Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan Basic

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Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan Basic Conditions Statement This is currently a first draft to be amended after discussion with WDDC to ensure compliance with legal requirements. The Basic Statement must establish the Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan conforms with both national planning regulations and the Local Plan of West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland.

1: Introduction Paragraph 8 of Schedule 4b of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (inserted by the Localism Act 2011) states that a neighbourhood plan proposal submitted to the local planning authority must be accompanied by a statement. This is known as the basic conditions statement. It explains how:  the plan meets the legal requirements in terms of its contents and coverage  the plan has had appropriate regard to national policy and is in general conformity with the strategic policies in the development plan for the local area  the plan will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and is compatible with EU obligations.

2: Askerswell Neighbourhood Area The area encompassed by the Askerswell Neighbourhood Area (ANA; Fig 1) is the Parish of Askerswell (AP). West Dorset District Council (WDDC) designated the Askerswell Forum as the group to develop a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) for this area on 10th February 2015. A Neighbourhood Forum was required to take the lead in the absence of a Parish Council (Askerswell has a Parish Meeting) that would otherwise develop the Plan.

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Figure 1: The Parish of Askerswell with i) its boundary marked in a black continuous line. Published as sub-licensee of WDW&P Licence No. 100024307/100019690. 2016

3: Contents and coverage – meeting the legal requirements

Has the draft plan been submitted by a qualifying body? The Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared and submitted by Askerswell Yes Forum.

Is what is being proposed a neighbourhood development plan making provision in relation to land or sites in the neighbourhood area? The plan proposal relates to planning matters (the use and development of land) and has been prepared in accordance with the statutory requirements and processes set Yes out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011) and the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.

Does the proposed neighbourhood plan state the period for which it is to have effect? Yes The Askerswell Neighbourhood plan will have effect from 2018-2027 (10 years).

Do any of the policies relate to excluded development? the neighbourhood plan proposal does not deal with county matters (mineral extraction No and waste development), nationally significant infrastructure or development that falls within Annex 1 to Council Directive 85/337/EEC.

Do any of the policies relate, extend beyond the neighbourhood area or cover an area where there is a neighbourhood development plan already in place? The neighbourhood plan proposal relates to the Askerswell Neighbourhood Area and No to no other area. There are no other neighbourhood plans relating to that neighbourhood area.

Do any of the policies or the process undertaken breach or conflict with EU obligations? The plan has been screened and a determination made that the plan does not require a Strategic Environmental Assessment. Natural England have confirmed it does not No require a Habitats Regulation Assessment. More information on this process is included in this report. There has been no indication that it is in breach of Human Rights legislation or other EU obligations.

Has the plan had regard to national policy and guidance from the Secretary of State and is in conformity with the strategic policy of the development plan for the area or any part of that area? Yes See Section 4.

Does the plan contribute to sustainable development? Yes See section 5.

4: National and Local Policy context The following sections reviews the extent to which the policies of the submitted Askerswell neighbourhood plan have regard to national policy and guidance and are in general conformity with the strategic policies of the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan, which was adopted by West Dorset District Council on 22nd October 2015. It also indicates but does not detail the particular polices of the Local Plan that relate to those in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Environment National Planning Policy 17 Contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment. 109 The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible. 115 Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage are important considerations in such areas.

Local Plan Strategic Approach Development should protect and enhance the natural environment - its landscape, seascapes and geological conservation interests, its wildlife and habitats and important local green spaces - by directing development away from sensitive areas that cannot accommodate change. Where development is needed and harm cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation to off-set any adverse impact to the landscape, wildlife and green infrastructure network will be required. High priority will be given to protecting and enhancing the area’s heritage assets – including its Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas, and other features with local historic or cultural associations, particularly where they contribute to the area’s local distinctiveness. Development will be directed away from areas where there is likely to be significant risk to human health or the wider environment, through flooding, coastal erosion and land instability, air and water pollution. Development should be of high quality design to help achieve sustainable, safe and inclusive communities, enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors, and designed in keeping with, or to positively contribute, towards the local identity of the area.

Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan Policies Policy E1: Protection of Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty This policy seeks to ensure any development is without detriment to the DAONB. It is consistent with WDDC Local Plan ENV1. It was developed after consultation with landscape architects of both DAONB and WDDC. E1.1. New dwellings are not supported when more than rooftops are visible when viewed from a distance (c1km or more) from the directions shown in Fig 9. They must be alongside roads and not in isolated locations. No development is supported that compromises the DAONB which covers the whole neighbourhood plan area.

