Northamptonshire County Council
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report
Minerals and Waste Local Plan Proposed submission document
November 2012
CONTENTS
1. Introduction 1
2. Policy Context - Policies, plans and programmes influencing the plan and
Sustainability Appraisal 8
4. Development of the Sustainability Appraisal framework 9
3. Baseline information and key sustainability issues 16
5. Testing the plan against the Sustainability Appraisal 18
6. Moving forward 22
7. Consultation 23
Appendix 1: Policy context – policies, plans and programmes influencing the Plan and
Sustainability Appraisal 24
Appendix 2: Baseline information 39
Appendix 3: Key sustainability issues affecting the Plan 49
Appendix 4: Development of the Sustainability Appraisal framework 52
Appendix 5: Methodology for testing development options and appraising effects of the
plan 60
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (the Act), Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is mandatory for Local Development Documents as part of the plan making process.
1.2 The process of undertaking SA assists planning authorities to fulfil the objective of integrating sustainable development principles into the plan making process.
1.3 There are a number of different definitions of sustainable development. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) refers to the UK Sustainable Development Strategy Securing the Future in realtion to its five ‘guiding principles’ of sustainable development: living within the planet’s environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieveing a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using sound science responsibly.
1.4 Sustainable development in England will be achieved partly through the planning system by the policies within the NPPF assisting it to fulfill a number of roles under three dimensions:
“an economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive
economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right
places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and
coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure;
a social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the
supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and
by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect
the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being; and
an environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and
historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural
resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate
change including moving to a low carbon economy.” (NPPF 2012)
1.5 The requirement to carry out SA and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) are distinct. However it is possible to satisfy both through a single appraisal process. It should be noted that herein where reference is made to SA it should be taken to include the requirements of the SEA Directive.
1.6 The purpose of SA is to promote sustainable development through better integration of sustainability considerations into plan preparation and adoption. SA is an integral part of good plan-making and should not be seen as a separate activity.
1.7 SA is an iterative process that identifies and reports on the likely significant effects of the plan and the extent to which implementation of the plan will achieve the social, environmental and economic objectives by which sustainable development can be defined.
Purpose of the Scoping Report
1.8 This SA Scoping Report has been prepared within the Planning Policy section of the Environment and Planning Directorate of the Northamptonshire County Council. The aim of the Scoping Report is to fulfil requirements of both the Act and the SEA Directive, and has been produced in accordance with the NPPF.
1.9 The integration of sustainability considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans is the key focus of the SA process. Within this capacity, as per Government guidance, the purpose of the SA Scoping Report is to determine consistency and compatibility between the SA Framework objectives and the plan objectives.
1.10 The Scoping Report lays the foundation for the SA and focuses on the context of the plan, in this case the Local Plan. The Scoping Report also acts to assess the plan’s context in a holistic manner in order to determine if the plan’s objectives contribute towards sustainable development.
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1.11 The Scoping Report is also the mechanism for developing a sound and robust SA Framework and appraisal methodology. Hence the Scoping Report forms the basis for the appraisal and the production of the SA Environmental Report. The Scoping Report details:
Policies, plans and programmes influencing the plan and SA, including the
international, national, regional and local policy context,
Baseline information and key sustainability issues, including economic,
environmental, social and spatial factors,
Development of the SA framework and objectives,
Testing the plan objectives against the SA framework,
Methodology for testing development options and appraising effects of the plan, and
Outline of the format and content of the SA Environmental Report.
1.12 Northamptonshire County Council is the minerals and waste planning authority for Northamptonshire. Hence it is responsible for the development of the planning for minerals and waste development.
1.13 Changes in the planning system have resulted in Development Frameworks (i.e. the MWDF), previously the main vehicle for setting out the context for planning decisions on minerals and waste development, being replaced by Local Plans.
1.14 Northamptonshire County Council are undertaking a partial review of their adopted MWDF in order to ensure that it is up-to-date and in-line with current national poilcy and guidance. When this partial review is complete, the Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan (MWLP or the Local Plan) (and associated documents) will provide the strategic spatial planning framework for Northamptonshire’s minerals and waste development that guides future land use planning and promotes sustainable development and sound planning.
1.15 The Act (2004), the NPPF and Government guidance provide for the transition between the existing Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF) to the Local Plan.
The Partial Review
1.16 The adopted MWDF will retain its status until it is superseded by the Local Plan (upon adoption). There is however pressure for Local Planning Authorities to replace their Development Frameworks with Local Plans due to the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ and national policy highlighting the importance of keeping plans up-to-date (as set out in the NPPF). Where a plan is out-of-date or silent on matters there will be a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The review of the SA will form the base of the partial review process.
1.17 Although the MWDF is recently adopted and most of the plan is considered to be up-to-date there are elements which are considered to be losing their immediacy. The figures relating to provisions are now becoming dated. For waste this is due to the level of growth in Northamptonshire now being less than was envisaged when the Core Strategy was adopted. In addition to this, the national guidance on mineral provision has been updated as a result of changes to national requirements, reducing our annual provision target. Policies in both the Core Strategy and the Control and Management of Development DPDs will require updating in order to reflect revised national guidance contained in the NPPF and to ensure that specific matters which are no longer covered in the NPPF are included (where this is relevant to Northamptonshire). The Local Plan is also set to include county level planning guidance on matters such as low level radioactive waste (LLW).
1.18 The partial review will extend the end date of the current MWDF from 2026 to 2031, both for the reviewed elements and the remainder of the plan. In doing so, the current portfolio of DPD documents will now be branded as the Minerals and Waste Local Plan and combined into one document. Table 1 shows the elements of the partial review process and outcomes.
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Table 1: The Partial review outcome
Overview of the Local Plan
1.19 The Northamptonshire Local Plan will:
Set out the broad strategy for minerals and waste in the county and the amount of
provision we will need to make for such development (note that spatial strategies are
not included in the partial review),
Identify specific sites for waste-related development (note that site allocations are not
included in the partial review),
Identify specific sites for minerals-related development (note that site allocations are
not included in the partial review),
Cover aspects of controlling and managing minerals and waste-related development,
and
A Proposals Map, which identifies the sites on a detailed map.
1.20 There will also be related documents that combined with the Local Plan will form part of the Development Plan for Northamptonshire:
Development and Implementation Principles Supplementary Planning Document
(SPD) which provides guidance on waste minimisation and the provision of waste
management facilities in new development, as well as the design and restoration of
minerals and waste facilities.
Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which sets out how the council will
consult and engage with people during the preparation of the Local Plan as well as on
significant planning applications submitted to the council.
The Minerals and Waste Development Scheme (MWDS) which sets out the
composition of and the production process, for the partial review process and its
individual components.
Annual Monitoring Report (AMR), which monitors how the council is progressing with
the Local Plan (and MWDF until formerly replaced), and particularly how its policies
are being implemented; an AMR is produced every December.
MWDF
existing current documents
Partial Review
what is being reviewed
Sustainability Appraisal
what is being assessed
Partial review
the outcomes
Partial Review Process Core Strategy
Local Plan
Locations for Minerals Development DPD Locations for Waste Development DPD Control and Management for Development DPD
Proposals Map N/A N/A
Development and Implementation Principles Supplementary Planning Document
Development and Implementation Principles Supplementary Planning Document
Statement of Community Involvement
N/A N/A Statement of Community Involvement
Minerals and Waste Development Scheme
N/A N/A Minerals and Waste Development Scheme
Annual Monitoring Report
N/A N/A Annual Monitoring Report
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 4 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
Background
1.21 The Local Plan will be the main component of planning policy and will set out the long-term spatial vision, spatial objectives and core policies which form the development strategy for minerals and waste development in Northamptonshire. In addition it will outline the broad provision that needs to be made for such development to 2031 and strategic spatial considerations that apply to enable this provision to be accommodated within Northamptonshire. It also sets out the monitoring and implementation framework.
1.22 The Local Plan will reflect Government guidance by taking account of the need to contribute towards the development of sustainable communities at acceptable social, environmental and economic costs.
1.23 Detailed locations for minerals and waste development and the locational criteria for specific types of minerals and waste development were identified through the MWDF Locations DPDs, site allocations are not included in the partial review.
Vision
1.24 The Local Plan vision outlines the desired outcome and the plan’s intent in spatial planning terms; setting the context for development options for the Local Plan at a broad level. The vision also demonstrates a sense of local distinctiveness and considers the functional relationship between key social, environmental, economic and physical features of the area.
1.25 The strategic vision for the Local Plan is detailed below in Box 1. The vision is fit-for-purpose and is not considered to require updating (apart from the plan period), as such it is not included in the partial review.
Key Principles
1.26 The objectives of the Local Plan set out what the plan is aiming to achieve in spatial planning terms and set the context for development options.
1.27 The objectives for the Local Plan are listed in Box 2. The objectives are fit-for-purpose and are not considered to require updating (apart from the plan period), as such it is not included in the partial review.
Box 1: The MWDF vision
The Northamptonshire of 2026 will have seen sustained growth and development. A network of well-designed urban-focused waste management facilities, and sensitively worked and restored mineral extraction sites from glacial / pre-glacial areas in the western half of the county and certain of its river valleys, will have strongly helped to have brought about the implementation and management of this growth. Through growth and development, the creation of sustainable communities across Northamptonshire will have also been underpinned by optimising the efficient use of minerals and waste resources, including communities taking far more responsibility for the waste they generate.
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Box 2: The Local Plan objectives
Objective 1: Developing sustainable communities
Support the development of sustainable communities in the key national growth area of Northamptonshire by facilitating the provision of infrastructure, facilities and services through ensuring:
a supply of minerals to the construction industry in line with national and regional guidance; and
development of a modern network of sustainable waste management facilities which contributes towards achieving regional self-sufficiency and meets community, business and industry needs.
Objective 2: Sustainable minerals and waste development in Northamptonshire
Promote a step change in high quality design-led sustainable development by maximising materials resource efficiency, minimising waste, optimising the use of existing infrastructure and highway networks and previously developed land and promoting the sustainable transport of materials.
Objective 3: Promoting a clear investment framework
Promote a clear investment framework that identifies priorities for future private and public investment in minerals and waste development which gives confidence in delivery and ensures linkages to other growth area investment within and adjacent to Northamptonshire.
Objective 4: Spatial distribution of minerals development
Facilitate of mineral extraction within Northamptonshire through a strategic approach that directs through a clear and deliverable spatial strategy, particularly for sand and gravel, extraction of the mineral deposits that will meet the annual apportionments for Northamptonshire.
Objective 5: Spatial distribution of waste development
Facilitate the delivery of a strategic urban-focused flexible waste management network which supports the treatment of waste close to where it has been generated, with particular encouragement of integrated waste recovery and treatment facilities.
Objective 6: Efficient use and re-use of minerals resources
Ensure efficient use of primary aggregates and encourage the use of secondary and recycled materials for higher quality end-uses for development to support the growth of Northamptonshire and its infrastructure requirements.
Objective 7: Safeguarding Northamptonshire’s mineral resources
Safeguard Northamptonshire’s key mineral resources, particularly sand and gravel, from sterilisation by other forms of development.
Objective 8: Safeguarding Northamptonshire’s waste management network
Safeguard Northamptonshire’s waste management network from incompatible development.
Objective 9: Supporting local identity
Support the distinctive local identity of Northamptonshire through the supply of locally sourced building materials (including varieties of limestone, ironstone, sandstone and Collyweston stone slate) and encourage their use within the county for the purposes for which they are most suitable.
Objective 10: Conserving and enhancing Northamptonshire’s built and natural environment
Recognise Northamptonshire’s environmental systems and landscape linkages in order to conserve and enhance the built and natural environment through ensuring sensitive working, and where necessary high standards of mitigation of potentially adverse impacts of minerals and waste development.
Objective 11: Responsible stewardship through restoration
Ensure an appropriate and beneficial after-use from mineral, and where appropriate waste development, through restoration that maximises enhancement opportunities, delivers a net gain in environmental capital, and fosters responsible stewardship.
Objective 12: Safe and healthy communities
Preserve residential amenity, protect the health and safety of communities and promote recreational opportunities associated with minerals and waste development.
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Practical application of the SA process to the Local Plan
1.28 This Scoping Report focuses on the development and appraisal of the Local Plan. Specific to Northamptonshire, the Local Plan will set out the long-term spatial objectives for minerals and waste development. Each of the policies contained within the Local Plan expand upon and ensures the practical application of the plan’s objectives across the county.
1.29 Following a review of the plan making and SA process, the following was determined:
The purpose of the Scoping Report is to determine consistency and compatibility
between the SA Framework objectives and the plan objectives,
The Scoping Report lays the foundation for the SA process by providing a mechanism
for developing a sound and robust SA Framework and appraisal methodology which
will form the base for the subsequent production of SA Environmental Reports for
individual documents,
The Scoping Report acts to assess the plan’s context, including the review and
identification of the policy context, baseline information and key sustainability issues.
This can be applied across the board to all of Northamptonshire’s planning policy
documents,
The geographical coverage of all the planning policy apply to the county as a whole,
and
All of the Northamptonshire minerals and waste planning policies will act as an
extension and practical application of the objectives whilst reflecting the Local Plan
Key Vision and Principles.
1.30 This SA is only for the components of northamptonshire’s minerals and waste planning policy which are under partial review. The sections of the existing MWDF which are not being reviewed at this time do not require further SA. As a result of this the SA framework has not been amended as it is considered fit for purpose and to do so would not value-add to the process or prove an efficient approach.
