threat to the opportunities for low carbon energy and associated infrastructure. livelihood, security However, dispersed growth will also increase greenhouse gas emissions and health of its and resource consumption from rising car usage and congestion. people and Significant growth will also place considerable pressure on existing water environment, and and waste supplies. its low-lying nature makes it particularly . vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Water supply  Improve/increase Medium to Likely Permanent High - Doncaster Local, regional and Doncaster has challenging targets to deliver a significant reduction in and drainage Doncaster’s long term overlies two national carbon dioxide and re-use and recycle its natural and man-made resilience to climate principal aquifers: resources in a way that reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, diverts waste change Sherwood from landfill and improves the energy efficiency of buildings and spaces  support the delivery Sandstone (from (e.g. through the use of renewable energy and design measures. of renewable and low which drinking carbon energy and water is obtained) Sustainable drainage practices should be encouraged, especially around associated and the Magnesian the flood risk areas of the north and east of the borough such as Thorne, infrastructure Limestone (from Hatfield, Adwick, Askern, and parts of Armthorpe and the town centre.  Secure energy which drinking 66 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

EU requirement (European Water Framework Directive) Overall score: +/-- There are positive and negative cumulative impacts on this objective. These effects remain highly uncertain because climate change is difficult to quantify and predict at a local level. The extent and magnitude of impact will depend on the form, design and location of new development. Appropriate mitigation measures will be required to offset the risk of flooding arising from housing and employment uses around Thorne and Moorends and Hatfield, Stainforth, Dunscroft and Dunsville. 12. Protect, Biodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent Increasing Local, sub- Option 2 is similar to option 1 in that it requires large-scale greenfield increase and (habitats and and improve sites of long term (irreversib development will regional, regional releases but the level of harm will depend on the location of new enhance the species) international, le) / inevitably cause and international development (including its proximity to conservation sites of international natural national and local temporary some habitat loss (hierarchy of importance) and extent of new greenery and compensatory measures environment, importance (displacemand fragmentation. nature within new development. Some brownfield sites within urban areas have including the  Create new areas of ent) conservation sites) been left vacant over a long period of time and have developed However, the biodiversity interest in their own right from pioneer species which are landscape, its biodiversity value potential Scale and beneficial to wildlife such as birds, butterflies and other inserts. underlying  Offset / compensate significance of these magnitude of geology and for the loss of habitats and species effects will largely impact will vary However, greater urban concentration will minimise the loss and of wildlife habitat as a result of depend on the site depending on how habitats and species and minimise the permanent loss of agricultural land. development selection process. housing is Geodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent distributed across Whilst the effects of the option on the natural environment remain and improve sites of long term In addition, settlements. More uncertain at this stage and depend on the location and scale of new geodiversity compensation and dispersed options development, it is anticipated that the overall cumulative impact will be importance mitigation will be will have a greater negative.

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood /Permanent Value/ of the likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium uncertaintytemporary receptor and scale affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. /long term of importance Landscape  Maintain and Short, Likely Permanent addressed at the impact. Large-scale urban extensions will be required to the main urban area and enhancing medium to detailed policy level. main towns to meet future housing needs in the borough. Elsewhere, landscape quality long term modest / small-scale growth will be directed towards the market towns and character Appropriate policy and villages such as Bawtry, Tickhill, Edlington and Askern (albeit less protection will need than the other options). to be afforded to biodiversity and As such, new development will have a significant negative impact upon geodiversity in the the character and appearance of the countryside and landscape, especially Local Plan such as at the urban fringe. landscaping/screeni ng and good quality However, there will be less erosion of the greenbelt and open countryside design. because more development will be concentrated within existing urban areas. Where possible, new development should but avoid areas of biodiversity, geodiversity and landscape value. Overall score: +/-/? This option will require the release of greenfield sites within the countryside (and the greenbelt) to meet the objectively assessed housing need over the plan period, which will be detrimental to the open character and amenity of the countryside around the urban fringe. Whilst the Local Plan policies will protect the natural environment, it is uncertain at this time how the allocated sites will affect different parts of Doncaster’s countryside. 13. Protect, Historic places  Protect, maintain Short, Likely Permanent High-medium Local (e.g. Growth will be directed towards areas where the historic environment is conserve and and improve the medium to conservation quite sensitive to change such as Doncaster town centre (which has 6 enhance the character and long term The historic areas) conservation areas) and Thorne and Mexborough town centres. historic and appearance of environment makes cultural conservation areas a significant National (e.g. Impact could be positive or negative depending on the nature of the heritage  Maintain and contribution to the listed buildings, scheme and its location in relation to each conservation area but it protect historic character and ancient underscores the need to adopt a sensitive approach to the management of buildings, scheduled distinctiveness of monuments, parks historic townscapes within these locations. Some of the key development ancient monuments the borough and and gardens and sites are located within close proximity to historic assets such as listed and their settings requires protection other major buildings and scheduled monuments.  Protect, maintain from inappropriate attractions) and improve development. However, the effects on the historic environment are largely uncertain or national and local unknown at this stage. The degree of impact will depend on the nature of historic parks and Doncaster is a very the development and the size and complexity of the site. This will be gardens old borough with determined through the preparation of site-specific heritage / Cultural  Promote and Medium to Likely Permanent numerous historic archeological assessments. heritage increase tourism long term assets.  Sensitive This option has the potential to contribute to tourism because it focusses management of Tourism is growing growth around areas of high accessibility such as cycle and walking historic townscape and visitor numbers routes, canals and rivers and wetlands and the proposed PGA golf course.  Protect exceed many other In addition, opportunities should be sought to widen and diversify the undesignated historic areas. range of recreation and tourist activities at key locations such as Lakeside archaeological and expansion of the already successful Yorkshire Wildlife Park. assets from damage or loss 68 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

wetland and

riparian habitats) and ecological receptors

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Growth would be focused along some parts of the motorway network and the town centre where air quality is deteriorating. Appropriate mitigation measures would be required to offset the impact of new development on air quality in these locations.

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Option 3 (a more dispersed strategy)

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance 1. Maintain and Maintain and  Create jobs / new Long Uncertain Permanent High overall impact City region and Option 3: greater dispersed strategy provides greater number of increase strengthen businesses due to ambitious borough wide – opportunities for economic investment associated with major Doncaster’s economic  Support existing Borough Strategy cumulative effects infrastructure corridors (e.g. A1M-A19 link, M18/ M180 motorway growth and growth businesses vision and will be spread over junctions, FARRRS, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Hatfield/Stainforth link prosperity and  Provide employ- transformational a wide area and rail freight routes) that are already proving attractive to the market. diversify its ment opportunities projects (jobs / economic base for everyone housing growth Potential for In order to enhance Doncaster’s competitive edge, special emphasis will  Increase wealth targets are higher regionally wider be given to high growth sectors such as engineering, manufacturing,  Attract investment than historic build benefits but more aviation and knowledge-intensive industries (e.g. high speed rail college)  Close the ‘output rates) dispersed options and advanced technologies such as renewable energy (e.g. carbon gap’ will have a lesser capture) and recycling.  Improve financial Scale of impact is impact. security uncertain as However, this option has the potential to discourage the development of  Provide a supply of dependent on It is estimated that brownfield sites and emerging clusters within more central locations available land for market factors / some 20,000 new which tend to rely on public intervention. all business needs public intervention jobs will be created  Promote tourism over the local plan Strategic employment locations would be as per option 1 and 2 but would  Support home Doncaster has a period. These jobs also include the FARRRS corridor (linked to Rossington and Doncaster working / e- significant are earmarked for Sheffield Airport/Hayfield Green) and an new A1(M)-A19 growth corridor commerce prosperity gap Doncaster but will linked to sites at Adwick and Carcroft Common/Skellow, reflecting  Improve quality of compared to its benefit the ambitions for a new A1(M)-A19 link road. The designation of these sites life peers (in terms of Sheffield city will help address identified employment needs in the north and south of GVA). region overall. the borough. Economic  Provide a skilled Long Uncertain Permanent Skills and need Local and sub- Employment in Doncaster is skewed towards lower value employment diversification workforce. or demands are regional sectors (e.g. retail, wholesale and construction) and is lacking employees  Broaden sectoral temporary dependent on soft in the higher value sectors such as finance and real estate. This leaves mix interventions – High value sectors Doncaster’s economy more vulnerable to economic downturns.  Less reliance on impact is quite (e.g. engineering current high volume uncertain as the and However, schemes and opportunities such as the airport business park sectors options do not pharmaceuticals) (enterprise zone), energy business park (Unity), national rail college and  More workers in directly address have high profit or regeneration of the town centre should attract investment in ‘higher ‘higher value’ sec- skills and revenue, consider value’ sectors, such as research and development, aviation, engineering tors diversification but social impact and and business and commerce.  Promote rural diver- concentrating are important to sification growth around local, regional and Growth would be directed towards more greenfield sites which will be growth corridors national more viable than urban sites. will have more economies. positive impact - requires a step change in economic productivity and skills.

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance Overall score: ++ /-/? This option will generally have significant positive effects on this objective but still some uncertainty exists about the future state of the local economy during the plan period due to fluctuations in market conditions and reductions in public funding. However, an unfettered, market driven approach will not necessarily support prosperity and balanced growth because it will not deliver sufficient new homes in urban areas which are needed to support existing communities and businesses. 2. Reinforce and Support  Maintain and protect Medium to Uncertain Permanent The Local Plan will Local/neighbourho New development has the potential to reinforce settlement identity and support community the physical identity long but some / need to have regard od level create a stronger sense of place, especially in rural areas. However, the community identity and setting of exist- impacts temporary to the need to effects will be less positive in central locations such as the town centres identity and ing settlements are likely reflect the identities where communities are more transient and less cohesive. pride  Conserve and pro- to occur of communities and tect existing ser- foster a strong This option would more evenly development across the borough and vices and facilities sense of place. could take some development pressure away from Doncaster and the (especially in more main towns However, greater dispersal will necessitate the release of remote areas) The extent and more greenfield land on the edge of existing settlements to  Promote greater nature of the impact accommodate future needs. As a result, the openness of the strategic community cohesion will depend on a gaps between the main urban area and outlying settlements would be  Deliver affordable number of significantly reduced. This in turn could undermine the physical setting homes interlinked factors, and identity of these areas.  Don’t make every- such as the extent where the same to which a New development on the edge of the built-up-area will need to be settlement is sensitively managed through effective landscaping between towns and distinctive, safe and villages and the main urban area without harming the character and self-contained; the physical identity of individual settlements. There is also a need to protect quantity and quality the blending of villages and maintain distinct village boundaries. of services and facilities (e.g. Small scale growth within the smaller towns and villages will help sustain access to open local services and businesses in existing rural areas. space); the location of new development etc. Pride  Get people involved Medium to Likely Permanent Increasing pride in Local At this stage, it is not possible to determine what impacts the option will in local issues. long / place is a key have on people’s pride.  Foster positive per- temporary priority of the ceptions of the area Borough Strategy The council aims to involve all sections of the community in the  Make people proud and Corporate Plan. development of local plans and in planning decisions, and when of their own com- necessary facilitate and support neighbourhood planning. Localism has munity and Don- promoted a greater local involvement in decision making. Allowing these caster opportunities to take place through consultation and working groups will encourage people to become involved in local issues and create a sense of ownership.

