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Benwell ScotswoodArea Action Plan

Draft Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report March 2006

B E N W E L L S C O T S W O O D A A P – S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y A P P R A I S A L

S C O P I N G R E P O R T

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Contents1 INTRODUCTION 4

BACKGROUND

STUDY AREA

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- A DEFINITION

WHAT IS STRATEGIC ENVIORNMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA) AND SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL (SA)?

PURPOSE AND STATUS OF THE REPORT

STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT

2 STAGE A.1 - IDENTIFYING OTHER RELEVANT PLANS, 8 PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES

BACKGROUND

APPROACH

SUMMARY REVIEW OF PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINBILITY OBJECTIVES

3 STAGE A.2 - COLLECTING BASELINE INFORMTION 13

BACKGROUND

APPROACH

RELATIONSHIP TO THE SEA DIRECTIVE

FOCUSING THE BASELINE STAGE

PRESENTING THE BASELINE DATA

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

4 STAGE A.3 - IDENTIFYING SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES 16 AND PROBLEMS

BACKGROUND

RESULTS



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5 STAGE A.4 - DEVELOPING THE SA OBJECTIVES AND 19 THE APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK

CHOOSING TOPICS AND OBJECTIVES

CHOOSING THE OBJECTIVES, CRITERIA AND CONSIDERATIONS

INDICATORS

CONCLUSION

6 STAGE A.5 - CONSULTING ON THE SCOPE OF THE 23 SUSTAINBILITY APPRAISAL

NEXT STAGES IN THE SUSTAINBILITY APPRAISAL

APPENDIX 1 25

APPENDIX 2 21

APPENDIX 3 121

APPENDIX 4 139



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Introduction BACKGROUND

Newcastle City Council has appointed EDAW to prepare an Area Action Plan for the Benwell and Scotswood Area (BSAAP). At the same time, Urban Initiatives have been appointed by the City Council to prepare a Masterplan for the Scotswood Expo development. The BSAAP provides the strategic framework in which the Expo Masterplan sits. This Scoping Report covers both these documents and forms the first stage of their Sustainability Appraisals (SA), setting out their sustainability objectives. It is informed by the requirements of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) set out in EU Directive 2001/42/EC.

STUDY AREA

The study area, including the Expo site, is shown below. As far as possible the analysis of issues set out by this Scoping Report related to the study area, bounded by the river Tyne to the south, the A1 to the west, West Road (A186) to the north and Bentinck Road to the east.



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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – A DEFINITION

In March 2005, a new Government strategy for sustainable development was set out called Securing the Future. The following definition for sustainable development was forwarded:

The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.

For the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, that goal will be pursued in an integrated way through a sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment; and a just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing. This will be done in ways that protect and enhance the physical and natural environment, and use resources and energy as efficiently as possible.

To achieve this five key principles have been proposed;

Living Within Environmental Limits Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society Achieving a Sustainable Economy Promoting Good Governance Using Sound Science Responsibly

These have been used as part of developing sustainability objectives which are set out later in this report.

WHAT IS STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA) AND SUSTIANABILITY APPRAISAL (SA)?

The SEA provides plan-making authorities with a process to incorporate environmental considerations into decision-making at an early stage and in an integrated way. SEA therefore assists authorities in taking full account of significant environmental impacts of plans and also promotes sustainable development.

Under the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, SA is mandatory for Area Action Plans.



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The Government is encouraging the integration of the requirements of the SEA Directive within the SA process, providing an integrated assessment that considers economic, social and environmental impacts. In order to ensure that SA meets the requirements of SEA Directive, the ODPM has prepared guidance. ‘Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks’, published November 2005, is intended to provide guidance on how to undertake a Sustainability Appraisal that incorporates the environmental assessment requirements of the SEA Regulations.

The appraisal process for the BSAAP therefore incorporates the requirements of the SEA and the SA Regulations and for the purpose of this report is termed solely as a Sustainability Appraisal (SA).

In line with the latest guidance, the SA expands the remit of SEA that is currently defined in the SEA Directive to include a wider range of sustainability objectives, including social and economic considerations.

PURPOSE AND STATUS OF THIS REPORT

This Scoping Report sets out the information we have gathered in order to inform, prepare and plan for the SA of the BSA options.

Scoping for the Scotswood Expo Masterplan is included in this report because the Expo will be a major development within the Action Plan Area, and a major influence on the outcome of the Area Action Plan in terms of sustainability of the area. The sustainability objectives are the same for both. It is beneficial to scope the two documents together as this will streamline the consultation process. Separate Sustainability Appraisals will however be undertaken for the BSAAP and the Expo Masterplan.

The Newcastle Unitary Development Plan (UDP) was adopted in January 1998 and was not subject to a Sustainability Appraisal. The council is currently formulating its LDF. Each Development Plan Document (DPD) will be subject to SA and SEA.

This report is being prepared in line with the requirements of ODPM guidance. As such consultation is required on the scope of the SA (5 weeks). This involves the environmental consultation bodies (the Countryside Agency, English Heritage, English Nature and the Environment Agency) and other community groups and social and economic bodies as the LPA bodies consider appropriate.

This Scoping Report acts as a first stage in the SA process, relating to Stage A of the process outlined in the ODPM guidance. Future tasks relate to Stages B to E. Stage A and its component parts are set out in the table below.



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Table 1: Stage A of SAStages and tasks Purpose Output in this ReportA1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans, programmes and sustainability objectives

To document how the plan is affected by outside factors and suggest ideas for how any constraints can be addressed.

A table summarising all European, national regional, sub-regional and local plans, programmes and sustainability objectives of relevance to Benwell Scotswood. (Appendix 1 and Chapter 2).

A2: Collecting baseline information

To provide an evidence base for sustainability issues, effects prediction and monitoring.

A table summarising evidence (as far as information is currently available) against a comprehensive range of key sustainability issues and indicators (Appendix 2 and Chapter 3)

A3: Identifying sustainability issues and problems

To help focus the SA and streamline the subsequent stages, including baseline information analysis, setting of SA Framework, prediction of effects and monitoring.

A summary of the key issues as they drive or are affected by sustainable development, drawing evidence from the baseline information (Chapter 4).

A4: Developing the SA Framework

To provide a means by which the sustainability of the plan can be appraised.

Drawing on and consistent with, the above three tasks a framework for testing options at future stages in the form of a matrix (Appendices 3 and 4, and Chapter 5).

A5: Consulting on the scope of the sustainability appraisal

To consult with statutory bodies with statutory bodies with social, environ-mental, or economic responsibilities to ensure the appraisal covers the key sustainability issues.

Conclusions setting out the key information gaps and issues and how they will be explored with key consultees during the consultation period (Chapter 7).

STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT

The report is structured and based upon the tasks identified in Table 1: Stage A of the SA: Chapter 1: Sets out the context and purpose of the SA Chapter 2: Outlines the relationship between other relevant plans and

programmes and their sustainability objectives Chapter 3: Provides an overview and methodology of the baseline data

collection Chapter 4: Provides a contextual overview of the SA appraisal matrix, relating

to the sustainability objectives, criteria and indicators Chapter 5: Develops the SA objectives and the Appraisal Framework Chapter 6: Outlines the Consultation Process Chapter 7: Provides draft Development Options for the next stage Chapter 8: Outlines a proposed methodology for the remaining steps of the

SA.



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STAGE A.1 - IDENTIFYING OTHER RELEVANT PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINBLE OBJECTIVES

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this task is to provide information on the relationship with other relevant plans and programmes and the sustainability objectives established at National, Regional, and Local level, which are relevant to the BSAAP and the way those objectives have been taken into account during its preparation.

All of these strategies may influence the options to be considered in the preparation of the BSAAP. The relationships between these strategies enable potential synergies to be exploited and any inconsistencies and constraints to be addressed.

APPROACH

There is no definitive list of strategies and plans to be reviewed. This review does not attempt to list all relevant information to the Benwell Scotswood AAP, but to establish relationships and common themes between plans and to identify the likely significant effects of the BSAAP. It will not always be possible to achieve complete compatibility with the objectives or aspirations of other plans.

A full review of plans and strategies is contained within Appendix 1. It reviews the relevant sustainability objectives of the plan, programme or sustainability objective followed by a column summarising the implications of these sustainability objectives on the BSAAP.

The table highlights how the plans, programmes and sustainability objectives are relevant to the BSAAP. This is summarised using the symbols set out in Figure 1 below. The Area Action Plan for Benwell Scotswood will form a strategic framework for the re-development of the area and therefore will have a considerable role to play in the delivery of major planned regeneration initiatives and ensuring future development is sustainable. National planning policy encourages local plans to; ensure the impact of development on the social fabric of communities is

considered and taken into account seek to reduce social inequalities address accessibility for all members of the community to jobs, health, housing

education, shops, leisure and community facilities take into account the needs of all the community



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deliver safe, healthy and attractive places to live; and support the health and well being by making provision for physical activity.

It is within this context that a strategic framework will be developed for the AAP area.

Figure 1: Explanation of Symbols used in SA FrameworkThis symbol indicates that the selected text sets out a key policy principle that the BSAAP will need to have regard to, residential design standards This symbol indicates the need for land to be allocated in support of the selected text, e.g. the need for specific land use allocations

This symbol indicates text that provides background/explanation or amplification.

SUMMARY REVIEW OF PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES

In summary the table below highlights the key messages arising from the review, set out by the following themes rather than by type or level of document.

Housing Transport and accessibility Employment Natural environment Air, water, waste and energy Open Space and recreation Health and social issues; and Building sustainable communities

Key messages of relevance for Benwell Scotswood Key sourcesHousing Development should contribute to meeting the Region and City’s housing needs.

Improve the range and quality of housing stock and residential environments to retain existing populations and attract new population.

Recognise the importance of existing housing stock as a contribution to housing needs and target improvements to sustainable stock.

To create attractive neighbourhoods and improve Neighbourhood assets

Existing and emerging RSS for the North East.

UDP for Newcastle/Emerging LDF

Newcastle Inner West Area Development Framework



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Provide a range of housing across the market, that can promote confidence within existing communities, and address the need for affordability, but also draw in higher income families to improve the balance required for sustainable communities. There is also potential to renew existing housing with heritage potential.

Scotswood and Benwell Strategic Commission (The Bridging Newcastle Gateshead consideration of the Benwell Scotswood Area and their expectations)

Transport and accessibilityIntegration of different modes of transport with spatial planning proposals.

Encourage alternative means of travel, by promoting accessibility to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services by public transport, walking and cycling.

Maximise the opportunities presented by emerging transport proposals.

PPG13

Provisional Second Local Transport Plan for Tyne and Wear 2006-2011

EmploymentSignificant Economic Growth will occur in Newcastle Gateshead.

The AAP area is strategically placed to take advantage of employment locations.

Creating quality places can underpin economic growth. Places which are attractive to skilled workers, entrepreneurs and visitors. Places which are healthy, safe, sustainable with high quality and affordable housing with quality environments.

Improve skills for economic participation in deprived areas, encourage local enterprise and financial inclusion.

Sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of centres through actively planning for their growth, making efficient use of land, and focusing development in existing centres.

Focus employment development, especially retail development, in locations where competition is facilitated, benefiting all consumers and maximising the opportunity to use means of transport other than the car.

Making It Happen the Northern Way 2004

North East Regional Economic Strategy 2002

PPS6 Planning for Town Centres

Natural Environment Provide a high level of protection of the environment and contribute to the integration of environmental considerations in the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes.

Nature Conservation should not just be confined to designated sites and areas.

Promote Biodiversity through conserving and enhancing sites

EC Directive2001/42/EC

PPG9 Nature Conservation



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and species through local development and planning. The Newcastle Biodiversity Action Plan October 2001

Air, water, waste energyProtection of inland waterways and groundwater EC DirectiveEnergy efficiency, limitation of CO2, and other pollutants Kyoto Protocol 1997 The impact of development upon the quality of land, air, or water is likely to be a material planning consideration. Risks to health need to be reduced to a satisfactory level before development can be supported, and the necessary infrastructure needs to be in place before it can be permitted. AAP’s need to steer development onto brownfield land some of which may be contaminated.

Aim is to protect people’s health whilst imposing unacceptable economic or social costs. LA’s encouraged to use their air quality powers, traffic regulation powers and promote public transport. Road traffic emissions should be reduced especially in towns and cities.

PPS23 Planning and Pollution Control.

The link between the increase in waste and economic progress needs to be broken. All should play their part especially local authorities to provide measures to reduce the levels.

Waste Strategy for England and Wales

Promotion of sustainable travel patterns/options to improve air quality

AAP’s are to be at the core of Integrated Transport Strategies.

PPG13: Transport

Flood risk should be fully taken into account in planning for development

PPG25

Open Space and recreation Open space protection and enhanced for use by the community including that in the countryside around towns.

Local authorities to identify deficiencies and surpluses of provision and prepare plans to protect and provide open space etc.

PPG 17 Open Space/Recreation

Adoption of local standards to meet local needs.

A network of open spaces are forwarded which act as a set of links.

Green Spaces Your Spaces (Newcastle’s Green Space Strategy April 2004)

New City Wide Categories for Public and Private Open Space will be set as well as standards for provision.

Emerging LDF October 2005.

Health and Social IssuesEnsuring that development supports existing communities and contributes to the creation of safe, sustainable, liveable and mixed communities with good access to jobs and key services for all members of the community.

PPS1 – Delivering Sustainable Development (ODPM, 2005)

Objectives to improve the quality of life with regard to crime, education, health and employment.

The Community Strategy- Making a Great North City The Newcastle Plan 2004-2007 and Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy



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(West End)

To support transformational change within the area the quality of schools, access to local services, community safety and local environment and access to employment centres is important

Scotswood and Benwell Strategic Commission (The BNC consideration of the Benwell Scotswood Area and their expectations)

Building sustainable communities The overriding aim of the emerging RSS is to promote sustainable communities, sustainable patterns of development.

Economic, social and environmental interests must be advanced together and support each other.

Regional Spatial Strategy for the North East Submission Draft June 2005

Appendix 1 provides a comprehensive analysis of relevant plans and programmes and key points. The challenge is for the AAP to incorporate these key principles and apply them locally.



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STAGE A.2 - COLLECTING BASELINE INFORMATION

BACKGROUND

Establishing the economic, social and environmental baseline characteristics of Benwell Scotswood provides the basis for establishing the following;

An understanding of existing sustainability problems in the study area the wider urban area.

The SA objectives to reduce these problems; and Establishing the effects of the BSAAP on the baseline data.

This baseline stage requires the collection and processing of large amounts of raw data. The presentation of this baseline data is discussed below and summarised later in this Scoping Report.

APPROACH

A host of information was collected by Newcastle City Council and the consultants for the AAP area. Data was collated, analysed and presented in the Baseline Data Table set out in Appendix 2. Substantial baseline data has already been collected by the Newcastle Neighbourhood Information Service and their neighbourhood Vitality Index and this baseline builds upon this work.

In order to ensure consistency across Newcastle and facilitate future monitoring of the AAP’s sustainability impacts, our approach has been to align the SA with Newcastle’s Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal. Therefore the indicators recommended by the Core Strategy SA have been incorporated into this scoping report where appropriate.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE SEA DIRECTIVE

The baseline data collected with the requirements of Annex 1 (f) of the SEA Directive

Biodiversity Flora and fauna Landscape Climatic factors Soil Air Water (including resources, quality and groundwater) Cultural (including architectural and archaeological heritage)



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Material assets (including energy, waste, previously developed land and minerals);

Human health The interrelationship between these factors

Baseline data was also collected for a range of economic and social topics. These sustainability topics were selected from a number of sources, including the ODPM Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks.

FOCUSING THE BASELINE STAGE

In order to focus the baseline data collection stage, the following principles were considered:

(a) Relevance – is the data helpful?(b) Current – is it up to date?(c) Availability – is the data easily assessable?(d) Accessibility – is the data easily accessible?(e) Interpretation – is it easy enough to understand?

Generally, if data did not fall within the above it was omitted. Where Benwell Scotswood data was unavailable, then City, Regional or national level data was used where considered appropriate.

PRESENTING THE BASELINE DATA

The baseline data tables are set out in Appendix 2. The appraisal objectives have been used as the basis for the analysis of the baseline. In line with the iterative nature of the process, the objectives have also been influenced by the baseline. This approach is consistent with guidance from the ODPM.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

A consideration of the baseline reveals that sufficient area specific data is included or exists covering the following topics; Natural and Historic Assets Health Housing Population and Economic Considerations Despite, information gaps exist and it is here that consultees can make a

contribution. Soil, Air, Water and Climatic Factors Material Assets



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This contribution does not have to be restricted to the indicators specified. Key conclusions from the baseline review relating to sustainability issues are summarised in combined format in the following chapter.



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Stage A.3 – IDENTIFYING SUSTAINBILITY ISSUES

BACKGROUND

ODPM guidance requires the identification of sustainability issues including economic and social issues. This analysis should be used to help to develop sustainable plan objective and options.

Benwell and Scotswood form part of the West End of Newcastle, a residential area which has as a result of economic restructuring suffered continued decline and housing market failure. Despite this, significant initiatives are underway and include proposals which not just tackle physical regeneration but also include improvements to education, neighbourhood management and public transport; Housing Market Renewal Initiative has tackled areas of unsustainable housing

and has consolidated substantial areas in order to promote change. A new educational facility a City Academy is to be delivered within the area. The Scotswood Expo will create a new urban neighbourhood, which puts into

practise all the various elements which make up a “sustainable community”. Targeted Neighbourhood Management and Housing Renewal

RESULTS

Despite these initiatives challenges still remain and are highlighted in the table below:

Issues Evidence Implication for the AAPSocial A declining population

Between 1981 and 2001 there has been a 36.6% population loss within Benwell and Scotswood (Source: Census)

Acute population loss has eroded whole residential neighbourhoods and associated community facilities and services.

To encourage in-movers to the area as well as help to stabilise the indigenous population, the AAP must understand the most likely target markets that would move into the West End and their housing, facilities requirements, aspirations and expectations.

A targeted approach toward the release of housing and other land uses can retain existing populations and attract in-migrants to this potentially sustainable residential location.

Social Exclusion Analysis of Census data shows significant over

Concentrations of deprivation exist within the AAP and reinforce social exclusion. The AAP



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representation of lower socio-economic groups

Benwell and Scotswood is ranked among the most deprived wards within Newcastle. Most of the AAP area is within the top 10% most deprived areas in England. (Source IMD 2004 SOA’s)

should attract new communities and provide for existing communities through the provision of housing types and tenures which engender social inclusion. The AAP should encourage high quality design which encourages social interaction and builds upon the strong community spirit that exists within the area through the inclusion of sensitive development proposals.

Areas of clearance have isolated some residential area. The priority for future development therefore will be to reconnect this new development to existing communities.

Health Inequalities 5 AAP neighbourhoods have the worst health ranking of all neighbourhoods in NewcastleSource: NNIS Vitality Index

The AAP can through the provision of safe and convenient walking and cycling routes and recreational facilities can encourage healthier lifestyles. Resources such as Hadrian’s Way can be enhanced. New connections between neighbourhoods and community facilities and services can be made.

Economic A skills gap -demonstrated by the existing occupational profile of the area and the predicted future employment structure of Newcastle and Region.

One fifth of those employed are working in “elementary occupations” this is a significantly higher percentage than the city and nation as a whole and is likely to mean lower than average incomes are a feature of many households in the area;

The existing skills gap has particular consequences for existing and future income levels and the ability of populations to support an increased level of owner occupation housing.

The AAP should ensure greater accessibility to major employment areas, support initiatives to improve skills, support existing employers and where possible provide higher value employment space which has a sustainable future.

High Levels of Unemployment

Higher proportions of long term unemployed individuals live in the AAP area compared to Newcastle and the country as a whole. (Claimant Count 2005)

Environmental Maintaining and Enhancing Environmental Assets

The AAP area exhibits a diverse range of natural habitats and historical assets which should be retained and enhanced

Appropriate designations within the AAP can conserve these habitats and ensure connections between wildlife corridors. The AAP can develop a spatial framework which encourages the community ownership of these assets. Denton Dene, Hodgkin Park and Benwell Nature Park represent just some of these assets.

