DRAFT Sustainability Appraisal Report for the Emerging Local Plan ...

16.210 The overall conclusion of SEA as summarised in Appendix 4 is that Policy SP04 has a neutral
effect.
16.211 The overall conclusion of SA as summarised in Appendix 3 is that the Policy SP04 has a mixed
effect.
16.212 To summarise, Policy SP04 requires new development to contribute to the delivery of
infrastructure identified in the IDP whilst promoting partnership working secure the same.
Strategic Policy 5 (SP05) – Design
16.213 At the Issues and Options stage there was considerable support (over 80% agreed or strongly
agreed) with the premise that future development should enhance the built and natural
environment with high quality design.
16.214 The main alternative approach would have been to rely on the now outdated government
guidance, regional policies, the Surrey Design Guide, or the production of supplementary
documents regarding design issues. Having considered the importance of design locally and
taking on board the advice of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
(CABE), the Council considered that it is important to have a policy in the Core Strategy that
covers this issue, and this consideration has transferred to this Local Plan.
16.215 However, the policy appears to be ‘all things to all men’, in that its main thrust is on the
continued respect of the existing built, natural and historic environment with little scope for
innovation that accompanies ‘exceptional quality design’ promoted by both the SCS and
NPPF.
16.216 The Local Plan promotes no alternatives to Policy SP05, and states that:
“The NPPF establishes that design should contribute positively to
making places better for people. It adds (paragraph 58) that Local
Plans should develop robust and comprehensive policies that set
out the quality of development that will be expected for the area.
Policy SP05 sets out how the Council has provided an approach that
reflects local circumstances and links into the Council’s Urban Area
Appraisal 2009. The provision of an alternative policy approach is
not considered appropriate.”
16.217 The overall conclusion of SEA as summarised in Appendix 4 is that Policy SP05 has a mixed
effect.
16.218 The overall conclusion of SA as summarised in Appendix 3 is that the Policy SP05 has a
beneficial effect.
16.219 To summarise, Policy SP05 encourages the continued replication of the existing form and
function of the built environment found in Runnymede.
Strategic Policy 6 (SP06) – Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure
16.220 Tourism, recreation, and leisure are all issues of importance to Runnymede and create part of
its individual character. In order to reflect this, it is considered important to have a policy
covering this issue.
16.221 Two policy approaches have been made available for consideration. SP06 supports the
retention, improvement and provision of regional and local visitor attractions and facilities,
and the promotion of local town centre focused facilities, whilst encouraging the promotion
of heritage and waterways assets and protecting Green Belt (subject to other material
considerations) as well as supporting the development of more hotel accommodation.
16.222 SP06–A1 promotes the use of previously developed land within or adjacent to town and
district centres or visitor attractions for new tourism, recreation and leisure opportunities to
be accessible by public transport. The alternative also supports existing hotels and the
improvement of the quality of existing visitor attractions where this can secure their
continued viability without compromising the amenities of local residents or the Green Belt.
Page | 227 Runnymede BC FINAL Sustainability Appraisal Report – Feb 2013