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance community uses/facilities such as open space, and support existing services. Home ownership will enable residents to take pride in their own living space and surrounding area. Overall score: ++/- This option would lead to significant expansion of the rural fringe and reinforce the existing dispersed settlement pattern. The scope to expand existing settlements is more limited in rural areas. In addition, dispersed growth is more likely to undermine the setting and character of existing settlements where they are vulnerable to coalescence. On the other hand, rural communities could benefit from the provision of additional services and homes to a greater extent than the other options. 3. Improve Accessibility to  Ensure places can Medium to Likely Permanent Significant - access Local, sub- Greater dispersal would generate higher vehicle movements into existing accessibility to places be accessed via long term is a key locational regional, regional, market towns and villages (e.g. Tickhill and Bawtry) and place greater places and public transport factor in influencing national and reliance on the car and commuting over longer distances. Residents services, both  Encourage a modal investment international – would also be more remote from existing shops and services and high within and shift decisions. links across the value jobs. Less focus would be placed on more accessible locations such outside of the  Minimise travel to wider network as town and district centres and other commercial areas. As such, borough work distances Central locations are (e.g. coastal ports) people who work in the urban centre may find it more difficult to access  Has footpath access very accessible via a necessary local housing where possible range of transport Travel choice will  Has cycle paths means (e.g. public be improved within Beyond the main urban area, settlements (e.g. Thorne, Mexborough, where possible transport, cycling the borough and to Conisborough and Askern) benefit from good access to road and rail  Have adequate and walking) but the wider Sheffield networks. However, some of the towns and villages within the wider parking facilities former mining city region, with hinterland remain isolated from work and leisure opportunities.  Has road access communities in the stronger links to where possible rural hinterland are neighbouring Significant investment in infrastructure (e.g. utilities, public transport and  Facilitate links be- more isolated and districts, including schools etc) will be required to deliver new homes in dispersed locations, tween urban and require better links. Wakefield, Selby especially in rural areas, where costs are likely to be higher than in urban rural areas and Sheffield. areas. The local road network in rural areas may not have the capacity A freight to accommodate the scale of development that would be directed to management these areas. Some development site opportunities in rural settlements strategy is required are quite isolated. as part of the local plan process. The duration of the effects will vary depending upon the type and location of development and associated transport interventions which they are linked to. However, it is assumed that their impact will be over the medium to long term, especially in relation to the various strategic transport interventions. Accessibility to  Facilitate access to Medium to Likely Temporary Local, sub- Accommodating more growth within existing market towns and rural services services and facili- long or regional, regional villages would place additional pressure on existing infrastructure in permanent ties such as health, national and these areas and may necessitate the provision of new infrastructure. New education, open development would also be directed to settlements which presently have international spaces and shops a limited range of services, facilities and infrastructure. etc.  New development High speed rail will Although less growth will be accommodated within the urban centre should be close to significantly reduce compared to the other options, new opportunities are emerging to services travel time times capitalise from the government’s decision to locate the national rail  Facilitate the between college in Doncaster and the proximity of the proposed HS2 rail transport of freight Doncaster, major interchange in Sheffield. High speed rail will significantly reduce travel by sustainable cities and towns, times between Doncaster, major cities, coastal ports and continental means coastal ports and Europe.  Minimise the need continental Europe 73 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

4. Ensure Energy • Reduce the Medium to Likely Permanent High - Doncaster Local and sub- Greater dispersal would spread resources more thinly in an undirected resources are resources reliance on, and long has long been a regional. way and place significant pressure on existing infrastructure. It would available and the consumption centre of energy also have a greater impact on energy consumption and resources in efficiently used of, finite fossil generation and The scale of impact terms of increasing journey times, commuting and construction costs etc. to sustain fuels extraction, from will vary depending development • Reduce using river and tidal on the location and and reduce greenhouse gas power through to scale of new waste and emissions large-scale energy development consumption • Reduce energy production (from use and coal and gas-fired encourage the power stations and production and landfill sites) and use of renewable mineral workings energy (e.g. sand and Minerals and  Increase the use Medium to Likely Permanent gravel quarries) Sites will need to Dispersed growth could have an impact on mineral resources (e.g. sand construction of recycled and long which has resulted be safeguarded in and gravel and limestone) in that it could sterilise sites such as areas of reclaimed aggre- in increased order to ensure a search and safeguarded areas and reduce access to mineral resources in gates greenhouse gas steady supply of the future. The extent of the impact will depend on the location of new  Reduce primary emissions. mineral and energy development. mineral extraction resources.  Incorporate sus- New development should, as far as possible, avoid areas where mineral tainable design extraction takes place or has potential to take place in the future. and construction practices Efficient use of  Encourage re- Short, Likely Temporary Medium to high Local, sub-regional The extent and magnitude of the impact is uncertain at this stage - this waste use/recycling and medium and / priority - EU and regional – largely comes down to the level of design/build quality of new permanent minimise waste long term requirement to significant cross development and the production of more energy efficient homes. This is avoid landfill and boundary flows of more a policy issue than a location issue. This option focusses on growth increase recycling waste between within and around existing centres which should reduce the need to Doncaster, travel and in turn reduce carbon emissions. Barnsley, Rotherham and Efficient recycling and waste management systems will be incorporated Sheffield into the design and layout of new development. Overall score: +/- This option would encourage the greater utilisation of energy and mineral resources and a broader mix of uses that are more resource efficient than other settlement patterns (e.g. increased density and use of brownfield land). This in turn will result in less reliance on motorised modes of transport, lower energy consumption and better access to services in towns and villages. However, more dispersed patterns of growth will reduce the opportunities to secure the adequate and efficient provision of services such as water, electricity and telecommunications. 5. Provide Affordability  Provide housing Medium to Likely Permanent High – both locally, Local and sub- Greater dispersal would direct growth to areas where land values and affordable, (including afforda- long regionally and regional – house prices are higher than average. Greater opportunities exist to good quality ble housing) that is nationally commuting improve the quality of housing and deliver affordable housing targets.

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Housing prices are likely to be more expensive in the smaller settlements due to the limited supply and possible increase in demand. Quality  Promote and encour- Medium to Likely Permanent Medium - good Borough-wide This option places focus on delivering viable and deliverable sites in more age good quality de- long quality design is a market friendly locations such as towns and villages. This should sign and sustainable key aspect of facilitate the delivery of better quality developments and more affordable homes planning and homes. sustainable development. The potential to deliver more affordable housing will depend on the location of the site and other factors such as open space needs which will have a knock on effect on viability and developments costs.

However, the potential impacts on the quality of housing design are not fully known and remain uncertain. Good quality design depends on a number of factors including the nature of the proposal, the robustness of the policies within the plan and construction costs. In some cases, such as heavily constrained brownfield sites within the urban area, good design may be compromised.

Some parts of Doncaster are run down and require major redevelopment and regeneration. The quality of housing development, whilst improving, remains mixed. Mix and range  Ensure an appropri- Medium to Likely Permanent High – key to Borough-wide New developments will be required to include a mix of house size, type, of homes ate mix of housing, long creating a price and tenure to address identified needs and market demand and to tenures and types successful and support mixed communities as set out in Local Plan policies. The council sustainable will work with partners to deliver affordable housing and a mix of houses community to meet local needs through use of its own land and other initiatives. This 75 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance will ensure a good supply of sustainable housing that is sympathetic to existing locations. The Local Plan will encourage national standards set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM. Availability  Increase the supply Medium to Likely Permanent High - demand Borough-wide This option seeks to provide a broad choice and range of housing of housing long currently outstrips locations and sites across the borough in both rural and urban areas.  Address areas of supply (although This should, in turn, speed up the delivery of housing in these areas. housing market fail- housing completions ure have increased Growth will be directed to areas of Doncaster to renew housing market significantly in areas which are under delivering. The council is working in close recent years) partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency to deliver underperforming site such as several extant permissions within Edlington. Overall score: ++ This option would significantly increase the supply of housing across a larger number of settlements across the borough, including a wider choice of housing locations in both urban and rural areas which are more attractive to the market. Market attractive locations should provide a better return from development in terms of infrastructure, affordable housing, and community benefits. It will also ensure that housing can be delivered locally to meet future needs. Focussing growth in such locations should ensure the delivery of sufficient land to meet identified needs. However, the impacts on the quality, mix and range of homes are largely unknown at this stage and will be determined at the planning application stage. 6. Reduce social Social  Minimise disad- Medium to Likely Temporary High - tackling Local and This option would direct more growth to former mining towns and exclusion and exclusion vantage or discrimi- long or social exclusion and neighbourhood villages where deprivation and social disadvantage levels are higher than disadvantage nation permanent disadvantage is one level average and more remote rural communities. Deprivation and social  Ensure that as many of the major disadvantage is dispersed across both rural and urban areas in the people as possible challenges facing borough. have good access to Doncaster and shops and services requires a On the other hand, many of these communities lack good access to Social  Reduce concentra- Medium to Likely Temporary coordinated existing services and facilities (e.g. schools, shops, leisure and recreation disadvantage tions of socio- long or approach from a uses and telecommunications) and there will be less incentive to economic disad- permanent range of delivery redevelop more challenging brownfield sites and housing renewal areas. vantage mechanisms,  Reduce the gap be- including the Local Dispersal of growth could undermine the development of critical mass of tween affluent and Plan. opportunities within the main urban area (especially Doncaster town deprived areas centre) and the main towns and thereby undermine the quality and diversity of investment in these locations (and the rest of the borough). It may not maximise direct regeneration of poorer urban areas, brownfield sites and existing service centres although could generate indirect regeneration benefits associated with greater delivery on higher value sites.

This option would further enhance and support the role of Tickhill, Bawtry and Askern and other market towns as service centres supporting the wider rural hinterland. Overall score: ++/- The effects will be similar to the other options, with both positive and negative scores. New development could reinforce the sense of place, especially in rural areas. However, the effects will be less positive in more central locations, such as town centres.

