Draft Joint Local Plan Is Therefore Supported by a Sustainability Appraisal Which Has Helped Inform the Content of the Plan

Contents 1.0 FOREWORD ...... 5 2.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 6 2.1 Background ...... 6 2.2 Joint Local Plan Process ...... 9 2.3 How to Comment ...... 12 2.4 Next Steps ...... 13 2.5 Spatial Portrait and Key Challenges ...... 13 3.0 VISION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 38 3.1 Key Diagram ...... 40 4.0 OVERARCHING STRATEGY AND POLICIES ...... 41 4.1 Policy S1 - Delivering Sustainable Development ...... 44 4.2 Policy S2 - Sustainable Healthy Communities ...... 46 5.0 ECONOMY ...... 52 5.1 Policy SE1 - Quantity Employment Development ...... 52 5.2 Policy SE2 - Distribution of Employment Development ...... 54 5.3 Policy E3 - Employment Uses and the Rural Economy ...... 58 5.4 Policy E4 - Existing Employment Sites ...... 60 5.5 Policy E5 - Communications ...... 61 5.6 Policy E6 - Tourism and Culture ...... 62 5.7 Policy E7 - Development in and around Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station ...... 64 5.8 Policy E8 - Keele University Growth Corridor ...... 67 6.0 HOUSING ...... 72 6.1 Policy SHO1 - Housing Numbers ...... 72 6.2 Policy SHO2 - Distribution of Housing ...... 74 6.3 Policy SHO3 - Rural Settlement Hierarchy ...... 77 6.4 Policy HO4 - Affordable Housing ...... 79 6.5 Policy HO5 - Mix of Housing ...... 82 6.6 Policy HO6 - Windfall Development ...... 87 6.7 Policy HO7 - Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation ...... 89 6.8 Policy HO8 - Rural Worker Dwellings ...... 92 7.0 TRANSPORT ...... 96 7.1 Policy ST1 - Sustainable Transport and Travel ...... 97 7.2 Policy T2 - Highway Network ...... 103 7.3 Policy T3 - Parking ...... 105 7.4 Policy T4 - Keele Community Smart Transport Demonstrator Initiative (CSTD) ...... 108 8.0 CENTRES ...... 114

8.1 Policy SC1 - Hierarchy of Centres ...... 114 8.2 Policy SC2 - Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) ...... 117 8.3 Policy SC3 - Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre ...... 120 8.4 Policy C4 - Retail and Leisure Development ...... 123 8.5 Policy C5 - Supporting Local Centres and Villages ...... 126 8.6 Policy C6 - Leisure and Night Time Economy ...... 128 8.7 Policy C7 - Hot Food Takeaways ...... 129 9.0 DESIGN AND HERITAGE ...... 134 9.1 Policy DH1 - Design ...... 134 9.2 Policy DH2 - Landscape Design ...... 136 9.3 Policy DH3 - Historic Environment ...... 139 9.4 Policy DH4 - Archaeology ...... 142 10.0 NATURAL AND RURAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 147 10.1 Policy SNR1 - Green and Blue Infrastructure ...... 147 10.2 Policy NR2 - Open Space, Outdoor Sport and Recreation Provision ...... 152 10.3 Policy NR3 - Biodiversity and Geodiversity...... 159 10.4 Policy NR4 - Trees and Woodland ...... 162 10.5 Policy NR5 - Green Belt ...... 164 11.0 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ...... 168 11.1 Policy ER1 - Renewable and Low Carbon Energy...... 168 11.2 Policy ER2 - Wind Development ...... 172 11.3 Policy ER3 - Flood Risk and Water Management ...... 175 11.4 Policy ER4 - Minerals within Stoke-on-Trent ...... 178 12.0 INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 182 12.1 Policy SI1 - Infrastructure Provision ...... 182 13.0 APPENDICES ...... 187 13.1 Policies Map...... 187 13.2 Monitoring ...... 187 13.3 Parking Standards...... 193 13.4 List of designated sites ...... 196 13.4.1 Conservation Areas ...... 196 13.4.2 Local Centres ...... 197 13.4.3 Biodiversity/Geodiversity ...... 199 13.5 Renewable and Low Carbon Energy ...... 201 13.5.1 District Heat Network ...... 201 13.5.2 Wind Development (Commercial) ...... 202 13.6 Superseded Policies ...... 203 13.7 Glossary ...... 203 4

1.0 FOREWORD

1.0 - 1 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have committed to working together to deliver the Joint Local Plan. The Joint Local Plan will set out the Councils' Vision, Strategy and Policy for development across the two areas up to 2037.

1.0 - 2 The plan is open about how it plans to ensure that the area is a centre for innovation and investment, with dynamic and diverse neighbourhoods whilst utilising our natural resources appropriately. Both areas are keen for sustainable growth, where it supports the areas ambitions to thrive and deliver regeneration.

1.0 - 3 We look forward to hearing your comments on the Draft Plan and hope you will help get involved in shaping of the area over the next 15 years.

1.0 - 4

Cllr Daniel Jellyman Cllr Paul Northcott

City of Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Infrastructure Cabinet Member for Planning and Growth and Heritage

2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Background

2.1 - 1 The Joint Local Plan is a statutory development plan for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme and will ensure that long term policies are in place to manage and meet the needs of local people and businesses for employment, housing, green space and supporting services. The plan’s time frame covers 2013 – 2037 and is being produced in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, statutory consultees and local people. This timeframe is in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and aims to ensure the strategic policies look ahead over a minimum 15 year period from adoption to anticipate and respond to long-term requirements and opportunities such as those arising from major improvements to infrastructure.

2.1 - 2 The Joint Local Plan sets out the strategic vision and objectives for the plan area and once adopted it will be clear what types of development will be supported by each local planning authority, where development will take place and when it is likely to be built. The Joint Local Plan will play an important role in:

• Attracting and directing investment in housing, jobs, shops and facilities. • Seeking to meet our communities’ needs and aspirations. • Setting a framework for encouraging and managing development • Securing the physical infrastructure to support new development including: transport, telecommunications, water supply, energy health and communities and the protection and enhancement of high quality open spaces for both sport and recreation. • Protecting and enhancing our natural and historic environment, including landscape. • Increasing the attraction of the area as a tourist destination and facilitating the development of leisure, arts and cultural assets.

2.1 - 3 The plan includes policies on both scale and overall distribution of development across the plan area and allocates specific sites for development in order to meet the overall needs of the area. Whilst it is important to meet the needs of the Joint Local Plan area, the plan also aims to protect other areas from development or identifying them for enhancement. The plan is therefore considered to be a balanced and deliverable one with the objective of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development at its heart.

2.1 - 4 The Joint Local Plan recognises the important role communities, stakeholders and businesses have across the area and in particular the role they have in preparing Neighbourhood Plans in order to provide more detailed local planning polices to meet the needs and aspirations of their own areas and communities. The Councils' may also prepare more detailed planning polices or Supplementary Planning Documents to provide additional detail to the policies contained within this document where it is considered necessary to help deliver the overall vision, aims and objectives of the Joint Local Plan.

2.1 - 5 The following diagram shows the various sections of the Joint Local Plan and what they include.

2.1 - 6

2.1 - 7 How is each policy organised?

The policies in the Joint Local Plan are organised in the following way:

2.1 - 8

2.1 - 9 The policies in the Joint Local Plan supersede all the formerly saved policies within the City Plan (2001), the Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan 2011 and the policies in the Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke- on-Trent Core Spatial Strategy 2006 - 2026. A full list of superseded policies is included at Appendix 14.6.

2.1 - 10 As a unitary authority Stoke-on-Trent City Council is also a waste and minerals planning authority. The City Council has reviewed how it is to take forward strategic waste and mineral planning policies taking account of the latest guidance. Strategic mineral planning policies will continue to form part of this Stoke- on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme Joint Local Plan, but for the City of Stoke-on-Trent only. Strategic waste planning policies will continue to be dealt with through the separate Staffordshire and Stoke-on- Trent Waste Local Plan (2013 - 2026). The Waste Local Plan recently underwent a review in 2018/19, 8 which showed the plan as still up to date, and is therefore still part of the Local Development Framework for both authorities.

2.2 Joint Local Plan Process

2.2 - 1 The Joint Local Plan has been produced in accordance with the current legislation governing plan- making and is consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (2019) and associated Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).

2.2 - 2 The National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 15) is clear that the planning system should be plan-led and therefore plans should provide a positive vision for the future for the plan area by addressing housing needs and other economic, social and environmental priorities. The Plan has been prepared jointly because evidence underpinning the plans policies identifies a joint housing market area and functional economic market area. A jointly prepared plan will ensure that policies are consistent across the area to facilitate delivery of the areas needs and implemented by each council as independent planning authorities.

2.2 - 3 The production of the Joint Local Plan must be developed through extensive engagement with the local community, stakeholders and should have regard to other relevant local strategies and plans of public bodies and surrounding neighbouring authorities through Duty to Co-operate discussions.

2.2 - 4 In order to ensure that the Joint Local Plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements, the Joint Local Plan will be subject to examination and will be assessed to determine whether the plan is “sound”. In order to determine whether a plan is “sound” the following tests will be considered:

• Whether the Joint Local Plan is consistent with the regulations and the NPPF; • Is the plan positively prepared – providing a strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs; • Is the plan justified – an appropriate strategy, taking into account the reasonable alternatives, and based on proportionate evidence; and • Is the plan effective – deliverable over the plan period, and based on effective joint working.

2.2 - 5 How has the Joint Local Plan emerged?

This document is the next stage in the preparation of the final Joint Local Plan, which will guide and help to shape the long term policies and plans for the area. This consultation document is the draft Local Plan stage of the Joint Local Plan production and aims to build on the Issues, Strategic Options and Preferred Options consultations which have previously taken place. The diagram below provides further information regarding the current stage of the Joint Local Plan.

2.2 - 6

2.2 - 7 Duty to Cooperate

Under the 2011 Localism Act and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), local planning authorities have a legal Duty to Cooperate with other local planning authorities and organisations to seek to address strategic planning matters that are driven by larger than local issues that are likely to have an impact beyond their immediate Local Plan area. The Duty to Cooperate is the mechanism for ensuring the right issues are addressed, in the right way, and with the right partners to maximise the effectiveness of policy and plan-making.

2.2 - 8 Cooperation will involve social, environmental and economic issues that can only be addressed effectively by working with other local planning authorities and organisations beyond our own administrative boundaries. For example, housing market areas, travel to work areas, and greenspace networks.

2.2 - 9 To date, in order to satisfy the Duty to Co-operate, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Newcastle-under- Lyme Borough Council has engaged authorities including Staffordshire County Council, Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Cheshire East Council and Shropshire County Council. Liaison is maintained with key statutory organisations.

2.2 - 10 Sustainability and Equalities

Sustainability Appraisal

Sustainability Appraisal is a process whereby the potential social, environmental and economic effects of a plan or project are identified and assessed. To guide the appraisal of effects that the Joint Local Plan may have, both Councils' have prepared a Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report which sets the sustainability objectives against which the plan’s policies and proposals will be assessed. Consultation on the draft Scoping Report took place with English Heritage, Natural England and the Environment Agency in August and September 2015. Following this the Scoping Report and the sustainability objectives have been finalised and have now been used to assess the sustainability of proposals contained within the Joint Local Plan and other planning documents. This draft Joint Local Plan is therefore supported by a Sustainability Appraisal which has helped inform the content of the plan.

2.2 - 11 An equalities impact assessment has also been undertaken to consider how the Joint Local Plan may impact upon different groups within the community. An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is undertaken in line with the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. These assessments help to identify possible negative impacts of policies and strategies on individuals and groups within the plan area with protected characteristics and plan mitigating action accordingly. The assessment includes consideration of the need to promote equality of opportunity between people different in age, race, religion or belief, sex of sexual orientation, and for those who have a disability. It helps to shape the policies being put forward within the plan; by undertaking an assessment at the various plan making stages; and can help make sure the policies and proposals do not have a negative impact upon stakeholders. They can also identify additional opportunities to advance equality within policies and strategies.

2.2 - 12 An Equality Impact Assessment has been undertaken on the initial draft policies within the Draft Joint Local Plan in order to show that these matters have been considered and any potential impacts on people with differing protected characteristics recorded and considered. A follow up equality impact assessment will also be completed at the next Joint Local Plan stage.

2.2 - 13 Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)

A Habitats Regulations Assessment has also been prepared, The HRA process is set out in Part 6 (Assessment of Plans and Projects) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the ‘Habitats Regulations’). European sites are designated under the Nature Directives as either Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). This also includes Ramsar wetland sites (designated under the 1971 Ramsar Convention for their internationally important wetlands), candidate SACs (cSAC), proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA), and proposed and existing European offshore marine sites.

2.2 - 14 As Competent Authorities, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council are required to make an appropriate assessment of the implications of the policies proposed in the Joint Local Plan to determine any likely significant effect on any European site’s conservation objectives. This also includes consideration across a wider area than the plan area as the HRA must take into account European Sites beyond administrative boundaries where there is potential for plans and proposals to have cross boundary impacts (for example where it will lead to increased visitor pressure on European sites).

2.2 - 15 The report identifies the European sites which are most likely to be affected by proposals in the Joint Local Plan; how these could be affected and considers the potential effects (including cumulative impacts). Where appropriate the report sets of recommendations for consideration/modification in the development of the Joint Local Plans policies and proposals.

2.2 - 16 The assessment documents for sustainability, equality and habitats are available to view on the councils' websites and are also subject to public consultation alongside the Joint Local Plan.

2.3 How to Comment

2.3 - 1 The draft Joint Local Plan has been published for a 6 week period of consultation between xxxxx and xxxxx therefore if you have any comments on any aspects of the draft Joint Local Plan consultation both in relation to Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, you can submit your comments to us by email or post using the consultation feedback form.

2.3 - 2 To find out details of all the consultation activities please check the council’s websites -xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or xxxxxxxxxxxxx Consultation documents will also be available to view in hard copy at the following locations.

Newcastle-under-Lyme

• Castle House, Barracks Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1BL • Kidsgrove Customer Service Centre, Town Hall, Kidsgrove, ST7 4EL • Audley Library, Hall Street, Audley, ST7 8DB • Clayton Library, Dartmouth Avenue, Clayton, ST5 3NR • Kidsgrove Library, Meadows Road, Kidsgrove, ST7 1BS • Knutton Library, Knutton Community Project, St Mary's C of E Junior School, Church Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 6EB • Loggerheads Library, 7 Eccleshall Road, Loggerheads, TF9 4NX • Silverdale Library, High Street, Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 6LY • Talke Library, Springhead Primary School, Kingsley Road, Talke Pits, ST7 1RA

Stoke-on-Trent

• Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH • No 1 Smithfield, Hanley, ST1 4FA • Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre Library, Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0EU • City Central Library, Bethesda Street, Hanley, ST1 3RS • Longton Library, Sutherland Institute, Lightwood Road, Longton, ST3 4HY • Stoke Library, Stoke Local Centre, South Wolfe Street, Stoke, ST4 4SZ • Tunstall Library, Victoria Institute, The Boulevard, Tunstall, ST6 6BD

2.3 - 3 If you wish to make a representation or feedback on the Joint Draft Local Plan Consultation go to www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/draftjointplan. Alternatively you can complete a feedback form which is available at the above locations.

All responses must be received by 5pm on ………………….2020.

2.4 Next Steps

2.4 - 1 Following this consultation, we will consider comments received and produce a report including the Councils' response. This will be followed by consultation of Part Two - Site Allocations in Autumn 2020 which will also be accompanied by the proposed Policies Map.

2.4 - 2 We will then make any amendments to the document and produce a final draft Joint Local Plan consistent with Regulation 19 for consultation. It is anticipated that the final draft Joint Local Plan consultation will take place during January/February 2021.

2.5 Spatial Portrait and Key Challenges

2.5 - 1 Joint Local Plan Area Profile

The Joint Local Plan area is comprised of two neighbouring authorities - the City of Stoke-on-Trent and the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme. This sub - region is located on the boundary between the West Midlands and the North West Regions. As such, the plan area occupies a strategically advantageous position between the major urban centres of Manchester and Birmingham and alongside national transport corridors linking the South – East and the Midlands, to the North West.

2.5 - 2 Stoke-on-Trent is a city and unitary authority area in Staffordshire, with an area of 36 square miles (93 km2). Commonly known as the Potteries, it was formerly a primarily industrial conurbation however still contains a number of pottery firms with added diversification into the service industry and distribution centres. In recent years there have also been a huge growth in small and medium enterprises (SME’s) in the area which has seen a significant change in the economic base. The six towns of which the City of Stoke-on-Trent is comprised are Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall.

2.5 - 3 Newcastle-under-Lyme is a non-metropolitan local government district with borough status, with an area of 81.5 square miles (211 km2). The Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme has experienced economic development in recent years with commercial growth alongside new student accommodation for Keele and Staffordshire University. The Growth Deal for Newcastle-under-Lyme 2019-2023 intends to promote further sustainable economic growth. The main towns in the borough are Newcastle-under-Lyme and Kidsgrove.

2.5 - 4 Stoke-on-Trent has a total population of 255,378 (2017 MYE). Life expectancy for men at birth is 76.6 years (significantly lower than the national average; 79.3 years) and the gap is increasing. For women, average life expectancy at birth is 80.9 years (also significantly lower than the England average; 82.9 years). Infant mortality rates (another key indicator of population health rates) are significantly worse than the England average (at 7.9 compared to 3.9 per 1,000 live births) (Staffordshire Observatory, 2018). Teenage conceptions, smoking related deaths and obesity are also local Public Health priorities and positive progress is being recorded over recent years.

2.5 - 5 Newcastle-under-Lyme has a total population of 128,963 (2017 MYE). Life expectancy for men at birth is 79.3 years; the same as the national average. For women, average life expectancy at birth is 82.4 years (slightly lower than the England average; 82.9 years). Infant mortality rates (a key health indicator) are worse than the England average (at 5.4 compared to 3.9 per 1,000 live births) (Staffordshire Observatory, 2018). Teenage pregnancy rates, obesity and smoking related deaths are worse than the national average.

2.5 - 6 Stoke-on-Trent is characterised by high levels of deprivation and is currently ranked the 14th most deprived local authority (out of 317) in England (based on the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation). According to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (2019), the most deprived areas of the city are located around the wards of Tunstall, Burslem Central, Etruria and Hanley, Bentilee and Ubberley, and Blurton West and Newstead. Over 136,200 people in the city live in areas classified as being among the top 20% most deprived in England, which is over 53% of the total population. This means that 5 out of every 10 people in Stoke-on-Trent are living in the most deprived areas of the country (compared with 2 out of 10 nationally). Conversely, only 7.9% live in the three least deprived groupings in the country; compared to a ‘norm’ of c.30%.

2.5 - 7 Newcastle-under-Lyme is the 151st most deprived local authority in England, meaning that it is slightly more deprived than average (based on the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation). Approximately, 2.5% of Newcastle-under-Lyme's Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) are in the top 10% most deprived LSOAs in England. The borough suffers from the highest deprivation rates for 'Health Deprivation' (80th most deprived local authority area) and 'Employment Deprivation' (115th most deprived), and lowest deprivation rates for 'Barriers to Housing and Services' (20th least deprived) and 'Living Environment Deprivation (125th least deprived).

2.5 - 8 The age and composition of the population is a key factor when considering and developing the housing, sport and physical activity offer in the area. Going forward there will be a continuous increase in the number and proportion of persons aged 65+. This age group represented 16.9% of Stoke-on-Trent’s population in 2016 and is projected to be 21.5% by 2037. In 2016, 20.0% of Newcastle-under-Lyme's population was aged 65+, this is projected to be 24.6% by 2037 (ONS, 2016-based, Sub-national population projections for England).

2.5 - 9 The plan area experienced significant levels of out-migration over past decades, particularly from the City. However in recent years the natural change in population has shown a projected increase in population within Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme when you look at all ages as a whole but a projected decrease within Newcastle-under-Lyme in younger age groups (0- 15 years).

2.5 - 10

Newcastle-under-Lyme Migration Patterns

Stoke-on-Trent Migration Patterns

2.5 - 11 Economy

The Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent areas have traditionally been dominated by coal mining and heavy manufacturing industries. The ceramics industries which have traditionally been a dominant industry in Stoke-on-Trent have resulted in the area becoming known as ‘The Potteries’. Whilst these traditional industries have seen significant declines in the latter half of the twentieth century, the area does retain some nationally recognised firms that continue to operate successfully, including Emma Bridgewater, Steelite, Churchill China, Leoni and JCB.

JCB at Chatterley Valley

2.5 - 12 The dominance of these traditional industries has given way to advanced manufacturing and a more mixed economy, with new industries that have grown successfully, including Bet 365, Vodafone and FedEx, and retail distribution centres for ASDA, New Look and T.K. Maxx.

2.5 - 13 Keele and Staffordshire universities contribute significant economic value in the fields of education, research and development. The large rural area within Newcastle-under-Lyme has an economy based on agriculture, food and drink and other related professional and private services.

2.5 - 14 Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme have a Gross Value Added (GVA) per head output that is significantly below the national average. The joint SHMA (2015, updated 2017) identified that historically, both areas have seen a net outmigration of young people and graduates in search of better job prospects elsewhere, a trend that both Councils' want to reverse. This is reflected in the proposed objectives of the Joint Local Plan which seek to reduce net outward migration, support and boost business growth, prioritise job growth and diversify the employment base. This approach will help to bring not just more jobs, but also more secure, better-quality and better-paid jobs to the area, and jobs which have improving prospects for career progression.

2.5 - 15 The Issues Consultation document identified that in recent years traditional heavy industries in the plan area have given way to more modern types of industry, such as advanced manufacturing, service industries, research and development, storage and distribution and high technology industries. This 18 transition has left a legacy of large-scale former industrial sites within Stoke-on-Trent’s urban area which have the potential to accommodate future economic development to cater for these new industries. These sites are being redeveloped quickly, particularly as incentives such as the Ceramics Valley Enterprise Zone mean the city has seen improving rates of completion and therefore new opportunities within the urban area are running out. In Newcastle-under-Lyme, the urban area is constrained due to the lack of suitable land supply, and given the geography of the area and Green Belt to the west, there are also limited future opportunities within the urban area.

2.5 - 16 Housing

The conurbation of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent experienced rapid growth and development in the 19th and 20th Centuries, leading to a large stock of Victorian, industrial and post- industrial housing. Housing and industry developed side by side with each other throughout this era of growth and the two became interdependent. As traditional industries have declined, so too have some of these areas of traditional housing and the communities that have lived within them promoting a trend of out migration. As a result, of the decline in the local economy, low property prices and high vacancy rates it created a weak local housing market, acting as a deterrent to investment.

2.5 - 17 In response, there were a number of interventions in the plan area including the establishment of the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone in 1999 and the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) pathfinder programme (RENEW) in 2003. Both of these strategies operated under the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership which was established in April 2007 in order to co-ordinate transformational change. This programme operated until 2011 receiving government funding to facilitate comprehensive regeneration by improving the housing stock in terms of both the quality and choice of offer. The RENEW programme succeeded in building many new houses and contributed to the creation of better neighbourhoods but the degraded physical environment of older industrial areas persisted and large areas of vacant land continued to present problems for the delivery of new housing due to high costs of development and the low value of the property market.

2.5 - 18 Nevertheless new evidence is indicating there are signs of recovery in the housing market. Stoke-on- Trent have been successful in securing funding such as through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to help gap fund developments around Burslem and elsewhere in the city, working with developers and landowners through a newly created Housing Company called Fortier Homes. Fortier Homes are bringing a number of sites forward across the city, particularly those that has previously stalled, in order to help accelerate the housing building market and bringing brownfield sites back into use. In Newcastle- under-Lyme, whilst the urban area has seen growth in development, the rural area is more of a mixed picture. Slow development rates in the rural area have seen a number of planning permissions stall which has affected the rate at which affordable housing can be brought forward.

2.5 - 19 In stark contrast the rural area provides a highly attractive environment and this has contributed in recent years to increasing development pressure in the open countryside beyond the Green Belt.

2.5 - 20 The Core Spatial Strategy was prepared jointly and adopted in 2009 to ensure that policies were consistent across the urban area to facilitate the delivery of conurbation wide regeneration programmes, including the Housing Market Renewal programme and to deliver prevailing national and regional objectives, such as the strategy of rural renaissance. At the time it recognised that the housing market and local economy do not respect administrative boundaries, although there was no evidence to formally define the extent of the housing market.

2.5 - 21 The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) identifies Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on- Trent as a single housing market area, whilst acknowledging that there are wider relationships with other authorities including Staffordshire Moorlands, Stafford and Cheshire East. However, these relationships are not considered strong enough to include these authorities as part of the single housing market area (HMA). 19

2.5 - 22 Transport

The conurbation of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme are centrally located within England, almost equidistant between the cities of Manchester and Birmingham. There are excellent transport links to both cities and London via the West Coast Mainline, and the M6. The A500 and the A50 provide east- west transport accessibility to locations such as Crewe, Nantwich, Uttoxeter, Derby, Nottingham and the M1. The Crewe-Derby-Nottingham rail line also provides access to key destinations.

2.5 - 23 The polycentric structure of the urban area, containing Stoke-on-Trent City Centre and a number of town and local centres, together with more recent retail and employment developments such as Tunstall Arrow, Keele Science & Business Park, Etruria Valley and Trentham Lakes, means that a complex highway network has developed. These include the major roads identified above as well as more local, predominantly single-carriageway distributer roads connecting each of the centres.

2.5 - 24 Local public transport provision is based on a mainly commercial bus network, with one dominant bus operator. Stoke-on-Trent City Centre and Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre are the main hubs for the network. There is a small amount of local rail travel, with a limited train service linking local stations, with Stoke-on-Trent station being the key hub.

2.5 - 25

Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station

2.5 - 26 There is also an extensive network of existing and former canals, watercourses, and railway lines throughout the urban area. Many have been transformed in to accessible green corridors that provide opportunities for pedestrian and cycle transport. This gives the area a unique structure and character, with the numerous urban centres interspersed by greenery.

2.5 - 27 The rural area of Newcastle also contains a number of settlements that are interspersed by transport corridors, only here the routes in between travel through open countryside and are mainly comprised of roads – most notably the A51, A53 and A525. In comparison to the adjacent urban area, the rural area is generally more limited in its transport offer, with limited bus services and walking and cycling routes.

2.5 - 28 Regional connectivity is good by road and rail, although there are transport challenges for the plan area. Both the Strategic Road Network – M6, A50 and A500 – and the rail network have journey time reliability issues. Demand on these roads at peak times can significantly impact on journey times, exacerbated by regular collisions. Reliability of regional and national rail services to Stoke-on-Trent Rail Station can be affected by track and overhead wiring issues, whilst seating capacity is constrained on some routes. As these regional services also provide connections between local stations, this has an adverse impact on local rail travel. This impacts on local travel also. The A50 and A500 play a key role in providing highway capacity for journeys within the conurbation. The A500 in particular experiences congestion on a daily basis and, as a diversion route for the M6, can be further affected by disruption on the motorway.

2.5 - 29 The local road network generally operates well, with limited congestion issues. However, it is constrained, with opportunities to increase capacity focused on key junctions with identified congestion problems.

2.5 - 30 Bus service reliability is also affected by congestion. Journey times are extended to allow for this unreliability, reducing the attractiveness of this mode, and creating cost pressures for local bus operators.

2.5 - 31 The cycling network – both on- and off-highway – is not affected by congestion. However, gaps in the network and some lack of legibility of the off-road routes are barriers to more choosing this mode.

2.5 - 32 The majority of pedestrian trips are undertaken on footways adjacent to carriageways. Footway condition is variable. The topography of the area can be a barrier to walking, and the complex travel patterns that a polycentric conurbation creates, often creates trip lengths unsuitable for walking.

2.5 - 33 To address these challenges, both Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as the two local authorities with transport responsibilities, work together and with partners to identify opportunities to provide a more resilient transport network for all users. Work is being undertaken with the Sub-National Transport Body (STB), Midlands Connect, to develop proposals to improve travel to, from and around North Staffordshire. This includes studies of the A50/A500 corridor and Crewe-Stoke- Derby/Nottingham rail line with the aim of ensuring that a list of schemes are produced which will provide for future demand.

2.5 - 34 Proposals for a number of local roads to be included in DfT’s Major Road Network – to support the Strategic Road Network – have been produced alongside Midlands Connect. This may lead to funding being available for capacity improvements on roads such as the A34.

2.5 - 35 Alongside the committed Etruria Valley Link Road (EVLR) scheme, a scheme is being developed for the City East Link Road (CELR) which would improve connectivity between the A50 and city centre.

2.5 - 36 Due to the geographical location of North Staffordshire, local authorities also work with Transport for the North (TfN). A particular focus is on improving line capacity to the north of the area to enable more services to be operated. Alongside partners, the potential to increase line capacity to Crewe is also being considered. This would enable connectivity to the proposed HS2 Hub at Crewe to be improved, as will the proposed dualling of the westernmost section of the A500 to Crewe.

2.5 - 37 More locally, the likely impact of the development proposals contained in this plan have been modelled, and potential highway capacity improvement schemes identified.

2.5 - 38 As part of the previously mentioned balanced approach, in addition to improving highway capacity there is a need to improve the efficient use of road space. The use of technology is being progressed, from 21 highly efficient traffic signals to road user information, whilst a programme of selected bus priority measures are being developed that will provide improved reliability for bus services which will in turn encourage bus operators to provide cross-city services, improving end-to-end journey times and accessibility. Improved facilities for cyclists on the highway network will encourage greater use of this space-efficient mode.

2.5 - 39 Local authorities continue to press for rail service improvements, with the aim of a minimum two trains per hour at all local stations. Ensuring new development maximises the opportunity for travel by rail will help improve the case for frequency improvements.

2.5 - 40 The development of a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) will enable an evidence based improvement plan to be produced, addressing gaps in the network and poor quality infrastructure. Again, ensuring that developments are located such as to encourage use of the network will give added weight in prioritising this investment alongside other pressures.

2.5 - 41

2.5 - 42 Centres

The most distinctive feature of the plan area is that the conurbation has grown from a number of distinctive places and is therefore polycentric in nature. This settlement pattern is largely the result of the way that many individual communities developed over time in response to the topography and opportunities presented by the availability of natural resources coal and clay which led to the development of mining and ceramics industries in the area.

2.5 - 43 Between the late 16th and the 19th centuries (this is a long time) the expansion of coal mining, pottery and brickworks hamlets of developed into six independent towns, benefitting from the patronage of wealthy industrialists, the legacy of which we see today in the towns’ rich built heritage and which make up the City of Stoke-on-Trent. Newcastle-under-Lyme also became a significant industrial town and banking centre for the pottery towns but retained much of its character as a historic market town dating from the 12th century, this market town heritage still remains an important part of the town’s identity.

2.5 - 44 During the mid-twentieth century this traditional industrial base suffered from significant and dramatic declined, however the distinctive urban pattern of closely adjacent but distinct places remained a distinctive characteristic of the area.

2.5 - 45 There has been progressive “urban infilling” in the latter part of the twentieth century between these centres as pressure for “out of town” developments has exerted itself. This ‘out of town’ trend has been facilitated by the growth in ownership and access to the private motor car.

2.5 - 46 Despite the pressure on existing centres the diverse, social and economic landscape has led to the development of a hierarchy of centres which has been reinforced by previous development plans. This 23 has led to the development of the City Centre as the largest retail destination in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire and fulfils an extremely important retail destination as well as cultural and leisure offer. Newcastle Town Centre as the principal market town has a catchment shopper population covering a 6.2 mile radius, in the order of 336,340 and therefore plays a complementary role to the City Centre. Both centres are also the primary focus for large scale leisure and office development and benefit from the proximity of two universities which act as powerful economic drivers. Beneath these two centres are a number of smaller distinctive towns each with its own identity and a specific role to play in supporting its local community. These include Longton, Stoke, Tunstall, Meir, Fenton, Burslem, Kidsgrove, Wolstanton, Chesterton and Silverdale.

2.5 - 47 There are also a number of smaller local and neighbourhood urban centres across the plan area in addition to rural villages in Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough. These perform a vital role in terms of containing local services and facilities, providing a hub for the community and reducing the need to travel. The vitality and viability of key centres have been protected in previous development plans and new evidence to inform the Joint Local Plan will update the list of smaller local, neighbourhood and rural centres.

2.5 - 48 Natural and rural landscape

Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent have a rich and varied network of green infrastructure spread across both the urban and rural areas within the two authorities. Green infrastructure can be defined as a strategic network of multi-functional green spaces which support natural and ecological processes and provide a wide variety of distinctive landscapes and functions which can play an important role in creating sustainable healthy communities.

2.5 - 49 The two authorities lie within an area containing a series of shallow valleys, running from north west to south east, with the conurbation of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme sitting across these valleys. Newcastle-under-Lyme’s urban area is surrounded to the west by gradually flattening countryside containing a diversity of wetland habitats, irreplaceable Ancient Woodlands and gently rolling plains. These provide much of the borough’s rural area with distinctive and high quality landscapes and this hinterland has remained largely rural despite the area’s legacy of industrial development. To the east of Stoke-on-Trent the landscape rises upwards into the grit uplands of the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside, which contains the Peak District National Park.

2.5 - 50 The urban conurbation itself also contains many former industrial areas which have now been converted to parks and other green spaces, which help to provide a more tranquil character in areas that are otherwise densely developed. This urban area is also tightly bounded by Green Belt, which surrounds both authorities and extends westward from the conurbation to the West Coast Mainline Railway.

2.5 - 51

Burslem Park

2.5 - 52 Due to the wildlife and geological value of many sites within the plan area, a diverse range of internationally, nationally and locally designated sites can be found in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke- on-Trent. These include two Ramsar sites in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which are of international importance. There are also seven Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) across both areas, which are of national importance. Locally important sites have also been designated, such as the thirteen Local Nature Reserves and large number of Local Wildlife Sites present in both local authority areas. Stoke- on-Trent in particular benefits from a high number of Local Wildlife Sites within the city, with 41 sites covering an area of 567.5 hectares identified. Newcastle-under-Lyme also contains 650 hectares of Ancient Woodland, the vast majority of which is in the countryside to the west of Newcastle-under- Lyme’s urban area. There is also a limited amount of Ancient Woodland in Stoke-on-Trent, with approximately 7.85 hectares present in the city.

2.5 - 53 Mineral resources are also present in Stoke-on-Trent which provides a reserve of coal and clay. Whilst active mineral operations are limited across the city there are permitted clay workings at Bankeyfield, Tunstall and Cophurst Quarry, Lightwood.

2.5 - 54 The variety of landscapes and functions provide a mixture of rural and urban areas within the two authorities. This presents a diverse range of challenges to be considered.

2.5 - 55 Health of our communities

The health of people in Newcastle-under-Lyme is varied while the health of people in Stoke-on-Trent is generally worse than the England average. As set out within the Stoke-on-Trent Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) 2019 four outcomes of wellbeing are routinely measured: satisfaction, things that are worthwhile, happiness and anxiety. In Stoke-on-Trent in 2017/18 the following statistics were identified:

• 78% of people (aged 16 and over) were satisfied with their lives (82% in England); • 79.8% felt the things they did in their lives were worthwhile (84.2% nationally);

• 70.4% of people felt happy (compared with 75.3% in England) • 62.9% did not feel anxious (63.4% nationally, figure 25) • 5.3% of adults were not satisfied with their lives (4.4% in England) • 4.1% felt the things they did in their lives were not worthwhile (3.6% nationally) • 10.1% of people did not feel happy (8.2% in England) • 20.1% felt anxious (20.0% nationally, figure 26)

Since 2011/12, levels of wellbeing in Stoke-on-Trent have improved across all four outcomes.

2.5 - 56 Life expectancy for both men and women within the plan area is lower than the England average. However, there are health inequalities throughout the plan area. A person born in Newcastle-under- Lyme could expect to live two years longer than a person born in Stoke-on-Trent. Deprivation within Stoke-on-Trent is far higher than Newcastle-under-Lyme as well as the regional and national average. In Stoke-on-Trent, over half of the population live in highly deprived areas with a quarter of children living in poverty and low birth weight significantly higher than the national average. Although Newcastle-under- Lyme has lower levels of deprivation than the national average, high levels of inequality exist. A person living in the least deprived areas of Newcastle-under-Lyme is expected to live nine years longer when compared with the most deprived areas. A person living in the least deprived areas in Stoke-on-Trent are expected to live ten years longer when compared to the most deprived areas.

