Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report (ISAR) Local Development Plan (2006 – 2021) Initial...

Torfaen County Borough Council

Local Development Plan 2006 - 2021

Initial SustainabilityAppraisal Report(ISAR)

January 2008

Torfaen County Borough Council

Local Development Plan

2006 - 2021

Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating Strategic

Environmental Assessment)

Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report (ISAR)

January 2008

Torfaen Local Development Plan (2006 – 2021) Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report (ISAR)

January 2008

2

Contents

Foreword Abbreviations Glossary

1. Introduction to the LDP and the ISAR 2. Sustainability Appraisal incorporating Strategic Environmental

Assessment

3. SA/SEA Methodology

4. Development of the SA Framework 5. Compatibility of the LDP Objectives against the Sustainability

objectives 6. LDP Strategic Options 7. LDP Strategic Policies 8. Monitoring 9. Summary and next Steps

Appendices Document (Issued Separately) Appendix A – Report of Consultation on SA/SEA Draft Scoping Report

Appendix B – Review of Relevant Plans and Programs at European, National and Local Level Appendix C – Torfaen SA Baseline Data Collection and Analysis Appendix D – LDP Objectives Compatibility Assessment Appendix E – LDP Strategic Options Assessment Appendix F – LDP Strategic Policies Assessment


January 2008

3

Foreword The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced changes to the current planning system and placed a requirement on local authorities in Wales to produce a Local Development Plan (LDP) for their area. The Torfaen Local Development Plan 2006 – 2021 will guide the development and use of land in the County Borough for the next 15 years. On adoption it will replace the existing Adopted Torfaen Local Plan (1991-2006) and the adopted Gwent Structure Plan (1991-2006) as the development plan for the County Borough. A further requirement of the Planning and Compulsory Act (2004) is that Sustainability Appraisal (SA) must inform the LDP. The SA will be an important tool in ensuring the LDP helps contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development. The Regulations also stipulate that SA should meet the requirements of the EU Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (the ‘SEA Directive’). In accordance with national guidance as contained in the ODPM (2005) guidance ‘Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies this document has been prepared to incorporate both the distinct requirements of Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment under one appraisal process. For the purpose of this document all future references to SA will incorporate the requirements of SEA. Sustainability Appraisal incorporating Strategic Environment Assessment is ‘an iterative process that identifies the likely significant effects of the plan in terms of economic, social and environmental considerations and the extent to which the plan will achieve its objectives in moving towards sustainable development. Sustainable Development is defined as ‘Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ Our Common Future – The Bruntland Report (1987). The results of SA incorporating SEA will help ‘make the process of LDP preparation more transparent by providing information about the implications of choices being made’ LDP Manual (2006). In July 2006 Torfaen County Borough Council (TCBC) consulted on the Draft SA/SEA Scoping Report. The purpose of the Scoping Report was to identify through consultation, the key sustainability issues and key sustainability objectives for the County Borough. The issues and objectives identified during this stage were used to inform the following key stages in the preparation of the LDP. This included the identification of the LDP Vision and Objectives and the generation of Strategic Options which in turn informed the development of the LDP Preferred Strategy. The SA/SEA Scoping Report has now been reviewed and updated and now forms part of the current document for consultation; the Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report. All representations received during the consultation period on the Scoping Report have been duly considered and the report of consultation is attached in Appendices document. The ISAR details the sustainability assessments that have been undertaken through the various stages of plan preparation to inform the production of the LDP Preferred Strategy. To help assist the process of consultation, respondents are invited to consider the following questions:


January 2008

4

1. Are there any additional relevant plans, policies and programmes that will affect the Local Development Plan that need to be considered?

2. Do you agree the existing baseline data is appropriate to inform production of the Deposit LDP?

3. Are you aware of any additional baseline data sources that should be considered?

4. Do you consider there to be any anomalies or inaccuracies with the current collated data?

5. Do you agree that the revised Key Sustainability Issues identified are the key issues for Torfaen,

6. Are you aware of any issues, which, in your opinion, should be added, or any that should be removed?

7. Do you agree that the revised Sustainability Objectives are appropriate in the context of Torfaen?

8. Are there any additional objectives that should be included or should any be removed

9. Do you consider that the indicators proposed are an adequate measure for the proposed objective? If not what other indicators would be more appropriate?

10. Do you have any comments on the proposed targets, or where there omissions can you suggest suitable targets?

11. Do you have any comments on the assessment of the LDP Objectives against the Sustainability Objectives?

12. Do you have any comments on the sustainability assessment of the LDP Strategic Options and how the Preferred Strategy was arrived at?

13. Do you consider the identified mitigation measures for the LDP Preferred Strategy are acceptable?

The ISAR will be issued for consultation alongside the LDP Preferred Strategy on January 28th 2008 for a period of six weeks. Therefore, please send any comments on the above questions or any other issues by March 10th 2008 to the following address: Duncan Smith Chief Planning Officer Planning and Public Protection Torfaen County Borough Council 4th Floor County Hall Cwmbran NP44 2WN Should you wish to email comments on the ISAR please send to: [email protected]


January 2008

5

ABBREVIATIONS

• AMR Annual Monitoring Report • AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • CIS Community Involvement Scheme • DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs • DETR Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions • DTI Department of Trade and Industry • EU European Union • HLT High Level Targets • HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment • ISAR Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report • IT Information Technology • LANDMAP Landscape Assessment and Decision Making Process • LDP Local Development Plan • LNR Local Nature Reserve • LPA Local Planning Authority • LSOP Lower Super Output Area • MTAN Minerals Technical Advice Note • NPFA National Playing Fields Association • ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister • ONS Office for National Statistics • PPP’s Policies, Plans and Programmes • SA Sustainability Appraisal • SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment • SINC Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation • SPG Supplementary Planning Guidance • SSSI Sites of Special Scientific Interest • TAN Technical Advice Note • TCBC Torfaen County Borough Council • UDP Unitary Development Plan • WAG The Welsh Assembly Government • WHQS Welsh Housing Quality Standard • WIMD Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation


January 2008

6

GLOSSARY

• Adoption - The final confirmation of the LDP.

• Affordable housing - Housing provided to those whose needs are not met by the open market. Affordable housing should meet the needs of eligible households, including availability at low enough cost for them to afford, determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices; and include provision for the home to remain affordable for future eligible households, or if a home ceases to be affordable or stair casing to full ownership takes place, any subsidy should generally be recycled to provide replacement affordable housing. TAN 2 – Planning and Affordable Housing (2006)

• Allocation - Land which will be proposed for development, which will be identified on a Proposals Map in the deposit and the adopted version of the LDP.

• Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) - This will assess the extent to which

policies in the LDP are being successfully implemented.

• Baseline Data - Baseline data is basic information gathered before a programme begins. It is used later to provide a comparison for assessing programme impact.

• Brownfield Site/Land - Previously developed (or brownfield) land is that

which is or was occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings) and associated fixed surface infrastructure. The curtilage of the development is included, as are defence buildings, and land used for mineral extraction and waste disposal where provision for restoration has not been made through development control procedures. Planning Policy Wales(2002)

• Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) - Sets out the project plan and

policies of the Local Planning Authority for involving local communities, including businesses,in the preparation of LDPs. The CIS is submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government for agreement as part of the Delivery Agreement.

• Consultation - A formal process in which comments are invited on a

particular topic or set of topics, or a draft document. Delivery Agreement. A document comprising the Local Planning Authority’s timetable for the preparation of the LDP together with its CIS, submitted to the Assembly Government for agreement Deposit Plan A formal stage during which organisations and individuals can make representations on the detailed policies and proposals.

• Employment Land/ Site - Land that typically forms part of an industrial

estate or business park, which is occupied by one or more of the following: offices, manufacturing, research and development, storage and distribution.

• Environmental Consultation Bodies - An authority, which has

environmental responsibilities and is concerned by the effects of


January 2008

7

implementing plans and programmes and, must be consulted at specified stages of the SEA. The Consultation Bodies designated in the SEA Regulations in Wales are Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments), Countryside Council for Wales and Environment Agency Wales.

• Greenfield Sites - These are sites which have never been previously

developed or used for an urban use, or are on land that has been brought into active or beneficial use for agriculture or forestry i.e. fully restored derelict land.

• Housing Need - Assessed by examining the suitability of present housing

and the ability of households to afford market priced housing.

• Implementation - Implementation is the carrying out, execution, or practice of a plan, a method, or any design for doing something. As such, implementation is the action that must follow any preliminary thinking in order for something to actually happen.

• Indicator - An indicator is something that helps you understand where you

are, which way you are going and how far you are from where you want to be. A good indicator alerts you to a problem before it gets too bad and helps you recognise what needs to be done to fix the problem.

• Infrastructure - Water supply and sewerage facilities, roads and

transportation, local community, shopping and other facilities required asframework for development.

• Local Development Plan (LDP) - The required statutory development plan

for each local planning authority area in Wales under Part 6 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) have to set out their objectives in relation to development and use of land in their area and set out the general policies for the implementation of those objectives within their LDPs. As well as having regard to national planning policy, the LPA have to take into account of regional planning policy and the authority’s community strategy and the social, economic and environmental factors relating to the local area and global environment, by undertaking a sustainability appraisal of the LDP.

• Local Nature Reserve (LNR) - Declared by local authorities to protect sites

of local importance for nature conservation, education and amenity. The local authority must either own or have a legal interest in the land before a LNR can be declared. Although LNRs have no direct statutory protection, management rules or bye-laws can be used to control damaging activities.

• Mitigation - Measures that avoid, reduce, remediate or compensate for the

negative impacts of a strategic action.

• Monitoring - Monitoring means gathering evidence to show what progress has been made towards strategic priorities and targets and the implementation of policies.

• Objectives - Objectives state what is to be achieved and cover the range of

desired outcomes to achieve a goal.


January 2008

8

• Objective 1 Funding - A regional policy of the European Union (EU) that aims to improve the economic well being of regions in the EU. The Structural Funds assign regional aid according to three Objectives. Objective 1 Funding helps regions whose development is lagging behind, where the Gross Domestic Product per head is less than 75% of the EU average. Attention is focused on providing basic infrastructures, developing human resources, investing in research and innovation, and promoting the information society.

• Scoping - The process of deciding the scope and level of detail of an SEA,

including the environmental effects and alternatives which need to be considered, the assessment methods to be used, and the structure and contents of the Environmental Report under the SEA Directive.

• Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) - Areas of land and

wetland of local importance for the conservation of semi-natural habitats including mosaics of heathland, unimproved grassland, scrubland and plantation and/or habitats which support rare local wildlife species. They are not of sufficient extent or quality to qualify for national recognition as a SSSI.

• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - A conservation designation

denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom. SSSIs are the basic 'building block' of nature conservation designations are based upon them, including National Nature Reserves, Ramsar Sites, Special Protection Areas, and Special Areas of Conservation.

• Soundness - Concept against which an LDP is examined under section

64(5)(b) of the 2004 Act.

• Stakeholders - Interests directly affected by the LDP (and/or SEA) –involvement generally through representative bodies.

• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) - Generic term used

internationally to describe environmental assessment as applied to policies, plans and programmes. The SEA Regulations require a formal “environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes, including those in the field of planning and land use”.

• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive - The SEA directive

is officially called the Directive on the Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment (and is known as Directive 2001/42/EC). The main objective of the SEA directive is to ‘provide for a high level of environmental protection and to contribute to the integration of environmental protection and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes…’(Article 1 of the SEA Directive)

• Strategy - A strategy is a long-term plan or method designed to achieve a

particular goal or objective.

• Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) - Supplementary information in respect of the policies in an LDP.SPG does not form part of the development plan and is not subject to independent examination but must be consistent with the plan and with national policy.


January 2008

9

• Sustainability Appraisal (SA) - A form of assessment used in the UK, particularly for regional and local planning, since the 1990s. It considers social and economic effects as well as environmental ones, and appraises them in relation to the aims of sustainable development. Sustainability Appraisal, which fully incorporates the requirements of the SEA Directive, is required for Local Development Documents/ Regional Spatial Strategies in England and Local Development Plans in Wales under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.It is a systematic and iterative process undertaken during the preparation (and review) of a plan which identifies and reports on the extend to which implementation of the plan will achieve the environmental, social and economic objectives by which sustainable development can be defined and identifies opportunities for improving plan performance in relation to these.

• Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Report - A document required to be produced

as part of the sustainability appraisal process to describe and appraise the likely significant effects on sustainability of implementing the LDP, which also meets the requirements for the Environmental Report under the SEA Regulations. S62 (6) of the 2004 Act requires each local planning authority to prepare a report of the findings of the sustainability appraisal of the LDP.

• Sustainable Development - Sustainable Development is defined as

“Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” in the Bruntland Report to the World Commission on Environment and Development held in 1987.The UK government has set out four aims for sustainable development in its strategy A Better Quality of Life, a Strategy for Sustainable Development in the UK. The four aims, to be achieved simultaneously, are: - social progress which recognizes the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and the maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.

• Unitary Development Plan (UDP) - The required statutory development plan

for each local planning authority area in Wales under the Town and County Planning Act 1990.


January 2008

10

1. Introduction to the LDP and the ISAR The Local Development Plan 1.1 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires Torfaen County

Borough Council to prepare a LDP, which sets out the Council’s objectives and priorities for the development and use of land within Torfaen and its policies for implementing them. The LDP will (as identified in ‘Local Development Plans Wales October 2005’): -

• Reflect longer term local aspirations, based on a vision agreed to by the community and stakeholders;

• Provide a plan-led strategy, specific to the area covered, to act as a basis for rational and consistent decisions about the use and development of land

• Guide growth and change while protecting local diversity, character and sensitive environments,

• Identify interdependencies and relationship between places both within and across administrative boundaries; and

• Contain clear and concise statements of how and where places will change over the next 10 to 15 years (the plan period). TCBC has decided to produce its LDP to cover the period 2006 to 2021.

1.2 The Local Development Plan process is intended to speed up the process of

producing development plans. The Delivery Agreement, which is an integral part of the new system, shows a timetable for the introduction of the plan, which details the anticipated adoption date for the plan as 2010. The Torfaen Local Development Plan 2006 – 2021 will guide the development and use of land in the County Borough for the next 15 years. On adoption it will replace the existing Adopted Torfaen Local Plan (1991-2006) and the adopted Gwent Structure Plan (1991-2006) as the development plans for the County Borough.

1.3 The LDP Preferred Strategy Report is not the full draft plan, but sets out the

key issues and the Council’s broad proposals to tackle them. It includes the proposed vision, strategic options, preferred strategy and strategic policies. It shows how key environmental, economic and social issues and trends affecting Torfaen will be addressed. The strategy shows how the development needs of the area will be met, including the proposed possible locations for new housing and employment.

Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report 1.4 This document is the Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report for the LDP

Preferred Strategy (2006-2021). It outlines how the statutory requirements of Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment have informed the development of the Preferred Strategy. The SA/SEA process will be integrated throughout the preparation of the LDP so that the social, economic and environmental implications of the policies and proposals are clearly identified to ensure that the LDP is based on sound sustainability principles. This report records all the appraisal work undertaken to date


January 2008

11

including predicting and evaluating the effects of the strategic options against the SA/SEA sustainability objectives.

1.5 TCBC commissioned consultants, Atkins Ltd in March 2006 to assist in the

undertaking of the Torfaen LDP Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment). Atkins Ltd will work with the LDP team throughout the remaining stages to inform the final Sustainability Appraisal Report for the LDP.

1.6 Alongside the SA/SEA process it will also be necessary to undertake a

Habitats Regulations Assessment of the LDP. The purpose of this is to determine whether there will be a need undertake an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ of the emerging LDP and to assess whether the emerging plan is likely to have significant adverse effects on Natura 2000 site(s) of Conservation Value, which include Special areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report’ of the LDP Preferred Strategy is available separately.

1.7 A Non Technical Summary of the ISAR has been produced which identifies

the likely significant effects of the plan, and an overview of the process to date, in terms of how the SA/SEA has influenced the LDP Preferred Strategy. This document is available alongside this report.

Format of the ISAR 1.8 The second section of the ISAR provides a detailed overview of the

requirements to undertake SA and SEA and how this will be undertaken through each stage of the LDP. This section will also document how the SEA regulations have been fulfilled in the production of this report.

1.9 The third section details the SA/SEA methodology adopted and undertaken

on the LDP to date, and the stages remaining, providing a description as to how each stage of LDP production was informed by SA/SEA.

1.10 The fourth section outlines the development of the SA Framework providing

an overview of the scoping stage undertaken so far, and providing a detailed analysis of the results of the Stage A process. This includes the consideration of relevant plans and programs, the current baseline and context of Torfaen County Borough, the generation of key sustainability issues and these key issues have been developed into sustainability objectives, indicators and targets (the SA Framework) which will be used to assess the policies, proposals and objectives of the LDP. This ‘scoping stage’ cumulated in the production of the Draft SA Scoping Report, which was consulted on in July/August 2006. Therefore this scoping section includes all changes as a result of the Scoping Report consultation exercise.

1.11 This fifth section outlines how the SA/SEA process has contributed to the development of the Torfaen LDP Vision and Objectives. The sustainability assessment of the LDP objectives, undertaken by our consultants Atkins Ltd ensured that the final set of LDP objectives performed favourably in sustainability terms.

1.12 The sixth section of this report discusses the key strategic options considered

for the LDP and those rejected, and outline how these were assessed against


January 2008

12

the sustainability objectives to understand the potential economic, environmental and social implications of these proposed options. This section also outlines how the preferred strategy ‘the Network of Integrated Communities Strategy’ was arrived at, including the necessary mitigation measures required if implementing this strategy.

1.13 The seventh section identifies the strategic policies for the LDP, and how the

social, economic and environmental effects of these policies were identified through assessment against the sustainability objectives. Proposed mitigation measures will also be discussed in this section.

1.14 The eighth section provides a summary of the monitoring strategy that will be

prepared for the LDP. 1.15 The ninth section will provide a summary of stages completed and next those

remaining in the SA/SEA process.


January 2008

13

2. The Requirements of Sustainability Appraisal (SA)

incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Requirement for a Sustainability Appraisal

2.1 The purpose of SA is to promote sustainable development, through a better

integration of sustainability considerations in the preparation and adoption of development plans. Under the provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, a Sustainability Appraisal is required for Local Development Plans in Wales.

2.2 Local Development Plans Wales (2005) defines SA as:

‘a systematic and iterative process undertaken during the preparation (and review) of a plan which identifies and reports on the extent to which the implementation of the plan will achieve the environmental, social and economic objectives by which sustainable development can be defined and identifies opportunities for improving plan performance in relation to these’. (para 3.2)

2.3 The purpose of SA is to address the effects of these three interlinked issues

from the outset of the LDP process. This will ensure that decisions made on the policies and strategy accord with sustainable development. Local Development Plans Wales (2005) advises that ‘to be effective sustainability appraisal should be fully integrated into the plan making process and should provide input at each stage when decisions are taken’. (para 3.5)

Requirement for a Strategic Environmental Assessment

2.4 The Regulations also stipulate that SA should meet the requirements of the

EU Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (the ‘SEA Directive’). The SEA Directive came into force in the UK on the 20th July 2004 through the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Wales) 2004. The objective of the Directive is:

‘to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute

to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoptions of plans … with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that, in accordance with this Directive, an environmental assessment is carried out of certain plans …which are likely to have significant effects on the environment’. (Article 1, 2001/42/EC).

2.5 The SEA directive relates to a wide range of plans and programmes that

would have an impact on the environment. The LDP is prepared and adopted by the authority at the local level and is required by legislative provisions under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Also the Local Development Plan will guide the development and use of land in Torfaen for the next fifteen years up until 2021, and will therefore have significant environmental implications. It is through these reasons that the LDP will need to satisfy the requirements of the directive.


January 2008

14

2.6 SEA will ensure that the LDP identifies and predicts any significant

environmental effects arising from proposals; including alternatives and that it proposes measures to mitigate any adverse effects. Significant effects will need to be monitored once the LDP is implemented.

2.7 SEA is primarily focused on environmental effects and to satisfy the

requirements of the SEA directive, the LDP will need to consider its effect on the following areas, namely Air, Biodiversity, Cultural Heritage, Climatic Factors, Flora and Fauna, Human Health, Material Assets, Landscape, Population and Water and the interrelationship between these topics.

2.8 A key requirement of the SEA regulations is that an Environmental report is

prepared and this report should identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects on the environment of:

• Implementing the plan or programme (the LDP); • Reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the

geographical scope of the plan or programme 2.9 In terms of data gathering in order to inform the SEA and the prediction of

effects the level of detail is not clearly identified however guidance does outline that additional primary research is not necessary. With regard to monitoring the effects of the plan the guidance indicates that only a limited number of indicators should be used to monitor the plan. It is important that these indicators can be monitored annually so that performance against the relevant sustainability objective can be determined.

Requirements for undertaking an SA/SEA of the LDP

2.10 The requirements to carry out SA and SEA are thus distinct, but the guidance

in the Local Development Manual (2006) concurs with the November (2005) ODPM guidance on ‘Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents’ that it is possible to satisfy both requirements through a single appraisal process. Whilst the SEA methodology focuses on environmental effects, the SA methodology widens the scope of the appraisal to include social and economic topics in order to assess the impact of a plan from an environmental, social and economic perspective. The SA methodology will therefore need to identify how the specific requirements of the SEA directive have been met.

2.11 Guidance contained in the Local Development Plan Manual (2006) and the

ODPM guidance (2005) identify the main stages in undertaking SA to be as follows:

• Stage A – Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and

deciding on the scope; • Stage B – Developing and refining options and assessing effects; • Stage C – Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report • Stage D – Consulting on the draft plan and the Sustainability Appraisal

Report; • Stage E – Monitoring implementation of the plan


January 2008

15

2.12 The WAG/ODPM guidance also requires the preparation of the following reports:

• Scoping Report (summarising Stage A work), which should be used for

consultation on the scope of the SA/SEA; - Consulted on during July/August 2006

• Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report (documenting Stages A to B work) which should be used in the public consultation on the Preferred Strategy

• Sustainability Appraisal Report (documenting Stages A to C work), which should be used in the public consultation on the Preferred Options.

2.13 Figure 2.1 overleaf illustrates how the SA process interlinks with LDP

preparation. Figure 2.2 provides an overview of the Key Sustainability Appraisal Tasks and the relationships between them.