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance 7. Make places Attractive and  Deliver a high quali- Medium to Likely Permanent Medium to high Borough-wide. This option should generally have indirect positive effects on this that are safe, distinctive ty built environment long term objective. New development will help create more attractive places and attractive, places  Promote local dis- New development Crime is falling but enhance the character and appearance of the immediate area, subject to culturally tinctiveness and infrastructure is there are some good design. It will provide greenspace (e.g. private gardens and play interesting and  Provide more green- needed to deliver hot-spots such as areas), trees and landscaping. It will also bring underused sites back into distinctive to spaces and trees regeneration and the town centre productive use. live, work and  Maintain and im- investment within where anti-social travel in prove the character areas of market behaviour is a The scale and magnitude of the impact will largely depend on the quality and setting of the failure to stimulate recurring problem. and location of new development (e.g. use of materials, accessibility, townscape and growth and physical layout etc) and the robustness of planning policies. For example, a new landscape change so that local settlement will require comprehensive planned approach to create a  Promote buildings communities can distinctive sense of place. and developments benefit from and which are ‘secure by access the new jobs However, there may be some negative impacts on the character and design’ and opportunities. physical setting of settlements close to the main urban area where  Address anti-social development encroaches into the open countryside. Armthorpe, behavior Rossington and Kirk Sandall are particularly vulnerable to coalescence  Maximise the securi- because the strategic gaps between them and the main urban area are ty of homes and quite narrow. workplaces  Reduce crime Some settlements such as Bawtry, Tickhill, Askern Spa and Thorne are likely to see more of a change in character from outward expansion. This will help support and reinforce the role of existing service centres. Sites around Tickhill, Askern Spa and Bawtry have high landscape character and outward expansion could affect the historic setting and character of these towns. In such locations, new development will need to be sensitively planned and designed to protect their historic character and setting. Safety and • Reduce fear of crime Medium to Likely Permanent Medium to high - The impact of development on safety and security is unknown at this security • Minimise risk to long term national policy stage and will largely depend on the design, layout and location of new health and safety recognises that development. Some indirect effects may occur in the short and medium safety and security term. are essential in creating successful development. Overall score: +/? Effects will mainly be positive but some negative effects may arise depending on the location and design of new development where it encroaches into sensitive areas of open countryside. 10. 8. Renew and Land and  Encourage the re-use Medium to Likely Permanent Medium - all options Local Greater dispersal would promote housing growth within areas with less reuse existing buildings of brownfield land, long term will result in the good infrastructure and could put significant pressure on land resources. buildings, land vacant sites and ex- permanent loss of More peripheral development will have a detrimental impact on visual and infrastruc- isting buildings greenfield land, and amenity and open character of the countryside. Green belt in particular is ture  Avoid the unneces- some will mean the of landscape value and plays an important role in preventing urban sary use of green- loss of green belt sprawl and maintaining countryside character and openness. field sites and open  Support renewal of countryside. Settlement edge allocations could take some pressure off infill sites and old and/or poor are- help preserve openness and character of the landscape. However, such as of housing The use of allocations would need to ensure it would not unduly harm and would as  Protect and enhance greenfield sites has far as possible enhance the amenity of the landscape and surrounding

77 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance the amenity of the the potential to countryside. area have a detrimental impact on the Some of the settlements under option 3 have fewer infill and brownfield character and visual opportunities and growth could be directed towards more greenfield sites amenity of the which could be more viable than urban sites. Lower density, dispersed landscape and development would also make less efficient use of land. countryside. Infrastructure  Remove unstable Medium to Likely Permanent High – medium Local, sub- Dispersed growth will put more strain on existing services and and contaminated long term regional, regional infrastructure (e.g. health facilities, schools, parks and leisure centres) land Infrastructure plays and national relative to the other options. Section 106 contributions and commuted  Capacity of existing a crucial role in sums should be used to ensure adequate facilities are available within infrastructure to shaping the future Key documents growing communities. In addition, option 3 could divert much needed support new devel- growth and well- include investment from housing renewal and the town centre. opment being of the Sheffield City  Quality of existing borough. It will help Region Growth Established water, electricity, gas and telecommunications can still be infrastructure provi- facilitate the Plan, Sheffield City used in growth towns and the urban centre, but further investment may sion delivery of new Region Transport be required in more rural locations. Infrastructure will be more costly and homes, jobs and Strategy and One more difficult to deliver in rural areas, especially those settlements which services and North: A are remote from existing services and networks. improve the Proposition for an connectivity of the Interconnected Dispersed growth will lead to increased traffic flows and emissions – borough, including North. some villages have capacity issues and may not be able to cope with the its links to towns, increased level of traffic arising from growth. villages and services within the city region and beyond. Overall score: ++/ - This option proposes the widest choice of housing and employment locations across the borough (including town centre brownfield sites, infill sites within existing villages and large-scale urban extensions) across a wide range of settlements. However, it would undermine the ability of development to support the provision of key infrastructure because housing provision will be dispersed across a greater number of settlements. 9.Improve the Health  Address health ine- Medium to Likely Permanent High importance – The scale of the Creating healthier places and lifestyles will depend on a number of locally health and well- qualities long term the health of people problem is influenced factors such as the proportion of open space within new being of the  Make it easier for in Doncaster is borough-wide. development, availability of transport and planning permissions (e.g. hot borough’s people to pursue a generally worse food takeaways) and the location of new development. Some indirect population healthy lifestyle than the national positive effects may occur but it will largely depend on where this growth  Promote access to average although . is dispersed. The scale and magnitude of these effects are largely healthcare the gap has uncertain at this stage. narrowed in recent years. Growth will be directed towards settlements which generally have high levels of deprivation and health issues. Doncaster has an ageing population and this could put further pressure on the existing health services.

New development within the main urban area and main towns will benefit from good access to health and recreation facilities such as hospitals, (e.g. Doncaster Royal Infirmary), doctor surgeries, gyms and pharmacies.

78 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance Well being  Reduce the fear of Medium to Likely Permanent High - prioritising Neighbourhood Although the effects are difficult to predict at this stage, this option crime and anti- long term health and and local level should have an indirect positive impact on community well-being and social behavior community well- satisfaction in the long term. It will also enhance people’s ability to  Increase personal being are key Community access opportunities such as home ownership, jobs, community facilities satisfaction strategic goals. centres and shops and sport and recreation.  Improve quality of are accessible in life However, well-being most towns and  Enhance people’s is difficult to the main urban ability to access measure because area of Doncaster. opportunities the interpretation of Some rural and  Encourage commu- the term is quite isolated nity participation subjective – often communities lack relies on empirical basic community evidence. facilities. Overall score: +/-/? In many cases, new development will give rise to positive effects on health and well-being such as the provision of open space, recreation and play opportunities, improvements to cycle and pedestrian routes and remediation of contaminated land. Many of these effects will depend on the precise location and nature of development. However, dispersed growth may place more pressure on existing health and support services especially in the smaller settlements. 10. Provide Education  Improve educational Medium to Likely Permanent Government / SCR Local and sub- New housing will trigger the need to expand existing schools or provide education and attainment long term priority – very high regional new schools in areas of identified need. Some existing schools are training  Provide physically constrained and have limited capacity to accommodate the provision to more/sufficient Doncaster has a Some settlements influx of new children. build the skills school places to ad- relatively low levels lack access to and capacity of dress future need of skills and basic services such Education providers will need to work closely together through detailed the population relatively high levels as schools and masterplanning to provide new capacity where population and household of unemployment. playing fields, triggers determine future requirements. Actual requirements will depend especially in rural on the location, timing, scale and phasing of development. Educational areas. attainment is Some indirect positive effects are predicted (e.g. most of the planned improving but education and training facilities are centrally located close to the town relatively few school centre and proposed development sites) but this relies on effective leavers go onto joined-up planning at the strategic level to maximise the co-location higher education. benefits of education, employment and housing. However, the provision Some schools are of new school places will be determined at the detailed policy level, performing poorly through the use of developer contributions. and require improvement. Skills and  Improve qualifica- Medium to Likely Permanent Improving skills and Doncaster and Whilst this criterion is not directly applicable, the emerging national rail training tions and skills in long term training is wider Sheffield city college and university technical college will go some way to provide young people paramount to region education and training to build skills and capacity in Doncaster (including  Provide opportunities achieving the vision post-16 and vocational qualifications) but further work is needed to look for adults to learn and aims of the at how education and the educational establishments across Doncaster new skills Borough Strategy can improve qualifications and skills in young people. and Sheffield City Region Growth Plan. Overall score: +/? Improving education and training outcomes depends on a wide variety of interventions, including new investment programmes (e.g. new or expanded schools),

79 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance apprenticeships and on the job training. Securing sufficient primary school education places remains a critical concern in the light of the borough-wide shortfall. Housing growth will be directed towards the main urban area and main towns where further education and secondary school facilities are located or planned. This will allow more residents to access opportunities closer to where they live or work. Developers will be expected to make a contribution towards the provision of new school places within areas of identified need. The provision of new or improved education and training facilities should have indirect positive benefits on future attainment levels. 11.Manage and Flood risk  Avoid inappropriate Medium to Likely Permanent High - land use Local, sub – Greater dispersal will provide opportunities to avoid flood risk areas adapt to climate development in flood long term planning will have a regional, regional although any development in Thorne and Moorends, like options 1 and 2, change risk areas significance and national and will not be able to avoid this. Greater use of employment land in the  Manage flood risk on influence on climate global north of the borough along any A1-A19 road link will be within a flood sites at risk of flood- change and risk area. ing greenhouse gas Climate change emissions. impacts remain In flood risk areas, appropriate mitigation measures will need to be put uncertain and the in place to ensure that new development does not increase the risk of By virtue of its extent and flooding elsewhere. geography, magnitude of these Doncaster is effects will In addition, improvements are needed to strengthen and reinforce particularly dependent a broad existing flood defences and pumping stations along Doncaster’s rivers. vulnerable to the range of factors However, mitigation may prove costly and will have to be considered impacts of climate including future alongside wider viability testing. change. weather patterns, use of technology and proximity to services etc. Greenhouse  Reduce greenhouse Medium to Likely Permanent The climate in Doncaster is a Greater dispersal would increase greenhouse gas emissions and resource gas emissions gas emissions long term Doncaster is logistical hub, due consumption from rising car usage and congestion and there will be few- changing faster than to its proximity to er opportunities to invest in new infrastructure (e.g. district heating sys- ever before and road and rail tems). Significant growth will also place considerable pressure on exist- poses significant networks. These ing water and waste supplies. threat to the impacts on air livelihood, security quality and Doncaster already has high levels of carbon emissions and some areas and health of its greenhouse gas suffer from the effects of air pollution. people and emissions over a environment, and wide area. Doncaster has challenging targets to deliver a significant reduction in its low-lying nature carbon dioxide and re-use and recycle its natural and man-made makes it particularly resources in a way that reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, diverts waste vulnerable to from landfill and improves the energy efficiency of buildings and spaces extreme weather (e.g. through the use of renewable energy and design measures. conditions. Water supply  Improve/increase Medium to Likely Permanent High - Doncaster Local, regional and Effects are uncertain at this stage but water supplies could be put at risk and drainage Doncaster’s resili- long term overlies two national from dispersed development. ence to climate principal aquifers: change Sherwood Water quality The quality of groundwater is at risk from nitrate pollution, particularly  support the delivery Sandstone (from modeling is highly within the vicinity of Thorne and Hatfield Moors. In this context, it is of renewable and low which drinking uncertain and important that new development does not impact on water quantity or carbon energy and water is obtained) relies on a number harm water quality within the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer, either from associated infra- and the Magnesian of assumptions. increased abstraction or increased pollution. Doncaster has a number of structure Limestone (from source protection zones including at Hatfield, Dunscroft, Edenthorpe,  Secure energy effi- which drinking Cantley, Rossington, Bessacarr and Austerfield where development might ciency improvements water can be cause pollution or undermine ground water sources, such as wells and 80 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

European Water Framework Directive Overall score: ++/-- Whilst there will be increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions from growth and associated environmental issues, such a strategy would allow a greater emphasis on flood zone 1 (lower probability of flooding) sites. It offers more opportunities to divert development away from medium to high risk flood areas and effectively manage flood risk within existing communities and new developments.