Policy E2: Protection of Special Landscape and Historic Features This policy seeks to ensure any development has no impact on the distinctive landscape of the NA and underpins protection of its historic features. This policy is consistent with Local Plan ENV4. In considering development proposals, the following features and their settings will be retained: E2.1. The attractive river course with its mill leats and tributaries E2.2. The distinctive landscape formed by Eggardon Hill, its southern slopes, and the downs within ANA E2.3. The ancient field systems and medieval strip lynchets E2.4. The Bronze and Iron Age earthworks, sites with remnants of Roman occupation and all listed monuments in the area. The list of 31 historic sites in ANA is listed under Askerswell (Table 1). This sub-policy will apply to any further sites identified in the future E2.5. The historic dry stone walls to be retained with herbage where present E2.6. The network of rural paths and lanes E2.7. The extensive groups of trees and flora in the area including: i the alder woods of West Dorset which are Special Areas of Conservation ii Our Two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

3 iii Sites of County/Local Importance for Nature Conservation The benefits of removing detrimental features, such as modern out-of-character design elements and overhead wires, are to be taken into account in assessing any development proposals.

Policy E3: Protection of Wildlife Habitats Many in our community have an interest in the rich biodiversity present in the NA and seek to ensure this is conserved and when possible enhanced. This policy is consistent with Local Plan ENV2 E3.1. No development is supported that directly or indirectly has a detrimental effect on any of the sites of either national or county/local importance for nature conservation. An exception is that defined in the NPPF that recognises a hierarchy of designations or circumstances where harm might be justified e.g. overriding public benefit and no alternative acceptable solution. E3.2. On sites below the standard thresholds for a biodiversity appraisal, applicants are encouraged to submit (as a minimum) an initial scoping / feasibility appraisal that identifies ecological aspects or considerations, where the proposed development site includes or is adjoining  a large, mature garden  mature trees  woodland  field or roadside hedgerows  river floodplain  meadow / species-rich grassland  orchard  agricultural barns and similar rural buildings E3.3. Development proposals, where relevant, are to take opportunities to enhance biodiversity and contribute to wildlife and habitat connectivity in the wider area, through (for example)  providing buffer areas to protected habitats  new biodiversity features within the development such as the erection of boxes in suitable locations for barn owl, little owl, kestrel, bats and passerine birds.

Policy E4: Location of Development in relation to the Proposed Defined Development Boundary (DDB) A DDB is considered as the most effective means of allowing the limited desired development in the community without compromise to our wider environment. This policy is consistent with Local Plan ENV1 E4.1. Any development (other than for farming and other land-based rural businesses, or associated rural workers’ housing) and associated land (such as gardens or parking areas) or affordable housing is to be located within the proposed defined development boundary E4.2. Where circumstances justify development outside the defined development boundary (such as in the case of rural exception sites) any new buildings are to be well-related to existing settlements / buildings and sensitively designed to respect and enhance the character of the local area E4.3. The change of use of land will not be supported to other forms of development such as additional caravan and camping sites, outdoor recreational or the provision of outdoor

storage, that would be visible when viewed from a distance (c1km or more) from the directions shown in Fig 9. Such development is considered likely to have a detrimental impact on the attractive rural character of the countryside in the DAONB.

