Environmental
Report
Vowchurch & District Group
Neighbourhood Area
February 2016
Contents
Non-technical summary
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
Introduction
2
Methodology
5
The SEA Framework
Appraisal of Objectives
Appraisal of Options
Appraisal of Policies
Implementation and monitoring
Next steps
7
11
13
14
16
17
Appendix 1: Initial SEA Screening Report
Appendix 2: SEA Scoping Report incorporating Tasks A1, A2, A3 and A4
Appendix 3: Consultation responses from Natural England and English Heritage
Appendix 4: SEA Stage B incorporating Tasks B1, B2, B3 and B4
Appendix 5: Options Considered
Appendix 6: Environmental Report checklist
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Non-technical summary
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is an important part of the evidence base which
underpins Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP), as it is a systematic decision support process,
aiming to ensure that environmental assets, including those whose importance transcends local,
regional and national interests, are considered effectively in plan making.
Vowchurch and District Group Parish Council has undertaken to prepare an NDP and this process
has been subject to environmental appraisal pursuant to the SEA Directive. The group parish of
Vowchurch and District consists of five parish areas: Michaelchurch Escley, Newton, St Margaret’s,
Turnastone and Vowchurch. They lie within the Golden Valley situated in the west of Herefordshire
on the Welsh border.
The Group Parish area consists of 24 ancient woodland, 32 Special Wildlife Sites, 8 Ancient
Monuments, 4 Sites and Special Scientific Interest and 4 unregistered park and gardens. The area is
predominately rural with the dwellings having a high degree of physical separation between them.
Historically the area supported small family run farms providing local agricultural occupations.
Two villages; Michaelchurch Escley and Vowchurch, each contain led than 15 homes at present. Both
villages have a church. There is a school at Michaelchuch but this is some distance from the village
centre, the village also have a public house. Lower Maes-coyd consists of a small scatting of houses
with no local amenities.
The Draft Vowchurch and District NDP includes 3 objectives, which are designed to deliver the
overarching vision on the ground, and it is intended that these objectives will be supported by 9
criteria based planning policies. Alternative options were considered prior to reaching a decision over
the format of the draft plan.
The environmental appraisal of the Vowchurch and District NDP has been undertaken in line with the
Environmental Assessment of Plan and Programmes Regulations 2004. Stage A of the SEA process
involved Scoping and Stage B provided a review and analysis of the NDP. Stage C involved
preparing an Environmental Report and Stage D comprises a formal consultation on both this and the
Draft Plan itself.
Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening has been carried out as the Parish and has
determined that a full assessment is not required. Natural England have concurred with this
conclusion and a separate report have been produced.
On the whole, it is considered that the Vowchurch and District NDP is in general conformity with both
national planning policy contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and strategic policies
set within the Herefordshire Local Plan (Core Strategy). Nor does it propose any growth that would
be over and above that prescribed by strategic policies. Therefore no changes to the NDP are
recommended as a result of the SEA.
Once made (adopted) by Herefordshire Council, the effects of the policies within the Vowchurch and
District NPD will be monitored annually via the Council’s Authority Monitoring Report (AMR).
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1.0
Introduction
1.1
This report forms the draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Vowchurch and
District Group Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).
1.2
The Vowchurch and District Group NDP does not propose any site allocations. Michaelchurch
Escley, Vowchurch and Lower Maes-coed settlements are highlighted for proportional levels
of growth in Policy RA2 of the Herefordshire Local Plan (Core Strategy). The NDP will,
however, provide general policies for guiding future development across the parish as a
whole.
Purpose of the SEA
1.3
SEA is a requirement of EC Directive 2001/42/EC (the SEA Directive) which requires the
assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment to ensure that
the proposals in that plan or programme contribute to the achievement of sustainable
development.
1.4
The Directive was transposed into domestic legislation through the Environmental
Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 and which applies to plans with
significant environmental effects.
1.5.
A screening opinion was carried out on the Vowchurch and District Group NDP and it
concluded that due to the range of environmental designations in and around the parish, there
may be significant environmental effects and consequently an SEA would be required.
Parish Neighbourhood Plan Context
1.6
1.7
The group parish of Vowchurch and District consists of five parish areas: Michaelchurch
Escley, Newton, St Margaret’s, Turnastone and Vowchurch. They lie within the Golden Valley
situated in the west of Herefordshire on the Welsh border.
The Group Parish area consists of 24 ancient woodland, 32 Special Wildlife Sites, 8 Ancient
Monuments, 4 Sites and Special Scientific Interest and 4 unregistered park and gardens. The
area is predominately rural with the dwellings having a high degree of physical separation
between them. Historically the area supported small family run farms providing local
agricultural occupations.
1.8
Two villages; Michaelchurch Escley and Vowchurch, each contain led than 15 homes at
present. Both villages have a church. There is a school at Michaelchuch but this is some
distance from the village centre, the village also have a public house. Lower Maes-coyd
consists of a small scatting of houses with no local amenities.
1.9
The vision for the Vowchurch Group in 2031 is set out in a detailed Vision Statement.’
Looking ahead to 2031, we want to see an area that preserves its beautiful and essentially
rural character, whilst accommodating housing development that enable more families to live
in the area, largely, but not entirely, within the existing settlements.’
1.10
The 3 NDP objectives which underpin this vision are:
1) To meet local housing needs through the provision of additional and affordable homes to
meet the needs of the community
2) To ensure that nay new development is designed to complement the character of the
existing settlements and the wider environment
3) By enabling more families to live in the area to support local businesses, particularly
farming and support local services, not least by maintaining local schools.
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Context of Neighbourhood Plans
1.11
1.12
NDPs are a relatively new type of planning document that form a key part of the
Government’s localism agenda. They enable local communities to develop plans that reflect
local aspirations, in accordance with strategic policies.
The Vowchurch and District Group NDP must therefore conform to national planning policy
set within the NPPF and strategic level local policy including the Herefordshire Local Plan
(Core Strategy).
1.13
1.14
The Herefordshire Local Plan (Core Strategy) is anticipated to be adopted on 16 October
2015.
Paragraph 216 of the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance set out the weight that may be
given to relevant policies in emerging plans, including NDPs, and indicated that weight may
be given to relevant policies in emerging NDPs according to:
•
•
•
The stage of preparation of the emerging plan (the more advanced the preparation,
the grater the weight that may be given);
The extent to which there are unresolved objections to relevant policies (the less
significant the unresolved objections, the greater the weight that may be given); and
The degree of consistency of the relevant policies in the emerging plan to the policies
in this Framework (the closer the policies in the emerging plan to the policies in the
Framework, the greater the weight that may be given).
1.15
1.16
This part of the NPPF is reinforced by Planning Practice Guidance published in March 2014,
which is clear that an emerging NDP may be a material planning considered once it has
completed submission/local authorities publication stage (Regulation 16). This is reinforced
by recent ministerial statements and case law (West Sussex), all of which have demonstrated
that an emerging NDP may be a material consideration at the Regulation 16 stage.
Table 4.14 of the Local Plan (Core Strategy) lists Michaelchurch Escley, Vowchurch and
Lower Maes-coyd among the settlements which it considers to be sustainable locations for
proportional growth in line with the provisions of Policy RA2. This policy is expected to
facilitate the delivery of 5,300 homes across the areas outside Hereford and the Market
Towns in accordance with Policy RA1 and it anticipates that NDPs will be the principle
mechanism for delivering growth in the rural areas.
1.18
1.19
Once made (adopted) by Herefordshire Council, the Vowchurch and District Group NDP will
have a role in guiding future development proposals within the parish, by setting out setting
out policies against which planning applications will be determined.
Structure of SEA
The structure of the document is as follows:
•
•
Section 2 – Explains the SEA methodology and summarises the comments received
in respect of the SEA Scoping Report
Section 3 – Introduces the Vowchurch and District Group NDP objectives and the SEA
framework
•
•
•
Section 4 – Appraises the objectives set within the NDP against the SEA framework
Section 5 – Appraises the options set within the NDP against the SEA framework
Section 6 – Appraises the policies set within the NDP against the SEA framework
Section 7 – Discusses the implementation and monitoring of the NDP
•
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•
Section 8 – Concludes the SEA report by outlining next steps
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2.0
Methodology
2.1
The SEA process comprised several stages and which are summarised, in some detail,
below.
2.2
Stage A involved 4 tasks and culminated in a Scoping Report:
•
•
Task A1: Identified and reviewed relevant policies, plans and programmes and
environmental protection objectives from European, National and Local sources.
Task A2: Collected baseline information to provide a picture of past, present and
likely future conditions within the area. This helped to establish indicators which will
be used to monitor the effects and performance of the Vowchurch and District Group
NDP.
•
•
•
Task A3: Focused on the environmental issues identified from the baseline,
highlighting key issues and problems within the neighbourhood area.
Task A4: Used the information gathered from Tasks A1-A3 to develop a set of SEA
objectives, sometimes referred to as the ‘sustainability framework’.
Task A5: Collated the results of Tasks A1-A4 within a Scoping Report, a document
which was subject to a statutory 5 week consultation.
2.3
2.4
Stage B involved 4 tasks and assessed the effects of the NDP.
•
•
•
Task B1: Tested NDP Objectives against the SEA Objectives
Task B2: Developed and refined the NDP options and policies.
Task B3/B4: Predicted and evaluated the significant effects of the NDP
Stage C involved preparing an Environmental Report. This report presents information
compiled during Stage B of the SEA process and constitutes the Draft Environmental
Appraisal of the NDP. It accompanies the Draft Plan during its formal Regulation 14
consultation with people who live, work and carry out businesses in the neighbourhood area,
as well as statutory bodies listed in the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012.
2.5
2.6
2.7
Producing an Environmental Report was therefore a legal requirement and the submission of
this report to Herefordshire Council forms Stage D of the SEA process.
Scoping Report Consultation
With regard to the SEA scoping assessments, documents A1 to A4 were completed by a
Herefordshire Council Planning Officer and sent to the Parish Council for comment, in
readiness for a 5 week consultation with statutory bodies, pursuant to the Environmental
Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004.
After the document was approved by the Parish Council, Vowchurch and District Group SEA
1 statutory bodies for consultation from 27 November
Scoping Report was available to four
2016 to 8 January 2016.
Consultation outcomes from Statutory Consultees
2.8
2.9
The consultation resulted in 2 responses, both of which are attached at Appendix 3.
Both responses were collated and incorporated within this document where relevant.
1 Statutory consultation bodies: Natural England; English Heritage; Environment Agency Natural Resources Wales
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Natural England: Two documents to be updated within A1. Include information on
geodiversity in A2
Response: The two documents referred to have been updated in A1 and further baseline
data has been incorporated at A2.
English Heritage: No substantive objection to the content of the document and comments to
earlier tranches of SEA Scoping reports remain relevant.
Response: Comments are noted and necessary changes made
Environment Agency: No comments received
Natural Resources Wales: No comments received
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3.0
The SEA Framework
3.1
As mentioned previously, Stage A of the SEA identifies and reviews relevant policies, plans
and programmes and environmental protection objectives from European, National and Local
sources (refer to Table A1 in Appendix 2 for details of those documents that were reviewed in
completing Stage A of SEA on the Vowchurch and District Group NDP).
3.2
The requirement to undertake this ‘context review’ is contained in Annexes 1(a) and (e) of the
SEA Directive which states that an Environmental Report should include:
“…an outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme and
relationship with other relevant plans and programmes” and
“…the environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or
Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those
objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account
during its preparation”
Policy context
3.3
3.4
The Vowchurch and District Group NDP will deliver the Local Plan (Core Strategy) at parish
level by adding locally specific detail to strategic policies. As a consequence, the Scoping
Report for the NDP was based on the context review Herefordshire Council undertook for its
Local Plan (Core Strategy).