Climate Change and Resource

The AAP should encourage more sustainable form of development which promotes energy-



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Consumption efficiency and sustainable construction methods. The location of future development can be connected to public transport provision and formulated in a way which reduces reliance on the car.The AAP area offers the opportunity to promote development of previously developed land at higher densities where significant existing infrastructure is already in place.



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STAGE A4: - DEVELOPING THE SA FRAMEWORK AND THE APPRAISAL FRAMEWORKCHOOSING TOPICS AND OBJECTIVES

The SEA Directive outlines the issues which should be taken into account when considering the likely impacts on the environment of the implementation of plans. These include issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets and cultural heritage. We have used these as topics within which to develop the sustainability framework of objectives, indicators and targets.

CHOOSING THE OBJECTIVES, CRITERIA AND CONSIDERATIONS

Following the scoping of existing plans and programmes and considering the significant sustainability issues identified as a result of analysis of the baseline position; a set of draft sustainability objectives have been prepared for consultation. These are provided in Appendix 2 and the table below. These draft objectives must be consistent with those at a national, regional and local scale. For each objective key criteria have been developed which helps to focus the optioneering stage and the AAP and the development of the plan.

Sustainability Appraisal Core Strategy Proposed Objectives

Sustainability Appraisal Benwell and Scotswood AAP Proposed Objectives

Criteria

1 To promote strong and inclusive communities, involved in decision making for their area.

1) To promote strong and inclusive communities, involved in decision making for the Benwell Scotswood area.

Active and influential community involvement in the preparation of the AAP.

Does the form and design of development promoted by the AAP maintain existing communities and encourage new ones?

2 To improve health and well-being while reducing inequalities in health

2) To improve health and well-being while reducing inequalities in health

Does the AAP engender good health through the provision of recreational opportunities and safe and convenient walking ad cycling routes?

3. To ensure everyone has the opportunity of living in a decent and

3) To ensure everyone has the opportunity of living in a decent and affordable home.

Is the AAP targeted toward attracting new communities through the provision of a range of



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Criteria

affordable home housing types and tenures?

Does the AAP meet the housing needs of existing residents?

Does the AAP engender Community Cohesion though its spatial framework?

4. To ensure good accessibility for all jobs, facilities, goods and services in the City

4) To ensure good accessibility for all jobs, facilities, goods and services in the area.

The provision for existing and future retail facilities within the AAP area.

Does the AAP provide for community facilities and services such as education and quality open space?

Will it help to provide equitable access toopportunities, services and facilities to existing and future communities?

5. To protect and enhance the City’s cultural heritage and diversity

5) To protect and enhance the areas cultural heritage and diversity

Will the AAP maintain and enhance statutory and non-statutory designated sites of nature conservation and interest and create new ones?

Will the AAP protect and enhance sites and features and areas of historical, architectural and archaeological value?

Will the AAP protect and enhance sites and features and areas of historical, architectural and archaeological value?

Will the AAP maintain and enhance the connectivity of natural and semi-natural habitats?

6. To raise educational achievement and improve skill levels across the City

6) To raise educational achievement and improve skill levels across the area.

Will the AAP provide for educational facilities?



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Criteria

7. To reduce crime and the fear of crime

7) To reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Will the AAP promote a reduction in crime and fear of crime through improved design?

8. To reduce the impacts of climate change and our contribution to the causes.

8) To reduce the impacts of climate change and our contribution to the causes.

Does the AAP optimise density of development? Will the location of development reduce the need to travel?

Does the AAP facilitate the provision of adequate public transport?

Does the AAP encourage the re-use of brownfield land?

Local targets for carbon emissions9. To make better use of our resources

9) To make better use of our resources.

Does the AAP promote the use of sustainable design and construction techniques in all forms of development and support the development of exemplar projects which demonstrate innovative and best practice?

10. To reduce the amount of waste produced and increase the amount recycled

10) To reduce the amount of waste produced and increase the amount recycled.

Increase the amount of household waste being recycled or composted

11. To improve local air quality for all

11) To improve local air quality for all.

Does the AAP promote the use of public transport, walking and cycling?

Does the AAP consider the impact of major traffic routes on existing and new residential environments?

12. To protect and enhance the quality of the City’s ground and surface waters

12) To protect and enhance the quality of the areas ground and surface waters

Does the AAP protect and enhance the quality of the areas ground water and rivers.

Does the AAP promote the decontamination and re-use of contaminated land?

13. To protect and enhance the City’s biodiversity

13) To protect and enhance the areas biodiversity.

The contribution of the AAP to enhancing bio-diversity.

14. To protect and enhance the quality and diversity of the City’s

14) To protect and enhance the quality and diversity of the City’s rural and urban land and

Will the AAP protect and enhance the character and topography of the urban landscape?



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Criteria

rural and urban land and landscapes

landscapes.

15. To ensure high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share and contribute to greater prosperity

15) To ensure high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share and contribute to greater prosperity.

Will the AAP promote accessibility to employment opportunities?

Will the AAP provide high quality residential environments which support the economic growth of Newcastle?

Will the AAP contribute to progress of local firms?

Will the AAP provide a range of high quality employment sites targeted toward growth employment sectors?

16. To achieve high and sustainable levels of economic growth

16) To achieve high and sustainable levels of economic growth.

INDICATORS

Indicators have been selected to enable the monitoring and review of the AAP after its adoption and to assess whether progress is being made toward greater sustainability within the area. To ensure consistency and continued monitoring the indicators have where possible been closely aligned with the indicators proposed in Draft Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report of the Core Strategy. However other indicators which are applicable to the AAP area have not been discounted.

CONCLUSION The SA Framework, at Appendix 2 and 3, has been developed from a number of sources including those sustainable development plans at all policy levels. It will be developed and refined following consultation and during the appraisal of options.



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STAGE A5 – CONSULTING ON THE COPE OF THE SUSTAINABILITYIn line with the requirements of the SEA Regulations and the ODPM guidance on carrying out sustainability appraisals, it is proposed that this scoping report is subjected to consultation and involvement of the following statutory consultees:

Environment Agency; Countryside Agency; English Nature; and English Heritage

Other consultees will also be invited to comment on the Scoping Report and these will be: Department for Transport English Partnerships Government Office for the North East (GO-NE) Highway Agency North East Assembly North East Chamber of Commerce North East Civic Trust Northumberland Wildlife Trust Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority One North East Future rounds of public consultation will occur during options appraisal and preferred options stage

NEXT STAGES OF THE SUSTAINBILITY APPRAISAL

The consultation on this scoping report will feed into the refinement of the SA framework and baseline. Stage B of the appraisal process involves developing and refining options and assessing effects. To achieve this the following tasks are required;

Testing the AAP’s objectives against the sustainability appraisal framework Developing the AAP Options Predicting the effects of the AAP Evaluating the effects of the AAP Mitigating against adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects Monitoring AAP effects

Broad Strategic Options will be developed for the AAP area and these will be sufficiently distinct to ensure a meaningful assessment of implications. In



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predicting the effects of the options and emerging policy the following factors will be considered;

The changes that would result to the sustainability baseline. Consider the changes in terms of geographic scale and time period. Is the

effect permanent of temporary? How significant is the effect (judged as marginal or significant)?

Subsequent stages involve;

Stage C – Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report ; Stage D – Consulting on the Preferred Options of the AAP and the

Sustainability Appraisal Report; and Stage E – Monitoring the significant of implementing the AAP

The methodology for the completion of these stages will be carried out in accordance with ODPM SA guidance.



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APPENDIX 1: REVIEW OF PLANS, POLICY AND PROGRAMMESKEY TO TABLES

This symbol indicates that the selected text sets out the key policy principles that the AAP will need to have regard to.

This symbol indicates the need for specific additional development to be allocated in support of the selected text


Plans/Policies and Programmes

Source Key Objectives or requirements relevant to plan and SA

How objectives or requirements might be taken on board in the PAAP

Implications for Plan

NATIONAL LEVEL

EC Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment 2001/42/EC

Page 3 The objective of this Directive is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development.

Page 4 The environmental assessment referred to in Article 3 shall be carried out during the preparation of a plan or programme and before its adoption or submission to the legislative procedure.



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Page 4 Where an environmental assessment is required under Article 3(1), an environmental report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated.

Page 4 The environmental report prepared pursuant to paragraph 1 shall include the information that may reasonably be required taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme, its stage in the decision-making process and the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication of the assessment.

EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats of Wild Fauna and Flora 92/43/EEC 1992

Page 5 The aim of this Directive shall be to contribute towards ensuring bio-diversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora in the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies.

Ensure that the AAP is mindful of the list of sites of the natural habitats and species and take appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of these habitats and avoid disturbance of scheduled, scarce or rare species.

Page 5 A coherent European ecological network of Special Areas of Conservation shall be set up under the title Natura 2000. This network, composed of sites hosting the natural habitat types listed in Annex I and habitats of the species listed in Annex II, shall enable the natural habitat types and the species' habitats concerned to be maintained or, where appropriate, restored at a favourable conservation

Ensure that schemes pursuant to the AAP do not result in damage to special areas of conservation (SAC) and ensure Benwell Scotswood network is maintained or restored; as appropriate.



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status in their natural range.The UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice for Environmental Matters (The Aarhus Convention)

Page 3 In order to contribute to the protection of the right of every person of present and future generations to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being, each Party shall guarantee the rights of access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters in accordance with the provisions of this Convention.

The Planning Green Paper, Planning Bill and the SEA Directive underline the growing importance of the need for greater public participation in the planning process, particularly in decision-making of planning proposals.

It is important that the public are involved in the AAP process. The Plan needs to ensure that the Local community are engaged in forming proposals for programmes and projects.

Page 5 Each Party shall take the necessary legislative, regulatory and other measures, including measures to achieve compatibility between the provisions implementing the information, public participation and access-to-justice provisions in this Convention, as well as proper enforcement measures, to establish and maintain a clear, transparent and consistent framework to implement the provisions of this Convention.

Page 5 Each Party shall endeavour to ensure that officials and authorities assist and provide guidance to the public in seeking access to information, in facilitating participation in decision-making and in seeking access to justice in environmental matters.



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EC Directive establishing a framework for the Community action in the Field of Water Policy (the Water Framework Directive)

Page 5 The purpose of this Directive is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater which:

prevents further deterioration and protects and enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on the aquatic ecosystems;

promotes sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources;

aims at enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment, inter alia, through specific measures for the progressive reduction of discharges, emissions and losses of priority substances and the cessation or phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of the priority hazardous substances;

ensures the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevents its further pollution, and

contributes to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts and thereby contributes to: the provision of the sufficient supply of

good quality surface water and groundwater as needed for sustainable, balanced and equitable water use,

a significant reduction in pollution of groundwater,

AAP should minimise the risk of pollution and damage to surface and ground waters through careful location of infrastructure, roads and new development and appropriate mitigation.

Promote sustainable water use and discharges in Transport Schemes



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the protection of territorial and marine waters, and

achieving the objectives of relevant international agreements, including those which aim to prevent and eliminate pollution of the marine environment, by Community action under Article 16(3) to cease or phase out discharges, emissions and losses of priority hazardous substances, with the ultimate aim of achieving concentrations in the marine environment near background values for naturally occurring substances and close to zero for man-made synthetic substances.

Kyoto Protocol 1997 Page 8 Each Party included in Annex I, in achieving its quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments under Article 3, in order to promote sustainable development, shall:

Implement and/or further elaborate policies and measures in accordance with its national circumstances, such as:

Enhancement of energy efficiency in relevant sectors of the national economy;

Protection and enhancement of sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, taking into account its commitments under relevant international environmental agreements; promotion of sustainable forest management practices, afforestation and reforestation;

Ensure that AAP supports sustainable forms of transport which minimise or avoid production of greenhouse gases.



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Promotion of sustainable forms of agriculture in light of climate change considerations;

Research on, and promotion, development and increased use of, new and renewable forms of energy, of carbon dioxide sequestration technologies and of advanced and innovative environmentally sound technologies;

Progressive reduction or phasing out of market imperfections, fiscal incentives, tax and duty exemptions and subsidies in all greenhouse gas emitting sectors that run counter to the objective of the Convention and application of market instruments;

Encouragement of appropriate reforms in relevant sectors aimed at promoting policies and measures which limit or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol;

Measures to limit and/or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol in the transport sector;

Limitation and/or reduction of methane emissions through recovery and use in waste management, as well as in the production, transport and distribution of energy;

Cooperate with other such Parties to enhance the individual and combined effectiveness of their policies and measures adopted under this Article, pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 2(e)(i), of the Convention. To this end, these Parties



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shall take steps to share their experience and exchange information on such policies and measures, including developing ways of improving their comparability, transparency and effectiveness. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Protocol shall, at its first session or as soon as practicable thereafter, consider ways to facilitate such cooperation, taking into account all relevant information.

Page 9 The Parties included in Annex I shall, individually or jointly, ensure that their aggregate anthropogenic carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of the greenhouse gases listed in Annex A do not exceed their assigned amounts, calculated pursuant to their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments inscribed in Annex B and in accordance with the provisions of this Article, with a view to reducing their overall emissions of such gases by at least 5 per cent below 1990 levels in the commitment period 2008 to 2012.

Sustainable Communities Plan (ODPM, 2003)

Page 6 As part of the Action Plan being put forward by the GOEM, they have set the following targets:i. 60% of all new housing, including conversions,

to be provided on brownfield sitesii. A continuing role for Green Belts and green

wedges, where they have been designated in development plans.

iii. Local assessments of urban housing capacity to be undertaken across the region so that



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fewer greenfield sites need to be allocated in local plans.

Page 7 With regard to housing, the Plan sets out the following objectives:iv. To meet the housing demands of a population

which has grown by 3.3% between 1991 and 2001 and is projected to grow by another 8% by 2021.

v. To ensure that the housing stock meets the decent housing standard in a region where, for example, only 56% of local authority stock is classified as decent.

To this end, a new Regional Housing Board (RHB) will provide a more strategic and coherent approach to housing issues and a draft Regional Housing Strategy will be prepared by summer 2003.

A New Deal for Transport: Better for everyone

Page 8 The New Deal for Transport sets out the following four key aims:

integration within and between different types of transport - so that each contributes its full potential and people can move easily between them;

integration with the environment - so that our transport choices support a better environment;

integration with land use planning - at national, regional and local level, so that transport and planning work together to support more sustainable travel choices and reduce the need to travel;

AAP should address the aims and objectives of this key paper



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integration with our policies for education, health and wealth creation - so that transport helps to make a fairer, more inclusive society.

Page 9 With regard to having better places to live The New Deal for Transport means:

cleaner air to breathe by tackling traffic fumes; thriving town centres by cutting the

stranglehold of traffic; quality places to live where people are the

priority; increasing prosperity backed by a modern

transport system; reduced rural isolation by connecting people

with services and increasing mobility; easier and safer to walk and cycle; revitalised towns and cities through better town

planning.

As above

Page 10 With regard to local transport plans The New Deal for Transport means:

new local transport plans: integrated transport strategies for local needs; local targets eg for improving air quality, road

safety, public transport and road traffic reduction;

more certainty of funding; greater use of traffic management; new powers including road user charging and

levies on parking to tackle traffic jams and traffic growth;

new sources of additional funding for local

As above



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transport: better for the environment and better for business;

better interchanges; tackling the 'pinch-points' in transport networks

that lead to congestion; new airports policy and stronger role for

regional airports; new independent Commission for Integrated

Transport (CfIT) to advise on integration at the national level and act as a force for change.

Page 10 With regard to better buses The New Deal for Transport means:

buses to lead our transport revolution for the 21st Century;

upgraded Quality Partnerships between local authorities and bus operators: quicker, more reliable services; higher quality vehicles with staff trained in

customer care; easy-to-use buses - to help access for

disabled and elderly people and parents with young children;

Quality Contracts - exclusive contracts for bus routes to ensure integrated networks;

half-price or lower concessionary fares for elderly people;

special funding for buses in the countryside.

As above



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Page 11 With regard to better trains The New Deal for Transport means:

a new Strategic Rail Authority to: bring together passenger and freight interests; promote better integration and interchange; provide strategic vision; get better value for public subsidy in terms of

fares and network benefits; new passenger dividends from passenger

railway companies; tougher regulation to serve the public interest: ensuring that the private sector honours its

commitments to deliver a modern and efficient railway.

As above

Page 12 With regard to better protection for the environment The New Deal for Transport means:

a major effort to reduce greenhouse gases; greener, more fuel efficient vehicles through:

better standards and tax incentives; Cleaner Vehicles Task Force;

better stewardship of the nation's cultural and environmental heritage;

tackling transport noise and new powers to enforce noise controls at airports.

As above

Page 13 With regard to better safety and personal security The New Deal for Transport means:

root and branch review of transport safety; new road safety strategy and targets to reduce

accidents; safer routes to schools;

As above



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major review of speed policy; safer public transport; changes in drivers' hours legislation; review of the role and function of the British

Transport Police; Secure Stations Scheme.

Page 14 With regard to better access to transport The New Deal for Transport means:

more local diversity and vitality through better planning;

opening up job opportunities: through transport supporting regeneration; more and better buses.

tackling isolation in the countryside through: support for local facilities; special funding for buses; support for community projects to improve

accessibility; tackling the transport needs of women,

disabled and elderly people and people on low incomes;

reuniting communities cut in half by traffic: through traffic management, calming and

traffic reduction; monitoring the impacts of policies on

different groups in society.

As above



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Page 15 With regard to moving goods sustainably, The New Deal for Transport means:

a new Strategic Rail Authority to promote rail freight and its infrastructure;

Quality Partnerships for freight between local authorities and operators on lorry routing and delivery hours;

less damage to roads and the environment through greater use of 6 axle lorries and keeping unsuitable lorries off unsuitable roads;

working in partnership with the freight industry to improve best practice;

impounding illegally operated lorries; facilitating shipping as an efficient and

environmentally friendly means of carrying our trade;

extending freight grants to include coastal and short sea shipping.

As above

PPG3 – Housing Para 1 Among the governments key aims for housing includes ensuring that there should be greater housing choice and that housing should reinforce social distinction. More sustainable patterns of development are encouraged and the re-use of previously developed land encouraged. Additional housing should be focused within existing towns and cities.

Para 10 The Government believes that it is important to help create mixed and inclusive communities, which offer a choice of housing and lifestyle. It does not accept that different types of housing and tenures make



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bad neighbours. Local planning authorities should encourage the development of mixed and balanced communities: they should ensure that new housing developments help to secure a better social mix by avoiding the creation of large areas of housing of similar characteristics. The housing needs of all the community should be provided for.

Para 14 The community's need for a mix of housing types, including affordable housing, is a material planning consideration which should be taken into account in formulating development plan policies and in deciding planning applications involving housing. Where there is a demonstrable lack of affordable housing to meet local needs - as assessed by up-to-date surveys and other information - local plans and UDPs should include a policy for seeking affordable housing in suitable housing developments.

Para 46 This section sets out the elements which make up a sustainable residential environment. The following should be promoted to achieve this.

development that is linked to public transport; mixed use development; a greener residential environment; greater emphasis on quality and designing

places for people; and the most efficient use of land.

PPG4 - Industrial And Commercial Development And Small Firms (ODPM,

Para 1 One of the Government’s key aims is to encourage continued economic development in a way which is compatible with its stated environmental objectives.



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1992) Economic growth and a high quality environment have to be pursued together. The Environment White Paper “This Common Inheritance” (Cm 1200) emphasised this relationship when it said that “Economic growth is not an end in itself. It provides us with the means to lead better fuller lives. There is no contradiction in arguing both for economic growth and for environmental good sense. The challenge is to integrate the two.”

Para 2 Responsibility for the environment is not solely the preserve of central and local government. The planning system plays an important role in integrating environmental and economic objectives. Development plans provide the policy framework, weighing the importance of industrial and commercial development with that of maintaining and improving environmental quality.