2.5 - 57 The prevalence of schoolchildren in Stoke-on-Trent who were overweight or obese in Reception (4-5 year olds) has fallen recently from 26.3% in 2015/16 to 19.2% in 2017/18, this is below the national average of 22.4%. The proportion of school children with excess weight in Year 6 (10 - 11 year olds) has remained largely unchanged over the past several years in Stoke-on-Trent and is currently 37.1 % (compared with 34.3% in England. This is set out within the JSNA 2019 and means that around 1,100 of the 3,000 Year 6 pupils in the city were either overweight or obese which is significantly above the England average. Being underweight can also affect a child's health and by comparison the proportion of reception schoolchildren across the city who are underweight has increased from 0.8% in 2012/14 to 2.5% in 2017/18 which is significantly higher than the national average.

2.5 - 58 Into adulthood being obese can increase a person's risk of developing many potential serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease and stroke and can reduce life expectancy. Data from the Active Lives Survey that just under two thirds (66%) of adults aged 18 and over in Stoke-on-Trent were either overweight or obese in 2016/17, this compares with 61.3% in England. This means locally that around 131,000 adults (aged 18 and over) are likely to have a weight problem in the city.

2.5 - 59 Excess weight in adults is significantly higher than the national average in Newcastle-under-Lyme and the proportion of healthy eating adults is below the national average throughout the plan area. The proportion of active adults is significantly lower than the national average and diabetes is significantly higher than the national average throughout the plan area. Premature deaths (aged under 75) in Stoke- on-Trent are significantly higher than the national average for cancer and cardiovascular disease related deaths. Newcastle-under-Lyme has an ageing population alongside a recent increase in the number of excess winter deaths which is higher than the national average.

2.5 - 60 The JSNA 2019 shows the latest levels of physical activity and against the Chief Medical Officers recommendation that adults should undertake a minimum of 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate physical activity per week, just over half (54.1 %) of adults aged 19 and over in Stoke-on-Trent met the recommended levels of physical activity in 2016/17 which is significantly below the national average of 66.0%.

2.5 - 61 There is growing recognition that access to green space is beneficial to mental well-being. Although Newcastle-under-Lyme is surrounded by agricultural land and greenery, the proportion of this green

26 space which is publicly accessible without charge is far lower than the regional average. Stoke-on-Trent has far higher levels of publicly accessible green space compared to the regional average.

2.5 - 62 Heritage

Until the 17th century, large areas of north Staffordshire remained sparsely populated. With the exception of Newcastle-under-Lyme, an established urban centre by the late 12th century, much of the area was characterised by small dispersed settlements and farms. Significant change did not occur therefore until the industrialisation of the area in the 17th century. Industrial growth in north Staffordshire was fuelled by rich coal and, to a lesser degree, iron and clay resources. Early industry was typically undertaken by individuals who combined activities such as mining and potting with part-time farming.

2.5 - 63 Urban growth within the Potteries area was initially made up of an irregular mix of potteries, pits and houses, often on land parcels close to existing roadways. As the industrialisation of the pottery towns gathered pace during the 18th century, they acquired a commercial, civic and cultural identity distinct from that of the borough of Newcastle. This was furthered by the creation of a transportation network of turnpike roads and canals geared towards the needs of the pottery industry, that essentially by-passed the borough. The borough however benefitted from significant industrial wealth which came about from the trading in ceramics.

2.5 - 64 Although some early sites remain visible within north Staffordshire (e.g. Hulton Abbey Scheduled Monument just outside Hanley), the legacy of industrialisation dominates the area’s heritage, with particular emphasis on the pottery industry. Following the widespread closure of former factory sites across north Staffordshire, a significant percentage of the area’s industrial heritage now exists only in the form of archaeological sites, which are open to redevelopment with the built historic fabric dominated by a wide range of building and surfacing materials including red brick, Staffordshire blue brick, clay roof tiles, geometric floor tiles, and decorative wall tiles.

2.5 - 65 Before brick became the material of choice a variety of materials were used across the area. Timber frame construction remains very evident in Newcastle-under-Lyme’s rural hinterland, particularly at Betley. Several large timber-framed buildings existed in the Potteries during the 16th and 17th centuries, including Shelton Hall, Rushton Grange and Stoke Hall, but none of these persisted beyond the 19th century. Only Ford Green Hall (built in 1624) has survived intact to the present day, although elements of a probable 16th century timber-framed building remain within a later farmhouse at Farm Cottage, Baddeley Green.

Ford Green Hall

2.5 - 66 Relatively little bespoke middle-class housing was built before 1901 however alongside factories a small number of manufacturers, notably Wedgwood at Etruria and Theophilus Smith at Greenfield, Tunstall, created industrial villages, which featured a principal residence, factory and workers’ housing. In the mid- 19th century, Herbert Minton established a small planned community, with a church, school and housing, close to his home in Hartshill. Further attempts were made to create middle-class enclaves in the second half of the 19th century, with developments at ‘Stokeville’ (The Villas) and at the Brampton. More typically, however, middle-class housing formed part of larger building schemes, particularly within new suburban areas such as Dresden and Florence to the south of Longton. The creation of new private and municipal estates during the inter-war housing boom, created sufficient urban sprawl for Newcastle and the six Potteries towns, creating the larger conurbation area.

2.5 - 67 Historically, each of the pottery towns expressed its individual civic identity through the provision of high- quality public buildings and open spaces. As a result, the Potteries are well provided for with town halls, public markets, chapels and parks. Newcastle town centre features many Georgian buildings, which reflect the continuing mercantile prosperity of the medieval borough, supported by industries such as ironworking, hat making, clay pipe manufacturing and silk throwing. Investment across the area continued well into the 20th century, as the quality of 1930s architecture demonstrates.

2.5 - 68 Away from the Potteries, settlement within the rural hinterland of Newcastle-under-Lyme exhibit a variety of patterns, influenced by both agriculture and industrial wealth. In addition to the villages this is evidenced by the traditional farmsteads and old manor houses in estate grounds, which make a special contribution to the landscape character and distinctiveness. Agriculture continues to play a major role shaping Newcastle-under-Lyme’s rural identity, although arguably the relationship between the urban and rural area has been weakened by the fact that the town no longer has a cattle market.

2.5 - 69 In terms of economic and cultural regeneration, the decline of the traditional industries has left significant, highly visible voids within the Potteries landscape. These sites, coupled with those still engaged in industrial processes, act as detractors both to the image of the modern City and an appreciation of the area’s recent history. The consequent social and environmental issues have impacted on investment and contributed towards migration from former residential areas within the

Potteries. Positive steps have, however, been made in reclaiming former industrial sites to create green spaces for recreation. Disused mineral lines have been transformed into greenways and occasionally present tourism opportunities. River and canal corridors, which form distinctive character areas within themselves, have been exploited for recreation and tourism, and encouragement has been given for new residential schemes built close to the water’s edge. The fluvial areas along the River Trent and its tributaries also encouraged many green amenities and sports grounds in the urban area. The restoration is underway of rural areas affected by industrial extraction on the conurbation’s western edge, transforming the quality of the landscape.

2.5 - 70 The area’s history is well-represented in established institutions such as The Potteries Museum, Gladstone Pottery Museum and Borough Museum at Brampton Park. The processes and products of the local ceramics industry are also promoted at working sites such as the Middleport Pottery and Emma Bridgwater factory.

2.5 - 71 There are currently 23 designated Conservation Areas in Stoke-on-Trent and 21 within Newcastle-under- Lyme. In terms of buildings at risk, as recorded by Historic England, there are 7 heritage assets in Newcastle-under-Lyme on the ‘at risk’ register and there are 13 ‘at risk’ in Stoke-on-Trent. There is also five Conservation Area on the Historic England ‘at risk’ register in Stoke-on-Trent. Both Councils' also have a local list which identifies buildings or structures that, whilst not of national importance, are important locally. There are currently over 450 buildings on the Local List in Stoke-on-Trent and 130 entries in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

2.5 - 72 Summary of Key Challenges across the Joint Local Plan Area

3.0 VISION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.0 - 2 Vision

It is important that the Joint Local Plan sets out a new long term positive vision for the plan area that embraces our aspirations for the future of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. The vision provides a thread throughout the document and is translated into the individual objectives for the plan and each individual planning policy.

3.0 - 3 The vision has been developed understanding the characteristics and constraints of the area as set out in the previous section and draws on the latest evidence and local, regional and national priorities and strategies. It is therefore based on an understanding of future growth aspirations whilst also taking into account representations made to the Joint Local Plan process through previous consultations.

3.0 - 4 The vision for the plan area is therefore as follows:

“Together Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme are great places to live, learn, work and visit with active healthy and prosperous communities at their heart. By 2037 the area will provide a great central innovative hub for investment having increased the amount of high quality employment, retail and residential choice, whilst also protecting and enhancing the distinctive historic built and cultural heritage, natural environment and landscapes and minimising the impact on climate change within their urban and rural areas”.

3.0 - 5 The Joint Local Plan Objectives

The overriding objective of the Joint Local Plan is to ensure that all relevant strategies are reflected in the new plan for decision making. In order to achieve this, six key aims and accompanying objectives have been developed which clearly set out the suggested objectives for the new Joint Local Plan. These aims and objectives collectively aim to ensure that the individual elements of the Joint Local Plan are able to deliver the Plan’s overall vision.

3.0 - 6 In order to clearly set out the six aims and accompanying objectives for the Joint Local Plan, the diagram below provides further clarity regarding the relationship with the spatial portrait of the area. The Objectives of the Joint Local Plan have been used to assess the Plan’s spatial strategy for the area including site allocations and have also provided the basis to develop accompanying planning policies.

3.0 - 7 Consistent with the development of the vision set out above, the Objectives have been refined throughout the plan preparation process and taken into account previous consultation responses.

The six key aims for the Join Local Plan are as follows:

• UK Central Hub for Innovation and Investment • Healthy & Active Communities • Dynamic & Diverse Neighbourhoods • Utilising our Natural Assets and Resources • Strong City Centre & Market Town with a Diverse Network of Towns and Villages • Making our Historic Past Work for the Future

3.0 - 8

3.1 Key Diagram

3.1 - 1

4.0 OVERARCHING STRATEGY AND POLICIES

4.0 - 1 Introduction

The Spatial Strategy for the Joint Local Plan Area identifies the roles that the different areas will play across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. The strategy has been put together to respond to the vision, aims and objectives of the Joint Local Plan and has been informed by a number of previous consultations and partnership working across all services of both Councils' and other public bodies under Duty to Co-operate. Several key themes have emerged through the process that have helped to develop an appropriate growth strategy for the plan area. These include the need to:

• support the existing urban areas and support ongoing regeneration of the centres and existing brownfield sites; • support employment growth and providing dwellings in appropriate locations to improve connectivity between employment and residential areas; • deliver growth in the housing stock to contribute towards meeting the national shortfall; • respect the natural resources and heritage assets of the area; • address issues of house prices and affordability in the plan area; and • increase the attraction of the area as a tourist destination and to facilitate the development of leisure, arts and cultural assets.

4.0 - 2 The physical, social and economic landscape of the plan area is extremely diverse, and presents several different challenges and opportunities. To ensure that the Plan addresses these challenges and opportunities efficiently and comprehensively, the plan area has been divided into five distinct strategic areas:

• Stoke-on-Trent City Centre and Railway Station • Stoke-on-Trent Urban Area • Newcastle-under-Lyme and Kidsgrove Urban Area • Newcastle-under-Lyme University Growth Corridor • Newcastle Rural Area

4.0 - 3 The identification and definition of these sub-areas is based upon an analysis of the distinctive social, economic and environmental characteristics of the plan area and the geographical focus of regeneration and investment strategies.

4.0 - 4 Overall the strategy is based on the strategic principles of regeneration, encouraging development on brownfield land and supporting the existing urban areas and the centres within. This way, we can ensure employment and housing growth is intrinsically linked whilst also ensuring that the rural area can grow in a manner which supports communities and the principles of sustainability. The strategy is balanced and proportionate, but will also deliver a step change in the economy during the plan period.

4.0 - 5 Stoke-on-Trent is divided into two strategic areas. The first, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre and Railway Station, lies in the centre of Stoke and encompasses a number of ward areas, including:

• Etruria & Hanley; • Joiners Square; • Hanley Park & Shelton; and • Birches Head & Central Forest Park.

This is a priority area for housing, retail, leisure and office growth and as such it is appropriate to ensure a minimum level of development is identified for delivery within this area.

4.0 - 6 The rest of Stoke-on-Trent Urban area, excluding the Green Belt, is important in its role of providing distinct urban communities and neighbourhoods around a hierarchy of larger and smaller town centres, local centres and neighbourhood facilities. It is considered important that the urban area is characterised by its distinctive and unique areas.

4.0 - 7 Newcastle is divided into three sub areas:

• Newcastle-under-Lyme and Kidsgrove Urban Area based on the existing urban neighbourhoods, which seeks to maximise new development opportunities close to existing settlements, established employment sites and significant road and rail transport infrastructure. • Newcastle-under-Lyme University Growth Corridor, where significant development will help make a step change in the local specialised economy. • Newcastle Rural Area, made up of Rural Centres and Villages which will contribute to meeting and sustaining local needs and facilities.

4.0 - 8 Strategic Policies

The NPPF in accordance with section 19, paragraph 1B of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004), sets out that each Local Planning Authority must identify the strategic policies for the development and use of land in authorities area. It is acknowledged that all areas of the plan have strategic guiding parts and non-strategic detailed parts to it.

4.0 - 9 The NPPF in accordance with section 19, paragraph 1B of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004), sets out that each Local Planning Authority must identify the strategic policies for the development and use of land in authorities area. It is acknowledged that all areas of the plan have strategic guiding parts and non-strategic detailed parts to it. Paragraph 20 of the NPPF sets out what should be included in a strategic policy:

"20. Strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, and make sufficient provision for:

(a) housing (including affordable housing), employment, retail, leisure and other commercial development;

(b) infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, security, waste management, water supply, wastewater, flood risk and coastal change management, and the provision of minerals and energy (including heat);

(d) conservation and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment, including landscapes and green infrastructure, and planning measures to address climate change mitigation and adaptation."

4.0 - 10 To be able to see which policies are considered strategic, please see the table below. This is set out in accordance with paragraph 20 of the NPPF.

Strategic Theme Policy

A) Housing (including affordable SHO1, SHO2 & SH03 housing)

Employment SE1 & SE2

Retail, leisure and other SC1, SC2 & SC3 commercial development

B) Infrastructure for transport ST1 & SI1

Telecommunications and DH1 & SI1 security

Waste management Please see the adopted Joint Waste Local Plan

Water supply and wastewater ER3 & SI1

Flood risk and coastal change ER3 management

The provision of minerals ER4

Energy (including heat) ER1 & SI1

C) Community facilities (such as S2 & SI1 health, education and cultural infrastructure)

D) Conservation and enhancement SNR1, DH1, DH2, DH3 & DH4 of the natural, built and historic environment, including landscapes and green infrastructure

Planning measures to address S1, ER1 & ER2 climate change mitigation and adaptation

4.0 - 11 Spatial Distribution of Employment

A key and overwhelming priority of the Joint Local Plan is to plan positively for balanced growth to meet the needs of both Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent through a sustainable growth strategy which supports the overall aims and objectives of the plan as being an innovative hub for investment and great places to live, learn and work.

4.0 - 12 The identified need for employment land of 239 hectares across the plan will enable the Plan to deliver balanced growth across the area. The locations to accommodate future growth are as follows:

a. Located in close proximity to the strategic road and rail network (M6, A34, A50, A500 and the West Coast Mainline) as a to facilitate inward investment. b. Close to residential communities to reduce the need to travel and to ensure that business has ready access to a potential workforce. c. Where it would appeal to the market, providing viable sites with easy access in attractive surroundings. d. Where it takes advantage of North Staffordshire’s location, major economic drivers such as Keele University and the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone and an improving City Centre.

4.0 - 13 Spatial Distribution of Housing

4.0 - 14 In order to ensure a sustainable growth strategy is achieved through the Joint Local Plan, the employment and housing elements of the spatial strategy have been closely aligned, particularly as the provision of land for housing and employment is key to support the vision and aim of the area to develop its position as an innovation hub for investment and build upon its reputation as a great place to live, learn and work.

4.0 - 15 This seeks to maximise development within the wider urban areas whilst also supporting the sustainability of existing rural villages. In addition there are some limited Green Belt releases consistent with the case for exceptional circumstances.

4.1 Policy S1 - Delivering Sustainable Development

4.1 - 1 Introduction

National Planning Policy Framework makes it clear that the planning system should be based upon and contain the presumption in favour of sustainable development, with clear policies to guide how this presumption will be applied locally. In order to meet the key principle of the NPPF there is a need to balance economic, social and environmental objectives in order to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This fundamental principle provides the foundation for this Joint Local Plan and, for this reason, it is presented as the first of the strategic policies which establishes the Councils' development strategy for achieving sustainable development.

4.1 - 2

Policy S1 - Delivering Sustainable Development

The Councils' will support development proposals that are considered sustainable in accordance with national and local planning policies, taking into account any material considerations, having regard to:

a. the planned level of growth required to meet identified development needs for housing and employment growth across the plan area; b. the importance and priority of maintaining and protecting the Green Belt and the character of the countryside; c. supporting the urban areas with an emphasis on regeneration of the centres and existing brownfield sites; d. the importance of sustaining and enhancing individual centres across the plan area and understanding their unique role within the hierarchy; e. the need to develop sites in appropriate locations with services and facilities accessible by walking, cycling and public transport; f. ensuring that new developments make the best use of existing infrastructure and where needed new additional provision is provided; g. the need for new developments to be resilient and mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change; h. the need for new development to sustain and enhance the plan areas historic environment, biodiversity and geodiversity; i. the importance of prudently using resources and maximising their reuse recovery and recycling; and j. the importance of safeguarding public safety, environmental standards and amenity through the delivery of high standards of design and construction.

The Councils' will proactively work to consider proposals which accord with the development plan and approve without delay.

This policy contributes towards achieving all of the objectives in the Joint Local Plan.

4.1 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

At the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework is the presumption in favour of sustainable development both for plan making and decision making. There are three overarching principles of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental which overall aim to help build a vibrant and strong economy, support healthy communities and enhance our natural assets. In applying the overarching principles of sustainable development it is important to take local circumstances into account through both plan making and decision making in order to ensure that any decisions or policies reflect the character, needs and opportunities of the area and the communities within it.

4.1 - 4 All national planning policies are underpinned by the fundamental aim to deliver and achieve sustainable development.

4.1 - 5 The government places great importance on the function and purposes of the Green Belts. Its fundamental aim is to prevent urban sprawl, and to maintain the land's open character. National planning policy expresses the importance of protecting the Green Belt, and alterations to its boundaries should only be considered in exceptional circumstances that are fully evidenced and justified. This includes large scale development such as new settlements or major urban extensions. As established within the distribution of development policies for Housing and Employment within this plan, a case for the release of some Green Belt may exist to address issues regarding housing requirement, affordability and employment. However, the general extent of the Green Belt remains in North Staffordshire, and will continue to fulfil its function and purpose as outlined in national planning policy. Therefore, it remains

45 important for both councils to deliver sustainable patterns of development, whilst protecting the remaining Green Belt areas.

4.1 - 6 Through the Localism Act communities now have the opportunity to shape future development within their neighbourhoods through the process of neighbourhood planning. Furthermore, the National Planning Policy Framework empowers communities with the ability to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhoods to deliver sustainable development. Both Councils' will support the development of neighbourhood plans across the plan area to help deliver sustainable development in line with strategic policies of the Joint Local plan.

4.1 - 7 Climate change mitigation and adaptation is a key priority for the Government at the national level, and is reflected within planning law and national planning policy. Details on this topic can be viewed within the Chapter 11 Environmental Resources, Renewable Energy section. On a localised level, both Councils' will seek to fulfil it's legal obligations, and conform with national planning policy in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet the challenges of climate change adaptation and mitigation. This will be achieved by implementing sustainable development, enhanced building design, increase the use and supply of renewable energy, and minimise development in areas of flood risk.

4.1 - 8 It is important that through the development of the new Joint Local Plan that not only is regard given to the requirements set out in national policy but we also consider and understand policy with regards to the varied nature of both our urban and rural communities and the aspirations they hold for the area. The National Planning Policy Framework supports sustainable development within the rural areas through plan making that is responsive to local circumstances and reflects the needs of the rural community. Both Councils' will strive towards achieving sustainable development within the rural area by identifying potential opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where there are sufficient services and facilities readily available to sustain communities and reduce the need to travel.

4.1 - 9 Local plans should positively plan for opportunities to meet the needs of their area based on clear evidence, and should be flexible enough to adapt to rapid change, unless there are adverse impacts which would significantly outweigh the benefits, or there are specific policies in place that restrict development.

4.1 - 10 The presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework means approving development proposals that accord with the development plan without delay. Where there are no relevant development plan policies available or the development plan is silent, or the most important policies are considered to be out of date, proposals should be approved unless the adverse impacts of the proposal would significantly outweigh the benefits.

4.1 - 11

Evidence

• This policy draws on all evidence and delivery partners supporting the Joint Local Plan.

4.2 Policy S2 - Sustainable Healthy Communities

4.2 - 1 Introduction

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 23% of global deaths are due to modifiable environmental factors. A key theme throughout the Joint Local Plan is preventing premature death and disease, and promoting population health and well-being by ensuring the physical environment can

46 facilitate a healthy and active population. In order to achieve this an integrated approach is needed to consider how the built and natural environment can support the areas' population both now and in the future. Policies within the plan promote a quality built and natural environment, sustainable transport, green infrastructure, community facilities, cycling and walking opportunities and a variety of housing types and tenures; all these assist towards ensuring a healthy population and reducing demands on health services.

4.2 - 2 Across the Plan area and especially within the inner urban area of Stoke-on-Trent there experiences very high levels of deprivation; 136,221 people in the city live in the top 20% most deprived areas nationally, that is 2 in 3 of the population making Stoke-on-Trent the 14th most deprived local authority in England (out of 317 local areas). In contrast, Newcastle-under-Lyme is the 156th most deprived local authority in England, meaning that it is slightly more deprived than average (and significantly less deprived than Stoke-on-Trent). Life expectancy is one of the key measures of a population's health and refers to the number of years a person can expect to live. In Stoke-on-Trent, life expectancy for men at birth is 76.5 years (significantly lower than the national average; 79.6 years) and the gap is increasing. For women, average life expectancy at birth is 80.8 years (also significantly lower than the England average; 83.1 years). Meanwhile, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, life expectancy for men at birth is 79.3 years; the same as the national average. For women, average life expectancy at birth is 82.4 years (slightly lower than the England average; 82.9 years). In Stoke-on-Trent, life expectancy has stagnated or slightly worsened compared with the national average since 2012. In Newcastle-under-Lyme it has broadly followed the national average.

4.2 - 3 A continuous increase in the number and proportion of persons aged 65+ is expected in the future. This age group represented 16.9% of Stoke-on-Trent’s population in 2016 and is projected to be 21.5% (an increase of 14,840) by 2037. In 2016, 20.0% of Newcastle-under-Lyme's population was aged 65+, this is projected to be 24.6% (an increase of 8,635) by 2037 (ONS, 2016-based, Sub-national population projections for England).

4.2 - 4 The provision of appropriate community facilities creates both sustainable communities and improves the overall health and wellbeing of residents. Policy S2 therefore seeks to protect existing facilities and services whilst also appreciating the need to replace/ redevelop existing facilities to improve provision across the plan area.

4.2 - 5 The Policy also seeks to ensure that measures to improve the health and well-being of the plan area's residents are integrated into planning decisions at the outset. Ensuring adequate new facilities are provided and existing facilities safeguarded, where necessary, in both existing and new communities, in line with the development proposed in the Joint Local Plan. Further details regarding new infrastructure requirements are set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan which should guide future investment priorities with regard to social infrastructure i.e. schools, health facilities, leisure facilities and open space provision.

4.2 - 6

Policy S2 - Sustainable Healthy Communities

The Councils' will support development proposals that are considered sustainable and contribute towards healthy communities in accordance with national and local planning policies, taking into account any material considerations, having regard to:

a. reducing health inequalities across the plan area; b. encouraging design and linkages to existing community assets which help promote healthy lifestyles; c. safeguarding and enhancing the area's network of green spaces and corridors; d. supporting formal and informal physical activity and active transport choices which help promote

healthy lifestyles; e. creating employment and training opportunities; f. maintaining, enhancing or providing essential social and community services and facilities including opportunities for sharing of services; g. maximising opportunities for cultural activities; h. improving access to and promoting opportunities for 'grow your own' food; i. delivering a mixture of dwelling types and tenures designed to enable a greater degree of self- independent living and working towards an age friendly city; j. securing environments which deter crime; k. maximising opportunities for carbon capture; l. resilience to the impacts of climate change; and m. improving the area's air quality levels.

This policy contributes towards achieving all of the objectives in the Joint Local Plan.

4.2 - 7 Why have we taken this approach?

A key social objective of national policy is to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities and as well as ensuring the plan area grows in a sufficient and sustainable manner that it does so by fostering a well-designed and safe built environment, with accessible services and open spaces that reflect current and future needs while supporting local communities’ health, social and cultural well-being. There are a number of local initiatives across the plan area that place health and well-being at their heart. These include: the Stoke-on-Trent Health and Well-being Strategy; Community Cohesion Strategy; Sustainable Food Cities; and the Newcastle-under-Lyme Partnership Strategy for a Sustainable Community. Policy S2 aims to support these and other local initiatives by placing healthy communities at the heart of development decisions.

4.2 - 8

Evidence

• Stoke-on-Trent Health and Well-being Strategy (2016 - 2020) • Stoke-on-Trent Community Cohesion Strategy (2016 - 2020) • Newcastle Partnership Strategy for a Sustainable Community 2014 – 2020 • Physical Activity Strategy 2018 • Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2017 • Housing Strategy • Joint Strategic Needs Assessment • Sport England Active Lives 2016-2017 • Healthy Weight Strategy 2016 - 2019

4.2 - 9

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Staffordshire County Council • Developers • Landowners • RSLS

• Sport England • Natural England • Stoke CCG • North Staffordshire CCG • Public Health • Police • Environment Agency

51 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

5.0 ECONOMY

5.0 - 1 Introduction

The local economy of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme has seen substantial levels of restructuring over the past 40 years or so, away from the traditional manufacturing base for which the area was internationally renowned, towards a more service-orientated economy, in particular logistics and distribution. The latter growth is due in no small part to the area’s strategic location at the heart of the UK and its impressive connectivity, with access to excellent road (M6, A50, A500) and rail (West Coast Main Line) links.

5.0 - 2 There is a strong level of commuting between both authorities, with the area having a net level of out commuting which the plan seeks to address through the allocation of prime sites to encourage business into the area.

5.1 Policy SE1 - Quantity Employment Development

5.1 - 1 The Joint Local Plan seeks to plan positively for balanced growth to meet the development needs of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent through a sustainable growth strategy. This supports the vision and aims of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent to be an innovative hub for investment and ensure they continue to be great places to live, learn and work.

5.1 - 2 Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme have a Gross Value Added (GVA) per head output that is significantly below the national average. The joint SHMA (2015, updated 2017) identified that historically, both areas have seen a net outmigration of young people and graduates in search of better job prospects elsewhere, a trend that both Councils' want to reverse. This is reflected in the objectives of the Joint Local Plan which seek to reduce net outward migration, support and boost business growth, prioritise job growth and diversify the employment base. This approach will help to bring not just more jobs, but also more secure, higher quality and greater paid jobs to the area, and jobs which have better prospects for career progression.

5.1 - 3 In recent years traditional heavy industries in the plan area have given way to more modern types of industry, including advanced manufacturing, service industries, research and development, storage and distribution and high technology industries. This transition has left a legacy of large-scale former industrial sites within Stoke-on-Trent’s urban area which have the potential to accommodate future economic development to cater for these new industries. In contrast employment growth in Newcastle- under-Lyme is constrained due to the lack of suitable land supply in the urban area.

5.1 - 4 To ensure that the area continues to increase opportunities for business growth, whilst diversifying the employment base, the Joint Local Plan seeks to ensure that it provides for 20,832 new jobs. Of these 9,131 are within Newcastle-under-Lyme and 11,700 in Stoke-on-Trent, of which 7,970 (5,319 in Newcastle-under-Lyme and 2,651 in Stoke-on-Trent) are in ‘B Class’ sectors, (identified under Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) as B1 Business, B2 General Industry and B8 Storage or Distribution). A minimum of 239 hectares of employment land is required to deliver this employment growth, this is coupled to the housing requirements as set out later in this document.

5.1 - 5

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 52

Policy SE1 - Quantity Employment Development

Over the plan period we intend to deliver at least a minimum of 239 hectares of employment land to allow for a range and choice of employment sites to meet economic need and demand. This is derived from an identified need of 82 hectares in Newcastle-under-Lyme and 157 hectares in Stoke-on-Trent.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1, E2, E3, E4 & H3.

5.1 - 6 Why have we taken this approach?

The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership's Strategic Economic Plan (April 2018), sets out a vision of Stoke-on-Trent rapidly growing into a Core City. The vision for the area includes bringing forward a sustainable package of employment development building on its position on the growth corridor along the M6 and strategic rail routes. It further explains that the area is still constructed around a 'vibrant series of manufacturing businesses, led by the ceramics industry', whilst noting that the economic offer could be improved. This is linked with the Joint Local Plans vision to become a UK Central Hub for Innovation and Investment, by supporting and boosting existing and new businesses, diversifying the employment base whilst prioritising job growth.

5.1 - 7 Together, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme have the capacity to grow and become a critical economic driver in Staffordshire and across Cheshire, in part under the Constellation Partnership. The conurbation in the north of Staffordshire is well connected to strategic markets to the North and South. We have two universities and an accessible local labour pool on our doorstep. The City is already a centre for leisure and culture which, with further concentrated attention, could provide the centre-piece of city-led economic growth.

5.1 - 8 The NPPF states that planning policies should set out the quantity of employment development. Policy SE1 complies with this by setting out the strategy to deliver 239 hectares of employment land, which ensures that the area remains a core area and regional hub. This is considered a deliverable target that will ensure the economy and job market in the Joint Local Plan area thrive and prosper.

5.1 - 9

Evidence

• SHMA (2015 & 2017 Update) • Annual Monitoring Reports • Employment Land Review 2015 • Sustainability Appraisal

5.1 - 10

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership • The Constellation Partnership

53 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

• Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire

5.1 - 11

Monitoring

• The annual monitoring of net gain and loss of B use class floorspace against the target.

5.2 Policy SE2 - Distribution of Employment Development

5.2 - 1 Introduction

Policy SE2 sets out the spatial distribution of employment land to meet the requirement, as set out in Policy SE1, chiefly within the B Use Classes and criteria for assessing such employment development away from these allocated areas. The key elements of the strategy for employment growth include:

• Providing an attractive range and choice of new employment land, which meets the needs of modern manufacturing, warehousing and distribution companies. • Maximising the opportunity arising from the designation of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. • Strengthening the role of our two universities as local centres of excellence in research and development as well as in teaching, providing for their progression ambitions and for the growth and development of associated businesses including technology clusters which are established at Keele Science and Innovation Park. • Consolidating the appeal and ‘offer’ of our City and Town Centres, for office development, alongside other employment generating uses such as retail and leisure.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 54

Employment Development at Sideway

5.2 - 2 Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme’s employment space is still dominated by industrial uses which account for around 70% of total employment floorspace. Inward investment in the industrial sector has been particularly strong for large high bay warehouses, due to the excellent connectivity of the strategic road network, aligned with Stoke-on-Trent having a number of large sites able to accommodate distribution warehouses. Inward investment in the office sector has been more limited, with the majority of activity driven by existing companies relocating and expanding rather than significant inward investment in the area.

5.2 - 3 The Joint Local Plan seeks to provide an attractive range and choice of new employment land. In part this can be done by maximising the opportunity arising from the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. This is a significant opportunity for the area to strengthen the role of our two universities as local centres of excellence in research and development as well as in teaching, accommodating their growth ambitions and for the growth of associated businesses including the medical technology and healthcare sectors, ICT and Energy Technology clusters which are established at Keele Science and Innovation Park. It is also important to strengthen the appeal and ‘offer’ of our City and Town Centres, for office development, alongside other employment generating uses such as retail and leisure.

5.2 - 4

55 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

Policy SE2 - Distribution of Employment Development

Proposals for employment development (Use Classes B1, B2 or B8) will be supported in principle within the wider urban area. To be able to deliver the jobs growth within the strategy, employment sites and any employment allocations will be expected to deliver a range of B Use Classes across the plan area along with sui generis uses associated with B Use Class activity; including appropriately located waste management and ancillary uses that support the delivery of employment.

Offices will be supported within centres and proposals for office B1(a) development located outside existing centres will need to be justified by reference to sequential testing to determine that the development could not be appropriately located on a more accessible central site within existing centres in accordance with the overall Spatial Strategy.

Proposals for employment development will be supported where it:

a. provides convenient access by walking, cycling and public transport; b. is within or well connected to the urban area; c. is adequately screened from the existing and future neighbouring residential uses; d. has appropriate and sympathetic boundary treatments to key road frontages; e. ensures car parking and service yards are clear of road frontages; f. delivers an efficient use of land; g. is designed to provide a quality working environment; and h. delivers principles which design out crime.

Development of the rural economy will be assessed against policy E3.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1, E2, E3, E4, T1, T2, H3, H4 & CT1.

5.2 - 5 Why have we taken this approach?

Applications to use land allocated for employment for other uses will be strictly controlled to ensure that there is a continued supply of land for business, general industrial and storage/ distribution uses, in accordance with paragraph 121 of the NPPF. Applications will be expected to demonstrate that other sites have been assessed, and provide evidence as to why these sites are not appropriate or available. The developer will be expected demonstrate that the site and/or floorspace has been vacant and continuously marketed for a period of at least one year. However it is appreciated that some of the employment areas require supporting ancillary services to meet the needs of on-site employees and businesses and this will be supported.

5.2 - 6 The NPPF states that strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern of employment development, whilst also ensuring sufficient provision. Furthermore it states that planning policies should support an appropriate mix of uses across an area, to minimise the number and length of journeys needed for employment. The strategy for the Joint Local Plan supports this and the sites that have been selected have been considered to fit this best. The sites allocated for development will enable the employment base to be diversified, whilst supporting existing and new businesses. Opportunities have also been taken, where possible, to encourage the growth of the further and higher education sector to enable better training facilities. This in turn will encourage a more highly skilled workforce within the area to ensure that business can thrive.

5.2 - 7 To make sure that there is an adequate range and choice of sizes and types of sites to attract business developments the Councils will allocate employment land for development. The Councils' seek to promote a choice of sites to maximise the attractiveness of the area for investment, recognising the

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 56 diversity in the manufacturing sector and provide opportunities for business expansion. The amount allocated will be based upon the gross site area. The net site area of some sites will be lower where there are physical features that need to be incorporated into any design.

5.2 - 8 As part of the site allocations, support is given to the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. The Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone is one of the most successful in the UK, at the very heart of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire's continuing economic growth, driving the area's already enviable reputation as a major centre of manufacturing knowledge. Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone comprises 6 key sites along the strategic A500 corridor in the heart of the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The Ceramic Valley was designated by the Government as an Enterprise Zone in November 2015. The designation straddles Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme and capitalises on the plan area’s research expertise, skills, supply chains and connectivity to national and international markets. The development of this area will be facilitated through measures such as investment in infrastructure and site remediation and relief of business rates. This will ensure that the sites can be made shovel-ready for new build development. The growth of Ceramics Valley will enable the UK to compete with the growing technical ceramics sectors in the USA, Germany and Italy. The Enterprise Zone therefore seeks to accelerate the diversification of the area’s key industry from pottery to technical ceramics. The development of sites within the Enterprise Zone will also support a wide range of light industry, offices, general manufacturing and warehouse/distribution uses, with a particular focus on advanced ceramics, automotive supply chain, energy and power generation, logistics and business and professional service industries.

5.2 - 9 Within the area, there are two leading universities (Keele University and Staffordshire University), that have both recently successfully bid for University Enterprise Zones (UEZs). UEZs are specific geographical areas where universities and business work together to increase local growth and innovation. The Councils' recognise the opportunity to maximise the potential of Keele University’s world- leading research and facilities. Through the New Keele Deal, this investment will help tackle low productivity and grow a positive culture of innovation and research within the region, delivering a significant number of higher value jobs over the next 20 years, improve local health and healthcare, and inject innovation into the heart of the local business community to allow them to be more globally competitive.

