Integrated Impact Assessment of WECA Spatial Development Strategy Scoping Report November 2020 5200286 Notice This document and its contents have been prepared and are intended solely as information for and use in relation to scoping the IIA of the WECA Spatial Development Strategy Atkins Limited assumes no responsibility to any other party in respect of or arising out of or in connection with this document and/or its contents. Document history Document title: IIA Scoping Report Document reference: 5200286 Revision Purpose description Originated Checked Reviewed Authorised Date Rev 1.0 Working draft for comment/ PMcE/LUC AM CW AM October 2020 contextual understanding Rev 2.0 For Issue PMcE/LUC AM CW AM October 2020 Rev 3.0 For Consultation PMcE/LUC AM AM / CW AM November 2020 Client signoff Client West of England Combined Authority Project IIA of WECA Spatial Development Strategy Job number 5200286 Client signature/date 5200286 | 3 | November 2020 Atkins | WECA SDS Scoping Report v3.0 Page 2 of 59 Contents Chapter Page Glossary 5 1. Introduction 9 1.1. Purpose of this document 9 1.2. Scoping Report Consultation 9 2. West of England Spatial Development Strategy 11 2.1. West of England Combined Authorities 11 2.2. Spatial Development Strategy 11 2.3. The geographical area and timeframe to which the SDS applies 11 2.4. Relationship of SDS to Local Plans 13 3. Approach to the IIA 15 3.1. Introduction 15 3.2. IIA Methodology 15 4. Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives 20 4.1. Environmental Themes 20 4.2. Economic Themes 22 4.3. Social Themes 22 5. Baseline Information 24 5.1. Introduction 24 5.2. Data Collection Methodology 24 5.3. Data Analysis 24 6. Key Issues 26 6.1. Introduction 26 6.2. Key sustainability issues and implications and opportunities for the SDS 26 7. IIA Framework 47 7.1. Introduction 47 7.2. Assessment Framework 47 7.3. Applying the IIA Framework 57 8. Next Steps 58 Tables Table 3-1 - SDS preparation activities and IIA process 17 Table 6-1 - Key Issues, Implications and Opportunities 27 Table 7-1 - IIA Framework and Decision Aiding Questions 48 Table 7-2 - HIA & CSA Sub-Objectives and Decision Aiding Questions 53 Table 7-3 - EqIA Sub-Objectives and Decision Aiding Questions 55 5200286 | 3 | November 2020 Atkins | WECA SDS Scoping Report v3.0 Page 3 of 59 Figures Figure 2-1 - The West of England Combined Authority area 12 Figure 2-2 - WECA and surrounding authorities 14 Appendices Appendix A. Consultees Appendix B. Review of key Plans, Policies and Legislation Appendix C. Baseline Appendix D. Figures Note the Appendices is a separate 143-page document attached to the end of this report. Please see the Appendices Contents page for further information, including a list of supporting Tables and Figures. 5200286 | 3 | November 2020 Atkins | WECA SDS Scoping Report v3.0 Page 4 of 59 Glossary Term Explanation Area of An area of countryside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland that has been Outstanding designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value. Natural Beauty (AONB) Air Quality An area where the air quality has been assessed and the levels of nitrogen dioxide, a Management Area pollutant that occurs from vehicle exhaust emissions, exceed the National Air Quality (AQMA) Objective. B&NES Bath and North East Somerset Council Biodiversity Net Biodiversity Net Gain recognises that there may be some loss of biodiversity due to Gain (BNG) the development but describes a situation where the loss is more than offset against an increase in biodiversity on the development site (or perhaps if appropriate elsewhere) and as such there is an overall gain. Carbon Impact An assessment which aim to quantify emissions of carbon. Assessment (CIA) Carbon Carbon sequestration or carbon dioxide removal is the long-term removal, capture or Sequestration/ sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow or reverse atmospheric Carbon Removal CO2 pollution and to mitigate or reverse global warming. Circular Economy This concept refers to an economy (or part of an economy) that produces no waste and pollution, by design or intention. It keeps products, parts and materials at their highest use and value at all times. It offers a sustainable alternative to our current linear economy. This is one in which we make, use and then dispose of products, parts and materials. A circular economy also uses fewer new resources and energy. That means there is less cost to the environment. A Circular Economy can be at many scales, from the individual, through local, regional, national to international. Community Safety The purpose of the CSA is to ensure that a scheme, strategy or policy does not have a Assessment (CSA) detrimental impact on community safety and, where possible, improves the existing situation. Decision Aiding Questions guiding the choice of a multicriteria decision aiding method. Questions (DAQ) Drinking Water Designated areas in which the use of certain substances must be carefully managed Safeguarding to prevent the pollution of raw