Para 2 The principles of sustainable development require the responsible use of man-made and natural resources by all concerned in a way that ensures that future generations are not worse off. Careful attention to environmental issues makes good economic sense for business and industry.

Para 9 Industry and commerce have always sought locational advantage in response to various external factors. These include the demands of customers; access to raw materials and suppliers; links with other businesses; the workforce catchment area; and various transport considerations. Business often gives high priority to good access to roads, and



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sometimes rail, airports and ports.Para 22 Many urban areas contain large amounts of land,

once used for industrial purposes but now underused or vacant. Getting this land back into beneficial use is important to the regeneration of towns and cities. Optimum use should be made of potential sites and existing premises in inner cities and other urban areas, taking into account such factors as accessibility by public transport, particularly in the case of labour-intensive uses.

Para 1.1 The Government’s objectives are:viii.to sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of

town centres;ix. to focus development, especially retail

development, in locations where proximity of business facilitates competition from which all consumers are able to benefit and maximises the opportunity to use means of transport other than the car;

x. to maintain an efficient, competitive and innovative retail sector; and

xi. to ensure the availability of a wide range of shops, employment, services and facilities to which people have easy access by a choice of means of transport.

Para 1.3 Town and district centres should be the preferred locations for development that attract many trips, and local planning authorities should adopt planning policies to:xii. locate major generators of travel in existing



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centres, where access by a choice of means of transport, not only by car, is easy and convenient;

xiii. enable town, district and local centres to meet the needs of residents of their area;

xiv. safeguard and strengthen existing local centres, in both urban and rural areas, which offer a range of everyday community shopping and employment opportunities;

xv. maintain and improve choice for people to walk, cycle or catch public transport; and

xvi. ensure an appropriate supply of attractive, convenient and safe parking for shopping and leisure trips.

PPG 9 Nature Conservation Para 12 Designated Sites: Para 12: Many important sites for nature conservation have been designated under the statutes and international conventions outlined above. Annex A describes in more detail the obligations, designations and protection afforded them under conservation legislation. The Secretary of State wishes to ensure that these obligations are fully met, and that, as far as possible and consistent with the objectives of the designation, these sites are protected from damage and destruction, with their important scientific features conserved by appropriate management.

AAP should include policies in respect of the conservation of these designated sites, and should consider the impact of transport proposals on landscape quality.

Include a policy stating that where schemes affect these areas a mitigation and management strategy has to be carried out.

Para 14 Para 14: Nature Conservation Outside Designated Sites: Summarises the importance of undesignated areas for nature conservation.

AAP should include policies in respect of the conservation of biodiversity outside these areas.



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Include a policy stating that where proposals affect these areas a mitigation strategy has to be carried out.

Para 17 Para 17: Regionally important geological/geomorphological sites are being identified by local conservation groups with the involvement in many cases of local authorities. These sites provide valuable educational facilities, and supplement sites notified as SSSI’s as a result of the Geological Conservation Review.

Reference should be made in the AAP to these areas.

Include a policy stating that where transport projects affect these areas a mitigation strategy has to be carried out.

Para 18 Para 18: Local Planning Authorities should have regard to the relative significance of international, national, local and informal designations in considering the weight to be attached to nature conservation interests. They should only apply local designations to sites of substantive nature conservation value, and take care to avoid unnecessary constraints on development.

Ensure that the Plan refers to this advice regarding the order of designations.

Para 47 Para 47: The presence of a protected species is a material consideration when a Local Planning Authority is considering a development proposal which, if carried out, would be likely to result in harm to the species or its habitat. Local Authorities should consult English Nature before granting planning permission.

Ensure there is reference to protected species in the AAP.

PPG 10 – Planning and Waste Management (ODPM, 1999)

Para 6 The Government wish to see future waste management decisions based on the following principles:a) consideration of the Best Practicable



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Environmental Option for each waste stream;b) regional self-sufficiency;c) the proximity principle; andd) a waste hierarchy.

Para 7 The waste hierarchy, the proximity principle and regional self sufficiency all need to be taken into account in identifying the combination of facilities and other waste management options which give the best balance between environmental, social and economic needs.

PPG 13 - Transport Para 4 Para 4: The objectives of PPG13 are to integrate planning and transport at the national, regional , strategic and local level to:

promote more sustainable transport choices for both people and for moving freight;

promote accessibility to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services by public transport, walking and cycling, and

reduce the need to travel, especially by car.

The key objectives of the AAP should be to encourage sustainable modes of transport.

Para 6 Para 6: PPG13 sets out 10 policy mechanisms by which Local Authorities can deliver the objectives (see above).

More detailed guidance on meeting the objectives of PPG13 should be incorporated into the AAP.

Para.7 Para 7: Guidance sets out the mechanisms by which planning and transport are to be integrated in order to achieve more sustainable patterns of development and sustainable transport. These reiterate the hierarchy of plans and strategy from local to national.

As above.



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Section 2 Section 2: Planning policies. Guidance addresses key transport policy issues for development sectors, including housing, offices, jobs, shopping, leisure, education, health, freight, and rural areas. The guidance includes advice on assessment and accessibility issues for these policy areas, and includes alternatives for integrating transport modes, and partnerships between authorities to integrate these policies.

The AAP will provide a framework and context for other Plans to encouraging developers to consider and implement alternative modes of transport to road in new development.

Section 3 Section 3: Managing travel demand. The guidance sets out policy approaches and objectives in relation to interchanges, parking, park and ride, traffic management, public transport, walking, and cycling,

As above.

Annex B Annex B: Planning for Transport – Transport White Paper (New Deal). Guidance is provided on Government policy on integrated transport objectives. Transport policy sectors addressed are access to trunk roads, local roads, aviation, ports and shipping, inland waterways, alternative fuels and technologies.

As above.

Annex C Annex C: Important advice is provided about mitigating the impact of new transport infrastructure through the use of EIA and transport appraisal that is set out in the New Approach to Appraisal White Paper. This includes the need to explore a full range of transport alternatives and using the New Approach to Appraisal of AAPs.

Significant advice that must be integral to the preparation of the schemes resulting from the AAP



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PPG 15 Planning and the Historic Environment

Para 1.2 Para 1.2: The objective of planning processes should be to reconcile the need for economic growth with the need to protect the natural and historic environment.

Ensure that this objective is followed through the development-related implications of transport projects in the Plan and suitable conservation policies are in place.

Para 1.6 Para 1.6: The Government urges Local Authorities to maintain and strengthen their commitment to stewardship of the historic environment, and to reflect it in their policies and their allocation of resources.

The Plan should include policies which:

- protect historic environment assets and their settings from transport-related development;

- ensure that transport projects and programmes consider all potential impacts that on archaeology and the wider historic environment.

Para 2.1 Para 2.1: The protection of the historic environment, whether individual listed buildings, conservation areas, parks and gardens, battlefields or the wider historic landscape, is a key aspect of these wider environmental responsibilities, and will need to be taken fully into account both in the formulation of authorities' planning policies and in development control.

Ensure that there is reference in the AAP to the protection of sites of archaeological importance, including conservation areas, historic parks and gardens and listed buildings.

Ensure that any archaeological remains are secure and mitigation is proposed.



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Para 2.3 Para 2.3: Plans should set out clearly all conservation policies relevant to the exercise of an authority's development control functions, and also policies which are relevant to cases where development and conservation issues are linked and will need to be addressed together.

Ensure that this is followed through in the AAP.

Para 2.6 Para 2.6: Issues to be taken into account in plans include the provision of transport infrastructure which respects the historic environment.

Ensure that this is followed through in the AAP.

Para 2.8 Para 2.8: Local Plans should set out clearly the planning authority's policies for the preservation and enhancement of the historic environment in their area, and the factors which will be taken into account in assessing different types of planning application

Ensure that this is followed through in schemes and projects promoted by the AAP.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Transport and traffic management. With a commitment to sustainable development and a greater concentration of development in existing centres, including historic towns, it is essential that authorities take full account of the wider costs of transport choices, including impact on the historic environment. Impacts can be direct, indirect, visual and physical. English Heritage should be consulted at an early stage on proposals for transport projects. Detailed procedural guidance is provided about consultation arrangements and assessments of

Detailed advice and procedure about the great care that needs to be given to the historic environment should be incorporated and cross-referenced in the AAP.



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projects on the historic environment.

PPG 16 Archaeology and Planning

Para 6 Para 6: Archaeological remains should be seen as a finite and non-renewable resource, in many cases highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. Appropriate management is therefore essential to ensure that they survive in good condition. In particular, care must be taken to ensure that archaeological remains are not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed.

Ensure that transport projects in development are subject to an archaeological and cultural heritage desk-based assessment to establish the impact of the proposed scheme on the archaeological and historic environment.

Ensure the Local Authority Archaeologist is consulted with regard to the potential impacts of the schemes

Para 8 Para 8: Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or not, and their settings, are affected by proposed development there should be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation. Cases involving archaeological remains of lesser importance will not always be so clear cut and planning authorities will need to weigh the relative importance of archaeology against other factors including the need for the proposed development

AAP needs to acknowledge that there is a presumption in preserving nationally important archaeological remains.

Para 15 Para 15: Detailed development plans (ie local plans and unitary development plans) should include policies for the protection, enhancement and preservation of sites of archaeological interest and of their settings. The proposals map should define the areas and sites to which the policies and

Whilst not a Development Plan (now replaced by the Local Development Frameworks) the AAP should refer to the need for the protection, enhancement and preservation of sites of archaeological interest and of



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proposals apply. their settings.

Relevant development frameworks provide a land-use context for the AAP and they will identify areas of archaeological significance.

Para 21 Para 21: Where early discussions with Local Planning Authorities or the developer's own research indicate that important archaeological remains may exist, it is reasonable for the planning authority to request the prospective developer to arrange for an archaeological field evaluation to be carried out before any decision on the planning application is taken. This sort of evaluation is quite distinct from full archaeological excavation. It is normally a rapid and inexpensive operation, involving ground survey and small-scale trial trenching, but it should be carried out by a professionally qualified archaeological organisation or archaeologist.

AAP could include policy outlining the approach for an archaeological field evaluation, where appropriate, during the implementation of transport projects.

PPG 17 Sport and Recreation

Para 11 Para 11: Open space and sports and recreational facilities that are of high quality, or of particular value to a local community, should be recognised and given protection by local authorities through appropriate policies in plans.

AAP projects may have implications for open space and should therefore make reference to their protection. An objective of the AAP is to increase accessibility and its relationship to existing and future leisure provision should be included.



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Para 12 Para 12: Development of open space, sports or recreational facilities may provide an opportunity for local authorities to remedy deficiencies in provision.

The AAP should refer to linkages with other plans and the objective to encourage a high level of accessibility to amenity use, sports and recreation functions.

Para 20 Para 20: The general principles when planning for new open space and sports and recreational facilities include an objective to promote accessibility by walking, cycling and public transport.

The relationship between more sustainable transport and accessibility and the resource of existing and future recreational opportunities should be referred to in the Plan.

Para 22 Para 22: For major developments and local facilities, the location of new provision should be in places where they have good access to public transport.

As above.

Para 25 Para 25: The countryside around towns provides a valuable resource for the provision of sport and recreation, particularly in situations where there is an absence of land in urban areas to meet provision. Subject to designated areas, local authorities should encourage the creation of sports and recreational facilities in such areas and the development of areas of managed countryside, such as country parks, community forests, and agricultural show grounds.

As above.

PPG 24 Planning and Noise 1994

Para 2 Para 2: The impact of noise can be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The planning system has the task of guiding development to the most appropriate locations…..the planning system should ensure that, wherever practicable, noise-sensitive developments

Plan could encourage the use of buffer zones between major transport projects in sensitive locations.

AAP should ensure that noise



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are separated from major sources of noise (such as road, rail and air transport and certain types of industrial development). It is equally important that new development involving noisy activities should, if possible, be sited away from noise-sensitive land uses.

assessments are undertaken where sensitive receptors may be affected by proposals.

Para 5 Para 5: Plans should contain policies designed to ensure, as far as is practicable, that noise-sensitive developments are located away from existing sources of significant noise (or programmed development such as new roads) and that potentially noisy developments are located in areas where noise will not be such an important consideration or where its impact can be minimised.

Ensure that the location of noisy developments (such as new road schemes) are designed and routed sensitively and that mitigation measures are proposed with all schemes.

Paras 10 Para 10: Much of the development which is necessary for the creation of jobs and the construction and improvement of essential infrastructure will generate noise. The planning system should not place unjustifiable obstacles in the way of such development. Nevertheless, local planning authorities must ensure that development does not cause an unacceptable degree of disturbance.

AAP to include policy to ensure that possible noise effects from new schemes such as roads are minimised where sensitive receptors may be affected.

Consideration in the AAP should be given to the inclusion of specific measures / policies relating to the sustainable transfer of goods and measures to reduce noise impacts associated with development and traffic. The latter could include: noise reducing surfacing for roads, low noise emission public transport vehicles and set backs / landscape screening of residential development



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from main traffic arteries.

Para 20 Para 20: Special consideration is required where noisy development is proposed in or near Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Proposals likely to affect SSSIs designated as internationally important under the EC Habitats or Birds Directives or the Ramsar Convention require extra scrutiny.

Policies in the AAP should ensure that there are satisfactory measures in place to minimise impacts of schemes from noise.

Para 22 Para 22: EC Directive 85/337 requires environmental assessment (EA) for certain types of project to be carried out before planning permission is granted….for a wider range of projects listed in Schedule 2 to the Regulations, including, disposal of non-toxic waste and mineral extraction, EA is required if the proposal is likely to have significant environmental effects.

This should be referred to in the AAP.

PPG 25 Development and Flood Risk

Para 2 Para 2: The Government’s policy is to reduce the risks to people and the developed and natural environment from flooding. It therefore looks to local planning authorities to ensure that flood risk is properly taken into account in the planning of developments to reduce the risk of flooding and the damage which floods cause.

AAP to address the issue of flood risk, in particular ensure that transport schemes and other capital works do not increase flood risk, for example through diverting river courses, or reducing flood storage capacity in flood plains.

PPS 1 – Delivering Sustainable Development (ODPM, 2005)

Para. 4 – 5

The Government set out four aims for sustainable development in its 1999 strategy.The strategy recognises that planning should facilitate and promote sustainable and inclusive patterns of urban and rural development by:– making suitable land available for development in

line with economic, social and environmental



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objectives to improve people’s quality of life;– contributing to sustainable economic

development;– protecting and enhancing the natural and historic

environment, the quality and character of the countryside, and existing communities;

– ensuring high quality development through good and inclusive design, and the efficient use of resources; and,

– ensuring that development supports existing communities and contributes to the creation of safe, sustainable, liveable and mixed communities with good access to jobs and key services for all members of the community.

Para. 9 Local communities, businesses, the voluntary sector and individuals have a right to a high quality service that is fast, fair, open, transparent and consistent and respects the cost, effort and commitment that has gone into engagement in plan making and in preparing and submitting applications. Planning authorities must ensure that plans are kept up to date and that planning applications are dealt with expeditiously, while addressing the relevant issues. Planning authorities should ensure also that they have in place appropriate arrangements for enforcement.

Para. 13 The following key principles should be applied to ensure that development plans and decisions taken on planning applications contribute to the delivery of sustainable development:



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(i) Development plans should ensure that sustainable development is pursued in an integrated manner, in line with the principles for sustainable development set out in the UK strategy. Regional planning bodies and local planning authorities should ensure that development plans promote outcomes in which environmental, economic and social objectives are achieved together over time.

(ii) Regional planning bodies and local planning authorities should ensure that development plans contribute to global sustainability by addressing the causes and potential impacts of climate change4 – through policies which reduce energy use, reduce emissions (for example, by encouraging patterns of development which reduce the need to travel by private car, or reduce the impact of moving freight), promote the development of renewable energy resources, and take climate change impacts into account in the location and design of development.

(iii) A spatial planning approach should be at the heart of planning for sustainable development (see paragraphs 30 – 32 below).

(iv) Planning policies should promote high quality inclusive design in the layout of new developments and individual buildings in terms of function and impact, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the



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development. Design which fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area should not be accepted (see paragraphs 33 – 39).

(v) Development plans should also contain clear, comprehensive and inclusive access policies – in terms of both location5 and external physical access.6 Such policies should consider people’s diverse needs and aim to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusions in a manner that benefits the entire community.

(vi) Community involvement is an essential element in delivering sustainable development and creating sustainable and safe communities. In developing the vision for their areas, planning authorities should ensure that communities are able to contribute to ideas about how that vision can be achieved, have the opportunity to participate in the process of drawing up the vision, strategy and specific plan policies, and to be involved in development proposals. (See also paragraphs 40 – 44)

Para. 16 The Government identifies that development plans should promote development that creates socially inclusive communities, including suitable mixes of housing. Plan policies should:– ensure that the impact of development on the

social fabric of communities is considered and taken into account;



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– seek to reduce social inequalities;– address accessibility (both in terms of location and

physical access) for all members of the community to jobs, health, housing, education, shops, leisure and community facilities;

– take into account the needs of all the community, including particular requirements relating to age, sex, ethnic background, religion, disability or income;

– deliver safe, healthy and attractive places to live; and,

– support the promotion of health and well being by making provision for physical activity.

Para. 19 When it comes to the environment, the Government emphasise that planning authorities should seek to enhance the environment as part of development proposals. Significant adverse impacts on the environment should be avoided and alternative options which might reduce or eliminate those impacts pursued. Where adverse impacts are unavoidable, planning authorities and developers should consider possible mitigation measures. Where adequate mitigation measures are not possible, compensatory measures may be appropriate. In line with the UK sustainable development strategy, environmental costs should fall on those who impose them – the “polluter pays” principle.

Para. 22 Development plan policies should seek to minimise the need to consume new resources over the



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lifetime of the development by making more efficient use or reuse of existing resources, rather than making new demands on the environment; and should seek to promote and encourage, rather than restrict, the use of renewable resources.

Regional planning authorities and local authorities should promote resource and energy efficient buildings; community heating schemes, the use of combined heat and power, small scale renewable and low carbon energy schemes in developments; the sustainable use of water resources; and the use of sustainable drainage systems in the management of run-off.

Para. 23 The Government is committed to promoting a strong, stable, and productive economy that aims to bring jobs and prosperity for all. Planning authorities should:(i) Recognise that economic development can

deliver environmental and social benefits;(ii) Recognise the wider sub-regional, regional or

national benefits of economic development and consider these alongside any adverse local impacts;

(iii) Ensure that suitable locations are available for industrial, commercial, retail, public sector (e.g. health and education) tourism and leisure developments, so that the economy can prosper;

(iv) Provide for improved productivity, choice and



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competition, particularly when technological and other requirements of modern business are changing rapidly;

(v) Recognise that all local economies are subject to change; planning authorities should be sensitive to these changes and the implications for development and growth;

(vi) Actively promote and facilitate good quality development, which is sustainable and consistent with their plans;

(vii) Ensure the provision of sufficient, good quality, new homes (including an appropriate mix of housing and adequate levels of affordable housing) in suitable locations, whether through new development or the conversion of existing buildings. The aim should be to ensure that everyone has the opportunity of a decent home, in locations that reduce the need to travel;

(viii)Ensure that infrastructure and services are provided to support new and existing economic development and housing;

(ix) Ensure that development plans take account of the regional economic strategies of Regional Development Agencies, regional housing strategies, local authority community strategies and local economic strategies; and,

(x) Identify opportunities for future investment to deliver economic objectives.



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Para. 32 The Government has introduced a new system of regional spatial strategies and local development documents which should take a spatial planning approach that goes beyond traditional land use planning to bring together and integrate policies for development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they can function. In preparing spatial plans, planning authorities should:(i) Set a clear vision for the future pattern of

development, with clear objectives for achieving that vision and strategies for delivery and implementation.

(ii) Consider the needs and problems of the communities in their areas and how they interact, and relate them to the use and development of land.

