This topic TOPIC PAPER 4 Vision and Spatial Strategy September 2019 This paper provides an overview of the issues and evidence used to inform Dartmoor National Park’s local plan review. Vision and Spatial Strategy Topic Paper 1 Contents 1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 4 2 A Vision for Dartmoor National Park ....................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Context and current visions ................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 Issues Paper Consultation - Vision ..................................................................................................... 8 2.3 Plan Period ........................................................................................................................................ 12 3 A Spatial Strategy for Dartmoor National Park ..................................................................................... 12 3.1 Sustainable development principles .................................................................................................. 12 3.2 Issues Paper Consultation – Spatial Strategy ................................................................................... 13 3.3 The aims of a strategy ....................................................................................................................... 15 3.4 Options and alternatives: different approaches to a spatial strategy ................................................ 15 3.5 Option 1 – the current two tier approach ........................................................................................... 17 3.6 Option 2 - Settlement size and character approach (two tier) ........................................................... 18 3.7 Option 3 - Settlement size and character approach (three tier) ........................................................ 21 3.8 Option 4 – a spatial or clustered approach ........................................................................................ 24 3.9 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. 26 4 Settlement Boundaries and Site Allocations ......................................................................................... 27 4.1 The purpose of settlement boundaries .............................................................................................. 27 4.2 Consultation response ....................................................................................................................... 27 4.3 The Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 27 4.4 The context of a revised Settlement Strategy ................................................................................... 29 4.5 The role of site allocations ................................................................................................................. 30 4.6 Consultation Response ..................................................................................................................... 32 4.7 Policy interactions – the implications of allocations .......................................................................... 32 APPENDIX 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 35 1 Settlement Hierarchy Methodology ....................................................................................................... 35 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 35 1.2 Services and Facilities ....................................................................................................................... 36 Vision and Spatial Strategy Topic Paper 2 1.3 Settlement Size ................................................................................................................................. 38 1.4 Connectivity ....................................................................................................................................... 39 1.5 Extent of Conservation Area.............................................................................................................. 39 1.6 Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments .................................................................................... 40 1.7 Relative Landscape Sensitivity .......................................................................................................... 40 1.8 Designations on surrounding land ..................................................................................................... 40 1.9 Overall Weighting .............................................................................................................................. 41 1.10 Results of Quantitative Assessment and Discussion ........................................................................ 41 Vision and Spatial Strategy Topic Paper 3 1 Introduction 1.1.1 This Topic Paper is one of ten which form part of the evidence base that support the emerging Dartmoor National Park Local Plan. These topic papers have been produced to coordinate and consolidate some of the evidence used in drafting the emerging local plan. All the topic papers are available to view online at: www.dartmoor.gov.uk/living-and-working/planning/planning-policy/background-evidence 1.1.2 The purpose of this topic paper is to gather evidence and serve as a starting point for developing options and alternatives around vision, objectives and spatial strategy. Invariably the paper will cover issues which overlap or compete with those in other parts of the evidence base (e.g.SA/SEA, Flood Risk Assessment, housing, Landscape Character Assessment). In light of this the Topic Paper’s aims are to: • Review key relevant legislation and policy which set the statutory framework for the local plan in this area; • Identify/review the current Dartmoor National Park Authority vision, objectives and spatial policy framework and its effectiveness; • identify the key drivers around vision and spatial policy and opportunities for improvement; and • recommend a potential vision and objectives for the local plan; • identify and appraise reasonable options for a spatial strategy for the local plan • review the current approach to settlement boundaries 1.1.3 The topic paper has been updated throughout the course of the local plan review to reflect new evidence or changes to national guidance or policy. The view of the local community, key stakeholders and partner organisations who all have an interest in the future of Dartmoor National Park forms part of the evidence base for the local plan. The Authority have therefore welcomed feedback on this Paper. The following summarises the changes made in each version: Version Changes made Version 1 Original topic paper April 2018 Version 2 Updated to reflect 2019 NPPF December 2018 Lydford services and facilities updated at Appendix 1 Version 3 Update on Management Plan, climate change, plan period, and settlement September 2019 hierarchy methodology Vision and Spatial Strategy Topic Paper 4 2 A Vision for Dartmoor National Park 2.1 Context and current visions 2.1.1 National Planning Practice Guidance states: “The development plan is at the heart of the planning system ... Plans set out a vision and a framework for the future development of the area, addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure – as well as a basis for conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and achieving well designed places. It is essential that plans are in place and kept up to date.” (Reference ID: 61-026-20180913) 2.1.2 The current local plan for Dartmoor is based around a vision for the National Park. The vision enables an overall direction to be set, an indication of what the plan is aiming to achieve over the long term. Identifying a vision enables an agreement on key priorities. It then serves to unify policy towards an agreed aim, acting as a check upon new policy that it is consistent and not conflicted in what it is aiming to achieve. 2.1.3 At a national level, the UK Government has a Vision for the English National Parks and the Broads1. This is a high level aim, given it aims to set direction for national parks as a whole, which are geographically and characteristically diverse, and with a range of different drivers and pressures. The vision therefore seeks to identify key aims which link with national park purposes, and, importantly, with a strong theme of sustainable development. UK Government Vision for English National Parks and the Broads1 By 2030 English National Parks and the Broads will be places where: • There are thriving, living, working landscapes notable for their natural beauty and cultural heritage. They inspire visitors and local communities to live within environmental limits and to tackle climate change. The wide range of services they provide (from clean water to sustainable food) are in good condition and valued by society. • Sustainable development can be seen in action. The communities