Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for Local Planning May 2013 Regeneration & Planning Policy Contents Introduction to the Sustainability Appraisal Process 4 Aims of Consultation 4 Responding to the Scoping Report 5 Copies of the Scoping Report 5 The Context 5 Introduction to Local Planning 6 Scoping 7 Purpose of the Scoping Report 7 Which Plans will be appraised? 7 Appraisal Methodology 8 Compliance with the SEA Directive/Regulations 9 Sustainability Objectives, Baseline and Context 12 Developing the SA framework for the appraisal of Plans 12 Task A1: Review of Plans, Policies, Programmes & Initiatives 12 Task A2: Review of Baseline Data 16 Task A3: Identification of key sustainability issues 19 Task A4: Developing the SA framework 23 Future Work 40 Monitoring 40 Appendices Appendix 1: Plans, Policies, Programmes and Initiatives 41 Appendix 2: Baseline Data 76 3 Introduction to the Sustainability Appraisal Process In accordance with Section 5 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, and EU Directive 2001/42/EC, a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) are required for Development Plan Documents (DPDs), produced as part of the Local Development Framework. Paragraph 165 of the National Planning Policy Framework states that a sustainability appraisal which meets the requirements of the European Directive on strategic environmental assessment should be an integral part of the plan preparation process, and should consider all the likely significant effects on the environment, economic and social factors. Whilst the requirement to undertake a Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) are separate and distinct, it is possible to satisfy both through a single appraisal process, in this case a Sustainability Appraisal. The primary purpose of the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is to promote sustainable development through the better integration of sustainability considerations in the process of preparing and adopting plans. The SA is an iterative process allowing us to identify and report on the likely significant effects of the plan, and the extent to which the implementation of the plan will achieve the social, environmental and economic objectives by which sustainable development can be defined. The completion of an SA is one of the ‘tests of soundness’ legal requirements that Planning inspectors will use to evaluate the soundness of DPDs at independent examination. Aims of Consultation In accordance with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, comments on this scoping report have been invited from the three consultation bodies. The three statutory consultation bodies are as follows: - Environment Agency - English Heritage - Natural England All consultees have been given six weeks to respond to this report. Comments are welcome on all aspects of the report, although consultees may wish to consider the following questions when forming their comments. - Are there any other relevant plans, policies, programmes or initiatives which have not been identified in the scoping report? - Are there any sources of baseline data which have been omitted and should be considered as part of the SA and development of the DPD? It should be noted 4 that work on the collection and review of this data is ongoing and the SA framework will be reviewed as necessary - Do the issues identified in the report cover all the significant sustainability issues relevant to the borough? - Are the objectives and indicators set out in the SA Framework appropriate? - Is the proposed structure of the Sustainability Report and methodology suitable? Responding to the Scoping Report Please note that responses to this document should be received no later than the 12th July 2013 Responses should be sent to: Ian Weake Planning Policy Ealing Council 4th Floor Perceval House 14-16 Uxbridge Road Ealing W5 2HL Or via email: [email protected] Copies of the Scoping Report Hard copies of the Scoping Report can be inspected at: Perceval House 14-16 Uxbridge Road Ealing W5 2HL And at local libraries. The Context The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires planning bodies preparing plans, to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Sustainable development is defined here as, ‘development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. 5 ‘Securing the future – New UK Sustainable Development Strategy (2005)’ sets out the following 4 key objectives, under the broad heading of sustainable development: - social progress which recognises the needs of everyone - effective protection of the environment - prudent use of natural resources; and - maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment. Introduction to Local Planning Local Planning in Ealing is managed through a portfolio of documents, which are individually known as Local Development Documents. These Local Development Documents, or ‘Plans’ are either statutory (Development Plan Documents) or non- statutory (Supplementary Planning Documents). Development Plan Documents (DPDs) carry more weight as they are subject to an independent examination by a Planning Inspector before they are adopted. Supplementary Planning Documents are not subject to such an examination. 6 Scoping Purpose of the Scoping Report From here on this Scoping Report provides the framework for the appraisal of any Plan which the Council is required to undertake. The Scoping Report sets the context and provides baseline information in order to provide a starting point from which to appraise the effects of implementing a plan. To provide a sound basis for analysis, the report reviews the relevant plans and programmes which may influence a plan; identifies the key sustainability issues and problems; and details a Sustainability Framework through which the appraisal can take place. Within Ealing Scoping Reports were produced separately for each DPD under the old Local Development Framework. This report should be used where appraisals are required for forthcoming documents under the new Local Planning system. Which Local Planning Documents will be Appraised? The Development (Core) Strategy, Development Management Document and Development Sites Document, were all appraised using previous SA Scoping Reports, the findings of which can be found on the Counci’ls Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment web page: http://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/200921/local_development_framework/617/sustainab ility_appraisal_and_habitats_regulations_assessment A separate Scoping Report has also been prepared for the joint West London Waste Plan It is intended that any future plans will use this Scoping Report as a framework for completing appraisals. Documents in the pipeline which will employ this Scoping Report include: Schools DPD The Schools DPD will provide site specific allocations and accompanying policies for future school provision in the borough. 7 Appraisal Methodology The Sustainability Appraisal of the Development Management Document will be carried out by Council officers, in accordance with the relevant Regulations and Government policy and guidance, as set out below: • European Directive 2001/42/EC (The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive) • EC Guidance on the SEA Directive – Implementation of Directive 2001/42 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, September 2003 • Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, Section 12 • The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, Section 19(5) • A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, 2005 • Local Development Frameworks: Examining Development Plan Documents – Soundness Guidance, Planning Inspectorate, August 2009 and update February 2010 • Local Development Frameworks: Examining Development Plan Documents – Learning form Experience, September 2009 • The National Planning Policy Framework, 2012 • The Plan-Making Manual, Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) The key stages of the SA of the DPD’s are set out in the table below. Table 1 – key SA stages Stage A Pre-production - Scoping Stage A1 Review other policies, plans and programmes, and sustainable development objectives Stage A2 Collecting Baseline information Stage A3 Identifying sustainability issues and problems Stage A4 Developing the SA framework Stage A5 Consulting on the scope of the SA. Stage B Production - Options Stage B1 Testing the DPD objectives against the SA Framework Stage B2 Developing the DPD options Stage B3 Predicting the effects of the DPD, including options/alternatives Stage B4 Evaluating the effects of the DPD, including options/alternatives Stage B5 Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects Produce commentary of appraisal findings for internal consideration & informal consultation with stakeholders Stage B6 Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the DPD. Stage C Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report Stage C1 Preparing the SA Report Stage D Consulting on the Submission document and SA Report Stage D1 Public participation on the Submission Document and the SA Report Stage D2(i) Appraising significant changes as a result of consultation Stage D2(ii) Appraising significant changes resulting from recommendations (following 8 Examination) Stage D3 Finalise Sustainability Report and prepare Sustainability Statement Stage E Monitoring implementation