water sources that are used to provide drinking water. Zones (DWSZ) Ecosystem Ecosystem Services are the wide range of benefits to humans and the environment Services that can be derived from a development e.g. improvements in air quality, reducing flood risk, increasing food provision, pollination and CO2 storage. Environmental Net Environmental Net Gain is a similar concept to BNG but is focused on net gains on a Gain (ENG) wider range of environmental parameters and not just biodiversity. Equalities Impact EqIA is aimed at ensuring that a scheme, strategy or policy does not discriminate Assessment (EqIA) against any individual or community and, where possible, promotes equality for all. Green Green infrastructure is a catch-all term to describe the network of natural and semi- Infrastructure natural features within and between our villages, towns and cities. These features range in scale, from street trees, green roofs and private gardens through to parks and woodlands. Green infrastructure also includes some aspects of the water environment 5200286 | 3 | November 2020 Atkins | WECA SDS Scoping Report v3.0 Page 5 of 59 – or ‘blue infrastructure’ - such as rivers, ponds, wetlands, and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). Gross Value Added Gross value added (GVA) measures the contribution made to an economy by one (GVA) individual producer, industry, sector or region. Greenhouse Gases A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal (GHG) infrared range. Greenhouse gases cause the greenhouse effect on planets. The primary greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Health Impact Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a practical approach used to judge the potential Assessment (HIA) health effects of a policy, programme or project on a population, particularly on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. Higher Education Education at universities or similar education establishments, especially to degree (HE) level. Integrated Impact Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) is made up of the following assessments: Assessment (IIA) - Sustainability appraisal (integrating Strategic Environmental Assessment as required by the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004) assessing the social, economic and environmental impacts - Equalities Impact Assessment as required by the Equalities Act 2010 assessing the impact on people from different societal groups - Community Safety Assessment as required by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Police and Justice Act 2006, as amended, assessing community safety - Health Impact Assessment to promote health gains for the local population and reduce health inequalities Joint Local Led by the West of England Combined Authority, working with Bath & North East Transport Plan Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils – sets out the (JLTP) vision for transport Local Nature Local nature reserve is a designation for nature reserves in Great Britain. Reserve (LNR) National Nature Established to protect some of the UKs most important habitats, species and geology, Reserves (NNR) and to provide 'outdoor laboratories' for research. National Planning The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government's Policy Framework economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. (NPPF) Natural Capital This can be defined as the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things. It is from this natural capital that humans derive a wide range of services, often called ecosystem services, which make human life possible. As such, this refers to a concept that provides multiple benefits or ecosystem services such as improving air quality, reducing flood risk, food provision, pollination and CO2 storage. Accessing and connecting to Natural Capital also plays an important role in our physical and mental health. Natural Flood Natural flood management is when natural processes are used to reduce the risk of Management flooding and coastal erosion. Examples include: restoring bends in rivers, changing the way land is managed so soil can absorb more water and creating saltmarshes on the coast to absorb wave energy. Net Zero Carbon This concept refers to achieving an overall balance between carbon emissions produced and carbon emissions taken out of the atmosphere by sequestration e.g. perhaps through growing trees. Note that other greenhouse gases can be considered 5200286 | 3 | November 2020 Atkins | WECA SDS Scoping Report v3.0 Page 6 of 59 within this concept, with a factor being applied to these which is typically reported as ‘carbon equivalent’. NSC North Somerset Council Office of the Deputy The Office was responsible for regional and urban policy, local government, planning, Prime Minister leasehold reform and housing (commonhold is the responsibility of the Department for (ODPM) Constitutional Affairs). As of the 5 May 2006 the functions of the ODPM have been taken over by the Department for Communities and Local Government.