(iii) Seek to integrate the wide range of activities relating to development and regeneration.

Para. 35 The Government reinforces the need for high quality and inclusive design. The policy states that high quality and inclusive design should create well-mixed and integrated developments which avoid segregation and have well-planned public spaces that bring people together and provide opportunities for physical activity and recreation. It means ensuring a place will function well and add to the overall character and quality of the area, not just for



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the short term but over the lifetime of the development.

Para. 41 – 43

Under the new planning system there is an even greater emphasis on involving the community, allowing them to have a greater role in shaping their local environment. One of the principles of sustainable development is to involve the community in developing the vision for its area. Communities should be asked to offer ideas about what that vision should be, and how it can be achieved. Planning authorities should build a clear understanding of the make-up, interests and needs of the communities in their areas. An inclusive approach should be taken to ensure that different groups have the opportunity to participate and are not disadvantaged in the process. Identifying and understanding the needs of groups who find it difficult to engage with the planning system is critical to achieving sustainable development objectives.

PPS 6 Planning for Town Centres

Many of the policies in draft PPS 6 reproduce or are closely based on, existing policies in PPG 6. The key messages are - a re-emphasis of 'town centres first' objective; the need for a plan-led approach at both regional and local levels; the need for LPAs to plan for growth and growing town centres; the need to tackle social exclusion by ensuring access for all to a wide range of goods and services; and the need to promote more sustainable patterns of development with less reliance on the car



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LPAs should actively plan for growth in retail, leisure, office and other town centre uses by: selecting appropriate, existing centres to accommodate the identified need; identify sites within and adjoining existing centres for development or redevelopment; and providing growth of the town centre.

The Government is concerned with making efficient use of land within town centres and is therefore encouraging LPAs to formulate policies which promote higher-density, multi-storey, mixed-use development. When selecting sites for allocation the Government advice LPAs to have regard to the objectives of promoting vital and viable town centres and should therefore: assess the need for development; secure appropriate scale of development; apply the sequential approach, assess the impact on existing centres; and ensure accessibility.

To deliver the Governments objective of promoting vital and viable town centres, development should be focused in existing centres in order to strengthen and, where appropriate, regenerate them by: actively managing change; defining a network and hierarchy of centres; adopting a proactive, plan-led approach; using tools such as town centre strategies, and consulting with the community.



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PPS 7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

The key principles of PPS7 include locating new development, including development likely to generate large numbers of tips, in or next to towns other service centres that are accessible by public transport, walking and cycling. However, authorities should support small-scale development where it helps to sustain villages that are remote from, and have poor public transport links with, service centres.

Local authorities should seek to ensure that new development in service centres is supported through improvements to public transport and to walking and cycling facilities.

AAP to incorporate these principles of sustainable development, location of new development, and address poor accessibility in remote rural areas.

PPS 12 Local Development Frameworks

Foreword: The policies set out in PPS12 should be taken into account by local planning authorities in the preparation of local development frameworks and minerals and waste development frameworks.

The AAP should be closely integrated with LDDs, and vice versa. This relationship should be referred to as a key principle of the AAP.

Para 1.9 Para 1.9: LDDs should take into account other strategies including AAPs.

The AAP should be closely integrated with LDDs, and vice versa. This relationship should be referred to as a key principle of the AAP.

Para 2.10

Para. 2.10: The core strategy DPD should draw on any strategies that have implications for the development of the use of land, including the AAP.

As above.



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B9 – B14 B9-B14: Integration of transport and land-use policies. AAPS needs to reflect and support the aims of the core strategy DPD. Land-use planning in turn needs to take account of the existing transport network and plans for its development. Integrating respective strategies is particularly crucial in shire counties where the District authority prepares LDDs and the county is responsible for transport planning. Accessibility planning is new feature for AAP2 and planning authorities have a valuable role to play in improving accessibility as the location of jobs and services have significant an impact on accessibility as transport provision.

As above.

PPS 22 Renewable Energy Para 6 Local planning authorities should only allocate specific sites for renewable energy in plans where a developer has already indicated an interest in the site, has confirmed that the site is viable, and that it will be brought forward during the plan period. Planning applications for renewable energy projects should be assessed against specific criteria set out in regional spatial strategies and local development documents. Regional planning bodies and local planning authorities should ensure that such criteria based policies are consistent with, or reinforced by, policies in plans on other issues against which renewable energy applications could be assessed.

As above.

Para 8 Local planning authorities may include policies in local development documents that require a percentage of the energy to be used in new residential, commercial or industrial developments

As above.



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to come from on-site renewable energy developments. Such policies:

i. should ensure that requirement to generate on-site renewable energy is only applied to developments where the installation of renewable energy generation equipment is viable given the type of development proposed, its location, and design;

ii. should not be framed in such a way as to place an undue burden on developers, for example, by specifying that all energy to be used in a development should come from on-site renewable generation.

PPS 23 Planning and Pollution Control

Para 2 This Statement advises that: any consideration of the quality of land, air or

water and potential impacts arising from development, possibly leading to impacts on health, is capable of being a material planning consideration, in so far as it arises or may arise from or may affect any land use;

the planning system plays a key role in determining the location of development which may give rise to pollution, either directly or indirectly, and in ensuring that other uses and developments are not, as far as possible, affected by major existing or potential sources of pollution;

the controls under the planning and pollution control regimes should complement rather than duplicate each other;

As above.



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the presence of contamination in land can present risks to human health and the environment, which adversely affect or restrict the beneficial use of land but development presents an opportunity to deal with these risks successfully;

contamination is not restricted to land with previous industrial uses, it can occur on greenfield as well as previously developed land and it can arise from natural sources as well as from human activities;

where pollution issues are likely to arise, intending developers should hold informal pre-application discussions with the LPA, the relevant pollution control authority and/or the environmental health departments of local authorities (LAs), and other authorities and stakeholders with a legitimate interest; and

where it will save time and money, consideration should be given to submitting applications for planning permission and pollution control permits in parallel and co-ordinating their consideration by the relevant authorities.

Page 4 & 5

The Government attaches great importance to controlling and minimising pollution. Its commitment to the principles of sustainable development was set out in A Better Quality of Life - A Strategy for Sustainable Development for the UK.

The AAP should to include policies on environmental conservation and protection.



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The strategy sets out ten principles and approaches. The following are particularly relevant to the consideration of planning and pollution control:

putting people at the centre; taking a long-term perspective; taking account of costs and benefits; respecting environmental limits; applying the precautionary principle; using scientific knowledge; following procedures which are based on

transparency, access to information, effective participation by stakeholders and access to justice; and

making the polluter pay.Para 7 A number of national and international obligations

are important in controlling pollution and land contamination. They have informed the preparation of this Statement, and set the context for plan-making and development control in accordance with it:the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000 - which introduced the new regime for pollution prevention and control implementing the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (96/61/EC);the Air Quality Strategy (2000) and its Addendum (2003) and the system of local air quality management under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995;

Atmospheric integrity and air quality is closely related to traffic growth. The AAP should include measures/policies which facilitate sustainable modes of transport. This would lead to fewer people using cars thus contributing towards achieving air quality targets.



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the UK Climate Change Programme (November 2000), setting out details of the UK response to the challenge of climate change;

the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) - which establishes a framework for protecting the water environment, with the aim of achieving demanding chemical and ecological water quality targets by 2015;

Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 - which sets out controls over statutory nuisances;

the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH) - specifying requirements and plans for handling emergency procedures for handling incidents and restoration and clean-up following a major accident;

Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 - which provides a regime for the identification and remediation of contaminated land;

the Environment Act 1995 - which set up the Environment Agency;

the EC Directives on the Assessment of Environmental Effects (85/337/EEC as amended by 97/11/EC) implemented by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact



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Assessment) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2000) - which requires the assessment of environmental effects of specified public and private projects before development consent is granted;

EU Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) which aims to establish a common framework for the prevention and remediation of environmental damage at reasonable cost to society; and

EU Emissions Trading Directive (2003/87/EC), which initially covers emissions of carbon dioxide from certain industrial activities.

Para 11 Close co-ordination between Planning Authorities, Transport Authorities and pollution control regulators is essential to meet the common objective that where development takes place, it is sustainable. It is important that:

Pollution issues should be taken into account as appropriate in planning decisions (having regard to development plan documents and all material considerations).Where, for example, new housing is proposed close to a source of potential pollution, the risk of pollution from the normal operation of the process or the potential impacts and the extent to which the proposals address such risks will influence whether or not development should proceed, as will the availability of sewerage and the drainage infrastructure. The generation of additional

Included for reference



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pollution from road traffic, the demand on natural resources and the discharges to the environment associated with any proposed development should also be considered.

Planning decisions can have a significant impact on the quality of air, water and land and therefore affect the environment. Examples might include proposals for a new riverside oil depot upstream of a drinking water intake or above a vulnerable aquifer, or for any development which gives rise to a significant increase in traffic and associated emissions e.g. an out-of-town shopping centre.

Para 12 The consideration of an Environmental Statement prepared as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is usually the most convenient way of ensuring the environmental impacts of a significant development proposal are comprehensively considered. Planning authorities should remain alert to the possibility of environmental impacts for proposals of any scale, regardless of whether a formal EIA is required.

The AAP should include policies on EIA requirements and when an EIA is required – for Transport schemes resulting from the AAP

Para 13 RPBs are responsible for producing RSSs which set out their policies for the development and the use of land in the region. They provide the opportunity to assess and indicate the scale of regionally important, longer-term demands for land for potentially polluting development, and any regional constraints on development arising from the cumulative impact of existing and proposed




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potentially polluting developments or uses. LDDs are prepared by LPAs as part of the local development scheme to apply national policies stated by the Government and the policies of the RSS to their areas. LDDs should set out the criteria against which applications for potentially polluting developments will be considered. (Appendix 1 contains a list of matters for consideration in preparing LDDs and taking decisions on individual planning applications.)

Para 21 LDDs should include appropriate policies and proposals for dealing with the potential for contamination and the remediation of land so that it is suitable for the proposed development/use. RSSs and LDDs have a positive role to play in steering development onto appropriate previously developed land, some of which may be affected by contamination, and to protect greenfield land from avoidable development. At regional level, depending on whether there are regionally important concentrations of land affected by contamination, a RSS may need to have specific policies relating to development in these areas. In other cases, it may be more appropriate to address this issue within a section dealing with pollution matters generally, as long as this does not merely repeat national policy. At local level, the extent to which LDDs need to deal with land contamination issues will clearly depend on their extent and significance in the LPA's area. Where there are substantial concentrations of land

As above



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affected by contamination, more detailed attention should be given to this in LDDs, possibly through action area plans.

Waste Strategy for England and Wales 2000. Environment Agency

Page 7 We must tackle the quantity of waste produced, breaking the link between economic growth and increased waste. Household waste is growing by around 3% each year. If this growth rate continues we will need nearly twice as many new waste management facilities by 2020 as we would if the amount of waste stayed constant. This would increase pressures on the land available for development, and we do not believe it will be acceptable to the public. This is not a problem with a single, easy solution. Businesses, households, the community sector and local authorities must all play their part.

AAP to have regard to parallel land-use policy for planning for waste. The proximity principle that forms part of the ‘waste hierarchy’ may have policy implications for the availability of suitable transport infrastructure to minimise the environmental costs of transporting waste.

Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, DEFRA 2000

This Strategy describes the plans drawn up by the Government and the devolved administrations to improve and protect ambient air quality in the UK in the medium-term.

The proposals aim to protect people’s health and the environment without imposing unacceptable economic or social costs.

AAP to include policies to prevent air pollution from transport. Proposals should ensure that information is provided to identify the potential sources of air pollution from transport, and how impacts will be mitigated.

AAP criteria could include satisfactory measures to minimise the possible effects of pollution (including air pollution from transport modes) and measures to ameliorate it.

Air pollution could be checked by B E N W E L L S C O T S W O O D A A P – S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y A P P R A I S A L


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calculating traffic volumes A report could be prepared on an annual basis to examine the effectiveness of the Plan’s policies achieving the targets and objectives of the Plan.

The role of Local Authorities in achieving better air quality includes using powers through Local Air Quality Strategies and local traffic management powers and non-regulatory measures such as public information to help cutting travel, promoting public transport and reducing congestion.

AAP has a key role in integrating land-use and transport objectives, to promote more sustainable patterns of travel and reducing environmental costs.

Transport and road traffic emissions make a significant contribution to levels of air pollution, particularly in towns and cities. Improved transport planning can help to meet air quality objectives. Land-use planning is an important part of an integrated approach to air quality. PPG13 provides guidance on using land use policies and transport programmes to promote sustainable travel.

See above.

AAPs are at the core of Integrated Transport Strategies at a local level.

See above.

Climate Change: The UK Programme

The UK’s programme is a significant contribution to the global response to climate change. It sets out a strategic, far reaching package of policies and measures across all sectors of the economy. We estimate that it could cut the UK’s greenhouse

The Plan can contribute to these targets through ensuring policies prevent air pollution from transport.

Encouraging freight by rail/water



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gases by 23% below 1990 levels by 2010. This means that carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 19% by 2010 and that we could achieve the 20% domestic goal.

The policies and measures in the programme would offer:

improved energy efficiency and lower costs for businesses and householders;

more employment opportunities through the development of new, environmental technologies;

a better transport system; better local air quality; less fuel poverty; and improved international competitiveness for the

UK.

would also help contribute to cutting emissions.

The AAP policies should address energy efficiency in transport, but the need to reducing travel, promoting more sustainable transport through multi-modal investment, and cutting congestion with resulting improvements in air quality, public health, environmental and economic well-being. The role of developing emission reduction technologies are seen as a priority for a number of sectors, including transport. This is to be reflected in the AAP.

Community Leadership and Climate Change – Guidance for LAs

Page 4 Around the world, countries are working to cut emissions through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Developed countries all now have targets to cut their emissions. The UK’s target is to achieve a 12.5% cut below 1990 levels by 2008-2012. The Government also has a domestic goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010. The UK’s climate change programme explains how the UK is on course to meet current targets, thanks in part to the action local authorities have already taken.




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Page 9 Each Local Authority has a vital role in leading community responses to the challenge of climate change. Strategies developed now could pay huge dividends in the future. Your local authority may already be doing a great deal but, if we are to meet the longer term challenges, then we will need to achieve more. The groups sponsoring this guidance aim to review this action plan in the future, to stimulate continual progress.

As above

The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004

These Regulations transpose the SEA Directive into law please refer to SEA Directive (see EC Directive on the Assessment of the Effects of certain plans and programmes on the Environment 2001/42/EC).

As above

Environment Act 1995 An Act to provide for the establishment of a body corporate to be known as the Environment Agency and a body corporate to be known as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; to provide for the transfer of functions, property, rights and liabilities to those bodies and for the conferring of other functions on them; to make provision with respect to contaminated land and abandoned mines; to make further provision in relation to National Parks; to make further provision for the control of pollution, the conservation of natural resources and the conservation or enhancement of the environment; to make provision for imposing obligations on certain persons in respect of certain products or materials.

The AAP needs to recognise the Duty of Care under this Act. Reference to this Act should be made in the AAP.

The AAP should to include policies on environmental conservation and protection.



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Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is the principle mechanism for the legislative protection of wildlife in Great Britain. This legislation is the means by which the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the 'Bern Convention') and the European Union Directives on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) and Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/FFC) are implemented in Great Britain.The Wildlife and Countryside Act is divided into four parts.

Part I is concerned with the protection of wildlife,

Part II relates to the countryside and national parks (and the designation of protected areas),

Part III covers Public Rights of Way, Part IV deals with miscellaneous provisions of

the Act

AAP policies should include the approach to environmental conservation, including protecting existing biodiversity on non-designated sites and of the protection of scheduled species. The AAP needs to recognise the biodiversity value of non-designated sites when evaluating and promoting transport projects.

Environmental Impact Assessment (England and Wales) Regulations 1999

An EIA is required when proposed development is either -

Schedule 1 development; or Schedule 2 development likely to have

significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location;

Schedule 1 projects include:

7(c) Construction of a new road of four or more lanes, or realignment and/or widening of an

Include policies on EIA requirements and when an EIA is required for transport schemes formulated as part of the AAP.



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existing road of two lanes or less so as to provide four or more lanes, where such new road, or realigned and/or widened section of road would be 10 kilometres or more in a continuous length.

Schedule 2 Projects include:

10(c) Construction of intermodal trans-shipment facilities and of intermodal terminals (unless included in Schedule 1);

10(d) Construction of railways (unless included in Schedule 1);

10(f) Construction of roads (unless included in Schedule 1);

10(g) Construction of harbours and port installations including fishing harbours (unless included in Schedule 1);

10(h) Inland-waterway construction not included in Schedule 1, canalisation and flood-relief works;

10(j) Tramways, elevated and underground railways, suspended lines or similar lines of a particular type, used exclusively or mainly for passenger transport.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW)

Public Rights of Way: These are minor highways that exist for the benefit of the community at large. Originally part of the country’s transport system, public rights of ways are now a recreation web that enables the public to explore the countryside. The

AAP to include reference to the duty to prepare Rights of Way Improvement Plan.



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Act requires local highways authorities to prepare Public Rights of way Improvement Plans for improving rights of way in their areas. These plans will be progressively integrated into AAPs.

A ‘Better Quality of Life: a Strategy for Sustainable Development for the UK, DETR 1999

A Better Quality of Life, the Government’s sustainable development strategy sets out four key themes:

effective protection of the environment prudent use of natural resources social progress which meets the needs of

everyone high and stable levels of economic growth and

employment For the UK, priorities for the future include promoting a transport system which provides choice, and also minimising environmental harm and reducing congestion. Transport is seen as a key priority, including its relationship with to air pollution, health and the environment. Economic instruments and subsidies are part of this integrated approach. Research and development can inform the promotion energy-efficient and resource-efficient vehicles for sustainable transport.

The dominance of the car limits choice and opportunity, constraining the transport choices available, particularly for those without a car. Inadequate public transport and services which are difficult to reach add a hardship for the least well-off.

These four themes should be incorporated into the Plan by including policies which:

Effective protection of the environment

1) secure good design;2) protect nature conservation

sites;3) maintain the landscape and

the Region’s historic assets;4) promote sustainable transport

use; and5) help improve air quality.

Prudent use of natural resources

1) promote energy efficiency; 2) reduce waste; and3) promote sustainable transport

infrastructure in ways that encourage and brownfield land where ever practicable.

Social progress which meets the needs of everyone

1) reduce noise impacts from



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The Government’s integrated transport policy is designed to:

improve choice in transport; reduce the need to travel while improving

access to education, jobs, leisure and services; reduce environmental impacts from transport:

on greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and noise, habitats and wildlife;

improve transport safety and security.

transport development on local people; and

2) Encourage public and stakeholder consultation

High and stable levels of economic growth and employment

i. Provide support for transport development which in turn helps supports the local economy; and

ii. Promote transport infrastructure to support the rural economy and communities whilst minimising detrimental effects on the landscape.

The Government has developed a New Approach to the Appraisal of road scheme proposals. These are assessed against criteria of environmental impact, safety, economy, accessibility, and integration with land use and other transport proposals and policies. This approach allows options for solving transport problems to be compared and decisions taken in the light of environmental, social and economic impacts.

Reinforced the integration of AAP with other plans and policies and the requirement for NATA style appraisals of road scheme proposals.



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The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities, ODPM November 2002

Guidance on how to carry out Environmental Assessments of English land use and spatial plans in accordance with the SEA Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment.

Addressed through undertaking this SEA

Strategic Environmental Assessment Guidance for Transport Plans and Programmes. TAG Unit 2.11. April 2004. DfT

Guidance on how to carry out SEA of AAPs in England in accordance with the SEA Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. This unit of WebTAG integrates the Directive’s requirement with existing transport appraisal processes (NATA).

Addressed through undertaking this SEA

Quality of Life Counts: Indicators for a Strategy for Sustainable Development for the United Kingdom

H9 Climate change – emission of greenhouse gases 1990-2012Objective: continue to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases now, and plan for greater reductions in the longer term.