1.31 Given the above, it was decided that in order to ensure efficiency within the plan making process, the Scoping Report would act as the Scoping Report for both the Local Plan and associated documents. This applies to this Scoping Report which reflects the current policy context and revised baseline information.
1.32 The practical application of the SA process in relation to the Northamptonshire Local Plan is illustrated in Figure 1.
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Figure 1: Practical application of the SA process in relation to the Northamptonshire Local Plan
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 8 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
2. POLICY CONTEXT - POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES
INFLUENCING THE PLAN AND SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL
2.1 As part of the MWDF process a review was undertaken of relevant policies, plans and
programmes influencing the policy context of the plan and SA. This process enabled the
identification of potential synergies between other policies, plans and programmes. It
also assisted in the identification and clarification of any inconsistencies and constraints.
The review incorporated relevant material at an international (including EU), national,
regional and local policy context level. The level of identification of documents forming
the policy context is considered to comply with the requirements of the SEA Directive. A
standard template was used to determine:
Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA,
Key targets and indicators relevant to the plan and SA,
Implications for the plan, and
Implications for SA.
2.2 A review of the policy hierarchy was undertaken however it was not considered
necessary to amend the SA Framework as a result. The updated policy context has been
updated and is summarised in Appendix 1.
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3. BASELINE INFORMATION AND KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
Baseline information
3.1 Baseline information provides the basis for predicting and monitoring effects and helps to identify key sustainability issues. The baseline data was originally co-ordinated with the development of the evidence base as required by the MWDF plan making process, and development of the SA Framework. This data is based on the monitoring period 1
st April
2010 to 31st March 2011 (Appendix 2).
3.2 Information on the current state and emerging trends of economic, environmental, social and spatial planning factors within Northamptonshire allow the plan’s effects to be adequately predicted and monitored.
3.3 Indicators have been tailored to specifically address issues of relevance to minerals and waste development. Generic information has been included where it was believed to add value to the baseline.
3.4 Data limitations include availability of data (e.g. correct scale, up to date), unreliable sources or statistics and information being commercially sensitive.
3.5 Data collection is ongoing throughout the development and monitoring of minerals and waste planning policy. As such indicators and data will continue to be updated as necessary to ensure that the local factors are accurately reflected.
3.6 An overview of the state of Northamptonshire, with respect to economic, environmental, social and spatial planning matters as they relate to mineral and waste development, is provided in the following sections. This is believed to fulfil the requirement of providing information regarding environmental characteristics and the state of the environment as per the SEA Directive.
Key sustainability issues
3.7 The SA Framework must highlight any existing environmental, economic, social and spatial planning issues of relevance to LDDs. The identification of the key sustainability issues assists in the development of the SA Framework. The key sustainability issues were derived from the analysis of the policy context, focussing on material of specific relevance to Northamptonshire. The key issues are outlined in the following sections and Appendix 3.
Overview of the state of Northamptonshire
3.8 Northamptonshire covers an area of over 200,000 hectares. The population has grown by over 50% over the past 50 years, particularly through planned growth and the designation of and development at new and expanded towns. It has nevertheless retained traditional shire characteristics. The area is predominantly rural in character, interspersed with large to small towns built on commercial activities ranging from manufacturing to farming.
Economic - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment
3.9 The global economy entered recession in 2008, following the contraction in the money markets that commenced in 2007. The economic situation in the county has been significantly affected by the recession. While the evidence suggests that the impacts are slowing, conditions remain difficult in many areas. In particular levels of unemployment remain high, especially among young people. The unemployment rate for Northamptonshire in January 2012 was 3.2%. This has declined significantly from the same time the provious year indicating that Northamptonshire has seen the worst of the effects of this global depression.
3.10 The rapid expansion of the county in the past three decades has brought with it a diversified industrial and commercial base. Northamptonshire’s economy has consistently experienced growth well above national averages, despite the decline in traditional industries. The traditional industrial base, centred on footwear manufacturing,
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 10 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
steelmaking and agriculture, is being supplanted by service, high technology, engineering and distribution sectors.
3.11 However, the persistence of the ‘low pay low skills equilibrium’ remains an issue. Further, economic change resulting in a move away from traditional industries has created skills and job gaps and destabilised communities, creating an unequal distribution of debt, joblessness and deprivation which can be hidden at the local level. Subsequently, there is a lower level of innovation and enterprise culture within disadvantaged communities. This has also reduced the ability of communities to participate in the local economy. The current industrial base requires modernising in order to move towards a knowledge intensive economy to ensure quality employment.
3.12 The three main employment industries in the county are public administration, education and health (approx 25%), distribution, hotels and restaurants (approx 21%), and manufacturing (approx 16%).
3.13 The distribution sector in particular has grown substantially, primarily due to Northamptonshire’s strategic location and good communications. The county has good north-south and east highway links; further upgrades will increase and strengthen linkages. The county is also on the north-south and east-west rail corridors. There are two strategic freight interchanges in Northamptonshire, one in the west of the county adjacent to the M1 (DIRFT) and one at Corby (Eurohub). Northamptonshire also has a rapidly growing knowledge economy, with employment in knowledge based services increasing during the period 1998-2002 at more than twice the rate of increase in the East Midlands and Great Britain. Despite this growth, employment in knowledge based services remains slightly below the level in Great Britain.
3.14 Key issues influencing the achievement of economic growth in a sustainable manner include:
Comparatively low skill levels and training take-up rates for employment related
training reflecting a lack of ongoing learning and development of skills,
Coping with economic diversification and ensuring quality employment opportunities
for all,
Tackling a lack of innovation and enterprise culture, especially in disadvantaged
communities. This includes encouraging new business and ensuring that existing
businesses, and subsequent growth, remain within the county,
Ensuring that wealth generation is retained within the county to enable opportunity for
individuals and community-based organisations to participate in the local economy;
Balance growth, communities and the environment whilst harnessing the economic
potential of the rural areas,
Tackling a lack of access to, and diminishing provision of, local business, transport,
facilities and services in rural areas may restrict economic development, and
Recovery from the economic recession, in particular unemployment.
Environment - Effective protection of the environment
3.15 Land characterisation studies undertaken in 2004 determined the main land classifications within Northamptonshire as arable (61%), pastureland (23%), woodland (8%) and urban (8%). The greater part of the county retains strong rural character and comprises agricultural land and isolated villages, hamlets and country estates. Despite large areas being managed for agricultural land, significant nature conservation interest is evident in a range of semi-natural habitats, ranging from acidic grasslands to ancient woodlands.
3.16 Northamptonshire was first settled over 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by buried archaeology, standing buildings, historic sites and landscapes. During the period 2010 – 2011 there were 172 Scheduled Monuments, 178 conservation areas, 32 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens and 2 Registered Battlefields, which combined with the 6446 Listed Buildings, make up the county’s resource of nationally important sites.
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3.17 The River Nene is the principal river catchment in Northamptonshire, extending from the hills in the west of the county and flowing eastwards. The character of the Nene Valley has been dramatically altered between Northampton and Thrapston, where significant sand and gravel extraction has taken place resulting in a modern landscape of artificial lakes and woodland.
3.18 Local heritage and landscape character has helped Northamptonshire maintain a distinct identity. The Nene Valley and Northamptonshire uplands are perhaps the county’s defining natural features, with the limestone villages, industrial small towns, the Grand Union Canal and the Nene Valley gravel pits giving the county its man-made character.
3.19 There is an increasing need to balance economic growth and development with the effective protection of the environment. Impacts from development have previously resulted in the decline of biodiversity and quality of water resources. The new planning framework promotes sustainable development and design to ensure an improvement in the quality of the natural and built environment. For example, the use of innovative design (such as renewable energies) can assist community and industry in adapting to the effects of climate change. Previously there has been limited emphasis and practical consideration on such matters.
Key issues influencing the effective protection of the environment include:
Balancing economic growth and development whilst protecting the environment,
The need for an improvement in the quality of the region’s natural and built
environment,
Halting and reversing the decline in biodiversity,
Availability and quality of water resources,
Reducing the contribution to and adapting to the effects of climate change, and
Limited use of renewable energy.
Environment - Prudent use of natural resources
3.20 Population growth bears significant implications for minerals and waste development as both are required to support growth patterns. However, these industries are often seen in a negative light due to potentially adverse impacts (such as dust, noise, and odour). It is therefore essential to minimise potential adverse impacts on the environment and local community. This includes promoting the prudent use of natural resources (such as high quality end use of primary aggregates, increased usage of recycled and secondary aggregates, and sustainable waste management) and improving design efficiency (such as use of previously-developed land and appropriate restoration and after-use).
Minerals development
3.21 Minerals extraction and development within the county includes sand and gravel, limestone, ironstone and recycled aggregates. Economically, sand and gravel is by far the most important mineral resource that is found in the county. The three main types of sand and gravel include river sand and gravel, glacial sand and gravel, and soft sand. Northamptonshire’s production of sand and gravel between 2003 and 2010 was 3.3 million tonnes (Mt), primarily extraced from river deposits in the Nene Valley. Production of sand and gravel in the county is traditionally below landbank targets but this has not impacted on annual demand being met.
3.22 Limestone is primarily found in the north and north east of Northamptonshire. Two geologically different types of limestone exist within the county: Lincolnshire Limestone and Blisworth Limestone, both of which are used as an aggregate and building stone. Production of limestone between 2003 and 2010 was approximately 2.5 Mt.
3.23 Ironstone deposits are found in large parts of Northamptonshire, much of which is found within the Northamptonshire Sand Formation. Refractory minerals consisting of clays are limited to the northernmost part of the county. Minimal amounts have been extracted in recent times for reasons of economic viability.
3.24 Northamptonshire’s annual apportionment is for an average annual figure of 1.36 Mt of
aggregates to be provided consisting of 0.97 Mt of sand and gravel per annum and 0.39
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Mt of crushed rock (limestone) per annum. The NPPF recommends that apportionment be derived from a ten year average, as such the apportionment rates are under review.
3.25 The two main sources of recycled aggregates are demolition & construction waste, and asphalt road plantings. It is difficult to calculate the amount of recycled aggregates used, but it is estimated that about 10% of the overall need for aggregates in Northamptonshire is met by secondary and recycled materials.
Waste development
3.26 Proposed growth levels present potential concerns in relation to future waste arising from all waste streams. The need to move away from reliance on land filling and increase recovery and recycling of waste is a key component of sustainable waste management. Measures are required to address waste arisings and ensure best practice within the industry as well as the provision of appropriate facilities.
3.27 Northamptonshire currently produces over two million tonnes a year of various types of waste. Waste types originate from several sources, including municipal solid waste, commercial & industrial, and construction, demolition & excavation waste. Not all of this waste is disposed of in landfill sites, some of it is reused, recycled, composted or thermally treated. The point of origin does not always define how waste should be managed, physical characteristics is another determining factor.
3.28 European Directives have, and will continue to have, significant impacts on the way that waste is classified, treated and disposed, as well as infrastructure requirements.
3.29 Key issues influencing the prudent use of natural resources include:
Inefficient and often wasteful use of natural resources. Often as a result of poor
design, hence there is a need to increase design efficiency,
Natural resources extraction and waste management development is required to
support current and anticipated growth patterns, however it is essential to minimise
potential adverse impacts on the environment and community,
Optimising the use of previously-developed land and ensuring the appropriate
restoration and after-use of sites,
Waste generation and management, including minimisation, recovery and recycling of
wastes to meet targets, and
Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals is achieved whilst protecting the
environment and safeguarding resources.
Social - Just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing
3.30 Due to its convenient location Northamptonshire has become a popular place to live and work. Population growth has predominantly resulted from the county absorbing growth pressure from surrounding areas, particularly from London and the South East, but also the West Midlands.
3.31 Between the 1960s and mid 2011 the county’s population increased by more than 50% to approximately 691,900 residents, living within a total of 287,700 individual households and creating a population density of 293 people per km
2 (2011 Census). The North
Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy and the West Northamptonshire Pre-submission Joint Core Strategy plan for the development of a combined total of up to 61,870 houses between 2010 and 2026.
3.32 High population growth rates and changing demographics present a challenge in relation to ensuring the provision of appropriate infrastructure, services and facilities to reflect growth patterns, ensuring adequate access, and addressing changing demographics. Trends within the county indicate an increasing aged population residing in rural areas, and interestingly whilst life expectancy has increased the average length of life free from illness and disability has not.
3.33 The reduction in traditional industry bases, such as steelmaking, has produced localised follow-on effects resulting in various forms and levels of deprivation.
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3.34 Throughout the county certain groups and individuals suffer higher levels of exclusion from a range of opportunities for their development by virtue of ethnic background, religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Circumstances such as poverty, unemployment, low level of skills, low incomes, poor housing and health, high crime and family breakdown combine together to create exclusion and inequalities. Such circumstances are reflected nationally. Both nationally and locally such trends indicate that the poorest levels of health correlate with social disadvantage and multiple deprivations, wealth creation and employment quality decline markedly in disadvantaged communities and community safety varies widely with pockets of high crime rates or fear of crime throughout the county. Such circumstances also hinder the community’s ability to become involved in broader level issues, such as environmental issues.
3.35 The Indices of Multiple Deprivations combine information relating to income, employment, education, health, skills and training, barriers to housing and services and crime into an overall measure of deprivation. A score is calculated for each area, a low score indicates greater deprivation - the most deprived local authority area is indicated by a rank of 1, the least by 354. The 2010 indices indicate a large variance in levels of deprivation throughout the county, ranging from Corby (78) to South Northamptonshire (324), illustrated in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Indices of Multiple Deprivations for Northamptonshire districts 2010
3.36 More recent and expanding industries within the county, such as the distribution sector, although beneficial for socio-economic factors, may increase the perceived and potentially adverse safety and health impacts resultant from this industry. For example, Heavy Goods Vehicle movement account for a relatively small proportion of the traffic flow, typically 10% or less, but the effect on the road network, people’s lives and the environment may be far greater than this statistic implies. However, freight movements are important for the local economy, employment, supply of goods and services; hence a balance needs to be found whereby strategic road network is optimised and adverse impacts are mitigated.