January 2008

16

Figure 2.1: The relationship between SA and the LDP process

Planning Stage SA/SEA Stage Components

Identify related plans/programmes

Identify environmental protection objectives

Baseline data and likely future trends

Identify sustainability issues

Develop sustainability objectives, indicators and targets (i.e. create the SEA Framework)

Prepare Scoping Report

Pre-Deposit Participation

Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope

Consult on the scope of the SA/SEA (the Scoping Report Consultation)

Consider Scoping Report Consultation comments

Assess LDP objectives against the SA/SEA Framework

Develop strategic options

Evaluate/select preferred options

Pre-Deposit Participation

Developing and refining options

Prepare Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report

Pre-Deposit Consultation

Consultation on Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report

Consider Pre-Deposit consultation comments

Predict and assess sustainability effects of options taken forward

Propose mitigation measures

Propose monitoring programme

Preparation for Deposit of the LDP

Appraising the effects of the LDP’s Preferred Option(s)

Prepare Sustainability Appraisal Report

Deposit Consultation

Consultation on Sustainability Appraisal Report

Revise LDP following representations made at the Deposit Stage

Revise Sustainability Appraisal Report as appropriate

Submission of LDP to Welsh Assembly Government

Sustainability Appraisal Report accompanies LDP on submission

Independent examination of LDP

Preparation or giving evidence

Adoption of LDP Revise Sustainability Appraisal Report as appropriate

Prepare statement summarising how SA/SEA results were taken into account

LDP Implementation

Monitor the sustainability effects of the LDP

Prepare an annual monitoring report


January 2008

17

2.14 The relationship between the Key Sustainability Appraisal Tasks is outlined in Figure 2.2 below.

Figure 2.2: Key Sustainability Appraisal Tasks


January 2008

18

2.15 To date, Stage A and B of the SA/SEA process has been undertaken and this

is fully documented under the Methodology discussion in Section 3. As part of the development of the Deposit LDP the stage B assessments will be repeated to ensure an iterative assessment of the plan is undertaken as it develops.

Compliance with the SEA Directive

2.16 This Sustainability Appraisal has been undertaken in order to meet the

requirements of the SEA Directive for environmental assessment of plans. Figure 2.3 sets out the way the specific SEA requirements have been met in this report.

Figure 2.3: SEA Requirements Schedule

Requirements of the Directive Where Covered in Report

Preparation of an environmental report in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated. The information to be given is: a) An outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes

Section 1, 4 and Appendix B

b) The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution without implementation of the plan or programme

Section 4 and Appendix C.

c) The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected

Section 4 and Appendix C

d) Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directive 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC

Section 4 and Appendix C

e) The environmental protection objectives established at international, community or national level which are relevant to the programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation

Section 4 and Appendix B

f) The likely significant effects on the environment, including: short, medium and long term; permanent and temporary; positive and negative; secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects on issues such as: biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors.

Section 5, 6 and 7

g) The measures envisaged preventing, reducing and, as fully as possible, offsetting any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme.

Section 6, 7 and 8 and Appendix F

h) An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information

Section 6 and Appendix E

i) A description of measures envisaged concerning monitoring (in accordance with regulation 17) Section 4, 7 and 8

j) A non-technical summary of the information provided under the above headings

Non-technical summary


January 2008

19

2.17 The current guidance requires the preparation of the following reports as part

of the SA process:

• Scoping Report (summarising Stage A work) which should be developed in conjunction with the pre-Deposit LDP participation work and consulted upon;

• Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report (documenting Stages A-B) which should be used in the public consultation on the pre-Deposit LDP

• Sustainability Appraisal Report (documenting Stages A-C) which should accompany the Deposit LDP

2.18 Therefore, the final Sustainability Appraisal Report is a key output of the

appraisal process, presenting information including predicting and evaluating the effects of the LDP options on the social, environmental and social objectives.

2.19 The following section will now document stage by stage how the SA/SEA

process has been integrated with the production of the LDP Preferred Strategy.

Consultation with: Authorities with environmental responsibility when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the environment report

Section 3 and Appendix 1

Authorities with environmental responsibility and the public to be given an early and effective opportunity within appropriate time frames to express their opinion on the draft plan and accompanying environmental report before its adoption

Other EU Member States, where the implementation of the plan or programme is likely to have significant effects on the environment of that country

Not applicable

Taking the environmental report and the results of the consultations into account in decision making Provision of information on the decision: When the plan or programme is adopted the public and any countries consulted must be informed and the following made available: • The plan or programme as adopted • A statement summarising how environmental considerations

have been integrated into the plan or programme in accordance with the requirements of the legislation

• The measures decided concerning monitoring

Not at this stage yet

Monitoring of the environmental effects of the plan or programmes implementation must be undertaken

Not at this stage yet


January 2008

20

3. SA/SEA Appraisal Methodology

Stage A: Setting The Context And Objectives, Establishing Baseline And Deciding On The Scope

A1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans, programmes and SA objectives

3.1 It is important that the LDP should be set in the context of other national,

regional and local objectives and alongside strategic economic, environmental and social policies. Therefore the first task of the scoping exercise was to undertake a comprehensive review of and to take account of the relationships between the LDP and other relevant plans and strategies. The SEA directive places a specific requirement for environmental protection objectives established at European, International, National and Local levels to be considered. The SEA Directive, specifically states that the Environmental Report should provide information on:

“The plan’s relationship with other relevant plans and programmes” and “the environmental protection objectives, established at international, [European] Community or national level, which are relevant to the plan... and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation” (Annex 1 (a), (e))

Purpose of the review of relevant plans and Programmes

3.2 This task helped to establish a clear scope for the SA and this was important

because these programmes, plans and objectives informed the preparation of the LDP. The constraints or challenges these documents posed for the LDP was considered and summarised by setting out how the LDP may take account of them.

Methodology 3.3 The review of documents took into consideration relevant documents at the

European, National, Regional and Local level. This review ensured that the broad objectives identified in the review were reflected in the generation of sustainability objectives for the SA.

3.4 The results of this exercise is summarised in Figure 4.1 in section 4 of this

report. This table has been amended following consultation on the SA/SEA scoping report. Broad SA objectives generated from the review have been grouped under the three main topic headings namely, Environmental, Social and Economic, representing the three dimensions of sustainable development. Each objective was assigned to the dimension of sustainable development to which it was most strongly associated. The Table also sets out the source documents (specified plans and programmes) from which the broad SA objectives were derived, together with their relationship to SEA topic areas, which was considered to fulfil the requirements of the SEA directive.


January 2008

21

3.5 The list of plans policies and programmes, and broad sustainability objectives are outlined in figures 4.1 and 4.2 respectively. Full details of the reviews of each plan, policy and programme are included in Appendix B.

A2: Collation of Baseline Data

3.6 The next task in the scoping exercise was to undertake the collation of

baseline information. Baseline data is fundamental to the SA process to provide a background to and the evidence base for identifying sustainability issues and objectives for Torfaen, which will provide the basis for assessing the effects of the LDP. The SEA directive requires that the Environmental Report should provide data on:

‘the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme’

‘existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC (Birds Directive) and 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive)’ Purpose of the Review of Baseline Data

3.7 The aim of this exercise was to collect data in order to provide an

understanding of the economic, environmental and social characteristics in Torfaen and their likely evolution in the future. Also it provides a basis in order to make judgements about how the emerging LDP will contribute to achieving sustainable development. In accordance with national guidance as contained in the LDP Manual (2006) local planning authorities should focus their baseline data collation on characteristics that will be directly affected by land use plans. The indicators used in the baseline tables will also provide a benchmark against which future monitoring can take place.

Methodology 3.8 The LDP Manual (2006) advocates a practical approach to data collation.

Recognising that certain data may not be available at present, the process of data gathering is a continuous and evolving process, as the SA guides plan making as new data becomes available. Where gaps in data arise these should be reported to record any uncertainty or risks in the emerging SA.

3.9 Baseline information provides the basis for predicting and monitoring

sustainability effects, and helps to identify sustainability problems and alternative ways of dealing with them. Sufficient information about the current and likely future state of the area covered by the document needs to be collected to allow effects to be adequately predicted. Therefore, the aim is to collect only relevant and sufficient data on the present and future state of Torfaen to allow the potential effects of the LDP to be sufficiently predicted.

3.10 For each indicator selected, enough information is needed to answer the

following questions. Therefore the table has been devised, to attempt to identify these key issues:

• How good or bad is the current situation? Do trends show that it is getting better or worse?


January 2008

22

• How does the baseline compare to regional trends, national trends so that a comparative analysis can be drawn against different areas?

• How far is the current situation from any established thresholds or targets? • Are particularly sensitive or important elements of the economy, physical

environment or community affected, e.g. skills shortages, endangered species or rare habitats, and vulnerable social groups?

• Are problems reversible or irreversible, permanent or temporary? • How difficult would it be to offset or remedy any damage? • Have there been significant cumulative effects over time? Are there expected

to be such effects in the future? 3.11 A summary of the main economic, environmental and social characteristics of

Torfaen is provided in section 4 of this report. Again this has been updated following consultation on the Scoping Report. A full review of the collected baseline data is included in Appendix C. The baseline data has been presented in a table showing data for Torfaen, and where available comparative data for South East Wales, neighbouring authorities and at an all Wales level. It should be noted that the majority of the data constitutes secondary data, and as such primary data collection was minimised, but it was ensured that relevant data was sourced.

3.12 For each of the baseline indicators TCBC have attempted to identify targets

and trends and the implications of this data for the SA and its link to SEA. These indicators have been chosen, as they will provide objective data that will illustrate the trends taking place during the plan period of the LDP.

3.13 Any gaps in the baseline data will be continuously updated as the LDP

develops, including replacing existing data with new data as it becomes available, to ensure it is relevant to the preparation of the LDP.

A3: Key Sustainability Issues

3.14 The next stage of the SA process involved the identification of key

sustainability issues relevant to the LDP (including environmental problems as required by the SEA Directive). This provided the opportunity to define key issues and to focus the sustainability appraisal on the issues that really matter. Implications for the document, as well as opportunities for addressing these problems, were also identified. The identification of key sustainability issues was an important component in influencing the emerging SA Framework, in particular through identifying targets and indicators.

Methodology 3.15 Sustainability Issues were then devised which were considered to be relevant

to Torfaen. This was further informed and updated following results of the consultation on the SA Scoping Report and other key issues that have emerged since that time. The key issues have been generated from the assessment of the other plans and programmes, and through the analysis of the baseline data. The identification of key sustainability issues is a continuous process, which will be further informed with stakeholders as the LDP develops. The key sustainability issues table is presented in figure 4.4 of this report.


January 2008

23

A4: Sustainability Appraisal Framework

Purpose of the SA Framework 3.16 The next task in the SA process involved the development of the draft SA

Framework. This Framework incorporated the key baseline information and sustainability issues into a systematic tool, which would enable the sustainability effects of policies and proposals in the LDP to be analysed.

Methodology

3.17 At the Scoping stage, the Scoping report identified a first set of objectives,

indicators and targets against which the policies and proposals in the document could be assessed. These were drawn up under the three sustainable development dimensions; economic, environmental and social.

3.18 As part of a participative scoping process, SA scoping workshops were held

to inform production of the emerging SA Scoping Report. Further details on these workshops are contained in the Draft SA/SEA Scoping Report (July 2006). The purpose of these events was to consult key stakeholders from a range of disciplines both internal and external of the council, and generate debate on the following tasks undertaken:

• To assess the list of other plans and programmes considered relevant to

inform the SA • The Baseline data collected to inform the SA • The Identified Key Sustainability Issues for Torfaen • The draft SA Framework, of objectives, indicators and targets, which will be

used to assess the LDP. 3.19 The broad objectives identified in the other plans and programmes, together

with the review of baseline data and key sustainability issues provided the basis for the development of the SA Framework table. The draft SA objectives were derived from Stage A1 (Review of relevant plans and programs, Stage A2 (Collation of Baseline Information) and Stage A3 (the identification of Key Sustainability Issues).

3.20 The SA objectives were worded so that they reflected one single desired

direction of change for the theme concerned and did not overlap with other objectives. The SA objectives were developed in line with external economic, social and environmental objectives, and were developed to take account of local circumstances where appropriate.

3.21 For, each objective, a set of indicators was set, to be able to test the objective

against specified targets, now or in the future. Indicators used in the baseline were used as a starting point, with others added which have been identified as being more appropriate to monitor the likely significant effects.

3.22 Following consultation on the Draft SA Scoping report, the draft SA

framework of objectives, indicators and targets against which the policies and proposals of the LDP will be assessed has been revised and is presented in section 4 in figure 4.5


January 2008

24

A5: Consulting on the Scope of the Sustainability Appraisal

The purpose of the SA Scoping Report 3.23 The SA Scoping report is the culmination of all tasks in Stage A of the

process. The main purpose of the work contained under Stage A is to develop a Draft Sustainability Appraisal Framework, which, when refined following consultation will be used to assess the policies and proposals in the LDP. The Scoping exercise includes the following key tasks:

• A review of other plans, programmes and sustainability objectives relevant to

the LDP • The collation of relevant baseline information adequately covering Economic,

Environmental and Social information • The identification of key sustainability issues pertaining to the document being

developed • Devising the SA framework consisting of Sustainability Objectives, Indicators

and targets against which the policies and proposals in the document can be assessed

• Consulting on the scope of the SA

Consultation on SA Scoping Report 3.24 The aim of the Scoping Report consultation was to engage with all the

relevant statutory consultees and other key stakeholders, to ensure the finalised version is both a robust and comprehensive tool in which to assess the LDP. To meet the requirements of the SEA Directive, the local planning authority (LPA) consulted the three statutory environmental consultation bodies – Countryside Council for Wales, Cadw and Environment Agency (Wales). The consultation exercise on the Scoping report was undertaken during July and August 2006. The consultation results have influenced the preparation of this ISAR and the representations made to the consultation are outlined in Appendix A.

Stage B: Developing and refining options and assessing effects

B1: Testing the plan objectives against the SA Objectives

3.25 An initial compatibility assessment was undertaken of the LDP Objectives

against the Sustainability Objectives. The purpose of this assessment was to ensure the objectives of the LDP were in accordance with the SA objectives and to assess the sustainability implications of the LDP objectives, as they will guide the policies and proposals in the emerging LDP. The result of this exercise is discussed in chapter 4, and the assessment table is outlined in Appendix D.

B2: Developing the plan options

3.26 This stage involved the generation of and assessment of Strategic Options for

the LDP Preferred Strategy. This process has involved close liaison between Torfaen County Borough Council and Atkins Ltd, who undertook the assessment of the options. This exercise has also been informed by


January 2008

25

stakeholder input through Strategic Options workshop sessions held in March and April 2007. These are discussed below.

3.27 Initially the LDP team identified four draft spatial scenarios or strategic options

representing four possible strategy directions for the Local Development Plan. Certain options the LDP team generated were dismissed on the basis that they would be unrealistic options to put forward for the LDP. The draft options were generated considering the key issues facing the County Borough, as outlined in the LDP Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, the Strategic Options Briefing Papers and other LDP background documents.

3.28 It was considered useful to prepare draft options before the workshop, which would allow stakeholders the opportunity to critically analyse them or to offer different views on the options or indeed to put forward different options. The scenarios were not overly detailed, as the purpose of the workshops was to develop and improve these scenarios into realistic options to be taken forward for assessment against the SA/SEA objectives. This ensured that the final list of options would have been generated with input from a wide variety of stakeholders.

3.29 Following the workshops the Forward Planning Team collated and analysed the stakeholder representations. Following on from this, the LDP team assessed each strategy option against each of the LDP objectives to identify the impact of each strategy option on the LDP objectives. This exercise was undertaken to inform the assessment of the Strategic Options against the Sustainability Objectives. Further to this exercise, a set of four strategic options was put forward for assessment against the Sustainability objectives. B3: Predicting the effects of the plan, including options and B4: Evaluating the Effects of the LDP Preferred Strategy

3.30 This section involves the prediction of effects resulting from the

implementation of the draft LDP Strategic Options. This exercise enabled the sustainability implications of each of the options to be identified. Each of the four strategic options was assessed against the LDP sustainability objectives to assess their performance against the range of economic, environmental and social objectives.

3.31 This scoring system was supported by a reasoned justification for each of the

choices made, with an outline of the option that performed most favourably against each of the sustainability objectives. The Forward Planning team then appraised this assessment before it was finalised. The assessment of the strategic options is presented in section 4 of this report with the full assessment table in Appendix E.

3.32 Following on from the assessment of options a set of Strategic policies was

prepared. The prediction of effects involves the identification of the potential changes to the sustainability baseline conditions, which are considered to arise from the specific LDP policy being implemented by the Preferred Strategy. The predicted effects are described in terms of their nature and magnitude using the following parameters:

• Geographical scale; • Probability of the effect occurring;


January 2008

26

• Timing of effect – short, medium, long term; • Duration of effect – temporary or permanent; • Nature of effect – positive, negative or neutral; • Secondary, cumulative and/or synergistic effects;

3.33 The assessment of the LDP Strategic Policies against the sustainability

objectives is described in further detail in Section 7 of this report. 3.34 The next stage of the assessment involved the evaluation of the significant

effects. The evaluation will involve forming a judgement on whether or not the predicted effects would be environmentally significant. The technique that has primarily been used to assess the significance of effects in this assessment is a qualitative assessment based on expert judgement. Again this process has been undertaken through the assessment of the draft options and also against the set of LDP Strategic Policies described above.

B5: Considering Ways of Mitigating Adverse Effects and Maximising Beneficial Effects

3.35 Through the assessment of the LDP Strategic Policies mitigation measures

have been identified, both through amending the strategic policies to improve their performance in sustainability terms and also measures to be undertaken as the detail of the plan emerges. Mitigation measures have been identified during the evaluation process to reduce the scale/importance of significant negative effects and also maximise beneficial effects. The mitigation measures identified are discussed in section 7 of this document.

B6: Proposing Measures to Monitor the Significant Effects of Implementing the Core Strategy

3.36 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (UK Government 2004) and the

Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations (National Assembly for Wales 2004) require that a monitoring strategy be prepared for publication to monitor the effects of the Local Development Plan once it has been implemented. SA monitoring involves measuring indicators, which will enable the establishment of a causal link between the implementation of the plan and the likely significant effect (positive or negative) being monitored.

3.37 The SA Framework table in section 4 of this report outlines the indicators that

will enable the Council to monitor the implementation of the LDP and to assess its effects. It thus helps to ensure that any adverse effects, which arise during implementation, whether or not they were foreseen, can be identified and that action can be taken by TCBC to deal with them.


January 2008

27

4. Development of the Sustainability Appraisal Framework

Introduction 4.1 The SA Framework is a tool, which will enable the sustainability effects in

terms of economic, social and environmental effects to be described and analysed. The Framework consists of objectives, indicators and targets, which enables the assessment of effects arising from the LDP Preferred Strategy.

A1: Relevant Plans and Programmes

4.2 As identified in section 3 a thorough review has been undertaken of

European, National, Regional and local strategies considered relevant to the emerging LDP. This review is a requirement of the SEA directive, which outlines that the Environment Report should provide information on:

“the plan’s relationship with other relevant plans and programmes; …and the environmental protection objectives, established at international, community or member state, which are relevant to the plan…and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation” (Annex (a), (e).

4.3 The plans and programmes identified as part of the SA process are outlined

in figure 4.1 overleaf. The full review of each plan and programme is attached in Appendix B.

4.4 General sustainability objectives were generated from the review of plans and

programmes and these are split into the three strands of sustainability namely, economic, environmental and social. The results of this exercise are presented in figure 4.2. It specifies the source documents to which the general objectives relate and the implications for the LDP. Also the table identifies the link between these objectives and the list of final objectives in the SA Framework alongside the SEA topic areas, which is a requirement of the SEA Directive.


January 2008

29

Figure 4.1 – Relevant Plans and Programmes

Plan / programme Data source

International Plans and Programmes

Rio Declaration on Environment and Development www.unep.org/Documents.multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=78&ArticleID=1163

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change http://unfccc.int/2860.php

Statement of Principles on Forests http://www.un.org/documents/ga/conf151/aconf15126-3annex3.htm

Convention on Biological Diversity http://www.biodiv.org/default.shtml

Agenda 21 http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/agenda21/english/agenda21toc.htm

Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/kpeng.html

European Climate Change Programme http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/eccp.htm

The EU Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/ewd/rrrpac/wildbirds/index.htm

The EU Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-nitrates/index_en.html

The EU Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC)

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/ewd/rrrpac/wildbirds/index.htm

The EU Noise Directive (2003/10/EEC) http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/l_042/l_04220030215en00380044.pdf

The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

The EU Directive on Environmental Noise (2002/49/EEC) http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l21180.htm

The EU Landfill OF Waste Directive (97/11/EC) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/landfill_index.htm

The EU Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/eia-legalcontext.htm

The Aarhus Convention on Access to information, public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters (2005/370/EEC)

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/aarhus/index.htm

The EU Air Quality Framework Directive (96/62/EC) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/ambient.htm#1


January 2008

30

The EU Rural Development Policy

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/766&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Spatial Development Perspective http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/g24401.htm

The Common Agriculture Policy (Reform 2003) http://ec.europa.eu/

The European Employment Strategy http://ec.europa.eu

Renewable Energy Coalition http://forum.europa.eu.int/Public/irc/env/ctf/home

Intelligent Energy Europe http://ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent/index_en.html

EU Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/l_001/l_00120030104en00650071.pdf

EU Waste Framework Directive (91/156/EEC) http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l21197.htm

Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/WSSD_POI_PD/English/POI_PD.htm

EU Objective 1,2, and 3 Programmes http://www.europa.eu

The EU Biodiversity Strategy http://www.birdlife.org/eu/eu_biodiversity.html

The EU Environmental Liability Directive http://ec.europa.eu/environment/liability/index.htm

The EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan

http://www.birdlife.org/eu/eu_biodiversity.html

National Plans and Programmes

UK Sustainable Development Strategy –‘Securing the Future’ http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/

People, Places, Futures – The Wales Spatial Plan Wales – A better Country – The Strategic agenda of WAG The Sustainable Development Action Plan – 2004-2007 Environment Strategy for Wales (These documents produced by WAG are designed to work in parallel to

http://www.wales.gov.uk/themesspatialplan/content/spatial-plan-e.htm http://www.wales.gov.uk/themesbettercountry/strategic-e.pdf http://www.wales.gov.uk/themessustainabledev/content/review/action-plan-scheme-e.pdf http://www.countryside.wales.gov.uk/fe/master.asp?n1=366&n2=529&n3=533


January 2008

31

deliver Sustainable Development across Wales)

A Winning Wales – The National Economic Strategy of the Welsh Assembly Government

http://www.wales.gov.uk/themesbudgetandstrategic/content/neds/awinningwales-0302-e.pdf

Planning Policy Wales (2002) http://www.wales.gov.uk

Technical Advice Notes (TAN’s) – TAN1- Joint Housing Land Availability Studies, TAN2 – Planning and Affordable Housing, TAN3 – Simplified Planning zones, TAN4 - Retailing and Town Centres, TAN5 – Nature Conservation and Planning, TAN6 – Agriculture and Rural development, TAN7 – Outdoor Advertisement Control, TAN8 – Renewable Energy, TAN9 – Enforcement and Planning Control, TAN10 – Tree Preservation Orders, TAN11 – Noise, TAN12 – Design, TAN13 – Tourism, TAN14 – Coastal Planning, TAN15 – Development and Flood Risk, TAN16 – Sport and Recreation, TAN18 – Transport, TAN19 – Telecommunications, TAN20 – The Welsh Language – UDP’s and Planning Control, TAN21 – Waste

http://www.wales.gov.uk/subiplanning/content/tans/tans_e.htm

Minerals Planning Policy Wales (2001) http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/Planpol/?lang=en

