sustainability appraisal report to accompany the village ... · the sustainability appraisal as...

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL REPORT To accompany the Village Design Statement for the Parish of Wonersh. 16th October 2006

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL A Sustainability Appraisal can be defined as a single appraisal tool which provides for the systematic identification and evaluation of the economic, social and environmental impacts of a proposal. In the case of a Village Design Statement, this is a way of testing the sustainability of the document. The form that the Sustainability Appraisal takes is based on the ODPM Guidance “Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Strategies and Local Development Frameworks” November 2005. As an extensive Appraisal is not required for a Village Design Statement, a modified version has been devised. APPRAISAL METHODOLOGY The form of the Appraisal is based on the ODPM Guidance “Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Strategies and Local Development Frameworks” November 2005, and the previous Consultation Draft. The Government Office for the South East has advised that an extensive Appraisal would not be required for a Village Design Statement. The Government guidance advises that the requirements to carry out a Sustainability Appraisal and a Strategic Environmental Assessment are distinct. However, it is possible to satisfy both through a single appraisal process, ensuring that the Sustainability Appraisal meets the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, and that the Directive’s approach is widened to include social and economic as well as environmental issues. It is this approach, in accordance with Government guidance, that has been adopted in this Report. The Sustainability Appraisal as detailed above was undertaken after the final draft of the Village Design Statement was completed. The Report was compiled by the Village Design Statement committee comprising a group of local residents. The Report was produced using the consultation material gathered from local residents, village organisations and Waverley Borough Council.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OBJECTIVES Objectives Summary Baseline Nature of effect/

Plan policy Assess Short Term

Effect Medium Term

Long Term

Justification for assessment

VILLAGE SETTING AND STRUCTURE

Social Objectives To reduce poverty and social exclusion and close the gap between the most deprived areas in the South East and the rest of the region

Parish design questionnaire and public consultations to identify the principles, design features and quality standards which are valued in the Parish.

Support planning authorities in retaining smaller houses and encouraging low – cost housing.

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P4 Development - Wonersh

To improve the health and well-being of the population and reduce inequalities in health


Retain and maintain open spaces and commons for physical recreation.

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P5 Village Setting and Structure – Planning categories

To raise educational achievement levels across the region and develop the opportunities for everyone to acquire the skills needed to find and remain at work

Consultations with parish organisations.

Raise awareness and understanding of heritage background.

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P1-4 Introduction and Development

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to live in a decent, sustainably constructed and affordable home


Raise awareness of the Parish environment when considering improvements and developments.

/

/

/

P3-4 Development P5-6 Village structure and setting

To reduce crime and fear of crime

Local crime statistics and public consultations

Provision of low level lighting will reduce fear of crime.

0 0 0 N/A

To create and sustain vibrant communities


An economic and cultural mix is encouraged by supporting the retention of a mix of housing.

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/


To encourage increased engagement in cultural activities across all sections of the community in the South East

N/A to Village Design Statement

0

0

0

N/A

To ensure high and stable levels of employment so everyone can benefit from the economic growth of the region


0

0

0

N/A

To improve accessibility to all services and facilities

Covered by Building Regulations and Surrey County Council provisions.

0

0

0

N/A

Environmental Objectives

To reduce road congestion and pollution levels by improving travel choice and reducing the need for travel by car/lorry

Covered by Government policy and Surrey County Council provisions.

0

0

0

N/A

To reduce air pollution and ensure air quality continues to improve

N/A to Village setting and structure

0

0

0

N/A

To conserve the region’s biodiversity


0

0

0

N/A

To improve efficiency in land use through the re-use of previously developed land and

Parish design questionnaire and public consultations to identify the principles, design features

The Guidelines on village setting and structure, taking into account historical buildings and heritage features will

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P5 Village setting and structure – Plot boundaries

existing buildings, including re-use of materials from buildings

and quality standards which are valued in the Parish.

encourage development to re-use existing buildings and materials.

To protect, enhance and make accessible for enjoyment, the region’s countryside and historic environment


Village Design Statement will educate residents, developers and planners on the historic environment and encourage them to maintain the distinctive character of the area.