H10 Air quality – days when air pollution was moderate or higher 1987-2003Objective: Reduce air pollution and ensure air quality continues to improve through the longer term.

H11: Road traffic – total road traffic volume 1970-2003, road traffic intensity 1970-2003Objective: improve choice in transport; improve access to education, jobs, leisure and services; and reduce the need to travel.

AAP should address headline, National and Regional targets that are directly and indirectly related to transport policy. The relevant key themes for sustainable development also need to be included in the AAP.



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UK Biodiversity Action Plan The Action Plan sets out the priorities for nationally and locally important habitats and wildlife

AAP to include policies on environmental conservation and protection of Southampton’s and National Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats and Species.

Working with the Grain of Nature: A Biodiversity Strategy for England, 2002

The Strategy seeks to ensure biodiversity considerations become embedded in all main sectors of public policy and sets out a programme for the next five years to make the changes necessary to conserve, enhance and work with the grain of nature and ecosystems rather than against them. The Strategy is a Government strategy, but it has been prepared with the active partnership of a broad range of stakeholders in the public, voluntary and private sectors. The Strategy sets out a series of actions that will be taken by the Government and its partners to make biodiversity a fundamental consideration in:

Agriculture: encouraging the management of farming and agricultural land so as to conserve and enhance biodiversity as part of the Government's Sustainable Food and Farming Strategy.

Water: aiming for a whole catchment approach to the wise, sustainable use of water and wetlands.

Woodland: managing and extending woodland so as to promote enhanced biodiversity and

As above



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quality of life. Marine and coastal management: so as to

achieve the sustainable use and management of our coasts and seas using natural processes and the ecosystem-based approach.

Urban areas: where biodiversity needs to become a part of the development of policy on sustainable communities and urban green space and the built environment.

Our Energy Future – Creating a Low Carbon Economy

The energy system in 2020 – the energy system in 2020 being much more diverse than today. At its heart will be a much greater mix of energy, especially electricity sources and technologies, affecting both the means of supply and the control and management of demand.

The transport sector produces about one quarter of the UK’s total carbon emissions. Road transport contributes 85% of this, with passenger cars accounting for around half of all carbon emitted by the transport sector. The movement of people and goods will remain essential for economic success but we can reduce the impact of transport on the environment through better, cleaner vehicles and fuels and by our action to reduce the negative impacts of traffic growth. The Government has a complementary strategy on promoting a shift to low-carbon vehicles and fuels.

The AAP should incorporate the wider policy aspirations and objectives of Government towards cleaner, more efficient vehicles and fuels.



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Directing the Flow – Priorities for Future Water Policy

Key objectives include: tackling agricultural and urban diffuse pollution of water (including urban transport); reflecting the ‘polluter pays’ principle;

AAP should include policies protecting ground and surface water resources and paying particular attention in design of transport projects to the implications for run-off to water courses.

Quality of Life in Tomorrow’s Countryside: Implementing the Countryside Agencies Strategy

Emphasises the need for improved public transport for people without cars in rural areas to overcome the lack of access to basic local services. Aims to encourage flexible and affordable transport services for people in rural areas giving access to jobs, training, services and leisure.



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APPENDIX 2: REVIEW OF REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANS, POLICY AND PROGRAMMESREVIEW OF PLANS AND PROGRAMMES: KEY TO TABLES

This symbol indicates that the selected text sets out a key policy principles that the AAP will need to have regard to.

This symbol indicates the need for specific additional development to be allocated in support of the selected text



Source Key Objectives or requirements relevant to plan and SA How objectives or requirements might be taken on board in the AAP/Strategy Directions for the AAP


Regional Strategies

REGIONAL LEVEL

Planning Regional Spatial Strategy (RRS) Formerly RPG1

GONE The Regional Planning Guidance for the North East was adopted in 2002 and was converted to the Regional Spatial Strategy in 2004 making it a statutory development plan.

Located within a main regeneration area the strategy for the AAP area



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The overriding aim of the RPG is to promote sustainable patterns of spatial development and physical change. The Region’s economic, social and environmental interests must be advanced together and support each other.

Policy:

In order to reflect RPG strategy of facilitating an economic renaissance, reversing out-migration and stabilising population, the provision of additional housing should secure around 5,000 dwellings for the period 2002-2006 (Policy H2 Housing Distribution) (Newcastle upon Tyne 350) and an indicative annual average rate of housing provision post 2006 of 6,000 dwellings (Newcastle upon Tyne 450).

Policy H1 encourages an integrated approach to housing renewal, clearance and urban regeneration. Strategies should consider ‘whether the need of regeneration are better served through improvement to existing stock or whether demolition represents a better option as part of a broader course of action to regenerate local communities, improve the environment and increase numbers of and access to local jobs’. A high priority is placed re-using previously developed land and buildings and on reducing regionally vacancy to 3% by 2010.

will include a combination of improvement to existing stock and an element of demolition. These decisions will be supported by a detailed rational for achieving the regeneration objectives of the AAP. Policy H2 makes it explicit that with regard to housing provision numbers there should be no compensatory housing provision for demolitions of empty dwellings arising from low demand and abandonment. The implication is that only net additions to the housing stock in the Benwell Scotswood area will be considered as dwelling provision under Regional Planning Policy.



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Regional Spatial Strategy for the North East Submission Draft June 2005

GONE The RSS strategy seeks to deliver sustainable communities through perusing the following objectives;

Stabilising and then increasing the region’s population; Focussing housing development on previously developed land and

buildings in sustainable locations within the conurbations and main towns; housing market restructuring areas

Focus all types of retail, commercial, leisure, recreation and service development, particularly high trip generating uses, within cities

Provide a more appropriate mix of type, size, tenure and affordability of decent, high quality homes by housing market restructuring and through additions to the region’s housing stock.

Reduce the amount of vacant and obsolete housing in the region to 3% by 2010.

Promote new development where jobs, housing, and key services and facilities are accessible by public transport

Build to design standards that minimise the consumption of natural resources.

The Housing Market Renewal Initiative is well represented within the Regional Spatial Strategy. Inner city areas such as Benwell Scotswood represent some of the region’s most sustainable and accessible locations. Studies show that property types and environments in these areas do not meet people’s aspirations. It is essential therefore to improve living environments to better meet people’s aspirations.

The spatial strategy of the RSS emphasises that the provision of housing that meets peoples need’s in sustainable locations would help to diversify the dwelling stock; support economic growth; contribute to providing more

The AAP will need to diversify housing stock in this sustainable location. The importance of existing stock is recognised in the RSS and the AAP will need to improve existing stock where sufficient demand exist. It is not essential for the AAP to replace all demolished properties



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balanced demand; reduce social exclusion; reduce pressure in areas of current high demand; and protects the environment. Therefore the RSS focuses the majority of new development in existing settlements while simultaneously making better use of the existing dwelling stock.

In the long term the region’s population is expected to increase with further economic prosperity, the housing stock will need to adapt to cater for changing needs and circumstances. The availability of high quality housing and living environments will therefore be essential in facilitating and in supporting economic growth by helping to attract and retain the region’s workforce.

Policy 28 specifies that LDF’s should provide for an annual average of total dwelling construction in the period 2004-2021 for Tyne and Wear of 3,530 units.

The strategy recognises the importance of existing stock as it represents the vast majority of housing choice over the RSS period. Policy 29 (Improving The Housing Stock) encourages plans to develop an integrated package of measures to address low demand and abandonment that:

a) maximises the improvement of existing properties where sufficient demand exists for their continues residential use reduced local authority vacancy to 3% by 2011;

b) increases the average annual level of demolitions , particularly in the housing market restructuring areas, to the indicative estimated level identified below:

2004-11 2011-16 2016-21



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Tyne & Wear 1,640 870 665

c) consider, in area of older high-density housing, replacement at lower densities where this would improve the living environment and quality of life, and achieve a better mix of dwelling type, size and tenure.

There is not always a need to replace all demolitions and no additional housing provision should be allocated to compensate for this. In determining planning proposals, local planning authorities should ensure that the release of housing land does not compromise the successful delivery of other housing market restructuring initiatives.

Policy 30 – Dwelling Provision

This policy sets target for dwelling provision; 2004-11 2011-16 2016- 21 Newcastle 650 770 780 upon Tyne

Policy 18 – Employment Land Portfolio

Provision should be made in Local Development Frameworks for general employment land, regional brownfield mixed-use developments and Prestige Employment Sites up to

General Employment

Regional Brownfield Mixed Use

Prestige Employment Sites (Already



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Land Allocation Identified Newburn Riverside/Newburn Great Park)

Newcastle 20 (ha) 10 130Regeneration



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Making It Happen the Northern Way 2004

ODPM This Spatial Strategy focuses on city regions. It encourages accelerating sustainable economic growth in three northern regions. Within these regions economic growth is prioritised within core urban areas around public transport nodes and on the periphery of conurbations

The Northern Way' looks at local solutions to improving housing provision, revitalising communities through social inclusion and facilities and linking development to employment opportunities in the North of England. The report is based on the use of Sustainable Communities Plans to take a more holistic approach to regeneration. It contains a number of best practise examples for schemes of all types and shows linkages to related projects

It contains details on a number of projects which combine creating quality 'places' including details on the 'Liveability Fund' and the use of Private Finance Initiatives to fund streetscape improvements. Also details successful home zone schemes, the use of fixed penalty notices and Green Flag Awards.

Objectives to improve quality of life with regard to crime, employment, education, health and community building.

Focuses on Housing provision, though does discuss creating businesses spaces. Sets out three keys to success, (1) housing market failure requires the surrounding community issues to be tackled as well, (2) local flexibility and local stakeholders are key, and(3) integrated working.

The AAP will address all three ‘keys to success’

The Northern Way indicates that significant economic growth will occur within Newcastle Gateshead. The AAP is strategically placed to utilise employment opportunities presented by the inner core and periphery areas.



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North East Regional Economic Strategy 2002

One NorthEast (RDA)

The implementation of the new Regional Economic Strategy (RES) provides a major opportunity for the RDA and regional partners to tackle the changing needs of the region in a co-ordinated way.

The vision of the RES encourages the utilisation of the regions assets to harness and enhance the human, cultural and environmental resources of the Region so that, by 2010, the North East is vibrant, self reliant, ambitious and outward looking. To do so, we will raise the aspirations and profile of the Region, making it more prosperous and more inclusive”.

In addition to this the Regional Development Agency seeks to focus on six key objectives. The table below identifies these.

Objectives Creating Wealth by Raising the Productivity of all businessesEstablishing a New Entrepreneurial CultureCreating a Healthy Labour Market Supported by a Skilled WorkforceRecognising Our University and Colleges at the Heart of the region’s EconomyMeet 21st Century Transport, Communication and Property Needs Realising the Renaissance of our Rural and Urban

Quality housing is a vital component of the regeneration process. It is a major issue for the region, which also has a significant problem with properties in poor condition for which there is no demand. The contribution of quality places to contribute to economic growth and promote inward investment should not be underestimated.



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Communities Considering the Objectives designed to deliver the vision for the RES, Realising the Renaissance of Urban Communities along with Creating a Healthy Labour Market Supported by a Skilled Workforce appear to be most relevant for the AAP area. The strategy highlights the high level of deprivation that exists within the region and identifies the renewal of urban communities as a significant challenge. It also points to cultural assets such as the World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall which can contribute to economic development.

The Regional Economic Strategy is currently under review and has been subject to extensive consultation. It identifies eight strategic priorities including;

PrioritiesLeadershipEnterprise and Business SupportSectoral and Global NetworksInnovation and CreativitySkillsEconomic Inclusion Infrastructure and Built EnvironmentImage and Cultural Assets

The emerging RES sets out to raise economic participation in deprived communities. To ensure local communities avail of emerging economic opportunities. This is particularly relevant to the AAP area which is strategically



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places with regard major employment destinations.

It does this through encouraging improving skills for economic participation co-ordinated by the Regional Skills Partnership. It also encourages Local Enterprise Initiatives (LSP) and business engagement and investment. It promotes financial inclusion of deprived communities or example access to financial services for business creation and promoting access to employment through locally based employment support to allow access to emerging.

The Strategy emphasises ‘Quality of Place’ which are attractive to skilled workers, entrepreneurs and visitors. Places which are healthy, safe, sustainable with high quality and affordable housing with quality environments

The RES’s approach to housing and sustainable communities involves; Housing Market Restructuring and New Housing. AlMO’s and the private sector are seen as the key mechanism for housing investment. New housing should support market renewal areas. Certain types of property are under provided particularly to meet the needs of the growing knowledge economy.



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LOCAL LEVEL

Core General DocumentsThe Newcastle Unitary Development Plan – adopted January 1998 covering plan period to 2006

NCC The UDP is set out in Eight Aims these are set out below.

Aim One: Economy and Urban Regeneration

The UDP puts urban regeneration at the heart of its strategy and encourages economic growth through retaining economic activity and jobs by supporting the role of the city as a Regional Capital. It encourages training facilities relevant to the needs of the unemployed, achieve greater diversification of the City’s economy.

Policies:

Policy ED01 encourages the allocation of sufficient land to provide a range and choice of sites which can secure economic and employment growth. Policy ED02 safeguards the role of the city centre as the regional commercial and administrative centre and policy ED03 protects allocations for Industrial and business to B1,B2 and B8 uses. Newburn Haugh to the west of the AAP of the area is identified as a major industrial development opportunity as well new flagship projects west of Central Station providing a new gateway to the city centre.

The UDP/emerging LDF will perhaps be the key reference document for the provisions of the AAP. The AAP will form part of the LDF and consistency with it will be guaranteed.

Clearly the Benwell and Scotswood area has a strategic role to play in ensuring that populations within the city are retained. The trend of population loss within the masterplan area will need to tackle through a range of measures. Housing allocations and strategy will be reviewed in light of the emerging LDF and



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Eleven sites are allocated for Industrial Use the largest of which is concentrated on the western side of the AAP concentrated along the river Tyne. Policy ED3.1 encourages industrial and business use development for classes B2,B1 and B8. This area will need to be considered in light of recent developments immediately to the west such as the Newburn Riverside Business Park. On the eastern side or the AAP area along the river corridor a sizable designation for business use exists and encourages light industrial and office and research development BI uses under policy ED3.2. This area will need to be considered in light of proposals under the Discovery Quarter/Brewery/Gallowgate development strategy.

Aim Two: Population and HousingThe UDP aims to stabilise the City’s population by providing sufficient land for a wide range of housing types. To retain this population the varying and changing needs of the population will be required as well as improving housing stock to make the city an attractive place to live.

Policies:Policy HOU1 allocated enough land to provide 10,000 dwellings to encourage population stabilisation. The Northern Development Area, City Centre and East Quayside constitute a significant amount of housing allocations. Within the AAP only two sites of a limited size have been allocated for housing development. These include; Ryhill, Elswick (30 units) and Elswick Road/Bristol Terrace (40 units).

Aim Three: Shopping

Housing Market Renewal Strategy. The AAP will feed into this process by identifying future housing potential. The AAP will focus retail development within existing centres but will consider the location of new retail centres. A clear strategy will be developed within the AAP which will address retail centres. The objective will be to prioritise retail facilities and initiatives to ensure maximum benefit to local communities.

These priorities will consider the following factors; The quality and

extent of the existing retail offer and capacity for change



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The plan aims to encourage accessibility to local shopping services particularly to those living in more deprived urban area. Shopping Services within the masterplan area are particularly poor (I think this is the case). A number of general approaches can be taken to address issue.

Policies:

Policy R01 encourages retail development within or adjacent to existing centres and encourages accessibility by improving public transport and providing convenient car parking. Policy R02 sets criteria for assessing new retail development outside centres. Within the AAP area three shopping centres exist are identified (policy RO1.1). These include;

Local CentreWhickham View

Neighbourhood Centres West Road

District Centres Adelaide TerraceAim Four: Recreation, Leisure and Tourism

To UDP supports the role of the city as a leisure and tourism and recreational centre by through the provision of a wide range of new and upgraded facilities

Centres future viability

Previous regeneration and development initiatives and their effect

The location of proposed housing redevelopments and accessibility to existing centres.

The Strategy could be twofold and could include improving accessibility to existing centres within and outside the masterplan area and focusing required retail provision to a priority location.

The Strategy for Open Space within the AAP area would include finding more formal uses for open spaces which



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and improved access to open space.

Policies:

This objective is achieved through policies TL01 and TL02. Green Space within the UDP is broken down between Allotments, Cemeteries and Church Grounds, Neighbourhood Parks and Open Space. In all Green Space within the AAP area constitutes a sizable area with the majority being designated as Open Space. The existing and future requirement for open space in the area will be assessed. The AAP will need to assess the quality and neighbourhood value of these spaces and will in some cases consider alternative uses supported by an appropriate rational.

Hadrian’s Way a Strategic Recreational Route is to be developed to become a regionally and nationally important route (policy OS2.1). It runs along the river Tyne and offers the opportunity to connect the AAP to the city centre. It would effectively link existing green spaces together and could act as a means of joining neighbourhoods.

would not only ensure their management but would maximise their value as a resource.

The Discovery Quarter offers potential to reconnect the area to the city centre by providing a new gateway. It would also provide significant tourism and leisure facilities as well as open space and housing.

UDP local policy actively promotes both economic development and housing development within inner urban areas subject to other constraints. The AAP must ensure that other strategic employment locations are accessible and connected to the masterplan area.



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Aim Five: Inner Area Regeneration To improve social, economic and environmental conditions in the inner and other deprived urban areas

The UDP aims adopts an urban centric approach to regeneration which targets the inner urban area and promotes regeneration through providing land for economic development, improving housing and environmental quality, maintaining and enhancing community services and improving access to the City Centre for employment and other facilities.

Policies:Policy IA01 supports the above objective and sets out how and where this aim will be achieved. Benwell and Scotswood makes up the western element of the Inner Urban Area and given its proximity to the City Centre and Ouseburn Valley to the east and Newburn Haugh to the west has consider potential to connect to existing and emerging economic development opportunities. The policy also encourages the utilisation of housing and environmental funding and initiatives.

Aim Six: Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is encouraged in the UDP by encouraging mixed use development, seeking to limit the environmental impacts of new development, reduce carbon dioxide emission by 30% by the year 2005, encourage recycling and enhance water supply and water courses.

Policies:

Policy SDO1 encourages sustainable development which meets the economic and social needs of the city. Policy SD02 ensures that the city’s natural assets

The APP will form part of the emerging LDF for Newcastle therefore existing designations will be reviewed.



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and built heritage will be protected.

Aim Seven: Environmental Quality

To ensure that Newcastle is an attractive place to live the City’s environment will be protected. The City’s open space, historic assets, landscape features and wildlife habitats.

Policies:

Policy ENO1 encourages high standards of design. Policy ENO2 ensures that the appearance of the City from main approaches and from major movement corridors through the built up area and from across the river Tyne is enhanced sustainable development which meets the economic and social needs of the city. Policy OS01 encourages high standards of open space and prevents the loss of open space to development, creates new open space where opportunities occur and pursues provision for all needs in the community. The nature conservation resources and built heritage of the city is preserved by policies NCO1 and CO1.

A number of sites of special archaeological interest exist within the AAP area the most prominent running along West Road following the line of Hadrian’s Wall (C4.1).

A site of nature conservation importance and local nature reserve exists to the west of the AAP area in Denton Dene (policies NC1.2 and policy NC1.3). Wildlife Corridors also run through the AAP area through in a north south and east west direction, including the River Tyne Corridor.

Aim Eight: Transport

The policies and proposals within the AAP will aim to include these key areas and pledges. Primary heritage/Open Space assets will be explored and developed.

Clearly a number of development constraints have been set by the UDP and will require recognition within the AAP.

The AAP will maintain and enhance these natural assets.



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The UDP encourages the integration of transport modes which meet the need of the community in a manner which is safe, alleviates congestion, reduces energy consumption and protects the environment.

Policies:

Policies TO1 and T02 encourages the improvement of public transport provision. The transport system will be managed to reconcile the competing demands of users. This will include improving residential environments with high pedestrian activity.