3.37 Key issues influencing the development of sustainable communities include:
Providing for the region's growing population with respect to housing, infrastructure,
facilities and services,
Ensuring infrastructure, services and facilities reflects growth patterns,
Addressing changing demographics,
Lack of awareness and engagement with respect to environmental issues,
Access to recreational opportunities,
Adverse impact of transport on communities and the environment, and addressing
social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 14 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
Spatial
3.38 Northamptonshire is predominantly rural in character and displays a range of townscapes and landscapes with distinct identities and characters that are linked at the broader landscape level.
3.39 The growth of the county has strengthened relationships with the South East and the West Midlands, whilst the improved links to the east and the increasing economic influence of Cambridge has achieved similar for the Eastern region. In addition new town growth at Milton Keynes and Peterborough has strengthened cross regional local links in the south and north-east of the county.
3.40 The county exhibits two distinct areas in terms of the main settlement pattern, west and east. The western half is dominated by Northampton, the administrative and commercial centre of the whole county, which contains approximately 200,000 people or roughly a third of Northamptonshire’s population. The west and south also incorporate Daventry, Towcester and Brackley which are economic and service centres with rural hinterland catchments.
3.41 On the eastern side of the county the urban settlement pattern is more closely interlinked and is related to the broad north-south corridor of the A6 and Midland Mainline railway. This includes the larger urban areas of Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden and Higham Ferrers, as well as smaller towns with industrial heritage such as Desborough and Irthlingborough. Corby although closely related to this corridor, is distinct from characteristic settlements due to its new town and steel heritage. Raunds and Thrapston, further to the east, have similarities to the towns in the main corridor. Oundle in the north-east, is a more traditional market town serving a large rural hinterland and with socio-economic links with the Peterborough area.
3.42 The town centres of Northamptonshire still provide the main focus for retail and other commercial activity. Trends currently impacting on the vitality and vibrancy of the county’s town centres include both the decentralisation of retail and other traditional town centre uses (such as offices and entertainment and leisure), and the national tendency for retail and services to drift towards larger nodes (resulting in a decline of services at smaller nodal points). Similarly the availability of land for development in appropriate locations (such as residential, business, industry, etc), as well as the ability to safeguard existing land-uses, need to be incorporated into the strategic spatial planning framework.
3.43 Recent rapid population growth has resulted in additional demands for the provision of appropriate infrastructure and transport networks to meet land-use and development patterns; this has been addressed at varying levels throughout the county.
3.44 Key issues influencing spatial character and planning include:
Provision of appropriate infrastructure to support current and future needs of the
modern economy and community,
Provision of an integrated transport network that supports economic development and
land-use patterns and minimises adverse impacts on environment and community,
The adequate protection of the character and distinctiveness of townscapes and
landscapes,
Availability of land for development, such as residential, business, industry, etc, in
appropriate locations,
Safeguarding existing land-uses, and
Ensuring appropriate facilities for waste management.
The availability of reliable up-to-date data regarding the waste and minerals industry
at a local scale is also a key issue as it impacts upon the baseline information and
evidence base for the MWDF.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 15
MWDF performance baseline information
3.45 The MWDF is an adopted suite of working documents which contribute towards the decision making process related to determining planning applications. Annual monitoring allows the performance of the MWDF to be measured and for trends to be identified along with highlighting any issues and constraints (see Appendix 2). Overall the MWDF is considered to be performing well and that the majority of SA and MWDF objectives and targets are being met.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 16 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK
4.1 The SA framework is fundamental to the SA process and is used as the basis for appraising the plan. The SA Framework sets objectives, sub-objectives and indicators used to appraise the plan’s objectives and policy options in order to identify specific sustainability issues and ascertain whether and how these issues are being addressed. Movement towards, or away from, SA objectives should be able to be monitored through the identified indicators. The SA Framework also highlights the potential social, environmental and economic implications of the proposals set out in the plan.
4.2 Objectives have been further developed to take account of local strategies and issues, identified by the policy context and key sustainability issues. Sub-objectives and proposed indicators have also been identified. SEA Directive topics have been cross-referenced with the SA objectives to indicate how these issues have been accounted for. Objectives have been categorised to address the economic, environmental, social and spatial factors. Appendix 4 details the development of the SA framework.
4.3 The SA framework reflects local priorities for sustainable development to ensure that the plan, policy proposals and processes are appraised at an appropriate level and that they contribute to the aims of sustainable development.
4.4 The SA objectives were developed as part of the plan-making process for the MWDF; to ensure consistency these also form the basis for assessment of the elements of the plan subject to partial review. As part of this SA Scoping Reort the objectives were re-considered in relation to the baseline and policy hierarchy. No changes to the SA Framework were considered necessary as a result. Changes have instead focused on the update of the policy context and baseline data.
Sustainability Appraisal objectives
4.5 The SA objectives are listed in Box 3.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 17
Box 3: The SA objectives
Economic - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment
SA1. Support economic development and employment opportunities.
Environment - Effective protection of the environment
SA2. Protect and enhance the built and natural environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils). SA3. Protect and enhance air quality. SA4. Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk. SA5. Conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting SA6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
Environment - Prudent use of natural resources
SA7. Ensure prudent use of natural resources. SA8. Maximise re-use of previously developed land. SA9. Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites. SA10. Promote sustainable waste management principles. SA11. Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources. SA12. Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines.
Social - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing
SA13. Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport. SA14. Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs. SA15. Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities.
Spatial
SA16. Promote sustainable development and efficient design. SA17. Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes. SA18. Reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that waste and minerals development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning. SA19. Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure. SA20. Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other
forms of development
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 18 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
5. TESTING THE PLAN AGAINST THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL
5.1 In line with the SA process the plan objectives were tested for consistency and compatibility with the SA objectives through the MWDF plan-making process; no amendments have been made to either the plan or SA objectives through this partial review. Subsequently it has not been necessary to retest the plan against the SA Framework. For ease of reference the compatibility matrix and summary of results has been included below.
5.2 The SA objectives and associated assessment criteria is outlined in Table 2. The SA objectives will be used to test the options presented through the partial review.
Table 2: SA objectives assessment criterion for testing the plan objectives
SA Objective & Decision Making Criteria Will the plan objective …?
Economic - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment
SA1. Support economic development and employment opportunities.
Promote economic development within the minerals and waste and related industries? Encourage and support growth of the economy, including the rural economy? Increase the diversity and quality of employment opportunities within the county, including rural areas? Promote innovation and enterprise within the minerals and waste and related industries? E.g. cost effective waste reduction measures and minerals extraction techniques, recycling or re-use of primary resources, etc
Environment - Effective protection of the environment
SA2. Protect and enhance the environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils).
Protect, and enhance where possible, the environment (including biodiversity, flora, fauna, water, air & soils)? Ensure that any potential adverse environmental impacts are mitigated? Provide effective protection for conservation sites from minerals and waste development? Avoid harm to and enhance opportunities for protected species and others listed in the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan? Protect and enhance green infrastructure assets and promote green infrastructure delivery? Enhance and promote the connectivity of green spaces and networks?
SA3. Protect and enhance air quality.
Protect, and enhance where possible, air quality? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated?
SA4. Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk.
Protect, and enhance where possible, water quality? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated? (e.g. conditions, Sustainable Drainage Schemes SUDS) Ensure there is no net increase in the overall flood risk?
SA5. Conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting
Ensure that M&W development conserves and enhances the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts avoided or mitigated and benefits identified? Secure a supply of local building and roofing materials?
SA6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
Help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency? (e.g. energy efficient design, pollution control, capture and use of emissions, waste minimisation, materials re-use, etc) Encourage the use of renewable energy or waste to energy schemes?
Environment - Prudent use of natural resources
SA7. Ensure prudent use of natural resources.
Encourage the prudent use of natural resources? (e.g. conserve minerals, reduce demand for raw materials, ensure efficient use of raw materials (including aggregates), avoid wasteful use of land, encourage waste minimisation, re-use, recycling and energy efficiency) Discourage wasteful use of natural resources? Protect agricultural resources including soils and best and most versatile agricultural land from irreversible damage? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated?
SA8. Maximise re-use of previously developed land.
Encourage the re-use of previously developed land? Minimise the loss of greenfield land? Maximise the use of brownfield land?
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 19
SA Objective & Decision Making Criteria Will the plan objective …?
Recognise that minerals can only be worked where they are found, however endeavour to maximise the re-use of previously developed land?
SA9. Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites.
Reduce the risk of land contamination? Remediate contaminated land? Ensure effective restoration and after use of sites? Promote the identification of appropriate after-uses to benefit the environment, landscape character and human health and safety?
SA10. Promote sustainable waste management principles.
Promote sustainable waste management principles? (e.g. promotion of regional self sufficiency, proximity principle, waste hierarchy)
SA11. Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources.
Provide appropriate land-use planning mechanisms to avoid sterilisation of mineral resources?
SA12. Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines.
Allow for a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines? Identify Northamptonshire’s aggregate apportionment in accordance with national and regional guidelines?
Social - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing
SA13. Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport.
Seek to avoid adverse impacts on human health and safety? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated?
SA14. Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs.
Support social progress that recognises the needs of everyone by meeting specific needs of the community for both current and future generations? (e.g. increasing awareness and practice of sustainable waste management, prudent use of natural resources and increased consumption of secondary and recycled aggregates) Address and reduce social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination through the provision of – opportunities for employment, access to facilities and services, community engagement and ongoing learning, community health and safety? Improve access to facilities and services to support and serve the communities’ needs? Ensure services are located to maintain the viability of settlements and meet the needs of residents and existing businesses? Encourage all sections of the community to participate in ongoing community engagement and learning with respect to minerals and waste planning? Increase the ability of people to influence decisions and gain access to information?
SA15. Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities.
Improve access to facilities and services including recreational facilities and opportunities? Maximise the benefits of appropriate restoration and after-use of sites for the community? (e.g. Effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites can contribute towards recreational opportunities)
Spatial
SA16. Promote sustainable development and efficient design.
Promote sustainable development and efficient design? (e.g. resource efficient buildings, use of recycled materials, reduce the production of waste)
SA17. Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes.
Seek to improve landscape and townscape character of the county and help to minimise adverse impacts to local amenity and overall landscape character? Ensure Landscape Character Assessment influences development patterns?
SA18. Reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that waste and minerals development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning.
Seek to reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways)? Promote the integration of minerals and waste development planning, strategic transport and land-use planning? Encourage efficient patterns of movement?
SA19. Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure.
Make provision for development of necessary infrastructure to meet current and future needs? (e.g.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 20 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
SA Objective & Decision Making Criteria Will the plan objective …?
Waste management facilities, minerals development to support development) Ensure that existing infrastructure (including services and facilities) is able to accommodate growth patterns and where necessary ensure new infrastructure is provided?
SA20. Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development.
Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development? (e.g. appropriate land-use planning mechanisms).
5.3 The compatibility of the plan and SA objectives were tested using a compatibility matrix (Table 3), to assist in highlighting potential conflicts that may emerge between objectives. The compatibility relationship between the two objectives is indicated as follows:
Positive Potential conflict Neutral
5.4 Overall the plan objectives are consistent with the SA objectives, in addition the level of potential conflict between objectives is considered acceptable.
Testing the plan objectives against the Sustainability Appraisal framework
Table 3: Compatibility matrix – Core Strategy Key Principles (plan objectives) vs. SA objectives
SA objectives
Plan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Table 4: Summary of matrix results
Matrix code
Comments Overall consistency of the plan objective
with the SA objectives
P4 SA2 Minerals can only be worked where they are found. It is inevitable that there will be some adverse impacts on the surrounding environment where minerals are worked. Minerals developments are temporary by nature and it should be recognised that effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites can contribute towards habitat and landscape enhancement.
Overall, plan Objective 4 is consistent with the SA Objectives. Mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts and sensitive site working are included in other plan objectives. It should be recognised that the form and scale of potential impacts is largely determined by site location and the nature of the surrounding environment.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 21
Matrix code
Comments Overall consistency of the plan objective
with the SA objectives
P4 SA17 The extraction of minerals from glacial areas and selected river valleys result in adverse landscape character impacts. Minerals developments are temporary by nature and it should be recognised that effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites can contribute towards habitat and landscape enhancement.
Overall, plan Objective 4 is consistent with the SA objectives. Mitigation measures to reduce potential adverse impacts and sensitive site working are included in other plan objectives. It should be recognised that the form and scale of potential impacts is largely determined by site location and the nature of the surrounding environment.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 22 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)
6. MOVING FORWARD
6.1 This is the fourth version of the Scoping Report prepared by the council. This version has been developed in relation to the partial review although based on the SA Framework which was created in relation to the MWDF. Quality assurance checks of the Scoping Report will continue to be undertaken internally by the council as per Government guidance. Amendments resulting from feedback from consultation or the quality assurance assessment will be detailed as appropriate through the plan and SA process.
Methodology for testing development options and appraising effects of the plan
6.2 The appraisals are undertaken primarily on the basis of professional judgement informed by the evidence base and other information available to the council. In undertaking the assessments of the effects any judgements of significance are systematically documented. The appraisal of options is presented in the SA Environmental Report and will be presented as per the example in Appendix 5.