The results of this assessment (context review) provide the source of the local baseline data
and have been incorporated into the SEA framework. It should be noted that:
•
No list of policies, plans and programmes can ever be exhaustive and that
Herefordshire Council has selected those considered to be of particular relevance to
the planning system;
•
New or revised plans and policies can emerge during the SEA process
3.5
The following plans, policies and programmes have been reviewed and, where appropriate,
incorporated within the SEA Framework objectives:
•
The EC Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010) – These regulations
transpose the Habitats Directive in England, Wales and to a limited extent Scotland
by ensuring that activities are carried out in accordance with the Habitats Directive,
which is to protect biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and
species of wild flora and fauna.
•
•
The EC Water Framework Directive (2000) – Commits all EU member states to
achieve good qualitative and quantitative status of all water courses by 2015
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) – The major legal instrument for wildlife
protection in Britain, although other significant acts have been passed since. It has
numerous parts and supplementary lists and schedules many of which have been
amended since publication.
•
•
Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services (2011) –
Forms part of the UK’s Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework by setting out England’s
contribution towards the UK’s commitments under the United Nations Convention of
Biological Diversity.
The Countryside and Right of Way Act (2000) – Creates a statutory right of access on
foot to certain types of open land, to modernise the public rights of way system, to
strengthen nature conservation legislation, and to facilitate better management of
AONBs
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•
•
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) – Designed to help
achieve a rich and diverse natural environment and thriving rural communities
through modernised and simplified arrangements for delivering Government
policy.
Revised EU Sustainable Development strategy (2009) – Sets out a single strategy on
how the EU will more effectively meet its long-standing commitment to meet the
challenges of sustainable development.
•
•
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2012) – Consolidates the suite of
PPG/PPS into one succinct planning policy document.
Planning Practice Guidance (2013) – Sets out the vision, objectives and policies for
the Herefordshire Local Plan (Core Strategy), which will guide development across
the county up to 2031.
•
•
Herefordshire Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP) 2013-2015 – Sets out the Council’s
strategy for supporting economic growth, social inclusion and reducing the
environmental impacts of transport, as well as the program of investment for the
period April 2013 to April 2015.
Understanding Herefordshire Report (2014) – Important to understand the place such
as the local economy natural and built environment in which people live, learn and
work as part of understanding their quality of life. Enable development for economy
and housing to the required levels and growth should be supported by sustainable
transport measures.
•
•
•
•
Malvern Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2018 (20014) – Identifies the issues and
challenges facing the special features of the area and contains 24 guiding principles
and 46 strategic objectives which will help address them.
Wye Valley AONB management Plan 2014-2017 (20014) – The Management Plan is
the prime document which sets out the vision for the area and the priorities for its
management.
Herefordshire Economic Development Strategy 2011-2016 – Aims to increase the
economic wealth of Herefordshire by setting out proposals and to support business
growth up to 2016.
Herefordshire Employment Land Study (2012) – Includes employment land
assessments for the plan period 2011-2031. The study includes Quantitative and
Qualitative assessments of employment land, assessment of market demand and
need, as well as providing forecasts and recommendations for future employment
need over the plan period.
•
•
Herefordshire Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) (2009) – The
SHLAA aims to justify site allocations in plans by:
o Identifying sites which are capable of delivering housing development
o Assessing sites for their housing potential; and
o Predicting when a site could be developed for housing.
Herefordshire Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA) (2013) – Builds on an
earlier Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) developed for Herefordshire
and Shropshire. Its purpose is to inform the Local Plan’s policies regarding housing
need and demand (for market and affordable housing) within each of the 7 Housing
Market Areas (HMAs) in Herefordshire between 2011 and 2031.
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•
Herefordshire Local Housing Requirements Study (2012) – Technical assessment of
the housing market and potential future local housing requirements which supports
planning policy regarding the amount of growth, housing tenure and housing type
needed within Herefordshire up to 2031.
•
•
•
Herefordshire Rural Housing Background Report (2013) – Provides the justification for
the proportional housing growth targets outlined in the Core Strategy
Herefordshire Draft Gypsies and Travellers Assessment (2013) – Assesses the
accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers across Herefordshire.
Herefordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (2007) – Focuses conservation efforts on
the areas within Herefordshire that will result in the greatest benefit for ecological
networks, habitats and species.
•
•
•
•
Building Biodiversity into the LDF (2009) – Provides the Council’s Local Plan (Core
Strategy) with evidence in respect of biodiversity and geodiversity, identifying both
opportunities and constraints across Herefordshire.
Herefordshire Green Infrastructure Strategy (2010) – Develops a framework of natural
and culturally important features and functions so that planning for a sustainable
future is at the heart of planning within Herefordshire.
Renewable Energy Study (2010) – Assesses the energy demand within Herefordshire
and the ability for the county to accommodate renewable and low carbon energy
technologies.
Herefordshire Playing Pitch Assessment (2012) – Produces a strategic framework,
audit and assessment and needs analysis of outdoor sports pitches and facilities for
Herefordshire.
The document arises as a result of a recommendation in the
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Facilities Framework to develop local
standards for playing fields and sports pitches throughout Herefordshire.
•
•
Open Spaces Study (2006) – The 2006 space audit and assessment of need is a snap
shot of the quality, quantity and distribution of open space across Herefordshire.
Play Facilities Study (2012) – The Play Facilities Study 2012 updates the previous
play facilities analysis under the Open Spaces Study 2006 and provides guidance and
a framework for the development, delivery and continued sustainability of providing
new and improved play facilities for children and young people in Herefordshire to
2031.
•
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) and Water Cycle Study (2009) – The SFRA
provides a summary of flood risk in Herefordshire to inform the location of future
development. The Water Cycle Study examines how water resources and water
supply infrastructure, wastewater treatment, water quality, sewerage and flood risk
could constrain growth across Herefordshire.
3.6
3.7
Appendix 1 of the Vowchurch and District Group Plan Scoping Report provides additional
detail on the Plans, Policies and Programmes mentioned above and identifies the implications
for the SEA and NDP.
SEA Objectives and baseline characteristics
The SEA objectives that were used at Stages A and B of the process are listed in the
following table.
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SEA Objective
1
2
3
To maintain or enhance nature conservation (biodiversity, flora and fauna)
To maintain or enhance the quality of landscapes and townscapes
To improve the quality of surroundings
To conserve or where appropriate enhance the historic environment and
culture heritage
4
5
To improve air quality
6
To reduce the effect of traffic on the environment
To reduce contributions to climate change
To reduce vulnerability to climate change
To improve water quality
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
To provide for sustainable sources of water supply
To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk
To conserve soil resources and quality
To minimise the production of waste
To improve the health of the population
To reduce crime and nuisance
To conserve natural and manmade resources
3.8
3.9
The SEA objectives detailed above conform to the SEA Directive, and are derived from the
Sustainability Appraisal undertaken for the Herefordshire Local Plan (Core Strategy) 2011-
2031.
Baseline information gathered during Stage A of the SEA process provided details of the
current environmental characteristics of the neighbourhood area and the status of its natural
assets and features (refer to Appendix 2). This information was analysed as part of Task B2
of SEA, which looked at the extent to which the emerging NDP policies will help or obstruct
these characteristics. There are four objectives for which there is no local information is
available, which provides a limitation on the baseline data and whether the NDP policies are
likely to improve or exacerbate existing problems and issues relating to these themes.
3.10
Following the completion of Task B2 of SEA it was apparent that the largest environmental
issue within the parish is objective surrounding the details of protection of the natural and built
environment. The Group parish is predominately rural in nature and very sparsely populated.
Development in this area is small scale and often individual, this mean that the full impacts on
the SEA objectives will be tested at the planning application stage when the full details of the
location are known. The need for robust environmental criteria based policy is therefore
important as the plan text is developed.
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4.0
Assessing the NDP Objectives
4.1
The following objectives, as set out in the NDP, aim to realise the vision for Vowchurch Group
in 2031:
1) To meet local housing needs through the provision of additional and affordable homes to
meet the needs of the community
2) To ensure that any new development is designed to complement the character of the
existing settlements and the wider environment
3) By enabling more families to live in the areas to support local businesses, particularly
farming, and support local services, not least by maintaining local schools.
4.2
4.3
4.4
The table below tests these NDP objectives against the SEA objectives, providing a summary
of the results of Task B1 of SEA. The full results are available at Appendix 4 of this report.
The majority of those NDP objectives which have a relationship with the SEA framework are
positively compatible with it or have a neutral effect.
It is impossible to appraise the full implications of NDP objective 1 and 3 at this stage given
the lack of detail over the exact locations of development that may come to fruition as a result
of the implementation of this objectives; however, it is accepted that further development of
the planning policies that relate to these objectives would move them towards a compatible
outcome.
Key:
+
–
Compatible
Possible conflict
0
X
?
Neutral
No relationship between objectives
Unclear, more information needed
NDP
SEA Objectives
Objectives
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Objective 1
Objective 2
Objective 3
?
+
x
?
+
x
?
+
+
?
+
+
0
+
x
0
?
+
?
+
+
?
+
x
?
+
x
+
+
x
?
+
x
?
+
+
?
+
+
5.0
Assessing the NDP Options
5.1
All options that were considered by the NDP steering group during the development of their
plan have been assessed as part of the SEA and the summary matrix of the assessment can
be found in Table B2 at Appendix 4.
5.2
The options covered were as follows;
Option 1 – Do nothing
Option 2 – Allocate sites for housing
Option 3 – Manage future housing using a settlement boundary
Option 4 – Manage future housing growth by criteria base policy
Option 5 – Settlement boundary for Lower Maes-coyd
Option 6 – No settlement boundary for Lower Maes-coyd
Option 7 – Design policies for parish
Option 8 – Allocation for employment
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Option 9 – Criteria for small scale business development and home working
Option 10 – Specific external lighting policy
Option 11 – No specific lighting policy
5.3
5.4
A ‘do nothing’ option was also considered, i.e. not undertaking an NDP, however this was
disregarded at an early stage by the Parish Council as it was considered the majority of the
community would support the work undertaken for an NDP.
The option of designating settlement boundary would also have seen a positive effect on the
baseline. The designation of a settlement boundary would give additional certainty and help
define those areas considered as the built form and open countryside. This can aid the
direction of further growth to maintain the quality of the landscape and surroundings. There is
less certainty over the positive effects on the baseline as any growth with be adjudged by
criteria based policy. However, the nature, characteristics and form of Lower Maes-coyd
indicates that the criteria based policy rather than a settlement boundary would be the
preferred option in this particularly case.
5.5
Options with regards to policy development were also considered, mainly either the promotion
of larger scale specific employment compared to smaller scale, diversification and home
working and the development of specific design policies.
NDP options
SEA Objectives
12
13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
Option 5
Option 6
Option 7
Option 8
Option 9
Option 10
Option 11
x
++
+
x
++
+
x
++
+
x
++
+
x
++
+
+
+
+
+
–
x
+
+
+
+
+
x
–
x
++
+
x
++
+
+
+
+
+
?
x
++
+
+
+
+
x
x
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
x
x
++
+
x
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
x
x
++
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
o
o
+
+
+
+
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_________________________________________________________________________________
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SEA: Task C1 (Vowchurch)
Environmental Report (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.0
Appraisal of the policies
6.1
A key part of developing a plan such as the Vowchurch and District Group NDP is developing
a range of options and testing these, so that a preferred way forward can be selected.