Minerals TAN 1 – Aggregates (2004) http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/Planpol/MTAN/?lang=en

National Housing Strategy – Better homes for People in Wales http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/housing/?lang=en

UK Biodiversity Action Plan http://www.ukbap.org.uk/

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2000/20000037.htm

The Transport Framework for Wales http://www.wales.gov.uk/subitransport/content/framework/main.htm

Farming for the Future: A new direction for farming in Wales http://www.countryside.wales.gov.uk/fe/master.asp?n1=4&n2=52

Sports Tourism in Wales: A Framework for Action http://www.industry.visitwales.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.2221

Action Plan for the Countryside Experience http://www.industry.visitwales.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.2221

Achieving Our Potential 2006-2013 – Strategic Action Plan http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/tourism/283366/?lang=en

Cultural Tourism Strategy for Wales http://www.industry.visitwales.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.2221


January 2008

32

Climbing Higher – WAG Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity http://www.wales.gov.uk/subiculture/content/sport/climbing-higher2005-e.pdf

Well Being In Wales http://www.cmo.wales.gov.uk/content/work/well-being-in-wales/index-e.htm

Water Resources for the future: Strategy for England and Wales http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/137651/?version=1&lang=_e

Wise about Waste: The National Waste Strategy for Wales http://www.countryside.wales.gov.uk/fe/master.asp?n1=366&n2=213&n3=368

Our Energy Future – Energy White Paper http://www.dti.gov.uk/

Walking and Cycling Strategy for Wales

http://www.wales.gov.uk/subitransport/content/walking-cycling-e.pdf

Wales Programme for Improvement – Dec 2005 http://www.wao.gov.uk/assets/WAG_WPI_guidance.pdf

Building a Future for Wales – A sustainable housing strategy http://www.wwf.org.uk/core/about/cymru_0000001473.asp

A Working Countryside for Wales – Rural White Paper 1996 http://www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/welshoff/awcwales/awcwales.htm

One Future, Different Paths – The UK’s Shared framework for Sustainable Development (2005)

http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/publications/uk-strategy/framework-for-sd.htm

The Sustainable Development Action Plan – 2004-2007 http://www.wales.gov.uk/themessustainabledev/content/review/action-plan-scheme-e.pdf

Woodlands for Wales http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/pdf.nsf/pdf/woodwaleseng.pdf/$FILE/woodwaleseng.pdf

Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/strategy/

Water Resources for the future: A summary of the strategy for England and Wales 2001

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/national_report_english.pdf

Waterways for Tomorrow (2001) http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/iw/tomorrow/index.htm

Regional Plans and Programmes

South East Wales Regional Waste Plan http://www.sewaleswasteplan.org/ad/Regional%20Waste%20Plan.pdf

South East Wales Regional Planning Guidance

http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/SPNR/Strategic_Planning/New_Strategic_Planning/Existing_Development_Plan/


January 2008

33

South East Wales Economic Development Strategy http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?Parent_Directory_id=2865&nav=2866,3386,4709

Property Strategy for Employment in Wales (2004-2008)

http://www.wda.co.uk/index.cfm/property_advice_and_support/wda_properties/en2601?shortCutId=2601&CFID=6370803&CFTOKEN=a76c63afb56050d8-B68C2C61-E7FA-E5A3-83AE7DBAEC674285

Five Counties Regeneration Framework http://www.newport.gov.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/plans_and_strategies/n_034763.pdf

Heads we win – A Strategic Framework for the Heads of the Valleys http://www.wales.gov.uk/subitradeindustry/content/consultations/hov-framework-e.pdf

South East Wales Development Strategy – Enter the dragon http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=3725

Monmouthshire UDP 2006 http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/Monmouth/English/Environment_and_Planning/Planning_Building_Moving/Development_Plans/

Caerphilly County Borough (Council Approved) UDP (2003) http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/yourservices/planning/udp/theplan.htm

Blaenau Gwent Unitary Development Plan Proposed Modifications

http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/The%20Council/Departments/Regeneration/Regeneration2004/Departments/EuropEcon_Policy/europ_econ_pol.htm

Newport Unitary Development Plan 2006 http://www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=planning.policy

Local Plans and Programmes

Torfaen Community Strategy Not available on the internet

Adopted Torfaen Local Plan http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/5081.pdf

Gwent Structure Plan http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/5079.pdf

Torfaen Road Safety Strategy http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/3795.pdf

Torfaen Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/yourcouncil/index.php/mid=598~sect=

Torfaen Improvement Plan 2005-2006 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/4346.pdf

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy 2004-2016 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/4037.pdf


January 2008

34

Torfaen Countryside Strategy 2003-2006 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/3926.pdf

Torfaen Corporate Plan http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/CouncilAndDemocracy/CorporatePlan/Home.aspx

Torfaen Local Biodiversity Action Plan http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/living/index.php/mid=1670~omid=1562

Torfaen Local Housing Strategy 2004-2009 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/2234.pdf

Torfaen Waste Management Strategy http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/living/index.php/mid=1057~sect=

Torfaen Education Strategic Plan http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/5303.pdf

Torfaen Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy 2005-2008 http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/documents/284/Health_Strategy_English.pdf

Torfaen Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Needs Assessment 2007 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/HealthAndSocialCare/HealthSocialCareAndWellbeingStrategy/NeedsAssessment.aspx

Torfaen Energy Policy Not available online

Torfaen Landscape Strategy Torfaen CBC ‘Landscape Strategy, volume1: Report, Nov 2001

Torfaen Community Safety Partnership Strategy – Making Torfaen a Safer Place

Torfaen Crime and Disorder Audit 2005-2008 – Torfaen Community Safety Partnership

Torfaen Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/3928.pdf

Torfaen Children and Young People Framework Plan 2003-2008 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/4530.pdf

Torfaen Objective 1 Local Strategy http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/3930.pdf

Torfaen Air Quality Progress Report 2003 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/3020.pdf

Torfaen Education Strategic Plan 2006-2008 http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/pub_uploads/5897.pdf

Torfaen Risk and Protection Audit Report – Communities that Care Not available online


January 2008

35

Figure 4.2 – Sustainability Themes linked to final SA Objectives

Source Themes relevant to SA/SEA of Torfaen LDP European National/Regional Local Implications For The LDP

Main SEA Topics

Relationship to final SA Objectives

ECONOMIC

Ensure high, stable and sustainable levels of local employment

The European Employment Strategy

A Winning Wales, The National Economic Strategy of WAG, Five counties Regeneration Framework

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy – 2004-2016;

Policies should ensure adequate provision of local employment opportunities

Population 1, 2

Promote Economic growth and business competitiveness across the County Borough

The European Employment Strategy

A Winning Wales, The National Economic Strategy of WAG, South East Wales Economic Development strategy, Wales Spatial Plan; South East Wales Development Strategy, PPW, Heads We win – A strategic Framework for the heads of the valleys, Five counties Regeneration Framework

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy – 2004-2016; Torfaen Improvement Plan 2005-2006; Torfaen Local Plan, Gwent Structure Plan

Policies should ensure range of employment sites and premises to meet business needs

Population 2

Ensure a supply of local employment sites and premises which meet the needs of a diverse changing economy

South East Wales Economic Development strategy, South East Wales Development Strategy, Five counties Regeneration Framework

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy 2004-2016; Torfaen Local Plan, Gwent Structure Plan

Policies should ensure range of employment sites and premises to meet business needs

Population 1,2,3

To promote/develop a Knowledge based economy

A Winning Wales, South East Wales Economic Development strategy; Five counties Regeneration Framework; Wales a better country

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy 2004-2016; Torfaen Improvement Plan 2005-2006

Policies should ensure supporting educational and ICT technology infrastructure

Population 2,18, 27

Establish a strong tourist economy, sensitively capitalising on environmental, heritage, and leisure assets

PPW, TAN13 – Tourism, Sports Tourism in Wales: A framework for Action, Cultural Tourism Strategy for Wales; Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy 2004-2016; Torfaen Improvement Plan 2005-2006; Torfaen Local Plan,

Policies should promote the sustainable use and enhancement of landscape, cultural and historic resources including the WHS

Population, Cultural Heritage, Landscape

3,10,11,12,13


January 2008

36


Main SEA Topics


Improve the vitality and viability of towns and neighbourhood centres

PPW, TAN4 – Retailing and Town Centres, MIPPS 02/2005

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy 2004-2016; Torfaen Improvement Plan 2005-2006; Torfaen Local Plan, Gwent Structure Plan

Policies should enhance the attractiveness and accessibility and role and function of centres, which should be the focus for community life. Policies should also seek to minimise the ecological footprint of town and community centres and enhance their environmental attributes such as parks and green spaces.

Population 1,2,11,14,26

Promote the regeneration of disadvantaged wards and support the revitalisation of such areas

EU Objective 1,2 and 3 Programmes

PPW, The Wales Spatial Plan, UK Sustainable Development Strategy Wales a better country. Communities First Programme

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy 2004-2016; Torfaen Improvement Plan;

Policies should promote safe, sustainable communities with access to range of essential services

Population; Human Health

11,14,25, 26,27,28, 29

Maintain and enhance an efficient, competitive and innovative retail and commercial sector

PPW, TAN4 – Retailing and Town Centres, MIPPS 02/2005

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy 2004-2016; Torfaen Local Plan, Gwent Structure Plan

Policies should ensure a range of accessible retail and commercial premises and provide opportunities for future developments

Population 1,2,26

ENVIRONMENTAL

Protect, promote and enhance the biodiversity of Torfaen

Convention on Biological Diversity, The EU Biodiversity Strategy, Convention on Biological Diversity

PPW, TAN5 – Nature Conservation and Planning, UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Woodlands for Wales

Torfaen LBAP 2003; Torfaen Countryside Strategy 2003-2006;

Policies should protect, promote and enhance areas of biodiversity importance

Biodiversity; Flora and Fauna; Landscape; Population

4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 17

Identify, manage and protect habitats and species which are important on a international, national and local scale

Convention on Biological Diversity, The EU Biodiversity Strategy Statement of principles on

PPW, TAN5 – Nature Conservation and Planning, UK Biodiversity Action Plan,

Torfaen LBAP 2003; Torfaen Countryside Strategy 2003-2006; Torfaen Local Plan, Gwent Structure Plan

Policies should protect important habitats and species

Biodiversity; Flora and Fauna; Landscape

4,5,13,19,


January 2008

37


Main SEA Topics


forests, The EU Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, EU Habitats Directive

Minimise the effects of Noise Pollution

The EU Noise Directive,

PPW, TAN11 – Noise, Environment Strategy Wales

Policies should minimise noise creation and separate noise sensitive uses from noise generating uses.

Human Health; Population 8

Reduce air pollution and ensure improvements in air quality

The EU Air Quality Framework Directive

PPW, Environment Strategy Wales, Air Quality Strategy for the UK, the transport framework for Wales

Torfaen Air Quality Progress Report 2003; Torfaen Energy Policy

Policies should reduce air polluting uses

Human Health; Population; Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

6, 7

Reduce the risk of flooding by assessing developments against the precautionary principle, and promote protection of floodplains from inappropriate development

The EU Water Framework Directive

PPW, TAN15: Development and Flood Risk, Water resources for the future: Strategy for England and Wales,

Torfaen Local Plan, Gwent Structure Plan

Policies should prevent sensitive development in identified flood risk areas.

Water; Human Health; Population; Biodiversity

6, 9

Protect and enhance the valued historic environment and its setting

PPW, Cultural tourism strategy for Wales,

Torfaen Local Plan; Gwent Structure Plan

Policies should protect and enhance valued historic environment and its settings

Cultural Heritage; Landscape 3,10,11,12

Encourage sustainable use, enjoyment and management of the countryside

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, The Sustainable Development Action Plan 2004-2007, Action Plan for the countryside

Torfaen Countryside Strategy, Torfaen ROWIP

Policies should promote sustainable access and use of the countryside in the interests of human health.

Population 3,13

Promote protection and enhancement of valued landscape character

LANDMAP Torfaen Local Plan; Torfaen Landscape Strategy;

Policies should protect and enhance valued landscape character in Torfaen from inappropriate development

Landscape; Cultural Heritage 10, 13


January 2008

38


Main SEA Topics


Reduce pollution of water courses, groundwater and improve poor water quality

The EU Nitrates Directive, The EU Water Framework Directive

Water resources for the future: Strategy for England and Wales UK Sustainable Development strategy

Policies should ensure development is adequately drained

Water; Human Health; Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

19

Encourage the redevelopment of appropriate previously developed land before considering development of Greenfield sites

TAN1 – Joint Housing Land Availability Study, PPW; Wales Spatial Plan

Policies should promote sequential approach to development encouraging development of PDL

Population; Human Health; Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

14

Encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport, reducing the need to travel by car

The Transport Framework for Wales, PPW, TAN18, Walking and Cycling Strategy for Wales; Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Local Transport Plan; Torfaen Local Plan; Gwent Structure Plan;

Policies should provide opportunities to access new and existing developments by a range of travel modes.

Population; Human Health; 15,26

Reduce traffic congestion to protect the environment and human health

The Transport Framework for Wales, PPW, TAN18, Walking and Cycling Strategy for Wales

Torfaen Local Transport Plan;

Policies should seek to minimise the need to travel by allowing access to services locally

Air; Climate; Human Health 6, 7,15,26

Improve accessibility and transport links to key services from residential areas through improved travel choices

TAN 18, PPW, The Transport Framework for Wales; Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Local Transport Plan

Policies should ensure developments and key services are served by a range of transport options to improve accessibility

Population 15,26

Address the causes of climate change and promote the reduction of Greenhouse gas emissions

The EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, European

UK Sustainable Development Strategy, Environment Strategy Wales, Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; Wales Spatial Plan, TAN8

Torfaen Energy Policy

Policies should aim to reduce the causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas omissions associated with aspects of new developments

Air; Climate Change; Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

6, 7, 15


January 2008

39


Main SEA Topics


Climate Change Programme, The EU Air Quality Framework Directive

Promote the reduction of waste generation and landfill, and increase levels of recycling to achieve more sustainable waste management

The EU Landfill of Waste Directive, EU Waste Framework Directive,

Environment Strategy Wales, Wise about Waste: The National Strategy for Wales, The UK’s shared framework for Sustainable Development, TAN21 – Waste, PPW, South East Wales Regional Waste Plan, WSP, Wales a better Country; Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Community Strategy; Torfaen Waste Management Strategy; Torfaen Corporate Plan (5 Key Priorities)

Policies should promote the minimising of waste in new developments as well increasing opportunities for recycling and reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfill

Population Air Climatic Factors

18

Increase energy efficiency and promote renewable energy production and use

Renewable Energy Coalition, Intelligent Energy Europe, EU Directive on energy performance of buildings, Kyoto protocol on climate change

UK Sustainable Development Strategy – Securing the future, WSP, Wales a better country, PPW, TAN8, Our energy future – Energy White Paper; Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Energy Policy

Policies should promote energy efficiency in new developments and the creation of energy from renewable sources.

Population Air Climate Factors

21,22

Safeguard non renewable resources and use all resources wisely

Renewable Energy Coalition, Intelligent Energy Europe, Kyoto protocol on climate change

UK Sustainable Development Strategy – Securing the future, WSP, PPW, South East Wales Regional Waste Plan, Minerals Planning Policy Wales, MTAN; Wales Spatial Plan

Policies should safeguard minerals and other non renewable resources

Population Material Assets 16,17,18,20

To conserve soil resources and maintain their quality

EU 6TH Environmental Action Plan

Environment Strategy for Wales, Wales Spatial Plan Policies should ensure soil

resources

Soil Landscape Water

23


January 2008

40


Main SEA Topics


Promote good design in all new development to contribute to a higher quality built and natural environment

PPW, TAN12 - Design

Policies should ensure good design which respects the local vernacular and compliments the area in which they are located

Population Landscape Cultural Heritage

11,12,13

SOCIAL

Improve the health and well being of the population through reducing inequalities in health and improving accessibility to health services

EU 6th Environmental Action Plan

Wales Spatial Plan, Accessible Natural Green space Toolkit

Health Needs Assessment, Health and Well Being Strategy 2004; Torfaen Community Strategy; Torfaen Corporate Plan (5 Key priorities); Torfaen Children and Young People Framework Plan 2003-2008

Policies should promote healthy and active lifestyles and allow access to recreation opportunities. Health facilities should be located to maximise accessibility.

Human Health Population 25,28,29, 30

Improve accessibility to services

WSP, Wales a better country TAN18 (Transport); Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Community Strategy;

Policies should ensure services are accessible to all by a range of transport modes

Population Human Health 26, 30

Raise educational attainment to help improve opportunities for life

South East Wales Economic Development Strategy; Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Education Strategic Plan; Torfaen Regeneration Strategy

Policies should ensure the opportunity to access educational facilities is available to all.

Population 27

Raise skill levels to enable individuals to equip themselves with the necessary skills to find and remain in work.

A Winning Wales – The National Economic Development Strategy of the WAG; Wales a Better Country; Wales Spatial Plan

Torfaen Regeneration Strategy;

Policies to enable training and educational facilities are located so as to maximise accessibility

Population Human Health

27


January 2008

41


Main SEA Topics


Improve the quality, variety and affordability of housing to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a decent affordable home

TAN 2; Wales Spatial Plan; National Housing Strategy – Better Homes for People in Wales; PPW , MIPPS Housing

Torfaen Local Housing Strategy; Torfaen Community Strategy; Torfaen Corporate Plan (5 key priorities);

Policies should ensure adequate provision of affordable housing to meet local need.

Population Human Health 24,25, 30

Reduce levels of crime and fear of crime and promote safer neighbourhoods

TAN 12;

Torfaen Community Strategy; Torfaen Corporate Plan (5 Priorities); Torfaen Crime and Disorder Unit 2005-2008;

Policies should promote safe and sustainable communities.

Population; Human Health 28

Reduce poverty and social exclusion and improve equality of opportunities amongst all social groups

Torfaen Community Strategy; Torfaen Corporate Plan (5 Priorities); Torfaen

Policies should promote safe and sustainable communities and allow people to access employment and other opportunities

Population; Human Health

29, 30

Create sustainable and balanced communities

Polices should provide for a range of housing, employment and other opportunities to enable people to realise their individual aspirations.

Population; Human Health 25,26,29

Protect and provide local social, recreational and leisure facilities

Accessible Natural Green space Toolkit, TAN16

Policies to provide for a range of social, recreational and leisure facilities to meet local need.

Population; Human Health 26, 30


January 2008

42

A2: Review of Baseline Information

4.5 As outlined in section 3 a comprehensive review of baseline information was undertaken in order to provide a key understanding of the key Economic, Environmental and social issues in Torfaen. This was undertaken in part to satisfy the requirements of the SEA Directive, which outlines that the Environmental Report should provide information on:

“the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan… and the …environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected… and…any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive)” Annex 1 (b), (c), (d)

4.6 This baseline review has now been updated since consultation on the SA

Scoping report and is contained in Appendix C. A key overview of the baseline position in Torfaen is outlined in the following paragraphs.

Baseline – Key Issues and Features

Economic Issues

Economic Activity

4.7 Torfaen suffers from a north –south split in terms of investment and private

sector interest. Whereby the south of the borough attracts the greatest investment and economic activity, the north of the borough, does not attract such interest and the poor transport infrastructure to the north is a significant problem in generating economic development. However, this tends to be dictated to a certain extent by business demand as locations in the south of the borough are generally more attractive for example due to improved transport infrastructure in terms of proximity to the M4.

4.8 Torfaen has 1570 businesses registered for VAT in 2005, a decrease of 15

from 2004. Between 1999-2003 the number of VAT registrations in Torfaen increased from 9.7-10.1%. During the same time period business de registrations fell from 9.0-7.5%. Therefore this data shows there was a growth in business start ups and a corresponding decrease in the number of businesses closing down.

4.9 Commuting statistics for Torfaen indicate that 4,500 of the population

commute outside the borough for work purposes. In order to redress, this issue and the corresponding issue that the borough has had nil growth in population over the ten-year period 1991-2001, there is a need for the economy to diversify in order to attract increased employment opportunities and attract people into Torfaen. One issue that has been identified is the fact that old business estates in Torfaen do not satisfy the demands of new businesses looking to locate into the area.

4.10 The percentage of people economically inactive between 2000-2005 was

13,600 people. This equates to 25.1% of the workforce, but this figure is below the Welsh average of 28.1%. However, reducing the numbers of


January 2008

43

economically inactive in the borough should be a key aim, and the promotion of increased employment opportunities in Torfaen will be a key facet in reducing this figure.

4.11 Data from the 2001 census in relation to Employment by sector indicates that

the largest employment sector in Torfaen is manufacturing which accounts for nearly a quarter of all employment. Other notable trends are that sectors such as financial intermediation, real estate, renting and business activities fall behind neighbouring authorities and the welsh average. In terms of satisfying objectives to diversify the economy, it would be an objective for employment in such sectors to increase.

Retail

4.12 Torfaen has three main shopping centres at Cwmbran, Pontypool and

Blaenavon. Within the regional retail hierarchy Cwmbran is identified as a Minor sub regional centre, Pontypool and Blaenavon are identified as District centres. Cwmbran is the largest retail centre in the Torfaen administrative area and continues to function as the principal retail centre in Torfaen. The retail turnover of the centre far outstrips the other town centres of Pontypool and Blaenavon. It will be important to ensure that additional growth in Cwmbran does not demonstrably detract from the health of surrounding towns; in particular Pontypool and the LDP strategy will need to ensure that the role and function of the smaller shopping centres of Pontypool and Blaenavon are enhanced.

4.13 Zone A rental values for properties in a prime position in the town centre are relatively high in Cwmbran, and is expected given the towns position in the sub regional hierarchy, but lower than the major sub regional centre of Newport. Lower order centres particularly Pontypool portrays a relatively low value and the figures reinforce Cwmbran’s position within the sub regional hierarchy and as the primary shopping centre in the County Borough.

Tourism 4.14 The total number of visitors to attractions in Torfaen increased from 206,280

visitors in 1999 to 340,825 in 2005. Whilst this increase, is favourable this indicator does not include all visitors to Torfaen, therefore these ‘hidden visitors’, would add significantly to these totals. Therefore, the measured figures suggest an approximate 65% increase in visitors over the six-year period. Building upon our tourism potential should be a significant aim of the LDP, which will contribute to achieving economic development.

