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16.182 Alternative LP08 removes <strong>the</strong> DERA Site from <strong>the</strong> Green belt and similar to o<strong>the</strong>r location<br />

policies it sets out a number of development control outcomes <strong>the</strong> Council will look <strong>for</strong> in<br />

connection with new development in this area.<br />

Strategic Policy 1 (SP01) – Green Belt Areas<br />

16.183 With <strong>the</strong> exception of two policies (LP05 and LP08) <strong>the</strong> Council’s policy out in SP01 is to<br />

primarily locate new development within existing urban areas, thus maintaining <strong>the</strong> extent<br />

and existing boundaries of <strong>the</strong> current Green Belt. In <strong>the</strong> case of <strong>the</strong> two exceptions LP05<br />

proposes to relax <strong>the</strong> strictness of policy SP01 to permit development around <strong>the</strong> University<br />

site. LP08 removes <strong>the</strong> DERA site from <strong>the</strong> Green Belt.<br />

16.184 During <strong>the</strong> Issues and Options consultation 66% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed<br />

that future development should be in accessible urban locations ra<strong>the</strong>r than in <strong>the</strong> Green Belt<br />

and 60% agreed or strongly agreed that future development should be on previously<br />

developed sites of major developed sites.<br />

16.185 The <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> promotes no alternatives to Policy SP01, stating that:<br />

“The policy provides a local perspective on <strong>the</strong> guidance set out in<br />

<strong>the</strong> NPPF in terms of green belt protection. Section 9 of <strong>the</strong> NPPF<br />

(paragraphs 86 to 92) emphasises <strong>the</strong> need to avoid inappropriate<br />

development that will, by definition, be harmful to <strong>the</strong> green belt.<br />

The policy approach specifically reflects <strong>the</strong> position <strong>for</strong> major<br />

developed sites, site specific guidance and <strong>the</strong> context <strong>for</strong> meeting<br />

<strong>the</strong> possible needs of <strong>the</strong> gypsy and traveller community. Apart<br />

from <strong>the</strong> reference to major developed sites it brings toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

matters dealt with in separate policy guidance in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>. So<br />

whilst <strong>the</strong> policy does not seek to set a new approach it does set out<br />

clearly that <strong>the</strong>re is a local character to green belt policy.”<br />

16.186 Having regard to <strong>the</strong> conclusion of both <strong>the</strong> SEA in Appendix 4 and <strong>the</strong> SA in Appendix 3,<br />

overall, all <strong>the</strong> policy approaches has a largely neutral effect. It is noted that <strong>the</strong> assessment<br />

team considered <strong>the</strong>re to be potential impact of this policy on ER01, ER03 and ER07 impacts<br />

on <strong>the</strong> air quality appear to be <strong>the</strong> most relevant, as is adverse (RSF 16). Conversely, policy<br />

SP01 appears to result in a positive impact on <strong>the</strong> employment and social sustainable<br />

development objectives RSF 1, 9 and 13.<br />

16.187 To summarise, Policy SP01 promotes strict protection of <strong>the</strong> Green belt but with a general<br />

relaxation in terms of Royal Holloway UOL and <strong>the</strong> removal of <strong>the</strong> DERA site from <strong>the</strong> green<br />

belt.<br />

Strategic Policy 2 (SP02) – Af<strong>for</strong>dable Housing<br />

16.188 There continues to be a need <strong>for</strong> more af<strong>for</strong>dable housing despite <strong>the</strong> provision that has been<br />

made over <strong>the</strong> last few years, including <strong>for</strong> young families who live and work in <strong>the</strong> Borough<br />

but who cannot af<strong>for</strong>d to buy a home locally.<br />

16.189 There were 3 approaches that were examined. The first approach in SP02 recognises that<br />

with <strong>the</strong> current economic climate and <strong>the</strong> lack of funding <strong>for</strong> af<strong>for</strong>dable housing, an<br />

appropriate starting point is to consider <strong>the</strong> implications of an aspirational target of 25%<br />

af<strong>for</strong>dable housing provision on all qualifying sites. This would apply to sites providing 12<br />

dwellings or more (net), or a financial contribution from 10,000 sq m of commercial of net<br />

additional floor space or above. Any af<strong>for</strong>dable housing provision below 25% would need to<br />

be fully justified by <strong>the</strong> applicant with an af<strong>for</strong>dable housing viability report. This would be<br />

assessed on a case by case basis. For sites less than 12 units, a commuted payment is<br />

proposed per new unit (net). Should a developer challenge <strong>the</strong> proportion of af<strong>for</strong>dable<br />

housing required, a full viability study will need to be submitted, and <strong>the</strong> developer will be<br />

required to fund an independent audit of <strong>the</strong> report.<br />

16.190 If this approach were adopted it would apply <strong>for</strong> at least two years at which time <strong>the</strong> policy<br />

approach will be reviewed to reflect any changes in <strong>the</strong> economic climate. The approach on<br />

af<strong>for</strong>dable housing will be developed in supplementary guidance to support <strong>the</strong> core strategy.<br />

Page | 224 Runnymede BC FINAL <strong>Sustainability</strong> <strong>Appraisal</strong> <strong>Report</strong> – Feb 2013

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