6.3 The range of techniques that may be used in the prediction and assessment of effects includes expert judgement, public participation or consultation, GIS, network analysis, modelling, scenario or sensitivity analysis, multi-criteria analysis, carrying capacity or ecological foot printing, and compatibility assessment. The appropriateness of individual techniques to meet the council’s needs and requirements will be determined and implemented accordingly.
Format and content of the Sustainability Appraisal report
6.4 The SA Environmental Report incorporates the Scoping Report and fulfils both legislative and SEA Directive requirements. An example of the content and structure of the SA Environmental Report is outlined in Appendix 5.
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7. CONSULTATION
7.1 Consultation of the Scoping Report helps to ensure that the SA will be comprehensive and robust to support the plan during later stages of full public consultation and examination. Consultation includes the four SEA Consultation Bodies as required by the SEA Directive (Countryside Agency, English Heritage, English Nature and the Environment Agency).
7.2 The following outcomes are sought through the Scoping Report consultation process:
Ensure that due consideration has been given to the relevant policies, Plan’s and
programmes and sustainable development objectives that may influence the Plan and
the SA;
Develop a sound base for both the Plan and the SA Report which satisfies legislative
and SEA directive requirements; and
Ensure that the baseline information is appropriate and sufficient within the context of
the Plan.
7.3 Consultation is being undertaken at this stage with the required SEA Consultation Bodies and other appropriate consultees. The Scoping Report (and Form for Making Representations) will also be made available to other parties via the Councils website or upon request.
7.4 The closing date for feedback is 23rd
August 2012. All forms must be received by the County Council before 5:30PM.
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APPENDIX 1: POLICY CONTEXT – POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES INFLUENCING THE PLAN AND SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL
An updated policy context is listed below. This will be updated as new material becomes available. Documents marked with an asterisk (*) are recognised as being of relevance however have not been formally reviewed as it is believed that they have been adequately captured due to the hierarchical nature of the policy context.
Table 1: Policy context of the plan and SA
Policy context of the plan and SA
International policy context
Aalborg Charter*
Aarhus Convention*
European Union Spatial Development Perspective
The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC
EC Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC
EC Hazardous Waste Directive 91/689/EEC
EC Directive on Landfill 1999/31/EC
EC Waste Directive 2006/12/EC
EC Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive 2008/1/EC
EC Waste Directive 2008/98/EC
EC Mining Waste Directive 2006/21/EC
EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 94/62/EC
EC Directive on End of Life Vehicles 2000/53/EC
EC Directive on Waste Incineration 2000/76/EC
EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/96/EC
EC Directive on Batteries 2006/66/EC
Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds 79/409/EEC
EC Directive on the Conservation of Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora 92/43/EEC
EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC
EC Noise Directive 2000/14/EC
EC Air Quality Framework Directive 96/62/EC
EC Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe 2008/50/EC
European Landscape Convention
Kyoto Climate Change Protocol & UK Climate Change Programme
EC White Paper: Adapting to Climate Change
EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan*
European Programmes, Objective 1 and 2*
Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development*
National policy context
Securing the Future – Delivering UK Sustainable Development Strategy
UK Renewable Energy Strategy
Energy White Paper: Meeting the Energy Challenge
Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Air Quality and Climate Change: A UK perspective
National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 – 2020
English Nature Policy Position Statement: Aggregate extraction and nature conservation
English Nature Policy Position Statement: Non-aggregate mineral extraction
English Heritage Mineral Extraction and the Historic Environment 2008
Waste Strategy for England 2007
Policy for the Long Term Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste in the UK
Review of Environmental Health Effects of Waste Management DEFRA 2004
English Nature Policy Position Statement: Waste management
Working with the Grain of Nature – A Biodiversity Strategy for England
Water for People and the Environment – Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales
Safeguarding our Soils – A Strategy for England
Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future
Urban White Paper- Your Region, Your Choice
Rural White Paper- Our Countryside, the Future
National Planning Policy Framework
National Planning Policy Framework – Technical Guidance
PPS10 – Planning for Sustainable Waste Management
PPG21 – Tourism
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Policy context of the plan and SA
PPS 25 – Development and Flood Risk Practice Guide
The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2013
Regional policy context
East Midlands Biodiversity Strategy, Putting wildlife on the map
Water Resources Strategy Regional Action Plan for Midlands Region
Sub-regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 – 2020
Local policy context
Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan 2006-2011
Sustainable Community Strategy for Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire MWDF *
Northamptonshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy
Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan (2)
Northamptonshire Environmental Character and GI Suite
Northamptonshire Green Infrastructure Strategy*
Northamptonshire Environmental Character Assessment*
Northamptonshire Landscape Character Assessment*
Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Assessment*
Northamptonshire Historic Landscape Character Assessment*
North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy*
West Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy*
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment*
Water Cycle Studies*
Surface Water management Plans*
North Northants Flood Risk Management Study*
Catchment Flood Management Plans – The River Welland, River Nene, River Great Ouse and the River Thames and Severn*
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 26
Table 2: International Policy Context Review
Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators)
European Union Spatial Development Perspective
The development of a polycentric and balanced urban system and the strengthening of the relationship between urban and rural areas The promotion of integrated transport and communications which support integration and the polycentric development of the European Union territory The development and conservation of the natural and cultural heritage contributing both to the preservation and deepening of regional identities and the maintenance of the natural and cultural diversity of the region.
Plan will seek sustainable development that balances urban and rural areas, promote integrated transport and communications and to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage assets, as well as landscapes and townscapes. Ensure that the requirements of the EUSDP are reflected in the SA Framework.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC
Requires a formal environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. In preparing plans or programmes subject to the Directive authorities must prepare a report on the likely significant environmental effects, consult, and take the report and the consultation results into account during the preparation and adoption process.
Environmental assessment in accordance with the SEA Directive. SEA requirements included in SA.
EC Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC
Outlines objectives for provisions relating to waste disposal, being -1. The protection of human health and the environment against harmful effects caused by the collection, transport, treatment, storage and tipping of waste, and 2. The recovery of waste and the use of recovered materials should be encouraged in order to conserve natural resources. Set out waste management controls, which are extended to include agriculture through a recent revision of the directive requires waste management controls. Wastes affected will be non-natural materials such as plastics, rubble, containers etc. This revision requires: Uncontrolled burying and burning of waste on farms is prohibited; Farmers will have to send or take waste for disposal off-farm at licensed sites, secure a licensing exemption with the Environment Agency to recycle waste on-farm, or apply to the EA for a Licence to continue on-farm disposal. May bear additional demand on waste management and resource recovery facilities (e.g. Civic Amenity sites if agricultural wastes were permitted on site).
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
Directive on Hazardous Waste
Provides a framework for the control of hazardous waste. Proper management of hazardous waste is important to minimise risks to the
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 27
91/689/EEC environment and human health. Framework.
EC Directive on Landfill 1999/31/EC
The aim of the Directive is, by way of stringent operational and technical requirements on the waste and landfills, to provide for measures, procedures and guidance to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment, in particular the pollution of surface water, groundwater, soil and air, and on the global environment, including the greenhouse effect, as well as any resulting risk to human health, from land filling of waste, during the whole lifecycle of the landfill. All landfill sites are to be classified as either hazardous, non hazardous or inert. Also requires the treatment of wastes before landfilling, for instance to reduce the hazardousness or volume of the waste being landfilled. It will also ban the landfill of certain types of waste, for instance liquid wastes, tyres, and certain hazardous wastes. Reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill. Reduce the emission of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from landfill sites.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Effectively ends the traditional UK practice of co-disposing hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste, and will require the modification of landfill sites and the expansion of alternative means of dealing with hazardous wastes. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to recycling, composting, biogas production or materials/energy recovery. Reduce biodegradable municipal waste to landfills to 75 % of the 1995 total landfilled by 2004, to 50% by 2007 and to 35% by 2014.
EC Waste Directive 2006/12/EC
Defines waste. Requires authorities to issue waste management authorisations and licenses but allows them to specify which waste recovery operations and businesses are exempt from these licensing regimes. Seeks to ensure the recovery or disposal of waste without endangering human health and the environment. Emphasis is placed on the prevention, reduction, re-use and recycling of waste.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
Directive Concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control 2008/1/EC
Requires industrial and agricultural activities with high pollution potential to have a permit. This permit can only be issued if certain environmental conditions are met, so that the companies themselves bear responsibility for preventing and reducing any pollution they may cause.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
EC Waste Directive 2008/98/EC
Modernises and streamlines the provisions of Directive 2006/12/EC. Sets out concepts, definitions and principles related to waste management
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
EC Mining Waste Directive 2006/21/EC
Covers the management of waste from land-based extractive industries, including the working of quarries. Included are a number of requirements to ensure protection of the environment and human health, depending on the risks posed by the type of waste. All operators are required to provide a waste management plan of the minimisation, treatment, recovery and disposal of the extractive waste.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
EC Directive on Packaging and
This Directive, amended by Directive 2004/12/EC, lays down measures aimed, as a first priority, at preventing the production of packaging
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 28 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Packaging Waste 94/62/EC
waste and, as additional fundamental principles, at reusing packaging, at recycling and other forms of recovering packaging waste and, hence, at reducing the final disposal of such waste.
Framework. Sets targets relating to recovery and recycling.
EC Directive on End of Life Vehicles 2000/53/EC
Requires producers to limit the use of hazardous substances and increase the quantity of recycled materials used in the manufacture of vehicles. Also provides for design of vehicles for easy recycling. Also requires treatment facilities to have permits to deal with end of life vehicles and operate to higher standards.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to production and recycling.
EC Directive on Waste Incineration 2000/76/EC
Prevent or - where not practicable - reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment caused by the incineration and co-incineration of waste. In particular, it should reduce pollution caused by emissions into the air, soil, surface water and groundwater, and thus lessen the risks which these pose to human health. This is to be achieved through stringent operational conditions and technical requirements and by setting up emission limit values for waste incineration and co-incineration plants.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets reduction targets for acid gases (e.g. nitrogen oxides NOx, sulphur dioxide SO2 and hydrogen chloride HCl) as well as for heavy metals. Applicable to all new installations from December 2002 and those existing at that date from December 2005.
EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/96/EC
Reduce the quantity of waste from electrical and electronic equipment and increase re-use, recovery and recycling. Requires additional systems to encourage separate collection (co-disposal to be minimised). Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment to be treated at appropriate facilities.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive through the provision of appropriate collection and processing facilities. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to recovery and recycling of WEEE. Increase collection rates to 4kg (average) per inhabitant per year of waste electrical and electronic equipment from private households by December 2006.
EC Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators 2006/66/EC
Prohibits the placing on the market of certain batteries and accumulators with a proportional mercury or cadmium content above a fixed threshold. Promotes a high rate of collection and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators and improvement in the environmental performance of all involved in the life-cycle of batteries and accumulators, including their recycling and disposal. Aims to cut the amount of hazardous substances requiring disposal.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to recovery and recycling. Collection rates of at least 25% and 45% by 26 September 2012 and 26 September 2016 respectively. The recycling of battery and accumulator content has to reach the following levels by 26 September 2011: At least 65% by average weight of lead-acid batteries and accumulators. At least 75% by average weight of nickel-cadmium batteries and accumulators. At least 50% by average weight of other battery and accumulator waste.
Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds 79/409/EEC
Provides a framework for the conservation and management of wild birds in Europe, including their habitats.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 29
EC Directive on the Conservation of Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora 92/43/EEC
Conserve fauna and flora and natural habitats of EU importance. Establish a network of protected areas throughout the community designed to maintain both the distribution and abundance of threatened species and habitats.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC
Promote sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources. Contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts. Ensure the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevent its further pollution.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. All inland and coastal waters to reach good ecological and chemical status by 2015.
EC Noise Directive 2000/14/EC
Monitor the environmental problem by drawing up strategic noise maps. Informing and consulting the public about noise exposure, its effects and the measures considered to address noise. Addressing local noise issues by requiring authorities to draw up action Plans to reduce noise where necessary and maintain environmental noise where it is good. Develop a long term EU strategy.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.
EC Air Quality Framework Directive 96/62/EC
In order to protect the environment as a whole and human health, concentrations of harmful air pollutants should be avoided, prevented or reduced and limit values and/or alert thresholds set for ambient air pollution levels. This directive sets the basic principles of how air quality should be assessed and managed and lists the pollutants for which air quality standards and objectives will be developed and specified in subsequent legislation.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Established in related ‘Daughter Directives’
EC Directive on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe 2008/50/EC
Streamlines existing air quality objectives. Confirms many of the existing directive’s obligations. Introduces controls on fine particles.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Reduce exposure to PM2.5 in urban areas by an average of 20% (based on 2010 levels) by 2020. duce exposure levels in urban areas below 20 micrograms/m
3 by 2015.
Reduce PM2.5 values below 25 micrograms/m3 by 2015 or, where possible, by
2010.
European Landscape Convention
Promotes the protection, management and planning of European landscapes and organises European co-operation on landscape issues.
Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Convention. Ensure that the requirements of the Convention are reflected in the SA Framework.
Kyoto Climate Change Protocol & UK Climate Change
Enhancement of energy efficiency in relevant sectors of the national economy. Limitation or reduction of methane emissions through recovery and use in waste management, as well as in the production, transport and
Sets targets relating to reductions of greenhouse gases. Kyoto Protocol sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% of 1990 levels, 2008-12. UK agreement is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 30 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Programme distribution of energy. Established to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. 6 gases addressed: Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Hydroflurocarbons, Perflurocarbons, Sulphur haxflurodide
levels by 2008-12. UK Climate Change Programme national goal of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010.