4.15 In 2005, Torfaen had 852,000 visitors, with 1083,000 tourist days spent in the

borough. The number of visitors has increased by 228,000 between 1999-2005 and the number of tourist days has increased by 238,000 during the same time period. It is also important to note that the natural environment in Torfaen should be capitalised on and will assist in achieving tourism targets. Environment Issues

Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna


January 2008

44

4.16 Torfaen contains areas of national and local conservation importance. There

are 3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest namely Mynydd y Garn Fawr, forming part of the Blorenge SSSI, which is a dry heathland and important to its upland heathland community, home to important bird species and the common lizard. The Henllys Bog SSSI is an area of fenland, and the Llandegfedd Reservoir is the largest area of open standing water in Torfaen, and is designated for over wintering bird species. Torfaen also has over 70 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and has six proposed Local Nature Reserves. The Afon Lwyd is an important ecological corridor in Torfaen alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. Also there are Natura 2000 sites adjacent to Torfaen, which will be considered under the Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Plan, including the River Usk and Usk Valley Bat sites.

4.17 The key issue to emerge from the baseline in relation to certain sites is that

their condition is generally not favourable. This has occurred due to lack of management and constrained resource issues that have affected the ability to protect and enhance these designated sites, and have resulted in the loss of certain species and habitats.

4.18 There has been approximately 24 Habitat Action Plans established in

accordance with the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, but again whilst these have been established they suffer from a lack of management to ensure improvements, and many suffer from invasive species. Key habitats include Deciduous Woodland, Wildlife Corridors, Wetlands, Species rich grassland and Heath land. Whilst there are examples of ancient woodlands in Cwmbran, a problem identified is the lack of current information on ancient woodlands in Gwent in general. Woodlands in general comprise 5% of the total area in Torfaen. The main Afon Lwyd river corridor is the primary conservation feature in Torfaen. Flowing through the heart of the County Borough and along with its tributaries it provides a wildlife corridor for a huge number of species, not just fish. It has otters present and there needs to be recognition that there is a small but thriving population of both salmon and trout in the river and its tributaries. There are a number of still waters (ponds, lakes and reservoirs) in the area including Llandegfedd reservoir, Cwmbran boating lake as examples.

4.19 There are 38 Species Action Plans and key protected species present in

Torfaen include the Dartford Warbler, Common lizard, Badgers, Dormice Great Crested Newts, Otters and Bats and white-clawed crayfish. There are also over 130 species of conservation concern and 40 species of interest. Ancient woodlands provide a key habitat for these species. Of major concern is the fact that Great Crested Newts are almost at the point of becoming extinct in the borough.

4.20 Other key issues affecting the biodiversity resource in Torfaen, include loss of

grassland habitats to development, the reclamation of Brownfield sites leading to loss of habitats, and the loss of green space (important for wildlife corridors) to development, and the issue of wildlife crime. Future developments should take account of biodiversity interests in the design of sites. Ecological corridors should be protected and new corridors promoted. As such loss of connectivity in these corridors is an important issue that should be tackled. Similarly invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed also presents a problem to the biological resource in Torfaen. Road verges


January 2008

45

also present a biological resource and their enhancement should be promoted.

Landscape

4.21 The valley landscape of Torfaen has a predominantly enclosed character, and

is characterised by the urban and suburban landscape of Cwmbran, Pontypool and Abersychan to the south, and the predominantly rural and post industrial landscape around Blaenavon to the north. Torfaen is characterised by a great variety of landscape types and this is due to its location on the edge of the south Wales coalfield, so the geology of the area is very important, so is the role that man has had in shaping the landscape of the valley through agriculture and industry.

• The north of the County Borough is a mix of post industrial landscapes with

many important historic and cultural features with semi natural landscapes of high ecological and landscape value including moorland and woodlands. In recognition of the outstanding qualities of the landscape the Blaenavon Industrial landscape was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in November 2000.

• The eastern side of the valley in Mid Torfaen is important because of its medieval field system and ancient semi natural woodland.

• The southern landscape of Torfaen is characterised as being largely low lying with more gentle relief and dominated by more traditional agricultural fields and hedgerows.

• The area surrounding Blaenavon is included on the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales as the area is one of the best-preserved industrial landscapes in Wales.

4.22 It is identified that 80% of the land use in Torfaen is characterised as

greenspace. Data from LANDMAP identifies that Hedgerows and woodland blocks are particularly significant in the Torfaen landscape, with their loss being of major detriment to the landscape value of certain areas. Four areas in Torfaen have been identified as areas of high quality landscape value and were identified as Special Landscape Areas in the Adopted Local Plan in order to protect their special landscape value. Important green space between communities should be recognised for the value it brings. The legacy of certain derelict landscapes such as the western side of the valley covering the eastern edge of the former South Wales Coalfield from coalmining is an issue. The sensitive treatment of these areas should be favoured.

4.23 Different pressures exist in the south of the County Borough compared to the north as a consequence of the development pressures on open space within the urban boundary and agricultural land for housing and commercial developments. It must also be recognised that there is more pressure on the north of the County Borough now with the area becoming increasingly desirable for building than before. This is likely to increase significantly over the next ten years and there must be strong controls in place to protect the integrity and quality of the landscape and its features.

4.24 The quality of the landscape has a significant contribution to make to the health of local people and also promoting sustainable economic and environmental development. The visual perception of the County Borough is of paramount importance in terms of the local economy. The quality of the


January 2008

46

landscape of Torfaen is one of its greatest assets. There are other challenges facing the landscape and it needs to recognised that the landscape is being degraded by activities such as off road motorcycling that can cause scars on hillsides, and other issues such as litter, fly tipping and abandonment of cars

Cultural Heritage

4.25 The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape was inscribed as a World Heritage Site

in November 2000 and covers an area of 32.9sq km. The industrial landscape satisfied four of the cireria for consideration for inclusion on the World Heritage List. This is a significant cultural and tourist resource and the continued protection and enhancement of this important asset should be ensured. Torfaen also has two historic parks and gardens included on part 1 of the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest. They are Pontypool Park and Llantarnam Abbey.

4.26 Torfaen has five designated Conservation Areas, namely Blaenavon Town

Centre, Cwmavon, Upper Cwmbran, Pontypool Town Centre and Llantarnam. A key problem, in Torfaen is the lack of conservation area review during the last 22 years, however a Conservation Area Appraisal for Pontypool conservation Area has recently completed and it is important that appraisals for the remaining conservation areas are undertaken in the near future. The Blaenavon Industrial landscape has been registered as a landscape of historic interest by CADW. Also the importance of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal should be promoted, as this is a key heritage asset. It should be recognised that the canal has a valuable regeneration, recreation and ecological function.

4.27 At January 2007 there are 253/254 listed buildings in the County Borough, 3

designated as Grade 1, 23 designated as Grade 2* and 228 designated as Grade 2. As of 2005 there were 50 buildings on the ‘Buildings at Risk’ register and a further 60 that need to be monitored. The total number of scheduled ancient monuments in 2005 was 25. Lack of management and resources is a problem and therefore this presents a difficulty in ensuring the continued protection and enhancement of our built heritage. The 2005 data is in the process of being reviewed and the ISAR will be updated when this becomes available.

4.28 Of the total population 11.10% were classified as welsh speakers, and this, as

an important part of cultural heritage should be preserved.

Air Quality and Climate 4.29 No Air Quality Management Areas have been designated in Torfaen, however

estimated background air pollution data is collected yearly for Torfaen, and measured air quality in the County Borough currently meets national standards. It has been identified that areas near to the A4042 road suffer from poor air quality. Also the following road networks may exceed statutory limits for air quality in the future, particularly if Annual Average Daily traffic flows increase significantly: Broad Street running through Abersychan; Sunnybank Road running through Griffithstown; A4051 Cwmbran Drive (particularly in the Pontrhydrun area where facades of residential properties lie alongside the road and Henllys Way.


January 2008

47

4.30 Data relating to local and regional estimates for carbon dioxide emissions in 2005 indicate that Torfaen has lower industry and commercial and domestic emissions than neighbouring authorities, but the larger populations present in certain neighbouring authorities is a reason for these differences. Of the total Wales emissions, Torfaen accounts for 5.9% of total emissions. Generally at the all Wales level emissions of C02 were increasing through the 1990’s but have gradually decreased since 2000.

Water

4.31 The Development Advice Maps issued with Technical Advice Note 15:

Development and flood Risk indicate that there is certain areas without significant flood defence infrastructure and are therefore at increased risk from flooding. Areas classes as C2 indicate that they do not have significant flood infrastructure and only less vulnerable development should be considered for development. Within zone C2 highly vulnerable development (residential uses) should not be proposed. In Torfaen Zone C2 floodplains generally follow the course of the Afon Lwyd and its tributaries from Blaenavon in the north through the centre of Pontypool and Cwmbran in the south, with the width of the zones gradually increasing as one travels south down the valley. Affected areas are more prominent in the southern part of the borough. Areas at greatest risk from flooding are listed in the baseline data table.

4.32 Areas with relatively extensive C2 zones include firstly to the north of the

County Borough, the south west of Gilchrist Thomas Industrial estate (near Blaenavon), Emlyn Road, Garndiffaith, parts of the British site in Talywain, secondly to the centre of Torfaen near Pontypool, the Usk road site at Mamhilad and the NewInn/Pontymoile roundabout area, and finally to the south of the borough, parts of Pontnewydd, Northville, Croesyceiliog, Llanyrafon, Llantarnam Industrial Park and Ponthir.

4.33 The Afon Lwyd is the main river in Torfaen and descends from its source at

Garn-yr-erw to join the River Usk at Caerleon. This river flows through the valley from Blaenavon in the north to Ponthir to the south. Above the Pontypool gap the Afon Lwyd has only one tributary in the east which contrasts with the western slope where there are several. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is an important water resource also. Similarly Llandegfedd reservoir is also a major water resource.

4.34 In relation to sewerage capacities in Torfaen it is recognised that there are

current constraints on the capacity of the Eastern Valleys Trunk Sewer. This trunk sewer runs from Blaenavon in the North through to Ponthir in the South. Prior to the end of the plan period in 2021 the local sewerage networks will need to be upgraded to support the main trunk sewer. Dwr Cymru have a long-term plan to improve the Eastern Valleys Trunk Sewer and this will assist in promoting economic development in Torfaen.

4.35 There are issues of low water pressure to the north of the County Borough, in

Vartegy, Talywain and Garndiffaith, and this is due to the elevation of these communities. Therefore to encourage further development in these areas there may be a need for increased pumping to these areas and upsizing of the pipework. It has been identified that water pressure at both Cwmbran and Pontypool is generally acceptable. In terms of sewerage the majority of the Torfaen effluent drains into the sewerage works at Ponthir. However Dwr


January 2008

48

Cymru have identified that there is limited capacity remaining at Ponthir, and this will need to be addressed in order to accommodate that proposed housing figures in the LDP. Dwr Cymru have outlined there is sufficient capacity within the sewerage network for the existing local plan sites, but again capacity will need to be addressed before the end of the plan period in 2021.

4.36 The Biological and Chemical water quality of the watercourses in Torfaen has

generally been improving over the last 9 years. In 2004 78% of the river length for Chemical Quality was classed as good and for Biological Quality 39.9% was classed as good. Biological Quality needs to continue to improve.

4.37 River Quality in terms of phosphate levels has been steadily increasing and

84.5% of the river length was classed as good in 2004. The quality of the river length in terms of nitrate levels has also generally increased but fell slightly between 2003-2004.

Waste

4.38 Torfaen is performing favourably in terms of waste management. The total

tonnage of waste reused or recycled increased from 5784 tonnes in 2005/6 to 8400 tonnes in 2006/7. The percentage of municipal waste reused or recycled increased from 11.1% to 17.4% during the same time period. The total tonnage of waste composted or treated biologically in another way increased from 2992 tonnes to 4709 tonnes between 2005/6 and 2006/7. The percentage of municipal waste composted or treated biologically or in another way increased from 5.74% to 9.79% during the same time period. Therefore Torfaen managed to ensure that 32% of waste was recycled or diverted from landfill in 2006/7.

4.39 The South East Wales Regional Waste Plan has set a 25% target for the

recycling/composting of municipal waste by the end of 2006/07. From the above figures it indicates that at 2006/7 Torfaen achieved 27.19% in relation to this figure therefore exceeding the target. There is the onus on the authority to meet and exceed current landfill targets therefore future work on improving recycling will have to be undertaken. The percentage of biodegradable waste sent to landfill fell from 84.38% in 2005/6 to 72.08% in 2006/7. Twin bin was implemented to 24500 homes in 2006/07, and it is targeted to ensure this is available to all of the 38000 households by 2009.

4.40 There are no current or proposed landfill sites in Torfaen, but there are 4

closed landfill sites in the borough emitting landfill gas. With a renewed focus on recycling and reuse of waste as part of the LDP process there could present the need to allocate a Strategic Waste site in Torfaen. At present waste is transported outside of the County Borough to different locations over time. The Sustainability Appraisal Report will seek to update this data on waste movement when more detail becomes available.

Energy

4.41 There is no time trend data for Torfaen, but on a UK level energy

consumption per capita has increased by 15% between 1990-2001. Therefore, the issue of energy efficiency and that of consumption should be addressed through the LDP.


January 2008

49

4.42 Figures relating to regional and local energy consumption in 2005 indicate Torfaen consumed a lower amount of coal compared to adjoining authorities and also less gas and electricity. Expressed as a percentage of the all Wales consumption, in terms of coal Torfaen contributed 5.8%, in terms of Natural gas it contributed 3.5%, for electricity it contributed 2.9%, and for renewables Torfaen contributed 0.8%. Overall Torfaen contributes 2.25% to overall energy consumption in Wales. Torfaen also consumes a lower percentage of renewables than neighbouring authorities and hence the LDP should see the promotion of the use of renewable energy sources and the development of renewable energy projects a key priority of the strategy. There is no Torfaen specific data on electricity generated from renewable sources. However in 2003 it was estimated that 2.60% of electricity in Wales was generated from renewables, increasing slightly from 2.44% in 2002. The UK has set a target of producing 10% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010 so the development of renewable energy projects and the use of renewable sources in new development should be promoted.

4.43 Torfaen does not lie within a Strategic Search Area as identified by TAN8:

Renewable Energy and as such large-scale wind farms are not considered appropriate in the County Borough. However TAN8 lists other technologies that can be used to meet the targets outside SSA’s including biogas, bio fuels, combined heat and power, energy from waste, solar thermal. Torfaen will explore a strategy for renewable energy through The LDP.

Land Use and Soil

4.44 In 2006, 82% of development took place on previously developed land. This

exceeded the national target of 60%. However the average between 1996-2006 was only 31% and the five-year average during the period 2001 – 2006 was 52%. The REVIT project being undertaken aims to identify all Brownfield sites that are suitable for redevelopment. Projected housing completions over the next five years suggest an increase in Greenfield land with the 2006 Joint Housing Land Availability Study indicating 48% of completions over the next five years to take place on Greenfield sites. This is due to several large extant permissions and Local Plan allocations on Greenfield sites that are expected to come forward in the next five years. Therefore, the need to raise development on PDL will be an issue for Torfaen through the LDP.

4.45 The council has identified 1600 potentially contaminated land sites in Torfaen.

200 of the 1600 sites have been identified as priority sites. Much of the land contamination within Torfaen can be attributed to the long industrial heritage of the area, which largely revolved around the exploitation of coal and production/processing of steel. The main input into soil contamination is from industry and this has implications for human health.

Minerals

4.46 Torfaen is not self sufficient for aggregates, and the South Wales Regional

Aggregates Working Party may apportion an aggregates allocation to Torfaen; details of this are discussed in the following paragraphs. Therefore, the previously worked high PSV sandstone; a national important mineral at Tirpentwys will need to be considered for safeguarding in the LDP. Similarly there is a requirement to safeguard economically viable and environmentally acceptable coal reserves and therefore the importance of mineral extraction should be considered in the LDP.


January 2008

50

4.47 There are no active sites or reserves of aggregate minerals. Unworked

resources of Carboniferous sandstone exist in areas of high and medium environmental capacity. A narrow outcrop of Carboniferous Limestone runs along the eastern flank; this has a generally low environmental capacity and may be physically difficult to work, not withstanding any planning constraints.

4.48 Some secondary aggregate sources (foundry sand / colliery shale) may be

available for substitution, but the sources are not significant in tonnage or quality terms. Regeneration schemes in this area are likely to produce CD&EW, which has potential use as aggregate. Although the MPA area is not on the coast, it is within 30 km of the marine wharves in Newport.

4.49 There has been no aggregate produced for several years so an “existing

share” cannot be stated. On the basis of a per capita approach, the SE Wales Regional Technical Statement on aggregates identifies that Torfaen would be expected to produce 25% of the joint total equating to 5.25 – 5.6 Mt over the next 15 years.

Transport

4.50 Traffic growth in the County Borough is projected to increase throughout the

road network at an average of 20.9% during 1999 – 2006. Based on High economic growth this figure could rise to 28.8% or considering low economic growth this figure could be 13.1%. In any case, in common with the rest of the UK traffic growth will increase and the LDP Strategy has an important role in attempting to reduce this trend.

4.51 Travel distances to work between 2km-5km, involves the highest percentage

of the population. 65.7% of the population rely on the private car for their work journey, with only 10% of the population walking or cycling. In terms of car owners 46% of the population own 1 or more cars with 27% not owning a car.

4.52 Figures for road length by road class in 2004 (km) indicate that Torfaen has

1.3% of the total Wales road network. There are no safeguarded WAG highway schemes in Torfaen, but there are five local highway schemes safeguarded in the County Borough, but non are considered strategic. The following areas within the Torfaen strategic highway network suffer from inadequate design leading to ineffective use and congestion: A4043 from A472 to Broad St, Abersychan, Pontypool; A4042T/A4051 New Inn Roundabout, Pontypool; A4051 Pontrhydyrun roundabout, Cwmbran, A4042T/A472 Skew Fields roundabout, Pontypool and the A4051/A4052 Woodlands Road roundabout, Cwmbran.

4.53 There are train stations on the ‘Marches’ main railway line (Newport to

Shrewsbury, South to Mid Wales) at Cwmbran and Pontypool & New Inn in Torfaen. Train services from Cwmbran and Pontypool/New Inn are currently not completely clock face (at the same time past the hour all day), with more trains stopping at Cwmbran. Cwmbran Train station is currently undergoing major improvement (additional car parking, bus waiting and layover area, improved pedestrian & cycle routes and enhanced signage).


January 2008

51

4.54 The coverage and quality of the local bus network in Torfaen is very good; therefore, as there is spare capacity on most of these buses, there is an opportunity for modal shift. The National cycle route NCN Route 46 runs north/south through Torfaen (from Abergavenny to Newport, via Brynmawr, Blaenavon, Pontypool and Cwmbran), the majority of which is off road.

4.55 The need to discourage the reliance on the private car will be helped with

improvements in the public transport system in Torfaen. Data has illustrated a poor quality rail network, with frequency of services and unreliability being key problems. In achieving a sustainable transport infrastructure there will be a need to improve the cycling and walking network in Torfaen. Particularly, in Torfaen there is a lack of roadside footways in many areas, especially the north of the County Borough in the older areas not designated for vehicles.

Environmental Constraints

4.56 In accordance with the requirements of the SEA Directive, information on the

geographical scope of the environmental constraints in the plan area needs to be identified. Therefore, maps identifying the Environmental Constraints in Torfaen are included on the following pages. They include Map 4.1 (Development); Map 4.2 (Natural Environment); Map 4.3 (Landscape); Map 4.4 (Torfaen LANDMAP); Map 4.5 (Heritage); Map 4.6 (Transportation) and Map 4.7 (Flood zones).

Social Issues

Housing

4.57 The Welsh Assembly Government 2003 Household and Population

projections for South East Wales forecast an increase of 108,900 households between 2003 and 2021 or 7.8%, compared to an increase of 3.2% over the previous 20 years. This increase is split almost 50:50 between an increase through natural change and increase through net migration. The South East Wales Strategic Planning Group apportionment of the 108,900 households indicates that Torfaen should accommodate 6.1% of the household share equating to approximately 6600 households. This figure was considered as a potential option, but further work undertaken by Torfaen, considering various emerging issues identifies that the Preferred Strategy for the LDP will be based on 7000 new dwellings. This process is explained within the Preferred Strategy document.

4.58 The Torfaen Housing Market and Needs Study 2003-2004 indicated the need

for affordable housing is a key issue in the borough. Affordable housing need was identified as 2001 units, but there is only 1719 supply, which leaves a 282 units shortfall.

4.59 The estimated total housing stock as at April 2000 was some 38,940

dwellings; comprising 70% in the owner-occupied and private rented sectors, 26% local authority stock and 4% social rented (RSL) provision. 11.3% of the dwellings are unfit, compared with the Welsh average of 8.5%. In March 2007 council tenants voted in favour for transferring their homes to Bron Afon Community Housing, and the Council expects tenants homes to be transferred to Bron Afon in early 2008. Bron Afon will then begin work on the


January 2008

52

programme of improvements to tenants homes to bring them up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

4.60 Average house prices have doubled in the period 2000-2006 with the average

house price being £125545. Average house prices relative to income are also increasing with the average house price now being 5.3 times the average income. This is an important issue for economic growth, as many young people are forced to migrate out of the borough due to the lack of affordable homes. The LDP will contain a policy to negotiate an element of Affordable Housing against evidence from the latest Local Housing Market Assessment.

4.61 There is a need to bring empty properties, which have a negative impact,

back into residential use where possible. Between 2005-2006 463 properties were vacant for more than 6 months, and 5 were brought back into use. That represented 1.07% of the 2.89% target. The figures for 2006-2007 indicate an improvement as only 253 empty properties were vacant for more than 6 months, and 7 were brought back into use. That represented 2.70% of the 2.89% target.

4.62 Torfaen has a problem with the simultaneous ageing of housing stock, which

can be attributed to the development of Cwmbran New Town. It has been identified that 11.3% of the housing stock is classed as unfit, which is substantially higher than the welsh average of 8.5%.

4.63 The key themes in relation to housing in Torfaen that emanated from the

Local Housing Strategy are that aside for the need for more affordable housing provision, investment is required in existing housing stock for it to be brought up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, other forms of assisted home ownership is required such as equity release; there is a lack of private rented housing; need to recognise the needs of older people and the ageing population and also gypsies and travellers.

Population

4.64 The population of Torfaen according to the 2001 census was 90949. There

was nil population change during the period 1991-2001. The census showed a decrease in the number of children aged between 0-4 and an increase in people over the age of 65 and an increase in people over the age of 80. South East Wales is projected to have an increase in population by 2023 of 7.8%, therefore Torfaen can aim for an increased and more balanced population, and the LDP can help deliver this by promoting the provision of affordable housing, and increased employment and leisure activities.

Health and Well Being

4.65 The recent Health and Well-Being Needs Assessment undertaken for Torfaen indicates that there are some serious challenges affecting the health and well being of the people in Torfaen. These challenges include:

– Our people have, on average, shorter and less healthy lives than

people elsewhere in Wales.

– There are high levels of long-term illness, of disability and of death from coronary heart disease.


January 2008

53

– Our population is ageing and the numbers of older people are growing and older people locally have a high level of ill health, impairments and physical discomfort that may require health and social care support.