6.2
The plan has been organised with a set of general overarching policies for the whole
neighbourhood area and these emerging set of draft policies have been appraised for the
purposes of Stage B of the SEA:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Policy 1 – to protect and enhance the local environment
Policy 2 – Location of future development
Policy 3 – Development in open countryside
Policy 4 – Nature and scale of new homes
Policy 5 – Housing design criteria
Policy 6 – Affordable housing
Policy 7 – External lighting
Policy 8 – New commercial developments
Policy 9 – New tourism developments
Stage B of SEA
6.3
6.4
In the context of Task B1 of SEA, the previous section of this report identified that many of the
NDP objectives are compatible with the SEA framework, although policy safeguards within
the NDP and Local Plan (Core Strategy) would help mitigate any possible conflicts.
With regard to Task B2 of SEA, the NDP policies were measured against both the SEA
framework and the baseline characteristics identified during Stage A of the process; here,
there was no baseline data available in respect of SEA Objectives 13, 14 and 15. Full details
of this appraisal are attached at Appendix 4.
6.5
The policies largely score as positive against the SEA objectives and will not, therefore, have
an adverse impact on the baseline characteristics or immediate environmental impacts. This
is because they are criteria based policies which only consider schemes on their own merits,
as and when planning applications are submitted to the local planning authority.
NDP
SEA Objectives
Policy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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9
6.6
The results of Task B3, as shown at Appendix 4, demonstrate that the cumulative impact of
the NDP policies over the course of the plan period is generally positive.
6.7
Task B4 of SEA brings together the results of earlier tasks and thus identifies the cumulative
impact of the entire of the NDP. This task, which is also attached at Appendix 4, reveals that
the objectives and policies contained in the Vowchurch and District Group NDP are by and
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Environmental Report (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
large in general conformity with the Local Plan (Core Strategy), which means that the
cumulative effect of the plan will contribute to the achievement of the SEA objectives.
6.8
None of the NDP policies are considered to be in direct conflict with or propose greater levels
of growth and development than strategic policies contained in the Local Plan (Core
Strategy), which themselves have undergone a full Sustainability Appraisal.
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Environmental Report (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0
Implementation and monitoring
7.1
Herefordshire Council as the Local Planning Authority should make arrangements to monitor
the significant effects of implementing a neighbourhood plan.
7.2
Regulations 2004 requires the Local Planning Authority to monitor the significant
environmental effects of the implementation of any NDP that was subject to SEA, in order to
identify unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage and to enable appropriate remedial
actions.
7.3
7.4
Accordingly, Herefordshire Council will monitor outcomes from the NDP policies and the
results of these will be reported in the Council’s Authority Monitoring Report (AMR).
The AMR runs from 1 April to 31 March each year and the topics covered therein include the
following:
•
•
•
•
•
Housing delivery;
Previously developed land
Housing completions
Affordable housing conditions
Employment land delivery.
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Environmental Report (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.0
Next steps
8.1
This report will be subject to a formal public consultation of 6 weeks duration alongside the
Draft Vowchurch and District Group NDP.
8.2
8.3
Responses on the Draft NDP will be reviewed and the plan amended where appropriate.
Any changes made to the NDP as a consequence of the Regulation 14 consultation with
those who live, work or carry out business in the neighbourhood area, as well as statutory
consultation bodies, will trigger a review of the SEA, unless they do not materially affect the
outcomes of Stage B of the SEA process.
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Appendix 1
Initial Habitat Regulations Assessment and Strategic Environmental
Assessment Screening Notification
The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulation 2012 (Reg. 32)
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (d)
Vowchurch & District Group
Neighbourhood Area:
Neighbourhood Area
Parish Council:
Vowchurch & District Group Parish Council
30/09/2013
Neighbourhood Area Designation Date:
Introduction
This Initial Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) Screening has been undertaken to assess whether any European
Sites exist within or in proximity to the Neighbourhood Area which could be affected by
any future proposals or policies.
Through continual engagement the outcomes of any required assessments will help to
ensure that proposed developments will not lead to Likely Significant Effects upon a
European Site or cause adverse impacts upon other environmental assets, such as the
built historic or local natural environment.
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HRA Initial Screening: Map showing relationship of Neighbourhood Area with European Sites
(not to scale)
Initial HRA Screening
River Wye (including the River Lugg) SAC:
Does the Neighbourhood Area have the River
Wye (including the River Lugg) in or next to its
boundary?
N
N
The River Wye is 4.11km away from the
Group Parish
Is the Neighbourhood Area in the hydrological
catchment of the River Wye (including the River
Lugg) SAC?
The Parish is not within the hydrological
catchment of the River Wye
If yes above, does the Neighbourhood Area have
mains drainage to deal with foul sewage?
Not Applicable
Downton Gorge SAC:
Is the Neighbourhood Area within 10km of
Downton Gorge SAC?
N
Downton Gorge is 34.9km away from the
Group Parish
River Clun SAC:
Does the Neighbourhood Area include: Border
Group Parish Council or Leintwardine Group
Parish Council?
N
River Clun does not border the Group
Parish
Usk Bat Sites SAC:
Is the Neighbourhood Area within 10km of the
SAC boundary?
N
N
N
Usk Bat Sites are 20.2km away from the
Group Parish
Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Bat Sites SAC:
Is the Neighbourhood Area within 10km of any of
the individual sites that make up the Wye Valley &
Forest of Dean Bat Sites?
The Group Parish is 29.3km away from
Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites
Wye Valley Woodlands SAC:
Is the Neighbourhood Area within 10km of any of
the individual sites that make up the Wye Valley
Woodlands Site?
The Group Parish is 26.02km away from
the Wye Valley Woodlands
HRA Conclusion:
The assessment above highlights that no European Sites will need to be taken into account in the
future Neighbourhood Development Plan for the Vowchurch & District Group Neighbourhood Area
and a Full HRA Screening will not be required.
Strategic Environmental Assessment Initial Screening for nature conservation landscape and
heritage features
The following environmental features are within or in general proximity to the Vowchurch & District
Group Neighbourhood Area and would need to be taken into account within a Strategic Environmental
Assessment. In addition, the NDP will also need to consider the other SEA topics set out in Guidance
Note 9a to ensure that the plan does not cause adverse impacts.
SEA features
Total
Explanation
SEA
required
Air Quality Management Areas
Ancient Woodland
0
There are no AQMA’s within the Group
Parish
N
Y
24
Wallstone Wood; Greens Wood; Ton
Wood (border); Lower Park Wood;
Birchy Park Wood; Kiln Wood; Rushden
Wood; Barretts Hill Wood; Lady Coppice
and The Birches; Brampton Hill Wood 2
(border); Eaton Hill Wood; Ravenshoot
and Dunsall Woods (border); Tan House
and Hay Brooks Woods; Chanstone
Wood; Cae-Gwyn Wood; Park Wood;
Lawn Wood; Lan Awr Wood; Holly
Wood; Gigfran Wood; Cefn-Cist Wood;
Ruinsford Wood (border); Wern Fawr;
Glibes Wood
Areas of Archaeological
Interest
0
0
0
0
There are no AAIs within the Group
Parish
N
N
N
N
Y
Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty
There are no AONBs within the Group
Parish
Conservation Areas
European Sites
Flood Areas
There are no Conservation Areas within
the Group Parish
There are no SACs within the Group
Parish
Flood Zones 2 and 3 follow the River
Dore through Vowchurch and
Turnastone Parishes. There are also
Flood Zones running along Escley Brook
through Michaelchurch Escley Parish
Listed Buildings
Numerous
32 (SWS)
There are numerous Listed Buildings
scattered throughout the Group Parish
Y
Y
Local Sites (SWS/SINCs/RIGS)
Greens & Wallstone Woods, Whitehall
Coppice; Vowchurch Common;
Timberline Wood and adjoining
Woodlands; Brampton Hill Wood
(border); Newbarns, Dunsall,
Ravenshoot, WDS and Pontapina Break
(border); Eaton Hill Wood; River Dore;
Chanstone Wood and adjoining
Woodland; Bacton Woods; Russells
Coppice and adjoining grassland
(border); St Margarets Churchyard;
Lower House Common; Crow Wood and
Meadow and adjoining Woodland;
Canon Tump Common; Meadow near
Upper Crossway; Meadow near Graig
Farm; Upper Court Meadow; Woodland
at The Folly; Wayne Herbert Quarry;
Roadside bank opposite Llanafon Farm;
Wern Ifor Wood; Ashen Coppice, Holly
and Court Woods; Escley Brook;
Rockyfold Farm (border); Glibes Wood;
Wern Fawr; Pikes Farm Meadows; Cefn
Hill Common; Caeiron Meadow and
adjoining Meadows; Vagar Hill
Common; Field near Myndd Brith
(border); Dulas Brook
Long distance footpaths/trails
(e.g. Herefordshire Trail)
2
Herefordshire Trail; Three Rivers Ride
Y
Mineral Reserves
0
0
There are no Minerals Reserves Sites
within the Group Parish
N
N
Y
National Nature Reserve
There are no NNRs within the Group
Parish
Registered & Unregistered
parks and gardens
4
Michaelchurch Court; Bacton Manor
(border); Morehampton (border);
Tyberton Court (border)
Unregistered
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
8
Lower Park Wood Camp; Monnington
Straddle Motte; Cothill Tump, a Motte
Castle 500m north west of Cothill Farm;
Motte Castle with associated courtyard
and mill leat, 130m north west of
Y
Chanstone Mill; Moated Site, fishponds
and associated buildings platforms
117m west of Chanstone Mill; Motte
Castle, Chapel, Post-Medieval House
and Garden remains east of Urishay
Castle Farm (border); Motte and Bailey
Castle 200yds (180m) south west of
Newcourt Farm (border); Earthwork on
western border of Michaelchurch Escley
Parish, west of Holt Farm House
Sites of Special Scientific
Interest
4
Caeiron Meadow (Favourable); Pikes
Farm Meadows (Favourable); Wayne
Herbert Quarry (Favourable); Chanstone
Wood (Favourable)
Y
Decision Notification:
The initial screening highlights that the Neighbourhood Development Plan for the Vowchurch &
District Group Neighbourhood Area:
a)
Will require further environmental assessment for Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Assessment date: 13/08/2013
Assessed by: James Latham
Appendix 1: European Sites
The table below provides the name of each European Site, which has been screened in for the purposes of neighbourhood planning in Herefordshire; includes
their site features of integrity; and vulnerability data. This is based on the sites individual features of integrity and their vulnerabilities, which could include
distance criteria. This has been used in identifying which parishes are likely to require a full HRA Screening of their future Neighbourhood Development Plan, to
establish if their plan might have Likely Significant Effects on a European Site.
Downton Gorge
Site Features: Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines
Vulnerability data: 10km for air quality associated with poultry units or other intensive agricultural practices.
River Clun
Site Features: Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera
Vulnerability data: Water quality is important to maintain the site feature. Parishes either side of the River Clun will be affected.
River Wye
Site Features: Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation. Transition mires and quaking
bogs. White-clawed (or Atlantic Stream) crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri. River
lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis. Twaite shad Alosa fallax. Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Bullhead Cottus gobio. Otter Lutra lutra. Allis shad Alosa alosa
Vulnerability data: Proximity: Developments should not be within 100m of the designated bank. Some developments beyond 100m may also have impacts
based on proximity and these issues should be addressed where possible when developing NDP policy and choosing site allocations.
Water Quality: Within the whole catchment of the River Wye, which includes the River Lugg, mains drainage issues with regards to water quality are being
resolved through the Core Strategy / Local Plan and development of a Nutrient Management Plan. Welsh Water should be consulted to ensure that the
proposed growth will be within the limit of their consents.