EC White Paper: Adapting to Climate Change
Presents the framework for adaption measures and policies to reduce the EU’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Outlines the need to create a mechanism by 2011 where information on climate change risks, impacts and best practices would be exchanged between governments, agencies and organisations working on adaptation policies. Since the impacts of climate change will vary by region, many adaptation measures will need to be carried out nationally or regionally. The role of the EU will be to support and complement these efforts through an integrated and co-ordinated approach, particularly in cross-border issues and policies which are highly integrated at EU level. Adapting to climate change will be integrated into all EU policies.
Give due consideration to how the plan can reflect climate change issues. Ensure that the issues and options raised are reflected in the SA Framework.
EC White Paper: Adapting to Climate Change
Presents the framework for adaption measures and policies to reduce the EU’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Outlines the need to create a mechanism by 2011 where information on climate change risks, impacts and best practices would be exchanged between governments, agencies and organisations working on adaptation policies. Since the impacts of climate change will vary by region, many adaptation measures will need to be carried out nationally or regionally. The role of the EU will be to support and complement these efforts through an integrated and co-ordinated approach, particularly in cross-border issues and policies which are highly integrated at EU level. Adapting to climate change will be integrated into all EU policies.
Give due consideration to how the plan can reflect climate change issues. Ensure that the issues and options raised are reflected in the SA Framework.
Table 3: National Policy Context Review
Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators
Securing the Future – Delivering UK Sustainable Development Strategy
Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment. Effective protection of the environment; Prudent use of natural resources. A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Outlines targets for delivering sustainable development, targets are largely delivered via other National Plans and Guidelines.
UK Renewable Energy Strategy
Establishes the methods and reasons for increasing the use of renewable electricity, heat and transport. Models scenarios to show how targets might be met.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 31
Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators
15% of energy from renewable sources by 2020.
Energy White Paper: Meeting the Energy Challenge
Sets out the government’s international and domestic energy strategy to tackle climate change and secure clean and affordable energy. Recognises the need to save energy, develop cleaner energy supplies and secure reliable energy supplies at prices set in competitive markets. The key elements of the strategy are:
Establishing an international framework to tackle climate change.
Providing legally binding carbon targets for the whole UK economy.
More progress in achieving fully competitive and transparent international markets.
Encouraging more energy saving through better information, incentives and regulation.
Providing more support for low carbon technologies.
Ensuring the right conditions for investment.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to meeting energy challenges. Ensure that the strategy is reflected in the SA Framework.
Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Ensure a level of ambient air quality in public places, which poses no significant risk to health or quality of life, for all to enjoy.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets national targets for air quality: Sulphur dioxide 20ug/m3, Nitrous oxides 30ug/m3, Particles (PM10) 40UG/m3, Nitrogen dioxide 40ug/m3.
Air Quality and Climate Change: A UK Perspective
Provides the long term air quality strategy for the UK. Sets out air quality objectives and policy options to further improve air quality. As well as direct benefits to public health, these options are intended to provide important benefits to quality of life and help to protect our environment.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Various objectives establish limits for air pollutants.
National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 - 2020
Sets out national and regional guidelines for aggregates provisions in England for the period 2005-2020 inclusive.
Ensure that the provisions are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the requirements of national and regional guidelines are reflected in the SA Framework. Various objectives establish limits for air pollutants.
English Nature Policy Position Statement: Aggregate extraction and nature
English Nature acknowledges the vital role of the aggregates industry in supplying minerals needed by local and national economies. Objective of the policy statement is to work to incorporate the principles of sustainable development in order to deliver well planned and managed minerals workings to safeguard and enhance England’s wildlife and geology (including geomorphology).
Ensure that objectives and requirements of the policy position statement are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the objectives are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 32 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators
conservation Furthermore, restoration of mineral sites can provide major opportunities to develop or enhance new and existing wildlife and geological sites.
English Nature Policy Position Statement: Non-aggregate mineral extraction
English Nature recognises that minerals are critical to national chemical, energy and construction industries. And recognises that the role of extractors in winning these minerals and the social and economic benefits arising from their use. English Nature considers that mineral deposits should be worked within the principles of sustainability, integrating extraction with care for the natural environment. Mineral extraction should operate within wider efforts to maintain the natural environment and should look to ensure wise use of the finite minerals resource. Furthermore, restoration of mineral sites can provide major opportunities to develop or enhance new and existing wildlife and geological sites.
Ensure that objectives and requirements of the policy position statement are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the objectives are reflected in the SA Framework.
Waste Strategy for England 2007a
Decouple waste growth from economic growth and put more emphasis on waste prevention and re-use. Meet and exceed the Landfill Directive diversion targets for biodegradable MSW in 2010, 2013 and 2020. Increase diversion from landfill of non-municipal waste and secure better integration of treatment for municipal and non-municipal waste. Secure the investment in infrastructure needed to divert waste from landfill and for the management of hazardous waste. Get the most environmental benefit from that investment, through increased recycling of resources and recovery of energy.
Ensure that objectives and requirements are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets a range of targets for waste management in England
Policy for the Long Term Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste in the UK
Covers all aspects of generation, management and regulation of low level radioactive waste. The key aim of the policy is to provide a high level framework within which individual low level waste management decisions can be taken flexibly to ensure safe environmentally-acceptable and cost-effective management solutions that appropriately reflect the nature of the low level waste concerned.
Give due consideration to how the plan can incorporate the aims of the Policy. Ensure that the requirements of the Policy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Review of Environmental Health Effects of Waste Management (DEFRA 2004)
Details the potential health implications with respect to waste management operations such as of collection, treatment, transport and disposal of municipal and similar waste. Also identifies priorities for consideration in LDFs and / or development conditions.
Ensure that objectives and requirements are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
English Nature Policy Position
English Nature supports the principle in the Government’s Waste Strategy, that where waste creation is unavoidable the preference
Ensure that objectives and requirements of the policy position statement are incorporated into the plan.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 33
Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators
Statement: Waste management
should be for reuse, then recycling, energy recovery and composting. Disposal should be considered only when the foregoing options have been exhausted, subject to considerations of best practical environmental option (BPEO) in each case.
Ensure that the objectives are reflected in the SA Framework.
Working with the Grain of Nature - A Biodiversity Strategy for England
Ensure cities, towns and other settlements contribute fully to goals of biodiversity conservation. Ensure construction, planning, development and regeneration has minimal adverse impacts on biodiversity and enhances it where possible. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is integral to sustainable urban communities, both in the built environment, and in parks and green spaces. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is integral to measures to improve the quality of people’s lives.
Plan policies should support the national biodiversity strategy objectives. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Water for People and the Environment – Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales
Establishes how water resources should be managed to 2050 and beyond to ensure that there will be enough water for people and the environment.
Plan policies should support the Water Resources Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Safeguarding our Soils – A Strategy for England
Sets out a vision to improve the sustainable management of soil and tackle degradation within 20 years. Aims to ensure that England’s soils are better protected and managed. Four main themes:
Sustainable use of agricultural soils
Role of soils in mitigating and adopting to climate change
Protecting soil functions during construction and development
Preventing pollution and dealing with historic contamination.
Details 16 key objectives for meeting these themes.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives of the Strategy. Ensure that the objectives of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future
Maintaining and creating sustainable communities that people want to live which: are economically prosperous, have decent homes at a price people can afford, safeguard the countryside, enjoy a well-designed, accessible and pleasant living and working environment, and are effectively and fairly governed with a strong sense of community.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives of the Strategy. Ensure that the objectives of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Urban White Paper- Your Region, Your Choice
The aim is to create high quality towns through good design and planning and cities which people can be proud to live in. They must be attractive, clean, safe and well cared-for, combining vitality and interest with practicality, sensitivity to the environment and continuity with the
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives of the Strategy. Ensure that the objectives of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 34 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators
past, as well as offer a high quality of life. They must be well designed and planned, and make the best use of previously-developed land and existing buildings. They must provide good quality services that meet the needs of all. The urban renaissance will benefit everyone, making towns and cities vibrant and successful, and protecting the countryside from development pressure.
Rural White Paper- Our Countryside, the Future
To facilitate the development of dynamic, competitive and sustainable economies in the countryside, tackling poverty in rural areas. To maintain and stimulate communities, and secure access to services which is equitable in all the circumstances, for those who live or work in the countryside. To conserve and enhance rural landscapes and the diversity and abundance of wildlife (including the habitats on which it depends). To increase opportunities for people to get enjoyment from the countryside. To open up public access to mountain, moor heath and down and registered common land by the end of 2005. Promote responsiveness to rural communities through better working together between central departments, local government, government agencies and better co-operation with non-government bodies.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives of the Strategy. Ensure that the objectives of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
National Planning Policy Framework
Secure an adequate and steady supply of indigenous minerals needed to support sustainable growth, whilst encouraging the recycling of suitable materials to minimise the requirement for new primary extraction; and facilitate sustainable use of energy minerals.
Develop plan policies in line with national planning policy on minerals and planning. Ensure that the requirements of national planning guidance are reflected in the SA Framework.
National Planning Policy Framework – Technical Guidance
Provides further detail in relation to the NPPF with regard to dust, noise, stability in mine workings and tips, restoration and aftercare of mineral sites and landbanks for industrial minerals.
Develop plan policies in line with national planning policy on minerals and planning. Ensure that the requirements of national planning guidance are reflected in the SA Framework.
PPS10 – Planning for Sustainable Waste Management
Protect human health and the environment by producing less waste and by using it as a resource wherever possible. Through more sustainable waste management, moving the management of waste up the ‘waste hierarchy’ of reduction, reuse, recycling and composting, using waste as a source of energy, and only disposing as a last resort the Government aims to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impact of waste. Requires a step-change in the way waste is handled and significant new investment in waste management facilities. The planning system is pivotal to the adequate and timely provision of the new facilities that will be needed.
Develop plan policies in line with national planning policies on planning for sustainable waste management. Plan policies are to support the objectives of PPS10. Include policies that ensure appropriate form and location of waste development. Ensure that the requirements of national planning policies are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 35
Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators
PPG21 - Tourism Tourism often depends on a high quality environment (natural, historical and archaeological features). Development should seek to support and encourage tourism whilst conserving the environment, protect the interests of the community and supporting economic prosperity.
Develop plan policies in line with national planning guidance on tourism. Plan policies are to support the objectives of PPG21 by ensuring high environmental standards. Ensure that the requirements of national planning guidance are reflected in the SA Framework.
The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2013
Promotes high level protection for the environment (taken as a whole) from harmful effects of industrial activities.
Develop plan policies in line with national regulations on industrial emissions by ensuring high environmental standards in relation to industrial development Ensure that the requirements of national regulations are reflected in the SA Framework.
Table 4: Regional Policy Context Review
Document Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (including key targets and indicators)
East Midlands Biodiversity Strategy, Putting wildlife on the map
Establishes the strategic framework for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Identifies the main issues affecting the region’s wildlife and outlines opportunities and activities that will ensure its protection and enhancement, whilst increasing people’s enjoyment and understanding of nature. Aims to promote the creation of the policy, strategic and communications framework within which conservation and enhancement of biodiversity can best be achieved. Recognises the actions and key socio-economic areas of activity that affect biodiversity.
Give due consideration to how the plan can incorporate the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Ensure that the Biodiversity Strategy is reflected in the SA Framework.
Water Resources Strategy Regional Action Plan for Midlands Region
Establishes the regional actions that will enable the aims and objectives of the Water Resources Strategy for England.
Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the regional actions required. Ensure that the requirements of the plan are reflected in the SA Framework.
Sub-regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 – 2020
Apportions the National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England (2005-2020) to Mineral Planning Authority level. Based on average sales 2001-2007 expressed as a percentage of regional sales, with minor adjustments.
Ensure that the aggregates apportionment figures are deliverable under the plan. Ensure that the guidelines are reflected in the SA Framework. Northamptonshire apportionment (proposed):
Sand and gravel 12.48 Mt
Crushed rock 4.9 Mt
Table 5: Local Policy Context Review
Document Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (including key targets and indicators
Northamptonshire Local Transport
To maintain the county’s highway assets in the most economically and environmentally sustainable long-term manner.
Ensure that objectives of the Local Transport Plan are incorporated into the plan by supporting integrated transport and minimising the impact of
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 36 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Document Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (including key targets and indicators
Plan 2 To minimise and wherever possible reduce the effect of traffic and transport on the built and natural environment. To reduce the congestion experienced by road users essential to the prosperity of Northamptonshire. To provide the transport system necessary to support and manage growth in the county, ensuring it is integrated with the planning system to create a sustainable and viable future environment.
transport associated with minerals and waste development. Ensure that the requirements of the Local Transport Plan are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets out targets at the local level relating to transport planning.