– There is significant deprivation and economic inactivity amongst adults in

some parts of the County Borough, contributing to poverty amongst children and young people in many families in Torfaen

– Local people have one of the lowest levels of physical activity in Wales

and this is linked to increasing levels of obesity, which, in turn, leads to poorer health. More people smoke in Torfaen and eat a less than healthy diet.

4.66 The majority of peoples health needs are self managed or managed within

the primary care arena. Primary care facilities are normally owned by independent contractors and include family doctors, community dentists, community pharmacists etc. Gwent Healthcare Trust manages the three local hospitals in Torfaen – Blaenavon, County and Llanfrechfa Grange as well as Health clinics in Trevethin, Pontypool, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran Town Centre and Fairwater. Torfaen residents also rely on services provided at Royal Gwent Hospital and Nevill Hall Hospital and to lesser extent, hospitals outside Gwent.

4.67 Life Expectancy in Torfaen increased by 3.1 years during 1992-2004. In Torfaen life expectancy at birth in Wales was 75.8 years for males and 80.3 years for females in 2002-2004. Torfaen is now above the welsh average for life expectancy. Infant mortality rates are below the welsh average.

4.68 Torfaen has a significant level of limiting long term illness, and according to

the 2001 census this figure is 24.8%, which is above the welsh average. Mortality rates from heart disease and cancer in Torfaen is higher than the welsh average. The trends show that deaths from heart disease have fallen since the 1990’s, but death rates from cancer have continued at the same level despite prioritisation of resources towards cancer services.

4.69 Torfaen has 2 wards out of 24 included amongst the 100 most deprived

wards in Wales, but also has 2 wards in the top 100 for the least deprived out of 865 wards in Wales. Therefore, there is a range of health inequality across different parts of the borough and therefore reducing these inequalities is an important objective for Torfaen. Poor lifestyle choices attribute to the poor health of people in Torfaen with significant amounts of ill health caused through smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, drug and alcohol abuse and unsafe sexual practise.

Crime

4.70 The Torfaen Crime Audit 2005 outlines that the average crime rate for violent

crime is 24.7 per 1000 population, burglary is 18 per 1000 population and vehicle crime is 13.9 per 1000 population. From 2000-2004 rates of violent crime have decreased slightly, burglary levels have increased slightly and vehicle crime has decreased sharply. 90% of the population of Torfaen outline they feel little fear of crime during the day, but only 65% feel safe at night.


January 2008

54

Education

4.71 Torfaen appears to suffer from low educational attainment when compared

with the welsh average. Torfaen has 36.7% of the population with no qualification compared to the welsh average of 33%. There are also a lower percentage of the population achieving a level 4/5 qualification (such as a degree, HNC, HND) with only 13.6% achieving this compared to the welsh average of 17.4%.

4.72 The geography of Torfaen is that of a self contained valley with three distinct

centres of population, namely Cwmbran in the south, Pontypool in the centre and Blaenavon in the north. These distinct communities lend themselves to a schooling system with relatively well-defined boundaries. Principally 39 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, 1 special school, 3 nursery schools and Coleg Gwent, Pontypool campus provide education for the 3-19 age groups in Torfaen. There are eight secondary schools within Torfaen, five of which have on site sixth form provision. The Pontypool campus of Coleg Gwent is the principal provider of post 16 education to pupils that attend schools without on site sixth form provision. Post 16 education is a significant concern due to uncertainty and influence over the differing provision of post 16 education and training in the North and South of the County Borough.

4.73 According to 2005 statistics there is also a lower proportion of 19 year olds

with 5 GCSE’s (A-C) with 47.3% achieving this compared to the welsh average of 56%. However, this statistic improved in 2006/7 with 50.4% of pupils achieving 5 or more A*-C GCSE passes. 25% of adults in Torfaen have no basic numeracy and literacy skills compared to 21% at an all Wales level. In terms of the percentage of 16 year olds staying on in education, Torfaen is comparable with neighbouring authorities, but they all generally fall below the welsh average.

Process of Data Collection

4.74 The data collection process has mainly been in the form of secondary data

collection. However primary data collection specifically undertaken to inform the LDP has been undertaken including Phase 1 Habitat survey, Retail study, Employment Land Review, Urban Housing Potential Study and an Open Space and Recreation study is planned which will provide an the assessment of play space/pitch provision in the County Borough against the NPFA standard. This primary data has informed this process.

Data Limitations 4.75 It is acknowledged there are gaps in the data collected, and a particular

problem has been identifying locally specific data over a given time period. In addition to this, the process of data collection has relied heavily on data obtained from other sources, and therefore TCBC has little control over the spatial scope of data collected and the frequency in which data is collected, which hinder the ability to draw comparisons and trends over time. It is important to recognise these limitations and to outline that focussing solely on quantified data is not viable, and it will be necessary to utilise quantified information alongside expert judgement in assessing the effects of policies and options.


January 2008

55

Map 4.1


January 2008

56

Map 4.2


January 2008

57

Map 4.3


January 2008

58

Map 4.4


January 2008

59

Map 4.5


January 2008

60

Map 4.6


January 2008

61

Map 4.7


January 2008

62

Cumulative effects

4.76 An important requirement of the SEA Directive is to consider the cumulative

effects from the implementation of the LDP. This can take the form of combined effects from the LDP with other plans and programmes. Policies and proposals in other land use plans in combination with the LDP could have an adverse effect on an ecological designation such as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

4.77 The interaction of policies in the LDP could also have adverse effects on a

particular receptor. For example policies promoting housing/employment growth in a particular area may result in the loss of open space or threaten the biodiversity resource in the borough.

4.78 The interaction of effects from an LDP proposal could also have an adverse

effect on a particular receptor. For example the development of an area for housing, would require additional infrastructure improvement, which may result in additional noise, dust and adverse effects on nearby residents.

4.79 Further to the review of plans and programmes in the scoping report and

subsequent revision following consultation an initial assessment of potential cumulative effects has been undertaken. Table 4.3 outlines the likely cumulative effects, key receptors (areas affected) and the likely causes for these effects.

Figure 4.3 – Potential Cumulative Effects

Cumulative Effect Receptor Affected Likely Causes

Climate Change Worldwide Increase in CO2 emissions and Greenhouse gases through Increased emissions from residential and employment and increased transport usage

Air Pollution People living and working near main roads in Torfaen. Particularly areas Adjacent to the A4042 which has areasof poor air quality. Also the following roads which may exceed statutory limits for air quality in the future: Broad Street - Abersychan Sunnybank Road – Griffthstown A4051 – Cwmbran Drive Henllys Way

Increase in traffic through new development and transport Infrastructure.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

Areas of local conservation importancethat are not statutorily protected. Loss of ecological corridors Potential loss of biodiversity through redevelopment of Brownfield land Potential loss of species identified in LBAP

The need to accommodate 7000 new homes in Torfaen and the allocation of 60ha of employment land and associated infrastructure improvements may affect this.

Increase in Flood Risk Torfaen residents in areas of floodrisk and certain habitats and species in area

Increased development in Torfaen will increase the


January 2008

63

of flooding

amount of impermeable surface.

Loss of Water Quality

Torfaen residents and certain habitats aspecies in watercourses.

Increased development in Torfaen will increase the amount of impermeable surface.

Loss of valuable Soil resources

Agricultural land of high value Use of land for new development, infrastructure, employment and dwellings

Loss of character and built form

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas within Torfaen and areas of Importance for landscape quality.

Unsympathetic design in new development in proximity to areas of importance.

Increase in accessibility to services

Torfaen residents Improved and enhanced provision of community facilities and sustainable transport linkages.

Improving Economic competitiveness of Torfaen

Torfaen residents Policies to attract in new employment and investment opportunities.

Improving Health Torfaen residents Improvements in the walking and cnetworks and policies to secure open space will assist this aim. Increase development may however increase air pollution.

Setting of the World Heritage Site

Blaenavon World Heritage Site and Industrial landscape

Increase in development within Blaenavon could have a negative the setting of the WHS. It is Important that design is considerepotential development proposals.

Identification of Key Sustainability Issues

4.80 As outlined in section 3 the review of relevant plans and programs, and

baseline information allowed the identification of key sustainability issues related to Torfaen. Again this is a requirement of the SEA directive, which outlines that the Environment Report should include:

“any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme, including in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC (Birds) and 92/43/eec (Habitats) 2 (Annex 1 (d).

4.81 The identified key sustainability issues have been refined following consultation on the SA Scoping report and are presented overleaf in Figure 4.4. The key sustainability issues identified cover a range of economic, environmental and social issues.


January 2008

64

Figure 4.4 - Key Sustainability Issues Key Issues Problems/Opportunities Implications for LDP Relevance to SEA

Economic

Promoting economic growth across the borough

Poor transport infrastructure to north of the borough, which hinders economic development. Old business estates do not satisfy the demands of new businesses Need for economy to diversify to improve competitiveness The competing demands of employment and residential uses particularly in the south of the County Borough Torfaen suffers from a north – south split in terms of investment and private sector interest. Reducing the numbers of economically inactive in the County Borough Informal employment makes an important contribution to the economy Increase in visitor numbers and visitor spend in Torfaen, but Tourist infrastructure of Blaenavon WHS is currently inadequate with no hotels hostels in the north of the County Borough. Blaenavon WHS provides an opportunity for sustainable businesses and tourism links should be investigated to enhance the attractiveness of the area. This includes the potential of home grown enterprise in delivering sustainable tourist infrastructure. Cwmbran has become a focal point for investment, and therefore there is a need to promote the distinctiveness and capitalise on the opportunities and advantages of the three retail

The level of development north of the borough will be restricted by highway capacity, so measures to improve capacity need to be considered i.e road improvements and traffic reduction Employment allocations will be made and existing sites to be protected to meet future demand. The Land Use Strategy needs to identify and protect quality employment and business parks The LDP should take advantage of the Heads of the Valleys Strategy, recognising the need for access improvements and the need to regenerate the quality of the built form The LDP should recognise the importance of tourism to the economy and promote and provide opportunities for its enhancement through the LDP. Similarly the promotion of sustainable businesses within the WHS will be promoted which will enhance the tourist offer. Also the LDP should provide opportunities for the tourist infrastructure of Blaenavon WHS to be enhanced. The LDP should recognise the limited supply of touring caravan provision. Any provision of businesses within the historic landscape should be of low impact. The LDP should maintain and enhance the retail hierarchy in Torfaen, reflecting the distinct role the three centres have in the hierarchy. The LDP will provide an additional 7000 new home over the plan period 2006-2021 to enable it to sustain its population share of SE Wales, and to encourage investment into the borough. In order to ensure a choice and variety of sites within Torfaen the LDP strategy will identify 60ha of land for general employment purposes within the urban area. Redevelopment at both Pontypool and Cwmbran town centres will provide opportunities for new employment development as part of these schemes. Taking into account recent findings from the Retail and Leisure Study for Torfaen (2007) the LDP will seek to expand the Sub Regional centre of Cwmbran, consolidate the District Shopping

Population Human Health Landscape Air Climatic Factors Material Assets


January 2008

65

centres of Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blaenavon Southern centric approach to council administration reinforces the north/south divide New housing plays a vital role in promoting growth and a vibrant economy as new housing will encourage people to live, work and spend in Torfaen Significant tourism opportunities in Torfaen, with the Monmouth to Brecon canal offering potential for tourism and recreational route development.

centre of Pontypool and consolidate the district shopping centre of Blaenavon

Environmental

Protection and enhancement of biodiversity and valued landscape

3 SSSI’s – Lack of management and monitoring resulting in their condition deteriorating The need for a through consideration of development sites whether brownfield or greenfield Approx 200 SINC’s – Lack of management issues 6 proposed LNR’s Loss of Grassland Habitats to development Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is a strategic wildlife corridor Dev’t of Brownfield sites – potential impact on biodiversity Loss of greenspace – Loss of wildlife corridors and habitat fragmation White clawed crayfish is an endangered species in Torfaen Decline in species of Bats and Great Crested

In allocating sites in the LDP should consider the effect on habitats and species, designated sites important for nature conservation and promote any opportunities for their enhancement The LDP should identify and protect important wildlife corridors and stepping stone habitats. The LDP should recognise the importance of the rivers edge for biodiversity interests and protect the areas from development where appropriate. Also watercourses should be protected from development pressures so they will remain sustainable ecological features assuming good water quality. In order to seek the protection and enhancement of biodiversity the LDP will identify, protect and link important ecological corridors such as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the Afon Lwyd River. It will also seek the protection and enhancement of important international, national, regional and local species and habitats including European Protected Species, SAC’s, SSSI’s, SINC’s and LNR’s. The LDP should promote and ensure the protection of endangered species and control of invasive species The LDP should promote Geodiversity and ensure the protection of Regionally Important Geological Sites New housing development should promote the integration of biodiversity into schemes.

Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna Landscape Human Health Population Water Soil Climatic Factors


January 2008

66

Newts There are a number of potential Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites, former quarries and mineral reserves which are important for Geodiversity Issue of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed Need for a greater area of landscape scale projects Remediation of Brownfield land can stimulate biodiversity and housing development on Greenfield sites can incorporate wildlife corridors and species.

Environmental enhancements will be sought in major schemes possibly through the use of S106 agreements. The LDP will seek to produce Supplementary Planning Guidance on Biodiversity. The LDP will seek the protection of important landscape features, focusing on the continued protection and enhancement of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, and identifying new Special Landscape Areas for Torfaen, whilst seeking the retention of the important green wedges between Cwmbran and Newport, Mamhilad and New Inn and Ponthir and Caerleon. Finally the LDP will identify important open and urban spaces and protect them from inappropriate development

Protection and enhancement of the historic environment and cultural heritage

Potential impact of development on Blaenavon World Heritage Site and Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest Lack of management of 5 Conservation Areas Lack of management of the 250 listed buildings and 25 scheduled ancient monuments The need to preserve Archaeological Sites Declining condition of listed buildings Torfaen has a high amount of old housing stock which reflects much of the history of the area

The LDP will need to consider the effect of development, on the World Heritage Site, conservation areas and listed buildings and promote their protection and enhancement where possible. This will be enabled by ensuring good design and appropriate uses in any proposals and identify where possible and economic, sustainable use for such structures. The LDP should recognise the importance of the ‘background heritage’ also such as the predominant terraced streets and stone and public assembly buildings. The LDP should promote the protection of all archaeological sites from inappropriate development and should also promote protection of the historic landscape. The LDP should promote the sustainable reuse of old housing stock. In attempting to preserve the cultural heritage ion Torfaen, the LDP will promote the key strategic heritage assets including the World Heritage Site/Historic Landscape, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and Pontypool Park and the five conservation areas. The LDP will ensure that development proposals consider the historic environment and local distinctiveness and character to ensure development is appropriate in terms of both design and setting.

Cultural Heritage Population Landscape

Reducing the risk of flooding Areas of Undefended floodplain in the County Ensure that flood risk is considered in the allocation of sites for Water


January 2008

67

and better flood management Borough (zone C2) should not be built on for highly vulnerable uses as indicated in the TAN15 guidance. Its impact on potential development Opportunity for habitat creation on floodplains New Housing should incorporate water-recycling measures.

development. The LDP should apply the precautionary principle to decision making so that risk can be minimised, and the risk of flooding is acceptable and ensure that all surface run off is maintained to Greenfield rates through the promotion of sustainable drainage schemes. The approach to development in flood risk areas should be consistent with TAN15. The LDP should encourage the use of green spaces in developments, rainwater harvesting, SUDS and measures such as green roofs in order to reduce surface runoff.

Population Human Health Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna Material Assets

Energy efficiency and Consumption

Increase in energy usage in recent years Need to increase the use of renewable energy sources in new developments Promote energy efficiency in new developments both through design and layout.

The LDP should encourage energy efficient developments to the highest standards and promote the use of renewable energy and sustainable transport. Development should be in locations which reduce the need to travel, and the LDP should promote the mitigation of negative effects using the ‘polluter pays ‘ principle

Air Population Water Climatic Factors Human Health Population

Addressing the impact of Climate Change

Reducing negative impacts of climate change from new developments Development of new homes and refurbishment of old properties has a significant role to play in contributing to the alleviation of the causes of climate change River flows are predicted to increase by 20% in the next 50 years.

The LDP should promote the mitigation of negative effects using the ‘polluter pays ‘ principle and developments are planned to be able to adapt to climate change. The LDP should promote energy efficiency measures in new developments to contribute to a reduction in the effects of climate change The LDP will not promote the development of highly vulnerable uses in Zone C2 floodrisk areas, to ensure a sustainable approach to the allocation of development sites is undertaken. The LDP has an important role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change and also adapt to those effects which are already inevitable by prioritising the allocation of development sites which form part of a sustainable settlement pattern through not building in flood risk areas and prioritising the development of urban and brownfield sites. The LDP will require major developments to secure a minimum 10% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, promote energy efficiency in new development and require that developers consider renewable energy generation.

Population Air Climatic Factors Population Water


January 2008

68

Reduction in Waste and Increased Recycling

Projected increase in the production of waste Need to meet landfill reduction/diversion targets Need to meet SE Wales Regional Waste Plan targets Need to allocate a Strategic Waste Site in Torfaen for Mechanical and Biological Treatment, Material Recovery and composting of waste to meet targets set by EU Waste Directive

The LDP should enable waste reduction and management measures that maximise recycling, reduce landfill tonnages through allocating appropriate sites for the pre treatment and recycling of waste. The LDP will need to identify in building strategic waste sites. The area required to be identified and the site selection criteria will be set out in the 1st review of the South East Wales Regional Waste Plan, which will be finalised, in early 2008.

Population Landscape Water Human Health

Reducing the reliance on the private car

Low levels of walking and cycling in Torfaen Torfaen has poor railway infrastructure, and poor service quality and frequency of services. There is potential for a new Rail station at South Sebastopol and New Inn. Increasing traffic growth 76% use car as travel to work mode either as driver or passenger Need to improve the cycle and bridleway network, especially in town centres with designated lanes and parking

The Land Use strategy should provide allocations, which one can access by non-car modes and the strategy should plan, for ‘sustainable communities’ including the provision of sustainable transport infrastructure, to encourage walking and cycling and where the need for travel is reduced. All new developments will need to contribute to improvements in the non-motorcar transport network. This will be supported by ensuring that employment areas, schools and health facilities are in close proximity to residential areas where appropriate, to encourage walking and cycling. Ensure that new developments are accessible for both walkers and cyclists The LDP will seek to allocate land for Park and Ride facilities at Pontypool.

Air Climatic Factors Population Human Health Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

To improve derelict landscapes whilst recognising the historical and wildlife importance of these environments

Legacy of derelict landscapes from coalmining The detriment to the health and well being of the population and barrier to economic regeneration Possible detrimental impacts on industrial landscape Biodiversity rich environments

Where appropriate reclamation of derelict sites is required thorough investigation is needed to ensure continued protection of important historic, cultural and wildlife resources. Reclamation may include coal recovery and built development after uses. Ensure that derelict landscapes are reclaimed in a sensitive manner particularly in the North of the County Borough to reduce negative effects on the character and setting of the World Heritage Site. There will be a need to consider the protection and enhancement of any historic and wildlife value on derelict sites.

Population Human Health Cultural Heritage Soil Landscape


January 2008

69

Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

Need to safeguard mineral resources

Torfaen is not self sufficient for aggregates There may be a requirement to safeguard economically viable and environmentally acceptable coal reserves in Torfaen, as sources outside the borough may be limited.

The LDP needs to consider safeguarding high PSV sandstone in the national interest and needs to consider the recycling of aggregate alternatives. The SW Regional Aggregates Working Party may apportion an aggregates allocation to Torfaen. The LDP will also have to safeguard potential sites with shallow coal reserves in Torfaen. Studies will be undertaken to ascertain whether sites are environmentally and economically acceptable.

Landscape Soil Material Assets

Reducing contaminated land 1600 contaminated land sites in the County Borough Potentially polluted watercourses Need to meet the 60% development on Brownfield land target Reduction in contamination of controlled waters

Encourage the removal and prevention of contamination through enabling development or planning gain where possible. The LDP should encourage the remediation of contaminated sites where appropriate. The LDP should where appropriate promote development of previously developed land to cater towards the provision of affordable housing in Torfaen. The Environment Agency will be consulted on proposed development allocations in the Deposit LDP and impacts on watercourses will aimed to be minimised.

Landscape Soil

Population

Human Health Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

Social

Provision of affordable housing

There is an increasing need for affordable housing in the County Borough and a limited amount of social housing grant available to build the required number of dwellings Increasing levels of homelessness Average house prices in Torfaen have doubled between 2000-2006 which has not been matched by wage increases Ageing housing stock in north and mid areas of the County Borough and areas of Cwmbran

The LDP will need to ensure that affordable housing is sought within new developments where appropriate and without the need to use limited social housing grants. The Local Housing Needs Assessment that is being undertaken will inform the identification of affordable housing need in Torfaen. The LDP should promote the supply of a variety of affordable housing of all types, including bungalow accommodation recognising the needs of the elderly population, and should also consider the needs for sites for gypsies, the travelling community, travelling show people and Black and Ethnic Minorities. It will also be important to ensure new housing has adequate accessibility to green space, and as part of the LDP a study on Recreation and Open space in Torfaen will be undertaken, considering



January 2008

70

Increased rates of unfit housing

the Green space Toolkit by CCW. In order to maintain Torfaen’s current share of population in South East Wales and to meet predicted housing need, the LDP Preferred Strategy will make provision for 7000 new dwellings in Torfaen primarily within the existing settlements and with a preference for brownfield sites. It is expected that 900 dwellings will be in the North Torfaen Housing Market (Blaenavon and Abersychan wards), 2800 dwellings in the Pontypool Housing Market Area and 3300 dwellings in Cwmbran. The Preferred Strategy has identified 13 strategic housing sites (100 or more dwellings) to accommodate the bulk of this housing. The LDP will contain a policy to negotiate an element of Affordable Housing against evidence from the latest Local Housing Market Assessment.

Access to essential facilities Blaenavon and nearby settlements in the north have access to limited facilities compared to residents in Pontypool and Cwmbran Community Facilities are deficient both in terms of absolute numbers and quality in Torfaen as a whole Torfaen does not meet NPFA standards for both pitch and non pitch sports

Encourage the provision of new facilities and allocate new development to support and enable new facilities The LDP will need to ensure that existing pitches/spaces are protected from development and through S106 Agreements are secured for their enhancement. A Recreation and Open Space study will be undertaken for Torfaen and the CCW Green Space Toolkit will be considered as part of this process.


Raise educational attainment

Low educational attainment when compared to the Welsh average There is a need for tertiary education provision within the borough

The LDP can indirectly assist in improvements through enabling new schools, recreation and leisure opportunities and economic development opportunities The LDP should investigate the Land Use opportunities for such provision through the strategy, to help contribute to raising educational attainment


Improving the health and well being of the population

Need for improved health service provision in the County Borough. High levels of limiting long term illness, of disability and of death from Coronary Heart Disease One of the lowest levels of physical activity in Wales – linked to increase levels of obesity

In order to assist in the aim of improving health and well being, including education provision in Torfaen the Preferred Strategy will outline that land will be identified at Panteg Steelworks for a potential relocation of Pontypool college, land will be identified for the new 500 bed Gwent Special Critical Care Centre Hospital at Craig Y Felin or Lanfrechfa Grange, Cwmbran, and land will be identified for a new local general hospital at the County Hospital site (redevelopment) or Panteg Steelworks (South).