Otters: “An otter will occupy a ‘home range’, which on fresh waters usually includes a stretch of river as well as associated tributary streams, ditches, ponds,
lakes and woodland. The size of a home range depends largely on the availability of food and shelter, and the presence of neighbouring otters. On rivers, a
male’s home range may be up to 40km or more of watercourse and associated areas; females have smaller ranges (roughly half the size) and favour quieter
locations for breeding, such as tributary streams.
Otters without an established home range are known as ‘transients’. They are mostly juveniles looking for a territory of their own, or adults that have been
pushed out of their territories. Transient otters may use an area for a short while, but they will move on if conditions are not suitable or if they are driven away
by resident otters. Transients will have been important in extending the range of otters, but they are very difficult to identify from field signs.
Within a home range an otter may use many resting sites. These include above-ground shelters, such as stands of scrub or areas of rank grass, and
underground ‘holts’ – for example, cavities under tree roots and dry drainage pipes.”
(Source: EA website: http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/Otters_the_facts.pdf accessed 09/04/2013)
Usk Bat Site
Site Features: Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection: European dry heaths, Degraded raised bogs still
capable of natural regeneration, Blanket bogs, Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation, Caves not open to the public, Tilio-Acerion forests of
slopes, screes and ravines. Annex II species of primary reason for site selection: Lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros, UK population 5%,
although it is suggested this is an underestimate.
Vulnerability data: Lesser Horseshoe bats are known to migrate between 5km and 10km between their summer and winter roosts. The Lesser Horseshoe
Bat is vulnerable to disturbance; light pollution; and habitat loss. Check with the planning ecologist for other issues.
Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites
Site Features: Annex II species that are a primary reason for site selection: Lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros. Greater horseshoe bat
Rhinolophus ferrumequinum
Vulnerability data: Lesser Horseshoe bats are known to migrate between 5km and 10km between their summer and winter roosts. The Lesser Horseshoe
Bat is vulnerable to disturbance; light pollution; and habitat loss. Check with the planning ecologist for other issues.
Greater Horseshoe bats are known to migrate between 20-30km between their summer and winter roosts.
NDPs closest to the European Site will need to consider:
Woodland habitat buffer.
Lesser Horseshoe Bat: Old buildings; woodland locations; sheltered valleys, extensive deciduous woods or dense scrub, close to roost sites. In areas of
fragmented habitats, linear habitats such as hedgerows are important corridors. Vulnerable to loss or disturbance of both summer and winter roosts and
removal of linear habitat.
Greater Horseshoe Bat: Large buildings, pasture, edge of mixed deciduous woodland and hedgerows. Mixed land-use especially south-facing slopes, favours
beetles, moths and insects they feed on. During the winter they depend on caves, abandoned mines and other underground sites for undisturbed hibernation.
A system/series of sites required. Vulnerable to loss of insect food supply, due to insecticide use, changing farming practices and loss of broad-leaved tree-
cover and loss / disturbance of underground roosts sites.
Wye Valley Woodlands
Site Features: Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for site selection: Beech forests Asperulo-Fagetum, Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and
ravines, Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles. Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection: Lesser
horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros, 51-100 residents
Vulnerability data: Lesser Horseshoe bats are known to migrate between 5km and 10km between their summer and winter roosts. The Lesser Horseshoe
Bat is vulnerable to disturbance; light pollution; and habitat loss. Check with the planning ecologist for other issues. NDPs closest to the European Site will
need to consider: Woodland habitat buffer. Lesser Horseshoe Bat: Old buildings; woodland locations; sheltered valleys, extensive deciduous woods or dense
scrub, close to roost sites. In areas of fragmented habitats, linear habitats such as hedgerows are important corridors. Vulnerable to loss or disturbance of
both summer and winter roosts and removal of linear habitat.
Appendix 2: Wye Catchment Map
Appendix 2
Strategic Environmental
Assessment
Vowchurch & District Group
Neighbourhood Area
Scoping Report
November 2014
Consultation on the Scoping Report
The aim of the consultation process is to involve and engage with statutory
consultees and other relevant bodies on the scope of the appraisal.
particular, it seeks to:
In
•
Ensure the SEA is both comprehensive and sufficiently robust to
support the Neighbourhood Development Plan during the later stages
of full public consultation;
•
Seek advice on the completeness of the plan review and baseline
data and gain further information where appropriate;
Seek advice on the suitability of key sustainability issues;
Seek advice on the suitability of the sustainability objectives.
•
•
Comments on this Scoping Report have been invited from the three
consultation bodies as required by the SEA regulations, together with the
Natural Resources Wales.
The three consultation bodies are as follows:
1. Natural England;
2. English Heritage;
3. Environment Agency.
Template A1: Identification and review of local Neighbourhood Area relevant plans, policies and programmes
Parish Council Name: Vowchurch & District Group
Neighbourhood Development Plan Name: Vowchurch & District Group Neighbourhood Plan
Date completed: July 2014
Plans and
Programmes
The EC
Conservation
of Habitats
and Species
Regulations
Type of
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
The Neighbourhood
Plan should be
compliant with all the
relevant legislation and
regulations.
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
document
European
Union
target/objective/indicator
The Regulations make it
an offence (subject to
exceptions) to deliberately
2010 These regulations
transpose the
•
•
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
and the
Legislation
Habitats Directive
in England, Wales capture, kill, disturb, or
landscape
and to a limited
extent Scotland
by ensuring that
activities are
carried out in
accordance with
the Habitats
trade in the animals listed
in Schedule 2, or pick,
collect, cut, uproot,
destroy, or trade in the
plants listed in Schedule 4.
However, these actions
can be made lawful
Directive, which is
to protect
biodiversity
through the granting of
licenses by the appropriate
authorities.
through the
conservation of
natural habitats
and species of
wild flora and
fauna.
The EC
Water
Framework
European
Union
2000 Commits all EU
member states to
achieve good
Aims for ‘good status’ for
all ground and surface
waters (rivers, lakes,
The Neighbourhood
Plan should be
compliant with all the
•
Water
1 Derived from the LDF General Scoping Report (June 2007)
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Plans and
Programmes
Directive
Type of
document
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
transitional waters, and
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
relevant legislation and
regulations.
Date Overview
qualitative and
SEA topic(s)1
quantitative status coastal waters) in the EU
of all water
courses by 2015
The Wildlife
and
Countryside
Act (1981)
Domestic
Legislation
1981 The major legal
The principle mechanism
for the legislative
protection of wildlife in
Great Britain.
The Neighbourhood
Plan should be
compliant with all the
relevant legislation and
regulations.
•
•
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
and the
instrument for
wildlife protection
in Britain,
although other
significant acts
have been
passed since. It
has numerous
parts and
landscape
•
•
•
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Soil
supplementary
lists and
schedules many
of which have
been amended
since publication.
Creates a statutory
right of access on foot
to certain types of
open land, to
modernise the public
rights of way system,
to strengthen nature
conservation
The
Domestic
Legislation
2000
The Act provides for a new
right of access on foot to
areas of open land
comprising: Mountain (land
over 600 metres);
Moorland; Heath;
Downland; Registered
common land.
The Neighbourhood
Plan should be
compliant with all the
relevant legislation and
regulations.
•
•
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
and the
Countryside
and Right of
Way Act
(2000)
landscape
•
•
•
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Soil
legislation, and to
facilitate better
management of
AONBs.
There are provisions to
consider extending the
right in the future to coastal
land, but not woodland
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Plans and
Programmes
Type of
document
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
despite some early
publicity suggesting this.
Provides that any public
body or statutory
undertaker in England and
Wales must have regard to
the purpose of
conservation of biological
diversity in the exercise of
their functions.
The Natural
Environment
and Rural
Communities
Act (2006)
Domestic
Legislation
2006 Designed to help
achieve a rich
and diverse
natural
The Neighbourhood
Plan should be
compliant with all the
relevant legislation and
regulations.
•
•
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
and the
landscape
environment and
thriving rural
communities
through
•
•
•
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Soil
modernised and
simplified
arrangements for
delivering
Government
policy.
Revised EU
Sustainable
Development
strategy
European
Union
Strategy
2009
Sets out a single
strategy on how the
EU will more
effectively meet its
long-standing
Recognises the need to
gradually change current
unsustainable consumption
and production patterns and
move towards a better
The Neighbourhood Plans
should take into account
the objectives of the
strategy. The aim of
sustainable development
should be implicit in its
approach.
•
•
•
Air
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Population and
human health
•
commitment to
meet the challenges making. The Strategy sets
integrated approach to policy
of sustainable
development.
overall objectives, targets and
concrete actions for seven
key priority challenges,
predominantly environmental:
•
Climate change and
clean energy;
•
•
Sustainable transport
Sustainable
production and
consumption;
•
Public health threats;
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Plans and
Programmes
Type of
document
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
•
Better management
of natural resources;
Social inclusion,
demography and
migration;
•
•
Fighting global
poverty.
Biodiversity
National
2011
Forms part of the
UK’s Post-2010
Biodiversity
Framework by
setting out England’s coherent ecological networks,
contribution towards with more and better places
Sets out to halt overall
biodiversity loss, support
healthy well-functioning
ecosystems and establish
The NDP should take
• Biodiversity
2020: A strategy Strategy
for England’s
wildlife and
ecosystem
services
account of the provisions of
the strategy, making the
most of opportunities to
enhance wildlife habitats or
restore degraded
the UK’s
for nature for the benefit of
wildlife and people.
ecosystems in the process.
commitments under
the United Nations
Convention of
Biological Diversity.
Consolidates the
suite of PPG/PPS
into one succinct
planning policy
document.
National
Planning Policy planning
Framework
(NPPF)
National
2012
The NDP should take into
account the relevant
policies set within the
NPPF.
• Air
• Biodiversity
• Climate factors
• Cultural heritage and
the landscape
• Flora and fauna
• Material assets
• Population and
human health
• Soil
policy.
• Water
• Air
• Biodiversity
• Climate factors
• Cultural heritage and
the landscape
Planning
Practice
Guidance
Government
Guidance
2014
Provides guidance
to local planning
authorities and
others on the
operation of the
planning system.
The NDP should take into
account the planning
guidance provided within
these documents.
• Flora and fauna
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Plans and
Programmes
Type of
document
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
• Material assets
• Population and
human health
• Soil
• Water
• Air
Herefordshire
Core Strategy,
Pre-submission Document
document
2011-2031
Development
Plan
2013
Sets out the vision,
objectives and
Outlines the emerging suite of
countywide planning policies
relating to housing, economic
development and the
environment, which the NDP
will need to be in conformity
with where relevant.
The NDP should take
account of relevant policies
set within in the Core
Strategy.
• Biodiversity
• Climate factors
• Cultural heritage and
the landscape
• Flora and fauna
• Material assets
• Population and
human health
• Soil
policies for the
Herefordshire Local
Plan (Core
Strategy), which will
guide development
across the county
up to 2031.
(DPD)
Where necessary, the NDP
should provide services,
facilities and employment
opportunities that are
accessible to both local
and neighbouring
The Core Strategy includes a
range of objectives, five of
which directly relate to rural
areas:
• Water
communities.
The NDP will need to take
account of the criteria set
within Policy RA1. The
villages of Vowchurch and
Michealchurch Escley fall
within the RA1 policy.