5.2 - 10 Some employment areas require supporting ancillary services to meet the needs of on-site employees and businesses. Whilst this may result in a loss of employment land in the B-use classes, it will be compensated by an additional allocation over the land that is required.

5.2 - 11 In line with the NPPF, office development is recognised as a main town centre use. Therefore the policy guides office development into these locations. The only exception is for small scale rural development, this is considered under policy E3.

5.2 - 12

Evidence

• Employment Land Review • Sustainability Appraisal

5.2 - 13

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council

57 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

• Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Staffordshire County Council • The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership • The Constellation Partnership • Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire

5.2 - 14

Monitoring

• The net gain of B use class floorspace against the target.

5.3 Policy E3 - Employment Uses and the Rural Economy

5.3 - 1 Introduction

A key part of the Joint Local Plan strategy is to ensure that the employment base is diversified, including that of the rural area. Flourishing rural businesses, a strong agricultural sector and thriving villages all play a vital role in our local economy. In order to generate additional appropriate employment in the rural area, promote the expansion of existing businesses, and to flexibility to develop diversification opportunities, the Councils will allow development in accordance with policy E3 below.

5.3 - 2

Policy E3 - Employment Uses and the Rural Economy

Proposals for new employment development or the extension of existing employment premises in the Rural Centres and areas beyond the village envelopes will be permitted provided that the following criteria are met:

a. the development can be integrated sensitively into its context, respecting the character of the landscape, existing historic and or architecturally important buildings and sites of biodiversity value; b. the proposal does not involve an extension to a previously converted building where that building has character which would be subject to substantial harm; c. there is no significant impact on the amenities that cannot be adequately mitigated; d. it can be demonstrated that the local highway network is capable of safely accommodating the amount or type of traffic generated by the proposed development; and e. the proposal demonstrates that it will support the local economy and help sustain rural communities. Where appropriate, this may include diversification towards tourism and cultural uses.

Where it can be demonstrated that no suitable building capable of conversion/re-use is available or the re-use of previously developed land is not available or is unsuitable, new development will be supported in well-designed new buildings provided that development complies with the above criteria and the scale, use and design is appropriate for the local context.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1, E2, E3, T1, T2 & H4.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 58

5.3 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The NPPF gives guidance for how Local Plans should deal with the rural economy where it states 'Planning policies and decisions should recognise that sites to meet local business and community needs in rural areas may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements, and in locations that are not well served by public transport. In these circumstances it will be important to ensure that development is sensitive to its surroundings, does not have an unacceptable impact on local roads and exploits any opportunities to make a location more sustainable (for example by improving the scope for access on foot, by cycling or by public transport). The use of previously developed land, and sites that are physically well-related to existing settlements, should be encouraged where suitable opportunities exist.' (NPPF, 2019: para.84).

5.3 - 4 Policy E3 supports the conversion of existing buildings and along with other policies in the plan seeks to ensure well designed new buildings in the countryside for economic development purposes. Conversions or refurbishment to provide facilities at a small scale for manufacturing, crafts or service businesses, office premises or retail are among the range of uses that would be considered suitable. The plan seeks to address the needs of the rural communities whilst balancing the desire to promote rural employment alongside the need to protect the existing character and fabric of the countryside.

5.3 - 5 Further policy on development within the Green Belt is included in other policies.

5.3 - 6

Evidence

• Annual Monitoring Reports • Employment Land Review

5.3 - 7

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire

5.3 - 8

Monitoring

• The net gain of B use class land (hectares) within the rural area.

59 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

5.4 Policy E4 - Existing Employment Sites

5.4 - 1 Introduction

Much of the conurbation has grown organically with employment interspersed between towns and residential areas. In more recent times, some larger employment areas have been developed. Some of the employment areas are now ageing and are need of investment, however they are still important to industry and deliver jobs. To ensure that these important good quality existing, employment sites are not lost, policy E4 provides criteria for development within these areas.

5.4 - 2

Policy E4 - Existing Employment Sites

The existing employment areas and sites within employment use are expected to be retained and protected for employment development purposes. Development which leads to the loss of an existing employment site or premises will only be supported where:

a. can be demonstrated that the site or premises are no longer capable of employment use; b. is compatible with neighbouring uses and where applicable, would not prejudice the continued use of neighbouring land for employment; c. makes improvements to the areas visual appearance, environment and surrounding amenity; and d. has no significant impact on amenity that cannot be adequately mitigated.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1, E2 & E3.

5.4 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The existing employment areas and sites across the plan area provide a wide range of jobs that support a large workforce. Whilst improvements to the areas may be desirable, the loss of these jobs is unlikely to be supported. Applications to use employment land for other uses will be controlled and monitored to ensure that there is a continued supply of land for business, general industrial and storage or distribution uses. Applications will be expected to demonstrate that other sites have been assessed, and provide evidence as to why these sites are not appropriate or available. The Councils' want to ensure that there are positive increases in the amount and quality of the employment land across both areas to ensure a healthy economy. The developer will be expected to demonstrate that the site and/or premises have been vacant and continuously marketed for a period of at least six months. It is also important that neighbouring developments do not impact on the ability of the employment area to deliver jobs. Any net loss of employment floorspace will need to be monitored to ensure that the plan delivers the appropriate level of growth.

5.4 - 4 The Councils' adopt a positive approach to supporting new and expanded employment uses on unallocated sites where these can be seen to contribute to the area's economic prosperity. However, applications on such sites need to be handled with sensitivity. Development should not lead to any unneighbourly uses. What is acceptable in one area may not be in another area. Therefore, each development and any proposed mitigation measures will be assessed on their own merits. Smaller unallocated sites present potential problems of parking and the Councils' will need to be satisfied that any development will comply with the parking and servicing standards set out in the transport section of the plan.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 60

5.4 - 5 Good quality employment areas are those which are considered to be desirable and attractive to the market with a record of delivering employment development, viable (potentially including public funding), and with constraints that can be mitigated. They should be accessible by road and/or rail (for both employees and freight) along with public transport, cycling and walking.

5.4 - 6

Evidence

• Employment Land Review • Annual Monitoring Reports

5.4 - 7

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership • The Constellation Partnership • Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire

5.4 - 8

Monitoring

• Net change of B use class floorspace.

5.5 Policy E5 - Communications

5.5 - 1 Introduction

Modern and effective electronic communications systems are essential for the continuing development of the economy and the Councils' recognise the social and financial benefits to individuals and businesses of having telecommunications networks for mobile phones and broadband that are fit for purpose. The provision of suitable broadband infrastructure and telecommunications networks is an important factor which helps attract investment and facilitates remote working. However, whilst there are considerable economic and social benefits associated with the development of telecommunications infrastructure, it is important to ensure that this development does not have a significant adverse impact on amenity or environmental quality. Therefore, the Councils' will seek to ensure that acceptable provision can be made for telecommunications development, whilst ensuring that any adverse impacts associated with development are minimised.

61 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

5.5 - 2

Policy E5 - Communications

The Councils' will support development that improves the coverage of broadband, specifically the installation of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and mobile networks where the development will lead to more reliable and faster access for businesses and residents. The Councils' expect proposals for residential and business development to deliver sufficient infrastructure to enable connectivity to wider networks.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1 & E2.

5.5 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Development should ensure that their future occupiers have access to sustainable communications infrastructure giving appropriate thought to the choice/availability of UK communications providers which can offer high speed data connections. Some telecommunications development benefits from permitted development rights under Part 24 of the General Permitted Development Order 1995, (as amended). Applications will have to be considered in accordance with other plan policies, in particular Policy DH1 - Design.

5.5 - 4

Evidence

• Building Digital UK (BDUK)

5.5 - 5

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Developers

5.5 - 6

Monitoring

• Number of applications for new telecomms apparatus. • Mobile network coverage.

5.6 Policy E6 - Tourism and Culture

5.6 - 1 Introduction

Tourism is an important part of the local economy and the areas attractions, hotels and open spaces help bring people into the area for day visits or longer stays. The Joint Local Plan will continue to support the retention and enhancement of the visitor and tourism economy sustainably in line with the economic growth plans and is sustainable.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 62

5.6 - 2 The area takes on a national and international lead in cultural tourism relating to ceramics as a unique draw for tourism. Ceramics are an integral part of the history of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, this history is visible in the attractions, museums and canals. The Borough is home to several tourist destinations including Brampton Museum and Art Gallery, Dorothy Clive Garden, New Vic Theatre, Apedale Community Heritage Park, Trent and Mersey canal and famous Harecastle Tunnel.

5.6 - 3 The Stoke Visitor Economy Strategy and Action Plan (2016-2019) sets out a vision for supporting accelerated growth in the visitor economy in Stoke-on-Trent. Policy E6 aims to support and enhance the visitor economy by ensuring opportunities within centres are supported and in particular to deliver an increase in hotel bed spaces within the two strategic centres along with a diverse range of accommodation types, to support a growth in overnight stays; short-breaks and conferences. This is coupled with opportunities to support the enhancement, growth and development of existing and new visitor attractions, particularly where this protects the built heritage to help strengthen and refresh the visitor market.

5.6 - 4

Policy E6 - Tourism and Culture

The Councils' and their partners will support proposals which sustain and enhance the tourism economy and culture across the plan area which:

a. create additional hotel bed spaces within the Strategic Centres of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre and at Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station; b. expand or improve existing visitor attractions and facilities to ensure they remain viable and continue to actively contribute to the visitor economy; c. are located in accessible locations within centres and are of an appropriate scale and nature to their locality and do not impact on local amenity, subject to other local plan policies; d. enhance, preserve and maintain heritage and natural environment assets, where appropriate, to encourage visitors to use and enjoy such assets; e. sustain and create cultural facilities and opportunities, including places of worship, cemeteries and crematoria, which help people who live in the area to develop a sense of belonging, to value the cultural diversity and local heritage and help develop a richer cultural offer which attracts people and businesses to the area; and f. enhance the diversification of the local economy across the plan area without harm to the countryside, openness of the Green Belt and the character of local landscapes.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1, CT1, HER1, E2, HER2, HER3 & H4.

5.6 - 5 Why have we taken this approach?

The Visitor Economy Strategies and Action Plans of both Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire aim to attract more visitors to stay longer and spend more, and prioritise improving the quality and range of visitor accommodation which has a significant part to play in achieving this goal. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire is home to a growing number of multinationals, driving the demand for overnight business stays. The area has seen the continued growth and reinvestment in the area by global multinational companies. Many have recently invested in expanded facilities and created thousands of new jobs. These investments are driving more business visitors to the area, from both national and international customers and suppliers.

5.6 - 6

63 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

Evidence

• Stoke Visitor Economy Strategy and Action Plan (2019) • Making the Creative City - A cultural strategy for Stoke-on-Trent • Destination Staffordshire Tourism Review, Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2018 • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Economic Development Strategy – Growing our People and Places 2019 – 2023

5.6 - 7

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Chamber of Commerce • Business partners • Developers • Investors

5.6 - 8

Monitoring

• Number of Hotel bed spaces in completed developments. • Number of visitors to the City and the Borough – recorded through the Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Economic Impact Assessment and by Staffordshire County Council. • Number of visitors to Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme run attractions. • Number of D2 Leisure Uses completed.

5.7 Policy E7 - Development in and around Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station

5.7 - 1 Introduction

Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station is a key gateway into the entire Joint Local Plan area, and the excellent communications are a critical asset in the area’s economic aspirations. The station is on the Stafford to Manchester Piccadilly branch of the West Coast Main Line and is also on the Crewe to Derby line, providing national, regional and local rail connectivity. Improving linkages to the city centre and the wider area – through development of the station as a multi-modal hub – and encouraging investment in and around the station are important elements of the Joint Local Plan Strategy. This strategy is being supported by a Transforming Cities Fund Tranche 2 bid by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

5.7 - 2 With housing and employment growth, footfall and demand for connectivity will grow. Stoke-on-Trent Station is at the heart of the transport networks that link the City to its suburbs and beyond. The station needs to cope with that change in terms of capacity both for rail services/operations and the ability to get people to and from this hub in an effective manner. The Transforming Cities project will help enhance and improve the transport infrastructure to create a holistic strategy for investment. The station also

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 64 needs to contribute as a valuable asset to its immediate surrounds and as a gateway to Stoke-on-Trent City Centre and Stoke Town Centre. The railway station is adjacent to Staffordshire University, Stoke-on- Trent 6th Form College, Stoke College and numerous small and medium businesses within this central area and can help support the immediate vicinity through the development of a retail and food and drink offer for people working in, visiting and passing through this local area.

5.7 - 3 It is proposed to create a mixed use development area around the station with policies set out within the plan which will outline the acceptable land uses, including some limited town centre uses, which will be acceptable and support the continued use of the Grade II* listed station building. This will not only support the sustainable use of the railway station but also support the adjacent University Quarter and new complimentary uses such as student accommodation and small-scale commercial developments within and adjacent the station building. Policy E7 seeks to help maintain the historic character of the railway station but at a level which does not undermine and impact upon Stoke Town Centre or Stoke- on-Trent City Centre.

5.7 - 4

Policy E7 - Development in and around Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station

The City Council will support development within the Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station Policy Area which supports the improvements in quality and attractiveness of the area; preserves and keeps in use the historic station building asset and its surroundings and improves connections into and around Stoke-on- Trent Railway Station.

New developments within the Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station Policy Area will be considered against the following criteria:

a. generates and supports job growth which is complimentary to Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and Station Hub project; Staffordshire University and Stoke College; b. helps to contribute towards the provision of new residential development; c. supports existing and committed and planned public and private investment including the improvement of linkages to and from Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station; d. does not undermine the vitality and viability of centres within the Plan Area; e. creates additional hotel bed spaces; f. where retail development is proposed within the railway station area the applicant will be required to demonstrate there are no suitable sites within or on edge of centre locations through the application of a sequential approach. Where the proposal is over 200sqm the developer will be required to demonstrate that the proposal does not have a significant adverse impact on nearby centres including Stoke Town Centre and Stoke-on-Trent City Centre; g. proposals for office B1(a) development will need to be justified by reference to a sequential approach to determine that the development could not be appropriately located on a more accessible central site within existing centres in accordance with the Overall Spatial Strategy; and h. subject to proposals meeting the above requirements, if planning permission is granted for retail, leisure and commercial development the range of goods sold and operating conditions may be restricted either through planning conditions or an appropriate mechanism.

The Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station Policy Area is shown on the policy map and the Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station Area map below.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1, E4, T1, HC1, T2, CC1, CC3, CT1, CT2, HER1, HER2 & HER3.

65 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

5.7 - 5 Why have we taken this approach?

To enable the delivery of this, the City Council has submitted a Stoke-on-Trent Station Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) Tranche 2 bid. The project will enhance and improve the transport infrastructure to create a wide-raging and holistic strategy for investment. Its aim is to achieve this by providing exemplary public and sustainable transport connectivity throughout the city and sub-region. The project will focus on works in and around the station and aims to better connect local residents from across the city with education, employment and leisure opportunities via a city-wide enhances sustainable transport network. A series of interventions around the station can create a station interchange alongside the consideration of key land uses which are considered appropriate within and adjacent to the station buildings; and in line with the Local Plan policy approach. The TCF bid will develop detailed proposals for the area in partnership with other public bodies and stakeholders including Network Rail; Staffordshire University and Historic England.

5.7 - 6 Development proposals will be brought forward on a site by site basis as funding opportunities are developed. This is set out further within the Infrastructure Development Plan. The TCF project is divided into three workstreams including the Station Hub building; Station to City Centre Links and Onward Cross-City Transit Links. Policy E7 primarily relates to the station hub and identifies a core Stoke-on- Trent Railway Station policy area.

5.7 - 7

Map showing the Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station Area

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 66

5.7 - 8

Evidence

• Transforming the transport networks of Stoke-on-Trent - Transforming Cities Fund Tranche 2 Bid

5.7 - 9

Delivery Partners

• Network Rail • First Trenitalia • East Midlands Railway • First Bus • Canal & River Trust • Sustrans • Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP • Midlands Engine / Midlands Connect • Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce • Staffordshire University • Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College • Stoke-on-Trent College

5.7 - 10

Monitoring

• Rail passenger numbers. • Amount of development completed within the Station Policy Area.

5.8 Policy E8 - Keele University Growth Corridor

5.8 - 1 Introduction

The Keele University Growth Corridor represents a substantial growth proposal in the Joint Local Plan. The expansion of the University Campus and Science and Innovation Park will generate high value jobs and investment in new academic facilities which will provide a wider economic benefit to the North Staffordshire area. The Councils' support ambitious plans set out in the 2017 Keele Deal, a growth plan developed by Keele University which identified the opportunities for significant investment at the Keele University campus.

5.8 - 2 A partnership has been formed between the University and the Councils', working with landowners of adjoining development sites to form the University Growth Corridor proposals. Release of Green Belt land is required both to enable expansion of the University, but also to meet the housing needs of the Borough. The extent of the Green Belt around the built area of Newcastle-under-Lyme is constraining the ability to deliver housing, and all non-Green Belt land has been assessed in reaching this conclusion.

5.8 - 3 The University Growth Corridor offers the opportunity to link high value jobs to suitably high quality housing provision, offering a type of market housing which is currently limited across the urban areas of

67 Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy

Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. This supports a central objective of the strategy which is to reduce out commuting of residents by offering high quality housing and jobs within the plan area.

5.8 - 4 The University Growth Corridor will provide 1,750 new homes, 150 postgraduate student apartments and 2,700 new high quality jobs, based around the expansion of Keele University (and its Science and Innovation Park) and the redevelopment of the former Keele Municipal Golf Course plus a development site off Whitmore Road. The targeted sectors include innovation, leadership, a Smart Energy Network Demonstrator, healthcare, education and high technology businesses. The Joint Local Plan intends to facilitate the delivery of this employment growth and contribute to the overall economic development of the University Growth Corridor. The Joint Local Plan seeks to accommodate this business growth alongside new market and affordable housing.

5.8 - 5 The indicative vision for the area shows how a network of walking routes could be created within both the University campus and the proposed residential parts of the scheme. The planned pathways would link existing copses, water bodies and other natural features to create an attractive walking environment and hedgerows and woodland areas would be retained as part of the larger, natural landscape of the area.

5.8 - 6 As part of the mitigation package for the release of Green Belt land, and working to a commitment to achieve carbon reduction in preventing climate change, the proposals will deliver an innovative transport strategy. The University is exploring the feasibility of proposals for a transport hub to alter the energy source for public transport to less polluting sources, encourage modal shift and minimise movements on local roads by car through the Community Smart Transport Demonstrator. This is detailed in linked Policy T4.

5.8 - 7 As a demonstration of the environmental credentials which the University is committed to, land has also been permitted for renewable energy provision on the campus comprising solar panels and wind turbines.

5.8 - 8

Policy E8 - Keele University Growth Corridor

The Joint Local Plan recognises the importance of the University Growth Corridor for the delivery of the strategy and therefore will support the release of Green Belt land in order to enable the University to implement its plans for expansion. Plans for the extension of the University Campus and the Science and Innovation Park are linked with proposals on adjoining sites for high quality, well designed market and affordable housing, a new school and limited services and facilities to serve new residents and employees. The strategic allocations will be considered collectively and proposals will have a strong emphasis on environmental quality both in the connectivity between sites for pedestrians and cyclists, habitat connectivity of safeguarded woodland areas and the opportunity to create an innovative Transport Hub (CSTD) to promote sustainable travel options to and from the wider area.

The policy contributes towards achieving objectives E1, E3, E4, T2 & H1.

5.8 - 9 Why have we taken this approach?

Keele University is Britain’s biggest single site campus and is regarded as one of the most beautiful universities nationally. It has 9,000 full-time equivalent students, generates £125million in GVA annually and supports 3,390 jobs locally. The university has an established deliverable growth plan in place and the councils recognise the university’s importance to the local economy. Therefore, in accordance with

Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 68 the National Planning Policy Framework, the Councils' will support proposals which seek to deliver growth, innovation and improved productivity within the University Growth Corridor.

5.8 - 10 Without Green Belt release there is a risk that sustainable economic growth to be achieved by the introduction of additional high value jobs will be limited and the delivery of the objectively assessed housing need will be restricted due to a lack of available and suitable land for housing

5.8 - 11 A masterplan has been produced for the major development areas of Keele Former Municipal Golf Course and the land for the extension of the University Campus and Science and Innovation Park. This provides strong justification for the exceptional circumstances case.

5.8 - 12 The Councils' will continue to work in partnership with delivery partners to refine proposals for infrastructure, funding and mitigation measures, considering the cumulative impact of development. Once the plan is adopted continued partnership working will be required to ensure individual planning applications adhere to the requirements set out in the Joint Local Plan and Infrastructure Delivery Plan and that any funding or phasing issues are overcome through partnership working and possibly additional bids for funding to maintain delivery over the plan period.

5.8 - 13

Evidence

• Green Belt Assessment • The New Keele Deal - a plan for investment in innovation-led local growth • The University Growth Corridor Masterplan • Growth Deal for Newcastle-under-Lyme 2019-2023 • Constellation Partnership HS2 Growth Strategy November 2018

5.8 - 14

Delivery Partners

• Keele University • Staffordshire County Council • Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust • Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership

5.8 - 15

Monitoring

• Employment - number of jobs created and annual monitoring of employment land development. • Environmental - land area developed for recreational use, open space, tree planting and air quality monitoring. • Housing - Annual monitoring of housing delivery and completions.

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Draft Joint Local Plan: Economy 70

71 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

6.0 HOUSING

6.0 - 1 Introduction

Past development strategies have resulted in prolonged periods in which economic growth has been constrained. A major contributing factor to this has been an under supply of housing, particularly in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which has led to worsening affordability and in turn resulted in increased difficulty for young people to form households. This issue also has implications when it comes to the retention of the area’s graduate population. The outward migration of young people and particularly graduates has restricted the area’s ability to attract investment in jobs, especially high value jobs for which the area is deficient.

6.0 - 2 The Employment Land Review (2015) forecasts strong growth in employment across the Joint Local Plan area. However, in order to fulfil the area’s economic potential, housing growth, in excess of that which is required to support natural population growth, is necessary to retain and attract more people of working age to address an imbalance in the area’s demographic structure and, in doing so, form a locally available workforce that can assist with securing inward investment and raise aspirations through access to housing and employment opportunities.

6.1 Policy SHO1 - Housing Numbers

6.1 - 1 Introduction

The Joint Local Plan must ensure that a sufficient amount and variety of homes are delivered within the plan period in order to support the economic potential and growth ambitions to meet the needs of existing and future communities across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. Policy SHO1 confirms the housing target, which reflects the Objectively Assessed Need (OAN) for housing across the plan area.

6.1 - 2

Policy SHO1 - Housing Numbers

Over the Plan period from 2013 to 2037, a minimum of 33,360 new homes will be delivered to meet Stoke-on-Trent’s and Newcastle-under-Lyme’s housing needs and support its wider economic growth aspirations.

This equates to an average of 1390 homes per annum across the plan area, translating to 804 homes per annum in Stoke-on-Trent and 586 homes per annum in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H1 & H3.

6.1 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that one of the key objectives is to significantly boost the supply of housing and it is important that sufficient homes of the necessary variety are delivered to meet the needs of existing and future communities.

6.1 - 4 The target of 1,390 homes per annum across the plan area has been established through the Councils'

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 72

Strategic Housing Market Assessment (reviewed 2017). The target has been set in order to ensure that there are sufficient homes to meet the future economic growth ambitions across the plan area whilst also addressing the out-migration experienced across the plan area and affordability problems which have made it difficult for younger residents to enter the property market.

6.1 - 5

Belong Village, Newcastle

6.1 - 6 The target set out in the plan is significantly above the minimum requirement set by the Governments Standard Housing Methodology. However the Governments guidance is clear that Local Planning Authorities should use the standard methodology as a starting point for calculating the number of homes needed in an area. Where a Local Planning Authority has additional evidence regarding the potential needs the outcome of the assessments needs to be considered in determining the appropriate housing figure in the Local Plan.

6.1 - 7 Government guidance is therefore clear that Local Planning Authorities who apply an alternative approach to the standard methodology which reflects current and future demographic and market signals can be considered sound as this approach will exceed the minimum starting point set out using the standard methodology.

6.1 - 8

Evidence links

• SHMA (2015 & 2017 Update) • Annual Monitoring Reports • National Planning Policy Framework • National Planning Policy Guidance.

6.1 - 9

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Delivery Partners

• Stoke on Trent City Council • Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council • Staffordshire County Council • Developers • Fortior Homes • City Council Housing Management Teams • Homes England • RSLs • LEP • Land owners

6.1 - 10

Monitoring

• The number of new homes completed annually in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

6.2 Policy SHO2 - Distribution of Housing

6.2 - 1 Introduction

Alongside policy setting out the overall scale of residential development required over the period through to 2037, the Joint Local Plan also sets out a policy to show how and where these new homes will be delivered. This includes the spatial strategy and clarification of the quantity of dwellings which are required to be delivered on new identified sites. When setting out the sustainable pattern for development within the Joint Local Plan, it is important to consider the contribution all areas make in delivering sustainable development. The NPPF sets out that Local Plans should set out an overall strategy for the pattern of development, along with sites able to maintain the delivery of the requirement across the plan period. It also sets out that a range of types and sizes should also be identified. Policy SH02 sets the spatial strategy and specific sites will be identified in Part 2 of the Draft Joint Local Plan.

6.2 - 2 The distribution of development for site allocations will accord with the preferred spatial strategy. This focuses the majority of development in urban and suburban areas with a proportionate level of development in Rural Centres to support services and facilities. Further urban and rural extensions in the countryside and Green Belt may be required to meet the strategy, subject to the satisfaction of the Exceptional Circumstances test, where applicable, as set out in national planning policy. Site allocations will be identified in Part 2 of the Draft Local Plan.

6.2 - 3

Policy SHO2 - Distribution

Provision will be made for a minimum of 14,064 dwellings in Newcastle-under-Lyme over the plan period of which at least 8,641 dwellings will be new site allocations.

Provision will be made for a minimum of 19,296 dwellings in Stoke-on-Trent over the plan period of

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 74 which at least 8,129 dwellings will be new site allocations.

In principle, proposals for residential development will be supported within the identified development boundaries on the Policies Map.

Delivery of residential development within the Green Belt will be strictly controlled. Land outside of the development boundaries is defined as open countryside. Within the Green Belt and open countryside, residential development will be resisted unless it accords with other local or national planning policies.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H1, H2 & H3.

6.2 - 4 Why have we taken this approach?

The development strategy set out in the Joint Local Plan seeks to deliver aspirational, yet realistic growth in a responsible and sustainable way. This means that the development strategy will be coherent, planned, and will deliver growth over the entire plan period from 2013 to 2037 in a comprehensive and structured way, delivering enough housing of the right type and mix, and in locations to meet the area’s needs. It is the priority of the Joint Local Plan to plan positively for balanced growth to meet the development needs of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent through a sustainable growth strategy. In order to achieve balanced growth the employment and housing sections of this document are closely aligned, particularly as the provision of land for housing and employment is key to supporting the vision and aim of the area to develop its position as an innovation hub for investment and build upon its reputation as a great place to live, learn and work.

6.2 - 5 The following table sets out the delivery of residential development in the plan area since 2013 as well as the continued expected windfall development over the plan period. This leaves a residual number of dwellings to deliver on new sites. The Preferred Options document set out a number of preferred options as well as a shortfall in the requirement. Feedback from all public consultations in addition to new evidence on the suitability, availability and achievability of sites in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (2020) will help to refine the final sites required. Part 2 of the plan will set out the final sites required to deliver the housing need.

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6.2 - 6

Newcastle-under-Lyme Stoke-on-Trent

Completions 1580 4154

Sites with Planning Permission 2930 4927

Windfall 913 3552

TOTAL 5,423 12,633

Requirement (2013 - 2037) 14064 19296

Site Allocations 8,641 8,129

6.2 - 7 The majority of development is proposed to be within the existing urban areas, which supports the regeneration requirements of the plan. These sites are in closer proximity to existing centres and will ensure the viability and vitality of the area, whilst ensuring that services are supported and accessible. It is recognised that the urban area is wider than just neighbourhoods surrounding the main town centres and that there is a network of smaller local and neighbourhood centres and suburban neighbourhoods within the wider urban area which can also support development. The development sites within these areas help to promote sustainable growth and investment in the centres, and lie in close proximity to employment. It is recognised that, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent, that windfall development makes up a large percentage of the delivery of residential dwellings particularly with regards to conversions. The monitoring data shows that this trend is likely to continue and this has been recognised within the delivery of the requirement.

6.2 - 8 The Plan strategy seeks to support the growth plans of Keele University set out in the Keele Deal which will necessitate an urban extension into the Green Belt. The Councils' have published evidence on the Green Belt and will continue to work to demonstrate that Exceptional Circumstances exist to fulfil the growth ambitions of the University and provide new homes and jobs. In addition, some market and affordable housing will be required in the most sustainable rural settlements The NPPF also supports rural housing as a means to support the vitality and viability of settlements in rural areas.

6.2 - 9 There will be a preference for brownfield land to be brought back into use when selecting sites for allocation, however it is recognised that a range of site types and sizes are required to ensure that there is flexibility within the market and that all needs are met. This will in turn help to ensure that a 5 year supply of housing is delivered across the plan period. To meet the requirements of the NPPF, there is a requirement to deliver a range of sizes of sites, including those that are classed as small and medium and this will be reflected in the site allocations identified in Part 2 of the Draft Plan.

6.2 - 10 Land in the Green Belt and open countryside should be protected from inappropriate development.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 76

Paragraph 79 of the NPPF sets circumstances where isolated homes in the countryside may be appropriate. Policy HO6 sets out local conditions to help guide applicants on proposals for homes which are not allocated in the Local Plan.

6.2 - 11

Evidence

• Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment • Site Selection Methodology paper • National Planning Policy Guidance • National Planning Policy Framework • Annual Monitoring Reports

6.2 - 12

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Staffordshire Country Council • Fortior Homes • Homes England • RSL's • Private Developers

6.2 - 13

Monitoring

• Number of homes completed. • Location of homes completed. • Number of windfall completions. • Number of homes completed on brownfield land.

6.3 Policy SHO3 - Rural Settlement Hierarchy

6.3 - 1 The settlement hierarchy provides an organisational structure to the rural service centres beyond the hierarchy of city centre and towns. The identification ensures that any new development is focused in the most sustainable locations for growth and is proportionate to the level of service provision that each centre provides. Policy SHO3 sets out the settlement hierarchy for the rural area.

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6.3 - 2

Policy SHO3 - Rural Settlement Hierarchy

In order to protect, promote and retain the long-term vitality and viability of the following hierarchy of villages, the provision for development of an appropriate scale and nature will be directed towards Rural Centres and Villages identified below.

Rural Centres

o Audley and Bignall End (joint) o Baldwins Gate o Betley and Wrinehill (joint) o Loggerheads o Madeley and Madeley Heath (joint)

Key Villages

o Alsagers Bank and Halmer End (joint) o Keele o Mow Cop

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CT2, H1, H4 & HC1.

6.3 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

National Planning Policy supports rural housing as a means of sustaining vital services and addressing the problem of housing affordability. Newcastle-under-Lyme has a clearly defined rural area of which there are villages which provide a range of shops, services and facilities. The network of villages across the area all have different roles and the hierarchy of these reflects the needs of individual communities each village serves. The Rural Area Topic Paper - Hierarchy of Centres (2020) sets out the level of services, facilities and accessibility of each settlement in the rural area along with a methodology for distinguishing between different tiers of settlements.

6.3 - 4 Rural Centres provide a significant role in service provision to the local population containing a convenience shop/post office, primary school, community facilities, health care provision (G.P or pharmacy) and are served by a public transport service which enables people to commute to Newcastle Town Centre and Stoke-on-Trent City Centre. Key villages contain some, but not all the essential services to meet the day to day needs of residents and are served by public transport. Some of the defined centres have been classed as joint settlements. They will remain separate settlements with distinct identifies, but have been defined as joint settlements due to their proximity, their interdependence in terms of services and facilities and the opportunity for safe walking access between the settlements.

6.3 - 5 National Planning Practice Guidance for Rural Housing (May 2016) states that all settlements can play a role in delivering sustainable development in rural areas – and so blanket policies restricting housing development in some settlements and preventing other settlements from expanding should be avoided unless their use can be supported by robust evidence.

6.3 - 6 The Draft Plan will set allocations in the most sustainable rural settlements. Further evidence will be produced to consider the appropriate quantum and distribution of development in the rural area, which will take into consideration the natural, built and historic environment, policy restrictions, infrastructure provision and accessibility and the needs of the community.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 78

6.3 - 7

Evidence

• National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) • Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) • Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme Retail and Leisure Study (2019) • SA Report

6.3 - 8

Delivery Partners

• Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Private Sector

6.3 - 9

Monitoring

• Health Check Assessments. • The Number of applications Rural Centres and Villages.

6.4 Policy HO4 - Affordable Housing

6.4 - 1 Introduction

The National Planning Policy Framework defines affordable housing as housing for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by market housing. This can include, affordable housing for rent, starter homes, discounted market sales housing and other affordable routes to home ownership i.e. shared ownership. Policy HO4 therefore seeks to set out when provision will be sought and the amount of affordable homes required.

6.4 - 2

Policy HO4 - Affordable Housing

The Councils' will seek to secure the provision of affordable housing on proposals over 10 dwellings or 1,000 sqm within the plan area to meet the identified need in the latest evidence.

Residential development will be expected to comply with the following requirements:

a. qualifying sites will provide 25% affordable housing; b. where affordable housing is provided, at least 10% of the homes should be available for affordable home ownership, the remaining requirement should be provided for either affordable rent or social rent and will be negotiated on a site by site basis to reflect the development and local needs; c. affordable housing should be provided on the application site;

79 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

d. all affordable housing provision will be secured in perpetuity, and will be provided through planning obligations to ensure its availability to initial and successive occupiers; and e. the provision of affordable units should be fully integrated with the market housing and be built to the same design, quality and space standards and should not be distinguishable from other homes within the development.

The following exceptions to the requirements are:

f. the provision of affordable home ownership, is on developments which proposes specialist accommodation such as student or elderly accommodation and developments proposed by people wishing to build or commission their own homes and “build to rent” schemes where all housing should be rented; or g. where an applicant of a proposal can robustly demonstrate that there is a genuinely vacant building on the application site and that through the proposal being approved, reused or redeveloped as part of the scheme, the Council will consider the floorspace of the vacant building against the affordable housing contribution required as part of the new development; or h. the applicant will be required to submit an open book viability assessment where schemes do not meet the above policy requirements; in such cases the Council will commission an independent review of the viability study, for which the applicant will bear the cost.

Affordable Housing Exception Sites

Within the rural area (as defined on the Policies Map), where evidence of need such as a local housing need assessment highlights a local community need and is not capable of being met through normal housing provision policy, sites may be released as Rural Exception Sites as defined by the National Planning Policy Framework. If a site cannot be accommodated within an existing village envelope (as defined on the Policies Map), then a site immediately adjoining the village may be considered appropriate subject to the scale of the proposal not exceeding the level of need identified. The provision of homes should be considered in the context of local people identified as having housing need.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H1, H2, H3 & H4.

6.4 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The National Planning Policy Framework requires local plans to meet their affordable housing needs where it is consistent with other policies in the Framework. The definition of affordable housing is set out in the glossary of the NPPF under annex 2.

6.4 - 4 The Stoke and Newcastle SHMA (2017) assess the number of affordable homes required over the plan period across the HMA and individually for each respective local authority. It concludes that there is an annual need for 453 affordable homes to clear the backlog and meet newly arising needs over the next five years, inclusive of 242 affordable homes in Newcastle-under-Lyme and 210 affordable homes in Stoke-on-Trent. This reduces to 265 affordable homes per annum across the HMA once the backlog is cleared and accounts for 199 in Newcastle and 66 in Stoke.

6.4 - 5 The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that provision for affordable housing should be sought for developments over 10 dwellings other than in defined rural areas where the threshold is reduced to 5 units or fewer.

6.4 - 6 The SHMA analysis suggests that a large proportion of affordable homes delivered over the next five

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 80 years to clear the backlog will require only one bedroom, although a need exists for affordable housing of all sizes.