The long term effects of growth, however, remain highly uncertain because climate change is difficult to quantify and predict at a local level. The extent and magnitude of impact will depend on the form, design and location of new development. In some cases, dispersed growth could hamper economic development opportunities in areas where issues of flood risk cannot be mitigated. 12. Protect, Biodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent Increasing Local, sub- Option 3 would also affect the integrity of habitats and species (as per increase and (habitats and and improve sites of long term / development will regional, regional the other options) but the scale and magnitude of impact could extend enhance the species) international, na- temporary inevitably cause and international over a wider area. More greenfield land would be required to natural some habitat loss (hierarchy of accommodate a dispersed pattern of growth on the edge of existing tional and local im- (displacem environment, portance and fragmentation. nature settlements. ent) including the  Create new areas of conservation sites) landscape, its biodiversity value However, the The extent and scale of harm will depend on the extent of new greenery underlying  Offset / compensate potential Scale and and compensatory measures within new development. Some brownfield geology and for the loss of habi- significance of magnitude of sites within urban areas have been left vacant over a long period of time wildlife habitat tats and species as these effects will impact will vary and have developed biodiversity interest in their own right from pioneer a result of develop- largely depend on depending on how species which are beneficial to wildlife such as birds, butterflies and other ment the site selection housing is inserts Geodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent process. distributed across and improve sites of long term settlements. More Doncaster’s biodiversity and geodiversity assets are under threat from a geodiversity im- In addition, dispersed options wide range of pressures such as climate change, agricultural portance compensation and will have a greater intensification, air pollution, water abstraction, habitat fragmentation mitigation will be impact. and development. These threats have the potential to result in the loss addressed at the or degradation of habitats or geological features (e.g. Hatfield Moor). detailed policy level. Insufficient infill or Whilst the effects remain uncertain at this stage and depend on the brownfield location and scale of new development, it is anticipated that the overall Appropriate policy opportunities are cumulative impact on the natural environment will be negative. protection will need available within to be afforded to existing In addition, the Local Plan will need to ensure access to high quality biodiversity and settlements to green spaces and the countryside (e.g. update biodiversity/geodiversity geodiversity in the accommodate action plans; re-survey designated local sites; increase the proportion in Local Plan such as future housing favourable management; and record the extent and condition of the landscaping/screen growth needs of urban forest).

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In addition, large-scale urban extensions could potentially harm the character and quality of the landscape around the smaller settlements. 13. Protect, Historic places  Protect, maintain Short, Likely Permanent High-medium. The Local (e.g. The findings of the assessment are largely uncertain or unknown at this conserve and and improve the medium to historic conservation stage. The scale and magnitude of impact will depend on the nature of enhance the character and ap- long term environment areas) the development and the size and complexity of the site. This will be historic and pearance of conser- makes a significant determined through the preparation of site-specific heritage / cultural heritage vation areas contribution to the National (e.g. archeological assessments.  Maintain and pro- character and listed buildings, tect historic build- distinctiveness of ancient This option proposes modest growth within the market towns of Bawtry ings, scheduled an- the borough and monuments, parks and Tickhill. However, new development could have negative effects on cient monuments requires protection and gardens and the historic character and setting of these settlements. and their settings from inappropriate other major  Protect, maintain development. attractions) Doncaster’s town centres are largely found within conservation areas. and improve na- Impact could be positive or negative depending on the nature of the tional and local his- Doncaster is a Proposals should scheme and its location in relation to each conservation area. It under- toric parks and gar- relatively old be in general con- scores the need to adopt a sensitive approach to the management of dens borough with formity with con- historic townscapes within these locations. Some of the key development Cultural  Promote and in- Medium to Likely Permanent numerous historic servation area sites are located within close proximity to historic assets such as listed heritage crease tourism long term assets. Tourism is appraisals, man- buildings and scheduled monuments.  Sensitive manage- growing and visitor agement plans and ment of historic numbers exceed other relevant This option focusses growth around areas of high accessibility such as townscape many other historic guidelines. cycle and walking routes, canals, rivers, wetlands and the proposed PGA  Protect undesignat- areas. golf course. This should indirectly promote tourism activities at key ed archaeological locations such as Lakeside and expansion of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. assets from damage or loss The Doncaster Local Plan will set out policies to ensure that new development maintains and, where possible, enhances the character or appearance of the historic environment, including conservation areas and listed buildings. These should also take on board the principles of the Doncaster Heritage Strategy, South Yorkshire Green Infrastructure Strategy and other relevant documents. Overall score: -/? The effects are largely uncertain at this stage but further expansion of historic market towns (Bawtry and Tickhill) could undermine their character and setting. However, the scale and magnitude of impact will largely depend on the location of housing, retail and employment sites.

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / Likelihood / Permanent /Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective medium /long uncertainty temporary and scale of affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. term importance 14.Protect and Land and soil  Avoid the sterilisa- Medium to Likely Permanent High-medium Local, sub regional, Greater dispersal would result in the loss of more prime agricultural land enhance soil, air tion of minerals long term regional (due to and countryside as more greenfield sites will be developed in preference and water  Restore, reclaim Doncaster has a extent of river to underused or vacant brownfield sites. This may in turn discourage the quality and remediate va- significant supply of catchment areas) expansion of local food production and organic farming. (watercourses cant and derelict agricultural land, and ground land (e.g. contami- some of which is Accommodating growth within the urban centre and outlying towns will water) nated sites) among the most promote and facilitate the reuse of vacant and derelict land and  Encourage local productive in buildings, such as town centre brownfield sites (e.g. waterfront). These food production England. However, schemes will be supported through SCRIF funding. some green belt and countryside/agricult Further encroachment into the countryside would diminish the quality of ural land will need the soil and its ability to retain water during times of flood. More land to be released in and vegetation would be taken out of productive use (e.g. cropping order to areas). accommodate this growth. Water  Increase the quality Medium to Likely Permanent High - EU National (the The protection of ground water resources especially in urban areas (e.g. and quantity of the long term requirement Sherwood Sherwood Sandstone aquifer) presents a significant challenge because it water environment (European Water sandstone aquifer the primary source of our drinking water and needs to be protected from  Reduce direct and Framework is of national over-abstraction and pollution (e.g. surface water run-off). indirect pollution on Directive) importance) the water environ- Dispersing growth across settlements in the east of the borough within ment the vicinity of the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer may adversely affect both  Reduce the poten- the quality and quantity of ground water (either from increased tial risk to ecosys- abstraction or increased pollution). tems (e.g. wetland and riparian habitats) and ecological receptors Air and noise  Reduce/minimise air Medium to Likely Permanent High to medium Local and sub- Road traffic in Doncaster is expected to increase significantly during the pollution(e.g. in- long term regional next plan period, particularly on the strategic transport network (see creased traffic) and Although air quality appendix B of the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report). Greater dis- noise has improved in The extent and persal urban could increase traffic flows and emissions especially along  Maintain or improve many parts of the magnitude of these minor roads within rural areas and key arteries leading into the town air quality especially borough, air impacts will largely centre and motorways where air quality is already deteriorating. Maxi- at motorway junc- pollution still poses depend on the mum use should be made of existing road and rail infrastructure and tions and busy A continuing risks to design and location routes (including freight) to facilitate the movement of goods and ser- roads health and of new vices.  Reduce the poten- ecosystems. There development, tial risk to ecosys- are localised including the Some villages and towns have capacity issues and may not be able to tems (e.g. wetland pockets of poor air quality of cope with the increased level of traffic arising from growth, especially in and riparian habi- quality around the mitigation, such as the long term. tats) and ecological motorway junctions tree planting. receptors and parts of the Noise, air and light pollution would deteriorate further from building and town centre due to construction activities and the increase in traffic (from cars and aircraft). nitrogen dioxide emissions from road traffic.

83 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Hybrid approach (option 4)

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. 1. Maintain and Maintain and  Create jobs / Long Uncertain Permanent High overall impact City region and This option will support/reinforce the role of Doncaster as a major sub- increase strengthen new businesses due to ambitious borough wide – regional centre and will help attract more investment and new businesses. Doncaster’s economic  Support existing Borough Strategy cumulative effects New housing would be close to existing major employment locations (e.g. growth and growth businesses vision and will be spread over town centres), main services and facilities. High growth sectors will be prosperity and  Provide employ- transformational a wide area specifically targeted at key locations such as the enterprise zone (airport), diversify its ment opportuni- projects (jobs / low carbon business park (Unity) and engineering, construction and economic base ties for everyone housing growth Potential for manufacturing (Lakeside).  Increase wealth targets are higher regionally wider  Attract invest- than historic build benefits but more New employment will be focussed within the main urban area (principally ment rates) dispersed options the town centre) and along key transport corridors such as motorway  Close the ‘output will have a lesser junctions and airport business park. On the other hand, restricting growth gap’ Scale of impact is impact to a smaller town centre geography would lessen the viability of delivering  Improve financial uncertain as growth in that area. SCRIF funding has been allocated to schemes security dependent on It is estimated that located in the town centre (e.g. Doncaster Waterfront and Marshgate) to  Provide a supply market factors / some 20,000 new unlock job and business growth. of available land public intervention jobs will be created for all business over the local plan Concentrating jobs and new businesses in areas where services already needs Creating conditions period. These jobs exist and areas of new growth will promote more sustainable patterns of  Promote tourism for growth - are earmarked for development and support the growth of existing businesses.  Support home depends on Doncaster but will working / e- business moving benefit the This option seeks to focus more growth within market-attractive locations commerce into the area` Sheffield city such as service towns and villages and along transport corridors where  Improve quality region overall. there is a good supply of deliverable and viable sites. Market-attractive of life Work is needed to locations should provide a better return from development in terms of upskill Doncaster’s infrastructure, affordable housing and community benefits. However, this workforce from a option proposes a lower level of housing growth in the main urban area predominantly level than the current Core Strategy and this has the potential to undermine 2-3 to levels 4-6. the development of critical mass at Doncaster and thus the quality and diversity of investment in the borough. Economic  Provide a skilled Long Uncertain Permanent Skills and need Local, regional and The current sectoral mix is skewed towards lower value sectors such as diversification workforce. / demands are national retail, construction and public sector jobs. However, planned investments  Broaden sectoral temporary dependent on soft such as the airport business park enterprise zone, planned rail academy, mix interventions – High value sectors energy technology park (Unity) and rail logistics (iPort) - have the 84 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below.  Less reliance on impact is quite (e.g. engineering potential to broaden sectoral mix and promote the growth of higher value current high vol- uncertain as the and aviation) have sectors such as research and development, aviation, engineering and ume sectors options do not high profit or business and commerce.  More workers in directly address revenue, consider ‘higher value’ sec- skills and social impact and Significant investment of manufacturing or ICT sectors would boost tors diversification but are important to Doncaster’s durability in an economic downturn. Consultation responses  Promote rural di- concentrating local, regional and recognised the need for smaller business needs as well as large versification growth around national businesses and to recognise Doncaster’s position as an important logistics growth corridors economies. centre. will have more positive impact - requires a step change in economic productivity and skills Overall score: ++ /? Significant positive effects will emerge from the option but still some uncertainty about the future state of the economy during the plan period due to fluctuations in market conditions and reductions in public funding. This option will ensure the retention and creation of a range of employment sites across the borough which will, in turn, support business growth and maximise local communities. 2. Reinforce and Support  Maintain and pro- Medium to Uncertain Permanent The Local Plan will Local/neighbourho This option has the potential to reinforce settlement identity and pride support community tect the physical long but some / need to have regard od level subject to maintaining the distinct identity of settlements and community identity identity and setting impacts temporary to the need to communities, with a focus on developing existing brownfield sites where identity and of existing settle- are likely reflect the identities services exist and mixed use developments. This approach will help to pride ments to occur of communities and protect existing settlements from urban sprawl.  Conserve and pro- foster a strong tect existing ser- sense of place. New development also provides an opportunity to create more cohesive vices and facilities and balanced communities. However, because urban extensions are (especially in more required on the edge of existing settlements to accommodate future remote areas) housing needs, the openness of the strategic gaps between the main  Promote greater urban area and outlying settlements would be significantly reduced. This community cohe- in turn could undermine the physical setting and identity of these areas. sion There is a need to protect the blending of villages and maintain distinct  Deliver affordable settlement boundaries. homes  Don’t make every- New development on the edge of the urban area needs to be sensitively where the same managed through effective landscaping between towns and villages and the main urban area. Concentrating growth around existing serviced areas should support this option. Caution is needed when growth is exponential to the existing service needs and reviews of existing services will be needed to address this. Wherever possible, existing shops and services will need to be protected from conversions or other uses which would undermine the ability of a settlement to function and remain sustainable.