Highway improvements are proposed along the A695 as well as a proposed cycle route.

Local Development Framework Draft Core Strategy Preferred Options Report (October 2005)

NC The Draft Core Strategy takes a proactive stance with regard a range of housing and regeneration issues and objectives. The most relevant for the AAP area being to halt and reverse the city’s population loss and to achieve attractive and popular neighbourhoods throughout the city.

Priority will be given to building new, and remodelling existing houses, to provide attractive family-friendly homes with gardens and green spaces and maintaining liveable places with healthy and green environments protecting the character and amenities of neighbourhoods and dwellings from harmful development; ensuring city wide access for all to high quality services.

More Specifically to achieve sustainable communities new dwellings will be required priority should be given to

The AAP proposals will need to respond and utilise the strong policy context set within this draft Core Strategy. Housing provision is clearly focused toward the Housing Market Renewal areas of Benwell Scotswood and the Walker Riverside Area. It also emphasises the provision of family and affordable housing.



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Building them where they will support regeneration in Housing Market Renewal areas;

Boosting the supply of family-friendly houses to achieve balanced communities for children, young people and older people; and

Making housing more affordable to more people.

Policies:

Policy P1 emphasises that RSS house building allocations are to be prioritised on meeting ‘Housing Market Renewal objectives for sustainable communities on brownfield land within the three defined Pathfinder areas’; the completion of Newcastle Great Park urban extension and limited house building on Brownfield land outside these area.

Policy CH1 distributes RSS allocations and indicates that Benwell Scotswood AAP area should provide for the following;

2004-2011 5002011-2016 7002016-2021 600

Particular attention to sustainable design and construction in the AAP area.

The balance of housing allocations will be distributed throughout the remainder of the City and the Inner West Community area is identified as a priority.

With regard to Windfall Application policy CH2 indicates that planning

Significant growth is provided for within Benwell and Scotswood in term of net additional dwellings.

The AAP will need to consider its proposals in light of remaining development potential in Newcastle Great Park, other housing market renewal areas and on other proposals. Clearly the AAP has been charged with an appraisal of future retail and facility requirements and options for the new district heart and associated shopping investment. The AAP will take into account the Adelaide Terrace, the existing UDP District Centre, which is centrally located and accessible. Other options will be



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permission will not be granted for housing development of 10 or more units will not be granted unless it amongst other things

provides other exceptional planning benefits, which cannot be secured by other reasonable means and which would outweigh any harm to housing market renewal objectives

‘directly supports the renewal of housing markets and helps to sustain existing communities in areas of low demand or market failure;

In terms of Retail policy TC3: Local Shopping Growth Potential indicates that new or expanded shopping centre facilities will be planned and provided during the plan period, at the appropriate time, place, and scale, to meet demonstratable need arising in area of housing and population growth. This applies to areas of housing and population growth such as The West End, including Benwell Scotswood Area Action Plan and Elswick Study area – a new district heart of district centre status, and local facilities. The Benwell and Scotswood Area Action Plan will determine the preferred options for the quantity, location, format and timing for new shopping facilities to be provided.

Employment policy LE1: Employment Land and Premises

A supply of land and premises will be maintained to meet the needs of business, including size, quality, location and cost. This supply will comprise amongst other things:

Prestige sites at Newcastle Great Park and Newburn Riverside General Employment at Newburn Riverside, and other suitable

locations

considered.

The potential for the site as an employment location should be explored. The natural environment views and setting. It proximity to major transport routes the A1 could all contribute to providing targeted small scale employment space. Links to the Airport should be explored.



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Existing employment areas, including areas providing affordable accommodation, to be retained and enhanced as Employment Protection Zones.

Office needs will be met primarily within

The City Centre and adjoining Lower Ouseburn Newcastle Great Park Employment Protection Zones Other sustainable locations with high levels of accessibility, as

part of area regeneration schemes

Open Space policy SE3: Open Space and Recreation

a) New city wide categories for public and private open space will defined, together with standards for provision and access by users.

b) Parks, green spaces and civic spaces will be planned as part of a network with pedestrian and cycle routes and links, to facilitate use and accessibility.

ETC.

Newcastle City Wide Retail and Leisure Study June 2005

The study reveals that Adelaide Terrace District Centre is performing adequately, but it is lacking a modern convenience superstore.

The study reveals that there is a need to provide for further convenience goods provision in the Inner West Area. The study considers the Inner West should be a priority area for further superstore provision. The District Centre of Adelaide Terrace is the preferred location for a new superstore in policy terms. A comprehensive solution could ensure the long term viability of the centre,



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creating a new District Heart of focal point for the Inner West LSSA. There is potential for further enhanced comparison goods shopping provision connected to this new District Heart.

The study supports the re-designation of the Neighbourhood Centre of Armstrong Road to a local centre. There is scope to improve the role and function of Cruddas Park Neighbourhood Centre (Scotswood Neighbourhood) in the future.

Overall a theoretical floor space capacity in the Inner West Area could rang from approximately 100 sq m in 2005 on the basis of existing market shares to 2,590 sq m net by 2021 if trade retention was maximised.

TransportProvisional Second Local Transport Plan for Tyne and Wear 2006-2011

NC/GC Local Transport Plans (LTPs) have a dual purpose, the first of which is to link transport policies and projects to overall objectives for economic regeneration, the environment and enhanced quality of life. The second purpose is to make a case to Government for the funding of initiatives outlined in the LTP.

The LTP seeks to support the economic regeneration of the City by ensuring that local transport networks are efficient, easy-to-use, high quality and appropriate for the demands placed on them.

Transport Objectives for Newcastle include; Ensuring a high proportion of travel demands are met by more

environmentally sustainable modes Recognising the importance of motorised transport in modern life That the provision for car use is always appropriate to the scale,

location and nature of development.

The implications of Scotswood Road Improvements for the AAP area are profound. It allows the consolidation of two distinctive east west corridors which will help to define the AAP area.

Scotswood road (A695/A6085) links Newcastle Centre to the A1 and A69 and employment areas to the



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Improve the quality of local neighbourhoods through a wide range of traffic management, parking controls and traffic calming measures

Scotswood road (Scotswood Road Improvements) has been identified as a strategic corridor offering greatest opportunity to achieve these regeneration and transport objectives and constitutes a major scheme within the LTP.

Along the route a single carriageway has been replaced with a two-lane dual carriageway. The final phase of the project includes improvements to Redheugh Bridgehead and Scotswood Bridgehead. The completion of both bridges will provide an opportunity to re-direct traffic that would otherwise use West Road (A69), allowing the introduction of traffic restraint measures to enhance local neighbourhoods and support shopping facilities.

Other major projects include the instillation of a Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge (Blaydon Newburn pedestrian/cycle bridge connecting the employment site at Newburn Riverside and Blaydon town centre.

Accessibility is tackled by the LTP and the following objective are set:

• To maintain and improve public transport accessibility to key services and opportunities, particularly education, employment, health and leisure and recreation to contribute to greater social inclusion in Tyne and Wear.

• To provide high levels of public transport accessibility to key urban centres/ regeneration areas/ employment sites to provide travel choices, influence mode-choice decisions and contribute to reducing congestion on the road network.

west. The corridor offers a unique opportunity to develop future employment opportunities within the area adjacent to the corridor.

The completion of Redheugh Bridge and Scotswood Bridge would provide the opportunity to re-direct traffic that would otherwise use West Road (A69). The opportunity therefore for West Road to become a residentially focused, attractive and well connected environment can be realised.

Overall other benefits which will impact on the AAP area will be realised through these improvements these include; Reducing levels of



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• To provide high accessibility to enhance regeneration/development opportunities contributing to greater economic prosperity and wealth.

• To ensure that high levels of public transport accessibility, contribute to more sustainable travel with a view to managing air quality problems in Tyne and Wear.

• To provide high levels of public transport accessibility to contribute to reducing the reliance on the private car this will help to reduce road accidents.

The LTP stresses that delivering improvements in accessibility is vital to ensure greater opportunities for employment and education and enhanced health and quality of life for residents of the city-region.

Spatial policies are fundamental to supporting levels of accessibility in emerging Local Development Frameworks and accessibility planning approaches should be embedded in these plans. Public transport initiatives will improve accessibility including;

Public transport priorities on major corridors including West Road Development of Park & Ride facilities at West Road

congestionEnhancing road safety Improving public transport priority Enhance pedestrian and cycle facilities (The AAP area could connect to the Newburn Riverside bridge to access pedestrian and cycle routes in Gateshead. The opportunity of park and ride facilities in the west of the City The AAP has a contribution to make in ensuring that improvements in accessibility are achieved. Accessibility maybe considered a major challenge to the Benwell Scotswood area and any successful holistic regeneration of the will be dependent on significantly improving



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accessibility. Regeneration StrategiesCommunity Strategy- Making a Great North City The Newcastle Plan 2004-2007.

NC LSP The Community Plan sets out nine themes including Transport and Access, Children and Young People, Community Safety and Crime, Creativity and Culture, Environment, Health and Social Care, Housing, Learning and Prosperity which it will tackle. The most important of which for the AAP area are highlighted below.

ThemeChildren and Young People- Children and Young People should

Enjoy good health and feel good about themselves and their lives Be safe and protected from harm Be fulfilled in all areas of their life, in particular in education Participate as citizens in their own right Be free from poverty and hardship.

ActionsChildren and young people will be actively involved in decision-making in all the main agencies. There will be children and young people’s research/campaigning groups.Overseen by the Children and Young People Strategic Partnership.

ThemeCommunity Safety and Crime- Priorities will include reducing

Burglary vehicle crime

The policies and proposals within the AAP will aim to include these key objectives,

In particular is should aim to address: a reduction in crime, help children and young people, improve the physical environment, improve health, reduce unemployment and raise standards of educational achievement and skills.

Key Issues Facing the Community – Higher than average crime rates, and fear of crime. Poor educational attainment at secondary level. Health problems resulting in a high mortality rate.



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violent crime anti-social behaviour drug, alcohol and substance abuse city centre crime

ActionsAlarms have been installed in over 500 homes vulnerable to crime, and more are planned. The neighbourhood warden scheme is being expanded. A reporting system for racist incidents is being set up. High-visibility patrols are planned to target thefts from cars. A training programme for door supervisors will be part of an initiative to reduce violent crime. 3,500 streetlights will be renewed

Overseen by The Community Safety Partnership.

ThemeEnvironment – Priorities

caring for green spaces, public spaces, streets and buildings protecting wildlife and habitats improving water and air quality reducing pollution, including noise recycling more looking after resources that are limited or can’t be replaced making sure everyone can afford to be warm enforcing environmental laws having attractive neighbourhoods preparing for climate change.

ActionsDeveloping ward improvement plans with local communities. Working with



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schools to keep awareness of the environment on the curriculum. A five-year programme to repair and maintain ancient monuments and memorials. Planning to publicise information about waste disposal and pollution prosecutions. Working with the Transport and Access theme to promote walking and cycling, reduce traffic and increase the use of cleaner fuel.

An Environment Theme group has been formed to carry out this work

Theme

Housing – Priorities improve the quality of the city’s housing to help make Newcastle and

the North East a better place to live ensure housing promotes well being

ActionsBuilding and improving homes to give people a better range of housing choice. Making sure there is enough affordable housing in the city. Improving security when repairing homes. Making better use of recycled land to build homes. Giving asylum-seekers and refugees housing support. Preventing people from becoming homeless and sleeping rough. Improving housing standards across the city. Working with agencies to support people who need it. Developing a housing strategy, based on evidence of what people have said they need and/or want.

Overseen by the Newcastle Housing Forum.



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Theme

Learning – Priorities Children get the best start in life Young people have better jobs and have more opportunities Adults improve their lives and employment prospects The city’s prosperity increases

Improving the quality of learning. Looking at what stops people learning – such as inadequate childcare – and how to make it more attractive. Sharing information and experience among learning providers, including voluntary and community groups. Pooling learning resources across the city. Creating more full-service schools, where a range of services is available for the whole community on school sites.

Overseen Newcastle Learning Partnership.The Newcastle Plan Part Two Local Neighbourhood Strategy (West End) 2004-2007

The Strategy sets priorities and actions for the West End Area of Newcastle to close the gap between the most disadvantaged communities and the rest of the city under the following headings

Tackling Crime

Actions Develop some positive news stories to bring communities together. The Scotswood Youth Strategy The SCADA Project helping people with alcohol and drug problems

Making Education count

The Local Neighbourhood Strategy is highly specific toward the action that needs to be taken to address the priorities of the West End.

The AAP will support these actions and complement the improvements and initiatives that have



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Actions

Support assistance for pupils at six primary school, Ashfield Nursery and Westgate Community College

Sure Start Westgate family learning project Access and Social Inclusion project

A better Environment

Actions

20 Neighbourhood Wardens The North Benwell Neighbourhood Management project

Health and care

Actions

The West End Health Resource Centre with the PCT is tackling health inequalities

Riverside Community Health Project

Jobs

Actions

already taken place. In particular the marketing strategy proposed by the AAP will have a significant contribution in raising the profile of the area.



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Employment sites and premises will be made available in Scotswood and West Benwell.

A training coordination strategy.

Housing for All

It emphasises that while a perception of deprivation continues to be associated with the area considerable improvements have occurred. Although housing prices are a little over half the city wide average their is evidence of an increase in house prices, people generally feeling safer, unemployment has dropped by 25% between 2001-2004, but still remains the highest in the city. Priorities for Housing include;

Strengthen and stabilise the housing market Plan for a better balance and choice of owner-occupied, rented,

council and housing association accommodation Plan mix-tenure housing Understand what contributes to a stable housing market. Bring all social housing up to a standard above the government’s

Decent Homes Standard. Make sure people can afford to keep warm Have well-managed, safe, secure homes. Involve people in managing their own neighbourhoods.

Actions

Plans for a world class living environment in Scotswood and Benwell



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with new shops at the district heart, community and leisure facilities, and links to the city centre by a high quality transport system.

Invest in viable neighbourhoods with areas of little or no demand to be cleared

The design, tenure and future demand for social housing estates will be examined

Your Homes Newcastle initiative will improve 6,000 council homes (Decent homes standard)

The layout, environment and condition of older private houses will be assessed and actions taken to increase confidence and create a district heart

A private rented project to work with private landlords Specialist housing advice service

Discovery Quarter/Brewery/Gallowgate's

The Discovery Masterplan encompasses an area on the western edge of Newcastle at the eastern edge of the AAP area.

The Discovery Quarter that includes the major brewery sites is the best opportunity to expand the city centre in a westerly direction. Development has already begun in this part of the city and includes the new St James Boulevard office development.The new Discovery Quarter will include:

* 2,500 new homes and local services for families, students and key workers

The AAP will support these proposals and maximise the regeneration benefits that are offered by these proposals.



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(predominately family homes)* a major new office, commercial and retail quarter creating new jobs (Newcastle next office quarter)* a location for the knowledge economy in line with Government plans to make Newcastle a Science City* an expansion of the tourism and leisure market and diversification of the city’s evening economy* improved transportation links that connect the West End to the city centre* a potential regional conference centre

A multi-modal transport hub; A link between the City Centre and the West End

Area development frameworks have been developed and the AAP will have to integrate and complement these proposals

Northern Way ‘The Discovery Quarter has the potential to make a huge contribution to the international competitiveness of the City Region as a business location. Centred on St James Boulevard – which links the Newcastle Quayside and St James Park – and Newcastle Central Station, the Discovery Quarter affords significant potential as home to the Science City initiative and for the growth of financial and business services. It is also the proposed location for a new Regional Conference Centre. Regeneration of the Discovery Quarter will strengthen the City Centre visitor economy (in the leisure and business markets) and create new city living opportunities as part of the Newcastle Gateshead Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder.’



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West End Academy

The provision of a new city academy in the West End will be a major change in the provision of secondary education. Three locations are currently being considered for the Academy and it will replace West Gate College however the Academy is significantly different in a number of respects.

It would specialise in two areas –business and enterprise and information and communication technology (ICT). It would share knowledge with other schools in the city.

The Academy would change cultural perceptions of secondary and higher education.

It would share its expertise and facilities with other secondary, primary schools and the wider community.

The Academy is specifically designed to address under-achievement in a radical manner

Clearly the Academy would have a considerable regenerative effect in the AAP area. Not least in improving opportunities in educational attainment and subsequent employment opportunities but also more indirectly in making Benwell Scotswood a more desirable residential location. The Academy is a key social infrastructural element in ensuring a more successful and sustainable neighbourhood and community.

The AAP will explore opportunities to link the Academy with the Expo to create a centre of



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excellence for living and learning.

The Academy is focused in its curriculum and could be focused toward the current employment opportunities which present themselves locally within the City Centre, Newburn Riverside industrial and business park and Newcastle Great Park

HousingHousing Market Renewal Pathfinder Initiative (Bridging Newcastle Gateshead)

NC/GC Much work has already got underway in the two years the Housing Market Renewal Initiative has started and some key outcomes have included. (Since 2003)

A total of 1,205 homes demolished Over 232 homes refurbished, repaired or improved 553 new homes built without HMR funding (Only 2 new properties

have been built using HMR funding to date)

The following Area Development Frameworks make up the Newcastle Gateshead Areas and objectives for the next 15 years include

Gateshead7,800 new dwellings in attractive, mixed income neighbourhoods including 1,500 new affordable homes. Repairing 6,000 private sector



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properties. Clear up 3,900 unpopular properties. Outer East

Build 2,500 new dwellings in attractive, mixed tenure neighbourhoods. Clear up 500 unpopular houses, improve 2,000 properties

Newcastle north central Develop 1,500 new homes by 2018

Newcastle Inner West Area Development Framework

BNC The pathfinder prospectus identified a number of key drivers contributing to a decline in the housing market in the inner core. These include

A high proportion of social rented housing -48 per cent compared with a national figure of 20 per cent

Low levels of owner-occupation – The owner-occupied housing on offer is dominated by pre-1919 housing, 40 per cent of which is in the form of Tyneside flats.

Relatively high levels of private rented (up to 19 per cent in the inner west area) dominated by pre-1919 housing.

This has been linked to out migration associated with de-industrialisation and poor economic performance, poor housing choice, transport infrastructure (allowing ability to commute). The ADF for Inner West also cites

The ADF for Inner West also cites as suffering from poor image and sever deprivation. The Scrutiny report from the Audit Commission on the NewcastleGateshead Pathfinder also identifies further potential drivers of decline;

Rising incomes associated with increased mobility giving the means to

The objectives, outcomes and priorities set out by the ADF provide a starting point for the AAP. The general principles of the strategy are strong. The AAP will focus on reducing the level of stock in low demand, will encourage extensive development of new private housing for sale and for rent. Along with selective development in social stock.

Widening the types of properties available



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vacant less popular neighbourhoods. (This is associated with changing aspirations)

Economic change –the growth in leisure, transport and service industries and the residential choices of such employees.

The table below highlights the objectives, priorities and Intervention required for the Benwell Scotswood area. However the overall solutions proposed by the pathfinder to address the causes of market failure should not be ignored.

Clearance and redevelopment (The West End urban village which would include around 3,000 new homes, a new district centre, new schools and a new tram link to the city centre.

Investment in existing housing (£25 million to be invested in properties to be considered sustainable).

Neighbourhood Management and Strategy Alignment

Objective Outcome Strategic Priorities

HMR Policy Instrument

Newcastle Inner West Interventions

would attract new populations to the area and increase choice to local people (increasing the potential to retain existing populations).

A clear vision for the AAP area and neighbourhoods will be developed maximising the inherent assets that exist.