6.4 - 7 The policy aims to always secure affordable homes as part of the development to create mixed and balanced communities. Only in exceptional circumstances i.e. where the site is demonstrably not suitable for affordable housing will a commuted sum be considered.

6.4 - 8 Where a commuted sum is agreed in lieu of onsite affordable provision, the money will be spent on the provision of new affordable housing on suitable sites elsewhere across the plan area.

6.4 - 9

New Housing Development in Stoke

6.4 - 10 National policy also supports the re-use of brownfield land, where vacant units have the opportunity to be reused or redeveloped and therefore the affordable housing contribution/ credit should be amended accordingly.

6.4 - 11 For the purposes of establishing whether the vacant building amendment/contribution will apply, applicants will be required to demonstrate that there is a building(s) on the application site which are genuinely vacant. Each case will be considered on a site by site basis and applicants will be expected to submit robust evidence to support the application. Consideration will include whether the building has been vacant for a minimum of 12 months and demonstration that extensive efforts have been made to market the building at a value considered reasonable for the buildings particular use and location.

6.4 - 12 If an application site has recently been considered or has an extant planning permission for the same or similar scheme, the applicant will not be eligible to negotiate/ revisit the affordable housing contribution/ credit.

81 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

6.4 - 13

Evidence

• Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2015 and 2017 update • Stoke-on-Trent City Council Housing Strategy • Newcastle-under-Lyme Housing Strategy • Stoke-on-Trent Housing Register • Newcastle-under-Lyme Housing Register

6.4 - 14

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Registered Social Landlords • Private developers

6.4 - 15

Monitoring

• The number of affordable homes completed annually. • The tenure and mix of affordable homes delivered.

6.5 Policy HO5 - Mix of Housing

6.5 - 1 Introduction

The National Planning Policy Framework supports the delivery of a wide choice of high quality homes to meet the needs of existing and future communities. Policy HO4 sets out the Councils' overall approach to promoting housing schemes that meet a variety of local housing needs.

6.5 - 2

Policy HO5 - Mix of Housing

Housing Type & Tenure

Development across the plan area should provide a varied mix of housing types and sizes which is informed by the latest evidence and monitoring information collected by the Councils' and liaison with the Local Planning Authority, taking into account any locally specific targets set locally through the

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 82

Neighbourhood Plan process and site specific considerations.

Housing for Older People

In residential development of 10 dwellings or more the Councils' will seek to secure homes to accommodate the needs of older people. The nature of this provision will be determined on a site by site basis depending on demand in a particular area and the appropriate type of provision for the site and/or scheme.

Applications for Supported and Extra Care housing in accessible locations where there is an identified need, will be supported subject to other relevant policies in the Plan.

Self-build Custom Build Plots

The Councils' will support the provision of self-build and/or custom build plots across the plan area to ensure there is a sufficient supply to meet the identified need on the Councils' register.

Proposals must demonstrate that the development meets the criteria and definition of self-build or custom build as part of the planning application.

Other Needs

If ongoing monitoring should identify needs other than those identified in the Joint Local Plan, the Councils' will incorporate provision into a new plan in the future.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H1, H2, H3 & H4.

6.5 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Housing Mix and Tenure

The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2017) undertook an analysis exploring how the changing demographic profile across the plan area may generate the requirement for different sizes and tenures of housing over the plan period. The assessment of the projected change in households is based on the recommended Objectively Assessed Needs (OAN) of 1,390 dwellings per annum. It is expected that both authorities will see a sizeable growth in the number of one person households, with a further projected increase in both households without children and families with dependent children. More limited change is anticipated in the number of family households containing another adult, and indeed this is expected to modestly decline in Stoke-on-Trent towards the end of the plan period.

6.5 - 4 The SHMA (2017) considered the implications for the type of houses required across the plan area and utilised Census information to establish a profile of housing currently occupied. Three categories across the plan area were identified:

• One person households; • One family households, with or without dependent children and/or other adults; and • Other households not captured by the definitions introduced above, such as student households and unrelated sharing adults (‘other households’).

83 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

1 bed 2 beds 3 beds 4+ beds

Newcastle-under- Lyme

One person 24% 37% 34% 5% households

One family 3% 26% 52% 19% households

Other households 3% 24% 45% 28%

Stoke-on-Trent

One person 22% 48% 28% 2% households

One family 3% 35% 52% 10% households

Other households 3% 30% 45% 21%

6.5 - 5 One person households in both authorities tend to occupy smaller housing, contrasting with family households who demonstrate a tendency towards occupying larger housing with two or particularly three bedrooms. Other households also typically live in larger housing, with more than three quarters living in properties with at least three bedrooms. The SHMA considered the above and proportionately applied profile against the OAN. The assessment therefore considers that the future requirements across the plan area are as follows in order to meet the size and tenure needs.

1 bed 2 beds 3 beds 4+ beds

Newcastle-under- 13% 31% 44% 13% Lyme

Stoke-on-Trent 13% 41% 39% 7%

HMA 13% 37% 41% 10%

The greatest demand for housing in each authority relates to properties with two or three bedrooms, with the types of households projected to increase demonstrating a strong tendency towards occupying housing of this size.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 84

6.5 - 6 It should be noted that the composition of housing mix identified through the evidence is a plan wide target and therefore will be monitored on an annual basis to ensure we are meeting the needs of the plan area. The precise mix of development proposals should be determined on a site by site basis and should also be aware that Neighbourhood Planning Groups may also prepare their own policies setting out housing needs in Neighbourhood Plans.

6.5 - 7 Older Peoples Accommodation

The 2017 SHMA identified that there is expected to be a sizeable growth in the older population (65+) and therefore older people living in private households will therefore continue to directly generate the need for dwellings over the plan period. To ensure that older people are given a better choice of accommodation to suit their changing needs, and an opportunity to stay within their existing communities living independently in their home for as long as they want or is possible, it is important that new developments consider and deliver future needs within the older population.

6.5 - 8 Stoke-on-Trent City Council undertook an in-depth analysis of its older persons accommodation and future demand in 2018 through its demand mapping update (Older People's Supported Housing in Stoke-on-Trent - Supply and Demand Mapping Update 2018). It concluded that by 2028 based on the existing supply of accommodation and future requirements a total of 1044 additional units of supported accommodation, 703 units of extra care accommodation that offers enhanced facilities and services in comparison to sheltered / supported housing schemes. Residents live in their own self-contained apartment within a purpose built development) and an additional 368 units of Category One (each flat or bungalow has an alarm system linked to a central control centre for help in an emergency) accommodation are required. The Supply and Demand Mapping Update concludes that the council should continue with a development programme (supported/sheltered and similar) to provide safe, secure and accessible accommodation that is a sustainable solution to older people’s accommodation needs, and is in line with the national response to this identified need. Planning for future demand should consider preferences for accommodation type and the area. The table below provides further information regarding future demands:

85 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

6.5 - 9

Expected Units by Financial year

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Total Shortf Units all

Requir of ed in Units 2028 in 2028

Age 383 Units Between 2018 and 2028 751 368 Exclusive Housing in flats and Category 1 housing in flats and bungalow s/ Category 1

Category 538 595 595 778 Units between 2021 and 2028 751 +27 2

Extra 1115 1115 1133 units between 2020 and 2028 1836 703 Care

Total 2036 2093 2111 2294 Units between 2021 and 2028 3338 1044

6.5 - 10 Custom and Self Build

From April 2016, councils have been required to keep a register of people who are interested in self or custom build housing and plan accordingly to meet this demand, as defined in the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended). In line with the Government’s aspirations to enable more people to build their own homes, the Council will consider applications for self-build properties favourably, having regard for all other policies in the Local Plan.

6.5 - 11

Evidence

• Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) (2015 & 2017) • Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 86

• Market signals • National Planning Policy Framework and NPPG • Building Regulations • Local Plan Viability • Sustainability Appraisal • Stoke-on-Trent Housing Strategy - 2017-2022 • Newcastle-under-Lyme Housing Strategy • Older Peoples Supply and Demand Mapping (Stoke-on-Trent) 2018 update • Housing Options for Older People in Stoke-on-Trent 2018 • The Older People's Housing Strategy 2015 - 2020 • Self Build Register Stoke • Stoke-on-Trent Housing Register • Newcastle-under-Lyme Housing Register

6.5 - 12

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Private developers • Registered Social Landlords • Fortior Homes • Staffordshire County Council

6.5 - 13

Monitoring

• Housing completions – Considered against the needs set out in the SHMA/self-build register. • Number of homes delivered for older people.

6.6 Policy HO6 - Windfall Development

6.6 - 1 Introduction

Whilst most forms of development are considered inappropriate in the countryside and Green Belt, the NPPF sets out certain exceptions, in paragraphs 145 and 146, which are considered as being not inappropriate – including limited infilling. This change in national policy has the effect that some development is now considered not inappropriate which would have been considered as inappropriate at the time that the Core Spatial Strategy was adopted.

87 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

6.6 - 2

Policy HO6 - Windfall Development

Outside of any allocated sites in the final plan, windfall development in the urban area will be approved where it is of a layout, design and appearance that is appropriate to and is compatible with the character and density of the surrounding area and complies with all other policies in the plan.

Within the rural areas, new residential development will be supported on genuine infill plots within the identified development boundaries, as shown on the Policies Map where:

a. the development comprises of sensitive infilling and rounding off of a cluster of dwellings with access to an existing highway; b. it respects or enhances the local character and amenity; c. the proposal does not harm or undermine a visually important gap that contributes to the character and distinctiveness of the rural scene; and d. it is of an appropriate scale and design to the settlement.

Limited infilling may also be appropriate outside of the settlement boundaries, as shown on the Policies Map in the defined Rural Centres and Villages, where it can be demonstrated that the site should be considered to be within the village taking into account the existing pattern of development in the settlement, the existing built form and that it does not result into an inappropriate incursion into the countryside and/or Green Belt.

Development proposals for infill development on sites within the Green Belt will be strictly controlled. Preserving the openness of the Green Belt will be assessed by taking into consideration the scale, mass, height and volume of the proposed development, including in relation to existing development.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H1, H2, H3, H4, N3, CT1 & CT2.

6.6 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Limited infilling is considered to be the development of a small gap in an otherwise continuous built-up frontage, or the small-scale redevelopment of existing properties within such a frontage. It also includes infilling of small gaps within built development. Since the built form of many villages extends wider than the settlement boundary proposals for development may, in some instances, be considered to be in the village. All infill development should be appropriate to the scale of the locality and not have an adverse impact on the character of the countryside or the local environment and not impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

6.6 - 4 Case law has now established that limited infilling is applicable to all villages and not restricted to sites that fall within identified settlement boundaries in local plans. The policy defines, and applies to, all settlements which are defined as Rural Centres and Villages in the settlement hierarchy (see Policy SH03 - Rural Settlement Hierarchy) and in which limited infilling may be appropriate.

6.6 - 5 It is necessary to ensure that any new infill development within the Green Belt is designed in such a way as to limit harm on the Green Belt’s openness and purposes, as well as any prevailing local character. Infill development will also be expected to be well landscaped to minimise impact on the openness of the Green Belt through appropriate greening or screening.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 88

6.6 - 6

Evidence

• Annual Monitoring Report • Green Belt Assessment (November 2017) • Green Belt Technical Paper • Housing Technical Paper (December 2017) • Employment Technical Paper (December 2018) • SHLAA 2017 • ELR 2015

6.6 - 7

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

6.6 - 8

Monitoring

• Number of dwellings completed.

6.7 Policy HO7 - Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation

6.7 - 1 Introduction

National Planning Policy requires local planning authorities to make their own assessment of need for the purposes of planning to enable the establishment of suitable provision, to address under provision and maintain an appropriate level of supply. Local planning authorities therefore need to work collaboratively to develop fair, inclusive and effective policies and to meet the need through the identification of land for sites. The identification of sites should be realistic and ensure that provision is planned for over a reasonable time period. Sites should also be in locations which enable provision of suitable accommodation from which travellers can access education, health and welfare and employment infrastructure whilst also ensure the plan has due regard to the protection of local amenity and environment. In developing policies it is also important to have consideration for private traveller provision and the role the planning system plays in helping to ensure provision could also come forward through future planning applications in appropriate locations. This will ensure that plan-making and decision-taking are aiming to reduce the number of unauthorised developments and make enforcement more effective.

6.7 - 2 Local authorities are therefore required to provide for the accommodation needs of the Gypsy and Traveller communities in their local areas, following the appropriate guidance. National planning policy guidance defines Gypsies and Travellers as the following:

6.7 - 3 ‘Persons of nomadic habit of life whatever their race or origin, including such persons who on grounds only of their own or their family’s or dependants’ educational or health needs or old age have ceased to travel temporarily, but excluding members of an organised group of travelling showpeople or circus

89 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing people travelling together as such’ - Planning Policy for Traveller Sites and Travellers (PPTS) DCLG 2015.

6.7 - 4 Paragraph 10 of the PPTS states that local planning authorities should do the following, in producing their Local Plan:

a. identify and update annually, a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide 5 years’ worth of sites against their locally set targets; and b. identify a supply of specific, developable sites, or broad locations for growth, for years 6 to 10 and, where possible, for years 11-15.

6.7 - 5

Policy HO7 - Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation

The Councils' and their partners will work together to provide an adequate supply of sites for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople to meet identified needs.

Provision will be made to 2033 for a minimum of an additional:

a. 26 permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers within Stoke-on-Trent (of which a minimum of 10 will be required by 2024); b. 7 permanent plots for Gypsies and Travellers within Newcastle-under-Lyme (of which a minimum of 1 will be required by 2024); and c. 5-transit pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Proposals for new sites

Where there is an identified need for the provision of transit and permanent pitches for Gypsy or Traveller use or plots for Travelling Showpeople, proposals will be favourably considered where they satisfy other relevant policies of the Plan and meet the following criteria:

d. the proposed site is suitable for use as a Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showperson’s site and can provide an acceptable living environment for future occupiers; e. the site is not subject to physical constraints or other environmental issues that cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level, or that would impact upon the health, safety or general wellbeing of residents on the site; f. the site is or can be well integrated within the local townscape in a manner in-keeping with the local character, using boundary treatments and screening materials which are sympathetic to the existing urban/rural form; g. be compatible with surrounding land uses particularly with regards to residential amenity; h. the site has good access to the highway network and adequate provision is made for the parking, manoeuvring and storage of all vehicles associated with the use of the site; and i. the site is served, or could readily be provided with, electricity, mains water, drainage, sewage and waste disposal facilities; and for permanent sites. The proposed site is or can be made accessible to key local services such as primary schools, GPs, shops and other community facilities.

Planning permission for sites granted specifically for Gypsy & Traveller or Travelling Showpeople use, will be subject to conditions restricting occupancy to Gypsies & Travellers or Travelling Showpeople who practice a travelling lifestyle.

Protection of Gypsy & Traveller and Travelling Showpersons Facilities

The Councils' will not permit development likely to result in the loss of existing permanent consented

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 90

Gypsy and Traveller or Travelling Showpersons sites unless it can be demonstrated:

j. that the development would not lead to, or exacerbate an identified shortfall in provision; or k. that replacement provision of at least equal or enhanced value can be provided in a suitable location.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H2 & H3.

6.7 - 6 Why have we taken this approach?

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, along with Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, commissioned a new Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showperson Accommodation Assessment in 2015 (GTAA). This study provides updated evidence to identify the future accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople and whether or not existing provision of accommodation for these social groups across the four local authority areas is sufficient to meet these future needs.

6.7 - 7 The study identifies that there are currently 43 Gypsy and Traveller caravan pitches in Stoke-on-Trent, of which 33 are on a local authority site and 10 are private authorised pitches. In Newcastle-under-Lyme there are 21 pitches, 19 on a housing association site and 2 on private authorised sites. When comparing the levels of need for gypsy and traveller accommodation against the existing levels of provision, the study identifies a shortfall of 22 pitches in Stoke-on-Trent and 1 pitch in Newcastle-under- Lyme between 2014 and 2019. In the longer term, a further 16 pitches are required in Stoke-on-Trent and 6 pitches in Newcastle-under-Lyme between 2019 and 2034. In addition to the provision of permanent pitches, the study also identifies the requirement to plan for the transit pitch provision and therefore it is recommended that 10 transit pitches are provided across Stoke-on-Trent (5 pitches) and Newcastle-under-Lyme (5 Pitches) between 2015/16 and 2018/19.

6.7 - 8 The study included undertaking a number of fieldwork interviews with Gypsies and Travellers across the area living in different types of accommodation, including households living on sites, yards and bricks and mortar accommodation. In accommodating this need the Local Plan will need to recognise that there are different issues associated with each type of provision.

6.7 - 9 Following the GTAA study planning permission has subsequently been approved for a reconfiguration of the existing Linehouses Gypsy and Traveller Site within Stoke-on-Trent (SOT/62763/FUL). The reconfiguration of plots has resulted in an increase in the number of permanent pitches available on site and the creation of 5 transit pitches. Overall this has reduced the short term need in Stoke-on-Trent from 22 to 10 permanent pitches and 0 transit pitches. The longer term requirement remains the same. Identification of sites to meet the need across both authorities will be confirmed through the Joint Gypsy and Traveller Site Selection Methodology 2019 with site proposals reflected through the Draft Local Plan Part Two - Site Allocations.

6.7 - 10

Evidence

• Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showperson Accommodation Assessment in 2015 (GTAA)

91 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

6.7 - 11

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council Housing Team • Local and Regional Gypsy and Traveller Groups

6.7 - 12

Monitoring

• Number of pitches given permission.

6.8 Policy HO8 - Rural Worker Dwellings

6.8 - 1 Introduction

The protection of the rural areas from development that would adversely affect its landscape character, appearance and function by avoiding non-essential residential development is important to the Councils'. While recognising that the upkeep of the land in agricultural use helps with preserving the rural areas, exceptions may be made for the conversion or replacement of existing buildings, a new dwelling to support agricultural worker’s employment requirements to live in close proximity to their place of work.

6.8 - 2

Policy HO8 - Rural Worker Dwellings

Where there is a functional need for a rural worker to live permanently at or near their place of work, and there are no suitable existing dwellings nearby, new dwellings will be permitted where:

a. evidence has been submitted to the Councils’ satisfaction that there is a viable agricultural or forestry business need for a permanent dwelling in that location; b. there is a long-term need for agricultural worker dwellings; and c. it is acceptable against other relevant policies in the plan and the requirements as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Practice Guidance.

Conditions will be attached to any permission limiting the occupancy to that required for the agricultural use nearby. Occupancy conditions may also be applied to existing dwellings associated with the functions of the enterprise to ensure they are kept available for meeting their original purpose.

This policy contributes to achieving objectives E1,T2 & H2.

6.8 - 3 Farming and forestry are the traditional rural employers, and those involved in these sectors are key to managing the countryside. It is recognised that in some limited circumstances there may be a need generated for new dwellings to solely service workers engaged in these sectors. The siting of any new dwellings should be well related to the existing farm buildings or other dwellings since the location of rural workers dwelling will normally be dictated by the need to be close to farm land and buildings at most times of the day, for example in the interests of regular crop monitoring or animal welfare.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing 92

6.8 - 4 A financial test would be able to demonstrate the viability of an enterprise as well as showing the sustainability of the dwelling. Evidence that supports the case for a Rural Worker's dwelling should show the functional need for a dwelling relates to a full-time worker and should demonstrate that other accommodation cannot fulfil the functional need.

6.8 - 5 To avoid the proliferation of dwellings in the open countryside, agricultural occupancy conditions will ensure that any dwelling is kept for its original purposes unless it is demonstrated that it would fulfil no purpose and the condition has outlived its usefulness. Such dwellings could be used by agricultural, or forestry workers seeking accommodation within the wider surrounding area.

6.8 - 6

Evidence

• Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2015 & 2017)

6.8 - 7

Delivery Partners

• Landowners • Rural Businesses/enterprises

6.8 - 8

Monitoring

• Number of Rural Workers dwellings completed annually.

93 Draft Joint Local Plan: Housing

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95 Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport

7.0 TRANSPORT

7.0 - 1 Introduction

Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent are centrally located within England, almost equidistant between the cities of Manchester and Birmingham. There excellent transport links by both rail and road. The West Coast Mainline provides frequent and fast connectivity to and from Stafford, London, Manchester and Birmingham. The A500, A50, M6 and A34 provides 360 degree connectivity to and from important markets. The A500 and the A50, and the North Staffordshire railway line provides east-west transport accessibility to locations such as Crewe and Nantwich, Uttoxeter, Derby, Nottingham and the M1. This makes the area very well connected and at the heart of the national transport network through multi modes of road, rail, walking and cycling. Good sustainable transport and a well-designed, connected place is essential to the prosperity and well-being of North Staffordshire and the quality of life for local people and visitors.

7.0 - 2 In terms of internal connectivity the structure of the urban area, which contains the six town centres of Stoke-on-Trent and the town centres of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Kidsgrove, together with their suburbs and surrounding villages, means that a complex highway and transport network has developed. These include the major roads identified above as well as more local distributer roads connecting each of the centres. There is also an extensive network of existing and former canals, watercourses, and railway lines throughout the urban area. Many have been transformed into accessible green corridors that provide opportunities for pedestrian and cycle transport. This gives the area a unique structure and character, with the numerous urban centres interspersed by greenery.

7.0 - 3 The rural area of Newcastle also contains a number of settlements that are interspersed by transport corridors, only here the routes in between travel through open countryside and are mainly comprised of A roads – most notably the A51, A53 and A525. The Crewe branch of the West Coast Mainline Railway does also run through the rural area and although there are no stations on this line within the Borough, it does form a significant corridor and a landscape feature. In comparison to other areas, the rural area is generally more limited in its offer of routes specifically tailored to pedestrians and horse riders.

7.0 - 4 With the proposed level of housing and employment growth across the plan area, there is a critical need to address this dependency on the private car and increase the use of public transport, cycling and walking, as an alternative mode of transport as well as the need for significant investment in infrastructure.

7.0 - 5 The diffuse pattern of our built environment gives rise to complex local travel demands. There are many people in North Staffordshire who find access to essential services (education, healthcare, employment and retail facilities) and local facilities difficult. The way the transport network operates is also complex and the many national, regional and local stakeholders need to work collectively to ensure that planned investments and growth works together.

7.0 - 6 The area benefits from having in place the North Staffordshire Multi Modal Transport Model which identifies and analyses predicated traffic levels across the main route network. The model can then identify any existing or predicted congestion problems on the highway network which the Joint Local Plan needs to take account of. This modelling shows the locations of where highway capacity issues are likely. This modelling has been used to inform the Joint Local Plan policies; the site assessments and solution schemes to help facilitate the delivery of development sites and to mitigate against future pressures on the highway network.

7.0 - 7 Good transport links are crucial therefore for a successful economy, thriving centres and for giving a

Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport 96 good quality of life to local residents. The challenge for the Local Plan is therefore to address any identified shortfalls in infrastructure provision, improve connectivity and network efficiency to support economic growth, whilst reducing the need for travel by private car, improving safety, tackling air quality, encouraging active life styles; and supporting the local economy.

7.1 Policy ST1 - Sustainable Transport and Travel

7.1 - 1 Introduction

There is a need to reduce the overall reliance on the car and to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of travel particularly for shorter distance trips. Sustainable travel is defined as "transportation modes which help mitigate the negative effects of movement on climate change through the provision of alternative methods of transport which positively promote social, environmental, technological and health benefits". For the purposes of the Local Plan sustainable modes include walking, cycling, bus and rail travel.

7.1 - 2 Congestion on key strategic roads and junctions can undermine the ability of local people to access their services and jobs. Bus routes operating in traffic congestion causes delays, unreliability and reduced viability of services. Bus travel and operation has declined causing North Staffordshire to experience serious social exclusion problems. Poor access to jobs and training hampers regeneration efforts and this in turn impacts on the attractiveness of North Staffordshire for inward investment.

7.1 - 3

Policy ST1 – Sustainable Transport and Travel

The Councils' will support development which reduces the need to travel and improve accessibility through sustainable modes of travel. Development proposals should make the best use of existing transport infrastructure or coincide with new transport infrastructure provision.

To enable an improved transport network, the Councils' will seek to ensure:

a. development is accessible, safe and has convenient access to required/relevant infrastructure; b. new development promotes greater travel choice and equality through the delivery and promotion of walking, cycling and public transport network whilst maintaining appropriate access for car users; c. development that will assist and mitigate any impacts on the existing networks; d. development contributes to the maintenance and improvements of existing transport infrastructure as well as creation of new infrastructure; e. improvements to key routes such as the waterways and rail routes; and f. proposals address the environmental impacts of travel including congestion, air quality and noise pollution.

To ensure that developments help to encourage sustainable travel, the Councils' will support proposals that:

g. protect, enhance and incorporate walking and cycling routes through the use of good design and maximising opportunities for new route creation and where appropriate, signage within new development to surrounding facilities and transport hubs to encourage the use of sustainable modes of travel; h. utilise and encourage improvements to the existing bus and rail networks; i. where necessary, provide additional public transport infrastructure and services or where existing facilities need improvement;

97 Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport

j. promote travel awareness, the latest information and communication technologies; and encourage the production of Green Travel Plans; and k. adopt design principles which work to create safer environments.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives T1, T2, CC1, CC2, CC4, HC2, N1 & H4.

7.1 - 4 Why have we taken this approach?

Through the Climate Change Act 2008 the government has committed to reduce carbon emissions by 100% of 1990 levels. The Councils' have a responsibility to contribute to the UK'S emissions reduction target in an effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change. National planning policy acknowledges this and highlights the need to encourage sustainable transport modes and locate development with a view to reducing the need to travel.

7.1 - 5 Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling are the healthiest and least impacting modes of travel in terms of use of highway space, maintenance of the highway, air quality, and cost to the user. The policy aims to ensure that walking and cycling trips increase across the plan area and that new and existing links are integrated into developments. It will do this by identifying priorities for infrastructure improvements, maintenance requirements and through provision of design guidance.

7.1 - 6 It is recognised that development will create additional travel demand which would put significant pressure on the existing road network. We feel that a balanced approach will enable these impacts to be absorbed sustainably.

7.1 - 7 Whilst capacity improvements to the road network are proposed in key locations, ensuring that existing and new development is designed to a high a standard as possible to encourage walking and cycling will be a critical part of the balanced approach.

7.1 - 8 The policy will ensure that good quality pedestrian and cycling facilities are provided on the existing highway network, including new provision as part of the general capital programme when highway improvement schemes are being developed.

7.1 - 9 Pedestrians and cyclists are efficient users of road space, resulting in less funding required to build and maintain road capacity enhancements.

7.1 - 10 Walking and cycling reduces the demand for car parking, which frees up land for development and reduces the costs associated with building and maintaining car parks.

7.1 - 11 Both modes have a positive impact on improving air quality than the equivalent number of cars. Walking and cycling also provide both physical and mental health benefits.

7.1 - 12 A good walking and cycling network provides more equal access opportunities to those who cannot drive, and also provides an alternative to the costs of car ownership which can be very challenging for young people and those on a low income.

7.1 - 13 A Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) will be developed in accordance with

Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport 98 government guidelines. Guidance contained in the Institute of Highways and Transportation ‘Providing for Journeys on Foot’ will be used. Specifically, the ‘Acceptable’ walking distances in this document will be used as a guide to accessibility. These range from 400m to 2,000m dependent on location and destination.

7.1 - 14 In terms of cycling these should be within a 5 kilometre cycle ride. This will identify future pedestrian and cycling network needs, and help to steer funding priorities. The reference year will be 2037, in line with the Joint Local Plan. Specifically, opportunities will be identified for segregated and part-segregated cycle lanes. The focus will be on shared footways where suitable. Where cycle lanes on carriageways are proposed – either due to no shared footway alternative or in addition to non-carriageway provision e.g. to appeal more to confident commuter cyclists – these shall be provided with some physical barrier from general traffic where-ever possible. A review will be undertaken of all on-carriageway advisory cycle lanes. These will be considered for removal where there is regular incursion by parked vehicles. An off- highway pedestrian and cycle network will be further developed in line with LCWIP findings, and will integrate with on-highway facilities to remove gaps. The policy will set targets for pedestrian and cycling accessibility to employment, education and other key community facilities e.g. households will be within a set walking or cycling journey time of these important destinations. This will be used as a benchmark for new developments, as well as helping identify access improvements for existing communities.

7.1 - 15 Bus

Local bus services are vital for many in providing access to jobs, education, health facilities, shopping and social visits, thus reducing social exclusion. Buses also provide an efficient use of road space, being a tool to be used to reduce the adverse impacts of congestion.

7.1 - 16 Whilst capacity improvement to the road network are proposed in key locations, ensuring that existing and new developments are as well connected to the bus network as possible will provide a range of benefits including reducing car parking demand and improving access to travel for young people and those on a low income.

7.1 - 17

Hanley Bus Station

99 Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport

7.1 - 18 This policy aims to ensure the protection and enhancement of the bus network, as far as possible and supports good partnership working with local bus operators to enable a strong commercial network to be maintained by ensuring:

• Reliable and punctual services. • Reduced journey times. • A network and timetable which allows essential journeys to be made by all residents. • Affordable fares. • Clean, safe and modern vehicles.

7.1 - 19 Partners will continue to identify and seek to remedy key factors which affect reliability, including:

• Pinch points on the road network. • Coordination of roadworks. • Operational factors including staffing and breakdowns.

7.1 - 20 It is important to support the reliability of journey times through bus priority measures at pinch points and junctions, intelligent traffic signal systems, and more efficient boarding e.g. cashless payments.

7.1 - 21 Consideration will be given to accessibility to the bus network when assessing development proposals. Partners will identify measures which will enable bus operators to provide a sustainable commercial network such as promotion of and, where required, funding of bus services.

7.1 - 22 It is recognised that to encourage use of bus services there needs to be a good quality journey experience. Through investing in measures which support bus operators we can support them to invest in newer vehicles which are less polluting and have improved passenger facilities such as nicer seating and interiors, next stop information and Wi-Fi connectivity.

7.1 - 23 Partnership working using powers in the Bus Services Act 2017 will be used to commit local authorities and operators to identify and prioritise investment which will be of mutual benefit. Local authorities will continue to work with bus operators to identify opportunities to serve new developments using existing bus services where possible. Clear guidelines have been produced which identify how good bus access can be achieved. Whilst the level of access will vary dependent on the nature of the development, there will be a general requirement for users of the development to be within walking distance of a regular bus service operating at times when travel demand is expected. Developers will be expected to work with the local authorities to design their sites and develop travel plans which will encourage use of bus services.

7.1 - 24 Rail

Rail has the ability to play a central role for local; regional and national travel requirements. With a network which is segregated from other traffic, journey times are usually fast and reliable.

7.1 - 25 This policy aims to ensure that rail services are identified as an opportunity to improve accessibility for North Staffordshire residents, commuters and visitors, and to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport 100

7.1 - 26

Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station

7.1 - 27 It is recognised that development will create additional travel demands which could put significant pressure on the existing road network. We feel that a balanced approach, including encouraging modal shift to rail, will enable these impacts to be absorbed sustainably. This approach is being supported through a Transforming Cities Fund Tranche 2 bid by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

7.1 - 28 Providing good rail links to existing and proposed development maximises the opportunity for local journeys to be made by rail and provides benefits including:

• Rail travel does not use the local or strategic road network, thus having a positive effect on congestion, air quality and highway maintenance costs. • Rail travel can aid productivity of the local economy: journey times are short and work can often be done whilst travelling. • Travel by rail reduces the demand for car parking, which frees up land for development and reduces the costs associated with building and maintaining car parks. • Rail provides equal access opportunities to those who cannot drive, and also provides an alternative to the costs of car ownership which can be very challenging for young people and those on a low income.

7.1 - 29 Partnership working with Train Operating Companies (TOC's) will continue to raise awareness of local rail travel needs, to identify investment opportunities, and to promote rail travel to local residents.

7.1 - 30 The current North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership (CRP) works with all TOCs operating in North Staffordshire, and manages a large number of volunteers to improve and maintain local stations. It also plays a role with its local authority partners in pressing for service improvements.

7.1 - 31 The Local Network Ambition identifies a number of objectives within the timescale of the Local Plan including a minimum of two trains per hour at all local stations, full accessibility of local stations, improved car and cycle parking provision at local stations and bus-rail ticket integration.

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7.1 - 32 Working with Train Operating Companies to help deliver local, regional and national rail services. Through close working with them the local authorities in North Staffordshire can better understand local needs. Through the franchising process our local authorities meet shortlisted bidders to put forward the case for service improvements. If based on robust evidence, these requests are often included in franchise bids. DfT produce the specification for each rail franchise. Local authorities in North Staffordshire discuss with DfT our proposals for inclusion in the future specifications which, if included, have to be met by all bidders. DfT are also responsible for administering capital funding schemes. Bids will continue to be made for such funding when available, such as for their Access for All accessible stations fund.

7.1 - 33 There is a move towards regional devolution in the rail sector through Strategic Transport Bodies (STBs). Transport for the North (TfN) are already jointly working with DfT on the two main franchises in the north of England, and North Staffordshire authorities are represented at TfN through the Potteries and Cheshire sub-group. The rail franchise of note here is the Northern franchise, which provides the local service between mid-Cheshire and North Staffordshire communities. Midlands Connect is the equivalent of TfN for the central region, although STB status is not yet attained. However, Midlands Connect, as part of the Midlands Engine, are leading on developing compelling cases for investment in transport infrastructure in the region. Key rail services included within this scope are the two franchises which link North Staffordshire to Crewe, with clear opportunities for a case to be made for improved services to connect with the proposed Crewe HS2 Hub, as well as enhancements on the service to the East Midlands, which is seen as a key regional corridor.

7.1 - 34 Freight

The movement of freight into, from and around the area is vital to the local economy, enabling goods to be manufactured, distributed and purchased. The logistics sector is a key part of the local business landscape, employing many local people in semi-skilled work.

7.1 - 35 It is vital that we have a road network capable of supporting existing and proposed freight operations. This includes catering for regional and national freight movements through our area on the Strategic Road Network (SRN); ‘first mile’ movements between local logistics hubs and the wider SRN; and local freight movements to retailers and suppliers, using the local road network.

7.1 - 36 Moving freight by rail can play a major role in managing the demand on the road network. Whilst many of our traditional industries for which rail- based freight movements were ideal have now been lost, the potential for the area to provide facilities for incoming freight movements and for freight transfer remains.

7.1 - 37 The proximity of many of the areas employment sites to the strategic road network is likely to influence the type of development that they attract, such as the logistics sector. The strategic road network can lack resilience at peak times and particularly when a traffic incident occurs. This affects external freight movements passing through our area and, perhaps more importantly, movements into and out of our area. Studies such as the A50/A500 study undertaken with Midlands Connect and creation of a smart motorway on the M6 between junctions 15 and16 are helping assess future demands on the network and identify potential interventions to ensure the business community have confidence that the road network will cater for their future needs.

7.1 - 38 The area’s connectivity with the wider region is also reliant on a good strategic road network and connecting road network. Whilst a resilient strategic road network is vital, the ‘last mile’ of a journey also needs to be considered. Regular peak hour delays on the local road network can be costly for business. Schemes such as the Etruria Valley Link Road aim to improve connections between the strategic and local road networks.

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7.1 - 39 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) contribute towards poor air quality. Thus, identifying priority routes for HGVs will assist in reducing impact in the worst affected locations. It will also provide clear wayfinding for HGV drivers, reducing the use of unsuitable roads and potentially major impacts such as bridge strikes.

7.1 - 40 There is the opportunity for some road freight to transfer to rail and for new rail-based freight businesses to locate to the area. Thus, it is important that potential rail freight sites, particularly existing sidings, are protected from other development. It is expected that work can be undertaken with the rail industry to identify the potential for a number of sites to provide the type of facility required from a modern rail freight industry. The safeguarding of sites will be reviewed pending the results of that work.

7.1 - 41

Evidence

• North Staffordshire Transport Model • Stoke-on-Trent Local Transport Plan 3 • Staffordshire Local Transport Plan 2011

7.1 - 42

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Cycling and walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) • Developers • National Rail • Train Operators

7.1 - 43

Monitoring

• Census travel data - modal share. • Walking and Cycling - Kilometres on and off road. • Bus and Rail patronage.

7.2 Policy T2 - Highway Network

7.2 - 1 Introduction

The local authorities in the plan area need to ensure that the highway network is able to meet future travel demand. The objective is to increase the capacity and resilience of the current road network with improvements to the network through the Councils' scheme of improvement. As well as developments mitigation of the highway network where needed to enhance the network. The authorities focus to

103 Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport sustainable methods of transport with the increased infrastructure and use of sustainable methods of travel including cycling, walking and public transport will also help with the highway network.