• To meet the housing needs
of all sections of the
community
• To improve access to
services in rural areas
• To strengthen the
economic viability of the
villages and their rural
hinterlands
• To achieve sustainable
communities and protect
the environment
• To conserve, promote,
utilise and enjoy our
natural, built, historic and
cultural assets for the
fullest benefit of the whole
community
In accordance with the
Rural Housing Background
Paper March 2013, unless
there is robust and sound
evidence to demonstrate a
more accurate existing built
form figure or the existence
of unavoidable constraints
on site delivery
approximately 7 dwellings
will need to be delivered
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Plans and
Programmes
Type of
document
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
within the village of
To achieve a thriving rural
Herefordshire, the Core
Strategy seeks to enhance
the role the villages have
traditionally played in as
accessible, sustainable
centres for their rural
catchments.
Vowchurch and 3 dwellings
need to be provided within
Michealchurch Escley.
Lower Maes-coed is
classified as an RA2
settlement, and should
adhere to the RA2 policy;
accepting affordable
housing needs only.
Seeks proportional growth of
up to 12% Michealchurch
Escley and Vowchurch
(Golden Valley HMA) over the
plan period.
Herefordshire
Local
Transport Plan
3 (LTP) 2013-
2015
Corporate
2013
Sets out the
The document includes three
key objectives, one which
seeks to maintain access for
rural residents and people
without access to a car.
Intrinsic to this is the retention
of a ‘core network’ of bus
services which focus on
The LTP does not explore
current transport issues in
the Vowchurch & District
Group Plan neighbourhood
area, but any new
development proposed
through the NDP should
seek to reduce the
•
•
•
Air
Council’s strategy
for supporting
economic growth,
social inclusion and
reducing the
Climate factors
Population and
human health
environmental
impacts of
transport, as well as journeys between Hereford
environmental impacts of
transport.
the program of
investment for the
period April 2013 to
April 2015.
and the market towns, along
with main transport corridors
close to larger rural
settlements. To this end, the
strategy aims to increase the
number of bus users by 1.3%
(4,700 journeys) by 2015.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Built and
natural
environment
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
None identified.
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Understanding
Herefordshire
Report
target/objective/indicator
An air quality management
plan is in place to tackle this.
Destination Hereford project
is in place to give locals more
sustainable transport options.
2014
Important to
Improve air quality.
understand the
place such as the
local economy
natural and built
environment in
which people live,
learn and work as
part of
Have a more diverse
range of transport
options.
understanding their
quality of life
Enable
development for
economy and
housing to required
levels.
Growth should be
supported by
sustainable
transport measures.
Malvern Hills
AONB
Management
Plan 2009-
2014
Corporate
2009
Identifies the issues
and challenges
facing the special
features of the area
and contains 24
guiding principles
and 46 strategic
objectives which will
help address them.
The Vowchurch & District
Group neighbourhood area
is not within or adjacent to
the Malvern Hills AONB.
•
•
•
•
Air
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
•
•
•
•
•
Water
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Plans and
Type of
document
Corporate
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
The Vowchurch & District
Group neighbourhood area
is not within or adjacent to
the Wye Valley AONB.
Date Overview
2009 The Management
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Wye Valley
AONB
management
Plan 2009-
2014
•
•
•
•
Air
Plan is the prime
document which
sets out the vision
for the area and the
priorities for its
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
•
•
•
management.
•
•
Water
Herefordshire
Economic
Development
Strategy 2011-
2016
Corporate
2011
Aims to increase
the economic
wealth of
Herefordshire by
setting out
The document outlines the
path and direction to foster
economic vitality within
Herefordshire. Key objectives
therefore include:
None of merit.
•
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Material assets
Population and
human health
•
•
proposals and to
support business
growth up to 2016.
•
•
•
Sustaining business
survival and growth
Increasing wage levels,
range and quality of jobs
Having a skilled
population to meet future
work needs
•
Developing the county’s
built infrastructure so
enterprise can flourish.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
This study covers existing
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Herefordshire
Employment
Land Study
2012
Includes
None of merit; however the
NDP process may have to
explore whether there is
any employment need
locally and if so whether
there is any scope for
providing employment land
and premises.
•
•
Material assets
Population and
human health
employment land
employment sites in Hereford,
assessments for the the five market towns and
plan period 2011-
2031. The study
includes
Quantitative and
Qualitative
assessments of
employment land,
assessment of
their rural hinterlands.
There are no employment
land allocations within
Vowchurch & District Group
at present and as such the
study does not identity sites
which are worthy of continued
market demand and protection from alternative
need, as well as
providing forecasts
and
recommendations
for future
uses. Nor does it make any
recommendations in respect
of employment need within
the neighbourhood area.
employment need
over the plan
period.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
The SHLAA assesses the
potential availability of land
for housing in Vowchurch &
District Group.
Date Overview
2009 The SHLAA aims to
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Herefordshire
Strategic
Housing Land
Availability
•
5 sites have been
•
•
•
•
Air
justify site
allocations in plans
by:
submitted as part of the
2013 call for sites. These
sites have not been
assessed to date.
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Population and
human health
Soil
Assessment
(SHLAA)
The villages within
• Identifying sites
which are
•
•
Vowchurch District did not
have a SHLAA assessment
undertaken in 2009 or
2012, therefore a local site
assessment exercise
should be undertaken for
these villages if site
capable of
delivering
housing
•
•
Water
development
• Assessing sites
for their housing
potential; and
• Predicting when
a site could be
developed for
housing.
allocations are being
considered.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
The LHMA provides an
indication of housing needs
and affordability within the
Golden Valley HMA.
Date Overview
2013 Builds on an earlier
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Herefordshire
Local Housing
Market
Assessment
(LHMA)
target/objective/indicator
Vowchurch & District Group
fall within the Golden Valley
HMA. Here, the study reveals
that:
•
•
•
•
Air
Strategic Housing
Market Assessment
(SHMA) developed
for Herefordshire
and Shropshire. Its
purpose is to inform
the Local Plan’s
policies regarding
housing need and
demand (for market
and affordable
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Population and
human health
Soil
It provides evidence that
could be used to inform
policies or market and
affordable housing
• 56% of households are
unable to afford market
housing.
•
•
•
•
requirements in the NDP.
• There is an annual
requirement for 16
Water
affordable dwellings
between 2012 and 2017.
housing) within
each of the 7
Housing Market
Areas (HMAs) in
Herefordshire
The study identifies that, in
the Golden Valley HMA, there
is a need (2011-2031) for:
between 2011 and
2031.
•
•
198 market houses
106 affordable houses.
The study highlights that
within the Golden Valley
HMA the overall estimated
housing need by size 2012-
2017 is as follows:
1 Bed- 61.6%
2 bed- -5.0%
3 bed– 37.8%
4 bed- 5.6%.
•
Air
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
This study provides an
indication of housing
requirements in the rural
areas and the Golden
Valley HMA.
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Herefordshire
Local Housing
Requirements
Study
target/objective/indicator
The delivery of 5,300 homes
in the rural areas would:
2012
Technical
•
•
•
Biodiversity
assessment of the
housing market and
potential future local
housing
requirements which
supports planning
policy regarding the
amount of growth,
housing tenure and
housing type
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
•
•
Support growth in the
rural population by 6%
Increase the number of
households by 14.5%
•
•
•
This evidence can be used
to inform the content of the
Vowchurch & District NDP,
which could include
policies to facilitate the
provision of the right types
of homes in the right
places.
Forecasts also predict that
growth in the population of
the rural areas is likely to be
primarily through an increase
in those aged over 75.
•
•
Water
needed within
Herefordshire up to
2031.
Moderate growth is expected
in the 30-44 and 60-74 age
brackets.
The Local Housing
Requirements Study therefore
anticipates continuing
improvements in life
expectancy; significant growth
is expected of those in their
80s, with the existing
population in their 40s and
50s moving into retirement.
As a consequence, the rural
areas will face an increasing
urgency to provide more 3
bedroom homes, with more 1
and 2 bed homes required in
the affordable sector.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
The Vowchurch & District
Group NDP will need to be
in conformity with the
provisions of Policy RA1
and RA2.
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Herefordshire
Rural Housing
Background
Report
target/objective/indicator
The villages of Vowchurch
and Michealchurch Escley are
listed as RA1 settlements,
which means they are
considered a sustainable
location for proportional
growth of up to 12%.
2013
Provides the
•
•
•
•
Air
justification for the
proportional
housing growth
targets outlined in
the Core Strategy
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
•
•
•
•
•
Water
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Herefordshire
Draft Gypsies
and Travellers
Assessment
target/objective/indicator
Key findings from the survey
of Gypsy and Traveller
households in 2012 found
that:
2013
Assesses the
accommodation
needs of Gypsies
and Travellers
across
The Vowchurch and
District Group NDP must
establish whether any of
the need identified in this
assessment falls within the
neighbourhood area and
make appropriate
•
•
•
•
Air
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
Herefordshire.
•
•
31% of households
surveyed have some sort
of accommodation need
Of the 17 households
with an accommodation
need, 7 had a
•
•
•
provisions for it.
•
•
Water
requirement for at least
one additional pitch
10 households had a
requirement for bricks
and mortar housing
There is an additional
requirement for 7 pitches
and 9 units of Registered
Social Landlord
•
•
accommodation within
Herefordshire.
Herefordshire
Local
Biodiversity
Action Plan
Evidence
2007 Focuses
conservation
Integrating biodiversity
objectives with other
environmental, social and
economic needs can
provide a sustainable living
and working environment
that benefits both people
and nature.
The NDP can help to
achieve the LBAP
priorities.
•
Biodiversity
efforts on the
areas within
Herefordshire that
will result in the
greatest benefit
for ecological
networks, habitats
and species.
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Plans and
Programmes
Building
Biodiversity
into the LDF
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
There is a lack of
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
target/objective/indicator
This document provides
useful information in respect
of Hereford and the market
towns only.
2009
Provides the
•
•
•
•
Air
Council’s Local
Plan (Core
Strategy) with
evidence in respect
of biodiversity and
geodiversity,
identifying both
opportunities and
constraints across
Herefordshire.
information about rural
areas which means it will
be necessary to gather and
assess existing biodiversity
and geo diversity data, in
order to ensure that the
Vowchurch & District
Group NDP can overcome
any existing constraints
and capitalise on
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
•
•
•
•
•
Water
opportunities to enhance
habitats and their
networks.
Herefordshire
Green
Infrastructure
Strategy
Evidence
2010
Develops a
framework of
natural and
culturally important
features and
functions so that
planning for a
sustainable future is
at the heart of
planning within
Herefordshire.
Establishes policies and
principles for the protection
and enhancement of those
features and functions that
contributes to the
The study provides
evidence that could be
taken into account when
preparing policies for the
Vowchurch & District
Group NDP.
•
•
•
•
Air
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
environment of Herefordshire
across a range of scales.
•
•
•
The study identifies the
need to reinforce the
distinctive local character
of the Golden Valley.
•
•
Water
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Plans and
Programmes
Renewable
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
target/objective/indicator
The total energy demand
excluding transport for
2010
Assesses the
The study provides
evidence that could be
taken into account when
preparing policies for the
Vowchurch & District
Group NDP.
•
•
•
•
Air
Energy Study
energy demand
Biodiversity
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
Soil
within Herefordshire Herefordshire, at that point in
and the ability for
the county to
accommodate
renewable and low
carbon energy
technologies.
time, was calculated as being:
•
•
•
Electrical: 731 GWh/yr
Heat: 1,810 GWh/yr
Total: 2,541 GWh/yr
•
•
•
There is scope for all types of
renewable energy production.
•
•
Water
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
The study updates
components of the
Herefordshire and
Worcestershire Sports
Facilities Framework 2010
such as updating population
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Herefordshire
Playing Pitch
Assessment
2012
Produces a
The study provides
evidence that could be
taken into account when
preparing policies for the
Vowchurch & District
Group NDP.