Sustainable Community Strategy for Northamptonshire
Establishes the framework for the public organisations in Northamptonshire to work together. Details what must be done to meet Northamptonshire’s longer-term needs and big issues that can only be tackled together. Outlines how organisations will better work together to make lasting improvements for the people of Northamptonshire. A range of aims for Northamptonshire:
To be successful through sustainable growth and regeneration
To develop through having a growing economy with more skilled jobs
To have safe and strong communities
To have healthy people who enjoy a good quality of life
Ensure that the aims of the Strategy are reflected in the plan. Consider how plan policies can contribute to sustainable communities. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy (NJMWMS)
Details the joint approach to managing the county’s MSW in the period 2007/08-2020/21. Establishes current position and charts the way forward for the future, setting out a vision for the strategy, and the principles which will guide further actions. Policies set out how the Northamptonshire authorities will achieve the vision and principles. We will continue investment in education and awareness raising to support the strategy. We will prioritise actions which promote and deliver household waste prevention and re-use. We will provide quality, convenient collection services so as to maximise the opportunity for separate collection of dry recyclables and organic waste. We will provide a network of quality recycling centres which maximise the opportunity for segregated collection of materials. We will aim to put in place appropriate services and infrastructure to achieve recycling and composting rates for the county as a whole of: We will keep under review the range of mechanisms available to us to incentivise waste prevention/re-use and greater participation by residents in separate collection services. The Northamptonshire authorities will work together to reduce the
Ensure that objectives of the NJMWMS are incorporated into the plan by supporting the management of waste in a sustainable manner to meet the current and future needs of Northamptonshire communities. Ensure that the requirements of the NJMWMS are reflected in the SA Framework. County recycling rates:
44% of household waste by 2009/10;
48% of household waste by 2012/13;
52% of household waste by 2015/16;
56% of household waste by 2019/20. Within this target, the council is aiming to achieve a target of 70% for recycling and composting of waste received at HWRCs by 2012/13. County targets for residual HH waste generated:
295 kg in 2009/10;
275 kg in 2012/13;
255 kg in 2015/16;
230 kg in 2019/20.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 37
Document Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (including key targets and indicators
amount of residual HH waste generated per person on a continuous basis so as to achieve the following targets: We will seek a residual waste management solution which respects our desire to move waste up the hierarchy, which is environmentally sustainable, reliable and deliverable, which presents value for money and which is consistent with our response to the LATS. We will take measures to minimise the landfilling of trade waste We will, as local authorities, set an example by preventing, re-using, recycling/composting our own waste and by using our buying power to encourage sustainable resource use. We will use enforcement action to combat environmental crimes. We will work together to develop and deliver co-ordinated services and infrastructure for more efficient waste collection, transfer, treatment & disposal. We will investigate the opportunities for formalising partnership working across the Northamptonshire Authorities. We will seek opportunities in the creation of new communities in Northamptonshire for integrating sustainable waste and resource management into development plans. We will ensure that development makes appropriate provision for waste management. We will monitor & consider the impact of activities in relation to climate change. Policy development will have regard to the National Waste Management Strategy and other relevant national, regional and local guidance, policies and strategies and plans. We will lobby relevant government departments and agencies, as well as other organisations, for the introduction of policies and financial arrangements which support the delivery of this Strategy’s principles.
Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan
Conserve and enhance the diversity of life in Northamptonshire. Targets the most threatened and declining habitats and species in Northamptonshire.
Ensure that objectives of the BAP are reflected in the plan by providing for environmental conservation and protection. Ensure that the requirements of the BAP are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets for local action plans to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
Northamptonshire Environmental Character (EC) and Green Infrastructure (GI)
The EC describes the physical environment of the county and provides guidelines for historical, ecological and modern landscapes to help ensure their qualities are retained and enhanced. The GI strategy sets out the strategic framework and plan for GI delivery. It is intended to help direct positive change that encourages environmental protection
Ensure that the guidelines and strategies set out in the suite are reflected in the plan. Ensure that the guidelines and policies are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 38 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Document Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (including key targets and indicators
Suite and enhancement while embracing economic regeneration and growth.
Catchment Flood Management Plans (CFMPs)– The River Welland and River Nene
CFMPs detail the potential scale and extent of flooding now and in the future and provide sustainable management policies for specific catchment areas, including the Welland and Nene. The policies are designed to provide sustainable flood risk management for the next 50-100 years. Each catchment has been divided into sub areas with similar physical characteristics, sources of flooding and level of risk. Each of the sub-areas has been allocated one of six generic flood risk management policies.
Ensure that CFMPs are reflected in the plan through flood management policies. Ensure that the requirements of the CFMPs are reflected in the SA Framework.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 39
APPENDIX 2: BASELINE INFORMATION
Potential significant
sustainability effect and link to
SA objective
Indicator Comparators
and target
Baseline Data (monitoring period 1st
Apr 2009 – 31st Mar 2010)
Monitoring period (1st Apr 2010 – 31st Mar
2011) Trends
Likely significant
effects
Links to Local Plan
Minerals
Aggregate extraction
Steady and adequate supply of aggregates SA objectives: 19, 20
Level of aggregates extracted
To meet S&G and CR annual apportionments: S&G – 0.97 Mt CR – 0.39 Mt Building and roofing stone will be provided for restoration, conservation, and enhancement Capacity for inert fill processing of secondary aggregates will increase
Mineral sales (2009 data): S&G – 17 MT CR – 0.15 MT A sustainable amount of building and roofing stone was extracted for restoration, conservation and enhancement The capacity for inert fill was not increased through the granting of permission for mineral extraction during this monitoring period
Mineral sales: (2009 data): S&G – 0.21 MT CR – 0.18 MT A sustainable amount of building and roofing stone was extracted for restoration, conservation and enhancement The capacity for inert fill was not increased through the granting of permission for mineral extraction during this monitoring period
Amount of mineral extraction increased over monitoring periods
Aggregate extraction levels meet the apportionment figures Sufficient aggregates are made available to support growth and development of sustainable communities
Local Plan objectives: 1,2, 4 Local Plan policy & LDD: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 22, 33, 34,
Landbanks
Maintain landbanks SA objectives: 11, 12
Landbank for S&G and CR (years)
S&G 7 years CR 10 years
Landbank figures for 2009: S&G – 6.3 years CR – 35 years
Landbank figures for 2009: S&G – 5.7 years CR – 39 years
landbank figure for S&G decreased by 0.6 years to over monitoring periods not reaching target landbank Landbank for CR increased by 4 years over monitoring periods
Maintenance of landbanks
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 Local Plan policy & LDD: 32, 33, 34
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 40 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Sterilisation
Protect economically important resources from sterilisation SA objectives: 7, 11, 12
Number of applications in MSAs satisfying Local Plan requirements
100% of all new development
All development applications identifying sites within MSAs meet the requirements set out in the MWDF that relate to protecting economically important resources from sterilisation. As a result no development took place which caused sterilisation to economically viable resources
All development applications identifying sites within MSAs meet the requirements set out in the MWDF that relate to protecting economically important resources from sterilisation. As a result no development took place which caused sterilisation to economically viable resources
Areas considered to be economically viable in relation to mineral resources continue to be protected from sterilisation ensuring they are available for future extraction when required
Economically important mineral reserves do not become unnecessarily sterilised
Local Plan objectives: 1, 4, 7 Local Plan policy & LDD: 32, 33, 34
Development adversely affecting minerals development
Development does not adversely affect committed or allocated minerals development, including the safeguarding of minerals-related uses (such as storage / processing, rail head / links and wharfage facilities) from other forms of development SA objectives: 20
Number of applications satisfying Local Plan requirements
100% of all new development
No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated locations for mineral development. Mineral sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development
No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated locations for mineral development. Mineral sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development
Areas considered to be economically viable in relation to mineral resources continue to be protected from unrelated development within close proximity ensuring they are available for future extraction when required. Allocated mineral extraction takes precedence over unrelated development
M&W (committed or allocated) development and associated use are not adversely affected by other development
Local Plan objectives: 7 Local Plan policy & LDD: 2, 32, 33, 34
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 41
Sustainable minerals transport movements
Promote the use of sustainable transportation movements / methods SA objectives: 6, 13, 16, 18
Number of applications including a sustainable transport assessment or incorporating alternative transport methods
100% of all new minerals development
All mineral development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods
All mineral development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods
Target met Increase in developments incorporating sustainable transportation movements and methods
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 4 Local Plan policy and LDD: 30
Waste
Sustainable use of resources
Development including the sustainable use of secondary aggregates, use of recycled materials and waste minimisation measures SA objectives: 7
Development that includes use of secondary & recycled aggregates, and construction & demolition methods which minimise waste
100% of all new development (10% increase per annum in the number of new developments utilising secondary & recycled aggregates)
It is estimated that there was a 10% increase in the number of developments that included the use of secondary aggregates, recycled materials, and waste minimisation measures However it is extremely difficult to provide an exact figure for this due to the nature of the monitoring objective and that it includes ‘all new development’ rather that M&W development
It is estimated that there was a 10% increase in the number of developments that included the use of secondary aggregates, recycled materials, and waste minimisation measures However it is extremely difficult to provide an exact figure for this due to the nature of the monitoring objective and that it includes ‘all new development’ rather that M&W development
Estimated 10% increase per annum
Increase in the use of secondary & recycled aggregates Decrease in construction & demolition waste
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD
Sustainable waste transport movements
Promote the use of sustainable transportation movements / methods SA objectives:
Number of applications including a sustainable transport assessment
100% of all new waste development
All waste development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods
All waste development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods
Target met Increase in developments incorporating sustainable transportation movements / methods
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 5 Local Plan policy & LDD: 21, 23, 30
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 42 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
6, 10, 13, 16, 18
Waste management associated with general development
Promote integration of sustainable waste management measures with other forms of development SA objectives: 10
Number of applications satisfying Local Plan requirements for minimisation of development related waste and provision of waste management facilities
100% of all new development (where relevant)
All permissions granted for developments over 10 dwellings / 1ha satisfy the MWDF requirements and incorporate waste management measures such as waste audits and waste management facilities & design features (where relevant)
All permissions granted for developments over 10 dwellings / 1ha satisfy the MWDF requirements and incorporate waste management measures such as waste audits and waste management facilities & design features (where relevant)
Target met Increase in developments incorporating waste management measures such as waste audits, waste management facilities and design features
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 12, 18, 27, 31, SPD
Waste arisings and management methods
Drive waste up the waste hierarchy SA objectives: 10
Waste arisings (MSW, C&I, C&D, hazardous and LLW) and management methods (recycling, treatment, and disposal rates)
Decrease in waste disposed of to landfill JMWMS targets
MSW arisings for 2009/10 were 333,856 t Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 202,900 m
3
(32,900 m3 inert, and
170,000 m3
non hazardous) 52.1% of MSW was disposed of to landfill Waste type arising (Mt):
Waste type
Mt
HIC 1.57
Inert/C&D 0.59
Haz 0.19
Other 0.01
Total 2.36
Waste management
MSW arisings for 2010/11 were 354,524 t Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 190,000m
3
(all inert waste disposal) 50.9 % of MSW was disposed of to landfill Waste type arising (Mt):
Waste type
Mt
HIC 1.47
Inert/C&D 0.73
Haz 0.24
Total 2.44
Waste management method (Mt):
Increase in rates of sustainable waste management methods
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 29, SPD
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 43
method (Mt):
Landfill 1.24
Non Hazardous LF 0.71
Inert LF 0.32
Hazardous Merchant LF 0.11
Non Haz (SNRHW) LF 0.09
MRS 0.06
Metal Recycling 0.05
Car Breaker 0.02
Transfer 0.65
Non-Haz Waste Transfer 0.41
Haz Waste Transfer 0.17
CA Site 0.07
Treatment 0.41
Physical-Chemical Treatment 0.10
Composting 0.10
Physical Treatment 0.18
Material Recycling Facility 0.03
*HIC – Household / Industrial / Commercial Inert / C&D – Inert / Commercial and
Landfill 1.14
Non Hazardous LF 0.52
Inert LF 0.44
Hazardous Merchant LF 0.10
Non Haz (SNRHW) LF 0.08
MRS 0.06
Metal Recycling 0.05
Car Breaker 0.01
Transfer 0.71
Non-Haz Waste Transfer 0.38
Haz Waste Transfer 0.26
CA Site 0.07
Treatment 0.53
Physical-Chemical Treatment 0.19
Composting 0.11
Physical Treatment 0.07
WEEE treatment facility 0.04
Biological Treatment 0.04
Material Recycling Facility 0.03
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 44 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Development Haz – Hazardous (Waste data is based on the EA Waste Interrogator and is approx) (Waste data 2009 calendar year)
Mechanical Biological Treatment 0.03
*HIC – Household / Industrial / Commercial Inert / C&D – Inert / Commercial and Development Haz – Hazardous (Waste data is based on the EA Waste Interrogator and is approx) (Waste data 2010 calendar year)
Waste management capacity (permitted / operational)
Increase in more sustainable management methods and reduction in disposal to landfill SA objectives: 10
Waste management capacity of permitted / operational facilities
Indicative waste management capacity requirements Landfill capacity sufficient to meet ten years requirement
21 permissions were granted for waste management alternatives to landfill during the monitoring period increasing waste management capacity by 471,000 tpa Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 202,900 m
3
(32,900 m3 inert, and
170,000 m3
non hazardous) In the same period permitted power generation capacity from waste gas increased by 19 megawatts (MW) There were nine waste applications undetermined at the end of November 2009
24 permissions were granted for waste management alternatives to landfill during the monitoring period increasing waste management capacity by 566,000 tpa Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 190,000 tpa (all inert waste disposal) No schemes including power generation were permitted in the monitoring period There were ten waste applications undetermined at the end of November 20091
st Mar
Continued permitted waste management alternatives to landfill, increasing waste management capacity
Increase in waste management capacity to meet capacity requirements
Local Plan objectives: 2, 3, 5, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 11, 12, 13, 21, 23, 31, SPD
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 45
01
Catchment areas for waste management facilities
Waste management facilities within Northamptonshire contribute towards reduced transport movements, communities taking responsibility for their waste and Northamptonshire achieving net-self sufficiency SA objectives: 10
Number of applications satisfying Local Plan requirements
100% of waste management facilities have an identified catchment area
All permitted waste management facilities have an identified catchment area
All permitted waste management facilities have an identified catchment area
Catchment areas for waste continue to be identified during the application stage
Decrease in transport movements and positive move towards self-sufficiency.