7.2 - 2

Policy T2 - Highway Network

To ensure the efficient management of the highways network, development proposals will be expected to:

a. be within locations where existing access to services and transport links are already in place, over locations in less accessible locations; b. ensure that the proposed development will not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety through; i. ensuring all new and amended highway proposals meet the latest relevant guidance and manuals i.e. Design Manual for Roads and Bridges in the design of developments; and ii. using recognised techniques to reduce the speed of traffic within the development; c. identify where development generates trips and any significant effects on the highway network and/or the environment (i.e. air quality) and ensure that appropriate reduction with use of workable travel plans and mitigation measures including the required infrastructure are identified and in place before the development is brought into use; d. facilitate and encourage the use of sustainable travel nodes (such as walking, cycling or public transport use), have been incorporated into the development. These will be safe, convenient, well designed with accessible and appropriately lit walking, cycling and public transport routes that provide opportunities for safe sustainable travel within a development as well as links to existing infrastructure and surrounding community facilities; e. safeguard the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, buses and bus users as well as emergency services, freight, deliveries and refuse collection vehicles in the design and access of the development and associated highway infrastructure with 'through routes' encouraged to help efficiency of the highway network; and f. be designed to an adoptable standard where it is intended that the internal roads, streets, footways and cycleways are to be adopted by the Councils'.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives T1, T2, CC1, HC2 & N1.

7.2 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Good transport links are crucial for a successful economy, thriving city and town centres, and for providing a good quality of life to local residents. It is vital that improvements are made to our highway and transport networks to be able to accommodate the additional trips that proposed development will attract.

7.2 - 4 Where appropriate, planning obligations and conditions will be used to ensure that required improvements to the highways network is funded. Further information is given in policy SI1 and the accompanying Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

7.2 - 5 In accordance with policy T2, where new highway infrastructure is needed to support development, the infrastructure must be operational no later than the appropriate phase of development for which it is needed.

7.2 - 6 Large scale major developments will be required to undertake either a transport assessment or Transport statement depending on the likely impact of the scheme on the transport network.

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7.2 - 7

Evidence

• North Staffordshire Transport Model • Stoke-on-Trent Local Transport Plan 3 • Staffordshire Local Transport Plan 2011

7.2 - 8

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Staffordshire County Council • Developers • Bus operators • Train operators • Highways England • Department of Transport

7.2 - 9

Monitoring

• Number of schemes providing travel plans.

7.3 Policy T3 - Parking

7.3 - 1 Introduction

Both Councils' acknowledge the need to balance the demand for parking provision to enhance highway and pedestrian safety, whilst promoting and encouraging sustainable transport choices and reduce carbon emissions. Parking provision and cost is vital in ensuring demand for parking is adequately met whilst also being a key part of a balanced transport strategy. Adequate, safe and good quality parking particularly in centres is important in supporting the local economy and as part of a package of measures to help increase visitors to the area. Ensuring there is suitable parking provision in new developments prevents uncontrolled on-street parking, which can have safety risks as well as being unsightly. This policy aims to cover a range of parking matters to ensure that future developments are viable and sustainable and is part of the wider transport considerations and the strategic centres of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme are adequately served by good quality parking.

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7.3 - 2

Policy T3 - Parking

The Councils' will require all developments proposals to consider appropriate parking provision, and that the following has been considered:

a. development will have a required number of off-road parking spaces dependent on type and size of development. Consideration of existing parking, and opportunities for achieving sustainable travel choices should be made; b. the impact on safety and residential amenity from potential on-street parking, and identifying mitigation measures to overcome them; c. employment developments where public car parking is not available, developers will be encouraged to provide shared, and where practical, publicly available car parking for customers or visitors, to maximise efficient use, particularly on large, newly developed multiple occupancy sites. The number of spaces required will be commensurate with the number of jobs expected to be provided; d. electric vehicle charging points will be required to be included in all developments' parking proposals. Where use of existing parking facilities are being utilised, a contributions towards electric vehicle infrastructure is likely to be required; e. provision of priority parking spaces for disabled users plus car sharing and electric vehicles users will be required for all employments, retail and leisure developments, in line with the latest relevant legislation or guidance; and f. exploring opportunities to encourage alternative means of travel to the proposed development, reducing the need for on-site parking, in particular in areas well connected by public transport.

Technical specifications and space requirements (parking standards) are included within appendix 13.3. and will be used as a general guide. However, the Councils' will consider parking provision on a case by case basis.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives T2, CT1, HER1 & E3.

7.3 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Providing insufficient parking tends to have the effect of redistributing demand to unsuitable adjacent locations. Furthermore, it can lead to the displacement of cars and other vehicles to surrounding streets, obstruction problems and nuisance to local residences. This policy acknowledges that a suitable parking supply is required. To mitigate the impact of land use for parking, the policy is focused on the use of existing car parking, car parks shared by multiple users, car sharing and electric vehicle charging priority spaces.

7.3 - 4 However, it is recognised that the provision of parking can incentivise car use, and discourage more sustainable transport choice (non-car travel). Whilst mitigation measures will go some way to addressing this, there is a need for parking to be considered as part of a wider set of initiatives within a travel plan framework.

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7.3 - 5

Electric Charging Point

7.3 - 6 In addition car parks, particularly in unsuitable locations, can lead to traffic congestion, poor air quality and poor public realm. In urban centres and at locations adjacent to public transport interchanges, guidance will be for few dedicated parking spaces to serve the proposed development compared to less accessible locations where development is preferred in accessible and strategic locations, this is not a sustainable strategy. There is a balanced approach needed to ensure that parking is provided in locations where required, but that more consideration be given to shared use of parking provision, including existing provision where available.

7.3 - 7 Car park design, whether for public or private (employee/customer) use, should be such that there are safe and segregated walking routes through the car park at regular intervals. there should be separate footways and cycle paths (or combined where appropriate) into the site to reduce conflict between vulnerable road users and motor vehicles. The required dimensions of parking spaces may be reviewed and if possible increased to reflect the size of modern vehicles.

7.3 - 8

Evidence

• Ministerial Statement 2015 (arbitrary parking standards) • Developer guidelines for new developments • Public car parking strategy • On-street parking strategy

7.3 - 9

Delivery Partners

• Staffordshire County Council (Highways Authority) • Developers

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• Neighbouring authorities • The Chamber of Commerce

7.3 - 10

Monitoring

• Monitoring planning applications. • Parking provision to be monitored annually.

7.4 Policy T4 - Keele Community Smart Transport Demonstrator Initiative (CSTD)

7.4 - 1 Introduction

The plans for Keele University Growth Corridor offer the opportunity to deliver innovative and more environmentally friendly transport solutions to serve the new residents and employees of the development, offering an alternative to the car.

7.4 - 2 This innovative transport strategy is known as the Community Smart Transport Demonstrator (CSTD). This will build upon the success of Keele University's Smart Network Demonstrator Project (SEND) which uses the University Campus as a scale research facility for developing new and evolving energy solutions, demonstrating how developments can be more sustainable by including localised energy generation within the initial design development.

7.4 - 3 The CSTD Vision

The CSTD will seek to provide an integrated sustainable transport solution to underpin a new and developing community, whilst enabling environmentally sustainable access to neighbouring commercial and community amenities.

7.4 - 4 The fundamental objective for the CSTD will be to reduce the reliance on the private car. In order to do so, there must be easy access to an alternative transport service, coupled with increased understanding and incentives for workers, students and residents to travel by alternative means. It is therefore a mixture of physical infrastructure and policy directives to discourage car use in the vicinity of the University.

7.4 - 5 The CSTD will provide a hub for a full range of transport services, including electric and hydrogen buses, taxis, autonomous vehicles and bicycles. The buses, which will be of mixed-scale and energy source, will circulate around the community and facilities. They will link to residential areas, local business centres, retail centres, sports and health centres and the Hospital. In the longer term, it is envisaged autonomous vehicles and bicycles will allow point-to-point transport, and can be redirected and returned to match demand.

7.4 - 6 It is envisaged the hub will form part of the new development site at Keele. Further work is being undertaken to secure and further develop the proposals prior to the final stage of consultation on the Local Plan. The University are still exploring the full opportunity this site presents which may include an element of social infrastructure such as a café and toilets, as well as providing a terminus for coaches

Draft Joint Local Plan: Transport 108 and links to rail and HS2. In the longer term, it could also provide a satellite for the Hospital Trust, allowing remote triaging and then transfer by ECO ambulance to an identified place of treatment, thus mitigating the volume of traffic and parking required on main routes and hospital car parks.

7.4 - 7

Policy T4 - Keele Community Smart Transport Demonstrator (CSTD)

Support is provided for land in the Keele University Growth Corridor to be used as a Hub for sustainable transport solutions. The Hub will provide a central point of transport interchange offering sustainable means of travelling to and from the area connecting to residential areas, local business centres, retail centres, sports and health centres and the Royal Stoke University Hospital. The Hub will help to mitigate the impact of transport arising from new developments in the University Growth Corridor, improving air quality and reduce congestion in the local area.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives T1, T2, CC1 & CC2.

7.4 - 8 In the short term it offers environmentally friendly choices in the mode of transport for those visiting Newcastle from the west and for those living, studying and working in the vicinity of the University. In the medium to long term, it can continue to evolve to trial and utilise the latest innovative viable technology for sustainable transportation solutions and be a model which can be replicated in other congested areas within and beyond the plan area.

7.4 - 9 Key elements of the Hub:

• Provision of cleaner and more energy efficient public transport vehicles which transport and collect passengers from a central point close to the University, Science and Innovation Park and new residential areas utilising routes which extend beyond the existing bus network. • All renewable and more sustainable sources of powering vehicles will be explored to determine the optimum combination of facilities to be provided on site to fuel buses and other vehicles using the site. This could comprise electric charging facilities and a hydrogen refuelling station. • A central building for information, tickets and amenity facilities designed to a high quality and high environmental standards. • Bicycle storage and a cycle lane on site. • Safe access to and from the site for pedestrians and cyclists with clear routes from the University and Employment Park. • The design of the site should be sufficiently flexible to accommodate future potential uses such as remote vehicles and a bicycle lending scheme. • Policy and education to encourage people in the vicinity of the University and surrounding areas to utilise the Hub for the benefit of their health and the environment. Policy measures may also seek to reduce the attractiveness of using the private car such as parking charges or reduced parking spaces. • Limited onsite car parking may be required in the short term to facilitate an element of Park and Ride for people travelling to Newcastle and the City Centre from the west.

7.4 - 10 Why have we taken this approach?

Having a visionary policy in the Local Plan which provides support, in principle for the CSTD project shows the commitment of the partnership between the University and the Council to sustainable transport mitigation measures arising from the new development. The partnership will explore funding solutions from a number of sources including central government to enable the Hub to form a site allocation in the Local Plan at the next stage.

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7.4 - 11 The Council will work in partnership with the University to work with external agencies to secure funding and ensure the delivery of the CSTD.

7.4 - 12 The establishment of the CSTD will work alongside other transport mitigation measures as required by the Highways Authority, unless it can be demonstrated that the Hub will deliver significant modal shift to negate the requirement for elements of the transport mitigation package.

7.4 - 13 National policy requires that if proposals for development to the Green Belt are put forward, consideration is provided to the impact on the openness of the remaining Green Belt. Guidance states that one of the factors to be taken into account is the degree of activity likely to be generated, such as traffic generation. The proposal for a smart transport hub is a key mitigation measure to ensure that the impact of proposals for the University Growth Corridor do not have a negative impact on the openness of the remaining Green Belt land to the west.

7.4 - 14 An overarching strategy at all levels of governance and at the University is to reduce emissions and prevent climate change. Innovative policies are required to find local solutions that will work immediately. Modal shift is required to reduce the number of private cars on the road, reduce congestion and in turn improve air quality. The CSTD project could provide a model for other similar growth areas.

7.4 - 15

Evidence

• Keele University Campus Masterplan • The University Growth Corridor Masterplan • National Planning Policy Guidance - Green Belt • Green Belt Assessment

7.4 - 16

Delivery Partners

• Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Keele University • Staffordshire County Council • Midlands Connect • Constellation partnership • Central government • Land promoters • Local Economic Partnership

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7.4 - 17

Monitoring

• Monitoring of the success of the CSTD is likely to form a central aspect of funding bids and on going University research. • Data on the number of trips taken by sustainable transport or traffic counts in the vicinity before and following implementation of the CSTD are possible measurable monitoring indicators. The Council will work with the University to devise monitoring indicators and share data.

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113 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres

8.0 CENTRES

8.0 - 1 Introduction

One of the most distinctive and defining features of the plan area is the polycentric nature of the conurbation. The area has developed as a series of distinct places with a number of highly distinctive centres which perform different roles within the retail hierarchy. This settlement pattern is largely the result of the way that many individual communities developed overtime in response to the topography and opportunities presented by the availability of coal and clay which led to the development of traditional industries in the area.

8.0 - 2 The retail sector is continuing to undergo significant changes which have caused a number of retailers to reconsider their presence on the high street in their traditional format. These challenges are as a result of continuing changing consumer behaviour, new forms of retailing such as online shopping and out-of- centre retail and leisure development.

8.0 - 3 A primary aim for the Joint Local Plan is therefore to address these challenges and to help centres take on new roles to ensure the future vitality, viability and vibrancy of the city, town, urban and village centres. This will ensure that centres across the plan area will continue to meet the needs of local people and build up resilience to any future economic changes on the high street and associated consumer behaviour.

8.1 Policy SC1 - Hierarchy of Centres

8.1 - 1 Introduction

Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme has a clearly defined distinctive polycentric hierarchy of centres providing a range of shops, services and facilities. The network of centres across the area all have different roles and the hierarchy of centres reflects the needs of individual communities each centre serves.

8.1 - 2 The larger centres across the plan area fulfil a regional/ sub-regional retail role and support growth, attract visitors, investment and jobs. The plan area also has a large number of other centres which perform an important role in providing a range of facilities and employment opportunities within walking and cycling distance of where people live and work. These are defined as District Centres, Local Centres, Neighbourhood Centres and village centres and provide a more localised role in providing shops and services in sustainable locations. These are identified on the Policies Map.

8.1 - 3 Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme centres and the shops and services within them will continue to face considerable competition as people choose to do more of their shopping in large superstores in out of centre locations or to order goods and services online. Policy SC1 therefore seeks to ensure that centres at all levels in the hierarchy provide and retain a range of shops, services and facilities in order to maintain the hierarchy for all communities across the plan area. This therefore supports sustainable communities by maximising the accessibility of facilities and therefore reducing the need to travel.

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 114

8.1 - 4

Policy SC1 - Hierarchy of Centres

In order to protect, promote and retain the long-term vitality and viability of the following hierarchy of centres, the provision for retailing and main town centre uses of an appropriate scale and nature will be directed towards the following hierarchy of centres as defined on the Proposals Map and set out in Appendix 13.4.3:

• Tier 1 o Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) o Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre • Tier 2 o Longton Town Centre o Stoke Town Centre o Tunstall Town Centre o Burslem Town Centre o Kidsgrove Town Centre • Tier 3 o Fenton Town Centre o Meir Town Centre o District Centres • Tier 4 o Local Centres o Rural Centres • Tier 5 o Neighbourhood Centres

Community/ Neighbourhood Hubs

Where new Community or Neighbourhood Hubs cannot be accommodated in defined centres, they should be sited in sustainable locations where the development would support the accessible colocation of facilities and services.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CT1, CT2 & HC1.

8.1 - 5 Why have we taken this approach?

The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that centres provide an important role across the plan area and are at the heart of local communities. In order to ensure that the role of centres is maintained and they remain vital and viable it is important to define a network and hierarchy of centres which meets the needs of our communities.

8.1 - 6 The policy approach set out above is to direct new retail and leisure development into the plan areas defined centres. This will ensure that the centres continue to function as hubs to serve the community reducing the need to travel by car to out-of-town facilities.

8.1 - 7 The updated Retail & Leisure Study completed in 2019 has reviewed the health and performance role of all individual centres contained within the plan area with a more detailed analysis completed for the tier 1 (strategic centres), tier 2 (Larger Urban Town Centres) and tier 3 (Smaller Urban Town Centres).

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8.1 - 8 Stoke-on Trent City Centre (Hanley) is a principal centre across the plan area, and as such is the primary economic and social destination in the city. The City Centre provides a main hub for retail, service users and transport and has a clear role providing comparison goods across the plan area and wider sub-region.

8.1 - 9 Newcastle Town Centre is the second largest centre in the plan area and the principal centre in the borough of Newcastle-under Lyme. The town centre is focused around a historic market core which is reflected in the high quality and attractive environment of the centre. The range of operators in the centre is considered to be sufficient to support the centre’s role, and to serve the needs of a diverse variety of users.

8.1 - 10 Longton is the largest town centre after Hanley and Newcastle. It has a strong range of operators, and despite it being of variable quality, the centre’s historic role is exemplified by the number of national multiple operators with a retail presence in the centre. The centre is focused around three main areas: The Strand, Market Street and Longton Exchange. There is also further additional retail provision to the west of the centre at Longton Retail Park.

8.1 - 11 Meir is the easternmost centre in the Joint Local Plan Area and is located at the periphery of Stoke-on- Trent, at the junction of the A50 and the Sandon Road/Weston Road. The centre benefits from a high level of accessibility and is generally convenient for its catchment population. The centre is largely linear, lining Weston Road and Sandon Road and, whilst it is relatively small, it has a good provision of services and community facilities to meet the needs of the area.

8.1 - 12 Stoke is the civic centre of Stoke-on-Trent and therefore performs a key role for the wider city. The centre contains many buildings of historic merit, particularly in and around the Conservation Area to the north-west of the centre. Stoke train station, the primary access to the national railway network for the entire conurbation, is located adjacent the centre. The centre provides a range of convenience and comparison goods shopping, including the indoor market.

8.1 - 13 Tunstall has historically been based around the High Street, however the opening of Alexandra Retail Park to the east of the centre has diversified the offer of the centre. As a result, the centre has moved towards the new retail park reducing the number of people using part of the centre.

8.1 - 14 Burslem is a historic town which was once a key part of the area's ceramic industry. Consequently, the centre includes many historic building many of which are currently vacant. Burslem has over the last couple of years received significant investment to improve the centre's public realm and provide for the regeneration of Burslem's historic centre.

8.1 - 15 Kidsgrove is located in the north of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The centre accommodates a modest range of convenience, comparison and service operators. The centre has direct access to a train station and therefore benefits from good accessibility to the wider area. There are a total of 78 units within the centre and a low vacancy rate that is below the national average.

8.1 - 16 Fenton is located between Longton and Stoke and has a limited amount of floorspace accommodating retail uses. The centre is surrounded by a combination of residential and employment uses and is located along a main route through the City (City Road). This increases the accessibility to the centre which serves the immediate residential areas.

8.1 - 17 There are a number of out of centre retail parks located in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme that sit outside the hierarchy of centres across the plan area. Whilst the Councils' acknowledge these

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 116 retail parks contribute towards the shopping offer and needs across the plan area they do not seek to direct new development to these areas in the first instance in order to protect the vitality and viability of existing centres.

8.1 - 18

Evidence

• National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) • Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) • Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme Retail and Leisure Study (2019) • SA Report

8.1 - 19

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Private Sector • City Centre Partnership • Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre Partnership

8.1 - 20

Monitoring

• Health Check Assessments. • The number of applications approved in out of centre locations.

8.2 Policy SC2 - Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley)

8.2 - 1 Introduction

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) is the principal centre in Stoke-on-Trent and is the primary economic and social destination in the city. The City Centre accommodates a considerable variety of uses including retail, leisure, cultural and entertainment related uses that support its wider sub regional role. Policy SC2 seeks to demonstrate how the Council, working with partners in both the public and private sector will continue to promote the City Centre in order to revitalise the centre by improving its vitality and viability and enhancing and strengthening its regional role.

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Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley)

8.2 - 2

Policy SC2 - Stoke on Trent City Centre (Hanley)

The Council will encourage and promote a broad spectrum of suitable town centre uses, attractions and facilities, encompassing commercial development, shopping, leisure, hotels, cultural and tourism attractions, community facilities and housing within the City Centre. Development will be supported where it reinforces and adds to the provision and attractiveness of the centres viability and vitality as a sub-regional shopping destination, by directing town centre uses into the City Centre, including development that:

a. generates and supports job growth which is complementary to the overall role of the City Centre; b. supports, existing, committed and planned public and private investment; c. increases the diversity of compatible town centre uses and contributes to the day and evening economy; d. supports the City Centre as a key transport gateway to support linkages to the wider area and sub-region; e. supports key redevelopment opportunities, including the former East West Precinct site; f. provides high quality design; and g. enhances the existing public realm within the City Centre.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CT1 & HC1.

8.2 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

National Planning Policy continues to promote the importance of vital and viable town centres by taking a positive approach to their growth management and adaptation. The policy approach set out above is to direct new retail development in the Primary Shopping Area. In addition to retail, other town centre uses including leisure, entertainment, culture and tourism developments should primarily be located within

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Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) and other centres which is an appropriate scale and nature to diversify the range of uses and enhance its overall vitality and viability. If retail and other main town centre uses are proposed in edge and out-of-centre locations, it must be demonstrated through a sequential and impact assessment that the vitality and viability of the City Centre is not compromised as a result.

8.2 - 4 Diversifying the uses within the City Centre can help to address the number of vacancies and improve the overall City Centre environment which supporting the development opportunities within the centre.

8.2 - 5

One Smithfield - City Centre Business Quarter

8.2 - 6 The City Centre is the principal centre in Stoke-on-Trent and is the primary economic and social destination in the city. Hanley accommodates a considerable variety of uses including retail, leisure, cultural and entertainment related uses that support its wider sub regional role. The 2019 Retail & Leisure Study sets out the considerable variety of comparison foods and service operators within the City Centre. The centre is split between the main shopping areas along the pedestrianised routes of Lamb Street, Market Square and Tontine Street (which forms part of the Primary Shopping Area). Convenience and comparison goods operators dominate the commercial floorspace which collectively account for a total of 91,180sqm of retail floorspace. There are however significantly higher than average vacancy rates, which impact upon the vitality and viability of the centre and the economic potential.

8.2 - 7 Whilst the City Centre remains the dominant centre for comparison goods retailing in the area, its retail offer competes with a number of out-of-centre retail parks including Festival Retail, Festival Heights, Octagon, and Wolstanton Retail Parks. The continued development of such uses in peripheral out-of- centre locations pose a significant threat to the vitality and viability of the City Centre and consequently there is a need to refocus retail and other uses towards the City Centre and build on the strength and opportunities the City Centre has to accommodate and attract future investment.

8.2 - 8 There is therefore a need to further invest in the City Centre to improve and maintain its regional role within the retail hierarchy. The former East West precinct therefore represents a key opportunity site with

119 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres the potential to redevelop the site to support additional uses which help to broaden and diversify the City Centre's offer to not simply replicate uses available elsewhere in the centre. This will therefore help to increase the use of the centre as a whole and not merely result in key operators moving from one part of the centre to another.

8.2 - 9 Whilst the former East West precinct is the most central development opportunity in the centre there are also opportunities at Bryan Street to accommodate additional town centre uses that support the existing Hive leisure development. The Former East West precinct however is considered to present a significant opportunity given its scale and proximity to a range of key existing attractions and facilities including shops, theatres and the bus station.

8.2 - 10

Evidence

• Retail & Leisure Study 2019 • National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) • Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)

8.2 - 11

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Developers • City Centre Partnership • City Centre Business Improvement District

8.2 - 12

Monitoring

• The number of applications approved and completed within the City Centre. • The number of applications approved in out of centre locations above 500sqm.

8.3 Policy SC3 - Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre

8.3 - 1 Introduction

Newcastle Town Centre is the second largest centre in the plan area, and is the principal centre for the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Within a distinctive historic market town environment, the Newcastle Town Centre hosts a vibrant day and night time economy, including variety of uses such as retail, leisure, cultural and entertainment related uses, with further scope and opportunities for redevelopment at Ryecroft. Furthermore, Newcastle also plays a key role as a university town. Policy SC3 seeks to demonstrate how the Council, working with partners in both the public and private sector will continue to promote Newcastle, and support appropriate development in order to enhance the overall attractiveness of the centre, and improve its vitality and viability.

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 120

8.3 - 2

Policy SC3 - Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre

The Borough Council will support development in Newcastle Town Centre where it reinforces and adds to the provision and attractiveness of the towns viability and vitality as a historic market town. Development will be supported where it seeks to:

a. generate and support complementary job growth that is in keeping with the overall role of the Town Centre; b. support, existing, committed and planned public and private investment; c. increase the diversity of compatible town centre uses and contributes to the day and evening economy; d. support the Ryecroft site as a redevelopment opportunity within the town; e. have the potential to attract additional visitors; f. improve pedestrian linkages and legibility throughout the town centre; and g. support and improve the market provision within the town.

The Council will encourage and promote a broad spectrum of suitable town centre uses, attractions and facilities, encompassing commercial development, shopping, leisure, cultural and tourism attractions, community facilities and housing.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CT1 & HC1.

8.3 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

National Planning Policy highlights the critical role of town centres to local communities, and promotes a positive approach to their growth, management and adaptation. Furthermore, the delivery of a prosperous, vibrant and successful town centre is a key priority within the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Plan 2018-2022.

8.3 - 4 The policy approach set out above is designed to support an existing, and rapidly changing town centre environment, recognising its function as a Primary Shopping Area, whilst exploring opportunities for a wider mix use approach reflecting the requirement for housing, employment, and leisure opportunities in the town centre. Ryecroft provides an important opportunity to drive footfall, and improve and modernise the town centre’s offer.

121 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres

8.3 - 5

Castle House and Gardens

8.3 - 6 The site is a 1.63 hectare site on the northern edge of Newcastle Town Centre bounded by Merrial Street, the Ryecroft section of the inner ring road and Corporation Street, and comprising the site of the former Civic Offices, areas of adjoining car parking and the site of the former Sainsburys supermarket (now demolished). The Council, partnering with Staffordshire County Council continue to explore a mixed use approach for the site, both on a short-term interim and long term basis. This has already been implemented through the hosting of several high profile events.

8.3 - 7 The Retail & Leisure Study 2019 considers the range of existing operators (leisure, retail, financial and business) in the centre sufficient to support the centre’s role, and to serve the needs of a diverse variety of users. However, the comparison offer (non-food goods operators such as fashion retailers) in the centre has reduced in size and diversity since the previous survey in 2011. Despite this, the centre has a balanced offer and benefits from a strong leisure sector, and remains a suitable and attractive destination to serve the needs of the centre whilst securing its continued vitality and viability.

8.3 - 8 The decrease in the town centre’s comparison goods offer is partly driven by development and expansion of edge and out-of-centre retail parks including Festival Retail, Festival Heights, Octagon, Springfield Retail Park, and Wolstanton Retail Park. There is a need to support retail uses within the Town Centre to build on its existing strengths and opportunities, thereby enhancing its economic competitiveness, vitality and viability.

8.3 - 9

Evidence

• Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme Retail & Leisure Update 2019

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 122

8.3 - 10

Delivery Partners

• Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Staffordshire County Council • Retailers • Landowners • Developers • Town Centre Partnership

8.3 - 11

Monitoring

• Health Check Assessments. • The number of applications approved in out-of-centre locations.

8.4 Policy C4 - Retail and Leisure Development

8.4 - 1 Introduction

The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies should support the role of individual centres and the importance of taking a positive approach to future growth and management. The 2019 Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme Retail & Leisure Study sets out the significant strength of the large out-of-centre retail parks across the plan area and the need to retain and enhance the vitality and viability of defined centres across the plan area and control new retail development on locations outside these centres. Policy C4 aims to guide development towards existing centres that are of an appropriate scale and nature to the area in which the centre serves.

8.4 - 2

Policy C4 - Retail and Leisure Development

Retail and leisure uses will be directed towards existing defined centres as defined in Policy SC1 where the proposal is of a scale and nature appropriate to the area in which the centre serves. Proposals will be expected to enhance the overall attractiveness of the centre improving the vitality and viability of the centre.

Proposals for retail and leisure uses in edge or out-of-centre locations will need to justify why the use cannot be accommodated in a defined centre and provide evidence to support the application which demonstrates that the proposal will not have a detrimental impact on the centre(s). This will be through the application of sequential approach, and an impact test proportionate to the scale of the proposal and the tier of the centre(s).

• For Tiers 1, 2 centres (Strategic and Larger Urban Centres) a proposal greater than 500sqm for main town centre uses in locations other than the defined centre locations will require an impact assessment. • For Tier 3, 4 & 5 (Smaller Urban Town Centres, District, Local, Neighbourhood and Rural

123 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres

Centres) a proposal located within 800 metres of the boundary and greater than 200sqm for main town centre uses will require an impact assessment.

Subject to proposals meeting the above requirements, if planning permission is granted for retail development in an edge or out of centre location, the range of goods sold may be restricted either through planning conditions or appropriate mechanism.

Any additional net comparison goods (non-food) and convenience goods (food) retail development proposed within the centre will be first directed to the defined Primary Shopping Area in order to sustain and enhance the existing retail offer and support regeneration.

Within the Primary Shopping Area, the Councils' will only support changes of use from Use Class A1 to other uses where the proposal contributes positively to the character, diversity and vitality of the centre and would not harm the retail character of the frontage and complement other shopping uses within the centre. This could include residential uses above existing retail units.

Where retail development is proposed outside of the Primary Shopping Area within Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) and Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre, the applicant will be required to demonstrate that no suitable sites are available in more sequentially preferable locations to that proposed. Where there are no suitable, available or viable sites within the Primary Shopping Area, or where the proposal is over 500sqm gross, the applicant must demonstrate that there are no adverse impacts on the Primary Shopping Area and the wider Town Centre.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CT1 & CT2.

8.4 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

National policy supports local planning authorities to plan positively to support town centres recognising the beneficial competition within and between centres. An important way to proactively support and enhance the vitality and viability of centres is to ensure that new development proposals for main town centre uses are directed to existing centres. Additionally development in out-of-centre locations should be resisted as this would divert visitors from the centres and trade. Given the decline of retailing in our high streets, the aim of the policy is to allow elements of flexibility to our retail centres to protect and enhance their viability, placing emphasis on centres being a place of destination and experience.

8.4 - 4 The 2019 Retail & Leisure Study clearly sets out that the growth in out of centre development across the Joint Local Plan area has had significant consequences for the health of the existing centres, particularly the strategic centres in both authority boundaries. It is considered that the future health of the centres and ability to deliver identified development opportunities is likely to be undermined and prejudiced further should the vacancy rates not improve and the existing centres fail to attract future investment.

8.4 - 5 When considering applications for retail development outside or on the edge of the centres a sequential approach to site selection must be applied. National policy is clear on the application of a sequential approach and each application will be considered reflecting individual and local circumstances on each occasion. Where it can be demonstrated that there are no suitable sites available, proposals will be required to submit an impact assessment consistent with Policy C5.

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 124

8.4 - 6

Newcastle Market

8.4 - 7 Paragraph 89 of the NPPF sets out that it is appropriate for local authorities to identify thresholds for the scale of edge and out-of-centre retail and leisure development that should be the subject of an impact assessment. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the impact of the development is considered to understand the significance of the impact of the proposed use on the existing town centre uses. The purpose of enabling local authorities to set their own impact threshold is to enable authorities to retain appropriate control in respect of the potential development to impact on the future health of defined centres. Evidence suggests that simply applying a single threshold to all types of centres across the plan area is not appropriate, given the scale and nature of each of the centres. A tiered threshold is consistent with the hierarchy set out in Policy SC1 and is therefore considered appropriate.

8.4 - 8 For the larger centres evidence suggests that there are relatively limited number of commercial units that measure greater that 500sqm and therefore it is considered that city and town centre anchor units will typically provide at least 500sqm of gross floorspace. It is therefore appropriate to suggest that the impact threshold should be set at 500sqm for both retail and leisure proposals. This threshold is to be applied authority-wide across both authority areas.

8.4 - 9 In respect of the lower order centres, the introduction of even a small convenience store outside of the centre may have a potential impact on the centre and therefore would lead to the loss in expenditure and footfall. In these centres it is therefore considered appropriate to qualify the area to which each local impact threshold will apply. A distance of 800 metres from the centre boundary is considered appropriate for the smaller centres which require an impact assessment for town centre uses over 200sqm.

125 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres

8.4 - 10

Evidence

• National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) • Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) • Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme Retail & Leisure Study (2019) • SA Report

8.4 - 11

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Private Sector

8.4 - 12

Monitoring

• The number of applications approved and implemented in out-of-centre and edge-of-centre locations. • Centre Health Checks.

8.5 Policy C5 - Supporting Local Centres and Villages

8.5 - 1 Introduction

The Councils' value the network of smaller centres across the plan area in supporting local communities and villages. Policy C5 therefore seeks to retain and enhance their role within the hierarchy supporting the existing potential uses that could complement them in the future. Policy C5 sets out the approach to managing these centres.

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 126

8.5 - 2

Policy C5 - Supporting Local Communities and Villages

The Councils' will seek to support local communities and villages by ensuring development proposals:

a. avoid the loss or change of use of viable convenience shops, cultural facilities, post offices and public houses where the loss would impact on the diversity of local services in communities and villages; b. ensure that established shops, facilities and services within centres and villages are able to develop and modernise, and are retained for the benefit of the community; c. support the retention of viable local health and community facilities; and d. support the sustainable growth of existing businesses.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CT2.

8.5 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Sustainable neighbourhoods and communities require a range of services that are easily accessible. National Policy requires Local Planning Authorities to plan positively for the needs of communities and the need to highlight any potential deficiencies which could affect the sustainability of communities and residential environments. Planning policies should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive places which promote social interaction and provide opportunities to meet and come into contact with others i.e. through strong neighbourhood, local or village centres.

8.5 - 4 Policy C5 recognises the importance of the smaller centres across the plan area and therefore aims to guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services, particularly where this would reduce the community’s ability to meet its day-to-day needs.

8.5 - 5

Evidence

• Retail & Leisure Study 2019 • National Planning Policy Framework • Planning Practice Guidance

8.5 - 6

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Developers

8.5 - 7

127 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres

Monitoring

• The number of applications approved and implemented in neighbourhood, local and village centres. • The number of units lost to other uses within neighbourhood, local and village centres.

8.6 Policy C6 - Leisure and Night Time Economy

8.6 - 1 Introduction

The night time economy can present a number of opportunities to diversify the offer and the role of individual centres. The evening economy however can also present a number of challenges, particularly with reference to anti-social behaviour, noise and indeed crime. Policy C6 therefore aims to provide the basis for which decisions regarding proposals can be assessed against to ensure new evening and night-time uses are in the appropriate location.

8.6 - 2

Policy C6 - Leisure and Night Time Economy

The Councils' will support evening and night time uses if they are located within the defined hierarchy of centres set out in Policy SC1, subject to consideration of the following criteria:

a. the cumulative and overall impact on the character of the centre or area and how it affects the overall vitality and viability of the centre; b. the impact on residential amenity for nearby residents including noise and odours; c. the impact on crime and anti-social behaviour within the area or centre and the overall potential security issues raised or presented as a result of crowded places; d. the ability for people to leave the centre/area at the end of the evening i.e. through the provision of bus services and taxi provision; and e. it would not significantly impact on the operation of existing businesses within the area.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CT1, CT2, HC1 & HER1.

8.6 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The National Planning Policy Framework supports the diversification of uses within centres in order to enhance their vitality and viability. The 2019 Retail & Leisure Study acknowledges the role evening uses can have on individual centres and in Newcastle and the City Centre they make a significant contribution. There are a number of night-time uses operating such as theatres, restaurants, public houses, bars and nightclubs and they can generate jobs across the area.

8.6 - 4 The popularity of Newcastle in respect of its pub, bar and night clubs provision is considered as a consequence of the large number of licensed premises along the High Street and Ironmarket and therefore its success is considered to be as a result of the nearby student population at Keele University, and the relative ease of access to the centre from surrounding residential suburbs.

8.6 - 5 The Councils' consider the role of the evening economy is important to improve and enhance the existing

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 128 vitality and viability of the centres and provide a mechanism to expand the daytime uses into the evening and night time activities whilst maintaining the inclusive nature of the centres ensuring that they are safe for everyone without causing an impact on other uses and meeting the leisure needs of all age groups.