•
•
Biodiversity
strategic
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
framework, audit
and assessment
and needs analysis
of outdoor sports
•
•
•
pitches and facilities forecasts, setting local
for Herefordshire.
The document
arises as a result of
a recommendation
in the Herefordshire
and Worcestershire
Sports Facilities
Framework to
standards for synthetic turf
pitches and grass playing
fields within Herefordshire. It
identifies any current gaps in
provision, and looks forward
to 2031 to assess what
Additional local evidence
may be required to identify
if there is a need for any
secured playing pitch
facilities within the Group
Parish.
facilities are likely to be
required by that date.
develop local
standards for
playing fields and
sports pitches
In terms of Vowchurch &
District group, the study
reveals that there is:
throughout
Herefordshire.
•
1.88 ha of playing pitch
area.1.3ha has secured
community access. There
is one junior football
pitch. This is rated at 50%
which is average quality.
The sports field hosts 2
tennis courts, football,
cricket pitches. All are
rated at 26% which is of
poor quality.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
2006 The 2006 space
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Open Spaces
Study
target/objective/indicator
The study reveals that within
the Golden Valley Area, to
The open space audit and
assessment of does not
give a specific indication of
open space shortfalls and
surpluses in Vowchurch &
District Group Parish.
•
•
•
Biodiversity
audit and
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
assessment of need which Vowchurch and District
is a snap shot of the is a part of, there are:
quality, quantity and
•
•
•
distribution of open
space across
Herefordshire.
•
2.92 ha of amenity green
space provision within the
Golden Valley area. And
has the lowest levels of
amenity green space in
the county.
•
•
Extensive over provision
of natural and semi
natural green space.
Extensive under provision
of parks and gardens and
outdoor sport.
•
•
Under provision of
amenity green space.
Average provision for
children and young
people.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
target/objective/indicator
In terms of Vowchurch &
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
The study provides
evidence that could be
taken into account when
preparing policies for the
Vowchurch & District NDP.
Date Overview
2012 The Play Facilities
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Play Facilities
Study
•
•
•
Biodiversity
Study 2012 updates District itself, the study
Climate factors
Cultural heritage
and the landscape
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Population and
human health
the previous play
facilities analysis
under the Open
Spaces Study 2006
and provides
guidance and a
framework for the
development,
reveals;
•
Vowchurch & District
has a population
•
•
•
under 500 and the
nearest play provision
reference within the
study is Dorstone or
Peterchurch.
delivery and
continued
sustainability of
providing new and
improved play
facilities for children
and young people
in Herefordshire to
2031.
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Plans and
Type of
document
Evidence
Key message,
Implications for the
NDP and SEA
Date Overview
2009 The Strategic Flood
SEA topic(s)1
Programmes
Strategic Flood
Risk
Assessment
(SFRA) and
Water Cycle
Study
target/objective/indicator
Vowchurch & District group
falls within the Upper Middle
Wye catchment. This area
has one of the highest risk of
New development
proposed through the
Vowchurch & District
Group NDP should be
assessed against the
capacity of local
•
•
•
•
Biodiversity
Risk Assessment
(SFRA) provides a
summary of flood
Climate factors
Material assets
Population and
human health
Water
risk in Herefordshire fluvial flooding in the county.
to inform the
•
location of future
development.
infrastructure.
•
The Upper Middle
Wye catchment has a
44.7% standard run
percentage run off by
sub catchment. This
is potentially highly
unsuitable for
Up-to-date flood risk
information should be
gathered from the
Environment Agency, in
order to ensure that any
flood risks are considered
when preparing the
Vowchurch & District
Group NDP.
The Water Cycle
Study examines
how water
resources and
water supply
infiltration source
control
infrastructure,
wastewater
treatment, water
quality, sewerage
and flood risk could
constrain growth
across
•
•
The Upper Middle
Wye has a very slow
response (Tp-time to
peak) time at around
11 hours.
Herefordshire.
The WCS states that
parishes within
Vowchurch & District
group are more
susceptible to fluvial
flooding. This
requires a holistic
integrated approach
to flood risk
management.
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SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Appendix A2 – Baseline information for Vowchurch and District Group
N.B. This is based on countywide baseline information with some additions relevant to Vowchurch and District Group (in red). Where no locally specific data
is available for current status, trends and targets, only countywide data is reported. Any gaps in data may be filled following additional research.
SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
SEA Topic covered by objective: Biodiversity, flora and fauna
13. Value,
maintain,
restore and
expand county
biodiversity.
Natural
environment
Net change in
condition of
SSSIs across
Herefordshire.
The 2011-2013 AMR
does not contain
updated conservation
data.
2006: 22%
2007: 22%
2008: 22%
2010: 24 %
% of SSSI land
in favourable
condition
Herefordshire’s
SSSIs are in
Understanding
Herefordshire: An
integrated needs
assessment (June
2013).
extremely poor
condition relative to
England as whole,
where 96.1% of all
SSSI land was in
favourable
(Increase)
2010/11: 27% of
Herefordshire’s SSSI
land was in favourable was in
condition.
Proportion of
SSSI land that
% of SSSI land
in unfavourable
condition but
recovering
unfavourable
condition but
recovering
condition in April
2014.
(Increase)
There are four SSSI’s
within Vowchurch
Group-
% of SSSI land
in unfavourable
condition and
declining
increased
The proportion of
SSSI in
unfavourable
condition but
recovering is
greater than
England as a
whole, where the
figure currently
stands at 58.6%.
between 2010
and 2012 going
from 41% to
65%.
Proportion in
unfavourable
and declining
condition had
also decreased
from 4% to 1%.
05/08/14 –Caerion
Meadow-Area
(Decrease)
favourable. Pikes
Farm Meadows-Area
favourable. Wayne
Herbert Quarry-
Favourable.
Chanstone Wood-
Area favourable.
1 Derived from the Pre Submission Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal Assessment (May 2014)
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SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
13. Value,
maintain,
restore and
expand
county
biodiversity.
Natural
environment
After use of
mineral sites
especially
wildlife
habitat
creation
There is no
–
Percentage of
opportunities
taken
Should be
–
countywide or locally
specific data available
at present.
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
recommendations.
13. Value,
maintain,
restore and
expand
county
biodiversity.
Natural
environment
Phosphate
levels within
the River
Wye SAC
and adjoining
tributaries
that receive
increased
phosphates
from
Countywide data is
available; this would
not apply to this
Neighbourhood Area,
as the parish falls
outside the catchment
area for the River Wye
SAC.
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
proportional
growth.
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Page 2 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
13. Value,
maintain,
restore and
expand
county
biodiversity.
Natural
environment
Changes to
protected
habitats and
impacts of
species
within the
Herefordshir
e Local
The 2011-2013 AMR
does not contain
updated conservation
data.
There are no
formal records
of any
unacceptable
adverse
impacts on
habitats or
protected
To protect and
where possible
enhance the
habitats of
protected
Herefordshire
Biological
Records Centre
(HBRC)
holds limited data
on some
individual sites.
Herefordshire
Council AMR
(2010/11)
2010/11: 17 Habitat
Action Plans and 14
Species Action Plans
are currently in
operation across
Herefordshire.
species
identified.
No net losses
.
Biodiversity
Action Plan.
species.
Originally 156
Priority Species
were identified
for inclusion in
Herefordshire’s
LBAP.
There is no locally
specific data available
at present.
Similarly
Herefordshire’s
LBAP covered
23 habitats with
Action Plans.
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Page 3 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
13. Value,
maintain,
restore and
expand county
biodiversity.
Natural
environment
Changes in the
areas of
designated
nature
conservation
sites as a
consequence of
planning
Vowchurch and
District Group has:
As of 2012,
there had been
no change in
the areas of
designated
nature
To capitalise
on
opportunities to Records Centre
enhance the
areas of value
to nature
conservation
as much as
Herefordshire
Biological
Herefordshire
Council Initial
Screening Report
for the
Neighbourhood
Plan 2013
SSSI: 4
SWS: 32
(HBRC)
holds limited data
on some
Ancient woodlands:
24
conservation
sites as a
Individual sites.
permission.
consequence of possible.
the planning
permissions
There are no, NNRs,
SINCs and LNRs
within the parish.
granted.
SACs- River Wye
(including the River
Lugg) SAC is 4.1KM
away from the parish,
but Vowchurch &
District watercourses
(River Dore) fall into
the River Wye SAC.
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Page 4 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
13. Value,
maintain,
restore and
expand
county
biodiversity.
Natural
environment
Proportion of
local sites
where positive
conservation
management
has or is
The Parish Area has
the following
landscape types:
–
No specific
targets
identified.
Should be
Herefordshire
Landscape
Character
Assessment (2004
updated 2009)
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
Wooded hills and
farmlands.
being
implemented.
recommendations.
Principle timbered
farmlands.
Principle settled
farmlands.
SEA Topic covered by objectives: Material assets
14. Use natural
resources and
energy more
efficiently.
Resource
consumption
and climate
change
Maintaining
Herefordshire
Council’s
County Site
and
Countywide data
would be too large to
incorporate into this
template.
–
No specific
targets
identified, but
need to ensure
that the
Should be
Herefordshire
Environmental
Records Register
(search July 2014).
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
Monuments
Register.
There are numerous
scheduled
monuments in
register is kept
up to date.
recommendations.
Vowchurch & District
Group according to
the latest version of
the register.
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Page 5 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
14. Use natural
resources and
energy more
efficiently.
Resource
consumption
and climate
change
Monitoring
changes to
historic
Historic Landscape
Character
assessments have
only been undertaken
for Hereford City.
–
No specific
targets
identified.
Should be
Historic Landscape
Character
Assessment for
Hereford.
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
landscapes.
Rapid townscape
Assessments
(2010)
Rapid townscape
Assessments (2010)
were only undertaken
for Hereford, Ledbury
and Ross
recommendations.
SEA Topic covered by objective: Population, Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
Number of
There is no
15. Value,
protect,
enhance and
restore the
landscape
Natural
environment
–
No specific
targets
identified.
Should be
–
developments
meeting and
surpassing
national design
standards.
countywide or locally
specific data available
at present.
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
quality of
Herefordshire,
including its
rural areas and
open spaces.
recommendations.
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Page 6 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
The need for,
frequency and
outcomes of
planning
enforcement
investigations/
planning
15. Value,
protect,
enhance and
restore the
landscape
Natural
environment
Countywide data
would be too large to
incorporate into this
template.
No historic
records of any
planning
enforcement
action
concerning
locally
important
buildings.
To wherever
possible
improve upon
or otherwise
maintain
Current status must
be verified by Dvt
Mgt and
Council Dvt Mgt
records (searched
July 2014)
Enforcement
Officers, but the
NDP can help to
avoid enforcement
action and appeals
during the plan
period.
There is one
quality of
current status.
outstanding appeal in
Turnastone (minor
application)
concerning locally
important buildings at
present.
Herefordshire,
including its
rural areas and
open spaces.
appeals
concerning
aspects of
local loss of
heritage assets
and locally
important
buildings
particularly
within a
There are no
conservation
areas within
Vowchurch and
District Group.
conservation
area
SEA Topic covered by objective: Climatic Factors
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Page 7 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
16. Reduce
Resource
consumption
and climate
change.