Policy E5: To Protect and Enhance the Character and Appearance of the Area The setting of the NA is exceptionally attractive and the community is highly committed to maintaining this status. This policy is consistent with Local Plan ENV4 All proposals for built development (including new buildings and extensions / alterations to existing buildings) are to be in keeping with adjacent buildings and must achieve a high quality of design, use of materials and appropriate detailing which reflect local distinctiveness, and the rural character of the Neighbourhood Area. Particular regard is to be paid by developers to all key characteristics of the settlements set out below: E5.1. the single plot depth, and set alongside existing roads E5.2. the wealth of listed and locally important unlisted buildings E5.3. the presence of stone boundary walls in some locations E5.4. the strong rural character provided by traditional style buildings E5.5. typical roof pitch and spans, with spans in general of about 6 metres, and pitch of 37.5 – 47.5 degrees (or steeper on thatch) E5.6. the use of local stone or that of a similar coloration, thatch (West Dorset style), slate and clay tile roofs providing an overall unity to much of Askerswell village E5.7. the interesting details, including porches (in keeping with the style and proportion of the buildings), lintels and quoins, ironwork, old-style wooden ‘finger posts’ E5.8. the use of white-painted woodwork on nearly all houses although some exceptions may be appropriate E5.9. the use of ‘soft, warm’ colours on exterior wall rendering, E5.10. the pointing of stone walling, which matches the colour of the stone and is rubbed flush or underflush. Conformity statement Policy E1: addresses protection of the DAONB which spans the whole of the Neighbourhood Area. It is consistent with LP Policy ENV1. It does not permit development that would harm the character, special qualities or natural beauty of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Beauty or Heritage Coast, including their characteristic landscape quality and diversity, uninterrupted panoramic views, individual landmarks, and sense of tranquillity and remoteness, will not be permitted. Policy E4: avoids risk to direct or indirect negative impact on our heritage assets by ensuing the DDB does not include them within the area it encloses. This is consistent with LP ENV1 by avoiding the issue that the policy addresses ie applications affecting the significance of a heritage asset or its setting will be required to provide sufficient information to demonstrate how the proposals would positively contribute to the asset’s conservation. Policy E2 includes a number of measures to protect the special landscape and historic features in the NA. This policy is consistent with Local Plan ENV 1 and ENV 4. Policy E5 is directed at protecting and enhancing the Character and Appearance of the Area. Neither policy envisages any development that has impact on heritage assets. The DDB is defined to ensure no development is permitted close to listed buildings. Both Policy E4 and E5 conform with LP Policy EN4. It defines that development (except affordable housing) will be within a proposed development boundary and defines how heritage assets should be conserved and enhanced where appropriate. Policy E3 is aimed to prevent harm to wildlife habitats with mitigation measures identified for unexpected moderate effects. This is consistent with local Plan Strategic approach and its expression in Policy ENV2.The latter does not normally permit development that is likely to have an adverse effect upon nationally designated wildlife sites. Elsewhere it expects mitigation of any significant harm to nature conservation interests.

Community National Planning Policy 28 Promote the retention and development of local services and community facilities in villages. 70 Neighbourhood plans should promote the retention and development of local services and facilities in villages. 74 Playing fields should not be built on unless an assessment has been undertaken that they are surplus to requirements or would be replaced by equivalent or better provision.

Local Plan Community facilities that help promote social interaction as well as minimise the need to travel by car should be provided within local communities. Where possible and practicable (for example on larger developments), new local community facilities will be provided as part of the development, creating attractive and vibrant places to live. Existing local facilities will be protected through a flexible approach which recognises the changing needs in society. Providing a safe transport route network for all types of travel, and providing choices for “greener” travel options where practicable, are also a key part of the strategy. Some community facilities or infrastructure play a much wider, strategic role in our communities, such as flood defences, the strategic road and rail network and communications technologies. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be used to plan for these, with development contributing towards their delivery through either planning obligations or the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan Policies Policy C1: Safeguarding Community Assets The community is extremely interactive and with much voluntary effort to enhance the living experience of all residents. Our facilities are essential to maintain that status. This policy is consistent with Local Plan COM3. Community assets (listed below) are to be retained where possible, and every effort is to be made by planners and developers to work with the local community to investigate potential solutions to avoid any unnecessary loss of these valued facilities and services. Proposals that allow such facilities to modernise and adapt for future needs are encouraged. Community assets are: i Askerswell Village Hall, its grounds including associated parking spaces ii St Michael & All Angels Church and church yard iii Spyway country dining inn iv Washingpool playing field, pond and wildlife area v Parish Lands vi The Pound Conformity statement Policy C1 is designed to safeguard a number of assets that the community values. It is consistent with LP policy COM3. The latter does not support loss of local community buildings or structures when a local need is evidenced and usage remains viable.

Economy National Planning Policy 17 Encourage the reuse/conversion of existing buildings. 21 Policies should be flexible enough to accommodate needs not anticipated in the plan and to allow a rapid response to changes in economic circumstances. 28 Planning policies should support economic growth in rural areas in order to create jobs and prosperity by taking a positive approach to sustainable new development. To promote a strong rural economy, local and neighbourhood plans should: support the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas, both through conversion of

existing buildings and well-designed new buildings; promote the development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses; support sustainable rural tourism and leisure developments that benefit businesses in rural areas, communities and visitors, and which respect the character of the countryside.