January 2008

71

Significant deprivation and economic inactivity amongst adults in some parts of the County Borough, contributing to poverty amongst children and young people in many families in Torfaen Mortality rates from heart disease higher than the welsh average Improvement of existing housing stock in line with the WHQS will assist health improvements.

The LDP can indirectly assist through the provision of recreational opportunities, encouraging walking and cycling and economic development opportunities. The LDP can assist improving economic deprivation through the provision of quality new employment sites, to improve the employment offer for people in Torfaen. All new development will be required to make provision for a % of affordable housing enabling people to afford to buy better quality homes. The provision of new better quality homes can also assist in improving health both from a physical and mental aspect.

Reducing crime, social disorder and fear of crime

Problem of anti social behaviour, vandalism and flytipping The rapid growth in off road motorcycling is a problem in Torfaen Levels of Arson has increased

The LDP will seek to ensure there is provision of adequate services for communities in order to reduce anti social behaviour. The provision of adequate community facilities will also be assisted through S106 contributions from new development. The LDP through good design in new residential developments can make significant impacts in reducing crime and antisocial behaviour The LDP could investigate possible areas where motorcycling could be allowed to take place


Achieve a balanced population

Ageing population Declining number of children No population growth over ten year period 1991-2001

The LDP should aim to provide more housing which should increase population with an emphasis on the provision of affordable housing The LDP should enable the provision of employment and leisure opportunities to encourage and attract inward migration and retain the existing youth population. The LDP should ensure that the land use strategy supports all sections of the population both through service provision and the promotion of a range and type of housing from new development.

Population Material Assets


January 2008

72

Sustainability Appraisal Framework 4.82 As outlined in section 3 of this report the SA Framework of Objectives,

indicators and targets was consulted on initially as part of the SA Scoping Report. Following consultation the Objectives have been revised and the indicators and targets have also been amended. This is an iterative process and as new information becomes available indicators and targets will be updated.

4.83 The revised SA Framework is contained overleaf in Figure 4.5


January 2008

73

Figure 4.5 - Revised Sustainability Appraisal Framework Key to Data Availability for Indicators

Bold = Known data for study area Italic = Known data at regional level

Underlined = Data for study area and regional data currently unknown

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics

(a1) % of people of working age who are economically active To increase the % of people of working

age who are economically active

(a2) Job Seekers allowance claimant count Decrease the number of people receiving benefits in Torfaen

(a3) % of unemployed people claiming benefit who have been out of work for more than 1 year

Decrease the % of unemployed people claiming benefit who have been out of work for more than 1 year.

(a4) Average earnings for full timers by place of work Increase the average earnings for full timers by place of work

(a5) Average earnings for full timers by place of residence Increase the average earnings for full timers by place of residence

(a6) % of allocated employment land developed for employment purposes Increase the % of employment land developed for employment purposes

(a7) % of people living as well as working in the County Borough Increase the % of people living as well as working in the County Borough

1 To enable high and stable levels of local employment in Torfaen.

(a8) Level of Inward Investment in Torfaen

Increase the level of inward investment in Torfaen

Population Human Health Material Assets

(b1) No of Business VAT registrations Increase the number of Business VAT registrations from the previous year

(b2) GVA as a % of the UK average To reduce the differential of Torfaen GVA to that of the UK national average by 20% by the end of the plan period

2 To achieve economic growth to contribute to business competitiveness.

(b3) Acreage of serviced employment sites Increase the acreage of serviced employment sites annually

Population Human Health Material Assets


January 2008

74

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics ( b4) New floor space constructed by year Increase the amount of new

employment floorspace constructed annually

(b5) Number of vacant retail ground floor units as a % of the total number of ground floor business premises

Decrease the number of vacant ground floor units as a % of the total number of ground floor business premises.

(b6) % vacancies in employment properties (includes retail) Decrease the % of vacancies in employment properties annually

(c1) Total number of visitors to attractions in Torfaen Increase the number of visitors to attractions to Torfaen annually

(c2) Total visitor spend in Torfaen Increase the amount of total visitor spend in Torfaen annually.

(c3) Revenue by category of visitor - £m by serviced accommodation - £m by non serviced accommodation - £m by staying with friends/relatives (SFR) - £m by day visitors

Increase the amount of revenue by all categories of visitors annually

(c4) Number of new tourist related developments in Torfaen Increase the amount of new tourist related developments annually

3 To promote and enhance sustainable tourism in Torfaen.

(c5) Number of Tourist Days Increase the number of tourist days in Torfaen annually

Population

(d1) Area of Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Increase the area of LNR to at least

1ha per 1000 population

(d2) % change of selected Torfaen LBAP species Increase the distribution and population of LBAP species by 10%

(d3) Length and Number of linear habitats created

Increase the length and number of linear habitats in Torfaen.

4 To protect, manage and enhance biodiversity.

(d4) Habitat creation within new development Increase the proportion of new development delivering habitat creation/or restoration.

Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna Landscape Human Health Population


January 2008

75

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics (d5) Sites of Special Scientific Interest in favourable condition Increase the extent of SSSI in

favourable condition

(d6) No of development schemes including mitigation measures or enhancement of biodiversity

Increase the amount of development schemes

5 To enhance geodiversity in the County Borough.

(e1) Area of approved development on land designated as RIG’s, geological SSSI’s

No net loss of area of geological SSSI’s or RIG’s to development.

Biodiversity Landscape

6 To prepare for, and mitigate against the effects of climate change and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

(f1) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions in Tonnes (f2) Average summer and winter temperatures in Torfaen (f3) Number of flood incidents (f4) Number of trips made by car (f5) Carbon Footprint per resident

ReduceCO2 emissions annually to 80% of the 1999 level by 2010 and to 69% of the 1999 level by 2021 No Target available Reduce the number of incidents of flooding in Torfaen To reduce the number of trips made by car New Monitoring Mechanism required

Climatic Factors Biodiversity Population Human Health

(g6) Estimated background air pollution data To be below national targets for pollutants

(g7) No of exceedences of the 100ug/m3 8 hr mean objective No more than 10 exceedences of the 100ug/m 8 hr mean

(g8) Number of recorded odour related complaints To reduce the number of justified odour complaints to the 2006 level.

7 To reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

(g9) Number of Air Quality Management Areas designated in the County Borough

No air quality management areas to be declared during the plan period 2006-2021.

Air, Climatic Factors Human Health Population Climatic Factors

8 To minimise noise and light pollution. (h1) No of residential permissions granted inTAN11 category C and D locations (h2) Number of recorded noise complaints (h3) Number of recorded light nuisance complaints

No residential permissions to be granted in TAN11 category C and D locations each year To reduce the number of justified noise complaints annually. To reduce the number of recorded light nuisance complaints

Human Health Population Biodiversity Human Health


January 2008

76

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics (i1) No of highly sensitive development approved in the C2 flood risk areas as identified in TAN15

No highly vulnerable development to be permitted in C2 flood risk areas as identified TAN15 during the plan period.

(i2) % of relevant new developments with SUDS schemes To increase the % of new developments incorporating SUDS schemes

(i3) Number of properties flooded Reduce the number of properties flooded in comparison to pre 2006 levels

9 To minimise the risk of flooding.

(i4) % of development in flood risk area approved contrary to Environment Agency Advice

No cases where development is permitted in flood risk areas contrary to EA advice.

Population Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna Water Human Health

(j1) No of management plans programmes implemented from 5 year programme for Blaenavon World Heritage Site

All programmes implemented in 5 years

10 To protect, manage and enhance Blaenavon World Heritage Site as a cultural and tourism destination. (j2) No of planning applications approved contrary to advice from CADW,

GGAT or officers with negative impacts upon the setting and character of the World Heritage Site

No planning applications to be approved with negative impacts upon the setting and character of the WHS.

Population Cultural Heritage

(k1) % of welsh speakers in Torfaen No target identified

(k2) % of school children in welsh education Maintain existing levels of pupils being taught through welsh medium education.

11 To promote, strengthen and enhance the cultural identity of communities.

(k3) Number of community groups registered with the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations.

To maintain or increase the number of community groups registered with the Gwent Associations of Voluntary Organisations

Cultural Heritage Landscape Population

(l1) No of planning applications approved contrary to advice from CADW, GGAT or officers with negative impacts upon listed buildings

Realise no cases where development is permitted, which affects historic assets contrary to CADW, GGAT or officer advice.

12 To conserve and enhance the historic resources and their setting

(l2) No of planning applications approved contrary to advice from CADW, GGAT or officers with negative impacts on scheduled ancient monuments

Realise no cases where development is permitted, which affects historic assets contrary to CADW, GGAT or officer advice.

Cultural Heritage Landscape


January 2008

77

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics (l3) Number of listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments improved and/or brought back into beneficial use.

(l4) No of buildings on buildings at risk register To continually decrease the number of buildings on the register

(l5) Number of Conservation Area Appraisals undertaken during the plan period

To ensure regular appraisals of the existing conservation area, ensuring that all are reviewed within the plan period.

(m1) No of applications approved in SLA contrary to Landscape Officers advice

Maintain or increase the number of applications refused within designated SLA’s.

(m2) Area of land under agreed management for landscape improvement or protection

Increase the area of land under agreed management for landscape improvement or protection.

(m3) Number of incidents of fly tipping and abandoned cars Reduce incidents of fly tipping and abandoned cars in comparison annually.

(m4) Area of land within historic landscapes affected by new development Ensure no cases of new development re permitted where they are deemed to have a detrimental impact on the historic landscape following CADW or GGAT advice.

13 To protect and enhance the valued landscape character of Torfaen

(m5) No of management plan programmes implemented from 5 year programme for Blaenavon World Heritage Site

All programmes Implemented in 5 years

Cultural Heritage Landscape Population

(n1) % dwellings built on previously developed land To achieve 60% of new development on previously developed land annually.

(n2) % of residential sites developed at a density of 30-50 dph To achieve 100% of residential sites being developed at a density of 30-50dph. *In certain cases it may be appropriate for sites to be built at a lower density, and in these cases it must be justified*

14

Make most efficient use of land and maximise the use of appropriate previously developed land and existing buildings before Greenfield sites

(n3) Number of contaminated land sites brought into use via remediation and redevelopment

Reduce the overall number of potentially contaminated sites within the borough during the plan period.

Landscape Biodiversity Flora and Fauna Soil


January 2008

78

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics (n4) Number of empty properties brought back into use To ensure a reduction of 10 empty

properties per annum.

(o1) Levels of private car ownership To maintain levels of car ownership in Torfaen at no more than the Welsh average

(o2) Levels of public transport usage To achieve annual increase in public transport patronage during the plan period

(o3) Volume of traffic by road in Torfaen To decrease the volume of road traffic in Torfaen annually.

(o4) No and value of S106 agreement secured for improvements in public transport, cycling and walking

To increase the amount and value of S106 agreements secured for improvements in public transport, cycling and walking throughout the plan period.

(o5) No of safe routes to school schemes Increase

(l6) No of schools with travel plans 100% of schools to have a travel plan by the end of the plan period

(o7) Average Journey Time data Realise a decrease in average journey times from 2006 level by the end of the plan period.

(o8) Annual Average Daily Traffic Target to be identified

(o9) Number of travel plans adopted by businesses in the County Borough Increase the number of businesses adopting green travel plans annually.

15 To reduce congestion and the reliance on the private car and to achieve modal shift to sustainable transport modes.

(o10) % of footpaths that are easy to use Increase the % of footpaths that are easy to use annually throughout the plan period.

Population Air Climatic Factors Human Health

(p1) % of new build and retrofit meeting ECOhomes Very Good Standard 100% of new dwellings permitted each year to meet the Eco Homes Very Good standard

16 To promote the use of sustainably sourced products and resources

(p2) % of commercial buildings meeting BREEAM Very Good Standard 100% of commercial dwellings permitted each year to meet the Eco Homes Very Good Standard

Population


January 2008

79


17 To ensure the potential of important mineral reserves are not sterilised through development

(q1) Number of applications approved resulting in sterilisation of mineral reserves of local and national interest

To ensure that there are no applications approved that result in the sterilisation of mineral reserves of local and national interest.

Population Biodiversity

(r1) Tonnes of Municipal Waste sent to landfill To reduce the tonnage of municipal waste sent to landfill

(r2) % of Municipal Waste recycled and composted To increase the percentage of municipal waste recycled and composted annually

(r3) % of commercial waste recycled and composted

To increase the percentage of commercial waste recycled and composted

(r4) Tonnage of construction and demolition waste reused

To increase the tonnage of construction and demolition waste reused annually

(r5) Number of fly tipping incidents reported per annum To decrease the number of fly tipping incidents reported per annum

18

To reduce waste generation and disposal to landfill and maximise reuse and recycling

(r6) % of Municipal waste used to recover heat or energy Increase the % of municipal waste used to recover heat or energy

Population Water Soil Material Assets

(s1) % of river lengths good or better quality for Biological river quality

Continually improve both the length and rating of the biological quality of rivers in comparison to the 2005 level 100% of rivers reaching Grade C or above, in respect of biological quality by the end of the plan period

19 To maintain and improve water quality

(s2) % of river lengths good or better quality for Chemical river quality

Continually improve both the length and rating of the biological quality of rivers in comparison to the 2005 level 100% of rivers reaching Grade C or above, in respect of chemical quality by the end of the plan period

Water Population Biodiversity


January 2008

80

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics (s3) % of river lengths good or better quality for Phosphate quality Continually improve both the length

and rating of the phosphate quality of rivers in comparison to the 2005 level 100% of rivers reaching Grade C or above, in respect of biological quality by the end of the plan period

(s4) % of river lengths good or better quality for Nitrate quality

Continually improve both the length and rating of the nitrate quality of rivers in comparison to the 2005 level 100% of rivers reaching Grade C or above, in respect of biological quality by the end of the plan period

(s5) Groundwater Quality

All ground water sources to achieve good chemical status by 2015

(s6) Number of Environment Agency recorded pollution incidents To achieve a year on year reduction in the number and seriousness of EA recorded pollution incidents.

(s7) Improvement in fish stocks within the water environment Realise an improvement in fish stocks within the water environment annually

20 To reduce water consumption (t1) Litres of water consumed per resident (t2) % of planning permissions for new developments including SUDS schemes (t3) Water Use per household

Reduce the levels of water consumption per resident to below the 2005 levels To increase the % of appropriate planning permissions for new developments including SUDS schemes To reduce the water use of households annually

Water Population Biodiversity

21

To contribute to an increase in the use of renewable energy sources across the County Borough

(u1) Energy consumption per capita

Decrease Climatic Factors Population


January 2008

81

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics (u2) Electricity generated from renewable sources Achieve national 10% target by 2010

(u3) No of planning permissions for renewable energy schemes Increase

(u4) Regional and local energy consumption Reduction in growth levels

22

To increase energy efficiency (v1) Number of buildings incorporating renewable energy production (solar, wind turbines, photovoltaic, ground source heat and power) (v2) Carbon footprint of each resident (Gha/person) (v3) Number of properties benefiting from energy saving grants

Increase number year on year Increase Increase year on year

Climatic Factors Population

(w1) No and area of contaminated land sites Reduction through remediation

(w2) Area of agricultural land by grade

No target

(w3) Area of agricultural land in catchments and on flood plains Increase

23 To conserve soil resources and maintain their quality

(w4) % of planning permissions granted resulting in loss of grades 1,2 and 3 land No target identified

Soil


January 2008

82


(x1) No of new affordable units delivered

As per emerging Housing Needs Survey

(x2) % of eligible residential planning permissions where affordable housing has been negotiated

100%

(x3) Average property price compared against average earnings To reduce the gap between average house prices and average incomes

24 To improve the affordability of housing

(x4) Proportion of households unable to purchase a property

Decrease the proportion of households unable to purchase a property

Population, Material Assets Human Health

(y1) Number of houses meeting Welsh Housing Quality Standard Increase the number annually

(y2) Number of empty properties brought forward against the WHQS target To achieve 100% against the WHQS target

25 To improve the variety and quality of housing

(y3) Number of unfit dwellings per 1000 dwellings Reduce the number of unfit dwellings annually


(z1) % increase/decrease change in accessibility of public transport Increase

(z2) Quality and Quantity of children’s play space and adult sports pitches per 1000 population

2.4 hectares per 1000 population (NPFA) To improve quality

(z3) Amount of green space per 1000 population 2 hectares of natural greenspace per 1000; No person should live more than 300m walking distance from their nearest area of natural greenspace

(z4) Level of community infrastructure per ward

Maintain levels or increase

(z5) Number of S106 agreements secured on new developments for improvements in community facilities

Increase S106 agreements for improvements to community facilities

(z6) Number of community facilities developed/provided each year Increase the number of additional community facilities provided each year

26 To improve accessibility to and protect and improve the quality of local services and facilities

(z7) Loss of local community facilities through closure of change of use Not to increase

Material Assets Population Human Heal Population


January 2008

83

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics (za1) % of resident population aged 16-74 with level 2 qualifications (5 GCSE’s A* - C or NVQ)

Increase

(za2) % of adults with level 4/5 qualifications (degree or above)

Increase the %of adults with level 4/5 qualifications

(za3) % of Adults without basic numeracy and literacy skills

Decrease the % of adults without basic numeracy and literacy skills

(za4) Proportion of 19 year olds with Level 2 qualifications (5 GCSE A*-C or NVQ equivalent)

Increase the % of 19 year olds with Level 2 qualifications annually

27

To improve educational attainment and increase skill levels

(za5) % increase in the population enrolled in adult education centres Increase the % of adults enrolled annually

(zb1) Average crime rate in Torfaen per 1000 population To reduce crime rates in Torfaen per 1000 population annually

(zb2) Fear of crime per Torfaen ward during the day and at night

To reduce fear of crime in Torfaen

(zb3) Violent crimes against the person per 1000 population To reduce violent crimes against the person per 1000 population

(zb4) Number of anti social behaviour notices served To reduce the number of anti social behaviour notices served

28

To contribute to a reduction in crime and social disorder and the fear of crime

(zb5) % of new housing that meets the ‘secured by design’ certification criteria To increase the % of new housing that meets the secured by design certification criteria


(zc1) No of Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA’s) in the 100 most deprived LSOA’s according to the Welsh Index of Multiple deprivation

No increase in no of wards and improve their ranking

(zc2) % of population of working age claiming benefits Reduction in the % of population of working age claiming benefits

29 To reduce poverty and social exclusion in Torfaen

(zc3) Proportion of children under sixteen living in low income households Reduction in the proportion of children under sixteen living in low income households



January 2008

84

No SA Objective Indicators Target SEA Topics 30 (za1) Life expectancy standards (standard mortality rates)

(za2) % of population of working age on invalidity benefits (za3) % increase in physical activity (za4) Death rate per 100,000 by Chronic Heart Disease

To increase life expectancy standards in Torfaen in line with the Welsh average To reduce the % of the population of working age on invalidity benefits To increase the % of the population taking part in physical activity annually To reduce cancer amongst people under 75 by at least 20% by 2010


To improve the health and well being of the population through reducing inequalities in health, to improve accessibility to services and facilities which enhance health improvement, and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

(za5) Death rate per 100,000 by suicide (za6) Proportion of households within 800m walking distance of health care facilities (za7) Death rate per 100,000 by accidents (za8) Health and Well Being Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for Torfaen

To reduce suicide and undetermined injury by at least 20% by 2010 To increase the proportion of households within 800m walking distance of health care facilities in Torfaen To reduce accidents by at least 20% by 2010 To improve the heath and well being indicator in relation to Torfaen



January 2008

85

5. Compatibility of LDP Objectives against the

Sustainability Objectives 5.1 The generation of draft LDP objectives was informed by workshops held with

stakeholders and elected members, with the aim to identify key issues in Torfaen and issues that the LDP should address in its land use strategy. Following the workshops a draft vision statement and set of objectives were produced and consulted on during January 2007. The objectives were then reviewed and changes made as necessary. These objectives were then assessed against the SA objectives by our consultants Atkins Ltd. The compatibility assessment of the revised LDP objectives against the SA objectives is provided in Appendix D and a discussion of the results provided below.

5.2 In general terms it was with the SA objectives concerned with the social

dimension of sustainability that the LDP objectives have the greatest degree of compatibility and least uncertainty. The picture for the environmental dimension was more mixed indicating broad compatibility between the SA objectives as a whole and those LDP objectives that pursue environmental protection but with increased levels of uncertainty and a greater dependence on the precise nature of implementation measures, particularly in respect of the LDP objectives supporting economic growth and transportation development. A significant number of the LDP Objectives generally displayed a considerable degree of compatibility with the SA objectives in the economic dimension; however there was considerable uncertainty in relation to compatibility with LDP objectives that address primarily environmental concerns, pointing to a need to directly seek to decouple the relationship between environmental degradation and economic growth.

5.3 In terms of analysing the intricacies of the matrix in Appendix D, the following

key observations were considered by Atkins Ltd to be pertinent in indicating aspects of the LDP objectives that may require further detailing, through the development of the LDP. This is in order to ensure the delivery of the best possible performance in terms of sustainability:

• There is a considerable degree of uncertainty relating to the compatibility of the

LDP objectives against the SA objectives concerned with economic growth and business competitiveness (SA Obj. 2); and protecting, enhancing and managing biodiversity (SA Obj. 4), both of which have 10 instances of the assessment being ‘dependent on the nature of implementation measures’. This could be interpreted as an indication that the LDP must provide greater clarity in defining the policy approaches to these issues as the plan is progressed.

• There is also a considerable degree of uncertainty relating to the compatibility

of five of the LDP objectives against a number of the SA objectives in respect of ensuring a sustainable approach in the LDP to the following land use planning issues: the allocation of serviced employment sites (LDP Obj. 1: 18 uncertain assessments); efficient use of land and preference for brownfield development (LDP Obj. 20: 15 uncertain assessments); fostering a competitive and modern economy; provision of housing sites; and developing road and rail networks (LDP Objs. 7, 23 and 26, respectively: 13 uncertain assessments


January 2008

86

each). In the main, these aspects of the LDP are more directly related to specific spatial land allocations, thus the provision of more detailed information relating to site allocations should assist in addressing the uncertainty as the LDP develops.

5.4 The key outcomes from the compatibility assessment of the revised LDP

objectives against the revised SA Objectives was that a number of the LDP objectives are broadly compatible with the SA objectives; and that there are no identified instances of obvious potential conflict between the two sets of objectives. However it was identified that certain LDP Objectives were too narrow or detailed to be overarching LDP objectives and that there were overlaps between a significant number of objectives. Therefore, the LDP objectives were streamlined and grouped together to form a total of 19, with 6 objectives remaining unchanged. This process and reasons behind the changes to the objectives are contained within Appendix D. This is part of the full report on the Vision and Objectives (May 2007), which is available separately from this document. The final Vision and Objectives is outlined below:

Torfaen LDP Vision Statement

Torfaen LDP Objectives

Summary

5.6 The 19 LDP Objectives have been devised so that they can deliver through

land use terms the relevant community strategy objectives, contained in the Torfaen Community Strategy Vision.