The extent and nature of the impact will depend on a number of interlinked factors, such as the extent to which a settlement is distinctive, safe and self-contained; the quantity and quality of services and facilities (e.g. access to open space); the location of new development etc. Pride  Get people involved Medium to Likely Permanent Increasing pride in Local The council aims to involve all sections of the community in the in local issues. / place is a key development of local plans and in planning decisions, and when necessary 85 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

A greater spread of development to the main towns and service centres will benefit local communities in a number of ways. For example, the development of a new housing estate in a deprived area will create more affordable homes (depending on the size of the site) and will provide new community uses/facilities such as open space, and support existing services. Home ownership will enable residents to take pride in their own living space and surrounding area. This option is mainly focussed on the main urban area and the main towns where development needs to be tied into infrastructure and services. It is essential that the local communities are engaged in decision making processes through consultation on planning applications. Overall score: ++/- The hybrid approach should support and enhance community identity and the integrity of existing settlements through the provision of new and improved services (e.g. physical and social infrastructure) and the regeneration and renewal of existing town and district centres (e.g. new cultural attractions) and brownfield or infill opportunities within established built-up-areas. New urban extensions will provide range of opportunities such as mixed tenures, accessible open spaces and good transport links which will contribute to the creation of mixed and balanced communities. However, there remains a risk that new development could harm the physical setting and character of settlements where it would significantly encroach into the open countryside. 3. Improve  Acce  Ensure places can Medium to Likely Permanent Significant - access Local, sub- This option will facilitate shorter journeys and enable the use of existing accessibility to ssibility to be accessed via long term is a key locational regional, regional, well-established public transport, cycling and walking routes. Occupants of places and places public transport factor in influencing national and new development would benefit from good access to services, facilities services, both  Encourage a modal investment international – and opportunities. within and shift decisions. links across the outside of the  Minimise travel to wider network Housing growth will be targeted towards key settlements with four or borough work distances Central locations (e.g. coastal ports) more services to address local housing needs with the remaining element  Has footpath access are very accessible directed to the main urban area and the main towns. These settlements where possible via a range of Travel choice will offer a broad range of functions and services as well as employment  Has cycle paths transport means be improved within opportunities and are located close to key transport routes such as railway where possible (e.g. public the borough and to stations and motorways.  Have adequate transport, cycling the wider Sheffield parking facilities and walking) but city region, with The strategic employment sites are primarily located on the motorway  Has road access former mining stronger links to arteries with connectivity improvements (e.g. Hatfield Link Road, A1 where possible communities in the neighbouring (M)/A19 and FARRRS) which will connect communities to the strategic  Facilitate links be- rural hinterland are districts, including highway network and job opportunities. tween urban and more isolated and Wakefield, Selby rural areas require better links. and Sheffield.

86 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

New development will put pressure on existing services such as schools and health facilities but section 106 and commuted sums should be used to ensure adequate facilities are available within growing communities. Overall score: ++/- The hybrid approach would contribute positively to the achievement of this objective, along with many of its sub-objectives. Focusing new development close to employment, services and public transport nodes will help reduce the need to travel and reliance on motorised transport. On the other hand, it could potentially promote more car dependant patterns of travel compared to options 1 and 2, although the modest scale of proposed growth in the service towns and villages and the potential opportunities arising from meeting housing needs in these communities will reduce the overall scale of this impact. 4. Ensure Energy  Reduce the reliance Medium to Likely Permanent All options are Local and sub- The hybrid approach will have the same effects as options 1 and 2 - resources are resources on, and the con- long resource intensive regional. Sites will concentrating growth within the main urban area and main towns will lead available and sumption of, finite and will result in need to be to greater energy consumption savings and reduced car journeys. efficiently used fossil fuels more greenhouse safeguarded in to sustain  Reduce greenhouse gas emissions – the order to ensure a development gas emissions scale of impact will steady supply of and reduce  Reduce energy use vary depending on mineral and energy waste and and encourage the the location and resources. consumption production and use scale of new of renewable energy development Minerals and  Reduce primary Medium to Likely Permanent Option 4 may lead to direct impacts on mineral resources in that it could construction mineral extraction long sterilise sites (e.g. areas of search and safeguarded sites) and reduce  Increase the use of access to primary and secondary aggregates. New development will as far recycled and re- as possible avoid areas where mineral extraction takes place or has claimed aggregates potential to take place in the future.  Incorporate sustainable design and construction practices

87 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. Efficient use of  Encourage re- Short, Likely Temporary EU requirement to Local, sub-regional The extent and magnitude of the impact is uncertain at this stage - this waste use/recycling and medium and / avoid landfill and and regional – largely comes down to the level of design/build quality of new minimise waste long term permanent increase recycling significant cross development and the production of more energy efficient homes. Medium to high boundary flows of However, this is more a policy issue than a location issue. priority waste between Doncaster, Efficient recycling and waste management systems will be incorporated Barnsley, into the design and layout of new development. Rotherham and Sheffield Overall score: +/-/? This option would encourage the greater utilisation of energy and mineral resources and a broader mix of uses that are more resource efficient than other settlement patterns (e.g. increased density and use of brownfield land). This in turn will result in less reliance on motorised modes of transport, lower energy consumption and better access to services in towns and villages. More dense concentrations can also present opportunities to secure the adequate and efficient provision of services such as water, electricity and telecommunications. However, the scale and magnitude of the effects will depend on the location and design of new development. 5. Provide Affordability  Provide housing (in- Medium to Likely Permanent High – both locally, Local and sub- This option will promote the reuse of vacant and derelict brownfield sites affordable, cluding affordable long regionally and regional – within existing urban areas and will bring forward sites which are good quality housing) that is nationally commuting attractive to the market. Most of the areas of poor housing are located housing that is available to everyone within the main urban area and former mining settlements and include available to to address future Doncaster has a several housing renewal sites. There are a number of committed sites with everyone, needs shortfall of planning permission in these areas. Viability issues may render some including affordable housing. sites undeliverable. vulnerable and disadvantaged Land will need to be The option seeks to concentrate growth within the main urban area and a groups set aside on the number of outlying settlements where there is an affordable housing edge of existing need. Doncaster faces a significant shortfall of affordable housing. How- settlements to ever, in some cases, this might affect the viability of development, espe- accommodate new cially in areas of market failure or uncompetitive land values, such as in housing as urban the town centre, where larger sites require significant land assembly and extensions. remediation. This option has the potential to deliver more affordable housing but it will depend on the location of the site and other factors such as open space needs which will have a knock on effect on viability and developments costs. Quality  Promote and encour- Medium to Likely Permanent Medium - good Borough-wide This option places focus on delivering viable and deliverable sites in more age good quality de- long quality design is a market friendly locations. This should facilitate the delivery of better sign and sustainable key aspect of quality developments and more affordable homes. homes planning and sustainable However, the potential impacts on the quality of housing design are not development. fully known and remain uncertain. Good quality design depends on a number of factors including the nature of the proposal, the robustness of The quality of the policies within the plan and construction costs. In some cases, such as housing heavily constrained brownfield sites within the urban area, good design development, whilst may be compromised. improving, remains mixed. Mix and range  Ensure an appropri- Medium to Likely Permanent High – key to Borough-wide The hybrid approach offers an opportunity to provide a greater mix and of homes ate mix of housing, long creating successful range of housing (including affordable housing) in a broader range of tenures and types and balanced locations to meet identified need. communities

88 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Growth will be directed to areas of Doncaster to renew housing market areas which are under delivering (e.g. Edlington and Moorends). Overall score: ++/? This option offers the potential to provide a wider choice of housing sites than the current plan including locations which will be more attractive to the market and so better ensure housing is delivered. However, the impacts on the quality, mix and range of homes are largely unknown at this stage and will be determined at the planning application stage. 6. Reduce social Social  Minimise disad- Medium to Likely Temporary Tackling social Local This option would spread growth across the main urban area and a exclusion and exclusion vantage or discrimi- long or exclusion and number of former mining communities such as Armthorpe, Stainforth, disadvantage nation permanent disadvantage is one Hatfield and Rossington, which already have good transport links and  Ensure that as many of the major access to shops and services, whilst supporting rural communities in the people as possible challenges facing wider hinterland to address local needs and support local services. The have good access to Doncaster and most deprived areas in the borough are located in the main urban area shops and services requires a and the outlying former mining towns. Social  Reduce concentra- Medium to Likely Temporary coordinated disadvantage tions of socio- long or approach from a Focusing development in and around deprived areas provides range of delivery opportunities to improve community services and facilities; reduce economic disad- permanent vantage mechanisms, poverty; improve access to the job market; and promote social inclusion.  Reduce the gap be- including the Local A targeted growth strategy will help regenerate and breathe new life into tween affluent and Plan. deprived areas and combat social exclusion. deprived areas The hybrid option is targeting more growth within the most deprived and disadvantaged areas. Large developments which incorporate affordable housing as well as market housing will close the gap between affluent and deprived areas as areas will have better access to economic opportunities as more employment sites are brought forward. Overall score: ++ This option maintains a strong regeneration focus (brownfield sites, housing renewal, town centre revitalisation etc), especially within deprived areas, but balances this with market realism and viability considerations.