However a balanced approach to this strategy is required. The Scrutiny report has emphasised a high level of Strategy risk with regard the West End. The level of proposed increased housing development is considerable. The reverse in population decline and subsequent population increase would equally have The



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To strengthen and stabilise the housing market

•Reduction in vacancies •Reduction in properties in low demand •Reduction in disparity between local and regional house prices

•Removal of Low Demand Stock in all sectors • Improving the competitiveness of the area •Confidence building

• Site assembly and preparation •Stock Clearance • Planning Guidance •Investment in Public Services •Articulation of strategic vision •Production of Development Briefs

•Clearance of properties in Scotswood, West Benwell and Birchvale Avenue • Manage and invest in sustainable properties in Scotswood and Benwell •CCTV schemes in Benwell to increase Community Confidence •Security measures and target hardening in Benwell •Acquisition of eyesores

To promote and provide a wider choice of quality housing for all

• • • • • •

Increase in home ownership Increase in number of new completions Increase in number of accessible homes Increase in quality of social housing Increase in quality of private rented housing

• Extensive development of new private housing for sale • High quality Private Rented development •Selective investment in new social housing• Housing "Guarantee" to existing households •Clearance/ Redevelopment

•Strategic vision • Planning guidance • Site assembly •Development Briefs •Investment in Public Services • Financial Support • Housing Management

•Home swaps to enable site assembly •Redevelopment of Birchvale Avenue •Options appraisals on multi-storey and declining Social Housing Estates•Re-design of New Mills and Gill Street estates •Gap funding for redevelopment • Neighbourhood Renewal Assessments in private sector areas in

release of such significant housing numbers may not be matched with demand and could therefore further damage the housing market.

Clearly the phasing of such a strategy will be essential to success and a large amount of flexibility to respond to changing circumstances will need to be secured.

Combined with this the area has been subject to numerous programmes of intervention in the past. The West End alone has benefited from six different Single Regeneration Budget programmes totalling £35.38 million, far more if complementary funding is taken into account. All have failed to halt the areas decline. An understanding of why this has occurred will



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Increase in quality of owner occupied housing

of sub-standard stock, subject to Option Appraisal

Scotswood, Benwell and New Deal. • Private Landlord Initiative and accreditation scheme

To foster distinctive, attractive neighbourhoods

• • • •

Increase in neighbourhood satisfaction Increase in community cohesion Improved neighbourhood perception Improved resident confidence •Population increase

•Articulation of vision •Creation of neighbourhoods by development • Increased attachment/stability in Social Housing Sector•Net growth in effective housing stock •Investment in "Flagship" schools

•Reduced crime/anti-social behaviour

• Strategic vision • Image Management • Neighbourhood Management • Environmental Improvements • Crime reduction initiatives • Clearance of ‘bad-neighbour’ properties

• Ensure all options for Scotswood and Benwell regeneration area are fully explored •Development brief for Highgrove, Somerset Place, Elswick, Loadman, Northbourne and Buddle areas •Consultation with residents over future of private sector housing in Wingrove, Arthur’s Hill and Elswick Triangle• More police on patrol around Benwell and Scotswood

To manage, enhance and improve the assets of the neighbourhood

• Increased housing and economic development • Increase in urban green spaces • Improved cleanliness •Reduced crime • Improved

•These objectives will be served by the Strategic Priorities detailed above.

• Improvements to Open Space in private sector areas •Work in partnership with New Deal to help deliver their Environmental Objectives •Work in partnership with Northumbria

be required by the AAP and a strategy which does not repeat this trend will need to be put in place.



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educational attainment • Increase in local employment• Increase in number of businesses

Police to reduce crime in identified ‘hot spots’ in Benwell, •Neighbourhood Management scheme in North Benwell

•Reduction in child poverty • Improved life expectancy • Improved access to services

For the ADF area the prospectus lists what has been achieve to date in the area

Progress Includes

Significant community involvement in Scotswood and Benwell A Neighbourhood Management project in North Benwell A Neighbourhood warden project Acquisition of properties for home swap Approval of relocation package for owner occupiers Nieghbourhood renewal assessments

For the next 15 years the following targets have been set



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A multimillion pound site assembly programme working with local people and agencies to assess a way forward.

Retain and Renovate 800 existing dwelling in Scotswood and Benwell Increase the level of owner occupation from 16 percent to 40 percent

by 2010 min North Benwell Change the current housing mix by conversion of pairs of Tyneside

flats into homes to reflect housing demand projections Reduce the number of vacant properties from 17 percent to seven

percent by 2008 in North Benwell Acquire vacant property for improvement for sale Develop high quality neighborhood management Ensure that every option for action in the West of the city is explored Build community confidence in Inner West residential areas.

Newcastle’s West End- a revised approach to regeneration

NC In response to the criticism and concerned highlighted by the Audit Commission and Scrutiny Report about the realism of an urban village in Scotswood in light of existing markets the Authority has revised their approach to Regeneration in the Area. This report aims to contribute to the next Pathfinder submission to the ODPM, Local Development Framework and Housing Strategy.

The two significant changes to the West End Strategy include: A clear role for the Discovery Quarter and Elswick Study Area in

building out market confidence from a vibrant City Centre and ; A revision in the scale and phasing of new housing development in

Scotswood and West Benwell with the initial focus being a carefully located housing exposition linked to a new City Academy as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

While projects such as the Discovery Quarter will undoubtedly improve the image and perception of the area and help to raise the profile of the area the provision of significant family housing within the Discovery Quarter raises question over a realistic level of provision within the AAP area and the existing and future housing market to



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Family housing with appropriate levels of affordability will be a priority and will compromise the majority of new dwellings. New markets for family urban living will be created through high quality design and innovation. The strategy attempt to draw strength from the buoyant city centre markets. Achieving a more balanced mix of city living and sustainable family housing will be critical to delivering housing market renewal.

Elswick Study

Funded in part by NDC and HMR it aims to develop a regeneration plan and business plan to complement NDC programmes. It aims to improve housing choice and economic activity. Housing Expo The Expo scheduled for 2008 could provide a physical legacy which would become part of a new residential community in the West End of the City, helping to revitalise low demand areas and acting as a commitment to the type and quality of development anticipated for the future. It is hoped that the Expo will generate new sustainable market values.

The strategy charged the AAP for Benwell and Scotwood in the short term with guiding the timing of the Expo and the Academy and the medium and long term to plan and co-ordinate future development and investment including the district centre, economic development, public transport, housing, social facilities and use of open space.

support this.



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Scotswood and Benwell Strategic Commission (The BNC consideration of the Benwell Scotswood Area and their expectations)

BNC The Strategy sets out revised expectations for the Benwell and Scotswood Area from Bridging Newcastle Gateshead.

Benwell and Scotswood is considered as having a key role in delivering the objectives of the BNG It is recognised that the area

Is located in a prime geographic and economically strategic site Has the greatest development opportunity in the conurbation; and Has a strong sense of community and boasts a committed core of

active residents who have chosen to stay

A range of housing across the market, that can promote confidence within existing communities, and address the need for affordability, but also draw in higher income families to improve the balance required for sustainable communities. There is also potential to renew existing housing with heritage potential.

In the medium and long term;

Key Drivers to stabilise the population will include well-designed new developments, improvement of existing homes and neighbourhoods, excellence in education and a high quality public transport system building on locational advantage.

Expand Choice to ensure affordable housing to rent and buy Tenure patterns to reflect city wide average Sustainable tenure mix through right to buy and increased owner-

This strategy provides a clear local road map



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occupation in the older housing areas.

To ensure this early success will be achieved at the neighbourhood level though neighbourhood management initiatives but also through investment in education and transport developed through a spatial planning process the AAP.

The Scale of Change Aimed For

Owner Occupation – from 35% to 55% by 2018 and 57% by 2024. This will be achieved primarily through phased programme of house building and increased owner-occupation in the social and private rented housing areas. A detailed projected tenure Change within the area is given.

ClearanceOver 800 dwellings primarily from social and private rented sector have been cleared660 will be cleared in the next three years (2005 onwards) these have been identified.

Focus for development and improvement will be on family housing to provide a mix of the type and tenure that will provide the platform for population growth. (population increase from 15,000 to 17,000).

Housing and Neighbourhood Improvements



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Over 2,200 properties will benefit from major improvements and over 2,600 properties will benefit from environmental improvements. (Again a detailed table of housing and neighbourhood improvements is supplied)

To support transformational change the strategy emphasises that the following is important.

the quality of schools and pre-school provision access to local services community safety the local environment and proximity to parks and recreation access to employment centres



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Number of new properties by 2024(1,645).

Cohesive communities

The masterplan must understand the local and wider market aspirations and thereby aim to provide services and facilities for the whole community, not just part of it.

Understanding the market we want to capture



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TenureNumber of Properties (2004)

%New Build 6

ClearanceTenure

Change

Number of Properties (2018)

%Number of Properties (2024) 5

%

Owner Occupation 1

2981 39 1140 156 600 4565 55 5265 57

Local Authority 2

2048 27 0 175 -400 1473 18 1473 16

Housing Association 3

971 13 300 30 -100 1141 14 1341 14

Private Rented 1

1605 21 100 534 -100 1071 13 1171 13

Total 4 7605 100 1540 895 8250 100 9250 100




The regional aspirations study identified that the main reason move house is that they require a larger property the preferred dwelling being houses. The provision of family homes is one of the main priorities for redevelopment in Scotswood. The preferred location was new development in residential suburbs followed by new urban development near to open space, parkland and/or woodland.

Newcastle Housing Strategy

NC A Housing Strategy for Newcastle is currently being developed. A detailed evidence base is being developed along with structures for stakeholder involvement.

Emerging priorities include; Choice and the need to ensure the city has a housing ‘offer’ with a full

range of different types, sizes and prices of home (more “executive housing”, more family housing to own and more affordable housing).

The need to co-ordinate housing with other policy to create sustainable communities

The need for better building design and quality The need for housing which helps social inclusion and cohesion

The Discovery Quarter is seen as an important transitional zone between the regional capital and the masterplan area. ‘In this context, residential development will have a vital role to play in delivering market renewal in adjoining inner city communities.



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A Housing Regeneration Expo for Newcastle upon Tyne The Strategic Case

NC The Housing Expo for the West End of Newcastle has two main purposes; To demonstrate best current ideas and approaches to urban living and To contribute to the regeneration of the area through a physical legacy

Three options have been put forward the most ambition being the provision of 400-600 new units with around 200 – 300 refurbished dwellings with around 100-150 refurbished dwellings. There is an emphasis on innovation in urban design as well as individual house design. This option would require a long-lead (planned for 2009 based on using council owned land) in time and require a detailed masterplan. The option includes the provision of a ‘New Heart of Scotswood’. Two locations were consider the preferred being the south eastern part of the AAP area running along Scotwood Road.

(We require considerably more information on this)

Address area-based stigma as well as associations with innovative design ‘iconic’ developmentImportant marketing tool raising profile of the area but more importantly making the area a destination (Changing perceptions exhibiting excellence)

Pink Elephant syndrome (proposals must complement it build upon it) Focus Approach to the expo could be complemented with associated schemes.

Maybe the Expo should concentre on an existing area of housing. It seems to be focused mostly on existing open spaces (probably council owned properties). Should it not be doing the hard work e.g. tackling areas of most

The AAP should set out an overarching regeneration strategy for the area and should therefore co-ordinate all major regeneration proposals within the area. The AAP will therefore create a strategic framework within which the Housing Expo will respond to.

The Housing Expo will provide the AAP area with an important marketing tool to raise the profile of the area. It will make it an independent destination from the rest of the city helping to create a new context and identity for the area. This will contribute to changing the City Wide perception of the area.

A re-assessment of the



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sever decline. It does not really connect any neighbourhoods. (Leave the easy wins to the private sector)

preferred location of the District Heart at Adelaide Terrace is required and the distribution of retailing in the area in light of the proposals of the AAP.

Open Space/ RecreationGreen Spaces Your Spaces (Newcastle’s Green Space Strategy April 2004)

NC Key Actions Involving Communities in Green SpacesImproving Green Spaces and Access to It Planning and Protection of Green Spaces

An audit of all the green spaces was carried out for the whole of the city.

The following policy has been developed;

R1 Consult and Involve the Community on green space issues and developmentR2 Work with health partners to investigate, assess and promote new ways of usinggreen spaces to improve health and well-beingR3 Write a Marketing Strategy

Targets

Everybody in Newcastle should have access to good quality green space of at

Application of the standard will be a key contribution to the detail of the AAP. The audit of green space will feed into the decision making process with regard to open space provision and improvements.

The AAP offers the opportunity to consolidate links and main greens space routes.



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least 2 hectares, within 600 meters walk of home or a work place. Everyone in Newcastle should have access to a good quality local ‘neighbourhood park’ of at least 6 hectares, within 1 kilometre walk of the home. Everyone in Newcastle should have access to one or more regional or ‘city’ park or space over 10 hectares in size. Allotments should be available within 1 kilometre of homeEveryone in Newcastle should have access to woodland or a local nature area of at least 2 hectares, within 2 kilometres of homeEveryone in Newcastle should have access to an off-road walking and cycling route within 1 kilometre of home, shops or work, that allows access to the wider linked green space network

A background paper ‘Green Spaces- using planning’ indicates that places where green space provision is more generous tend to be the inter and post war council housing estates, though the spaces are often small. Other areas with increasing amounts of green and open spaces are those parts of the city where demolition has taken place, mainly unpopular housing estates including Scotswood and Benwell. In theory much of this land is green space only in name and appearance. Many of these cleared sites are actually land awaiting redevelopment.

The Newcastle Biodiversity Action Plan October 2001

NC Both Species and Habitats have been selected by the BAP.

Some habitat Areas that exist within the AAP area include

Gardens and Allotments

These habitats and species will be protected within the AAP.

Checklists should be referred to when



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Dene Woodland (Objective to maintain the current extent of ancient and semi natural woodland and to have in place a presumption against development)

Industrial Land

Rivers and Streams

River Tyne and Tidal Streams (National Priority Habitat) (Maintain the integrity and improve the quality of tidal habitats including mudflats).

Species that exist within the area

Red Squirrel

Otter

proposals are brought forward.

Care is required when re-allocating open space to check for types of flora and fauna.

Community Strategies Submission Draft of the Statement of Community Involvement (Sept 2003)

NC The Statement of Community Involvement set out how the Local Authority will consult on the preparation of a Development Plan Document (APP).

The Strategy sets out who might be involved in an LDF document consultation including residents, resident groups, groups representing black and ethnic minority communities, groups representing disabled people, faith groups, political representatives, interest groups (environment transport health),



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regional governance and providers of public services.

The Strategy sets out a range of techniques for community involvement which should be applied to ensure that all, including harder to reach groups, are included which may young, elderly, black and minority ethnic communities.

Formal Stages in the preparation of Development Plan Document are highlighted within the documents



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APPENDIX 3 - ALIGNING SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES: DEVELOPING DRAFT AAP OBJECTIVES

National Objectives Regional Objectives

Local Objectives

The UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy (March 2005)

Sustaine- Achieving a better Quality of Life: The Integrated Regional Framework for the North East 2004

The Newcastle Unitary Development Plan – adopted January 1998

Local Development Framework Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report (November 2005)


Guiding Principles Objectives AIMS Spatial Objectives Aims of the Project

Achieving a Sustainable Economy – building a strong, stable and sustainable economy which provides prosperity and opportunities for all, and in which environmental and social costs fall on those who impose them (polluter pays), and efficient resources use is incentivised.

1. To ensure high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share and contribute to greater prosperity.

1. To achieve economic growth which retains existing economic activity and jobs; provides jobs for the unemployed; enhances the economic potential of the Region; supports the further development of the City’s role as Regional Capital; and assists urban regeneration.

15 To ensure high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share and contribute to greater prosperity

15) To ensure high employment levels and a diverse occupational structure within the area, in line with the city as a whole.

2. To achieve high and sustainable levels of economic growth.

3. To strengthen Newcastle’s role in proving shopping facilities of both regional and local significance.

16 To achieve high and sustainable levels of economic growth

16) To contribute to high and sustainable levels of economic growth across the city and region.



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Local Objectives






Guiding Principles Objectives AIMS Spatial Objectives Aims of the Project8. To meet the transport needs of the community through the integration of transport modes which improve road safety, alleviate congestion, reduce energy consumption increase efficiency and protect and improve the environment.

4) To ensure good availability of and accessibility to a wide range of jobs, facilities, goods and services, building on the strengths of the area.

Encouraging a Strong, Healthy and Just Society- meeting the diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities, promoting personal wellbeing, social cohesion and inclusion, and creating equal opportunities for all

3. To raise educational achievement across the region

2. To stabilise the City’s population at the general level prevailing at the beginning of the Plan period (1st January 1988) ie at about 280,000, by providing sufficient land for a wide range of types and quality of housing development.

3) To encourage attractive and popular neighbourhoods with mixed and inclusive communities.

4. To ensure everyone has the opportunity of living in a decent and affordable home

4. To enhance Newcastle’s role in providing for local recreational needs; and add to the cultural, entertainment and recreational facilities which cater for the City, the Region and visiting


3) To encourage attractive and popular neighbourhoods with mixed and inclusive communities.



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Local Objectives






Guiding Principles Objectives AIMS Spatial Objectives Aims of the Projecttourists.

13. To reduce crime and fear of crime

5. To improve social, economic and environmental conditions in the inner area, and other deprived urban areas.

7. To reduce crime and the fear of crime

7) To tackle areas of high crime and reduce the fear of crime.

14. To improve health and well-being while reducing inequalities in health


2) To promote healthy lifestyles and communities within the area.

15. To ensure good accessibility for all to jobs, facilities, goods and services in the region


4) To ensure good availability of and accessibility to a wide range of jobs, facilities, goods and services, building on the strengths of the area.

6. To raise educational achievement and improve skill levels across the City

6) To raise educational achievement and improve skill levels of existing and new communities within the area, in line with the City as



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Local Objectives






Guiding Principles Objectives AIMS Spatial Objectives Aims of the Projecta whole.

Promoting Good Governance – actively promoting effective, participative systems of governance in all levels of society- engaging people’s creativity, energy, and diversity.

16. To increase public involvement in decision-making and civic activity

1. To promote strong and inclusive communities, involved in decision making for their area

1) To encourage a strong sense of community and ownership of the area’s neighbourhoods.

Living within Environmental Limits – respecting the limit’s of the planet environment, resources and biodiversity – to improve our environment and ensure that the natural resources needed for life are unimpaired and remain so for future generations

5. To ensure good local air quality for all

6. To work toward the long term goal of sustainability, by progressively reducing both the need for energy and other natural resources, and the environmental impact caused by their use; without compromising the City’s economic vitality.

11. To improve local air quality for all

11) To improve local air quality for all, particularly in communities close to the major traffic routes.

6. To protect and enhance the quality

7. To make Newcastle a more attractive city within which the urban

12. To protect and enhance the quality of

12) To protect and enhance the quality of the area’s



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Local Objectives






Guiding Principles Objectives AIMS Spatial Objectives Aims of the Projectof the region’s ground, river and sea waters.

fabric is well maintained and progressively regenerated and to enhance and protect its natural environment. To seek to prevent or limit harm to the environment from potentially polluting new development and seek to reduce the impact of existing polluting development on air, water and land resources.

the City’s ground and surface waters

ground and surface waters, and those of surrounding areas

7. To reduce the causes and the impacts of climate change

8. To reduce the impacts of climate change and our contribution to the causes.

8) To reduce the impacts of climate change and the area’s contribution to the causes.

8. To protect and enhance the region’s biodiversity

13. To protect and enhance the City’s biodiversity

13) To protect and enhance the biodiversity of the area through sensitive development and sustainable practices.

9. To reduce the amount of waste

10. To reduce the amount of waste

10) To reduce the amount of waste produced and



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Local Objectives






Guiding Principles Objectives AIMS Spatial Objectives Aims of the Projectproduced and increase the amount recycled

produced and increase the amount recycled

increase the amount recycled.

10. To make better use of our resources


9) To make better use of the area’s resources, particularly promoting sustainable design and construction including the re-use and recycling of finite resources and the use of renewable energy.

11. To protect and enhance the region’s cultural heritage and diversity


5) To conserve and enhance the natural, cultural and historical assets and diversity of the area, helping to create distinctive places.