8.6 - 6 Future development proposals must contribute to centres positively and not cause harm to the character of the area and the existing uses nearby, particularly considering the cumulative impact of the proposal on living conditions and the operation of existing businesses, by increases in noise and other disturbances, such as vehicles, odour, litter, light pollution and potential anti-social behaviour.

8.6 - 7

Evidence

• National Planning Policy Framework • Planning Practice Guidance • Retail & Leisure Study 2019

8.6 - 8

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Developers

8.6 - 9

Monitoring

• The number of applications approved for leisure and night time uses.

8.7 Policy C7 - Hot Food Takeaways

8.7 - 1 Introduction

The Government is committed to supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities and recognises that the planning system has a contribution to make in driving and supporting health improvements and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

8.7 - 2 Recent research shows that whilst the health of people in Stoke-on-Trent is improving, there are still significant gaps between Stoke-on-Trent and other parts of the country. Obesity is one of the city’s biggest challenges. Locally, the % of adults (aged 16+) estimated to be obese (i.e. having a BMI of 30 or over) is around 27%, and a further significant proportion of the city’s population are considered overweight (i.e. having a BMI of 25 or over). Over 66% of the adult population in Stoke-on-Trent is considered to be either overweight or obese.

129 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres

8.7 - 3 People who are considered obese tend to have poorer health and are at increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain types of cancers. Obese people also have reduced life expectancy. These conditions can have serious and wide-ranging impacts on society and in particular the health service and the economy.

8.7 - 4 The purpose of Policy C7 seeks to develop and set out the means of control over the location of takeaways that doesn’t undermine the vitality and viability of existing centres, whilst also influencing the food buying behaviour of young people on their journey to and from school.

8.7 - 5

Policy C7 - Hot Food Takeaways

Proposals for hot food takeaways will be supported in existing centres provided the proposal would not result in an over concentration or clustering of such uses that would cause undue detriment to the centre’s range of facilities and overall character and function.

Proposals for hot food takeaways will therefore be considered based on the following criteria:

a. no more than two hot food takeaway’s being located adjacent to each other; b. within local centres, no more than 20% of the frontage will be in A5 use; c. within other centres, regard will be given to: i. the potential loss of retail (A1) units; ii. the number, function and location of shops that would remain to serve the local community; iii. the type and characteristics of other uses in proximity to the site; iv. the existence of vacant shop units in the vicinity; v. the impact on standards of residential amenity for existing and future occupants of land and buildings; and vi. the potential benefits to the wider area and community; d. shopping frontages will be calculated by taking a total length of continuous commercial frontage, and calculating a percentage of the length rather than as a proportion of the number of properties within a frontage; e. where such proposals are located within 400 metres of a secondary school and within a defined centre planning permission will be granted subject to a condition that the premises are not open to the public before 17:00 and there are no over-the counter sales before that time; f. opening hours will be controlled by a planning condition, to minimise any impact on the local environment and amenity. The following hours will therefore be considered appropriate: i. within the City Centre, the closing time should be no later than 03:00 on any day; ii. within the Town Centres, the closing time should be no later than midnight Sunday- Thursday and 02:00 Friday-Saturday; and iii. within a Local Centre, Neighbourhood Centre or where the site is in close proximity to residential properties, the closing time should be no later than 23:00 on any day; and g. highways considerations, including the impact on pedestrians and road users will be considered as set out in Policy T2.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives HC2, CT1 & CT2.

8.7 - 6 Why have we taken this approach?

Stoke-on-Trent has significantly worse levels of life expectancy than the England average. The major causes of early death are cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease, and whilst there have

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 130 been some improvements in the populations health in these areas much more needs to be done to improve life expectancy in Stoke-on-Trent.

8.7 - 7 Obesity is becoming an increasingly important public health issue in the City, and rates are again significantly higher than the England average. Human biology, eating habits and activity levels all impact on individual’s weight. Over the last 20 years there have been dramatic changes in the population eating habits and evidence suggests that an increase in average calorie intake is caused, in part, by:

• Changes to social eating patterns. A significant proportion of calories are eaten as snacks in between meals and outside the home; and • Eating out or family takeaway meals have become proportionately more affordable to the average income. Despite the increased variety in take away meal choices, particularly in urban areas, takeaway meals are usually high in fat, salt, sugar and calories.

8.7 - 8 Over the last 30 years, the number of applications for hot food takeaways has gradually increased. The number of hot food takeaways opening has also increased. In March 2012, there were over 260 hot food takeaways, of which approximately 50% are within defined centres - including the City Centre, town centres, local and neighbourhood centres; the remaining 50% are located outside any of the established centres. According to Public Health England (2016), this has increased to 301 hot food takeaways in Stoke-on-Trent. If current trends continue, Stoke-on-Trent would expect to see over 330 hot food takeaways in 2026.

8.7 - 9 Whilst hot food takeaways add to the diversity of uses in centres, especially the evening economy in the City and Town Centres, it is important that they do not dominate main shopping frontages or displace other retail (A1) shops, to the detriment of the vitality and viability of these centres. In Local and Neighbourhood Centres, takeaways provide a popular service for local communities however this should not harm the vitality and viability of those centres nor have an adverse impact on the living conditions of nearby residents. Ensure that a balanced approach is taken in all locations, recognising that it is important to provide valued local services whilst at the same time protecting the retail function of all centres to provide diverse and balanced shopping area. Clustering, i.e. the creation of a group of takeaways in one location, can break the continuity of retail frontage and detract from the retail function and character of a centre, particularly when takeaways are closed (often during the day) and shop-front security shutters create ‘dead’ frontage. A concentration of takeaways in one location can also exacerbate any adverse impacts, such as litter, anti-social behaviour, highways/ parking problems, etc. The policy therefore seeks to prevent a concentration of takeaway premises to protect vitality and viability and to disperse adverse impacts.

8.7 - 10 The majority of premises offer food which is energy dense and nutritionally poor, which can contribute to obesity. Hot food takeaways within close proximity to schools, i.e. within easy walking distance, provide an attractive and affordable food option for pupils and could be a contributing factor to unhealthy eating habits in children and rising levels of childhood obesity.

8.7 - 11 The restriction of new hot food takeaway premises from locating within a 400m radius of secondary schools – these areas are defined as ‘School Exclusion Zones’. The 400m distance is recognised as a reasonable walking distance and is the standard distance applied to walking distances between bus- stops. The 400m equates approximately to a 10 minute walking time, taking into account physical barriers such as roads, crossings, etc.

The School Exclusion Zone will apply to all existing and future secondary schools including new Academy’s built under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

8.7 - 12 The SPD and School Exclusion Zones applies to premises where the primary purpose is the sale of hot

131 Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres food to take-away (Use Class A5). This may, where appropriate, also include ancillary uses. Applicants should set out how they are intending to trade, including any proposed ancillary uses.

8.7 - 13 Ancillary uses may be appropriate unless specifically excluded by condition. Whilst other (non-A5) uses, such as shops (Use Class A1) and restaurants/cafes (Use Class A3) without an A5 ancillary use may also offer food of higher calorie content, both of these uses generally sell a wider variety of goods with a smaller proportion of goods on sale being of higher calorie content. In any case, other planning policies are in place to control the location of both of these uses.

8.7 - 14

Evidence

• JSNA - Joint Strategic Needs Assessment • Retail & Leisure Study 2019

8.7 - 15

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Public Health

8.7 - 16

Monitoring

• The number of hot food takeaways approved and implemented.

Draft Joint Local Plan: City, Town and Other Centres 132

133 Draft Joint Local Plan: Design and Heritage

9.0 DESIGN AND HERITAGE

9.0 - 1 Our distinctive landscape has evolved and informed our heritage and so we recognise the importance of both the natural and built heritage in the planning process. Heritage can support and contribute to high quality place making and act as a catalyst for regeneration and helps create a sense of place and identity for new development. Heritage can include buildings, archaeology, archives, cultural practices and land uses. We will adopt creative approaches to ensure that all these aspects influence and are part of high quality place making. Design quality is an intrinsic part of protecting our heritage; it protects the setting of our existing heritage, has the potential to enhance it and even become valued as heritage in the future. Our priorities are to manage the historic environment positively to support our growth, attract investment and to empower our local communities.

9.1 Policy DH1 - Design

9.1 - 1 Introduction

The NPPF recognises design as a key aspect of sustainable development, indivisible from good planning, and should contribute positively to making places better for people. It is concerned with the quality of everyday places as well as ensuring the promotion of good design which includes its scale, massing, form, density, orientation and layout, as well as the proportions, materials, landscape elements, access and overall spatial quality. The Councils' will support good design which seeks to further enhance the local character of the existing settlements to bring environmental, social and economic benefits.

9.1 - 2

Policy DH1 - Design

To ensure that development is adequately designed within the Plan Area, the Councils' will only support development where it is designed to:

a. be sustainable, durable, resilient, adaptable and energy efficient; b. create inclusive, accessible and safe environments; c. function well in relation to existing patterns of movement and activity; d. reinforce local distinctiveness and enhance the character, appearance and function of the street scene, local area and wider townscape and in particular, the built heritage, its historic environment, its rural setting and the settlement pattern created by the hierarchy of centres; e. respect the scale, proportions and materials of adjacent and/or existing buildings; f. maintain and respect the landscape character and, where appropriate, distinctiveness of the surrounding countryside; g. optimise the potential of the site through the use the density and mix of development, without damaging the character of the area, whilst ensuring access to appropriate public space; h. maintain and exploit important landmarks, gateways, key transport corridors, views to and from the site and respects or enhances the quality of the skyline; i. produce an environment which facilitates and encourages health and well being; j. mitigate any detrimental impacts from land contamination and land instability, demonstrating that sufficient investigation has been undertaken to ascertain the type and extent of any land contamination and land instability issues; k. provide a good level of amenity including the removal of any significant adverse impacts to nearby properties by noise, dust, odour or light pollution, ensuring new development does not undermine existing surrounding uses; l. not lead to a detrimental increase in air quality issues and air quality impacts are mitigated; m. provide active ground floor frontages within centres;

Draft Joint Local Plan: Design and Heritage 134

n. improve the quality, clarity and sense of spaces around or between buildings; o. have a clear distinction between public and private spaces; p. not unduly prejudice the satisfactory development or operation of adjoining land and/or development of the surrounding development as a whole; q. consider landscape design holistically as part of the whole development; this should be set out in a landscape plan at an appropriate level of detail to the scale of development; and r. take account of any cumulative impact as well as respecting amenity and public safety when an application for advertisement consent.

Development proposals are required to demonstrate through the use of detailed, clear and accurate drawings and a design and access statement (where appropriate) how they have successfully addressed the elements of the site and its surroundings as listed below. The scope and level of information should be proportional to the type of development proposed.

i. Urban form, such as building lines, frontages, plot sizes and patterns, building heights, storey heights and massing. ii. Historic context such as distinctive local built form, the significance and character of any heritage assets and an understanding of how these are affected. iii. Architectural and design quality and detailing such as colour and type of materials used, natural features such as topography, trees, boundary treatments planting and biodiversity. iv. Visual context, such as location and scale of landmarks, site specific views and skylines and scale and form of townscape. v. Safety in design, such as access, materials and site management strategies.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CC1, T2, CC2, CC3 & HER2.

9.1 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The Councils' supports the use of masterplans and design codes to help demonstrate that all important design issues have been identified as well as helping to provide a secure and agreed framework for the development of major sites. Their content should also be informed by the 10 characteristics of good places set out in the National Design Guide. In some instances, it may be appropriate as part of the outline application to prepare and agree a design code to guide subsequent reserved matters applications. Design quality cannot be achieved through an outline planning application alone. Outline planning applications allow fewer details about the proposal to be submitted than a full planning application, but can include design principles where these are fundamental to decision making.

9.1 - 4 The design process continues after the granting of permission, and it is important that design quality is not diminished as a permission is implemented. In some cases, local planning authorities may wish to encourage design details to be agreed as part of the initial permission, so that important elements are not deferred for later consideration. It can also be important to ensure that applications to discharge conditions or amend approved schemes do not undermine development quality.

9.1 - 5 Applicants are strongly advised to take advantage of pre-application advice services offered by the Councils'. This is particularly important for larger schemes, or where potential conflicts with adjoining sites or between different policy objectives are foreseen. The use of skilled design professionals in the development of proposals is highly recommended and can save a significant amount of time and money in the long-term. Where appropriate, early discussions with relevant statutory consultees, such as English Heritage on major heritage issues are also encouraged.

9.1 - 6 The National Planning Policy Framework requires both Councils' to a adopt proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change in line with the Climate Change Act 2008, and support a low carbon future by contributing to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Simple considerations

135 Draft Joint Local Plan: Design and Heritage including the location, orientation and design of new development can help achieve this. The Government considers Climate Change as a key priority, and this has been reflected through the tightening of building regulations for an environmental friendly built environment. A number of voluntary schemes such as the BREEAM 'Home Quality Mark' have been established for builders to consider to deliver energy efficiency and resilience within the built environment. Both Councils' have mechanisms in place to consider the design of developments within their areas, and make recommendations to inform decisions on applications or masterplans. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council operates within an external Design Review Panel for major applications, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council has a conservation and design team to facilitate the design process.

9.1 - 7 Developers will be encouraged to engage with neighbourhoods and communities in developing design solutions. Where appropriate, developments should harness the imagination and creative skills of relevant professionals in the design process to create distinctive urban environments. Additional guidance to support the implementation of this policy may be provided in a Supplementary Planning Document.

9.1 - 8

Evidence

• Planning Practice Guidance - National Design Guide 2019 • Design and Access Statements, How to Write, Read and Use them (CABE 2007)

9.1 - 9

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

9.1 - 10

Monitoring

• Number of applications refused on design grounds. • Number of schemes with design awards.

9.2 Policy DH2 - Landscape Design

9.2 - 1 Introduction

The National Design Guide identifies that a well-designed place is unlikely to be achieved by focusing only on the detail of buildings; it also comes about by making the right choices about landscaping. Landscape design is not therefore something that can be considered after a building has been designed or built; it is integral to the design and functioning of the whole development and wider area. The landscape and buildings need to be considered together from the start of the design process. The

Draft Joint Local Plan: Design and Heritage 136 landscape character and how places or developments sit within the landscape, also influence the siting of new development and how natural features are retained or incorporated into it.

9.2 - 2

Policy DH2 - Landscape Design

Development will be expected to:

a. incorporate appropriate landscaping which reflects the character of the area through appropriate design and management; b. where appropriate, provide suitable and appropriate mitigation for the restoration of damaged landscape areas; c. carefully consider boundary treatment to provide screening or buffering as appropriate; d. avoid the loss of habitats of significant landscape importance (promote the maintenance, enhancement, restoration and re-creation of biodiversity) where appropriate; e. protect and/or conserve the historical and ecological qualities of an area; and f. maintain the biodiversity qualities of any natural or man-made features within the landscape, such as trees, woodlands, hedgerows, walls, watercourses or ponds.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives N1, N2, N3, CC3 & HER2.

9.2 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The NPPF requires that strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, including conservation and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment, including landscapes and green infrastructure, and planning measures to address climate change mitigation and adaptation. Landscape design can enhance the built environment by improving the context for buildings and providing amenity for people, it can conserve the historic environment by creating appropriate character, enhancing views and providing buffers; it also helps to address climate change by meeting concerns regarding overheating in urban environments and promotes sustainability and biodiversity in the area through the choice of appropriate plant species.

9.2 - 4 Context, identity, movement, public spaces and nature are five of the ten design characteristics identified by the national design guide and are all directly influenced by landscape design.

9.2 - 5 Developments should both integrate with and enhance its surroundings. Planning applications should clearly demonstrate that the design of the spaces around buildings has been given equal consideration as the design of the buildings themselves. Low maintenance options are preferable. Detailed and workable management plans for maintenance of these spaces must be provided. This must include access arrangements, frequency of visits and should demonstrate that every effort has been made to make them as sustainable as possible; for example, watering using grey water or rainwater collection. This should still apply even where responsibility for future maintenance remains with the developer or is transferred to a private management company or the Council.

9.2 - 6 High quality landscaping contributes positively to the streetscape and local character of an area, and can help to create pleasant, safe and attractive environments. Trees and planting have a softening effect on the appearance of the hard materials of buildings and streets, and can help to better integrate new buildings into the surrounding area and reinforce local distinctiveness.

9.2 - 7 Opportunities to enhance the landscape character or appearance of an area through, for example, planting locally native species, harnessing the topographical character of the site and retaining existing

137 Draft Joint Local Plan: Design and Heritage landscape features and trees should be encouraged. Where development is to happen in an area either without a defined landscape character provides an opportunity for enhancement, improving the amenity and appearance of the area.

9.2 - 8 Soft landscaping can improve the quality of life of residents through providing opportunities for leisure, recreation and relaxation. The inclusion of seating areas, for example, adds a human scale design dimension and all large-scale developments should aim to have a hierarchy of spaces with at least one human scale element. Developments should consider where appropriate the inclusion of play areas and allotments.

9.2 - 9 All green spaces represent eco-systems and provide valuable habitats and therefore hedges, mature trees and grasses and features such as ponds should be retained. Where such features do not exist, the opportunity to create new areas of wildlife habitat should be taken. Biodiversity can be incorporated into development through wildlife-friendly landscapes, careful choice of plant and tree species, installation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes, and features such as green walls, balconies and roofs, and nesting and roosting spaces. Such measures also contribute to the protection and promotion of habitat links with adjacent areas to extend wildlife corridors.

9.2 - 10 Boundary treatments are important for defining space and should be carefully considered. Where appropriate, hedges should be encouraged over boundary fencing to soften the street scene and support biodiversity. The creation of buffer zones is also key for softening the impact of development.

9.2 - 11 Where development takes place on or near watercourses every opportunity should be taken to enhance and protect them, soft landscaping can make the most of waterways and make them useable recreational spaces as well as valuable habitats.

9.2 - 12 To ensure development adequately addresses landscape design, submissions should consider the following levels of detail as appropriate:

Individual dwelling

• Basic plan showing design of the planting scheme and hard landscaping. • If development is within a Conservation Area, a Design and Access Statement is required with landscaping included.

Minor residential (< 10 units)

• Plan showing design of the planting scheme, plant schedule, hard landscaping and materials. • Landscaping included as part of the Design and Access Statement

Major residential (+10 units)

• For full planning permission, a detailed landscaping scheme including a maintenance/management plan is required. • For outline planning permission a landscape appraisal and strategy may be sufficient; where the site layout is part of the outline application, indicative landscape proposals should be provided. • Landscaping included as part of the Design and Access Statement.

Mixed use/Commercial/Industrial

• As for major residential

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9.2 - 13

Evidence

• National Design Guide 2019

9.2 - 14

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

9.2 - 15

Monitoring

• Number of appeals lost on design grounds. • Number of schemes with design awards.

9.3 Policy DH3 - Historic Environment

9.3 - 1 Introduction

Heritage assets are irreplaceable, therefore it is important that their significance is sustained and enhanced. The NPPF explains that historic significance is the value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. The interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. The NPPF states that plans should set a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment.

9.3 - 2 There is a rich and diverse heritage that is distinctive to the sub-region and which help to establish the character and identity of different places within it. This comes from historical development – historic landscapes, townscapes, buildings and industrial archaeology, and also derives from the natural geography, which creates opportunities for distinctive views and landmarks, and the geology, which has influenced the use of materials. In particular, the area is renowned for its ceramic products, which include a wide range of building and surfacing material - red brick, Staffordshire blue brick, clay roof tiles, Staffordshire blue paving bricks, terracotta, encaustic and geometric floor tiles and decorative wall tiles. To respect the character and identity of the unique townscape of the area, these assets need to be enhanced by well-designed development and public realm and considered as part of the living fabric of the place today.

9.3 - 3 To respect the character and identity of the unique character of the area, heritage assets need to be enhanced by well-designed new development and public realm. This may be achieved through innovative design which references local context, existing identity and built form supported by the National Design Guide, but poor quality or pastiche design will be discouraged.

9.3 - 4 The historic environment includes both above and below ground archaeological heritage assets, built heritage, comprising listed buildings and those buildings and structures of local importance, listed parks and gardens and buildings and landscapes within conservation areas. The Councils will seek to

139 Draft Joint Local Plan: Design and Heritage positively manage the historic built environment through engagement with landowners/asset owners and other organisations and by working with communities to ensure that heritage assets are protected, have appropriate viable uses, are maintained to a high standard and are secured and have a sustainable future for the benefit of future generations.

9.3 - 5 Designated heritage assets are those that are recognised as having national significance and/or benefiting from statutory protection and comprise:

• Conservation areas • Listed buildings • Scheduled monuments • Registered parks and gardens • Registered battlefields • World Heritage Sites

9.3 - 6 Non-designated heritage assets are locally important heritage assets which often have a strong local affinity or cultural association and comprise:

• Areas of archaeological interest (including areas of archaeological potential and sites of archaeological importance) • Locally important Buildings and Structures of historic interest (local list) • Locally important assets not on the local list • Locally significant historic parks and gardens • Other locally important heritage landscapes

9.3 - 7

Policy DH3 - Historic Environment

The Councils' will seek to ensure that that the Historic Environment is sustained and enhanced and will therefore support development proposals that better reveal the significance of heritage assets. Development that makes a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness will be encouraged.

To help to sustain the historic environment, the Councils' will support proposals that conserve and enhance assets on the Heritage at Risk register.

To ensure that heritage assets are conserved, consistent with their level of significance, the Councils' will require proposals for development to avoid or mitigate for harm to the asset including its setting, and where appropriate, to the wider historic environment.

The Councils' will seek to balance the conservation of the historic environment in respect of a new development proposal by:

a. requiring a convincing statement of significance for every application that affects a heritage asset; b. requiring a clear justification for development proposals that cause harm to, or the loss of heritage assets including the setting of that asset. Where that case cannot be justified, the proposal will not be supported; c. evaluating the level of harm to any asset with regard to any public benefit; d. considering the use of planning obligations, legal agreements or sequencing of development to secure the proposed benefits of a proposal; and e. requiring the analysis and recording of an asset, or other appropriate mitigation or other compensation measure to ensure no loss of heritage value.

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For new development affecting all heritage assets, high quality design should be achieved. Development proposals should aim to seek creativity in a sensitive way that enhances the significance of the historic environment. Special regard should be given to orientation, authenticity, size, scale, massing, detailing and use of materials and colours.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CC4, HER1, HER2 & HER3.

9.3 - 8 Why have we taken this approach?

The Councils' have a duty under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act (1990) to designate as conservation areas any areas of special architectural or historic interest the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. The NPPF states that, when assessing development that could affect a heritage asset, consideration should be given to the asset's conservation since insensitive alterations can harm its significance.

9.3 - 9 In considering applications relating to a heritage asset the Councils' will, therefore, require that proposals do not have a detrimental effect upon the building's integrity and character or its setting. The Councils' will require all applications that include the alteration, extension and repair of a heritage asset to limit the loss of its historic character and the scale, materials, intricate details and structure of the building should be respected. When larger alterations, such as extensions, are required it is vital that they are carefully located to create a balance with the rest of the building, not altering views adversely. Alterations should not remove or hide original features or result in a significant removal of the buildings fabric.

9.3 - 10 The conservation of heritage assets requires a holistic approach to understand how development can impact on their significance and how they can be viewed. The setting of heritage assets can directly impact on their significance.

9.3 - 11

Evidence

• Stoke-on-Trent Historic Environment Register • Staffordshire County Historic Environment Register • Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans • Register of Locally Important Buildings and Structures • Building at Risk Survey Stoke-on-Trent 2017

9.3 - 12

Delivery Partners

• Historic England • Staffordshire County Council

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9.3 - 13

Monitoring

• Conservation area appraisals/management plans.

9.4 Policy DH4 - Archaeology

9.4 - 1 Introduction

The NPPF states that a heritage asset will be of archaeological interest if it ‘holds, or potentially holds, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point’. Archaeological remains represent a valuable, but fragile and irreplaceable part of our heritage. Assets of archaeological interest can include sub-ground remains, artefacts, standing buildings and historic landscapes, all of which have high evidential and educational potential.

9.4 - 2 Most of the archaeological resource within the plan area comprises non-designated assets of local importance, but also includes 18 Scheduled Monuments (13 within Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough and five in Stoke-on-Trent) of national significance. All historical periods are represented locally, although the archaeology of Stoke-on-Trent is characterised by evidence relating to the development of post-medieval pottery production in the area. The borough also includes two towns of medieval provenance: Newcastle-under-Lyme and Betley. Along will all other heritage assets, sites of archaeological interest are recorded upon the Historic Environment Records (HERs) held by each local authority.

9.4 - 3

Policy DH4 - Archaeology

Proposals likely to affect an archaeological site, both designated and non-designated, should be supported by an appropriate pre-determination assessment, which includes information on the significance of the asset, and its extent, character, condition and context. The nature of this supporting information should be defined in pre-application discussions with the relevant local authority.

Proposals will be expected to conserve those elements that contribute to the significance of the archaeological asset in line with the importance of the remains. Harm to the significance of a Scheduled Monument can only be justified in exceptional circumstances, where any loss is outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal. Where proposals affecting non-designated archaeological assets are acceptable in principle, the preferred form of mitigation should be preservation in situ. When such an approach is not possible, developers will be required to make adequate provision for a programme of investigation, defined by the relevant local authority and undertaken before and/or during development. This will culminate in a report, which should be submitted to the relevant local authority and deposited with appropriate HER. The project archive should also be lodged with a suitable repository.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives HER2.

9.4 - 4 It may be appropriate for pre-determination archaeological assessment to be carried out and the results submitted in support of a planning application. Developers are encouraged to engage in pre-application discussions with the relevant local authority to determine what supporting archaeological information will be required.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Design and Heritage 142

9.4 - 5 Where necessary to minimise harm to archaeological assets, conditions requiring a programme of archaeological mitigation will be attached to permissions. These may include requirements limiting the ground impact of the development to enable the preservation of remains in situ, and/or some form of archaeological investigation, reporting and archiving.

9.4 - 6 Specifications for archaeological work should be sought from the appropriate local authority, which will also monitor field and post-excavation work, and advise upon the discharge of conditions. The results of archaeological work should be deposited with the relevant HER.

9.4 - 7

Evidence

• Stoke-on-Trent Historic Environment Register • Staffordshire County Historic Environment Register

9.4 - 8

Delivery Partners

• Historic England • Staffordshire County Council

9.4 - 9

Monitoring

• New Historic Environment Register Records.

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145 Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment

Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment 146

10.0 NATURAL AND RURAL ENVIRONMENT

10.0 - 1 Collectively Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent has a rich and varied network of green infrastructure spread across both the urban and rural areas. This comprises of nationally and locally designated sites for biodiversity and geodiversity, extensive areas of natural and semi-natural habitats including woodlands, rivers, streams, rural areas with open landscape views, and a rich variety of urban open and green spaces providing public amenity, access, recreation, sport and play provision.

10.0 - 2 Green infrastructure is defined in the National Planning Policy Framework as a “network of multifunctional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities”, and also includes ‘blue’ features such as ponds, rivers and canals.

10.0 - 3 Maintaining and enhancing the City and Borough's green infrastructure network will be essential to a wide range of environmental objectives, such as enhancing the Local Plan area's biodiversity resources, minimising flood risk and mitigating pollution. It will also be vital to enhancing the quality of life for residents, and supporting health improvements, for example by providing spaces for people to meet, a range of recreation opportunities, walking and cycling routes.

10.0 - 4 Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation contributes to the health, well-being and cohesion of our communities as well as proving opportunities for active travel. The current provision will requires continued maintenance and enhancement over the planning period, whilst ensuring that areas deficient in the type and quantity of provision are addressed.

10.0 - 5 These are all essential components of a sustainable City and Borough, but also has the potential to improve the attractiveness of Local Plan area as a place to invest. Any costs associated with expanding and enhancing these networks are likely to be more than offset by the additional economic activity that green infrastructure will help to attract to the area and a reduction in the costs associated with issues such as poor health. Green infrastructure will be central to the image of the area, where people want to live, work, visit and invest, as well as delivering a wide range of environmental and social benefits.

10.1 Policy SNR1 - Green and Blue Infrastructure

10.1 - 1 Introduction

The Strategic Green and Blue Network and corridors across the plan areas are of fundamental importance to the natural environment and the spatial strategy seeks to reinforce this. Policy SNR1 outlines a strategic approach for the future care and management of Green Infrastructure across the plan area and seeks to conserve assets, as well as, protecting the vital and multifunctional roles these assets perform.

10.1 - 2

Policy SNR1 - Green and Blue Infrastructure

The Councils', with partners, will develop and adopt a strategic approach to the care, management and enhancement of the multifunctional green and blue infrastructure across the plan area. This strategic approach will ensure that the wider benefits of the network are maximised, including public health

147 Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment benefits, promotion of active travel, flood management and ecological benefits throughout and beyond the plan area.

A key focus of these efforts will be on reinforcing, and maximising the environmental and socio-economic benefits from, those existing strategic green links, strategic green spaces and blue links whilst also developing and enhancing weaker linkages (shown as dashed lines on diagram 10.1-12) to improve overall connectivity across the plan area.

Development proposals should:

a. maintain and improve existing green and blue infrastructure including local links, networks and corridors, particularly to increase opportunities and attractiveness as a sport, leisure and recreation opportunity and for its value as a habitat for biodiversity; b. increase the functionality of existing and future green and blue infrastructure links, exploiting opportunities that arise through new development; c. secure new green infrastructure through proposed development in order to cater for increases in demand and to meet the provision in areas where there are existing weak linkages and deficiencies; and d. secure sustainable long-term management arrangements for new and enhanced green infrastructure within sites.

Where development proposals are proposing the loss of, or negative impact on, green and blue infrastructure functionality, development proposals should demonstrate that the proposed loss is unavoidable and should set out what mitigation measures will be put in place.

This policy contributed towards achieving objectives N1, N2, HC1, HC2, T2, CC4, HER1 & HER2.

10.1 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The National Planning Policy Framework defines Green Infrastructure as a "network of multifunctional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities".

10.1 - 4 Paragraph 171 states that local planning authorities should set out a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing networks of habitats and green infrastructure in their Local Plans, planning positively for the enhancement of natural capital at a catchment or landscape scale across local authority boundaries. The NPPG also indicates that Local Plans should identify the strategic location of existing and proposed green infrastructure networks.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment 148

10.1 - 5

A Greenway along a Canal

10.1 - 6 Newcastle-under-Lyme Green Infrastructure Strategy

The scope of the strategy included the whole of the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme, identifying key linkages with adjoining local authority areas. The conclusions from the strategy identified:

• Green Infrastructure is not evenly distributed across the Borough. • Agriculture, built-urban and woodlands dominate the typology. • The area of water bodies and wetlands in the Borough is low. • In the urban areas, private gardens contribute significantly to the total area of urban green infrastructure. • Key designated nature sites are fragmented however have a nodal character and therefore an important landscape and ecological resource. • Grey/ built infrastructure impacts on the Borough and disrupts the local Green Infrastructure connectivity. • There are clusters of important post-industrial Green Infrastructure sites in the urban fringe. • Disused railway lines are important for connectivity between the urban and rural settlements.

10.1 - 7 The Green Infrastructure Strategy is split into two parts, the first being the identification of nodes that have key functions in the borough and the second part concentrates on looking at linkages/corridors and opportunities to improve the multifunctional uses of Green Infrastructure in the future. The strategy identifies this could be by looking at ecological connectivity, recreational or access connectivity or landscape connectivity. This particularly considers areas requiring conservation or preservation and areas requiring new Green Infrastructure going forward to complete linkages and corridors.

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10.1 - 8 Stoke-on-Trent Green Infrastructure

In respect of green infrastructure in the city, it has a collective network of green spaces and environmental features including for example parks, semi natural green space, watercourses, including brooks, canals and the corridors through which they flow; playing fields, amenity space in housing estates; transport corridors and rights of way. Through recognition of the many benefits it can provide for people and for wildlife, green infrastructure is widely recognised as a critical ingredient in creating successful places where people want to live and work.

10.1 - 9 In respect of green infrastructure there is a notable north-south characteristic to the distribution of green space and a reasonable degree of connectivity between them. The east-west distribution is less pronounced than the north-south distribution axis and it is noticeable that there are few green space links across the plan area to Newcastle-under-Lyme. Some semi-natural green space is concentrated around the periphery of the city, whilst parks and playgrounds tend to be focused in more urban locations. In terms of landscape character the semi-natural green space is important in maintaining separation of the urban settlement and retaining local character and distinctiveness. Green corridors, rivers and canals are for historical reasons a legacy landscape within Stoke but are also considered a "signature landscape" that can be used to distinguish the city from other places.

10.1 - 10

Cycling in Stoke-on-Trent

10.1 - 11 The Strategic Green Network and corridors across the plan areas are of fundamental importance to the natural environment and as such the spatial strategy seeks to reinforce this. Policy SNR1 outlines a strategic approach for the future care and management of Green Infrastructure across the plan area and seeks to conserve assets as well as protecting the vital and multifunctional wide ranging roles these assets perform. In order to protect the functions that green infrastructure performs proposals for development will be assessed against the; role that the site plays as part of the existing and potential green and blue infrastructure network of recreational footpaths and cycleways, its landscape and/or nature conservation value and its value as a visual amenity or townscape feature in contributing to the character or appearance. This approach is seen as crucial in maximising the plan areas potential to meet its social, economic and environmental potential. By implementing an integrated approach which seeks to ensure that green infrastructure is a multi-functional resource that is capable of supporting wildlife and

Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment 150 existing/future communities whilst also underpinning wider sustainability issues such as mitigating the causes of and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

10.1 - 12

Map showing Greenspace with existing and potential corridors. (SNR1)

151 Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment

10.1 - 13

Evidence

• Stoke-on-Trent Green Space Strategy 2018 • Newcastle-under-Lyme Open Space Strategy and Green Infrastructure Strategy 2017 • Stoke-on-Trent Play Pitch Strategy

10.1 - 14

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Environment Agency • Canals and Rivers Trust • Developers • Land Owners

10.1 - 15

Monitoring

• The number of implemented planning consents that improve the existing and potential Green and Blue Infrastructure linkages across the plan area.

10.2 Policy NR2 - Open Space, Outdoor Sport and Recreation Provision

10.2 - 1 Introduction

Over the plan period, the Councils' will aim to deliver an even distribution of publicly accessible green, open spaces and recreation across the plan area so that all residents will be able to access the highest quality spaces. The Councils' will prioritise the quality of green spaces and recreation in the area, whilst ensuring that areas deficient in the type and quantity of provision are addressed. To deliver qualitative improvements, the Councils' will work with partners to enable and facilitate the ongoing management, enhancement and maintenance of green and recreational spaces.

10.2 - 2

Policy NR2 - Open Space, Outdoor Sport and Recreation Provision

The Councils' will work with partners, stakeholders and developers to provide, maintain and enhance green space and sport and recreation provision across the plan area, to meet the needs of existing and future communities guided by the most up to date evidence base in terms of green space and sport and recreation across the plan area.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment 152

If a proposal is submitted to the Local Planning Authority which would result in the loss of open space or sport and recreational purposes, the Councils' will not support the loss unless the applicant is able to demonstrate:

a. the development is ancillary to the existing recreational use and does not result in the reduction of the overall function of the site; b. that the replacement or alternative provision is of at least the same quantity, quality and accessibility to the catchment community it serves; and c. an up-to-date assessment has been undertaken which clearly shows the existing use is surplus to requirements and is not needed to help meet existing and future recreational standards.

This policy applies to all sites and facilities that have an open space/recreation use or value, irrespective of whether they are owned or managed by the public, private or voluntary sectors.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives HC1, HC2 & N1.

10.2 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Paragraph 92 and 96 of the NPPF sets out a positive approach to the provision of community facilities, including sports venues and open spaces. Specifically paragraph 96 states that "Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities" and that "planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision".

10.2 - 4 The Councils', in accordance with national guidance have undertaken a needs assessment of its current and future population through separate assessments of open space, built facility, football and play pitch strategies. These documents provide a robust understanding of the current level and quality of provision of open spaces, sport pitches and built sport facilities. These documents therefore together with their associated action plans and strategies will be used to guide future decisions in terms of capital investment and the negotiation of new provision in order to support new growth through new development coming forward over the plan period.