LDP Objectives

1. To ensure the allocation of an appropriate quantity and range of

employment sites to support high and stable levels of employment in Torfaen and deliver a competitive, modern and sustainable economy and retail centres.

2. To promote health and well being through the provision of community

facilities, leisure and outdoor recreational opportunities, accessible to all.

“By 2021, through collaborative working, the development strategy for the Torfaen Local Development Plan will deliver planned, sustainable growth reflecting the specific role and function of settlements. It will provide a distinctive, vibrant and prosperous area where people have the skills, knowledge and opportunities to achieve a better quality of life in safe, healthy and thriving communities with accessible local facilities. It will promote the sustainable regeneration of our town centres ensuring they are a focus for social, commercial and community life, whilst also protecting and enhancing Torfaen’s unique natural heritage and cultural and historic identity”.


January 2008

87

3. To ensure that the location of development does not result in

unacceptable risk from flooding, subsidence or health hazards.

4. To ensure the highest quality of design in all developments and delivering safe and attractive environments.

5. To provide opportunities for the establishment of a network of quality

educational facilities which serve local communities and are accessible for all sections of the current and future population.

6. To protect, manage and enhance sustainable tourist attractions and

facilities in Torfaen for the benefit of tourists and the community.

7. To conserve and enhance the distinctive cultural and historic resources of the County Borough.

8. To ensure that all new development reflects best practise in sustainable

design and location, construction and operation.

9. To allocate mineral sites if required and safeguard appropriate mineral resources from sterilisation.

10. To protect, manage and enhance biodiversity and ecological networks

across Torfaen.

11. To minimise climate change impacts through reduced emissions of greenhouse gases in both new and existing development.

12. To protect and enhance the valued landscape character of Torfaen,

including important open space and sense of rurality between settlements.

13. To protect Greenfield land by enabling and promoting the most efficient

use of brownfield sites for redevelopment across Torfaen.

14. To ensure all development contributes to improving water quality, protecting water supply and maximising the efficiency of water consumption.

15. To identify and conserve important soil and geological resources

including Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) and maintain their quality.

16. To ensure the allocation of an appropriate quantity and variety of

housing sites to deliver high quality choice in sustainable locations, well served by essential facilities and accessible by a range of transport modes.

17. To ensure that necessary opportunities are available for people to

engage and contribute to the planning process.

18. To develop integrated and efficient transport infrastructure, public transport and communication networks which are accessible and attractive to all, and encourage a reduction in private car use.


January 2008

88

19. To ensure people and organisations reduce, reuse and recycle waste

and to foster this through the provision of regional and local waste management facilities.


January 2008

89

6. LDP Strategic Options 6.1 As outlined in section 3 of this report, stage B2 of the process involved the

generation of plan options. Again this exercise was undertaken in part to fulfil the requirements of the SEA Directive, which outlines that the Environmental Report should consider:

‘reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme’… and provide ‘an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with and a description of how the assessment was undertaken’ (Article 5.1 and Annex Ih)

6.2 This was informed by stakeholder workshops, as discussed in paragraph 3.26

of this report. Further details of the stakeholder workshops are included in the report entitled Strategic Options Workshops (August 2007). Therefore in summary the final 4 strategic options put forward for assessment against the sustainability objectives emanated from the following processes:

• Consideration of the key sustainability issues facing Torfaen, which were

discussed at SA Scoping workshops and the publication of the SA Scoping Report in July 2006. Also consideration of the results of the consultation exercise;

• Consideration of the results of the Torfaen LDP Vision and Objectives

workshops;

• Consideration of the results of the Strategic Options Workshops, following the draft Strategic Options prepared by the Forward Planning team for the Workshop. Consideration also of the Local Development Plan background documents including the Strategic Options Briefing Papers;

6.3 As a result of these exercises 4 strategy options for Torfaen were submitted

to Atkins Ltd for assessment against the SA objectives. This assessment was initially undertaken by Atkins, and then reviewed by the LDP team before a final review was undertaken by both parties on the final assessment, which is contained in full in Appendix E.

The Strategic Options

6.4 The following section provides an outline of the 4 strategic options that were

assessed against the sustainability objectives alongside key developing issues raised for the 4 options as a result of the Stakeholder workshops and officer review. The four strategic options were as follows:

• Urban Containment Strategy • Market led Strategy • Regeneration Focus Strategy • Network of Integrated Communities Strategy

Urban Containment Strategy


January 2008

90

6.5 This would involve ensuring development is accommodated within the existing urban boundaries, resulting in no expansion of the urban area as defined on the adopted Torfaen Local Plan.

• Exploitation of brownfield opportunities • Increase in density of development • Utilise/improve existing infrastructure • Reduce impact of development on the countryside. • Sustain existing service provision • Growth opportunities restricted • Development to provide necessary infrastructure improvements • It is anticipated that the Urban Containment Strategy could accommodate mid

to high housing provision between 6600 to 7250 dwellings

Summary of developing issues

• Minimises new ‘greenfield’ land take for development • Sustain and improve existing services and facilities by locating new

developments within existing settlements • Increases urban density, placing pressure on amenity and privacy issues • Major Opportunities for new investment potentially missed • Pressure on competing land uses (maintaining ecological corridors, network

of Public Open Space, protecting employment land) • Increase in congestion and pressure on existing transport networks and

drainage systems

Market Led Strategy 6.6 This strategy would focus on market demand being a primary determinant on

the scale and location of development in the County Borough. This strategy would maximise investment and development opportunities, improving overall economic growth levels for the County Borough.

• Large-scale growth in the south, which would reflect previous and ongoing

development pressures and rates of growth. Development in the north would be limited in comparison.

• There will be a focus on improving economic prosperity by capitalising on the M4 corridor opportunities through improving transport links to these areas.

• Pressure for Greenfield development within the south of the County Borough • Place pressure on the ability to secure/retain lower value uses in particular

areas such as employment uses • It is anticipated that the Market led strategy would be based on a mid to high

growth option, capable of accommodating between 6600 – 7250 dwellings • Socially unequitable


• New developments provide opportunities for efficient new buildings • Growth in residential and economic development sectors supports the needs

of existing and future population locally reducing the need for commuting • Benefits of growth will support new services • Increased congestion and pressure on environmental resources in the south • Lack of demand in north will threaten viability of communities • Inequitable provision of new development and associated services


January 2008

91

Regeneration Focus Strategy

6.7 This strategy would focus development growth in areas of greatest need.

Development would be concentrated to address the existing needs of specific settlements, and a dispersed form of growth would be encouraged.

• Increased emphasis on enabling development – allowing greenfield and

economic development opportunities where necessary • Removing barriers to investment including focusing on improving transport

links to the settlements to the north, and encouraging development into these areas

• Particular focus on Pontypool in providing a greater role in service provision • Focus on the exploitation of refurbishment and redevelopment opportunities • To achieve strategy there would need to be some element of restricting

development in the south to redirect development northwards • It is anticipated that the Regeneration Strategy could accommodate a mid

housing provision of around 6600 dwellings • Links with Heads of Valleys strategy and investment needed


• Support for existing Communities and local distinctiveness • Focus for development to integrate with and improve existing built

environment • Need for support and investment to support less optimal market solutions • Responsive and efficient developments based on local needs • Potential low level of overall growth restricting new opportunities • Need for investment in transport infrastructure in the north of the County

Borough

Network of Integrated Communities Strategy 6.8 The strategy would aim to ensure a network of integrated communities

spreading growth and prosperity from the two key settlements of Cwmbran and Pontypool to the rest of the settlements across Torfaen. These settlements must be successful in their own right, with strong retail, commercial and leisure sectors and function as service hubs for surrounding settlements.

• This strategy option would involve the concentration of growth in several key

areas, which could potentially provide benefits of scale in terms of infrastructure improvements and enhance existing communities by provision of an appropriate mix of uses

• Focusing growth in locations where wider benefits are more likely to occur • Effective transport links to and from jobs and services that cannot be

available locally. The settlements will grow according to their individual capacity, role and function and through the integration with each other will develop a strategy where each settlement builds upon its distinct opportunities for the benefit of the County Borough as a whole

• Emphasising development around key transport routes and development to reflect the role, scale and function of individual settlements. Expanded settlements potentially including greenfield sites to cater for local needs


January 2008

92


• Focus of development and services around town and local centres • Complimentary functions for settlements reducing inefficient competition • Local distinctiveness and character of areas promoted • Protection of local centres • Need for investment in transport infrastructure • Restricted opportunities and consequent pressure on public open space

network and often important ecological corridors

Overview of Sustainability Assessment Results 6.9 This section outlines the results of the sustainability assessments of each of

the strategy options. This exercise was undertaken by our consultants Atkins Ltd and then reviewed by the Forward Planning team. The complete set of assessment tables is included in the Appendices document. A summary of the results is outlined in figure 6.1 below followed by an explanation of the assessment.

Figure 6.1 – Overview of Sustainability Assessment Results

Options Performance Economic Environmental Social Assessment of the range of options for achieving Core Strategy Theme 1 – Spatial Strategy Development and Growth for Torfaen. Option 1: Urban Containment Strategy

+/- +/- ++/-

Option 2: Market Led Strategy

++/- +/-- +/-

Option 3: Regeneration Focus Strategy

++/- +/- ++

Option 4: Network of Integrated Communities

++ +/- ++

Performance against Economic Objectives 6.10 The Network of Integrated Communities Strategy were considered to have

the potential for the greatest positive effects as in supporting mid-high levels of growth across the County Borough, it enable the spread of employment opportunities more evenly in spatial terms and seek to capitalise on new transport corridors. Similarly the Regeneration Focus strategy scored positively as both these strategies also support increased town centre regeneration and vitality, which is important from a social perspective. The Market Led strategy was also considered to have the potential for positive effects given the economic development opportunities that is likely to arise from the implementation of this strategy.

6.11 The approach in the Network of Integrated Communities strategy and the

Regeneration Focus Strategy potentially include Greenfield sites where needed, and the concentration of growth in several key areas has benefits in


January 2008

93

terms of economies of scale and in removing barriers to investment; allowing economic development opportunities where need is greatest. This is particularly in contrast to the Market Led Strategy, which will result in patterns of development that respond to market demands as opposed to community need. Also the Network of Integrated Communities Strategy allows for a higher level of housing provision than the Regeneration Strategy, potentially allowing for a greater variety of housing.

Performance against Environmental Objectives

6.12 The Urban Containment Strategy was considered to have the potential for the

greatest positive effects (depending on the implementation of these options) due to reliance upon existing settlement boundaries, which, especially in the Urban Containment Strategy, would effectively constrain the expansion of development into Greenfield areas. The Market Led Strategy is the most likely to have the potential for the most negative effects, as market led development is likely to increase pressure on Greenfield sites and floodplains, to a greater extent than the other options.

6.13 It is important to note that all of the options involve adverse effects arising

from a combination of transport movements, loss of productive soils to development pressure, increased risk of water and air pollution, likely severance of habitats and negative effects on biodiversity. In all cases, these negative effects are likely to require avoidance and mitigation.

Performance against Social Objectives

6.14 All four options have been assessed as having the potential for moderate

positive effects on the basis that, to differing degrees, they will deliver regeneration benefits to key settlements, support improved accessibility to facilities and services and help to protect local character.

6.15 The Network of Integrated Communities Strategy and the Regeneration

Strategy are considered to have the greatest potential to deliver more positive than negative effects and thus these represent the best of the options. Primarily this is due to the fact that both options seek to spread regeneration benefits more evenly around the County Borough, than the Urban Containment Strategy and the Market Led Strategy, thus providing social benefits to a wider cross-section of the County’s population and seeking to better address spatial disparities, particularly between the north and south of the County Borough.

Conclusion

6.16 In conclusion, considering the balance of the assessments against the three

dimensions of sustainability, it is the Network of Integrated Communities Strategy that appears to offer the greatest potential for beneficial effects against the full range of social, environmental and economic objectives. Following this appraisal, TCBC considered the results of the sustainability assessment and have developed the Network of Integrated Communities Strategy into the Preferred Strategy for the LDP.

6.17 In developing the Network of Integrated Communities Strategy as the

Preferred Strategy for the LDP, a set of strategic policies have been


January 2008

94

developed which will deliver the strategy. The next stage of the SA/SEA involved the assessment of the Strategic Policies of the LDP in terms of their significant effects in sustainability terms. This is discussed in the following chapter, alongside mitigation measures identified as a result of the assessment.


January 2008

95

7. LDP Strategic Policies 7.1 Following confirmation of the strategy direction a draft set of Strategic policies

were developed in order to deliver on the aims and objectives of the strategy and the vision of the LDP. These policies were presented to council alongside the proposed Preferred Strategy on the 25th September 2007. At this meeting full council approved to delegate the completion of the ISAR and the Preferred Strategy to the Chief Officer for Planning and Public Protection. The purpose of this was that once the strategy had been approved alongside the draft policies these could then be subject to assessment against the sustainability objectives. The purpose of this assessment was to assess the sustainability implications in terms of implementing the policies and to identify areas for improvement that will mitigate predicted negative effects

7.2 This has been undertaken in line with the SEA directive which states that in

the Environmental Report “the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives… are identified, described and evaluated…and…the ‘environment report shall include the information that may reasonably be required at this stage taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme …and..its stage in the decision making process”.

7.3 Also it is a requirement of the SEA Directive to outline measures to prevent,

reduce, and offset as far as possible significant adverse effects on the environment from implementing the plan or programme. (Annex I (g). Therefore the assessment of policies has satisfied this requirement. This section now outlines the Core Policies that have been assessed. Assessment of Significant Effects of Strategic Policies

7.4 The assessment of prediction of effects is generally qualitative as quantitative

predictions are not always possible. The assessment of significance of effects relies on expert judgement and the above draft policies have been assessed by Atkins Ltd and reviewed by Torfaen Council before the final set of strategic policies have been developed.

7.5 The final set of 13 strategic policies are presented below. As discussed above

the strategic policies were assessed independently by our consultants Atkins Ltd, followed by review from the Forward Planning team. Changes to the policies therefore emerged from this process. Each of the strategic policies was assessed against the full range of sustainability objectives (30 in total). The assessment of effects has been undertaken in line with the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.

Torfaen LDP Strategic Policies

SP1 Sustainable Development Sites for development will be allocated within and adjacent to existing urban areas and meet the following: - a) Promote sustainable resource use and construction techniques; b) Regeneration of existing communities;


January 2008

96

c) Transportation and infrastructure considerations, including reducing the reliance on the private motor car and use of more sustainable modes of transport; d) Protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment; and e) Maximise the efficient use of existing community infrastructure SP2 Climate Change All development proposals shall be designed to mitigate further climate change and adapt to the effects of climate change, including flood risk. This will be addressed through the following hierarchy:

a) Ensuring that locational decisions are sustainable and promote sustainable transport choices;

b) Sustainable design;

c) Promoting energy efficiency and then;

d) Promoting the use of renewable energy technologies

in order to reduce CO2 emissions by a minimum of 10% above Building Regulations.

SP3 Place-making / Good Design Proposals for new development must have full regard to the context of the local natural and built environment and its special features through:

a) Promotion of local distinctiveness through good design, material selection and layout;

b) Incorporation of energy efficiency in layout and building technologies including sustainable construction practises and promotion of water conservation

c) Location and layout that reflects sustainable transport and accessibility principles;

d) Design in accordance with best practise in designing out crime SP4 Housing Provision will be made for the development of 7000 dwellings in Torfaen during the plan period 2006-2021; broken down to within the following Housing Market Areas: - a) North Torfaen (Blaenavon and Abersychan Wards) – approximately 900 dwellings*; b) Pontypool – approximately 2,800 dwellings* and c) Cwmbran – approximately 3,300 dwellings*. * - (dwelling numbers subject to site availability and suitability)

SP5 Affordable Housing The Authority will, based upon local needs, seek to negotiate the inclusion of an appropriate element of affordable housing, available in perpetuity, on suitable development sites.


January 2008

97

SP6 Employment and Economy The employment and economic development needs of Torfaen will be met by the identification of 60ha of land for employment and business purposes (use classes B1, B2 and B8) during the plan period 2006-2021. The employment role of important industrial and business areas will be enhanced and protected. A range and choice of accessible employment sites will be provided throughout Torfaen to provide opportunities for business and local employment needs to be provided, including provision to enhance town centre based employment and economic uses and increasing the tourism leisure and retail offer in our town centres.

SP7 Mineral Safeguarding Any economic mineral resource which has been identified, as being required to meet a national or South East Wales regional need will be safeguarded provided the impacts of extraction are potentially acceptable.

SP8 Waste Management Sites for strategic waste management facilities will be identified based on regional and local need and the use of regional search criteria. The sites and type of facilities chosen will promote a hierarchical approach to sustainable waste management.

SP9 Environmental Protection Policy Development proposals shall protect and enhance the following: - a) Ecology and biodiversity assets beyond designated sites, including the integrity of the strategic ecological corridors of the Afon Llwyd, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the National Cycle Route 42; b) The water environment; c) Important network of public open space and recreation facilities; d) The integrity of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site; e) The character of the built environment. The valuable character of the built environment includes local distinctiveness and setting of settlements and townscape character; f) Identified Special Landscape Areas; g) Conservation and heritage assets; and h) Green Wedge areas between Cwmbran & Newport, Ponthir & Caerleon and Mamhilad & New Inn/Pontypool. SP10 Community Infrastructure Contributions or appropriate provisions will be sought through Section 106 legal obligations to address the impacts of development on community infrastructure. They will be sought to secure the necessary infrastructure related to new development and may include:

a) Open space, play spaces and recreation facilities

b) Employment and commercial opportunities

c) Investment in educational provision


January 2008

98

d) Highways and transport infrastructure improvements (including walking and cycling infrastructure)

e) Enhancement and management of environment and conservation interests

f) Waste management facilities and services

h) Public realm improvements and public art;

i) Renewable energy and energy efficiency

SP11 Transport Developments that promote a sustainable transport hierarchy by improved accessibility through public transport, walking and cycling provision, more efficient use of the existing highway network and where necessary new road build will be supported. In particular, access improvements to serve North Torfaen will be prioritised including the safeguarding of land at Pontypool / New Inn Railway Station for a new Park and Ride Facility.

SP12 Retailing / Town Centres Major retail and main town centre leisure and culture developments will take place in, or as an extension to the Sub-Regional Shopping Centre of Cwmbran. The District Shopping Centres of Pontypool and Blaenavon will be protected and enhanced to improve vitality and viability and to ensure they meet the needs of local residents and to ensure that they have a range of facilities. Local Shopping Centres will be protected and enhanced to provide services and facilities for the local community. SP13 Health and Education Sites suitable for the potential relocation of Coleg Gwent, Pontypool and the development of a local general hospital to serve Torfaen will be safeguarded as well as potential sites for a new Specialist Critical Care Centre in Cwmbran

Assessment Assumptions and Rationale

7.6 As already identified the assessment of prediction of effects is generally

qualitative as quantitative predictions are not always possible. The assessment of significance of effects relies on expert judgement and as such has an element of subjectivity. It also relies somewhat on certain assumptions about changes to the sustainability baseline as a result of the policies being assessed. To assist the process an assessment rationale was prepared by Atkins Ltd and reviewed by Torfaen in relation to each of the sustainability objectives, the rationale outlined the types of issues policies should consider, in order that they would achieve the sustainability objectives. The assessment rationale is included in Appendix F.

Summary of Assessment Findings

7.7 The appraisal of the Strategic Policies attempts to predict the effects of the

Preferred Options in Economic, Environmental and Social terms. A summary of the assessment findings by Atkins Ltd is provided below. Table 7.2 following this summary provides an overview of TCBC’s changes to the


January 2008

99

policies, for mitigation of adverse effects and for enhancement of benefits taking into account the recommendations made by Atkins Ltd.

SP1: Sustainable Development 7.8 Policy SP1 represents the overarching policy in the LDP Preferred Strategy in

terms of the delivery of sustainable development. The assessment indicated that, in general terms, the direction of change following implementation of the policy, is likely to give rise to benefits in sustainability terms. It was outlined that the policy be enhanced by an extension of the scope of the policy and improved clarity through wording. This has been amended in the final version.

7.9 The assessment recommended that the criteria be linked directly to the

location of development, and to include specific reference to sustainable construction practises and reducing water consumption. Again this is referenced in the revised policy. Furthermore it was felt the reference to sustainable resource use didn’t clarify whether it applied to use of materials, sustainable construction techniques and or reuse/recycling of land. This has now been clarified in the revised policy. It was also recommended that the reference to regeneration should be explained, but it was felt by TCBC this will be explained in the strategy itself and would overcomplicate the strategic nature of the policy. The assessment also outlined that greater clarity is required how the natural and built environment may be protected and enhanced, in terms of identifying exactly what is valued. Again it was felt by TCBC that this detail would dilute the strategic nature of the policy and this detail will be progressed in the development of the Deposit LDP.

SP2: Climate Change 7.10 Policy SP2 represents the overarching policy for the LDP to mitigate the

effects of further climate change and adapts to the effects of climate change. Overall the assessment indicated that the policy is commendable, but there was room to strengthen the sustainability performance of the policy through a combination of clarification and broadening of scope of applicability.

7.11 Principally the policy appears to be focused on tacking climate change

through building design and layout only. Therefore reference to the locational decisions, and the need to address flood risk have been added to the policy. The assessment also indicated that the reference to promoting good design and appropriate renewable technologies required clarification. The scope of the revised policy has been widened to promote a more holistic approach to tackling climate change through the appropriate hierarchy.

SP3: Place Making/Good Design

7.12 Policy SP3 is the overarching policy for the promotion of good design and

ensuring effective place making in new development. Generally the assessment outlines has the potential to deliver benefits against a number of SA objectives but a ‘tighter’ policy would improve its performance. In this respect the assessment recommended making reference in the policy to the promotion of local distinctiveness, incorporation of energy efficiency, location and layout reflecting sustainable principals and design in accordance with


January 2008

100

best practice for designing out crime. These proposals have been accepted and the policy revised to provide an improved policy.

SP4: Housing 7.13 Policy SP4 is the overarching strategic policy for the delivery of housing within

the borough during the plan period. However it is not surprising that this policy has scored poorly in terms of environmental sustainability given the fact it proposed 7000 new dwellings in the County Borough. The assessment indicated that it could be improved by specific references to site location, design and construction. It was not felt by TCBC however that this was necessary given the strategic nature of the policy, and the fact anyway that the set of strategic policies should be read as a whole anyway. It is accepted however that more detailed policies will be required for the Deposit LDP and it may be appropriate to cross reference policies in this document. In addition the assessment recommended that the policy be expanded to include an indication of the % of housing requirement by location. Given that detailed site allocation have yet to be developed detailed percentages can not be provided at this point in time, however the policy has been expanded to include an approximate housing yield within each of the housing market areas.