12. To protect and enhance the quality and diversity of the region’s rural and

14. To protect and enhance the quality and diversity of the City’s rural and urban

14) To protect and enhance the quality and diversity of the area’s urban land and landscapes, particularly



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Local Objectives






Guiding Principles Objectives AIMS Spatial Objectives Aims of the Projecturban land and landscapes

land and landscapes making the most of its views and topography.

17. To reduce adverse impacts on global communities

8) To reduce the impacts of climate change and the area’s contribution to the causes.

Using Sound Science Responsibly – ensuring policy is developed and implemented on the basis of strong scientific evidence, whilst taking account of scientific uncertainty (through the precautionary principle) as well as public attitudes and values.



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APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL/STRATEGY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BENWELL SCOTSWOOD AREA ACTION PLAN BASELINE TABLE: DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION

Proposed SA Indicators Quantified data for West Newcastle Trends or comparator Source NCC Contact

1. To promote strong inclusive communities, involved in decision making for West Newcastle1.2 Vitality Index Score for the

combined neighbourhoods in Scotswood Benwell ward

2005 39.6 Highest neighbourhood score 62.3

Lowest neighbourhood score 13.8

Newcastle Ave = 52.5

Newcastle Neighbourhood Information Service (NNIS)

Newcastle City Council website

Sarah LedgerChris Stephens

1.3 Participation rates in public consultation on LDDs

Using data for consultation on Statement Community Involvement

New indicator Consultation database Colin Percy

1.4 Compliance with SCI requirements: consultation scoping report and the consultation statements at submission stage of DPDs, and adoption stage of SPDs

No baseline New indicator Consultation database Colin Percy

1.5 Number of DC consultation letters sent out and responses received

To be identified New indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla



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1.6 % respondents agreeing that NCC provides enough opportunity to influence policies and services

05/06

Agree 24.4%

Neither agree nor disagree36.3

Disagree 39.4

Newcastle 05/06 Agree 19.5%Neither 35.8

Disagree 44.7

General Survey (Annual) Data relates to sample in West ADF of Pathfinder.

Investigate data collection for ward

Ann Atkinson

1.7 Satisfaction with planning services

05/06

Very satisfied 7.8

Fairly satisfied 18.6

Neither 67.1

Fairly dissatisfied3.4

Very dissatisfied3.0

Newcastle 05/06 Very satisfied 8.1


Neither 66.9

Fairly dissatisfied 3.7

Very dissatisfied 3.4



Ann Atkinson

1.8 % of people satisfied with their local area as a place to live

05/06

Very satisfied 20.5


Neither 14.0



Newcastle 05/06

Very satisfied 30.9


Neither 3.3





Ann Atkinson



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1.9 % of people surveyed who feel that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together

05/06

Definitely agree 8.1

Tend to agree 63.3

Tend to disagree17.6

Definitely disagree 11.0

Newcastle 05/06

Definitely agree 11.3

Tend to agree 66.4

Tend to disagree 15.2

Definitely disagree 7.2



Ann Atkinson

1.10 Perceptions of whether area has changed for better or worse

05/06 (%)

Changed for better 17.8

Changed for worse 30.5

Unchanged 51.7

Newcastle 05/06 (%)

Changed for better 13.3

Changed for worse 27.1

Unchanged 59.5



Ann Atkinson

1.10 Net increase / decrease in population

2001 Scotswood Benwell ward =13,759

2001 Census 259,536

2004 269,5001971 311,7001981 284,1001991 275,000

2001 census

ONS mid-year estimate (NCC website)

Sarah LedgerChris Stephens



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Incidence of limiting long term illness

25.1% Scotswood Benwell Ward 2001

Newcastle 21.6% 2001 2001Census NCC Website

2.2 Incidence of chronic diseases Death rates of those aged under 75

2004

Coronary Heart diseases 129.2

Circulatory diseases 174.5

Cancers 186.8

Newcastle 2004:

Coronary Heart diseases 82

Circulatory diseases 130.9

Cancers 158

NNIS Sarah Ledger

2.3 Improvements to recreational routes (Routes promoted, created, launched, designated, newly publicised or subject of significant package of improvements)

0 km improved 2004/2005 New indicator RSS AMR returns John Robertson

2.4 Number of applications resulting in the net loss of health or leisure facilities

The development of a suitable indicator along these lines is currently being evaluated

New indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla

2.5 Number of applications resulting in the provision, extension or improvement of facilities (s 106 agreements, number and ha/floorspace)

The development of a suitable indicator along these lines is currently being evaluated

New indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla



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2.6 Frequency use of parks and open spaces

05/06

Within the last month 49.6

Within the last year 28.8

Longer ago 9.2

Never used 12.4

Newcastle 05/06



Longer ago 3.8

Never used 11.6



Ann Atkinson

2.7 Frequency use sport/leisure facilities

05/06



Longer ago 16.8

Never used 41.3

Newcastle 05/06



Longer ago 18.9

Never used 38.3



Ann Atkinson

2.9 % of population within 20 minutes travel time (urban – walking, rural – car) of different sports facility types

No baseline New indicatorNeed to evaluate indicator

Accessibility model Trevor Arkless

2.10 % of the urban area meeting all standards of open space provision

To be assessed UDP requires 1.2 hectares per 1000

UDP requires 1.1 hectares per 1000

NCC Ian Platais



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2.11 Main built up areas that does not meet access standards of:

5 minute walk of a green space over 0.1 hectare;

10 minute walk of a green space over 2 hectares

Half hour walk of a woodland or nature area over 2 hectares

The development of a suitable indicator along these lines will be evaluated when progress has been made on the “Open Space and Recreation” SPD

Also used for Objective 14

Need to evaluate indicator Liz Bray

2.12 % of households in fuel poverty Scotswood Benwell 2005 = 38%

By tenure %

Local Authority 52


Owner occupied 29

Private rented 47

Fuel poverty is rising in line with fuel prices. Newcastle average in 2003 was 29%.

National target: Elimination by 2016

Survey work by Newcastle Warm Zone

Newcastle estimate by CSE

David Connor

Newcastle Warm Zone


3.1 Total dwelling numbers 2005 Newcastle 2005 120,876

Target to increase population

NNIS Sarah Ledger

3.2 % of LA housing stock meeting decent home standards

18.7% in the LNRS areas

(NCC 2004/5)

Newcastle Plan 2004-7 target:

34% in the LNRS areas by 2007; all by 2010

Your Homes Newcastle and NNIS

Sarah LedgerEllie Bates



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3.3 Number of affordable housing completions (ODPM)

To be provided Draft LDF Core Strategy Preferred Options Report longer-term target: 25% of new housing in relevant schemes to be ‘affordable’ (approx. 20% of overall total)

NCC P&T Housing Monitoring

Peter Cockbain

3.4 New housing by type, size & tenure

To be provided Draft LDF Core Strategy Preferred Options Report target: 1,050 units per annum.


Peter Cockbain

3.5 Average value of house sold 2005 Ave price of houses sold = £56,741

Newcastle 2005 £124,915

North East average £138,639

NNIS Sarah Ledger


4.1 Satisfaction with bus services 05/06

Very satisfied 16.2


Neither 19.3



Newcastle 05/06

Very satisfied 16.2


Neither 19.3





Ann Atkinson



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4.3 Amount of new residential development within 30 minutes public transport time of: a GP, a hospital, a primary school, a secondary school, areas of employment, and major retail centre(s)

2005

All new dwellings are compliant for all categories

(Also used for Objective 4)

Intend to also use model to work out time taken for 50% and 85%, to create comparators

Accessibility model Trevor Arkless

4.5 % of resident population who travel to work a) by private motor vehicle;b) by public transport; c) on foot or cycle (QOLI)

Census data – to be provided Trevor Arkless

4.6 % of households in the urban area over 0.4 km away from public transport stop

To be provided To be identified Accessibility model Trevor Arkless



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4.17 Amount of completed retail, office and leisure development a) city wideb) in town centres (ODPM)

To be provided for ward NCC 2004/5

Office In Centre Out of Centre

11,132 39,100Retail: In Centre Out of Centre

632923,185

Leisure In Centre Out of Centre

7,918 Nil

NCC Gazeteer Database Helen Wilson


5.1 Number of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings at risk

TBA There are 1650 listed buildings in the Tyne and Wear area of which:76 are Grade 1 listed117 are Grade 2* listed1457 are Grade 2 listed

I and II* monitored by English Heritage

II monitored by NCC

Ian Ayris

English Heritage

5.2 Applications for development involving listed buildings resulting in:(a) Demolition and(b) Improvements

TBA New indicator DC / Uniform System

Consultation database

Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla

Ian Ayris

5.3 Number of buildings added to Local Heritage List

To be monitored Ian Ayris



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5.4 No of archaeological sites lost or damaged as a result of development

Indicator will be evaluated DC / Uniform SystemConsultation database

Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla

Ian Ayris

6. To raise educational achievement and improve skill across West Newcastle

6.1 Percentage children achieving 5+ A* to C at GCSE

2004 32.9 Newcastle 2004 45.3 NNIS Sarah Ledger

6.2 S 106 agreements or development agreements for training and employment linked to development schemes

Need to evaluate indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla

6.3 Satisfaction with LA’s education service

05/06

Very satisfied 16.1


Neither 44.7



Newcastle 05/06

Very satisfied 17.4


Neither 47.6





Ann Atkinson

7. To reduce crime and fear of crime

7.1 Number and type of developments meeting the Secured by Design standards

Not currently monitored New indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla



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7.2 % of applications with community safety initiatives (including S106 agreements)

New indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu PardivallaColin Percy

Recorded crime rate

Rate per 000 properties

2005 264.3 Newcastle 2005 266.7 NNIS Sarah Ledger

7.3 Perceptions of safety 05/06

Very safe 2.6

Fairly safe 33.3

Neither safe nor unsafe 22.6

Fairly unsafe 26.7

Very unsafe 14.9

Newcastle 05/06

Very safe 2.6

Fairly safe 33.3

Neither safe nor unsafe 22.6

Fairly unsafe 26.7

Very unsafe 14.9

General Survey (Annual)

Data relates to sample in West ADF of Pathfinder.


Ann Atkinson

8. To reduce the impacts of climate change and our contribution to the causes

8.4 Number of planning permissions granted contrary to the Environment Agency advice on either defence grounds or water quality (ODPM)

2003/04: None No historic data beyond 2003/2004 EA Agency statistic EA Website

8.5 Number of developments meeting very good or excellent Ecohome or BREEAM standard

No baseline New indicator -to be evaluated DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla



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8.6 Average energy efficiency rating (SAP rating) of existing domestic properties in the City.

SAP rating 2005 across all tenures = 57

Your Homes Newcastle 58


Owner occupied 54

Private rented 54

Current citywide SAP rating of 59

6.1 Your Homes Newcastle 59


6.2 Owner Occupied 55Private rented 54

Newcastle Warm Zone survey work

HECA figures

Kate CoulthardEnergy Section

8.7 Average energy efficiency rating (SAP rating) of new domestic properties in the City

To be provided To be provided

Best practice target 100

DC Uniform System

Building regulations Section

Satu Pardivalla

8.8 Renewable energy capacity installed by type KwP (ODPM)

No baseline No baseline DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla


9.1 % of new dwellings completed at: less than 30 dwellings/ha between 30 & 50 DU/ha above 50 DU/ha (ODPM)

To be provided In 2004/5: 15% of new homes were completed at a density of less than 30/ha; 10% at between 30 & 50/ha and 75% above 50/ha

NCC P&T Housing Monitoring / LDF Annual Monitoring Report

Peter Cockbain



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9.2 Amount of floorspace by employment type, which is on previously developed land / greenfield site

To be provided 2004/2005 (sq m gross);Use PDL

GreenfieldB1a 73,834 noneB1b none

43,734B1c noneB2 1,025

B8 noneTotal: 31,125 43,734

NCC Gazetteer database Helen Wilson

9.3 % of new and converted dwellings on previously developed land (ODPM)

To be provided Newcastle = 86% of all new homes (2004/5)

UDP average 1988-2005 of 80%67% of all new homes UK(ODPM - 2003)

NCC P&T Housing Monitoring / LDF Annual Monitoring Report

Peter Cockbain

9.4 Average density of new housing development

To be provided Newcastle:

66 dwelling per hectare in 2004/5

34 dph 1988-2001

NCC P&T Housing Monitoring /

LDF Annual Monitoring Report

Peter Cockbain

9.5 Developments with SUDS system

Zero baseline Definition required and monitoring system to be evaluated

DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla



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10. To reduce the amount of waste produced and increase the amount recycled

10.1

% of household waste recycled or composted

No baseline for ward Newcastle:Waste recycled or composted

2001/2 4% 2003/4 10%2004/5 13.5% North East

region and NCC targets: 2005 18%2011 30%2013 33%

Comparative Local Authority data 2004 :Gateshead : 12%NCC 10%North Tyneside 10%South Tyneside 14%Sunderland 7%

NCC Data

DEFRA – BVPI 82a ; 82b

Les Clark



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10.2

% households served by kerbside collection of recyclables

No baseline for ward Newcastle: 2004/5 88% all households

NCC Target: 100% by 2010

NE Region average (2004): 89.3%

Comparative Local Authority data 2003/4 :

Gateshead 94.1%NCC 85.2%

North Tyneside 94.0%South Tyneside 95.8%Sunderland 96.0%

NCC Data

DEFRA BVPI 91

Les Clark



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10.3

Total waste production per capita No baseline for ward NCC 2004/5Household waste:510kg/person Comparative Local Authority data 2003/4 :

Gateshead 531.6 kNCC 490.7 kNorth Tyneside 520.2 kSouth Tyneside 472.0 kSunderland526.4 k

NCC DataDEFRA BVPI 82d

Les Clark



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11. To improve West Newcastle’s air quality

11.1

Cycle facilities in new developments

No baseline To be identified DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla

11.2

Level of key air pollutants (QOLI) AQMPs to provide baseline, etc

Check availability of data

Limit value for pollutants from the UK National Air Quality Strategy:

Carbon Dioxide – 10ppm (running 8 hr average)

Nitrogen Dioxide – 150ppb (hourly mean), 21ppb (annual mean)

Benzene – 5ppb (annual running mean)

Particulates – 50ug/m3 (running 24 hr mean)

(Source: UK National Air Quality Strategy)

LTP Monitoring Ed Foster



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11.3

Number moderate – poor air quality days

AQMPs to provide baseline, etc

Check availability of data

In England and Wales in 2004 there was an average of 22 days with moderate or higher pollution in urban areas, and 42 days in rural areas.The average number of days with moderate or higher air pollution has generally decreased significantly in urban areas since 1993, largely because of a reduction in particles and sulphur dioxide. In rural areas, where ozone is the main cause of pollution, there has been no overall trend. (Source: Netcen, DEFRA)

Energy Advice Centre Ed Foster

12. To protect and enhance the quality of the City’s ground and surface waters

12.1

Number of planning permissions granted contrary to the Environment Agency advice on either flood defence grounds or water quality

2003/04: None No historic data beyond 2003/2004 EA Agency statistic EA Website

12.2

Number of properties connected to a SUDs system

No baseline New Indicator NCC Colin Percy

12.3

Developments with surface water drainage system connected to a disposal system with water treatment

No baseline Need to evaluate indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla



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12.4

Number of ‘sites of potential concern’ with respect to land contamination

New indicator March 2006 BV 216a Phil Hartley

12.5

Number of sites for which sufficient detailed information is available to decide whether remediation of land is necessary, as a % of all ‘sites of potential concern’

New indicator March 2006 BV 216b Phil Hartley

12.6

Number of development proposals on sites involving contaminated land recommended for approval

New indicator Historic records available DC consultation database Phil Hartley

13. To protect and enhance West Newcastle’s biodiversity

13.1

Areas covered by SNCI, SLCI or similar local designation

To be provided 5400ha of which - 4867ha SNCI- 533ha SLCI

NCC Richard Barnes orDerek Hilton-Brown

13.2

The number of new tree preservation ordersThe number of existing tree preservation orders reviewed

No baseline New indicator Tree preservation register Liz Bray



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13.3

Number of schemes with measures for the enhancement of biodiversity (Enhancement of wildlife value of existing habitats and green spaces, industrial land and gardens throughout the City)

No baseline To be monitored for area DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu PardivallaLiz Bray

13.4

Provision of linkages between habitats to create ‘green corridors’ for species

No baseline Wildlife corridors are protected through UDP policy; will change to ‘wildlife enhancement networks’ in emerging LDF

Derek Hilton-Brown

13.5

Change in priority habitats and species (by type) (ODPM)

Evaluate capacity to updated - last updated 1994

Need to evaluate indicator Derek Hilton-Brown

13.6

Change in areas designated for their intrinsic environmental value, including sites of international, national, regional, sub-regional or local significance (ODPM)

Recommended for upgrading to SNCI:Scotswood Road Paradise

Recommended for upgrading to SNCI:Walker Riverside Tyne mudflats to Percy Pit to Shelly Road Newburn to Scotswood Road ParadiseSpreading Field NewburnRecommended for downgrading to SLCI:Prestwick Carr Nature ReserveRecommended for deletion:Fencer Hill Woods

NCC Survey: Review of SNCI sites in Newcastle upon Tyne 2003

Derek Hilton-Brown



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14. To protect and enhance the quality and diversity of West Newcastle’s rural and urban land and landscapes

14.1

Main built up areas that does not meet access standards of:

5 minute walk of a green space over 0.1 hectare;

10 minute walk of a green space over 2 hectares

Half hour walk of a woodland or nature area over 2 hectares

Liz Bray

14.2

Amount of eligible open spaces managed to Green Flag Award Standard (ODPM)

AND Number of Green Flag certified parks

2005: 4 Green Flag Award Standard parks (See Green Spaces)

Check - AMR of LDF Nina BarrLiz Bray

14.3

Satisfaction with neighbourhood as a place to live

05/06

Very satisfied 20.5


Neither 14.0



Newcastle 05/06

Very satisfied 30.9


Neither 3.3





Ann Atkinson



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14.4

Number of commendations in:(a) Lord Mayor Design Awards(b) Civic Trust awards

New indicator New indicator Richard Charge

14.5

Area of greenfield land lost to development

5.84 hectares lost to residential development in 2004/5

9.61 hectares lost to residential development in 2003/4


Peter Cockbain

15. To ensure high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share and contribute to greater prosperity

15.1

Job Seekers Allowance

Number

Rate

2005

339

5.0

Newcastle 2005

5376

4.4

NNIS Sarah Ledger

15.2

S 106 agreements or development agreements for training and employment linked to development schemes

New indicator New indicator DC / Uniform System Nigel Brown, Satu Pardivalla

16. To achieve high and sustainable levels of economic growth in West Newcastle

15.3

Total dwelling numbers

Population

2005 6,530

Scotswood Benwell ward 2001 13,759

Newcastle 2005 120,876

Newcastle 2001 259,536

2004 269,500

Target to increase population

NNIS

2001 Census

2004 Mid Year estimate

Sarah Ledger

NCC Website



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15.4

Households on housing benefit

Number

Rate per 000 properties

2005

2,671

388.6

Newcastle 2005

35,854

296.6

NNIS Sarah Ledger

15.5

Average value of house sales £56,741 2005 Newcastle 2005 £124,915 NNIS Sarah Ledger

15.6

Car ownership Households with no car Scotswood Benwell ward 2001 = 54.9%

Newcastle2001 = 45.2% 2001 Census NCC Website

15.7

Amount of floorspace developed by employment type

To be provided AMR of LDF Colin Percy

15.8

Amount of floorspace developed by employment type in employment or regeneration areas


15.9

Employment land available by type


15.10

Losses of employment land in(i) employment/regeneration areas and (ii) local authority area




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15.11

% of vacant residential propertiesand% of vacant non-residential premises

Housing vacancy 6.7% 2001 Newcastle 2001 6.7%

Newcastle 2004/5 Residential 6.1%

RPG1 target to reduce regional vacancy rate to 3% by 2010

2001 Census

Council Tax

Gazetteer Database

NCC Website

Sarah Ledger

Helen Wilson



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