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P3 Development – Blackheath and Shamley Green P4 Development – Wonersh and The Parish as it is today

To address the causes of climate change through reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and ensure that the South East is prepared for its impacts

Green Lanes Initiative

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P 5/6 Roads and Junctions

To increase energy efficiency , and the proportion of energy generated from renewable sources in the region

Covered by Waverley Borough Local Plan 2002 and Building Regulations

0

0

0

N/A

To reduce the risk of flooding and the resulting detriment to public well-being, the economy and the environment and to ensure that the South East is prepared for its impacts


0

0

0

N/A

To maintain and improve the water quality of the region’s rivers and coasts, and to achieve sustainable water resources management


0

0

0

N/A

To reduce waste generation and disposal, and achieve the

Covered by Waverley Borough Local Plan 2002 and Building

sustainable management of waste

Regulations 0 0 0 N/A

To reduce the global, social and environmental impact of consumption of resources by using sustainably produced and local products


0

0

0

N/A

Economic Objectives

To sustain economic growth and competitiveness across the region


0

0

0

N/A

To stimulate economic revival in priority regeneration areas


0

0

0

N/A

To develop a dynamic, diverse and knowledge-based economy that excels in innovation with higher value, lower impact activities


0

0

0

N/A

To encourage the development of a buoyant, sustainable tourism sector


0

0

0

N/A

To develop and maintain a skilled workforce to support long-term competitiveness of the region


0

0

0

N/A

To reduce road congestion and pollution levels by improving travel choice and reducing the


0

0

0

N/A

need for travel by car/lorry KEY: // - major positive / - minor positive 0 - neutral effect X - minor negative XX - major negative ? - uncertain effect Amendments to the Sustainability Appraisal 11. Under the first Section on Village Setting and Structure, the environmental objective on climate change, Nature of Effect Plan Policy should read Green Lanes initiative, and the Short Term, Medium Term and Long Term should minor positive. The justification is on Page 5/6 Roads and Junctions.



Effect Medium Term

Long Term


BUILDING DESIGN Social Objectives To reduce poverty and social exclusion and close the gap between the most deprived areas in the South East and the rest of the region



0

0

0

N/A


N/A to Building design 0

0

0

N/A




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P1-4 Introduction and Development




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P7-9 Building design – Local style and structure to Unsightly features

To reduce crime and fear of crime

Local crime statistics and public consultations

Provision of low level lighting will reduce fear of crime.

0

0

0

N/A

To create and sustain vibrant communities



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0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A




0

0

0

N/A



0

0

N/A



0

0

N/A

To improve efficiency in land use through the re-use of previously

Parish design questionnaire and public consultations to identify

The Guidelines on building design, taking into account historical buildings

P7-9 Building design – Local style and

developed land and existing buildings, including re-use of materials from buildings

the principles, design features and quality standards which are valued in the Parish.

and heritage features will encourage development to re-use existing buildings and materials.

// // // structure to Unsightly features




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P7-9 Building Design – Local style and structure to Unsightly features



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A

To reduce waste generation and disposal, and achieve the

Covered by Waverley Borough Local Plan 2002 and Building

Encourage the design of new developments to include provision for

0

0

0

N/A

sustainable management of waste

Regulations the storage of waste.



Encourage the use of local tiles and wood where practicable.

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P7-8 Building design – Building materials to Guttering

Economic Objectives



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A

KEY: // - major positive / - minor positive 0 - neutral effect X - minor negative XX - major negative ? - uncertain effect



Effect Medium Term

Long Term


OPEN SPACES AND WOODLAND

Social Objectives To reduce poverty and social exclusion and close the gap between the most deprived areas in the South East and the rest of the region



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P10 Open spaces and woodland – Common open spaces



Retain and maintain open spaces and commons for physical recreation.

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P10 Open spaces and woodland – Common open spaces and Distant views




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P10 Open spaces and woodland – Common open spaces P11 – Nature conservation and wildlife habitats and Trees




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P10–11 Open spaces and woodland -Common open spaces to Trees

To reduce crime and fear of crime Local crime statistics and Provision of low level lighting will

public consultations reduce fear of crime. 0 0 0 N/A To create and sustain vibrant communities



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A




0

0

0

N/A



Encourage tree planting, maintain woodland and encourage the retention of existing trees and hedges.

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Encourage the preservation of open spaces, woodland and heathland.