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 21, 33, 34, SPD
Development adversely affecting waste development
Development does not adversely affect committed or allocated waste development, including the safeguarding of waste sites from other forms of development
Number of applications satisfying Local Plan requirements
100% of all new development
No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated waste development. Waste sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development
No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated waste development. Waste sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development
Target met M&W (committed or allocated) development is not adversely affected by other development
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 46 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
SA objectives: 20
Environment and landuse
Natural
Protect and enhance the natural environment Avoid and / or minimise environmental impacts where necessary SA objectives: 2, 3, 4, 13, 17
The number of incidents of enforcement action taken by NCC against the M&W industry relating to environmental impact
Reduction in the number of incidents where enforcement action is taken against the M&W industry in relation to environmental impact
All M&W development permissions granted during the monitoring period included measures designed to ensure the surrounding environment was protected and enhanced During the monitoring period there were no cases of enforcement action taken as a result of negative impacts on the environment in relation to the M&W industry
All M&W development permissions granted during the monitoring period included measures designed to ensure the surrounding environment was protected and enhanced During the monitoring period there has been one case of enforcement action taken. This involved the serving of an enforcement notice regarding a site at Blackbridge Farm, Burton Latimer (a bio-drying and pyrolysis waste management facility). The enforcement notice has been appealed and as of 31/11/2010 this case is ongoing
Continual trend in permission being grated for developments which consider the environment and would not result in negative environmental impacts One case of enforcement action taken which against the general trend and a rare event. However the serving of an enforcement notice is working towards minimising negative environmental impacts and ensuring that no further issues are created
Reduction in substantiated complaints and pollution incidents requiring enforcement action for developments satisfying Local Plan requirements
Local Plan objectives: 10, 11, 12 Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 24, SPD
Historic
Conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting
Number of M&W developments that have an approved scheme addressing the
100% of all new development (where relevant)
All permitted M&W developments included an approved scheme addressing the historic environment Archaeological investigation took place at
All permitted M&W Developments included an approved scheme addressing the historic environment Archaeological investigation took place at
Target met Increase in the proactive management of historic environment
Local Plan objectives: 9, 10 Local Plan policy & LDD: 6, 22, 26, SPD
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 47
SA objectives: 5, 13, 17
historic environment or include a scheme which secures a supply of building and roofing stone (where relevant)
all sites which required further information prior to permission being granted or secures a supply of building and roofing stone
all sites which required further information prior to permission being granted or secures a supply of building and roofing stone
Built
M&W development which is complementary to the surrounding landscape and townscape SA objectives: 2, 13, 17
Number of M&W applications that include a landscape character assessment and satisfy the SPD principles relating to innovation and design (where relevant)
100% of all applications (where relevant)
All M&W permissions included a landscape character assessment and satisfies the principles included in the SPD related to innovation and design (where relevant)
All M&W permissions included a landscape character assessment and satisfies the principles included in the SPD related to innovation and design (where relevant)
Target met Increase in creative design an innovation of M&W developments
Local Plan objectives: 2, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 Local Plan policy & LDD: 1, 30, 22, 25, 28, SPD
Flood risk
Avoid adverse impact on flood risk from M&W development SA objectives: 4, 13, 17
Number of M&W applications receiving permission contrary to Environment Agency advice on flooding
All applications / permissions meet flood management requirements
All applications / permissions met flood management requirements 3 applications for sites in flood zones were approved (22%) No M&W development in flood zones took place against EA advice None of these facilities became operational during monitoring period
All applications / permissions met flood management requirements There were no applications that included further development in flood zones. No M&W development in flood zones took place against EA advice
Target met Decrease in potentially adverse impacts on flood risk and prevention of flood risk impacts on surrounding areas
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 10 Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 24, SPD, SA
Restoration and after-use
After-use should enhance
Number of M&W permissions that include an
100% of all new development (where relevant) Increase in
All M&W applications included an adequate after-use / restoration scheme
All M&W applications included an adequate after-use / restoration scheme
Target met Increase in the enhancement of biodiversity (BAP targets),
Local Plan objectives: 11, 12
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 48 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
biodiversity, the historic & natural environment and amenity whilst benefitting the local community and / or economy SA objectives: 2, 9, 15, 17
approved restoration scheme that seeks to maximise beneficial outcomes
creation of BAP priority habitats (BAP targets)
Increase in the creation of BAP priority habitats specifically included a progressive restoration scheme restoring the site to wet woodland
the historic & natural environment, amenity with increased benefits to the local community and / or economy
Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 25, 28, SPD
Climate change
Climate change reduction measures
Carbon emission reduction within the M&W industry SA objectives: 6, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19
Number of applications satisfying the Local Plan requirements relating to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency i.e. the regular servicing of vehicles, landfill gas extraction, methane gas recovery
100% of all development
All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency
All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency
Target met
County carbon emissions continue to decrease
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD, SA
Energy production
Increase in renewable energy production within the M&W industry SA objectives: 6, 13, 14, 16, 19
Increase in energy production from waste developments (e.g. energy from waste facilities, landfill gas extraction, anaerobic
Net increase
All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the increase in renewable energy and enhancing energy production Increase in energy production from waste developments include the
All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the increase in renewable energy and enhancing energy production There was no increase in energy production from waste developments
Target met County carbon emissions continue to decrease
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD, SA
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 49
digestion, etc) development of a 3MW biomass fuelled energy production plant at Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough and a renewable energy production plant at Gretton Brook Road, Corby. Neither of which are operational
during the monitoring period.
Economic and community benefits
Employment
Increase in investment and employment in the M&W industry SA objectives: 1, 14
Continued investment in M&W development (e.g. new waste management facilities and mineral workings)
Net increase Granting of M&W development applications during this monitoring period will result in a net increase in employment opportunities within Northamptonshire During the monitoring period applications were permitted which in total included the creation of 103 full time positions A total of 28 of these full time positions were made available due to permissions being implemented during the monitoring period
Granting of M&W development applications during this monitoring period will result in a net increase in employment opportunities within Northamptonshire During the monitoring period applications were permitted which in total included the creation of 41.5 full time positions A total of 41.5 of these full time positions were made available due to permissions being implemented during the monitoring period
Target met Employment opportunities in Northamptonshire increased
Economic growth due to further investment and increased skills / knowledge
Local Plan objectives: 1, 3 Local Plan Policy & LDD: SPD
Health and safety
Ensure that M&W development does not adversely affect the health and safety of our
Number of applications that satisfy the MWDF requirements relating to sustainable transport ,
100% of all development
All permitted M&W development satisfied the MWDF requirements relating to sustainable transport , avoiding and / or reducing potentially adverse impacts, prevent landuse conflict and
All permitted M&W development satisfied the MWDF requirements relating to sustainable transport , avoiding and / or reducing potentially adverse impacts, prevent landuse conflict and
Target met Decrease in potentially adverse impacts on health and safety
Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 12 Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31,
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 50 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
communities. SA objectives: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20
avoiding and / or reducing potentially adverse impacts, prevent landuse conflict and reducing carbon emissions
reducing carbon emissions
reducing carbon emissions
34, SPD, SA
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (January 2013) 49
APPENDIX 3: KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES AFFECTING THE PLAN
Table 1: Key sustainability issues and source
Key sustainability issues Source
Economic issues - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment
Lack of ongoing learning and development of skills. While there are more highly skilled people in Northamptonshire than the regional average there are also a higher proportion of residents who have no qualifications, perhaps reflecting the polarisation in the county between employment in lower-skill logistics and construction versus the high skill service-sector employment. This trend is reflected by comparatively low skill levels and training take-up rates for employment related training. Highlighted in some areas by higher than average levels of poor literacy and numeracy skills in adults, youth unemployment and people in low income brackets (less than £250 per week).
IRS, REcS, EM09
Coping with economic diversification and ensuring quality employment opportunities. Current industrial base requires modernisation towards a modern knowledge intensive economic base to ensure sustainability and quality employment.
IRS, REcS
Lack of innovation and enterprise culture, especially in disadvantaged communities. Including the need to encourage new business and ensure that existing businesses, and subsequent growth, remains within the county. Also highlights the need to provide a quality range of employment premises and sites for new business and industry.
REcS
Lack of opportunity for individuals and community-based organisations to participate in the local economy, and to generate wealth which is retained within the community.
REcS
Balance growth, communities and the environment whilst harnessing the economic potential of the rural areas.
IRS, REcS
Lack of access to and diminishing provision of, local business, transport, facilities and services in rural areas may restrict economic development.
IRS, REcS
The ongoing recession presents particular sustainability challenges. Lags in the production of economic statistics mean that many data series do not yet show the full impacts of the recession. However, unemployment has increased across the UK with Northamptonshire no exception. Claimant count unemployment, traditionally low in the county, has been increasing at a greater rate than the regional and national averages. The recovery of the economy is a key issue for Northamptonshire. Developments in the global economy will continue to impact on the county.
EM09
Environmental - Effective protection of the environment
Reducing the contribution to and adapting to the effects of, climate change REcS, REnvS, REnS, EMRP, CS
Limited use of renewable energy IRS, REnvS, REnS. CS
The need for an improvement in the quality of the region’s natural and built environment
REcS, REnvS, NBAP, NLCA,
Halting and reversing the decline in biodiversity IRS, REnvS, NCS, NBAP, CS
Balancing economic growth and development whilst protecting the environment REcS, IRS, REnvS, NCS, CS
Availability and quality of water resources REnvS, WREM
Environmental - Prudent use of natural resources
Inefficient and often wasteful use of our natural resources. Often as a result of poor design, hence there is a need to increase design efficiency.
REcS, REnvS, CS
Natural resources extraction and waste management development is required to support current and anticipated growth patterns, however it is essential to minimise potential adverse impacts on the environment and community
REnvS, IRS, MKSMSS, CS
Optimising the use of previously-developed land and ensuring the appropriate restoration and after-use of sites
IRS, EMRP, MKSMSS, NWLP, NMLP, CS
Waste generation and management, including minimisation, recovery and recycling of wastes to meet targets
RWS, IRS, NWLP, CS
Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals is achieved whilst protecting the environment and safeguarding resources
NMLP, MKSMSS, CS
Social - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 50 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Key sustainability issues Source
Providing for the region's growing population with respect to housing, infrastructure, facilities and services.
IRS, NCS, CS
Ensuring infrastructure, services and facilities reflects growth patterns. A large proportion of the population live in towns and villages. Where access to basic services and facilities is potentially limited, this may create disadvantages and social deprivation.
IRS, EMRP, CS
Addressing changing demographics. Increasing aged population residing in rural areas bears implications for the provision of appropriate health and social care, education and for a range of other services and agencies. Additionally, whilst life expectancy has risen, the average length of life free from illness and disability has not increased.
IRS, NCS
Lack of awareness and engagement with respect to environmental issues. REcS, REnvS
Access to recreational opportunities. NCS, NSP
Adverse impact of transport on communities and the environment. Heavy Goods Vehicles movement account for a relatively small proportion of the traffic flow – typically 10% or less – but the effect on the road network, people’s lives and the environment is far greater than this statistic implies. Impacts include: o contribution to congestion; o potential adverse impacts on the environment and human health and safety
(pedestrians); o increased maintenance requirements resulting from the wear on roads and
underground utilities; and o misuse of local streets (rat-running), weight-restricted roads and parking in
residential areas; However, freight movements are important for the local economy, employment, supply of goods and services; hence a balance needs to be found whereby strategic road network is optimised and adverse impacts are mitigated. Additionally, the use of alternative means of transport needs to be encouraged.
LTP2, IRS, REcS, REnvS, EMRP CS
Addressing social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination. Significant inequalities and or disparities are apparent in the following areas, health - the poorest levels of health clearly correlate to social disadvantage and multiple deprivations, wealth creation and employment quality, and community safety (affected by a combination of social, educational, health, economic and environmental issues) where pockets with high rates of crime or fear of crime exist throughout. Certain groups and individuals suffer higher levels of exclusion from a range of opportunities for their development by virtue of their ethnic background, religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Circumstances such as poverty, unemployment, low level of skills, low incomes, poor housing and health, high crime and family breakdown combine together to create exclusion and inequalities.
IRS, NCS, NSP
Spatial
Provision of an integrated transport network that supports economic development and land-use patterns and minimises adverse impacts on environment and community.
LTP2, EMRP, IRS, CS
The adequate protection of the character and distinctiveness of townscapes and landscapes. Northamptonshire displays a range of townscapes and landscapes with distinct identities and characters which are linked at the broader landscape level.
NCS, NSP, NLCA, CS
Availability of land for development, such as residential, business, industry, etc, in appropriate locations.
IRS, MKSMSS, NSP, CS
Safeguarding existing land-uses. Increased access to the countryside may impact upon the operation and viability of some land-uses (e.g. minerals and waste development, agriculture).
IRS, CS
Provision of appropriate infrastructure to support current and future needs of modern economy and community.
NSP, CS
The availability of reliable up-to-date data regarding the waste and minerals industry at a local scale is also a key issue as it may impact upon the baseline information and evidence base for the MWDF.
IRS, RWS, NMLP, NWLP, CS
Ensuring appropriate facilities for waste management. Although the amount of waste landfilled must decline to avoid causing environmental problems, some of the alternatives can have their own environmental consequences.