89 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. 7. Make places Attractive and  Deliver a high quali- Medium to Likely Permanent Borough-wide. This option is reliant on interventions to plan and design new development that are safe, distinctive ty built environment long term Crime is falling but in association with infrastructure and urban programmes such as town attractive, places  Promote local dis- there are some planning and master-planning work within the main urban areas and town culturally tinctiveness hot-spots such as centres where land values are considerably lower than out of town interesting and  Provide more green- the town centre greenfield sites. This co-ordinated approach will help deliver a high quality distinctive to spaces and trees where anti-social urban environment but private developers will want to develop those sites live, work and  Maintain and im- behaviour is a which are less constrained first and so it depends on the ability of travel in prove the character recurring problem. stakeholders to deliver high quality schemes. and setting of the townscape and New development will help create more attractive places and enhance the landscape character and appearance of the immediate area, subject to good design.  Promote buildings The scale and magnitude of the impact will largely depend on the quality and developments and location of new development (e.g. use of materials, accessibility, which are ‘secure by layout etc) and the robustness of planning policies. For example, a new design’ settlement will require comprehensive planned approach to create a  Address anti-social distinctive sense of place. behavior  Maximise the securi- However, large-scale urban extensions could give rise to negative effects ty of homes and on landscape and townscape where they would significantly reduce the workplaces strategic gap between settlements which are vulnerable to coalescence,  Reduce crime particularly between the main urban area and Armthorpe/Edenthorpe and between Carcroft/Skellow and Adwick-le-Street. Where this occurs, appropriate separation distances may be required. 11. Safety and  Reduce fear of Medium to Likely Permanent Fuel poverty levels Doncaster is a relatively deprived borough with pockets of severe social security crime long term are higher than the disadvantage. The decline of traditional industries such as steel and • Minimise risk to national average mining has left a legacy of social and economic problems especially within health and safety due to relative low former coalfield areas in the west (e.g. Mexborough and Conisborough) incomes and the and north of the borough (e.g. Stainforth) which characteristically have lack of energy lower access to services, comparatively lower levels of employment and efficiency within disposable income and poorer health. existing building stock (especially New development and infrastructure is needed to deliver regeneration and private rented investment within areas of market failure to stimulate growth and physical properties). change so that local communities can benefit from and access the new jobs and opportunities. Overall score: ++/-/? Some uncertainty remains but this option has the potential to have indirect positive effects on this objective. This will largely depend on the quality and location of new development and the robustness of planning policies. Some negative impacts on landscape and townscape may occur but there is scope to reduce or offset this impact. 12. 8. Renew and Land and  Encourage the re-use Medium to Likely Permanent Medium - all options Local This option will encourage the reuse of brownfield and redundant sites and reuse existing buildings of brownfield land, long term will result in the promote housing renewal and growth within areas of market failure such buildings, land vacant sites and ex- permanent loss of Green belt in as Denaby, Moorends and parts of the main urban area. However, the use and infrastruc- isting buildings greenfield land, and particular is of of greenfield sites has the potential to have a detrimental impact on the ture  Avoid the unneces- some will mean the landscape value character and visual amenity of the landscape and countryside. sary use of green- loss of green belt and plays an field sites and open important role in There are relatively few brownfield/infill opportunities within existing  Support renewal of countryside. preventing urban market towns and villages. Further expansion of these settlements will old and/or poor are- sprawl and necessitate major changes to the green belt/open countryside. as of housing maintaining  Protect and enhance countryside character and 90 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. the amenity of the openness. area Infrastructure  Remove unstable Medium to Likely Permanent High – medium Local, regional and This option is heavily dependent on the delivery of key infrastructure pro- and contaminated long term priority (see national vision such as new roads, public realm improvements, flood defence sys- land Sheffield City tems and utility works, but it would potentially place less pressure on  Capacity of existing Region some infrastructure (e.g. health and open space facilities) relative to a infrastructure to Infrastructure more concentrated approach. In addition, this option would support infra- support new devel- Strategy) structure delivery in outlying areas. opment  Quality of existing Existing infrastructure is integral to supporting new developments. New infrastructure provi- developments should be designed to incorporate with existing form of sion infrastructure and therefore create a development design which is commensurate with the urban form. Overall score: +/ - This option will encourage the re-use of brownfield and redundant sites and promote housing renewal and growth within deprived areas in preference to unsustainable greenfield sites. Less pressure will be placed on infrastructure than the urban concentrated approach (option 2). However, the countryside (including the amenity of the green belt) will be subject to greater development pressure because growth will be spread more widely than either option 1 and 2. 9.Improve the Health  Address health ine- Medium to Likely Permanent High importance – The scale of the The effects are largely uncertain at this stage. Creating healthier places health and well- qualities long term The health of people problem is and lifestyles will depend on a number of locally influenced factors such as being of the  Make it easier for in Doncaster is borough-wide. the proportion of open space within new development, availability of borough’s people to pursue a generally worse transport and planning permissions (e.g. hot food takeaways) and the population healthy lifestyle than the national Commuters and location of new development.  Promote access to average although workers healthcare the gap has Growth will be directed towards settlements which generally have high narrowed in recent levels of deprivation and health issues. However, the impact could be both years. Life positive and negative. On the one hand, an urban-centred approach will, expectancy in turn, increase levels of air pollution and congestion along major arterial continues to routes leading into the main urban areas. On the other hand, urban increase, while locations tend to have better access to services such as recreational teenage pregnancy, space, leisure facilities and public transport opportunities. Expansion of infant mortality and the main urban centre will also put pressure on existing health services. Well being  Reduce the fear of Medium to Likely Permanent death rates keep The effects are largely uncertain at this stage. However, this option will crime and anti- long term falling but enhance people’s ability to access opportunities such as home ownership, social behavior significant jobs, community facilities and sport and recreation.  Increase personal differences in health satisfaction between  Improve quality of communities (i.e. life deprived and  Enhance people’s affluent areas) and ability to access population groups in opportunities Doncaster persist.  Encourage community participation Overall score: +/? Improving health and well-being is a key priority of the Borough Strategy and remains one of the key challenges facing policy makers in Doncaster and the Sheffield city region. Under the hybrid option, growth will be spread more evenly across the borough which will help support services and secure the provision of recreation and open space within areas of identified need. This in turn may reduce health inequalities and encourage healthier lifestyles. New homes and jobs will also be concentrated within areas which already benefit from good access to services, open spaces and recreational opportunities. 91 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. 10. Provide Education  Improve educational Medium to Likely Permanent Government / SCR Local and sub- Some indirect positive effects are predicted (e.g. most of the planned education and attainment long term priority – very high regional education and training facilities are centrally located close to the town training  Provide centre and proposed development sites) but this relies on effective joined- provision to more/sufficient Doncaster has a Some settlements up planning at the strategic level to maximise the co-location benefits of build the skills school places to ad- relatively low levels lack access to education, employment and housing. However, the provision of new and capacity of dress future need of skills and basic services such school places will be determined at the detailed policy level, through the the population relatively high levels as schools and use of developer contributions. of unemployment. playing fields, especially in rural This option will trigger the need to expand existing schools or provide new Educational areas. schools in areas of identified need. Some schools are performing poorly attainment is and require improvement. Parts of the borough face a shortage of primary improving but school places. Education providers will need to work closely together relatively few school through detailed masterplanning to provide new capacity where leavers go onto population and household triggers determine future requirements. higher education. Skills and  Improve qualifica- Medium to Likely Permanent High - improving Doncaster and This criterion is not directly applicable. However, the national rail college training tions and skills in long term skills and training is wider Sheffield city and university technical college will go some way to provide education and young people paramount to region training to build skills and capacity in Doncaster (including post-16 and  Provide opportunities achieving the vision vocational qualifications) but further work is needed to look at how educa- for adults to learn and aims of tion and the educational establishments across Doncaster can improve new skills Sheffield City qualifications and skills in young people. Region Growth Plan. Maintaining community centres and learning centres will allow for education and training to take place in settlements across Doncaster and therefore increase the ability of residents to be able to access these facilities. Overall score: +/? In Doncaster there are plans to provide new schools and secure a significant expansion of existing facilities, particularly in higher education. New development will be expected to make a contribution towards the provision of new school places as a result of the influx of new residents in the form of new classrooms or new schools. Housing growth will be directed towards the main urban area and main towns where further education and secondary school facilities are located or planned. This will allow more residents to access opportunities closer to where they live or work. As a result, this option will have indirect positive effects on education and training provision. 11.Manage and Flood risk  Avoid inappropriate Medium to Likely Permanent High - land use Local, sub – New development will be directed to settlements constrained to varying adapt to climate development in flood long term planning will have a regional, regional degrees from medium to high flood risk from the main rivers, including change risk areas significance and national and parts of the main urban area (Doncaster), Adwick, Askern and Hatfield-  Manage flood risk on influence on climate global Stainforth. Employment opportunities associated with the M18/M180 sites at risk of flood- change and motorway corridors are also constrained due to flood risk. ing greenhouse gas Climate change emissions. impacts remain Moorends and Thorne are virtually completely constrained and complete uncertain and the avoidance is therefore not possible. The hybrid option proposes a similar New development extent and level of growth within Thorne and Moorends as options 2 and 3, but much will need to mitigate magnitude of these less than the current target set out in the Core Strategy (option 1). This flood risk in effects will reflects the localised flood issue. susceptible areas to dependent a broad avoid exacerbating range of factors Some key development and redevelopment opportunities (e.g. Doncaster elsewhere. including future Waterfront) lie in flood risk zones. Proposed allocations in flood risk will weather patterns, need to: A number of use of technology settlements benefit and proximity to  satisfy a sequential approach taking account of wider sustainability from existing flood services etc. considerations; 92 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE DONCASTER LOCAL PLAN: RE-APPRAISAL OF DONCASTER’S GROWTH OPTIONS

Water supply  Improve/increase Medium to Likely Permanent High - Doncaster Local, regional and Further expansion of settlements to the north and south east of the main and drainage Doncaster’s resili- long term overlies two national urban area (e.g. Rossington, Armthorpe, Stainforth/Hatfield, Bawtry and ence to climate principal aquifers: (Sherwood Auckley/Hayfield) could put increased strain on groundwater supplies change Sherwood Sandstone is the within the aquifers, risking lowering of the water table and drying-out of  support the delivery Sandstone (from second most wet sites. Many of these areas fall within a ground water protection zone of renewable and low which drinking important source (grades 2 and 3). carbon energy and water is obtained) of ground water in associated infra- and the Magnesian the UK) Appropriate policies will need to be put in place to ensure that new structure Limestone (from development does not have an adverse impact on water quantity or  Secure energy effi- which drinking quality within the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer, either from increased ciency improvements water can be abstraction or increased pollution and has adequate means of water  Encourage sustaina- obtained). However, supply (even in a drought), sufficient foul and surface water drainage and ble drainage practice ground water adequate sewage treatment capacity to serve its future needs.  Manage and protect supplies within both our water supply aquifers are Sustainable drainage practices should be encouraged, especially around relatively low due to the flood risk areas of the north and east of the borough such as Thorne, over abstraction. Hatfield, Adwick, Askern, and parts of Armthorpe and the town centre.

EU requirement (European Water Framework Directive) Overall score: +/-- This appraisal predicts a range of potential impacts (both indirect and direct) but the effects remain highly uncertain because climate change is difficult to quantify and predict at a local level. The extent and magnitude of impact will depend on the form, design and location of new development. Where it is not possible to avoid flood risk, appropriate mitigation measures will need to be put in place to ensure that development does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. However, some of these measures are costly to implement and could affect the viability of future development.