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To improve efficiency in land use through the re-use of previously developed land and existing buildings, including re-use of materials from buildings

N/A to Open spaces and woodland

0

0

0

N/A




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P10 Open spaces and woodland – Common open spaces P11 Nature conservation and wildlife habitats



Village Design Statement encourages residents, developers and planners to preserve existing trees and hedgerows and to use a planned approach to replacement and new planting.

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P12 Open spaces and woodland – Woodland, trees and hedgerows



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A

To reduce waste generation and disposal, and achieve the sustainable management of waste


0

0

0

N/A


N/A to Open spaces and woodland

0

0

0

N/A

Economic Objectives



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A


Parish design questionnaire and public consultations to identify the principles, design features and quality standards which are

Support initiatives to conserve and maintain Blackheath and areas of open space and woodland which attract visitors to the area.

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P10 Open spaces and woodland – Common open spaces

valued in the Parish. P11 – Nature conservation and wildlife habitats



0

0

0

N/A



0

0

0

N/A

KEY: // - major positive X - minor negative / - minor positive XX - major negative 0 - neutral effect ? - uncertain effect

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL A. ETHOS The essential ethos behind the VDS to which this appendix is attached should be seen as being firmly grounded in an underlying principle of sustainability. Adapting to Change - the preferences are to conserve and adapt in order to meet changing needs. Wherever possible the options should be to follow an approach of refurbishment rather than demolition and replacement. A good example is the way that redundant agricultural structures have been adapted to meet the shortages of accommodation in the area. Such approaches help to retain valued familiar views, and heritage building features. They also act in eco-friendly ways avoiding all the high energy outlay involved in demolition and new build. A Rich Heritage - SW Surrey in general and the Parish of Wonersh in particular has a rich vernacular stock of settlement buildings contributing to the distinctive separate identities, character and layouts of Blackheath, Shamley Green and Wonersh. This is also reflected in the unusually large number of listed buildings. The older timber framed structures, mainly of Tudor age, indicate the relative prosperity of the area at that time when a domestic woollen industry flourished. The larger Victorian estate houses relate to the post-rail construction boom as the wealth of Empire and City financial institutions created an affluent class of incomer local gentry who, in turn, were served by an inspired group of talented locally based architects of whom the most eminent included: Edwin Lutyens, Philip Webb, F A Walters, Charles Harrison Townsend, Arnold Mitchell, C H Howell, Richard Norman Shaw, and Henry Woodyer. Value of Restorations - The restoration and modernisation of those older buildings which are listed, while minimising the need to use high energy materials like new brick or glass or non-renewables such as plastic, does require specialist architectural supervision of refurbishment, the skills of quality craftsmen and the use of locally extracted stone and sand or naturally renewable timbers such as oak, beech and pine. The higher costs arising from tighter supervision of listed property adaptations, employment of quality craftsmanship and higher cost of renewable materials instead of massed produced modern alterations also imposes a financial constraint on unnecessary development.. It also retains a pool of firms and craft skills to boost locally based specialist employment. B. LANDSCAPE DIVERSITY-as far as landscape is concerned, the varied local topography arises from its Wealden based geology. The natural vegetation falls into three main categories:

1. the river side water meadows and other grasslands, Wonersh Platt is an example of an ancient undisturbed grass plot. 2. the woodlands which crown so many of the surrounding hills, significantly influence people’s visual perception of local scenery. 3. the internationally important areas of local heath around Blackheath, these contain rare flora and fauna recognised by SSSI designations for various locations.

Together with managed farmland, the three areas designated above exercise immense significance on local environment. While they are largely natural they do require careful management as exemplified by the Surrey Heathland Project so carry cost implications recognised by the community at both parish and borough level. They provide a sustainable output of products while, at the same time, being attractive leisure areas for local residents and tourists with minimal adverse environmental impact. Although hedges now enjoy legal protection there is a gap in the provision of incentives to landowners to give adequate attention to their maintenance. Unless they are sustained properly in a traditional style they will be neglected to a point where they are no longer sustainable. This last point requires pressure for a policy review at higher levels and will be pursued in the Parish Plan.