RWS, NWLP, NSP, CS
Source abbreviations:
CS – Northamptonshire Core Strategy EM – The East Midlands in 2009 IRS - Integrated Regional Strategy. England’s East Midlands – Our sustainable development
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (January 2013) 51
LTP2 - Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan 2006/7 – 2010/11 MKSMSS - Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy NBAP - Biodiversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire NCS - Community Strategy for Northamptonshire NLCA - Northamptonshire Landscape Character Assessment NMLP - Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan NWLP - Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan REcS - Destination 2010. Regional Economic Strategy for the East Midlands REnS - Regional Energy Strategy. East Midlands Energy Challenge REnvS - Regional Environmental Strategy England’s East Midlands EMRP - East Midlands Regional Plan RWS - Towards a Regional Waste Strategy – East Midlands WREM - Water Resources for the Future- A Strategy for the East Midlands
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 52 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
APPENDIX 4: DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK
Table 1: Development of the SA objectives
Regional SD Framework SEA Directive Other plans & programmes
Sustainability issues identified Proposed SA objectives
Economic Objectives - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment
To create high quality employment opportunities and to develop a culture of ongoing engagement and excellence in learning and skills, giving the region a competitive edge in how we acquire and exploit knowledge
To develop a strong culture of enterprise and innovation, creating a climate within which entrepreneurs and world-class business can flourish
To provide the physical conditions for a modern economic structure, including infrastructure to support the use of new technologies
Support economic development and employment
Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS White Papers (Urban & Rural) Destination 2010. Regional Economic Strategy for the East Midlands East Midlands Regional Plan Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD
Lack of ongoing learning and development of skills
Coping with economic diversification and ensuring quality employment opportunities.
Lack of innovation and enterprise culture
Lack of opportunity to participate in the local economy, and to generate wealth which is retained within the community
Balance growth, communities and the environment whilst harnessing the economic potential of the rural areas
Lack of access to and diminishing provision of, local business, transport, facilities and services in rural areas may restrict economic development.
Support economic development and employment opportunities
Environmental Objectives - Effective protection of the environment
To protect, enhance and manage the rich diversity of the natural, cultural and built environmental and archaeological assets of the region
To enhance and conserve the environmental quality of the region by increasing the environmental infrastructure
Effective protection of the environment (including biodiversity, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets and cultural heritage - architectural and archaeological heritage)
Kyoto Climate Change Protocol UK Climate Change Programme Air Quality Strategy for England Working with the Grain of Nature : a Biodiversity Strategy for England White Papers
Balancing economic growth and development whilst protecting the environment
The need for an improvement in the quality of the region’s natural and built environment
Halting and reversing the decline in biodiversity
Availability and quality of water
Protect and enhance the built and natural environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils)
Protect and enhance air quality
Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk
Protect and enhance cultural
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (January 2013) 53
Regional SD Framework SEA Directive Other plans & programmes
Sustainability issues identified Proposed SA objectives
To involve people, through changes to lifestyle and at work, in preventing and minimising adverse local, regional and global environmental impacts
To minimise energy usage and to develop the region’s renewable energy resource, reducing dependency on non-renewable resources
Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS Regional Environmental Strategy England’s East Midlands Water Resources for the Future- A Strategy for the East Midlands Biodiversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy East Midlands Regional Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD
resources
Reducing the contribution to, and adapting to the effects of, climate change
Limited use of renewable energy
heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency
Environmental Objectives - Prudent use of natural resources
To manage prudently the natural resources of the region including water, air quality, soil and minerals
To minimise waste and to increase the re-use and recycling of waste materials
Prudent use of natural resources
Northamptonshire’s Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS Securing the future – delivering UK
Inefficient and often wasteful use of our natural resources
Natural resources extraction and waste management development is required to support current and anticipated growth patterns, however it is essential to minimise potential adverse impacts on the environment and community
Optimising the use of previously-developed land and ensuring the appropriate restoration and after-use of sites
Waste generation and management, including minimisation, recovery and
Ensure prudent use of natural resources
Maximise re-use of previously developed land
Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites
Promote sustainable waste management principles
Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources
Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 54 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Regional SD Framework SEA Directive Other plans & programmes
Sustainability issues identified Proposed SA objectives
sustainable development strategy UK National Waste Strategy Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy East Midlands Regional Plan
recycling of wastes to meet targets
Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals is achieved whilst protecting the environment and safeguarding resources
Social Objectives - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing
To ensure that the existing and future housing stock meets the housing needs of all communities in the region
To improve health and reduce health inequalities by promoting healthy lifestyles, protecting health and providing health services
To provide better opportunities for people to value and enjoy the regions heritage and participate in cultural and recreational activities
To improve community safety, reduce crime and the fear of crime
To promote and support the development and growth of social capital across the communities of the region
Support social progress that recognises the needs of everyone Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health Address population growth
Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS White Papers (Urban & Rural) Sustainable communities: Building for the future Community Strategy for Northamptonshire Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan 2 Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan East Midlands Regional Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD
Providing for the region's growing population with respect to housing, infrastructure, facilities and services
Ensuring infrastructure, services and facilities reflects growth patterns
Addressing changing demographics
Lack of awareness and engagement with respect to environmental issues
Access to recreational opportunities
Adverse impact of transport on communities and the environment
Addressing social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination
Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport
Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs
Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities
Encourage ongoing engagement and learning
Spatial Objectives
To ensure that the location of Promote sustainable European Spatial Provision of an integrated transport Promote sustainable development
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (January 2013) 55
Regional SD Framework SEA Directive Other plans & programmes
Sustainability issues identified Proposed SA objectives
development makes efficient use of existing physical infrastructure and helps to reduce the need to travel
To promote and ensure high standards of sustainable design and construction, optimising the use of previously developed land and buildings
To improve accessibility to jobs and services by increasing the use of public transport, cycling and walking, and reducing traffic growth and congestion
development Protect and enhance landscape character and its components
Development Perspective National and regional guidelines for aggregates provision in England Securing the future – delivering UK sustainable development strategy UK National Waste Strategy White Papers (Urban & Rural) Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS Towards a Regional Waste Strategy – East Midlands Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan East Midlands Regional Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD
network
Adequate protection of townscapes and landscapes
Availability of land for development in appropriate locations
Safeguarding existing land-uses
Provision of appropriate infrastructure to support current and future needs of modern economy and community
Availability of reliable up-to-date data for minerals and waste development
Ensuring appropriate facilities for waste management
and efficient design
Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes, ensuring
To reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that minerals and waste development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning.
Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure
Safeguard existing land-uses, such as minerals and waste development, from other forms of development which do not complement existing operations.
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 56 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
Table 2: SEA Directives cross-referenced with the SA objectives
SEA Directive topic Northamptonshire SA objective
Biodiversity 2
Fauna 2
Flora 2
Soil 2, 7
Water 2, 4, 9
Air 2, 3, 6
Climatic factors 3, 6
Material assets 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20
Cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage 5
Landscape 8, 9, 17
Human health 13, 15
Population 1, 14, 18, 19
Table 3: Development of the SA objective indicators
SA Objective Sub-objective Indicator
Economic - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment
SA1. Support economic development and employment opportunities.
Do the policies support the development and growth of the local economy and generate employment opportunities? (e.g. within the mineral development or waste management industry) Do the policies encourage innovation, enterprise and competitiveness within the minerals and waste development industry? (e.g. cost effective waste reduction)
General economic overview of the county
Diversity and quality of employment opportunities within the county and its rural areas
Value of the minerals and waste development industry within the county
Investment in innovation technologies within the minerals and waste industry
Environment - Effective protection of the environment
SA2. Protect and enhance the built and natural environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils).
Do the policies protect and enhance where possible, the environment? Do the policies allow for the effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites to enable contribution towards habitat and landscape enhancement?
General overview of the environmental state and land use within the county
Minerals and waste industry land use coverage within the county
Restoration and after-use of sites that contribute towards habitat and landscape enhancement
Protection of designated conservation land
SA3. Protect and enhance air quality. Do the policies protect and enhance where possible, air quality? Operational impact on surrounding environment – air quality
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (January 2013) 57
SA Objective Sub-objective Indicator
SA4. Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk.
Do the policies protect water resources and enhance water quality (where possible)? Do the policies help to mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk?
Operational impact on surrounding environment – water quality
Flood risk
SA5. Conserves and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting
Do the policies conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting? Do the policies ensure that any potential adverse impacts avoided or mitigated and benefits identified? Do the policies secure a supply of local building and roofing materials?
Protection of cultural heritage assets
SA6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
Do the policies help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency?
Greenhouse gas emissions
Emission reduction techniques
Environment - Prudent use of natural resources
SA7. Ensure prudent use of natural resources.
Do the policies seek to conserve and protect natural resources? (e.g. consumption of secondary / recycled aggregates and sustainable waste management) Do the policies help to protect agricultural resources including soils and best and most versatile agricultural land? Do the policies help to reduce land contamination?
Minerals resource consumption
Waste arisings and management
Protection of best and most versatile agricultural lands
Soil contamination
SA8. Maximise re-use of previously developed land.
Do the policies encourage the re-use of previously developed land? Re-use of previously developed land
SA9. Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites.
Do the policies help promote effective restoration and after use of sites for social, environmental or economic benefit?
Restoration and after use of minerals and waste development sites
SA10. Promote sustainable waste management principles.
Do the policies help to promote sustainable waste management principles?
Active promotion of sustainable waste management
SA11. Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources.
Do the policies provide appropriate land-use planning mechanisms to avoid sterilisation of mineral resources?
Mineral resources within the county and extent of sterilisation
Planning mechanisms
SA12. Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines.
Do the policies allow for a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines?
Supply of minerals
Social - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing
SA13. Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport.
Do the policies avoid and or minimise adverse impacts on human health and safety?
Human health and safety
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 58 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
SA Objective Sub-objective Indicator
SA14. Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs.
Do the policies support social progress that recognises the needs of everyone with respect to minerals and waste development? E.g. Meet specific needs of the community for both current and future generations through increasing awareness and practice of sustainable waste management, prudent use of natural resources and increased consumption of secondary and recycled aggregates. Do the policies address and reduce social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination through the provision of – opportunities for employment, access to facilities and services, community engagement and ongoing learning, community health and safety. Do the policies improve access to facilities and services to support and serve the community’s needs, such as waste management and aggregate recycling facilities? Do the policies encourage all sections of the community to participate in ongoing community engagement and learning with respect to minerals and waste planning?
Sustainable communities
Socio economic factors - deprivation index
Access to facilities
Community engagement and learning opportunities
SA15. Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities.
Do the policies improve access to facilities and services including recreational facilities and opportunities? Do the policies help to maximise the benefits of appropriate restoration and after-use of sites for the community?
Access to recreation facilities and opportunities Restoration and after-use of sites that contributes towards recreational opportunities.
Spatial
SA16. Promote sustainable development and efficient design.
Do the policies incorporate and help promote sustainable development and efficient design?
Implementation of sustainable development measure
SA17. Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes.
Do the policies help improve landscape and townscape character of the county and help to minimise adverse impacts to local amenity and overall landscape character?
Restoration that contributes towards enhancement of landscapes
SA18. Reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that waste and minerals development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning.
Do the policies help to reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways)? Do the policies integrate minerals and waste development planning, strategic transport and land-use planning?
Transport movements
SA19. Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure.
Do the policies make provision for development of necessary infrastructure to meet current and future needs? (e.g. Waste management facilities, minerals development to support development)
Requirement for, and provision of infrastructure
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (January 2013) 59
SA Objective Sub-objective Indicator
SA20. Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development.
Do the policies help to safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development which do not complement existing operations? (e.g. appropriate land-use planning mechanisms)
Planning mechanisms
Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 60 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)
APPENDIX 5: METHODOLOGY FOR TESTING DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS AND APPRAISING EFFECTS OF THE PLAN
Table 1: Example matrix for documenting the appraisal of plan policy
Sustainability objective
Predicted effects Justification for assessment - Likelihood or certainty of effect occurring - Geographical scale - Temporary or permanent - Assumptions made - Recommendations for mitigation or improvement
Nature of effect
Assessment of effect and likely term
Short Medium Long
Economic - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment
Environment - Effective protection of the environment
Environment - Prudent use of natural resources
Social - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing
Spatial
Table 2: Example content and structure of the SA Environmental Report
Structure of the report Information to be included
1.0 Summary and Outcomes 1.1 Non-technical summary 1.2 Statement on the difference the process has made 1.3 How to comment on the report
2.0 Appraisal Methodology 2.1 Approach adopted to the SA 2.2 When the SA was carried out 2.3 Who carried out the SA 2.4 Who was consulted, when and how
3.0 Background 3.1 Purpose of the SA and the SA Report 3.2 Plan objectives and outline of contents 3.3 Compliance with the SEA Directive/Regulations
4.0 Sustainability Objectives, baseline and context
4.1 Links to other strategies, Plans and programmes and sustainability objectives 4.2 Description of the social, environmental and economic baseline characteristics and the predicted future baseline 4.3 Difficulties in collecting data and limitations of the data 4.4 The SA Framework, including objectives, targets and indicators 4.5 Main social, environmental and economic issues and problems identified
5.0 Plan issues and options
5.1 Main strategic options considered and how they were identified 5.2 Comparison of the social, environmental and economic effects of the options 5.3 How social, environmental and economic issues were considered in choosing the preferred options 5.4 Other options considered and why these were rejected 5.5 Proposed mitigation measures
6.0 Plan Policies
6.1 Significant social, environmental and economic effects of the preferred policies 6.2 How the social, environmental and economic problems were considered in developing the policies 6.3 Proposed mitigation measures 6.4 Uncertainties and risks
7.0 Implementation 7.1 Links to other tiers of Plans and programmes and the project level (environmental impact assessment, design guidance etc) 7.2 Proposals for monitoring