Local Plan A continuing supply of land and premises suitable for employment uses is needed, of a type and scale appropriate to the characteristics of the local area, to provide sufficient opportunities for employment needs to be met locally, to reduce the need to travel and promote economic growth and social inclusion. This will be delivered through the allocation and provision of new sites (with the greater proportion of development at the towns), the suitable protection of existing employment sites (taking into account their significance), and flexible policies to allow development to come forward on other suitable sites. The development of new retail and town centre uses will be directed to the town centres of Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Sherborne and Lyme Regis. Outside the town centres, smaller scale development of shops, financial and professional services, food and drink, office, leisure and community uses will be directed towards local centres. Development should not undermine the functioning of any centre, or adversely affect its vitality or viability.

Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan Policies B1.1. The sustainable growth and expansion of new or existing local businesses is supported where there is no substantial adverse impact on the DAONB, the distinctive rural character, living conditions and amenities of residents, or substantial increases in vehicle activity on our narrow roads. B1.2. Applications for change of use of redundant rural buildings or extensions to existing small businesses is supported, subject to the above providing any new or altered building is not too utilitarian to be in character with our built environment.

Conformity statement Policy B1.1 and B1.2 are both consistent with LP ECON1. This LP policy generally supports employment development i) within or on the edge of a settlement; ii) through the intensification or extension of existing premises; iii) as part of a farm diversification scheme; iv) through the re-use or replacement of an existing building v) in a rural location where this is essential for that type of business.

Housing National Planning Policy 15 All plans should be based upon and reflect the presumption in favour of sustainable development. ie: they should seek opportunities to meet the development needs of their area; have sufficient flexibility to adapt to rapid change- unless specific policies in the NPPF indicate development should be restricted or the adverse impacts of the development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. 16 Neighbourhood plans should include policies for housing and should plan positively to support local development. 17 Allocate sufficient land which is suitable for development in their area, taking account of the needs of the residential and business communities. 55 To promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. For example, where there are groups of smaller settlements, development in one village may support services in a village nearby. Avoid new isolated homes in the countryside unless there are special circumstances. 184 Neighbourhood plans and orders should not promote less development than set out in the Local Plan.

Local Plan

It is expected that neighbourhood development plans should help bring forward new development, and may allocate additional sites, or extend an existing (or add a new) development boundary to help deliver this growth. Away from existing settlements, development opportunities will be more limited to those activities that will help continue to support the rural economy or help in the long-term management of the countryside and its unique character. SUS2 allows development within the defined development boundaries. Development opportunities in the more rural areas will be focused primarily at the larger villages, and should take place at an appropriate scale to the size of the village. It is expected that neighbourhood development plans should help bring forward new development, and may allocate additional sites, or extend an existing (or add a new) development boundary to help deliver this growth. Away from existing settlements, development opportunities will be more limited to those activities that will help continue to support the rural economy or help in the long-term management of the countryside and its unique character. SUS2 allows development within the defined development boundaries. SUS5 requires that Neighbourhood Development Plans should set out how they will promote sustainable development in their area SUS5 requires that Neighbourhood Development Plans should set out how they will promote sustainable development in their area at the same level or over and above that which would otherwise be delivered through the local plan, and have due regard to information on local need for new homes, jobs and facilities, for their plan area and any outlying areas which they may serve

Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan Policies Policy H1: Number of new dwellings Our community wide survey identified the ambition for limited further development particularly to adjust our demographic profile closer to that characterises West Dorset as a whole. The limited development is consistent with LP ENV1. The plan supports 4-5 new open market dwellings over the plan period solely within the defined development boundary. This is to be achieved between or adjacent to, existing continuous built up frontage.

Policy H2: Type and Size of new dwellings The housing range is defined to support families requiring both larger and smaller starter homes. This policy is consistent with Local Plan HOUS3 The type and size of new open market housing will reflect the current character of dwellings, being detached or semi-detached dwellings with no more than two such new homes at one site. Each dwelling should occupy a similar sized plot to the current village average of 0.2 ha. An acceptable exception is a short terrace of 3-4 new dwellings for those looking to downsize or as starter homes suitable for individuals, couples and small families. Affordable homes are also favoured in addition to open market dwellings if they meet local population or local business needs.

Conformity statement Policy H1: Seeks a limited development within the neighbourhood area that is consistent with the size of the current community and the siting of Askerswell village within the DAONB. This renders any impact on the DAONB as negligible and so is consistent with LP ENV1. It is also consistent with the policy SUS2 of the LP by proposing a defined development boundary that is appropriate for the size of Askerswell village. Policy H2: favours new open market dwellings similar to the precedent set by the wide size range of current houses in the neighbourhood area which already spans smaller and larger homes (1- 4 or more bedrooms). It is therefore consistent with LP HOUS3 which seeks where possible, residential dwellings of a mix in the size, type and affordability of dwellings taking into account the current range of house types and sizes and likely demand in view of the changing demographics in that locality.