10.2 - 5 The provision will be secured through the following measures:

• Addressing existing deficiencies in provision through the qualitative enhancement of existing provision, improving access to existing facilities or securing new provision. • Ensuring that proposals for new development contribute to open space, sport and recreation provision commensurate to the need generated by the proposals and provision in the area. • Agreements to secure the long term community use of school and private sports facilities.

10.2 - 6 Both Councils' have undertaken an in-depth audit of its open spaces across their administrative areas. This includes the Newcastle-under-Lyme Open Space Strategy 2017, and Stoke-on-Trent Green Space Strategy 2018. For the purpose of both strategies, the open / green spaces were categorised into the following seven typologies:

1. Allotments (forms of urban agriculture such as community orchards) 2. Amenity and Recreational Green Space (typically areas of mown grass in residential areas some of which are used for informal active recreation) 3. Cemeteries and Churchyards 4. Formal Parks and Gardens (including urban parks, country and formal gardens)

153 Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment

5. Green Corridors (including canals, rivers, cycle routes, pedestrian paths and former railway lines) 6. Playgrounds / Provision for Children and Young People (including equipped play areas and enclosed ball courts) 7. Natural / Semi - Natural Green Space (typically more natural grassland, heathland, moorland, meadows, scrubland and woodland)

10.2 - 7 For Stoke-on-Trent, the following findings from the audit were concluded:

• 80% of the city’s green spaces are identified as excellent, good and above average standard. Whilst this is recognised in the strategy as being a good starting point, there is still room for improvement to uplift as many sites as possible in to the higher categories. • A significant percentage of sites fall into the ‘above average’ category but are just falling short of good or excellent. These are green spaces that can be targeted for improvements which can often be delivered at modest cost. • 5% of the city’s green spaces are of a poor standard. Sites in this category need to be considered for major improvements or whether they are surplus to requirements. • More than 10% of semi-natural green space is in the poor category. This can reflect that some nature-based sites can appear unkempt but it also indicates that they may not be able to fully meet the needs of the city’s communities.

10.2 - 8 For Newcastle-under-Lyme, the following findings from the audit were concluded:

• The quality of open space in Newcastle-under-Lyme is good and every good, and provides a strong foundation for maintaining quality. • The recommended strategic target for quality is 80%. 43.5% scored 80% and above. 38.2% scored between 70% - 80%. Only 18.3% fell below a quality score of 70%. Overall this is a very strong performance. • Further assessment and a corrective course of action were recommended for sites below the threshold of 70%. Such actions include investment and disposal.

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10.2 - 9

Kiln Sculpture - Newcastle-under-Lyme

10.2 - 10 Both strategies recommends a new set of standards for the future provision of open / green spaces in the city drawing on the national Fields in Trust guidance. These standards are split between different typologies. The quantity standards are expressed in hectares per 1,000 population so that future population growth could be taken in to account:

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Stoke-on-Trent Green Space Standards

Type of Open Space Existing Existing Provision Recommended Provision (area in (hectares per 1,000 Provision Standard hectares population) (hectares per 1,000 population)

Allotments 70.95 0.28 0.24

Amenity & 300.27 1.20 0.90 Recreation

Churchyard 98.26 0.39 No Standard & Cemeteries

Formal Parks & 203.64 0.81 0.70 Gardens

Green Corridors 340.14 1.36 No Standard

Playgrounds 19.96 0.08 0.12

Semi-Natural Green 905.60 3.62 3.00 Space

Total Green Space 1,938.82 Hectares provision

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Newcastle-under-Lyme Open Space Standards

Type of Open Space Existing Existing Provision Open Space Strategy Provision (area in (hectares per 1,000 2017 Recommended hectares population) Provision Standard (hectares per 1,000 population)

Allotments 13.60 0.11 0.15

Amenity 128.31 1.03 0.90

Churchyard 47.65 No Standard No Standard & Cemeteries

Parks & 436.29 3.51 3.10 Gardens

Green Corridors 46.03 0.37 No Standard

Provision for Children & 51.35 0.41 0.41 Young People

Natural & Semi-Natural 1746.22 14.0 3.60 Green Space

Total Green Space 2469.45 Hectares provision

10.2 - 11 Both Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent are portrayed as being relatively well provided in terms of their open space provision. However, it is important to consider new provision of open space to accompany new development. The Joint Local Plan is allocating land for development purposes (i.e. housing) across the plan area, which in turn will provide opportunities to create new open space within development schemes. In parallel to this, it is essential that open space provision keeps space with the growing population.

10.2 - 12 The Play Pitch Strategy for Stoke-on-Trent (2017) and Newcastle-under-Lyme (2015) sets out the current demand against existing facilities and potential future requirements as a result of future demand. The assessment identifies and assesses the provision of the following sports pitch types:

• Football Pitches (including 3G AGPs) • Cricket Pitches • Rugby Pitches • Hockey Pitches (including AGPs)

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• Tennis Courts • Bowling Greens • Netball Courts (Newcastle-under-Lyme strategy only)

The Play Pitch Strategy for Newcastle-under-Lyme is currently is being updated to further inform the Joint Local Plan. It will provide an updated evidence base to support the delivery of sport and recreation across the Borough, and ensure that the future demand for playing pitches is planned holistically to meet the current and growing population of the borough. The update will exploring a wider range of sport pitch types such as golf courses.

10.2 - 13 For Stoke-on-Trent, its study concluded there are a number of different pitches across the city that are playing a vital role in the sporting life of the City and this is contributing to a more active and healthier communities. There is a strong community interest and engagement in outdoor sport with many clubs using the facilities. In football a key user is the "lads and dads" network which is a home grown initiative going beyond the boundary of the city. Overall provision of outdoor sports provision is generally adequate however the quality of the pitches and accompanying facilities are considered to be poor. The Building for Schools programme has increased the network of Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) however better consideration of how these may be used by the community should be considered in the future.

10.2 - 14

Evidence

• Stoke-on-Trent Physical Activity Facilities Strategy March 2019 • Stoke-on-Trent Playing Pitch Strategy 2017-2022 • Stoke-on-Trent Green Space Strategy

10.2 - 15

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Landowners • Developers • Sport England

10.2 - 16

Monitoring

• The amount of new open space and sport and recreational facilities provided through new developments. • The amount of open space, sport and recreational facilities lost to alternative uses through the implementation of new developments.

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10.3 Policy NR3 - Biodiversity and Geodiversity

10.3 - 1 Introduction

Biodiversity and geodiversity are a vital part of the environment and provide a wide range of benefits. A core principle of the National Planning Policy Framework is that planning should help in conserving and enhancing the natural environment, minimising impacts on biodiversity and preventing the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland. Policy NR3 aims to ensure that development will safeguard and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity and will aspire to achieve bigger, better and more linked networks of habitats that support a range of species and provide access for wildlife and people, which are resilient to climate change and improve ecosystem function, whilst recognising the historical and cultural evolution of the landscape.

10.3 - 2

Policy NR3 - Biodiversity and Geodiversity

The Councils' will work in partnership to protect, enhance and secure net gain for biodiversity across the Joint Local Plan Area. Sites and areas that make up the ecological network and are recognised for their nature and geological value as set out in Appendix 13.4.3.

Nationally and internationally protected sites and species will be afforded the highest level of protection when considering development across the plan area. The Council requires that an Appropriate Assessment is undertaken on all proposals for development that are likely to have a significant effect on sites designated European sites in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

The Councils' will seek to promote positive improvements to the quality and quantity of the natural environment through securing net gains for biodiversity, which are proportionate to the size and scale of the development proposed.

Developments should not have a significant adverse effect on the nature conservation value of the sites that make up the ecological network.

All development proposals affecting protected sites, wildlife corridors, priority habitats, EU Protected or priority species should be accompanied by information proportionate to their nature conservation value including:

a. a site survey carried out by suitably qualified person to determine the presence, extent and density of these species or habitats and identify features of nature and geological conservation importance; an assessment of the likely impacts of the development proposals for the protection and management of features identified for retention consistent with the Local Wildlife Site selection criteria; and b. an assessment of whether the reason for the development clearly outweighs the nature conservation value of the site, area or species.

Development proposals will be required to:

c. make a positive net gain to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Where an adverse impact is unavoidable, this should be mitigated as much as possible and appropriate compensation provided; d. be designed to enhance the biodiversity and geodiversity (including soils) conservation interests as well as conserve on-site biodiversity, including corridors and networks which is consistent with Policy SNR1. Developments should also take opportunities, where practicable, to enhance

159 Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment

biodiversity corridors and networks beyond the boundary of the site; and e. provide full compensatory provision, consistent with the ecological and geological value of the site. In the first instance this should be through on-site mitigation to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority. Off-site mitigation will only be secured where on-site mitigation is shown not to be possible. Where off-site mitigation is permitted, the Councils' will consider the use of conditions or planning obligations to ensure the protection and enhancement of the site's nature conservation interest and/or to provide appropriate compensatory measures.

This policy contributes towards achieving objective N3.

10.3 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The Joint Local Plan area has a unique and distinct natural environment, the urban area is dominated by landscapes shaped through the industrial legacy of the area, with many unique brownfield sites rich in wildlife such as Chatterley Valley and numerous green parks such as Park Hall and Berryhill Fields. In contrast the rural landscape reflects a more rural nature with a significant amount of land agricultural in nature.

10.3 - 4 Biodiversity and geodiversity are a vital part of the environment and provide a wide range of benefits. Core principles of the National Planning Policy Framework and associated guidance is that planning policies should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment, minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, protecting and enhancing site of biodiversity or geological values and soils and preventing the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodlands.

10.3 - 5

Chatterley Whitfield

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10.3 - 6 Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 places a duty on all public authorities in England and Wales to have regard to their function for the purposes of conserving biodiversity. A key purpose of the duty is to ensure that it is embedded and is considered integral to the formulation of local policies and in the determination of planning applications to help deliver the Governments long term Environmental Plan.

10.3 - 7 Local Plans should distinguish between sites in order to establish a hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites. A strategic approach should be applied to maintain and enhancing networks of habitats and green infrastructure. Policy NR3 sets out the formal designations across the plan area and provides the basis for consideration through the submission of future development proposals.

10.3 - 8 Designated sites are not only important on an individual basis but collectively can form an important part of an ecological network. Ecological networks provide the opportunity for habitat patches of a particular species to be connected by movement corridors. This can be important for maintain biodiversity and can prevent damage and habitat fragmentation to give appropriate support for wider duties such as the Water Framework Directive.

10.3 - 9 A partnership approach is applied across Staffordshire to collectively assess the network of existing and potential future sites. This partnership approach involves Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Staffordshire Wildlife Partnership, individual council's including Staffordshire County Council, Natural England and the Environment Agency. The committee regularly meet to discuss the existing network, whilst also considering potential future sites which are recorded as Biodiversity Alert Sites. The sites are surveyed, scored and graded according to a set of guidelines development by the Wildlife Partnership with reference to Defra guidance. If the committee recognise a site for its importance a Biodiversity Alter Site may be reclassified and therefore become a Local Wildlife Site and would be considered according to the policy approach set out in NR3.

10.3 - 10

Evidence

• Staffordshire Ecological Record • Natural England Database • The Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan • Stoke and Staffordshire Nature 2016 Technical Report • Staffordshire Ecosystem Assessment Report (2014)

10.3 - 11

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Natural England • Staffordshire Wildlife Trust • Staffordshire Local Nature Partnership • Landowners • Private Developers

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10.3 - 12

Monitoring

• Changes in land uses - Losses and additions to biodiversity habitats. • Total number and percentage of Local Sites where positive conservation management is being or has been implemented during the last 5 years. • Number and percentage of nature conservation sites for example LWS, SSSIs under appropriate conservation management (Defra Data list)

10.4 Policy NR4 - Trees and Woodland

10.4 - 1 Trees, hedgerows and woodlands are a vital part of the areas urban and rural environment and provide a wide range of benefits. They contribute to the character of an area and function as wildlife habitat, provide shelter, carbon storage, cleaner air, flood alleviation and urban cooling as well as increasing the desirability of the area. Furthermore there are many recorded health benefits such as, cleaner air, reduction in asthma and improvements to mental health. Therefore in both areas trees and woodlands are an important part of the local landscape and therefore it is important for them to be managed accordingly.

10.4 - 2

Policy NR4 - Trees and Woodland

The Councils' expects existing trees, hedgerows and woodland with biodiversity value, visual amenity value and landscape value to be retained, protected and appropriately managed. Veteran trees, ancient woodland and important hedgerows will be valued and protected.

Consent for works to protected trees (Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and trees in Conservation Areas) will only be granted where:

a. proposed works of pruning are in accordance with good arboricultural practice; or b. proposals for felling are properly justified through the accompanying detailed arboricultural and/or structural engineer’s report; and c. adequate replacement planting is proposed.

The Councils' will, where applicable, expect development proposals to:

d. assess potential impacts on trees, hedgerows and woodlands. Proposals that involve felling or removal of trees, hedgerows or woodlands or are considered likely to cause demonstrable harm will not be accepted unless acceptable mitigation or compensation measures can be secured; e. demonstrate that any proposed removal or damage to trees, hedgerows or woodland is outweighed by the wider benefits of the scheme and that the trees, hedgerow or woodland cannot be retained without prejudicing the economic viability of the development; f. incorporate trees as an integral part of a scheme and ensure protection measures before and during construction and appropriate management, maintenance and protection thereafter; g. aim to provide replacement planting both in terms of habitat and amenity value where tree, hedgerow or woodland loss is unavoidable; and h. planting of new trees and woodlands is desirable to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

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Loss or damage to irreplaceable habitats including ancient woodlands and veteran trees cannot be practically compensated and will not be acceptable.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H4, N1 & N2.

10.4 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

Trees, whether appearing as individuals, groups or as woodlands, have a very significant effect on our quality of life by providing direct and indirect benefits.

10.4 - 4 Trees and woodland are extremely important components of the local plan area's green infrastructure network, fulfilling a wide range of functions including enhancing biodiversity, providing access to nature, managing water, air, soil and noise pollution, reducing flood risk, stabilising land, reducing soil erosion, strengthening landscape character, and storing of carbon as well as providing shade and a cooling effect which could further mitigate the impacts of climate change.

10.4 - 5 An Arboricultural Survey followed by an Arboricultural Impact Assessment will be required with all planning applications, including outline planning applications, where trees, hedgerows or woodlands are either present on the proposal site or are in close proximity to it and are likely to influence or be affected by the development. This will in turn aid the assessment of the impact upon the tree(s). A Hedgerow Assessment in accordance with will be required where hedgerow removal is proposed. When assessing the impact upon trees from a development scheme, the use of CAVAT (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees) should be considered to demonstrate the impact and its mitigation.

10.4 - 6

Evidence

• NPPF • Hedgerow regulations

10.4 - 7

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Developers

10.4 - 8

Monitoring

• Loss of ancient woodlands.

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10.5 Policy NR5 - Green Belt

10.5 - 1 Introduction

National planning policies requires that Green Belt boundaries are only amended in exceptional circumstances and that this must be undertaken as part of the Local Plan process. An assessment of the Green Belt boundary was undertaken in 2017. The Councils' commissioned consultants to undertake the assessment of the North Staffordshire Green Belt to assess its performance against the NPPF criteria and then to consider specific areas of search for boundary adjustments.

10.5 - 2

Policy NR5 - Green Belt

The Councils' will continue to protect the permanence and openness of land designated as Green Belt so that it serves its functions. Development in the Green Belt will only be permitted:

a. if it is not inappropriate development; b. in ‘very special circumstances’; or c. if it is in accordance with an adopted Neighbourhood Plan.

All proposals for development within the Green Belt will be considered in accordance with the provisions of National Planning Policy Framework, development that is not inappropriate will only be permitted if it does not conflict with the purposes of the Green Belt, its visual amenities and openness.

Opportunities that enhance the environmental quality and beneficial use of land in the Green Belt will be supported, in particular the provision of green infrastructure to support the quality of life of urban residents.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives H4 & N3.

10.5 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

NPPF sets out the purposes of the Green Belt at paragraph 134 as well as making clear that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply in respect of land designated as Green Belt. Green Belt is a policy designation which has always sought to keep land permanently open to prevent urban sprawl. However, for economic growth and to provide adequate housing for its population, land must be made available for growth by a local planning authority through its local plan. The Joint Local Plan has identified ‘very special circumstances’ and so needs to re-define the Green Belt boundaries in planning to accommodate this growth. While, NPPF 2019 allows for changes to Green Belt boundaries to be made through neighbourhood plans where strategic policies have identified the need for such a change.

10.5 - 4 To ensure that the Green Belt continues to serve its key functions, within the Joint Local Plan area, it will be protected from inappropriate development. Inappropriate development, is by definition, harmful to Green Belt, and should not be permitted, except in ‘very exceptional circumstances’. When considering any changes (by virtue of planning applications) substantial weight will be given to any harm to the Green Belt. ‘Very special circumstances’, is where the potential harm to the Green Belt, by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations. Nevertheless, development will need to meet the requirements of Green Belt policy in NPPF, other policies in the joint local plan, cause no harm to the visual amenities of the Green Belt nor increase urban sprawl.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Natural and Rural Environment 164

10.5 - 5 Finally, Green Belt in its entirety plays a role in encouraging the regeneration of urban areas. The Councils', through the Joint Local Plan, seek where possible, the use of redundant greenfield sites and previously developed land.

10.5 - 6 Whilst most forms of development are considered inappropriate in the Green Belt, the NPPF sets out certain exceptions, in paragraphs 145 and 146, which are considered as being not inappropriate – including limited infilling. This is considered further in policy HO6.

10.5 - 7

Evidence

• Green Belt Assessments

10.5 - 8

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

10.5 - 9

Monitoring

• Number of dwellings/applications approved within the Green Belt.

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11.0 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

11.0 - 1 Introduction

Effective spatial planning is an important part of a successful response to climate change as it can influence the delivery of appropriately sited green infrastructure and the emission of greenhouse gases. There is a statutory duty on local planning authorities to include policies in their Local Plan designed to tackle and mitigate the effects of climate change.

11.0 - 2 The natural environment is key to ensuring the protection and enhancement of the environment. The Councils' sustainable approach of resources and use of natural resources are to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This is fundamental to ensuring that the area is inclusive and attractive to residents, workers, investors and visitors. The section addresses the local production of energy from renewable and low carbon sources, and promotes good water management to reduce the risk of flooding and mineral sustainability.

11.0 - 3 The Government has taken a number of steps to limit the UK’s emissions of greenhouse gases through legally binding targets. As part of an international effort the UK has been signed up to the Kyoto Protocol since 1995 and in 2016 ratified the Paris Agreement. The 2008 Climate Change Act commits the Government to reducing UK carbon dioxide and other targeted greenhouse gases by 100% in 2050 from the baseline 1990 levels.

11.0 - 4 One of the core principles of the National Planning Policy Framework is to support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate and encourage the use of renewable and low carbon energy resources (Paragraph 148). It indicates that planning has a key role to play in the delivery of new renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure in locations where the local environmental impact is acceptable.

11.0 - 5 Energy generation and use will have an enormous influence on the ability to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and therefore minimise the contribution to climate change. It also has the potential to have adverse impacts on local air quality if not properly controlled. Energy therefore cuts across a wide range of economic, social and environmental issues.

11.0 - 6 The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP Energy Strategy November 2018 outlines possible ways to reduce emissions by 57% by 2030 on 1990 levels. The strategy sets out the county’s vision to become a leader in smart energy and community energy generation and has a secure, distributed energy generation system based on low carbon and renewable energy. The strategy focuses on reducing the potentials effects of climate change by ensuring reductions to carbon emissions in a number of sectors to help protect the natural environment

11.1 Policy ER1 - Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

11.1 - 1 Introduction

Climate change is now one of the greatest global challenges we face today. There is overwhelming published evidence as demonstrated within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports that our climate is changing as a result of human activities, with the production of man-made

Draft Joint Local Plan: Environmental Resources 168 emissions as a primary driver. We have witnessed the impacts of climate change on an international, national and local scale including increasing temperatures, melting polar ice caps, sea level rise, ecosystem disruption, greater occurrences in extreme weather events and increasing risks of flooding. As concluded from the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, the impacts of climate change are not only environmental, but there will be long lasting economic impacts. It is important to consider climate change on a local level because it is the accumulation of human activity that is imposing this threat. Taking action on climate change can help to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits on various spatial scales. The Councils' are obliged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation through the production of renewable energy and delivery of green infrastructure.

11.1 - 2 The Councils' promote and support the delivery of energy from renewable and low carbon sources. For example, this could be achieved through a variety of technologies including wind, biomass, solar and decentralized energy. Development will be supported that is well adaptable to the impacts of climate change, and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for a low carbon economy. Within locations of existing renewable energy schemes, the cumulative impact based on the existing and new development will be taken into consideration.

11.1 - 3

Policy ER1 - Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

All development should be adaptable to climate change and help reduce carbon emissions by including, wherever appropriate, decentralised and renewable and low carbon sources. These include green roofs, micro-renewable energy, recycling facilities, building efficiency measures and measures to encourage greater levels of sustainable travel, such as cycle and walking infrastructure. Where planning permission is granted for a proposal, mitigation measures will be required as appropriate to minimise any environmental impacts.

The retrofitting of existing buildings with energy efficiency measures will be encouraged, particularly where this would reduce fuel poverty.

Where there is an existing or proposed district heat network, development shall connect into the heat network, or be designed to do so, unless it can be demonstrated that there are more effective alternatives for minimising carbon emissions or such connection is impracticable. (See appendix 13.5.1 - for the Stoke-on-Trent Heat District Network Plan)

All major residential, industrial and commercial developments should minimise carbon emissions and demonstrate what energy efficiency measures and/or low carbon technologies have been considered.

Development and energy proposals that would generate significant surplus or waste heat should take all practicable measures to utilise that heat to meet local energy needs.

Proposals for renewable energy or low-carbon energy development will be supported providing that the following criteria is met:

a. the technology is suitable and compatible within the proposed location, and does not cause adverse harm to the surrounding landscape or townscape, ecology and wildlife, the significance of historical and heritage assets; b. there is no significant adverse impacts on the local amenity, and public health and safety, thereby minimising noise levels, overshadowing, odour, visual intrusion and the release of emissions into the atmosphere; c. there is no significant adverse impact on the quality of the water environment, or to local, national or international designations within the environment; d. the availability of brownfield land has been considered before greenfield land. Where agricultural

169 Draft Joint Local Plan: Environmental Resources

land is proposed, poor quality land has been considered before high quality agricultural land; e. ensure construction methods minimise the use of non-renewable resources, and maximise the use of recycled and locally sourced materials; and f. when the technology is no longer operational there is a requirement to decommission, remove the facility and complete a restoration of the site to its original condition.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives T2, CC1, CC2 & CC4.

11.1 - 4 Why have we taken this approach?

Tackling climate change is a key priority area for the government, and is reflected in planning law. Through plan-making, the Councils' have a duty to address climate change, and contribute towards its mitigation and adaption in order to be legally compliant. The Climate Change Act 2008 introduces a statutory framework to reduce carbon emissions by 100% in 2050 from 1990 levels. The Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC establish a target for the UK to source 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. The Planning and Energy Act 2008 sets out powers to enable both Councils' to set requirements for energy use and energy efficiency in development plans. The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 places a duty for both Councils' to establish policies within the development plan to secure that the development, and use of land within the plan area contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

11.1 - 5 The National Planning Policy Framework identifies climate change mitigation and adaptation as a strategic priority, supporting the transition to a low carbon future, and promoting radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This is reflected within the core planning objectives as an environmental parameter for achieving sustainable development (Paragraph 8). To ensure conformity with national planning policy, the development plan must be aligned with this objective, and the objectives and provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008 (NPPF Footnote P44). Furthermore, national planning policy encourages plans to adopt a positive strategy to identify suitable areas, and increase the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy and heat.

11.1 - 6 In response to the legal and policy requirements, the Councils' have formulated pieces of evidence to gain an understanding of climate change, and to seek solutions to both mitigation and adaptation by identifying potential opportunities for renewable energy production. The Staffordshire-wide Renewable / Low Carbon Energy Study (CAMCO 2010) highlight the importance of all Staffordshire Local Planning Authorities to develop and implement policies to help deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation. Additionally, the study provides insights into the potential for delivering renewable energy and low carbon measures across Staffordshire. Specifically for Newcastle-under-Lyme, opportunities for wind energy development within the rural area are identified. The Renewable Energy Capacity Study for the West Midlands (SQW 2011) provided an overview of the 2030 renewable energy capacity across the West Midlands Local Authority areas. The study revealed potential opportunities for renewable energy generation from wind in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and micro-generation in Stoke-on-Trent.

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11.1 - 7

Solar Panels

11.1 - 8 The Planning Practice Guidance provides further context to national planning policy on what the government expects from both Councils' to address climate change. The guidance highlights the importance of effective spatial planning to deliver green energy in the appropriate places to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. It encourages the granting of planning permission for renewable energy developments, including solar, wind, decentralized energy and heating in areas identified suitable within the plan area, whilst avoiding adverse impacts on local communities and the environment.

11.1 - 9 Both Councils' are proactively supporting proposals and schemes for renewable energy production. In Newcastle-under-Lyme this has been demonstrated through the approval and development of Keele University's Sustainability Hub, an educational and research centre facilitating innovative work in emerging alternative energy technologies. Furthermore, renewable energy schemes for solar and wind has been approved within the rural area to the south of Keele University. Stoke-on-Trent is making efforts to increase renewable energy supply and increase decentralized energy provision through its participation within the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The partnership has helped to secure government funding to deliver the UK's first low-carbon district heating network (DHN) across city.

11.1 - 10 Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP Energy Strategy 2018 sets out that all sectors have challenges and opportunities to contribute to reducing climate change with increased renewable energy generation.

11.1 - 11 Paragraph 151 of the NPPF states that to help increase the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy and heat, plans should:

a. have a positive strategy to promote energy from renewable and low carbon sources that maximises the potential for suitable development, whilst ensuring that adverse impacts are addressed satisfactorily, including cumulative landscape and visual impacts; b. consider identifying suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy sources and supporting infrastructure, where this would help secure the development of such sources c. identify opportunities where development can draw its energy supply from decentralised, renewable or low carbon energy supply systems and for co-locating potential heat customers and suppliers.

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11.1 - 12

Evidence

• National Planning Policy Framework • Planning Practice Guidance • Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEPs Energy Strategy 2018 • Staffordshire County-wide Renewable / Low Carbon Energy Study 2010 • Renewable Energy Capacity Study for the West Midlands • Climate Change Act 2008 and footnote 48 of NPPF • Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 • Duty to Co-operate section 33A of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 • The monitoring obligations under s.35 of the 2004 Act and Regulation 35 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 • 19(1A) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

11.1 - 13

Delivery Partners

• Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Stoke-on-Trent Local City Council • Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Planning Steering Groups • Planning for Energy Efficient Cities Project (PLEEC). Stoke-on-Trent a current partner for examining existing strategies and best practice to develop a model for energy efficiency and sustainable city planning. • Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership • Historic England • Environment Agency • Natural England • Developers

11.1 - 14

Monitoring

• The number of proposals approved and implemented for renewable energy production within suitable and compatible locations. • Reduction of CO2 emissions to support national government target.

11.2 Policy ER2 - Wind Development

11.2 - 1 Introduction

Wind power has been identified as a possible renewable energy source within the borough of Newcastle- under-Lyme. Areas have been identified to which the capacity of wind would be great enough to sustain commercial wind energy generation. A resource assessment has revealed potential of up to 540MW capacity of commercial wind within the borough.

11.2 - 2

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Policy ER2 - Wind Development

Proposals for commercial wind energy development (turbines 120m or larger) will only be supported where the proposal lies within an area identified in the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, which has been identified potentially suitable for wind energy development.

Proposals for wind turbine(s) will be supported where it is demonstrated that impacts as a result of the size (height), scale (number of turbines) and necessary associated infrastructure on the character of the wider area, are or can be made acceptable, with specific reference to:

a. siting and design considerations; b. impacts on the natural environment, including biodiversity and the disturbance and displacement of birds and bats; c. impacts on built and historic assets, where the asset and its setting should be conserved and enhanced; d. neighbouring land uses and development including adverse impacts on amenity by virtue of noise, visual intrusion and shadow flicker, including cumulative visual impact; e. cumulative, indirect and direct, and temporary and permanent impacts on the landscape; f. air traffic movement and safety; and g. the impact on playing fields and pitches, where a Sports Impact Assessment should be undertaken for sites situated within a playing field or other sports related land.

Applicants proposing a specific site must be able to demonstrate community engagement that planning impacts identified by the local community have been addressed.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives T2, CC1, CC2 & CC4.

11.2 - 3 Why we have taken this approach?

The Staffordshire-wide Renewable / Low Carbon Energy Study (CAMCO 2010) highlight the importance of all Staffordshire Local Planning Authorities to develop and implement policies to help deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation. Additionally, the study provides insights into the potential for delivering renewable energy and low carbon measures across Staffordshire. Specifically for Newcastle-under- Lyme, opportunities for wind energy development within the rural area are identified. The methodology of this study used the current market for large scale wind turbines of 2.5MW turbines (approximately 120m to the tip of the blade at the top of its swept area) and this has been used as a default size across the study period (up to 2026), although it should be recognised that the wind turbines would be selected to suit each specific location.

11.2 - 4 The main areas identified in the appendix 13.5.2 identify the major areas where 3 or more turbines could be located as they do not have any immediate restraints to restrict development. Proposals will only be supported in these areas where there are no unacceptable effects on, amongst other things: residential amenity; landscape character; recreation use of a site; heritage assets; archaeology; biodiversity; best and most versatile agricultural land; ground water; highway and air traffic safety; and radar and telecommunications. All proposals must include detailed technical impact assessments following industry best practice and clearly demonstrate that impacts are within acceptable thresholds.

11.2 - 5 A renewable energy capacity study has identified areas for wind energy development. The applicant would need to demonstrate that their development is technically feasible and acceptable taking into account factors such as wind speed, environmental and landscape designations and proximity to sensitive receptors such as residential properties and heritage assets. All proposals will be expected to comply with all relevant criteria set out in other policies of this Plan and national policy.

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11.2 - 6

Wind Turbines

11.2 - 7 The published Ministerial Written Statement: HCWS42 (18 June 2015) provides an additional consideration for considering wind energy development involving wind turbines. These are as follows:

• The development site is in an area identified as suitable for wind energy development in a Local or Neighbourhood Plan; and • Following consultation, it can be demonstrated that the planning impacts identified by effected local communities have been fully addressed and therefore the proposal has their backing.

11.2 - 8 Stoke-on-Trent is not suitable for commercial wind turbines due to insufficient wind strength and limited land availability. Not all parts of the opportunity areas will be appropriate for all types of wind turbine. Suitability will depend on the height and design of the turbine and the requirement to leave an appropriate distance between the turbine, residential properties and transport infrastructure, which will vary according to the overall height of the turbine.

11.2 - 9

Evidence

• National Planning Policy Framework • Planning Practice Guidance • LEPs Energy Strategy • Staffordshire County-wide Renewable / Low Carbon Energy Study (CAMCO 2010) • Renewable Energy Capacity Study for the West Midlands • Developers • The monitoring obligations under s. 35 of the 2004 Act and Regulation 35 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2019(1A) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 • Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 • Duty to Co-operate section 33A of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 • Climate Change Act 2008

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11.2 - 10

Delivery Partners

• Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Planning Steering Groups • Planning for Energy Efficient Cities Project (PLEEC). Stoke-on-Trent a current partner for examining existing strategies and best practice to develop a model for energy efficiency and sustainable city planning. • Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership • Historic England • Environment Agency • Natural England • Developers

11.2 - 11

Monitoring

• The number of proposals approved and implemented for wind energy production within suitable and compatible locations. • Reduction of CO2 emissions to support national government target.

11.3 Policy ER3 - Flood Risk and Water Management

11.3 - 1 Introduction

There are a number of complex flooding issues across the plan area. The urban area is densely populated and in places, steeply sloping. This makes it prone to rapid surface water flooding following rapid rainfall and flooding from smaller watercourses that are tributaries of the rivers across the plan area. Policy ER3 Flood Risk and Water Management sets out a clear approach and gives guidance on how future development should respond to flood risk and water management issues across the plan area.

11.3 - 2

Policy ER3 – Flood Risk and Water Management

The Councils' will support development proposals where the risk of flooding has been fully assessed, accurately considered and contains sufficient mitigation by an agreed Flood Risk Assessment.

A site specific Flood Risk Assessment, undertaken by a suitably qualified person, is required for:

a. Proposals of 1 hectare or greater in Flood Zone 1. b. All proposals for new development in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3. c. Proposed minor development or change of use in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3 where a more vulnerable use may be susceptible to other sources of flooding. d. Sites which may be at risk of defence breach. e. Proposed sites in areas where there is evidence of historical or recent flood events.

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f. The proposed development site is over or impacts on a culverted watercourse or where development will require controlling the flow of any river or stream or the development could potentially impact on the structures known to influence its flow. g. In an area shown at risk of significant surface water flooding.

The Flood Risk Assessment should also address, if required, the sequential and exceptions tests as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework and should take into account all sources of flooding identified in the Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme Strategic Flood Risk Assessments.

Where the sequential and exception tests are satisfied, the Councils' will require development proposals to:

h. provide a safe and clear means of access and egress routes in the event of a flood; i. manage surface water run-off to ensure that flood risk is not increased; j. use Sustainable Drainage Systems in accordance with the Staffordshire and Stoke Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems handbook; k. provide compensatory storage; l. ensure that the layout and design of a site considers opportunities to provide flood resilience measures and reduce flood risk within the development without increasing flood risk elsewhere; m. apply a sequential approach at a site level to minimise risk by directing the most vulnerable development to areas of lowest risk; n. avoid the use of culverting and building over watercourses and where practical, daylight existing culverts; o. ensure that appropriate mitigation is included within the design of the development to make it safe for the future users of the site without adversely affecting others, for the lifetime of the development; p. ensure that developers have considered the impacts of climate change over the lifetime of the development to ensure that the future users of the development are not put at additional risk of flooding and developments maintain their permeability in perpetuity; q. raise residential and commercial finished floor levels to a minimum of 600mm above the 1 in 100 year plus climate change flood level; r. seek to reduce flood risk off site wherever feasible; s. ensure that no built development is within 8m from the top of a watercourse for the preservation, restoration and enhancement of the watercourse corridor; and t. seek to include wildlife habitat, flood flow conveyance routes, green infrastructure and future watercourse maintenance or sympathetic improvement works.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives CC3 & CC4.

11.3 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The National Planning Policy Framework and accompanying Planning Practice Guidance clearly sets out that development should be directed to areas at the lowest risk of flooding by applying a sequential approach. The application a sequential approach aims to avoid, where possible, flood risk to people and property and to manage any residual risk, taking into account the impacts of climate change. To inform the Councils' approach regarding flood risk and water management, the Councils' commissioned a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) to support the Joint Local Plan. The SFRA draws on a number of sources of information on all potential sources of flooding and has been completed with the assistance of the Environment Agency, Lead local Flood Authority for Stoke (SOTCC) and Newcastle-under-Lyme (Staffordshire County Council) and Severn Trent Water. The Environment Agency are the lead authority for determining flood zone areas.

11.3 - 4 The urban area of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme are densely populated and in places,

Draft Joint Local Plan: Environmental Resources 176 steeply sloping urban areas. This makes it prone to rapid surface water flooding following heavy rainfall and flooding from smaller watercourses, a number of which form the tributaries of the River Trent. The industrial legacy leaves complex drainage challenges, with many watercourses that are heavily modified and culverted in places, providing little of no biodiversity benefit and making them prone to blockages. In order understand this element of flooding in more detail in Stoke-on-Trent, an accompanying Surface Water Management Plan has been undertaken to draw together modelling to understand the interactions between surface water, sewers and culverted watercourses. A number of hotspots across the City have been identified, including:

• Fen Park • Baddley Green • Bucknall • Harpfields • Ubberley • Weston Coyney • Goms Mill

11.3 - 5 Stoke-on-Trent is at the top of the River Trent Catchment and there are some fairly steep river valleys which combined with the density of development and heavily modified drainage network in the city, can cause a rapid response to rainfall. The Fowlea Brook in particular is classed as a rapid response catchment which means that there is a specific plan in place to address flash flooding in the area.