Doncaster has challenging targets to deliver a significant reduction in carbon dioxide and re-use and recycle its natural and man-made resources in a way that reduces its

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. reliance on fossil fuels, diverts waste from landfill and improves the energy efficiency of buildings and spaces (e.g. through the use of renewable energy and design measures). 12. Protect, Biodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent Increasing Local, sub- A number of wildlife and geodiversity sites are vulnerable to development increase and (habitats and and improve sites of long term (irreversib development will regional, regional and many are located on the edge of existing settlements. Doncaster’s enhance the species) international, na- le) / inevitably cause and international biodiversity and geodiversity assets are under threat from a wide range of natural some habitat loss (hierarchy of pressures such as climate change, agricultural intensification, air tional and local im- temporary environment, portance and fragmentation. nature pollution, water abstraction, habitat fragmentation and development. (displacem including the  Create new areas of conservation sites) These threats have the potential to result in the loss or degradation of landscape, its biodiversity value ent) However, the habitats or geological features (e.g. Hatfield Moor). underlying  Offset / compensate potential Scale and geology and for the loss of habi- significance of these magnitude of Insufficient infill or brownfield opportunities are available within existing wildlife habitat tats and species as effects will largely impact will vary settlements to accommodate future housing growth needs of the borough a result of develop- depend on the site depending on how during the plan period. Meeting the housing requirement will necessitate ment selection process. housing is the release of large greenfield sites on the edge of existing settlements, Geodiversity  Protect, maintain Medium to Likely Permanent distributed across leading to loss and disruption of habitat and species. and improve sites of long term In addition, settlements. More geodiversity im- compensation and dispersed options Masterplanning and extensive buffers will be required to protect the portance mitigation will be will have a greater landscape and townscape around existing settlements and facilitate the addressed at the impact. further development of the green network. The extent and scale of harm detailed policy level. will depend on the extent of new greenery and compensatory measures within new development. Some brownfield sites within urban areas have Appropriate policy been left vacant over a long period of time and have developed protection will need biodiversity interest in their own right from pioneer species which are to be afforded to beneficial to wildlife such as birds, butterflies and other inserts. biodiversity and geodiversity in the Whilst the effects remain uncertain at this stage and depend on the Local Plan such as location and scale of new development, it is anticipated that the overall landscaping/screeni cumulative impact will be negative. Landscape  Maintain and en- Short, Likely Permanent ng and good quality Under the hybrid approach, significant new urban extensions would be hancing landscape medium to design. required to the main urban area and main towns (as per options 1-3) to quality and charac- long term meet future housing needs. In the case of Rossington, Stainforth/Hatfield, ter Where possible, new Askern, Edlington and Auckley/Hayfield Green, approved schemes will development should more than address the identified requirements. In addition, modest new but avoid areas of urban extensions will be required at Carcroft/Skellow, Tickhill, Bawtry, biodiversity, Sprotbrough, Barnby Dun, Finningley and Barnburgh/Harlington. As such, geodiversity and the hybrid approach could have a significant negative impact upon the landscape value. character and appearance of the countryside and landscape, especially at the urban fringe. This could potentially lead to a greater loss of countryside (including green belt and areas of food production) relative to options 1 and 2, but less than option 3.

In addition, urban extensions could potentially harm the character and quality of the landscape in the smaller settlements. However, this is tempered by the fact that the service towns and villages will receive a more modest scale of growth.

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SA objective Sub-objective How will the option Nature and scale of the impact Geographical area Commentary / explanation including an appraisal of the value of the contribute towards or Short / medium Likelihood / Permanent / Value of the receptor likely to be receptor that it will have an impact on and ways to mitigate significant achieve the objective /long term uncertainty temporary and scale of importance affected adverse impacts. Scoring is provided below. 13. Protect, Historic places  Protect, maintain Short, Likely Permanent High-medium. The Local (e.g. New development on the edge of the built-up-area could affect the historic conserve and and improve the medium to historic environment conservation setting and character of Bawtry and Tickhill. enhance the character and ap- long term makes a significant areas) historic and pearance of conser- contribution to the However, the effects on the historic environment remain largely uncertain cultural heritage vation areas character and National (e.g. or unknown at this stage. The degree of impact will depend on the nature  Maintain and pro- distinctiveness of listed buildings, of the development and the size and complexity of the site. This will be tect historic build- the borough and ancient determined through the preparation of site-specific heritage / ings, scheduled an- requires protection monuments, parks archeological assessments. cient monuments from inappropriate and gardens and and their settings development. other major Doncaster town centre has six conservation areas. Thorne and  Protect, maintain attractions) Mexborough town centres also have conservation areas. Impact could be and improve na- Doncaster is a very positive or negative depending on the nature of the scheme and its tional and local his- old borough with location in relation to each conservation area. Some of the key toric parks and gar- numerous historic development sites are located within close proximity to historic assets dens assets. Tourism is such as listed buildings and scheduled monuments. Cultural  Promote and in- Medium to Likely Permanent growing and visitor heritage crease tourism long term numbers exceed This option has the potential to contribute to tourism because it focuses  Sensitive manage- many other historic growth around areas of high accessibility such as cycle and walking ment of historic areas. routes, canals and rivers and wetlands and the proposed PGA golf course. townscape In addition, opportunities should be sought to widen and diversify the  Protect undesignat- range of recreation and tourist activities at key locations such as Lakeside ed archaeological and expansion of the already successful Yorkshire Wildlife Park. assets from damage or loss Overall score: -/? There remains some uncertainty regarding the likely degree of impact on historic assets and the environment arising from the proposed distribution of growth. The scale of impact will largely depend on the location of housing, retail and employment sites. However, there remains a possibility that new development could harm the historic setting and character of existing markets towns such as Bawtry and Tickhill. New development on the edge of these settlements would need to be sensitively designed to avoid harm to the historic character and setting of these towns. 14.Protect and Land and soil  Avoid the sterilisa- Medium to Likely Permanent High-medium Local, sub regional, This option would focus growth in and around town centres, the main enhance soil, air tion of minerals long term regional (due to urban area and existing settlements, which would limit the loss of and water  Restore, reclaim Doncaster has a extent of river significant good quality agricultural land. quality and remediate va- significant supply of catchment areas) (watercourses cant and derelict agricultural land, Urban brownfield redevelopment and mixed-use schemes (e.g. waterfront and ground land (e.g. contami- some of which is sites in the town centre) and main urban area will be supported through water) nated sites) among the most SCRIF funding.  Encourage local productive in food production England. However, further expansion of the smaller market towns and villages in the north east and west (Carcroft/Skellow, Sprotbrough, Adwick-le-street, However, some Barnby Dun, Barnburgh/Harlington, Askern and Woodlands) and south green belt and west of the borough (e.g. Tickhill) would result in the irreversible loss of countryside/agricult soil quality and high grade agricultural land. Much of the agricultural land ural land will need that surrounds them is high grade (grade 2). Land to the south of Thorne to be released in is also high grade. order to accommodate this growth.

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Dispersal – growth will lead to increased traffic flows and emissions – some villages have capacity issues and may not be able to cope with the increased level of traffic arising from growth. Overall score: --/+ Focusing growth in and around town centres, the main urban area and existing settlements will limit the loss of significant good quality agricultural land. However, major urban extensions would encroach into the open countryside at the urban fringe and therefore reduce opportunities for renewable energy and food production.

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APPENDIX 4: QUALITY ASSURANCE CHECKLIST

Quality Assurance Checklist Completed / Location Objectives and context The plan’s purpose and objectives are made clear.  Yes – see the introduction (chapter 1) and appendix 2 of this report Sustainability issues, including international and EC objec-  Sustainability issues relevant to the bor- tives, are considered in developing objectives and targets. ough of Doncaster are identified in appendices 2 and 3 of the scoping report. International, European, UK, regional and local objectives and targets have been identified in the policies, plans and programmes review contained in appendix 1. SA objectives are clearly set out and linked to indicators and  Yes - see appendix 3 of this report. targets where appropriate. Links with other related plans, programmes and policies are  Appendix 1 of this report explains links to identified and explained. relevant policies, plans and programmes. Conflicts that exist between SA objectives, between SA and  Yes- see appendix 2 of this report plan objectives, and between SA and other plan objectives are identified and described. Scoping The environmental consultation bodies are consulted in ap-  The consultation on the sustainability appropriate ways and at appropriate times on the content and praisal runs for 6 weeks from March 2016. scope of the SA report. In addition, regular dialogue has been maintained with stakeholders and statutory consultees to ensure that they are aware of the approach being taken and the associated updates to information outlined in the report. The appraisal focuses on significant issues.  Yes – see appendices 2 and 3 of the scoping report. Technical, procedural and other difficulties encountered are  Yes - see table 6 of the scoping report discussed; assumptions and uncertainties are made explicit. and chapter 4 of this report. Reasons are given for eliminating issues from further consid-  Yes - see chapter 7 of this report eration. Options/alternatives Realistic alternatives are considered for key issues, and the  Yes – see chapters 4-7 and appendix 3 of reasons for choosing them are documented. this report Alternatives include ‘do nothing’ and/or ‘business as usual’  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix scenarios wherever relevant. 3 of this report The sustainability effects (both adverse and beneficial) of  Yes – see chapters 5 and appendix 3 of each alternative are identified and compared. this report. Inconsistencies between the alternatives and other relevant  Yes- throughout this report plans, programmes or policies are identified and explained. Reasons are given for selection or elimination of alternatives.  Yes – see chapters 5 and 7 of this report. Baseline information Relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and  Appendix 2 of the scoping report de- their likely evolution without the plan are described. scribes the current state of the environment (‘do-nothing’ scenario). Characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected are  Yes - see appendix 2 of this report. described, including areas wider than the physical boundary of the plan area where it is likely to be affected by the plan where practicable. Difficulties such as deficiencies in information or methods are  Yes – see table 6 of the scoping report explained. and chapter 4 of this report. Prediction and evaluation of likely significant effects Likely significant social, environmental and economic effects • Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix are identified, including those listed in the SEA Directive (bi- 3 of this report odiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climate factors, material assets, cultural heritage and landscape), as relevant. Both positive and negative effects are considered and where  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix practicable, the duration of effects (short, medium or long- 3 of this report term) is addressed.