5: Sustainable Environment Assessment (SEA) screening and compatibility with EU obligations A SEA screening was carried out by West Dorset District Council prior to the consultation on the pre-submission draft plan. Natural England, Historic England, and the Environment Agency were consulted on the contents of the SEA screening report, in accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004. The screening report included information on:  the vision and aims (which are unchanged),  likely scope (based on an early draft of the plan) and  potential rural exception sites

All parties agreed with the conclusion that the Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan was unlikely to have significant environmental effects. Natural England also confirmed in their response at that time that in their opinion, based on the likely scope, the Plan would not require a separate Habitats Regulation Assessment.

5: Contributing to the Achievement of Sustainable Development The National Planning Policy Framework states that there should be a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Sustainable development is about positive growth – making economic, environmental and social progress for this and future generations. Neighbourhood Plans should contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. The following table seeks to demonstrate how this requirement has been assessed, by using the sustainability objectives derived from the recently adopted Local Plan. Sustainability Decision-making criteria Comment objective How will it impact upon 1.To maintain or archaeological sites, scheduled Sites likely to harm heritage assets or their enhance features of ancient monuments,  context were rejected as potential historic and cultural conservation areas and listed development sites. importance buildings, in addition to other culturally important features? How will it impact upon the After consultation with appropriate experts, special character of the Dorset sites that might harm DAONB were excluded 2. To maintain, protect  AONB? as potential development sites. Local green and enhance the spaces and design policies. landscape and village How will it impact upon the character distinctive qualities and features  of the area? 3. To reduce our How will it impact upon air In rural areas there is always likely to be a contribution to climate quality and produce greenhouse  need for residents to travel by private car to change gases? some destinations in addition to accessing How will it impact upon energy the regular bus service. and water conservation and Energy and water conservation and

efficiency? efficiency is primarily achieved through Building Regulations How will it impact upon  vulnerability to flooding? How will it impact upon self- 4. To reduce sufficiency, and resilience to  The level and siting of new dwellings vulnerability to climate climate change impacts? ensures no impacts on flooding risk or food change How will it impact upon  productivity or water quality productive agricultural land, which provides local food  security? How will it impact upon soil 5. To maintain or quality, particularly productive  The level and siting of new dwellings enhance soil and water agricultural land ensures no impacts on soil or water quality quality How will it impact upon water  quality?

How will it impact upon habitats, species and sites of wildlife interest, and designated areas  Development is not supported that might 6. To protect or on the basis of ecological have direct or indirect consequences for all enhance biodiversity, importance (such as SAC, SPA, sites designated as of ecological importance. geodiversity and the SSSI and SNCI)? Gardens will remain important habitats and quality of natural How will it impact upon the provide a green corridor across and along habitats provision of new or improved  the Asker valley for the very high biodiversity wildlife habitats and corridors? of the Neighbourhood area. How will it impact upon sites of  geological interest? How will it impact upon access to essential services (such as health facilities), leisure facilities,  Existing community facilities are designated community facilities, and cultural as community assets to be maintained as activities by sustainable modes are our recreational spaces for children and of transport? adults. How will it impact upon access 7. To encourage the to recreational facilities, such as development of green open spaces, by  sustainable, safe and sustainable modes of transport, vibrant communities to promoting healthy lifestyles? improve quality of life How will it impact upon human  health? How will it impact upon the No impact; The community already benefits amount of criminal activity, the from a low crime instance in this part of fear of crime, and anti-social  Dorset activity to create a safer

community? How will it impact upon economic activity or provide  The plan identifies provision of Superfast 8. To encourage employment opportunities? Broadband as essential for development of sustainable economic How will it impact upon the business activities in the Neighbourhood growth accessibility to training and  Area education facilities? How will it impact upon availability of decent, affordable  housing? How will it impact upon providing 9. To provide decent, The Plan identifies sites for infill development the appropriate type and amount affordable housing that within a defined development boundary to of housing to meet the needs of meets the need of the meet the housing needs identified by many the local community? local community in the community. How will it impact upon the number of people that are  homeless or in temporary accommodation? Very Impact key Positive None  negative Very Negative Positive