Transport
patronage by
mode
% of Herefordshire
residents who travel to people cycling
work by:
The number of
To increase the There are a lack of
2011 Census
Herefordshire’s
vulnerability to
the impacts of
climate change
as well as its
contribution to
the problem.
take up of
alternative
transport options for
many rural
or travelling by
bus as the main modes to the
communities and
therefore high car
ownership and
Car: 70.1%
Foot: 14.7:
Bicycle: 4.3%
Bus: 2%
Train: 0.8%
Motorbike: 0.8%
Taxi: 0.3%
Other: 7%
form transport
to get to work
declined
between 2001
and 2011 –
across England
and Wales
there was little
change in
either. Walking
or driving a car
or van on the
other hand
private car.
dependency – the
last decade has
seen a 15 per cent
increase in
household car
ownership,
although this is not
reflected in traffic
flows of recent
years with volumes
in Hereford City and
wider county having
decreased. The
proportion of people
working from home
increased over the
decade from 15 per
cent in 2001 to 17
per cent in 2011.
There is no locally
specific data available
at present
increased.
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Page 8 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
16. Reduce
Resource
consumption
and climate
change.
Number of
decentralised
energy
schemes
granted
There is no
–
To contribute
towards the
national target.
Should be
–
Herefordshire’s
vulnerability to
the impacts of
climate change
as well as its
contribution to
the problem.
countywide or locally
specific data available
at present.
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
permission.
recommendations.
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Page 9 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
16. Reduce
Resource
consumption
and climate
Total CO2
emissions per
capita
Latest figure dates
back to 2010: 1.61
million tonnes (mtCO²) Herefordshire’s
total and per
There is no locally
specific data available
at present.
Between 2005
and 2010
To reduce the
overall carbon
emissions.
CO² emissions
produced are
decreasing.
Understanding
Herefordshire: An
integrated needs
assessment (June
2013).
Herefordshire’s
vulnerability to
the impacts of
climate change
as well as its
contribution to
the problem.
capita carbon
emission
reduced by 7%
and 8%
respectively;
while UK’s total
and per capita
carbon
emission
reduced by 8%
and 12%
respectively
within the same
period. This
trend hides an
increase in
emissions
between 2009
and 2010 when
total emissions
in the county
increased by
5% the same
as across the
UK (+5%).
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Page 10 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
SEA Topic covered by objective: Water
17.
risk of
and the
resulting
detriment to
public
wellbeing, the
economy and
the
Reduce the
Natural
environment
Number of
planning
permissions
granted
contrary to the
advice of the
Environment
Agency on
flood defence
grounds.
The 2011-2013 AMR
does not contain
updated conservation
data.
There have
been no
approvals
contrary to EA
advice since
reporting began
in 2004.
To have no
applications
permitted
contrary to EA
advice.
Herefordshire
Council AMR
(2010/11)
None identified.
flooding
2010/11: None
There is no locally
specific data available
at present.
environment.
SEA Topic covered by objective: Water, air, soil, material assets
18. Minimise
local and global
pollution and
protect or
enhance
environmental
resources.
Natural
environment
Agricultural
land usage by
quality. LA to
monitor the
number of
hectares of the
best and most
versatile
The agricultural land
classification around
Vowchurch Group is
mainly Grades 3 and
4 (Good-Moderate to
Poor), and small
–
Measure the
number of
Should be
DEFRA ‘Magic’
website for land
classification
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
hectares of
best and most
versatile soil
lost through
development.
patches of grade 2
land which is graded
recommendations.
agricultural land as very good.
(grades 3a and
higher) lost to
development.
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Page 11 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
18. Minimise
local and global
pollution and
protect or
enhance
environmental
resources.
Natural
environment
Percentage of
river length
assessed as
good or very
good chemical
quality and
ecological
quality as
required by the
Water
Latest figure dates
back to 2005: 84%
Figure steadily
improved
before going
into decline:
To ensure that
rivers meet
their
conservation
objectives and
do not fall
below the
required
None identified.
The State of
Herefordshire
Report
There is no locally
specific data available
at present.
(2007)
Herefordshire
1999 85.9%,
2000 89.5%,
2001 92.2%,
2002 91.8%
Water Framework
Directive (2000)
standard of
quality.
Framework
Directive
SEA Topic covered by objective: Soil
19. Ensure
integrated,
efficient and
balanced land
use.
Built
environment
Percentage of
all new
development
completed on
previously
2010/11: 67%
2011-13: 57%
Completions on
PDL had risen
to 71% by
To increase the The number of
Herefordshire
Council AMR
(2010/11) and
(2011-2013)
number of
brownfield
homes built on
completions has
2005.
PDL in line with fallen slightly in
There is no locally
specific data available
at present.
the provisions
of national
recent years,
though this is
d
eveloped land.
planning policy. probably the
offshoot of tough
market conditions.
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Page 12 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
19. Ensure
integrated,
efficient and
balanced land
use.
Built
environment
Housing
There is no
–
No specific
targets
identified.
Should be
–
densities in
urban and rural
areas
countywide or locally
specific data available
at present.
monitored through
AMR following the
adoption of the
Core Strategy, in
line with SA
recommendations.
19. Ensure
integrated,
efficient and
balanced land
use.
Built
environment
Level of
There is no
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
development
in urban areas
compared to
rural.
countywide or locally
specific data available
at present.
This indicator would
not be applicable to
rural NDPs.
SEA Topic covered by objective: Cultural heritage
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Page 13 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
20. Value,
Built
environment
Number and
percentage of
listed
buildings and
Scheduled
Ancient
Monuments
on Buildings
at Risk
Up-to-date countywide There were 70
To improve the
condition of the
The Barn and
Buildings at Risk
Register (English
Heritage; search
July 2014)
protect and
enhance the
character and
built quality of
settlements and
neighbourhoods
and the
county’s
heritage assets,
including
conservation
areas, historic
environment
and cultural
heritage.
information will be
heritage assets
attached cowhouse
as well as Gibes
Farmhouse at
Michealchurch
Escley are both
considered to be at
risk at present.
presented in the next
in Herefordshire II* Barn and
AMR and which is due that were
cowhouse,
both need
to be published in
2014. However, this
data would be too
large to incorporate
into this template.
considered to
be at high risk
and included in
the Heritage at
Risk Register
2014.
comprehensive
repair. Gibes
Farmhouse
also needs
comprehensive
repair.
Register
(English
Heritage).
There are numerous
listed buildings within
the parish and eight
Scheduled Ancient
Monuments. There
are two buildings
recorded in the
To promote
opportunities to
achieve the
removal of
heritage assets
from the at risk
register.
Buildings at Risk
Register.
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Page 14 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A2 (Vowchurch and District Group)
Review of Baseline Information (July 2014)
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SA Objective1
SA Theme
Proposed
indicator
Current status
Trends
Targets
Issues and
constraints
Baseline
(information)
source
The need for,
frequency and
outcomes of
planning
enforcement
investigations/
planning
20. Value,
Built
environment
Countywide data
would be too large to
incorporate into this
template.
No historic
records of any
planning
enforcement
action
concerning
locally
important
buildings .
To wherever
possible
improve upon
or otherwise
maintain
Current status must
be verified by
Development
Management and
Enforcement
Officers, but the
NDP can help to
avoid enforcement
action and appeals
during the plan
period.
Council
protect and
enhance the
character and
built quality of
settlements and
neighbourhoods
and the
county’s
heritage assets,
including
conservation
areas, historic
environment
and cultural
heritage.
Development
Management
records (searched
July 2014)
There are no
current status.
conservation areas
within Vowchurch &
District group.
appeals
concerning
aspects of local
loss of heritage
assets, locally
important
buildings within
the parish and
particularly
There is no
outstanding
enforcement action
local loss of heritage
assets locally
important buildings
within Vowchurch &
District at present.
within a
conservation
area.
There is one
outstanding appeal in
Turnastone (minor
application)
concerning locally
important buildings at
present.
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Page 15 of 15
SEA Scoping: Task A3 (Vowchurch & District Group)
Environmental issues (July 2014)
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Appendix A3 – Environmental issues identified from Vowchurch & District Group baseline
These environmental issues are the same as most of those identified for the Herefordshire Core Strategy1
SEA Topic
Environmental issue
SA objectives
High reliance upon the private car causing high levels of air pollution and in Hereford in particular
Need to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging alternative modes of travel.
1
Air
Objective 16
Habitats and species of national, regional and local importance are under pressure from the
adaptation and diversification of farming and forestry employment.
2
Biodiversity
Objectives 13 &15
Habitats and species of national, regional and local importance are under pressure from
development
Minimise loss of biodiversity and expand opportunities for wildlife everywhere.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through planning, design and build.
3
4
Climatic factors
Cultural heritage
Objective 16
Objective 20
Vowchurch & District Group has numerous Scheduled Ancient Monuments and listed buildings, all
of which require ongoing protection and many in need of high levels of maintenance.
Conserve and enhance the character and quality of historic landscapes, including all types of
natural flora and fauna.
5
6
Flora and fauna
Material assets
Objective 15
How the countryside can continue to be managed in an economically, socially and environmentally
beneficial way in the face of continuing pressures on traditional farming.
Objectives 14 & 18
Minimise energy waste through good designs, which help to reduce energy consumption and
maximise efficiency.
Need to avoid enforcement investigations/action concerning locally important buildings and those
within conservation areas in particular.
Promoting development of previously developed land and buildings as opposed to greenfield sites
or agricultural land of the highest quality.
7
8
Population
Soil
Objective 15
Objectives 18 & 19
1 Derived from the Pre-submission Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal Assessment (May 2014) and LDF General Scoping Report (June 2007)
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
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SEA Scoping: Task A3 (Vowchurch & District Group)
Environmental issues (July 2014)
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Issues relating to availability of resources, foul drainage, pollution, and abstraction in a county
which supports water dependent biodiversity of international and national importance, given the
predicted climate change consequences for water availability and demanding projections for new
housing.
9
Water
Objectives 17 & 18
Steady decline in the chemical quality of rivers over the last 10 years.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
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Template A4: SEA Framework
SEA Scoping Stage A, Task A4 – SEA Framework SEA Objectives, Indicators, Targets
Parish Council Name: Vowchurch and District Group
Neighbourhood Development Plan Name: Vowchurch and District Group Neighbourhood Plan
Date completed: July 2014
SEA Topics
SA Objective
SEA Objective
Sub-objectives / Appraisal
Questions (Will the
Indicators
Targets
option/proposal/site…)
Nature
To maintain and
enhance nature
conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
Value, maintain,
restore or expand
county
Net change in condition of SSSIs
across Herefordshire.
% of SSSI land in
favourable condition
(Increase)
•
Protect or enhance
habitats of
international,
national, regional or
local importance.
Conservation
(Biodiversity,
flora and
fauna)
biodiversity.
% of SSSI land in
unfavourable condition but
recovering (Increase)
% of SSSI land in
unfavourable condition and
declining (Decrease)
Value, protect,
enhance or
restore the
landscape quality
of Herefordshire,
including its rural
areas and open
spaces.
•
•
•
Protect international,
national, regional or
locally important
terrestrial or aquatic
species.
After use of mineral sites
especially wildlife habitat creation
Maintain wildlife
Percentage of opportunities
taken
corridors and minimise
fragmentation of
ecological areas and
green spaces.
Changes to protected habitats
and impacts of species within the
Herefordshire Local Biodiversity
Action Plan.
To protect and where
possible enhance the
habitats of protected
species identified.
No net losses
Manage access to sites
in a sustainable way
that protects or
enhances their nature
conservation value.
•
•
Create new appropriate
habitats.
Value, enhance and
protect natural
environmental assets
including AONB’s,
historic landscapes,
open spaces, parks and
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SEA Topics
SA Objective
SEA Objective
Sub-objectives / Appraisal
Questions (Will the
Indicators
Targets
option/proposal/site…)
gardens and their
settings
•
Encourage local
stewardship of local
environments, for
example by promoting
best practices in
agricultural
management
•
Ensure that
environmental impacts
caused by mineral
operations and the
transport of minerals
are minimised.