SP5: Affordable Housing 7.14 Policy SP5 is the overarching policy for the delivery of affordable housing in

the borough. The assessment indicated there were few significant effects against the SA objectives but to achieve a more confident assessment of sustainability effects reference should be made to a definition of sustainable development sites, the types of housing that may be delivered through the policy, targets for delivery, likely locations for affordable housing and key design considerations. Again due to its strategic nature TCBC did not consider relevant to add this detail to this policy as a lot of this information is not known yet and will be influenced by the emerging Local Housing Strategy. These issues however will be addressed in the Deposit LDP.

SP6: Employment and Economy 7.15 SP6 is the overarching policy for the delivery of employment land and

meeting economic development needs in the County Borough up to 2021. The assessment indicates a relatively poor performance in terms of environmental sustainability and again identifies that cross-reference to specific policies relating to site location; design construction should be referred to. It was not felt by TCBC however that this was necessary given the strategic nature of the policy, and the fact that the set of strategic policies should be read as a whole anyway. It is accepted however that more detailed policies will be required for the Deposit LDP and it may be appropriate to cross reference policies in this document.

7.16 To broaden the benefits in terms of social sustainability it was recommended

reference be made to town centres and the need to enhance town centre based employment and the types of business class uses to be supported by the policy. This has been accepted and the policy reworded. The policy has also been strengthened by reference to promoting a choice of ‘accessible employment sites’, which also improves its performance in sustainability terms.


January 2008

101

SP7: Mineral Safeguarding 7.17 SP7 is the overarching policy in relation to Mineral Safeguarding and

Extraction for the LDP up until the period 2021. The assessment identified that the policy serves to simply safeguard sites for future mineral works. It failed to identify where the sites are located and additional text should be included to clarify the matters. Due to investigations of mineral need in SE Wales still being undertaken details of site locations cannot be provided at this strategic stage of the plan. However additional text to clarify this will be included in the Preferred Strategy document.

SP8: Waste Management 7.18 SP8 is the overarching policy for waste management issues in the LDP. The

assessment of the draft policy indicated identifies the main potential for significant effects will be against the SA objectives on climate change and air quality. For the remainder of the objectives the effects are classified as being uncertain as the policy lacks clarity as the draft policy could be interpreted as supporting the development of the broadest range of waste management facility. Also there is no indication of likely site locations. It is recommended that the policy should indicate where the sites could potentially be located and particularly what sort of waste management facilities will be supported by the policy.

7.19 Site locations for regional waste facilities will be identified as part of the SE

Wales Regional Waste Plan so this information cannot be provided at this time. However it is accepted that policy is vague in term of the types of facility supported by the policy and as such reference to a hierarchical approach to sustainable waste management and the identification of sites to be adopted has been added to the policy.

SP9: Protection Policy 7.20 SP9 is the overarching Protection Policy for key strategic assets. Following

the assessment it has been reworded to Environmental Protection Policy. The assessment indicated that it was the most detailed of all policies assessed as it included site-specific references and set out a Preferred Direction of Change. To broaden the scope of the policy the assessment recommended that a description of the valuable character of the built environment to support point (e) should be referred to; this has been accepted and the policy revised.

7.21 The assessment required clarification of the term ‘protect’ and whilst this will

not be detailed in the policy it will be identified in the supporting text. Also there was a need to ensure protection of biodiversity ‘beyond designated sites’ and this point is accepted and the policy has been revised. Reference to the need to protect the water environment has also been added in line with the assessment findings. As with assessment findings on other policies no cross reference to other policies is deemed necessary by TCBC, but the assessment identifies that this policy should be renamed environmental protection policy, with point b) relating to employment moved into the employment policy. This is accepted and the policy has been revised.


January 2008

102

SP10: Community Infrastructure

7.22 SP10 is the overarching policy for securing of an appropriate provision of

community infrastructure. The key assessment finding was although it is likely significant positive effects will result from the implementation of this policy, the policy lacks detail and the sustainability performance could be enhanced through clarity in wording. The assessment findings suggested that the policy makes reference to the range of facilities and services that encompass community infrastructure; this has now been done. The assessment also suggested clarification of whether development means ‘new build’ or also conversion. It is considered by TCBC that development means all form of development and as such there is no need to specifically define this in the policy.

7.23 The assessment outlined that the policy should make reference to possible

locational criteria that will apply to the identification of sites for community infrastructure, and whether opportunities will be sought for high quality architecture. The identification of sites will follow a sustainable approach as a advocated by other strategic policies but will be addressed in more detail in the Deposit LDP. Finally the assessment outlined that information should be included on when S106 considerations will apply and this will be progressed through the future S106 SPG that will be produced as part of the LDP.

SP11: Transport

7.24 Policy SP11 provides the overarching policy in respect of transport considerations in the LDP. The assessment findings identified a range of positive and negative effects. The key finding was that the draft policy supports improved accessibility in its broadest sense including new road build, but does not set a strict precedent fro the promotion of sustainable transport modes over road-based modes. This is accepted and the policy has been amended to promote a sustainable transport hierarchy and a more efficient use of the existing network before new build. It was not considered to include reference to SUDS for transport infrastructure and the design of infrastructure as these issues have been addressed by other strategic policies.

SP12: Retailing/Town Centres 7.25 SP12 is the overarching policy for retail issues in the LDP up to 2021. The

assessment of the draft policy indicated that it would be likely to result in a range of positive and negative effects. The adverse effects are considered to be a product of the policy support for physical extension to existing centres and the overall scale of development that could ensue as a result of the policy implementation. In order to strengthen the sustainability performance of the policy the assessment recommended reference should be made to the sequential approach to the identification of sites for town centre and retail development. It is considered that reference to this is not essential as this is covered under national planning policy and does not need to be repeated in LDP’s. The assessment outlines that reference should be made to flood risk, transportation, access and other criteria as influencing the location, type and form of retail development. It was not felt however that this was necessary given the strategic nature of the policy, and the fact anyway that the set of


January 2008

103

strategic policies should be read as a whole and as such other policies will cover these issues. Some of the detail will however be added in the retail policies for the Deposit LDP. The Deposit LDP will also detail the types of uses that will be supported in town centres.

SP13: Health and Education 7.26 SP13 is the overarching policy for Health and Education issues within

Torfaen. The assessment findings indicate that the draft policy identifies sites for development, but does not actually indicate when the health and education facilities referenced will be developed. As a result the assessment of effects reflects considerable uncertainty. The assessment findings recommend that potential sites for these uses be referenced in the policy and when it is likely they will come forward. This information is not available at present and the detail is likely to come forward to inform the policies for the LDP. Additional text will be provided in the LDP Preferred Strategy to clarify these matters. The assessment also indicates that the policy should reference the likely scale of development it will support and what is proposed for the sites that will be vacated. Again as this detail is not known it not appropriate to add further detail to the strategic policy.

7.27 Following this assessment TCBC considered the results of the assessment

and amended the policies as outlined in figure 7.1 overleaf. These mitigation measures will help improve the sustainability performance of the policies.

.


January 2008

104

Original LDP Strategic Policy Proposed Amendment to LDP Strategic Policy

Reasons for Proposed Change

SP1 Sustainable Development

Sites for development will be allocated within and adjacent to existing urban areas in order to meet the following: - a) Promote sustainable development, use

of resources and energy efficient settlements;

b) Regeneration of existing communities; c) Transportation and infrastructure

considerations, including reducing the reliance on the private motor car and use of more sustainable modes of transport;

d) Protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment; and

e) Maximise the efficient use of existing community infrastructure

SP1 Sustainable Development

Sites for development will be allocated within and adjacent to existing urban areas and meet the following: - e) Promote sustainable resource use

and construction techniques; f) Regeneration of existing communities; g) Transportation and infrastructure

considerations, including reducing the reliance on the private motor car and use of more sustainable modes of transport;

h) Protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment; and

e) Maximise the efficient use of existing community infrastructure

The focus of the policy indicates that the criteria are linked directly to the location of development. Therefore it is proposed to replace ‘in order to’ with ‘and meet’ as this would serve to broaden the application of the policy and deliver a more pro active approach to achieving the listed criteria in all development. The policy fails to promote sustainable construction practises, and fails to promote water efficiency. Therefore criterion (a) has been reworded to promote sustainable resource use (this covers water efficiency, energy efficiency, selection and use of materials and re use/recycling of land and built resources) and to promote construction techniques.

SP2 Climate Change

All development proposals shall be designed to mitigate further climate change and adapt to the effects of climate change through good design, promoting energy efficiency and the use of appropriate renewable energy technologies in order to reduce CO2 emissions by a minimum of 10% above Building Regulations.

SP2 Climate Change

All development proposals shall be designed to mitigate further climate change and adapt to the effects of climate change, including flood risk. This will be addressed through the following hierarchy: a) Ensuring that locational decisions are sustainable and promote sustainable transport choices;

In its current format the policy fails to address the need to address the need to reduce flood risk. Therefore reference to the need for development to adapt to the effects of flood risk has been added to the policy. Also the policy in its present format focuses on tacking climate change through building design and layout only. Therefore the scope of the policy has been widened to promote a more holistic approach to climate change through the

Figure 7.1 – Revised Strategic Policies


January 2008

105



b) Sustainable design; c) Promoting energy efficiency and then; d) Promoting the use of renewable energy technologies in order to reduce CO2 emissions by a minimum of 10% above Building Regulations.

appropriate hierarchy. Therefore reference to ensuring locational decisions are sustainable, the promotion of good design, and promoting energy efficiency should be promoted before the use of renewable technologies.

SP3 Place-making / Good Design

Proposals for new development must be of a good standard of design, and have full regard to the context of the local natural and built environment and its special features.

SP3 Place-making / Good Design

Proposals for new development must have full regard to the context of the local natural and built environment and its special features through: a) Promotion of local distinctiveness through good design, material selection and layout; b) Incorporation of energy efficiency in layout and building technologies including sustainable construction practises and promotion of water conservation; c) Location and layout that reflects sustainable transport and accessibility principles; and d) Design in accordance with best practise in designing out crime.

In its current format the policy lacks clarity and detail. Therefore in order to achieve a ‘tighter’ design policy it is proposed include the listed criteria in relation to the promotion of local distinctiveness through good design, incorporation of energy efficiency, locations and layout reflecting sustainable principles and promoting design in accordance with best practise in designing out crime.



January 2008

106



SP4 Housing

Provision will be made for the development of 7000 dwellings in Torfaen during the plan period 2006-2021; broken down to within the following Housing Market Areas: - a) North Torfaen (Blaenavon and

Abersychan Wards); b) Pontypool; and c) Cwmbran.

SP4 Housing

Provision will be made for the development of 7000 dwellings in Torfaen during the plan period 2006-2021; broken down to within the following Housing Market Areas: - a) North Torfaen (Blaenavon and Abersychan Wards) – approximately 900 dwellings*; b) Pontypool – approximately 2,800 dwellings* and c) Cwmbran – approximately 3,300 dwellings*. * - (dwelling numbers subject to site availability and suitability)

In its present format the policy fails to give an indication of the potential housing requirement by location. Therefore in order for potential effects to be accurately predicted it is proposed to include the following approximate dwelling numbers, which were referenced in the Preferred Strategy Report to Full Council subject to site availability and suitability

SP5 Affordable Housing

The Authority will, based upon local needs, seek to negotiate the inclusion of an appropriate element of affordable housing, available in perpetuity, on suitable development sites.

SP5 Affordable Housing

The Authority will, based upon local needs, seek to negotiate the inclusion of an appropriate element of affordable housing, available in perpetuity, on suitable development sites. No Change

No Change Proposed

SP6 Employment and Economy

The employment and economic development needs of Torfaen will be met by the

SP6 Employment and Economy

The employment and economic development needs of Torfaen will be met by the

In its present format the policy fails to identify the types of business classes to be supported and does not reference town centre based employment. Therefore it is proposed to



January 2008

107



identification of 60ha of land for employment and business purposes during the plan period 2006-2021. A range and choice of employment sites will be provided throughout Torfaen to provide opportunities for business and local employment needs.

identification of 60ha of land for employment and business purposes (use classes B1, B2 and B8) during the plan period 2006-2021. The employment role of important industrial and business areas will be enhanced and protected. A range and choice of accessible employment sites will be provided throughout Torfaen to provide opportunities for business and local employment needs to be provided, including provision to enhance town centre based employment and economic uses and increasing the tourism leisure and retail offer in our town centres.

reference the relevant use classes to be supported by the policy. Also the policy fails to identify the need to protect and enhance important industrial and business areas, and this has now been added. Reference to promoting a range and choice of accessible employment sites has been inserted to strengthen the policy. Finally in order to broaden the potential benefits in social terms reference to enhancing town centre based employment and increasing the tourism and leisure offer in town centres has been added.

SP7 Mineral Safeguarding

Any economic mineral resource which have been identified as being required to meet a national or South East Wales regional need will be safeguarded provided the impacts of extraction are potentially acceptable.

SP7 Mineral Safeguarding

Any economic mineral resource which have been identified as being required to meet a national or South East Wales regional need will be safeguarded provided the impacts of extraction are potentially acceptable. No Change

No Change Proposed

SP8 Waste Management

Sites for strategic waste management facilities will be safeguarded based on

SP8 Waste Management

Sites for strategic waste management facilities will be identified based on regional

In its current format the policy seeks to ‘safeguard’ sites. In accordance with the assembly guidance the policy should ‘identify’



January 2008

108



regional and local need and the use of regional search criteria.

and local need and the use of regional search criteria. The sites and type of facilities chosen will promote a hierarchical approach to sustainable waste management.

sites as safeguarding precludes development of other potential uses if deemed acceptable. Also the policy fails to identify what sort of waste management technologies will be supported by the policy within the County Borough. Therefore reference to the fact that the sites and type of facilities chosen will promote a hierarchical approach to sustainable waste management has been added

SP9 Protection Policy

Development proposals shall protect the following: - a) Ecology and biodiversity assets,

including the integrity of the strategic ecological corridors of the Afon Llwyd, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the National Cycle Route 42;

b) The employment role of important industrial and business areas;

c) Important network of public open space and recreation facilities;

d) The integrity of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site;

e) The character of the built environment; f) Identified Special Landscape Areas; g) Conservation and heritage assets; and h) Green Wedge areas between

SP9 Environmental Protection Policy Development proposals shall protect and enhance the following: - i) Ecology and biodiversity assets

beyond designated sites, including the integrity of the strategic ecological corridors of the Afon Llwyd, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the National Cycle Route 42;

j) The water environment; k) Important network of public open space

and recreation facilities; l) The integrity of the Blaenavon World

Heritage Site; m) The character of the built environment.

The valuable character of the built environment includes local distinctiveness and setting of settlements and townscape

In its current format the policy is primarily focused on the environment and the reference to employment in criterion b seems misplaced. Therefore criterion b has been incorporated into SP6: Employment and Economy and this policy has been renamed Environmental Protection Policy for clarity. Whilst the policy focuses on protecting the relevant environment resources it fails to seek enhancement of these resources and as such reference to enhancement has been added to the policy to make it more holistic. Again the policy fails to seek the safeguarding of the water environment and therefore the protection and enhancement of this resource has been added to the aims of the policy. Finally it was felt that criterion (e) is rather vague in its current format, and an explanation of the valuable character of the built



January 2008

109



Cwmbran & Newport, Ponthir & Caerleon and Mamhilad & New Inn/Pontypool.

character; n) Identified Special Landscape Areas; o) Conservation and heritage assets; and p) Green Wedge areas between Cwmbran

& Newport, Ponthir & Caerleon and Mamhilad & New Inn/Pontypool.

environment with which the criteria refers to has been explained.

SP10 Community Infrastructure

Contributions or appropriate provisions will be sought through Section 106 legal obligations to address the impacts of development on community infrastructure.

SP10 Community Infrastructure

Contributions or appropriate provisions will be sought through Section 106 legal obligations to address the impacts of development on community infrastructure. They will be sought to secure the necessary infrastructure related to new development and may include: a) Open space, play spaces and recreation facilities; b) Employment and commercial opportunities; c) Investment in educational provision; d) Highways and transport infrastructure improvements (including walking and cycling infrastructure); e) Enhancement and management of environment and conservation interests;

In its present format, the policy lacks detail in respect of the range of facilities and services that fall under the umbrella term of community infrastructure. Therefore relevant areas in relation to S106 contributions have been listed in the revised policy.



January 2008

110



f) Waste management facilities and services; h) Public realm improvements and public art; and i) Renewable energy and energy efficiency.

SP11 Transport

Developments that promote improved accessibility through new road, public transport, walking and cycling provision will be supported. In particular access improvements to serve North Torfaen will be prioritised including the safeguarding of land at Pontypool / New Inn Railway Station for a new Park and Ride Facility.

SP11 Transport

Developments that promote a sustainable transport hierarchy by improved accessibility through public transport, walking and cycling provision, more efficient use of the existing highway network and where necessary new road build will be supported. In particular, access improvements to serve North Torfaen will be prioritised including the safeguarding of land at Pontypool / New Inn Railway Station for a new Park and Ride Facility.

It is considered that the sustainability performance of this policy can be improved. Firstly it is considered important for the policy to reflect the promotion of a sustainable transport hierarchy and this reference has been added to the policy. Secondly the original policy focuses on new road build and therefore a more efficient use of the existing network and where necessary new road build has been added to the policy. This will strengthen the policy in terms of achieving a shift to sustainable transport modes.

SP12 Retailing / Town Centres

Major retail and main town centre leisure and

SP12 Retailing / Town Centres

Major retail and main town centre leisure and Whilst the policy seeks the protection and enhancement of District shopping centres, it only seeks to protect local shopping centres. In



January 2008

111



culture developments will take place in, or as an extension to the Sub-Regional Shopping Centre of Cwmbran. The District Shopping Centres of Pontypool and Blaenavon will be protected and enhanced to improve vitality and viability and to ensure they meet the needs of local residents and to ensure that they have a range of facilities. Local Shopping Centres will be protected to provide services and facilities for the local community.

culture developments will take place in, or as an extension to the Sub-Regional Shopping Centre of Cwmbran. The District Shopping Centres of Pontypool and Blaenavon will be protected and enhanced to improve vitality and viability and to ensure they meet the needs of local residents and to ensure that they have a range of facilities. Local Shopping Centres will be protected and enhanced to provide services and facilities for the local community.

attempting to promote the vitality and viability of the local shopping centres it is considered necessary to include ‘enhancement’ of local shopping centres within the provisions of the policy.

SP13 Health and Education Sites suitable for the potential relocation of Coleg Gwent, Pontypool and the County Hospital, Griffithstown will be safeguarded as well as potential sites for a new Specialist Critical Care Centre Hospital in Cwmbran

SP13 Health and Education Sites suitable for the potential relocation of Coleg Gwent, Pontypool and the development of a local general hospital to serve Torfaen will be safeguarded as well as potential sites for a new Specialist Critical Care Centre in Cwmbran.

It is considered that terminology in the original needs to be clarified and reference to ‘County Hospital, Griffithstown’ should be replaced with the development of a local general hospital to serve Torfaen. Finally the word ‘hospital’ has been deleted from the last sentence in terms of clarity.



January 2008

112

Mitigation

7.28 Mitigation encompasses approaches that are aimed at preventing, reducing or offsetting significant adverse sustainability effects which have been identified. It is also important to seek measures aimed at enhancing positive effects. Mitigation measures for each Strategic Policy have been identified in the assessments in Appendix F. Also, as outlined in the previous section amendments to the Strategic Policies have been undertaken as part of mitigation.


January 2008

113

8. Monitoring 8.1 In accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory

Purchase Act 2004 and the SEA directive, a monitoring strategy should be prepared to monitor the significant effects of the LDP. Particularly the SEA directive states that

“member states shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans and programmes…in order, interalia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action” (Article 10). In addition, the Environmental Report should provide information on a “description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring (Annex I (i) ) (Stage E)

8.2 Monitoring the effects of the LDP will be an integral part of the process. The

SA Framework is intended to enable the comparison between predicted effects and actual effects through implementation of the plan. The performance of the LDP will be maintained against the SA objectives to ascertain if the objectives are being achieved and if not whether measures need to be taken to address it.

8.3 The indicators chosen represent a range of social, economic and

environmental measures that are considered efficient to enable the identification of whether the SA objectives are being achieved. These indicators will be monitored over time and will provide trend-based performance at authority level and performance against authorities. In the development of the Framework, quantitative targets have been identified where possible.

The SA/SEA monitoring arrangements will be confirmed at LDP Deposit consultation.

8.4 Following adoption of the LDP, in accordance within the Planning and Compulsory Act 2004, TCBC will prepare an Annual Monitoring Report which will set out how the policies and proposals and objectives of the LDP are being achieved.

8.5 The LDP will be reviewed every 4 years and alongside this the SA baseline

information and objectives will take place to feed into this revision. Any amendments will follow the same stages of LDP preparation.

Links to associated Documents 8.6 Aside from the LDP, the main planning documents to which the SEA process

is relevant is any subsequent policy that forms SPG. Currently an SPG programme has been produced, and when these come forward they will be assessed as to whether they will require SEA. Even where SEA is not required all SPG will be expected to broadly comply with the SA objectives set out in the SA Framework.


January 2008

114

9. Summary and Next Steps

Stages Completed in the Sustainability Appraisal 9.1 The SA scoping report has been consulted on and updated and now forms

part of the ISAR. This covered the following first five stage requirements of Stage A in the SA process. They are:

• Identifying other relevant plans and programmes • Collation of baseline data • Identification of key sustainability issues • Developing the SA Framework • Consulting on the scope of the Sustainability Appraisal

Stage B – Developing and Refining Options and Assessing Effects

• Testing the LDP objectives against the Sustainability Appraisal Objectives • Developing and appraising LDP options and Preferred Strategic Policies • Predicting the effects • Evaluation of Effects • Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial

effects

Stages to be completed 9.2 Following consultation on this document, then as part of the development of

the Deposit LDP, work will begin on the Sustainability Appraisal Report, which will replace the ISAR when completed. As part of the SA process for the Deposit LDP Stage B assessments of further policies and proposals will be undertaken.

Stage C – Preparing the Sustainability Report

Stage D – Consultation on the draft LDP and the Sustainability Appraisal Report

• Public participation on the draft plan and the Sustainability Appraisal Report • Appraising Significant Changes • Making decisions and providing information

Stage E – Monitoring the significant effects of the plan

Consultation

9.3 This ISAR will be placed on public consultation for 6 weeks from 28th January

to 10th March 2008 as part of wider pre deposit consultation on the LDP’s Preferred Strategy. The comments received on the ISAR will be taken into consideration in preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report which will is expected to be published alongside the Deposit LDP in January 2009.


January 2008

115

Date post:	09-Dec-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	truongkhuong
View:	217 times
Download:	0 times