11.3 - 6 The Environment Agency advises that minimum finished floor levels should be set 600mm above the 100-year plus climate change peak flood level, where the new climate change allowances have been used. An additional allowance may be required because of risks relating to blockages to the channel, culvert or bridge and should be considered as part of an FRA.

11.3 - 7

Evidence Base

• Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2019 - Stoke-on-Trent • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2019 - Newcastle-under-Lyme • Scoping Water Cycle Study 2019 - Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle • Surface Water Management Plan - Stoke-on-Trent • Flood Risk Management Strategy • Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment • ICMS data

11.3 - 8

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent Local Planning Authority • Stoke-on-Trent City Council - Lead Local Flood Authority • Staffordshire County Council - Lead Local Flood Authority • Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Planning Authority • Environment Agency • Severn Trent Water • United Utilities

177 Draft Joint Local Plan: Environmental Resources

11.3 - 9

Monitoring

• The number of applications refused on flood risk grounds. • The number of outstanding Environment Agency objections to applications.

11.4 Policy ER4 - Minerals within Stoke-on-Trent

11.4 - 1 Introduction

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is a mineral and waste planning authority. Responsibility for mineral and waste planning in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme rests with Staffordshire County Council. Therefore these policies are only relevant to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Minerals are essential for development and through that for our quality of life and creation of sustainable communities. Mineral resources are not evenly distributed and can only be worked where they occur naturally. They are also essentially finite, once extracted they will not be replaced. Minerals planning ensures that the need for minerals by society and the economy and the impacts of extraction and processing on people and the environment are managed in an integrated way. The City of Stoke-on-Trent is underlain by coal and clay reserves but active mineral operations are limited. Minerals are essential raw materials for the construction industry and for power generation. Both are essential to a sustainable community. Therefore it is appropriate that sufficient supplies are provided for new housing, industry, infrastructure and employment.

11.4 - 2 Mineral production from primary resources in the City is a shadow of its former self. Reserves have been worked out and modern mineral operations are constrained by the urban form and amenity considerations. What little new development may emerge in the future will be guided by national planning policy. However, the City of Stoke-on-Trent does still include nationally scarce resources of Etruria Marls with inactive permitted workings within the City.

11.4 - 3

Policy ER4 - Minerals within Stoke-on-Trent

The important mineral resources will be safeguarded against needless sterilisation by non-mineral development. Development which may be of detriment to the potential future extraction will only be permitted where the prospective developer has produced evidence prior to determination of the planning application to demonstrate that either:

a. the mineral resources are either not present or are of no economic value; b. proposals for non-mineral development in the vicinity of permitted mineral sites or mineral site allocations would not unduly restrict the mineral operations; c. the non-mineral development is temporary and does not permanently sterilise the mineral; d. the material planning benefits of the non-mineral development would outweigh the material planning benefits of the underlying or adjacent mineral; e. it is not practicable or environmentally acceptable in the foreseeable future to extract the mineral; or f. the mineral resources are to be extracted prior to commencement of the development.

Where there are mineral infrastructure sites used for mineral processing, handling, and transportation, non-mineral development which may be of detriment to it's operation should not be permitted unless it

Draft Joint Local Plan: Environmental Resources 178 has been demonstrated that:

g. the non-mineral development would not unduly restrict the use of the mineral infrastructure site; or h. the material planning benefits of the non-mineral development would outweigh the material planning benefits of the mineral infrastructure site; or i. the mineral infrastructure can be relocated; or j. alternative capacity can be provided elsewhere.

Where a developer is proposing the extraction of minerals, development will be considered acceptable where it complies with the criteria below:

k. the proposal would not impact upon the amenity of the neighbouring area; l. any detrimental impact on the surrounding environment, in terms of water, ecology, landscape, vibration, land stability and pollution is mitigated; m. the proposed methods of working, phasing, management and maintenance of site restoration are submitted; and n. the development accords with other policies in plan, such as transport.

This policy contributes towards achieving objective CC5.

11.4 - 4 Why have we taken this approach?

Development which is not considered to be of detriment to minerals resources and infrastructure includes, applications for householder development; applications for alterations and extensions to existing buildings and for change of use of existing development, applications for advertisement consent, applications for reserved matters after outline consent has been granted, prior notifications (telecoms, forestry, agriculture, demolition), Certificates of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) and Certificates of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUD), applications for works to trees, applications for temporary planning permission and applications for listed building consent.

11.4 - 5 Whilst extraction of minerals is no longer as large an industry locally, the City is still home to some sites which constitute secondary and recycled minerals, along with potential for related mineral infrastructure. Mineral related infrastructure includes storage, handling and processing facilities (including facilities processing waste into aggregates). It is important for this to be safeguarded to ensure its efficient operation. Applications for a non-mineral related use, on or adjacent to the sites, will be expected to demonstrate that the site has no realistic potential for the development of mineral related infrastructure or no longer meets the needs of the minerals

11.4 - 6 Mineral development, particularly mineral extraction, can have a considerable impact on its surroundings. The impacts on the quality of life of local people and on the environment are key considerations when deciding where to locate new minerals development. A wide range of potential adverse impacts can arise and the specific nature. Early discussion with the Council is recommended to clarify the scope and level of detail of information required with an application.

179 Draft Joint Local Plan: Environmental Resources

11.4 - 7

Evidence

• British Geological Society data • Local Aggregates Assessment

11.4 - 8

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Staffordshire County Council • West Midlands Aggregates Working Party • British Ceramic Confederation

11.4 - 9

Monitoring

• Number of applications approved contrary to safeguarding policy.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Environmental Resources 180

181 Draft Joint Local Plan: Infrastructure

12.0 INFRASTRUCTURE

12.0 - 1 Sufficient and appropriate infrastructure is crucial to the well-being of any society. Roads, railways and cycle paths that cross the city and borough to schools, health care facilities and infrastructure. There is also infrastructure which isn't seen, including water, gas and telecommunications, but are all required. A fully operational, well-planned, well connected and well-maintained infrastructure has to be at the centre of planning, now and into the future.

12.1 Policy SI1 - Infrastructure Provision

12.1 - 1 Introduction

Infrastructure can take many different forms and is essential to support a range of objectives including increasing housing provision, economic growth, mitigating climate change and supporting the well-being of sustainable communities. Effectively planned infrastructure is essential to supporting the existing and future needs of communities and is an essential part of the plan making process towards achieving the vision for the plan area by 2037. New development can place additional pressure on existing infrastructure however it can also provide a mechanism to improve existing services and infrastructure in addition to the provision of new infrastructure. Policy SI1 seeks to ensure that the required provision of infrastructure is identified and delivered in a timely manner to support communities.

12.1 - 2

Policy SI1 - Infrastructure Provision

The Councils' and partners will ensure that future development and growth across the plan area is supported and enhanced by the timely delivery of necessary transport, utilities, social and environmental infrastructure required to deliver and support strategic and site specific proposals; in accordance with the overall Spatial Strategy in conjunction with an appropriate delivery mechanism.

Planning obligations will be sought and negotiated on a site by site basis where development creates a requirement for additional or improved infrastructure and services on-site or off-site which:

a. cannot be addressed through a planning condition; b. is necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; c. is directly related to the development; and d. reasonably relates in scale and kind to the development.

Developer contributions will be sought in respect of infrastructure requirements and negotiated on the following basis:

e. To ensure the delivery of affordable homes across the plan area. f. To provide green space and recreational facilities, including future maintenance contributions. g. To provide infrastructure required to support communities i.e. education provision and health care facilities. h. To provide the provision of highways improvements to address safety and access to a development scheme. i. To contribute to the provision of sustainable modes of transport immediately within the vicinity of the site and across the plan area. j. To contribute to the delivery of environmental infrastructure, including biodiversity management, landscaping, flood defences and sustainable urban drainage systems. k. To support and provide any other identified infrastructure requirements to support new

Draft Joint Local Plan 182

development and meet local community needs. l. To contribute to the delivery of any other infrastructure requirements identified by any adopted Neighbourhood Plan.

Further information regarding significant infrastructure requirements is set out in the Councils' Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

This policy contributes towards achieving objectives T1, HC1, HC2, T2, N1, H1, N2 & CC4.

12.1 - 3 Why have we taken this approach?

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) highlights the importance of infrastructure planning and delivery and clearly sets out that local planning authorities should aim to identify and coordinate the provision of infrastructure in order to support future development.

12.1 - 4 The Joint Local Plan is supported by evidence through the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and associated schedule of what physical, social and green Infrastructure is needed to enable the amount of development proposed for the area, taking into account of its type and distribution. This evidence covers who will provide the infrastructure and when it will be required to support development and communities and the associated costs. The Joint Local Plan draws upon strategies and investment plans of both local authorities and other organisations and partners, including Staffordshire County Council.

12.1 - 5

Evidence

• Infrastructure Delivery Plan

12.1 - 6

Delivery Partners

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council • Staffordshire County Council • Highways England • Environment Agency • Private Developers • Registered Social Landlords • Fortior Homes

183 Draft Joint Local Plan: Infrastructure

12.1 - 7

Monitoring

• The number of Section 106 agreements negotiated and the type of infrastructure to be delivered. • The amount of Section 106 monies received and infrastructure delivered. • Delivery of infrastructure set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Draft Joint Local Plan 184

185 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 186

13.0 APPENDICES

13.1 Policies Map Please see separate document.

13.2 Monitoring

13.2 - 1

Policy Target(s) Indicators (How we will Which monitor?) objective(s) this policy meets

Policy S1 – Delivering Sustainable development in -- All Sustainable accordance with national Development and local planning policies

Policy S2 – Sustainable Support these and other -- All Healthy Communities local initiatives

Policy SE1 – Quantity Deliver a minimum of 239 Amount and location of E1, E2, E3, E4 & Employment hectares of employment floorspace delivered by use H3 Development land (82 hectares in class (Employment Land Newcastle-under-Lyme and Review & SHMA) 157 hectares in Stoke-on- Trent). In use class B1, B2 & B8.

Policy SE2 – Delivery of jobs growth Amount and location of E1, E2, E3, E4, Distribution of floorspace delivered by use T1, T2, H3, H4 & Employment class CT1 Development

Policy E3 – New employment The net gain of B use class E1, E2, E3, T1, Employment Uses and development in the rural land (hectares) within the T2 & H4 the Rural Economy area rural area

Policy E4 – Existing Existing employment areas/ Net change of B use class E1, E2 & E3 Employment Sites sites to be retained and floorspace protected for employment development purposes

Policy E5 - Improvement of Number of applications for E1 & E2 Communications communications within the new telecoms apparatus local plan area Mobile coverage

187 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

Policy E6 – Tourism Sustain and enhance the Number of Hotel bed E1, CT1, HER1, and Culture visitor and tourism economy spaces in completed E2, HER2 HER3 developments & H4

Number of visitors to Stoke- on-Trent run attractions

Number of D2 Leisure uses completed

Policy E7 – Development within the Number of Hotel bed E1, CT1, HER1, Development in and Stoke-on-Trent Railway spaces in completed E2, HER2, HER3 around Stoke-on-Trent Station Masterplan Area developments & H4 Railway Station Number of visitors to the City – recorded through the Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Economic Impact Assessment

Number of visitors to Stoke- on-Trent run attractions

Number of D2 Leisure Uses completed

Policy E8 – University Release of green belt to Employment - number of E1, E3, E4, T2 & Growth Corridor enable Keele University to jobs created and annual H1 expand monitoring of employment land development

Environmental - land area developed for recreational use, open space and tree planting and air quality monitoring

Policy SH01 – Housing Minimum of 33,360 new The number of new homes H1 & H3 Numbers homes; 1390 homes per completed annually in annum across the plan Stoke-on-Trent and area, 1390 homes per Newcastle-under-Lyme annum in Stoke-on-Trent 586 homes per annum in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Policy SH02 – Development brought Number of homes H1, H2 & H3 Distribution of Housing forward in a managed way completed through the plan period Location of homes completed

Number of windfall completions

Number of homes

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 188

completed on brownfield land

Policy SH03 - Rural Development of an Health Check Assessments CT2, H1, H4 & Settlement Hierarchy appropriate scale and HC1 nature will be directed Planning applications towards Rural Centres and Villages identified.

Policy HO4 – Affordable Affordable homes - 10 The number of affordable H1, H2, H3 & H4 Housing dwellings or 1000sqm within homes completed annually the urban area and on sites of 5 dwellings in rural areas The tenure and mix of affordable homes delivered 25% on sites within the urban area

25% on sites within rural areas

Policy HO5 – Mix of Developments of 10 Housing completions – H1, H2, H3 & H4 housing dwellings or more the Considered against the Councils' will seek to secure needs set out in the SHMA/ homes to accommodate the self-build register needs of older people Number of homes delivered Support self-build projects for older people

Policy HO6 - Windfall New residential Number of dwellings H1, H2, H3, H4, Development development will be completed N3, CT1 & CT2 supported on genuine infill plots within the identified development boundaries

Policy HO7 – Gypsy 26 permanent pitches Number of pitches given H2 & H3 And Traveller Stoke-on-Trent (of which a permission Accommodation minimum of 10 will be required by 2024);

7 permanent plots Newcastle-under-Lyme (of which a minimum of 1 will be required by 2024)

5-transit pitches in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Policy HO8 - Dwellings only built in rural Number of Rural Workers E1,T2 & H2 Agricultural Worker areas where they are dwellings completed Dwellings necessary annually

189 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

Policy ST1 – Improve transport Increased public transport - T1, T2, CC1, Sustainable Transport infrastructure infrastructure (bus stops) CC2, CC4, HC2, and Travel N1 & H4 Protect walking and cycling Walking routes (maintained routes and new routes)

Improve existing bus and Travel Plans rail network

Address the environmental impacts of travel

Policy T2 – Highways Improvements of the Number of schemes T1, T2, CC1, Network highway network providing travel plans. HC2 & N1

Policy T3 – Parking Integrated parking in the Monitoring planning T2, CT1, HER1 & proposal of schemes applications E3

Parking provision to be monitored annually

Policy T4 – Keele Sustainable transport Data on trips monitoring T1, T2, CC1 & Community Smart solutions CC2 Transport Demonstrator Initiative (CSTD)

Policy SC1 – Hierarchy Protect, promote and retain Health Check Assessments CT1, CT2 & HC1 of Centres the long-term vitality and viability of centres The Number of applications approved in out of centre locations

Policy SC2 – Stoke on Diversifying uses within the The number of applications CT1 & HC1 Trent City Centre City Centre approved and completed (Hanley) within the City Centre. Reduction in vacancy rates The number of applications Job growth approved in out of centre locations above 500sqm

Policy SC3 – Job growth The number of applications CT1 & HC1 Newcastle-under-Lyme approved and completed Town Centre Diversity of uses within the City Centre.

Redevelopment of Ryecroft The number of applications approved in out of centre locations above 500sqm

Policy C4 – New Retail Retail and leisure uses Applications approved and CT1 & CT2 and Leisure directed towards existing implemented in out-of- Development defined centres centre and edge-of-centre locations.

Centre Health Checks

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 190

Policy C5 – Supporting Applications approved and CT2 Local Communities implemented in To ensure a vital and viable neighbourhood, local and local community services village centres.

The number of units lost to other uses within neighbourhood, local and village centres

Policy C6 – Leisure and To ensure a vital and viable The number of applications CT1, CT2, HC1 & Night time Economy leisure and night time approved for leisure and HER1 economy night time uses

Policy C7 – Hot Food No more than 20% of the The number of hot food HC2, CT1 & CT2 Takeaways frontages - A5 use takeaways approved and implemented. No more than two hot food takeaways located adjacent to each other

Policy DH1 - Design Good design Number of applications CC1, T2, CC2, refused on design grounds CC3 & HER2

Number of schemes with design awards

Policy DH2 - Well designed places in the Number of appeals lost on N1, N2, N3, CC3 Landscape Design right landscape design & HER2 grounds.

Number of schemes with design awards.

Policy DH3 – Historic The number of hot food Conservation area HC2, CT1 & CT2 Environment takeaways approved and appraisals/management implemented. plans

Applications monitoring

Policy DH4 - Preservation of New HER records HER2 Archaeology archaeological remains and sites

Policy SNR1 - Green Management and The number of N1, HC2, HC1, and Blue Infrastructure enhancement of the implemented planning T2, N2, CC4, multifunctional green and consents that improve the HER1 & HER2 blue infrastructure across existing and potential the plan area Green and Blue Infrastructure linkages across the plan area.

191 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

Policy NR2 – Open Maintain and enhance sport The amount of new open HC1, HC2 & N1 Space, Outdoor Sport and recreation provision space and sport and and Recreation recreational facilities provided through new Provision developments.

The amount of open space, sport and recreational facilities lost to alternative uses through the implementation of new developments

Policy NR3 – Enhance and where Changes in land uses N3 Biodiversity and possible secure net gain for Geodiversity biodiversity Total number and percentage of Local Sites where positive conservation management is being or has been implemented during the last 5 years.

Number and percentage of nature conservation sites i.e LWS, SSSIs etc under appropriate conservation management (Defra Data list

Policy NR4 – Trees and Retention of existing trees, Loss of ancient woodlands H4, N1 & N2 Woodland hedgerows and woodland

Policy NR5 - Green Belt Retention of green belt Number of dwellings/ H4 & N3 applications approved within the Green Belt.

Policy ER1 – Renewable and low carbon Number of dwellings/ T2, CC1, CC2, Renewable and Low sources applications approved CC4 & N3 Carbon Energy within the Green Belt. Promote the minimisation of carbon emissions and the use of renewable/low carbon technologies in new development.

Policy ER2 - Wind Commercial wind The number of proposals T2, CC1, CC2 & Development development will only be approved and implemented CC4 accetable within specified for wind energy production area which meet conditions within suitable and compatible locations. Reduction of CO2 emissions to support national government target

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 192

Policy ER3 – Flood Developments - risk of The number of applications CC3 & CC4 Risk and Water flooding fully assessed and refused on flood risk Management mitigation agreed grounds

The number of outstanding Environment Agency Objections to applications

Policy ER4 - Minerals Prevention of sterilising land Number of applications CC5 within Stoke-on-Trent approved contrary to safeguarding policy

Policy SI1 – The number of Section 106 T1, HC1, HC2, Infrastructure Provision agreements negotiated and T2, N1, H1, N2 & Timely delivery of necessary the type of infrastructure to CC4 transport, utilities, social and be delivered. environmental infrastructure The amount of Section 106 monies received.

Delivery of infrastructure set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan

Aim 1 – UK Central Hub for Innovation and Investment - E1, E2, E3, E4 & T1

Aim 2 - Healthy & Active Communities - HC1, HC2, T2, N1 & CC1

Aim 3 – Dynamic & Diverse Neighbourhoods - H3, H1, H3 & H4

Aim 4 – Utilising our Natural Assets and Resources - CC2, CC3, H3, N3 & CC4

Aim 5 - Strong City Centre and Market Town with a Diverse Network of Towns and Villages - CT1 & CT2

Aim 6 – Making our Historic Past Work for the Future - HER1, HER2 & HER3

13.3 Parking Standards

13.3 - 1 Parking Standards

Parking standards for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent.

Residential Type Requirement Notes

Family Housing with 2- 3 2 spaces per unit For housing with private amenity Bedrooms space

Family Housing with 4 Bedrooms 3 spaces per unit For housing with private amenity

193 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices and above space

Flats/Apartments with 2 or more 2 spaces per unit For housing with minimal/shared Bedrooms amenity space

Flats/Apartments with 1 1 space per unit Includes bedsits and sub-divided Bedroom properties/HMO

Sheltered Accommodation and 1 space per unit Includes all other residential uses Retirement Villages outside use class C2

Use Class Car Parking Requirement Notes

A1 Food Retail 1 space per 14m2

A1 non-Food Retail 1 space per 20m2

A2 Financial and Business 1 space per 25m2 Services

A3, A4, A5 Food and Drink, Hot 1 space per 20m2 Food

B1 Offices 1 space per 30m2

B2 Industry 1 space per 70m2

B8 Storage and Distribution 1 space per 80m2

May include provision for coach C1 Hotels and Motels 1 space per bedroom parking

C2 Residential Care Homes 1 space per 3 beds

C2 Residential Schools, Colleges 1 space per 4 beds and Student Accommodation

To be considered on an C2 Hospitals individual basis

D1 Health Centres, GP’s, Dentist 4 spaces per consulting room

Facilities may be required for 1 space per all members of D1 Nursery, Crèche picking up and dropping off staff (including coach parking)

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 194

Facilities may be required for D1 Primary and Secondary 2 spaces per classroom picking up and dropping off Schools (including coach parking)

Facilities may be required for D1 Higher and Further Education 3 spaces per classroom picking up and dropping off (including coach parking)

D1 Museums, Libraries, Public May include provision for coach 1 space per 30m2 Halls parking

D1 Places of Worship 1 space per 10m2

May include provision for coach D2 Stadia 1 space per 15 seats parking

D2 Cinemas, Theatres, Bingo 1 space per 5 seats and Concert Halls

D2 Community Halls, Dance 1 space per 22m2 Halls, Clubs

D2 Leisure, Swimming Baths, 1 space per 25m2 Gyms and Sports Halls

Minimum Cycle Parking Standards – non-domestic residential

Use Class Cycle Parking Requirement (minimum) A1 retail, A2 financial services, A3, A4, A5 1 space per 250m2 or 1 per every 5 members of staff, Food and drink whichever is the greater 1 space per 300m2 or 1 per every 5 members of staff, B1 Office whichever is the greater 1 space per 700m2 or 1 per every 5 members of staff, B2/B8 employment uses whichever is the greater 1 space per 10 bedrooms or 1 per every 5 members C1 Hotels, C2 residential care homes of staff, whichever is the greater C2 residential schools and student 1 space per 4 bedrooms accommodation D1 non-residential institutions except schools, 1 space per 300m2 or 1 per every 5 members of staff, colleges and universities whichever is the greater D1 schools, colleges and universities 1 space per 5 students/pupils 1 space per 250m2 or 1 per every 5 members of staff, D2 assembly & leisure whichever is the greater

195 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

13.4 List of designated sites

13.4.1 Conservation Areas

13.4.1 - 1

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 196

13.4.2 Local Centres

13.4.2 - 1

197 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

13.4.2 - 2

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 198

13.4.3 Biodiversity/Geodiversity

13.4.3 - 1

199 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

13.4.3 - 2

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 200

13.5 Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

13.5.1 District Heat Network

13.5.1 - 1

13.5.1 - 2 Map Key:

• Red lines - main spine • Blue lines - local branches • Purple lines - building connections

201 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

13.5.2 Wind Development (Commercial)

13.5.2 - 1

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 202

13.6 Superseded Policies

13.6 - 1 Upon adoption the Joint Local Plan will supersede the following DPDs.

Document name Adoption date

Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent Core October 2009 Spatial Strategy

City of Stoke-on-Trent City Plan 2001 (Saved September 1993 Policies)

Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan 2011 October 2003

13.6 - 2 and the following SPDs:

Document name Adoption date

Affordable Housing 2008

Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent Urban 2010 Design Guidance

Sustainability and Climate Change 2013

Healthy Urban Planning 2013

13.6 - 3 The Joint Waste Plan sits alongside this document and is therefore not superseded.

13.7 Glossary

13.7 - 1 Affordable Housing: Housing for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by the market (including housing that provides a subsidised route to home ownership and/or is for essential local workers); Comprises of social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing for households whose needs are not met by the market. Social rented housing is owned and rented out to households by local authorities, private registered providers or other approved landlords. Affordable rented housing is let under similar arrangements but at 20% below local market rents. Intermediate housing comprises of homes for sale and rent and can include shared equity (shared ownership and equity loans) and other low cost homes for sale and intermediate rent.

Air Quality Management Areas: Areas designated by local authorities because they are not likely to achieve national air quality objectives by the relevant deadlines.

203 Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices

Ancient Woodland: An area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD.

Ancillary: a subsidiary or secondary use or operation closely associated with the main use of a building or piece of land. As a general rule, ancillary uses will require planning permission.

Brownfield Land: See ‘previously developed land’

Carbon Capture: a way of collecting the carbon produced when fuel is burned, so that it is not released into the air.

Climate Change: Climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns across the world. Since the mid-1800s, humans have contributed to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. This causes global temperatures to rise, resulting in long-term changes to the climate

Constellation Partnership (formerly known as the Northern Gateway Development Zone): A partnership between two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and seven local authorities focused on delivering plan-led economic development. The partners are Cheshire and Warrington LEP, Stoke-on- Trent and Staffordshire LEP, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Newcastle- under-Lyme Borough Council, Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The agreed vision of the partnership is for a single economic footprint creating a coherent investment market boosted by the international investment magnet of High Speed Rail connectivity. This is promoted as an unbeatable growth opportunity for investors. The partnership's ambition is to deliver 100,000 new homes and 120,000 new jobs by 2040.

Core Spatial Strategy: The existing, overarching development plan document for Newcastle-under- Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. It sets out the long-term spatial vision for areas, the spatial objectives and strategic policies and proposals to deliver that vision. The Core Spatial Strategy was adopted by both Councils' in 2009 and will be replaced by the Joint Local Plan.

Conservation Area: Designated as conservation area any parts of area that are of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Decentralised Energy: Local renewable and local low-carbon energy sources.

Development Management (decision-taking): A function of the respective Councils' which considers and decides submitted planning applications against relevant planning policy and any other material considerations.

Development Plan/Development Plan Documents (DPDs): Planning strategies and policies to direct the future development of an area. They include Local Plans and neighbourhood plans (as defined in section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) and are prepared by the local planning authority or qualifying neighbourhood plan body in consultation with the community.

District Heat Network (DHN): A system for distributing heat generated in a centralized location through a system of insulated pipes for residential and commercial heating requirements.

Draft Local Plan: This stage of the plan production process follows on from this Issues consultation and the forthcoming Strategic Options stage. It is at this stage that both Councils' will present their preferred strategy and planning policy approaches to address the planning issues raised in this paper and any other issues that arise through the plan production process.

Duty to Cooperate: This is a legal requirement in introduced by the Localism Act 2011. It requires that public bodies should engage constructively, actively and on an ongoing basis on strategic planning issues that cross administrative boundaries.

Ecological Networks: Sites and corridors of biodiversity importance that are linked together.

Draft Joint Local Plan: Appendices 204

Economic Development: Development that generates jobs and economic growth. This can include industrial uses, warehousing, offices, retail and leisure.

Employment Generating Uses: All business use classes, as defined under Use Class Order (B1: Business, B2: General Industrial and B8: Storage and Distribution), and closely related sui generis uses are considered to be employment generating uses. Other use classes such as B1 (a): office: A1 and D2: Assembly and Leisure are also employment generating but in locational terms should be considered in the context of appropriate policy guidance relating to these town centre uses.

Employment Land Review: This is an evidential study that identifies different levels of economic and employment growth over the plan period and the amount, type and location of land that is best suited to meeting the projected levels of growth.

Enterprise Zone: Areas designated by the government which have the backing of the local authority and Local Enterprise Partnership. Within these areas planning processes are streamlined, lower rates of tax are applied and there is greater investment in infrastructure (including superfast broadband) to better enable economic development to take place.

Evidence Base: Up-to-date and relevant studies, data, information and analysis on the economic, social and environmental characteristics and prospects of the area to inform and support the preparation of the Local Plan.

Examination in Public: Before it can be adopted, a Local Plan must be examined by an independent inspector whose role is to assess whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements, and whether it is considered ‘sound’. To be ‘sound’ a document must be positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy.

Functional Economic Market Area (FEMA): The geographical extent of a distinct local commercial property market. There is no standard approach to defining the extent of this area but it is possible to identify it by taking account of a combination of information sources such as transport networks, travel to work areas, housing market areas, administrative areas, areas covered by Local Enterprise Partnerships and the flow of goods, services and information within the local economy. The Employment Land Review (2015) takes information sources such as these in to account and identifies that the local FEMA covers the administrative areas of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent.

Green Belt: Designated areas of countryside surrounding large urban areas. These are designated to prevent urban sprawl, safeguard the countryside from encroachment, prevent towns from merging together, and preserve the setting and character of historic towns and to assist regeneration within the urban areas. Green Belt boundaries can only be amended when the local plan for the area is reviewed.

Green Infrastructure: A network of multi-functional green space which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental benefits and quality of life benefits for local communities. Green infrastructure can encompass both urban and rural areas.

Greenfield Land: Land that has not previously been developed (see entry for ‘previously developed land’). This includes land currently or last used for agriculture and forestry and private garden land.

Heritage Asset: A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets such as Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered Park and Gardens, Registered Battlefields or Conservation Areas as well as assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).

Historic Environment: All aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction between people and places through time, including all surviving physical remains of past human activity, whether visible, buried or submerged, and landscaped and planted or managed flora.

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Housing Market Area: This is the area within which the local housing market operates. The extent of the Housing Market Area is defined within the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (see separate entry below).

Intermediate Housing: A type of affordable housing (see ‘affordable housing’)

Key Village: These settlements contain some, but not all of the essential services and facilities to meet the day to day needs of residents and therefore have a more limited offer Rural Centre.

Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP): A body, designated by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, established for the purpose of creating or improving the conditions for economic growth in an area. The body that covers Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent is the Stoke-on- Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Local Nature Partnership (LNP): A body, designated by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, established for the purpose of protecting and improving the natural environment in an area and the benefits derived from it.

Local Plan: The Joint Local Plan is being prepared by the city council and borough council to guide future development across the two local authority areas. The final, adopted version of this development plan document will detail the strategy for development across the two areas up to 2037 and will contain detailed policies which Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council will use to manage future development.

Local Planning Authority: The public authority whose duty it is to carry out specific planning functions for a particular area, such as creating planning policies or deciding planning applications. Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council are the local planning authorities for their respective areas.

Main Town Centre Use: Retail development, leisure, entertainment facilities, offices, arts, culture and tourism development. Examples include shops, cinemas, restaurants, bars and pubs, night-clubs, casinos, health and fitness centres, indoor bowling centres, bingo halls, theatres, museums, galleries, hotels and conference facilities.

Mineral Safeguarding Area: An area covering known deposits of minerals which are desired to be kept safeguarded from unnecessary sterilisation by non-mineral development. In the Joint Local Plan area Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council are responsible for designating Mineral Safeguarding areas.

Monitoring: Involves the collection and analysis of data and statistics to understand how patterns of development are changing. An example of this is the collection of housebuilding statistics. Monitoring data can show how effective planning policies are in influencing development. Such information is reported by local planning authorities in their Authority Monitoring Report (AMR).

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): The Government’s planning policies for England, which provide a policy framework that sets the parameters under which Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans should be prepared, and decisions on planning applications should be made.

National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG/PPG): The Government’s more detailed online guidance on national planning policies, which adds further detail to the NPPF.

Neighbourhood Plans: Development plan documents which can be prepared by local communities, such as neighbourhood forums, business forums or parish and town councils. Neighbourhood Plans must conform to the strategic development priorities of the Local Plan but can shape and direct local development within their neighbourhood area.

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Objectively Assessed Housing Need (OAN): Also called a ‘full, objective assessment of housing needs’ (FOAN), this is an assessment undertaken within the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (see separate entry below) which identifies the extent of the need for new housing, without being influenced by planning matters such as the ability of the land supply to accommodate the levels of development – these matters are considered within the Local Plan preparation process.

Open Space: Space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water (such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs) which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a visual amenity.

Out of Centre: A location which is neither within nor on the edge of a town centre.

Parish and Town Councils: Elected local authority bodies responsible for civil parishes. Parish and town councils have the ability to be designated as bodies to produce Neighbourhood Plans for their local areas.

People with Disabilities: People have a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment, and that impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Planning Policy (plan-making): A function of local planning authorities that prepares planning policies and development plan documents to direct decisions on development proposals within the authority’s area.

Pollution: Anything that affects the quality of land, air, water or soils and which might lead to an adverse impact on human health, the natural environment or general amenity. Pollution can arise from a range of emissions, including smoke, fumes, gases, dust, steam, odour, noise and light.

Previously Developed Land: Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure. This excludes land occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings, restored land previously used for minerals extraction or landfill and private residential gardens.

Primary Shopping Area: Area in a town or city centre that is defined within planning policy documents where retail development is concentrated as the dominant use in that location.

RAMSAR Site: Wetlands of international importance, designated under the 1971 Ramsar Convention.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS): Previously a development plan document prepared at the regional level to direct the development strategy that local authority development plans were to conform with. Regional Spatial Strategies were revoked by the Localism Act 2011 and no longer apply.

RENEW North Staffordshire: This was an organisation that was set up to coordinate the renewal of the housing market in North Staffordshire as part of the previous government’s Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme. This programme ended in 2011.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy: Includes energy for heating and cooling as well as generating electricity. ‘Renewable’ covers sources of energy that occur naturally and repeatedly, for example wind, water, sun and also biomass and geothermal heat from below the ground. Low carbon technologies are those that can help reduce emissions (compared to conventional use of fossil fuels).

Retail Impact Threshold: The National Planning Policy Framework sets out that under the retail impact assessment test, local authorities should require an impact assessment if a proposed development is over a locally set floorspace threshold. If an application for out of town development fails to satisfy this test it should be refused.

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Rural: Rural areas are those areas that are not urban, i.e. consisting of settlements below 10,000 people or are open countryside. The Rural Area is defined on the Policies Map.

Rural Centres: These settlements provide a significant role in service provision to the local population and must contain a number of essential services and facilities in order to meet the day to day needs of residents.

Saved Policies: Older local plan policies that can remain in place following a direction given by the Secretary of State under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A list of currently saved policies in Newcastle-under-Lyme or Stoke-on-Trent is available on the websites of either authority.

Site Allocation: A site designated within a development plan document for a specific type of use. For example, housing, employment or retail development.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Sites designated by Natural England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Social Housing, or Social Rented Housing: A type of affordable housing (see ‘affordable housing’)

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI): A document adopted by a local planning authority which describes how the public, business and interest groups within a local authority area can get involved in plan-making and the decision-taking.

Strategic Economic Plan (SEP): This is a document produced by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP – see separate entry above) which sets out the vision, aims and objectives for economic growth within the LEP area.

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA): This is an assessment of sites across a local planning authority area that may be capable of accommodating housing development. It is an assessment of all known sites in the area but it does not constitute a council’s view on which sites should or should not be developed for housing. The assessment is intended to identify whether or not sites are suitable, available and achievable for housing development.

Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA): This is an evidential study that examines the extent and the operation of the local housing market. It also identifies the extent of the housing needs that exist or are likely to arise within the defined housing market area.

Strategic Options: This is the next stage in preparing the Joint Local Plan. At this stage the different ways that the issues identified within this paper can be addressed will be explored. For example this could include identifying how much development could be accommodated in different areas within both authorities. No particular solution will fixed at this stage as this will be done within the draft local plan. Further issues to consider may however be identified at the Strategic Options stage.

Submission: This is when the final version of the Joint Local Plan will be sent to the Secretary of State to be subject to an independent Examination in Public. There will be a final round of public consultation prior to submission and any resulting comments received will be considered by the appointed Planning Inspector who will oversee the Examination.

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs): Documents which add further detail to the policies in the development plan. They can be used to provide further guidance for development on specific sites, or on particular issues, such as design. Supplementary planning documents are capable of being a material consideration in planning decisions but are not part of the development plan.

Sustainability Appraisal: An assessment of the impacts of policies and proposals on economic, social and environmental objectives, i.e. ‘sustainable development’.

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Sustainable Development: Development which contributes to meeting the long term economic and social needs of the community, whilst balancing this against the need to avoid creating an unacceptable long term impact on the environment.

Sustainable Transport: Any efficient, safe and accessible means of transport with overall low impact on the environment, including walking and cycling, low and ultra-low emission vehicles, car sharing and public transport.

Town centre: Area defined on the local authority’s policies map, including the primary shopping area and areas predominantly occupied by main town centre uses within or adjacent to the primary shopping area. References to town centres or centres apply to city centres, town centres, district centres and local centres but exclude small parades of shops of purely neighbourhood significance. Unless they are identified as centres in the development plan, existing out-of-centre developments, comprising or including main town centre uses, do not constitute town centres.

Unitary Authority: A local government authority with responsibility for all local government functions in that area.

Viability: Refers to the financial implications of development. If the costs of development do not allow for a sufficient financial return to the developer then the development will not be viable. Viability can be affected by the costs of developing the land, the costs of providing wider benefits such as open space or affordable housing, and the sale value of the completed development.

Windfall Site: A site not specifically identified for development in a plan, but which becomes available for development or is granted planning permission during the lifetime of the plan.

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