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Likely secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects are iden-  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix tified where practicable. 3 of this report Inter-relationships between effects are considered where  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix practicable. 3 of this report Where relevant, the prediction and evaluation of effects  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix makes use of accepted standards, regulations and thresh- 3 of this report olds. Methods used to evaluate the effects are described.  Yes – see chapter 3 of this report Mitigation measures Measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and offset any signif-  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix icant adverse effects of implementing the plan are indicated. 3 of this report Issues to be taken into account in development consents are  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix identified. 3 of this report The sustainability appraisal report Is clear and concise in its layout and presentation.  The purpose of the sustainability appraisal is set out in chapters 1 and 2 of this report. Uses simple, clear language and avoids or explains technical  Technical terms have been explained and terms referenced throughout the report. Uses maps and other illustrations where appropriate.  Figures and tables have been used where appropriate. Explains the methodology used.  This is covered in chapters 3 and 4 of this report. Explains who was consulted and what methods of consulta-  Yes – see the non-technical summary of tion were used. this report and appendix 6 Identifies sources of information, including expert judgement  This is covered in chapter 5 of the scoping and matters of opinion. report. Contains a non-technical summary.  A non-technical summary is provided at the front of this report, and can also be considered as a stand-alone document. Consultation The SA is consulted on as an integral part of the plan-making  This report is now subject to consultation process. and each appraisal will be published at the same time as the draft plan. The consultation bodies, other consultees and the public are  Regular dialogue has been held with consulted in ways which give them an early and effective stakeholders throughout the preparation opportunity within appropriate time frames to express their of the scoping report. opinions on the draft plan and SA Report. Decision-making and information on the decision The SA report and the opinions of those consulted are taken  The view of consultees will be taken into into account in finalising and adopting the plan. account throughout the preparation process. An explanation is given of how they have been taken into  Yes – see appendix 6 of this report account. Reasons are given for choices in the adopted plan, in the  Yes- see chapters 4,5 and 7. light of other reasonable options considered. Monitoring measures Measures proposed for monitoring are clear, practicable and  Details are presented in appendix 3 of the linked to the indicators and objectives used in the SA. scoping report and appendix 3 of this report. Monitoring is used, where appropriate, during implementa-  Detailed are presented in appendices 2 tion of the plan to make good deficiencies in baseline infor- and 3 of the scoping report. mation in the SA. Monitoring enables unforeseen adverse effects to be identi-  This will be determined during the next fied at an early stage. (These effects may include predictions stage of the process. which prove to be incorrect.) Proposals are made for action in response to significant ad-  Yes – see chapters 4 and 5 and appendix verse effects. 3 of this report

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APPENDIX 5: RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PLANNING ADVISORY SER- VICE ON THE SCOPE AND STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT

Question / Comments from Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & How it has been issue Infrastructure UK Limited (on behalf of the Planning Advisory addressed Service) on the previous sustainability appraisal report Key discussion points and recommendations General comments As presented, the SA report has a number of flaws which could lead to The growth options have procedural challenges by aggrieved parties later on in the process. These are: been assessed on the basis of objectively as-  The inadequately grounded definition of reasonable alternatives. The key sessed housing and em- issue here is the starting point for the SA, in particular the specification ployment needs (see and underpinning of spatial options. If the detail of the spatial options is chapters 4 and 5 and weak then it follows that the SA analysis is likely to be weak. Currently appendix 3). (and as identified by DLP and JVP in their representations), the spatial options appear not to be based on any substantive growth figure (i.e. the borough’s objectively assessed housing needs). It is difficult therefore to identify how the spatial options go beyond the theoretical and therefore how the reasonable alternatives are identified and appraised.  Past advice by PAS to the borough on plan making identified the importance of clear sequencing starting with objectively assessed housing need to help address the complexities of green belt and flood risk constraints. The role of SA/SEA is to help support this sequence of activities by testing their performance as part of a suite of reasonable alternatives (be these strategic or site based)  Appendix 3 (which is referenced as appendix C in paragraph 4.1) purports The appraisal has been to be the full results of the appraisal, but as presented it is fragmentary updated to include a and confusing. SA needs to be a systematic process, testing the likely ef- more detailed appraisal fects of the options against the SA objectives. As identified by Gladman in of the potential effects of their representation, this has not been undertaken fully. Appendix 3 each option. should be broken down into a systematic exploration of the likely significant effects of each spatial option against the SA objectives and sub- Each option has been objectives. This inevitably would produce a large appendix, but such is assessed and compared SA. In turn, this approach will help to justify the scoring which, as cur- against all of the objec- rently presented, appears odd. For example, against objective 2, the tives and sub-objectives reader is given the score ++/-- for each option, which is unhelpful in de- of the sustainability ap- termining relative performance, as well as flagging up where significant praisal. effects are likely to occur and how these might be addressed through mitigation measures, or acceptance that they are so severe as to halt further consideration of a particular option.  The SA should not be making choices as per the section headed ‘Rejected These options have been Options’. There should be summary observations on their sustainability rejected on the basis performance only. For example the following sentence (paragraph 4.18) is that they do not repre- mixing the SA with decisions made as part of the Local Plan: “Overall, sent ‘reasonable alterna- options 4, 5 and 6 are deemed to be unreasonable, unachievable and tives’ in the context of unsuitable in terms of their ability to meet the vision and objectives of the SEA Directive. No the Local Plan.” This is odd, because the document is the SA which is assessment of the designed to present the results of the appraisal and not decisions made growth options has through the plan. The justification is added as an afterthought: “These therefore been included options also performed relatively poorly against the evaluation criteria.” within this report.  The QA checklist as used in the scoping report should be used in the The QA checklist has issues and options document to help track compliance. been incorporated within this report (see appendix 4).  The specific criticism of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Birds The appraisal has been (RSPB) relating to the “little evidence that biodiversity and the natural updated to include more environment have been given sufficient consideration or weighting in the detail on the potential current documents. No attempt is made to distinguish the various impact of the options on options in terms of biodiversity, agricultural and water resources and the biodiversity and nature character and appearance of the landscape. No details are given on the environment objectives type or levels of adverse impacts.” Whilst the analysis within an SA is (see chapter 5 and ap- typically subjective, reflecting professional opinion on the interpretation pendix 3). of the available evidence (which in itself often appears to have limitations), one has sympathy with the RSPB’s complaint. As identified above, the problems are rooted in the presentation of the appraisal in appendix 3. Here, the impression of bias towards economic matters is reinforced as the depth and conviction of the commentary falls away as the analysis works through the criteria. Whilst it would be unfair to suggest that environmental factors have been ignored, splitting the criteria into their component parts and re-visiting the analysis would help to assign sufficient weight to them.

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 Planning Policy Guidance (2.1.2) states that: “reasonable alternatives are the different realistic options considered by the plan-maker in developing the policies in its plan. They must be sufficiently distinct to highlight the different sustainability implications of each so that meaningful comparisons can be made. The alternatives must be realistic and deliverable.” DLP consultants DLP (as are many other consultancies around the country) are seeking to use The SA has been (see attached the SEA compliance issue as a means of undermining the plan, in particular the amended accordingly to summary of re- interpretation of reasonable alternatives. This is an area of significant debate, ensure it fully complies sponses) argue that focusing on what counts as ‘reasonable’. Whilst alternatives are considered with the SEA regulations. the appraisal of the (and thereby nominally compliant with the SEA regulations), as per the above growth options is comments their ‘reasonableness’ is dubious in the absence of a clear starting Appendix 3 has been flawed and does not point in the form of a level of growth. Legal opinion might take a different view. separated into its com- comply with the ponent parts. SEA regulations. Do Recommendation: Re-visit the issues and options stage with a clear ‘objectively you agree with assessed housing needs’ figure and spatial options based on this. The SA can Scores/judgements are their assessment? then be undertaken with the confidence that the options are realistic and the assigned to objectives If so, how can it be appraisal can go beyond the theoretical. Appendix 3 should be separated into and sub-objectives. rectified? its component parts such that there SA scores and judgements are clearly assigned to objectives and sub-objectives. The issues and The appraisal of a ‘vision’ does not count in SA/SEA terms; it is the appraisal of Comment noted. Appen- options consultation aims and objectives which are required and as currently constituted, the dix 2 has been revised to set out a draft set appraisal goes part of the way to do this. The SEA Directive in particular show where potential of aims and specifies the identification of potential incompatibilities between sustainability conflicts and inconsisten- objectives and a set objectives and plan objectives: “Conflicts that exist between SEA objectives, cies exist between the of outcomes against between SEA and plan objectives and between SEA objectives and other plan objectives and how they which the vision will objectives are identified and described.” This is typically presented as a matrix, could be recti- be measured. The either in the scoping report or, as here, in the SA of growth options (i.e. fied/addressed. vision has already equivalent to the issues & options stage). However, as presented in Appendix 2 been set at a high of the SA of Doncaster’s growth options, there is no indication of potential level but the aims incompatibilities and how these might be addressed. and objectives have been assessed in Recommendation: As part of the re-issue of the SA of this stage (if advice in 1 terms of their is followed), include a clear matrix which identifies where potential conflicts compatibility with between plan and SA objectives might occur and how these will be addressed. SA objectives. Is this sufficient, or does further SA work need to be commissioned on the vision?

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APPENDIX 6: HOW THE RESPONSES FROM STATUTORY CONSULTEES ON THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT

Organisation Comments How it has been addressed Royal Society for the Little evidence that biodiversity and the natural environment have been Yes – see chapter 5 and Preservation of Birds given sufficient consideration or weighting in the current documents. appendix 3 of this report (RSPB) No attempt is made to distinguish the various options in terms of biodiversity, agricultural and water resources and the character and appearance of the landscape. No details are given on the type or levels of adverse impacts. In addition, it is premature to select or dismiss options before the appraisal has been carried out. English Heritage Given the strategic nature of the options and the scarcity of detailed The score under option 1 information, we broadly agree with the conclusions about potential has been amended impacts which each of the potential options for accommodating the accordingly to reflect this borough’s growth might have upon the heritage assets of the plan area. advice (see appendix 3).

Under option 1, the adopted plans strategy did seek to limit the scale of development around the conservation towns of Tickhill and Bawtry in order to protect their historic character. Consequently, a continuation of this approach would, on balance, have a positive impact upon the historic environment (at least for two particular settlements). As a result, it would be more appropriate to record the likely impact as +/?. DLP Consultants The sustainability appraisal cannot be considered to be much assistance The growth options have in determining future policy directions. There is no indication as to the been re-appraised in the overall level of housing provision and as such the impact of the various light of the new housing and options will change depending upon the overall level of provision employment requirements. required to be made. At present, no conclusions can be drawn from the impact of the policy choices without an indication as to the level of housing and employment land being proposed. The degree of conjecture that has been employed is simply too great for the council to draw any meaningful conclusions from this work besides the generality that accommodating new development close to good transport links and a range of employment opportunities and other services is likely to be more sustainable. JVH Planning The growth options that are being appraised have not yet been the The growth options have Consultants subject of consultation and the growth options are not informed by any been re-appraised in the quantum of housing or employment requirements, which is fundamental light of emerging housing to any realistic sustainability appraisal. It is not accepted that the 6 and employment options which are tested are all the realistic options available. requirements. However, only three of the six options are considered to be realistic and deliverable. Gladmans In accordance with Section 19 of the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Comment noted. Purchase Act, policies set out in Local Plans must be subject to sustainability appraisal (SA). Incorporating the requirements of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, SA is a systematic process that should be undertaken at each stage of the plan’s preparation, assessing the effects of the plan’s proposals on sustainable development when judged against all reasonable alternatives.

The council should ensure that the results of the SA process clearly justify its policy choices. In meeting the development needs of the area, it should be clear from the results of the assessment why some policy options have been progressed, and others have been rejected.

Undertaking a comparative and equal assessment of each reasonable alternative, in the same level of detail for both chosen and rejected alternatives, the council’s decision making and scoring should be robust, justified and transparent.

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