C. KEY OBJECTIVES – Those social objectives viewed as not being pertinent to the Village Design Statement are as relevant to our overall

perception as the key aspects of sustainability that are incorporated in the appraisal which aims to achieve the following: 1.Place a strong emphasis on protection of the environment covering public open spaces, ponds, trees, existing landscape features and boundary banks, hedges and walls. This is aided by nationally recognised designations as AONB, AOLV, SSSIs and supported by Surrey Hills, Hurtwood Control, the Heathland Project and Surrey Wildlife Trust sites like Cucknell’s Wood, an ancient coppice with interesting historical references. 2. Encourage use of naturally available local materials to blend with adjacent materials and properties using traditional vernacular styles. Where surfacing materials have to be used, the use of gravel or other absorbents minimises the flash flooding that can occur where hard non-sustainable surfaces such as tarmac are used. 3.A desire to review the conservation area with a view to extending it where Waverley concurs and to enhance and update the 1984 Waverley heritage document probing further into associations with local people of historical significance. 4. A need to retain local services ad community buildings: village shops, public houses, post offices, churches, school village halls. With Waverley’s help the community has met the challenge to revitalise the Wonersh village shop and post office. plastics are still not collected and some problems have been noted especially in hot weather. 5. The importance of co-operating with SCC to maintain bridleways and footpaths is recognised. This has benefit for local pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. Closure during the Foot and Mouth restrictions illustrated the importance of the network of these routes for hikers and other tourists. The Downs Link traverses the parish and sections of the Wey Arun canal towpath also form part of the network. 6. Retaining a variety and balance in the type of housing is also regarded a vital in achieving a demographically and economically balanced social mix.

OUTCOME This Design Statement for the Civil Parish of Wonersh, which includes the settlements of Blackheath, Shamley Green and Wonersh, sets out the heritage background of the three villages to provide information and guidance for residents – especially those who move into the area, architects and development planners and local authority policy makers. Its aim is to achieve harmonious environmentally friendly balance that integrates essential changes required to meet modern requirements while protecting the distinctive character and rural ambience of the area. Much of the landscape’s value and attractiveness is protected under national and local designation as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or of High Landscape Value, hence the importance of sustainable heritage conservation. Testing the Sustainability Appraisal objectives against the Wonersh Village Design Statement has illustrated that the principles espoused in the document are sustainable. The Guidelines for Village Setting and Structure when tested against the objectives showed an assessed, sustainable effect for social and environmental objectives. Retaining and maintaining smaller residential units, a general mix of housing and the village open spaces as well as raising awareness of the heritage background and rural setting of the Parish as a whole are social objectives considered within the Village Design Statement as having a minor positive effect. The Guidelines also encourage the maintaining of distinctive heritage features of the three villages and the re-use, wherever possible, of existing buildings and materials which when tested against the environmental objectives showed a major positive effect. The Guidelines for Building Design when tested against the objectives showed an assessed, sustainable effect for social and environmental objectives. Once again the Village Design Statement seeks to raise awareness of the heritage background and parish environment when considering improvements and developments and encourages the retention of a mix of housing. These were assessed against the social objectives as having a minor positive effect. The Guidelines take into account historical buildings and heritage features and encourage the re-use of existing buildings and materials and the use of local materials wherever feasible. When tested against the environmental objectives these showed a major positive effect that was sustainable. The Guidelines for Open Spaces and Woodland when tested against the objectives showed an assessed, sustainable effect for social, environmental and economic objectives. Once again the Village Design Statement seeks to encourage a mix of housing, to retain and maintain open spaces and commons and to consider the Parish environment and heritage background when considering improvements and developments. These social objectives were assessed to have a minor positive effect which was sustainable. The Guidelines encourage the preservation of open spaces, woodland and heathland, the retention of existing trees and hedges and seek to educate all parties on the historic environment and distinctive character of the area. When tested against the environmental objectives these showed both minor and major positive effects that were sustainable. Finally, the economic objective to encourage sustainable tourism by supporting initiatives to conserve and maintain Blackheath and other areas of open space and woodland that attract tourists to the area is assessed to have a major positive effect.

CONSULTATION DOCUMENT The consultation process took place from the end of May 2002 – July 2002. A questionnaire was circulated to all households in the parish, the results were collated and analysed. The outcome of this consultation process is documented in the attached “Consultation Document – Wonersh VDS”

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