•
Promote the use of rural
areas and open space
by all, encourage easy
non-car based access,
and accommodate the
needs of disabled
users.
Landscape
Not covered in SA
To maintain and
enhance the quality of
landscapes and
townscapes
•
Protect and enhance the
landscape everywhere
and particularly in
Changes in the areas of
designated nature conservation
sites as a consequence of
planning permission.
To capitalise on
opportunities to enhance
the areas of value to nature
conservation as much as
possible.
designated areas
To improve quality of
surroundings
•
•
Value and protect
diversity and local
distinctiveness
Proportion of local sites where
positive conservation
management has or is being
implemented.
No specific targets
identified.
Improve landscape and
ecological quality and
character of the
countryside
Monitoring changes to historic
landscapes.
No specific targets
identified.
•
•
Improve the quantity
and quality of publicly
accessible open space
Area resulting in a loss of open
space as a result of planning
permission
No specific targets
identified
Improve satisfaction of
people with their
neighbourhoods as
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SEA Topics
SA Objective
SEA Objective
Sub-objectives / Appraisal
Questions (Will the
option/proposal/site…)
places to live
Indicators
Targets
•
•
•
Decrease litter and
graffiti in towns and
countryside
Result in the loss of
open space
Heritage
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance
the historic
environment , heritage
assets and culture
heritage
The need for, frequency and
Preserve, protect and
enhance heritage assets outcomes of planning
Value, protect or
enhance the
To improve upon or
otherwise maintain current
status.
including conservation
areas, listed buildings,
archaeological sites and
other culturally
important features in
both urban and rural
settings.
enforcement investigations/
planning appeals concerning the
aspects of local loss of locally
important buildings within a
conservation area.
character and
built quality of
settlements and
neighbourhoods
and the county’s
heritage assets,
historic
To improve upon or
otherwise maintain current
status.
Number and percentage of listed
buildings and Scheduled Ancient
Monuments on Buildings at Risk
Register (English Heritage).
environment and
cultural heritage.
•
•
Prevent development
which is inappropriate
in scale, form or
design to its setting
or to its function or
local area.
Ensure that Herefordshire
Council’s
Sites and Monuments Register is
kept up to date.
No specific targets
identified, but need to
ensure that the register is
kept up to date.
Encourage
development that
creates and sustains
well-designed, high
quality built
environments that
incorporate green
space, encourage
biodiversity and
promote local
distinctiveness and
sense of place.
•
Encourage
cleanliness and/or
improve the general
appearance of the
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SEA Topics
SA Objective
SEA Objective
Sub-objectives / Appraisal
Questions (Will the
option/proposal/site…)
area.
Indicators
Targets
Air and
Climate
To improve air quality
Minimise local
and global
pollution and
protect or
enhance
environmental
resources.
Transport patronage by mode
To increase the take up of
alternative modes to the
private car.
•
Minimise water, air,
soil, groundwater,
noise and light
To reduce the effect of
traffic on the
environment
pollution from
Number of decentralised energy
schemes granted permission.
To contribute towards the
national target.
current activities
and the potential for
such pollution.
To reduce contributions
to climate change
Total CO2 emissions per capita
To reduce the overall
carbon emissions.
•
•
Protect or enhance
the quality of
watercourses.
Reduce
To reduce vulnerability
to climate change
Herefordshire’s
vulnerability to the
impacts of climate
change as well as
its contribution to
the problem.
Provide opportunities
to improve soil quality
or reduce
contaminated land.
•
Reduce the county’s
contribution to
climate change by
reducing
greenhouse gas
emissions from
transport, domestic,
commercial and
industrial sources.
•
Increase the
proportion of energy
generated from
renewable and low
carbon sources
including by micro-
generation,
Combined Heat and
Power (CHP),
district heating and
in transportation.
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SEA Topics
SA Objective
SEA Objective
Sub-objectives / Appraisal
Questions (Will the
Indicators
Targets
option/proposal/site…)
Water
To improve water
quality
Reduce the risk
of flooding and
the resulting
Number of planning permissions
granted contrary to the advice of
the Environment Agency on flood
defence grounds.
To have no applications
permitted contrary to EA
advice.
•
Reduce flood risk
both presently
and taking into
account climate
change.
To provide for
sustainable sources of
water supply
detriment to
public well-being,
the economy and
the environment.
Percentage of river length
assessed as good or very good
chemical quality and ecological
quality
To ensure that rivers meet
their conservation
objectives and do not fall
below the required
standard of quality as set
out in the Water
Framework Directive.
•
Prevent
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
inappropriate
development of
the floodplain,
and include flood
protection
Minimise local
and global
pollution and
protect or
enhance
environmental
resources.
systems.
Phosphate levels within the River
Wye SAC and adjoining tributaries
that receive increased phosphates
from proportional growth.
To meet the targets set out
in the Nutrient
Management Plan (2014)
•
•
Include
sustainable urban
drainage systems
where
appropriate.
Minimise water,
air, soil,
groundwater,
noise and light
pollution from
current activities
and the potential
for such pollution.
•
Protect or
enhance the
quality of
watercourses.
Soil
To conserve soil
resources and quality
Minimise local
and global
pollution and
protect or
enhance
environmental
resources.
Percentage of all new
development completed on
previously developed land.
To increase the number of
homes built on PDL in line
with the provisions of
• Minimise water, air, soil,
groundwater, noise and
light pollution from current
activities and the potential
for such pollution.
Ensure integrated,
efficient and
balanced land use.
national planning policy.
Measure the number of
hectares of best and most
versatile soil lost through
development.
Amount of land identified as best and
most versatile agricultural land lost to
development.
• Provide opportunities to
improve soil quality or
reduce contaminated land.
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SEA Topics
SA Objective
SEA Objective
Sub-objectives / Appraisal
Questions (Will the
Indicators
Targets
option/proposal/site…)
Ensure
• Ensure new developments
are in appropriate
locations, optimising the
use of previously
integrated,
efficient and
balanced land
use.
developed land and
buildings, primarily
focussed on the urban
areas and are accessible
by walking, cycling or
sustainable transport
and/or will increase the
share of these transport
modes, thereby reducing
the need to travel.
Population
and Human
Health
To improve health of
the population
Number of developments meeting
and surpassing national design
Value, protect,
enhance or
restore the
landscape quality
of Herefordshire,
including its rural
areas and open
spaces.
No specific targets
identified.
•
Value, enhance and
protect natural
environmental assets
including AONB’s,
historic landscapes,
open spaces, parks
and gardens and
their settings.
To reduce crime and
nuisance
•
Encourage local
stewardship of local
environments, for
example by
promoting best
practices in
agricultural
management.
•
•
Ensure that
environmental
impacts caused by
mineral operations
and the transport of
minerals are
minimised.
Promote the use of
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SEA Topics
SA Objective
SEA Objective
Sub-objectives / Appraisal
Questions (Will the
option/proposal/site…)
rural areas and open
space by all,
Indicators
Targets
encourage easy non-
car based access,
and accommodate
the needs of disabled
users.
Material
Assets
To conserve natural
and manmade
resources
The need for, frequency and
outcomes of planning
enforcement investigations/
planning appeals concerning the
aspects of local loss of locally
important buildings within a
conservation area.
Use natural
resources and
energy more
efficiently.
Measure the number of
hectares of best and most
versatile soil lost through
development.
No specific targets
identified.
• Maximise energy efficiency
and minimise the
consumption of non-
renewable energy i.e. from
fossil fuels.
• Minimise the consumption
of water, land, soil,
Minimise local
and global
pollution and
protect or
enhance
environmental
resources.
minerals, aggregates and
other raw materials by all?
E.g. through integrated
transport, sustainable
resource-efficient design,
local sourcing of food,
goods, materials.
Maintaining Herefordshire
No specific targets
identified, but need to
ensure that the register is
kept up to date.
Council’s
County Site and
Monuments Register.
Monitoring changes to historic
landscapes.
No specific targets
identified.
• Encourage the re-
use/enhancement (to high
standards of sustainable
resource-efficient design) of
existing buildings and
minimise the need for new
build.
Agricultural land usage by quality
Measure the number of
hectares of best and most
versatile soil lost through
development.
• Encourage the use of clean
technologies and water
minimisation techniques.
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Appendix 3
Date:
Our ref:
15 January 2015
139243
Your ref: Neighbourhood Area SEA Scoping
Mr J. Latham
Technical Support Officer
Neighbourhood Planning, Strategic Planning & Conservation teams
Herefordshire Council
Planning Services,
Blueschool House,
Blueschool Street
Hereford,
Customer Services
Hornbeam House
Crewe Business Park
Electra Way
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 6GJ
T 0300 060 3900
HR1 2ZB
BY EMAIL ONLY
Dear Mr Latham
Neighbourhood Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping and Habitat Regulations
Assessment Screening for:
Ballingham, Bolstone & Hentland Group;
Kington, Kington Rural & Lower Harpton and Huntington
Upton Bishop
Vowchurch & District Group
Weston Beggard
Thank you for your consultation on the above dated and received by Natural England on 04
December 2014.
Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the
natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future
generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
We welcome the production of this SEA Scoping report. With respect to the natural environment
Natural England wishes to make the following comments which are intended to further improve the
SEA and its usefulness in assessing the Neighbourhood Plan.
Appendix A1 – Plans, policies and programmes
All that refer to:
Malvern Hills AONB Management Plan 2009- 2014, we advise referring to the more up to date
Wye Valley AONB Management Plan 2009-2014, we advise also referring to Draft Wye Valley
Page 1 of 3
Appendix A2 – Baseline information
Biodiversity, flora and fauna
Ballingham, Bolstone & Hentland Group
Under objective-13. “Value, maintain, restore or expand county biodiversity”, proposed indicator:
“Phosphate levels within the River Wye SAC and adjoining tributaries that receive increased
phosphates from proportional growth” there are no trends, targets, issues and constraints and would
refer you to the other Neighbourhood Area Scoping Report we have been consulted on which do
include these details.
Upton Bishop
Under objective-13. “Value, maintain, restore or expand county biodiversity”, proposed indicator-
“Net change to condition of SSSIs across Herefordshire”, it is stated under Current Status that
“there are no SSSIs within the Neighbourhood area”. Whilst this statement is correct, consideration
should be made of impacts to SSSIs outside the Neighbourhood Area which could be impacted by
Neighbourhood Area plan.
All
Under the proposed indicator “Changes to protected habitats and impacts of species within the
Herefordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan”, we advise an additional or at least the following
baseline information source -Maps of priority habitats and species are available on Magic, Defra’s
GIS package for environmental assets (www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk). We note that
some of the report refer to the Herefordshire Council AMR (2010/11) as a baseline information
source- could this be applied to all of them?
Water, air, soil and material assets
All
This section (or suitable alternative) should include information on geodiversity. The baseline and
assessment should make reference to geological conservation and the need to conserve, interpret
and manage geological sites and features, both in the wider environment and in relation to
designated features. The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust may be of
assistance.
Appendix A3 – Environmental issues identified from the baseline
All
Natural England welcomes the environmental issues identified.
Appendix A4 – SEA Framework
All
Under topic “Nature Conservation”– “Value, maintain, restore or expand county biodiversity”, we
advise that any indicators chosen should allow for the monitoring of the effects of the plan on the
objective concerned, and not the objective more generally. Thus, for example, condition of Sites of
Special Scientific Interest is not a useful thing to monitor, but impacts of the plan on Sites of Special
Scientific Interest might be.
Under the SEA topic “Landscape” reference could be made to the county Landscape Character
Assessment and Landscape Characterisation studies including Historic Landscape Characterisation
if this has been carried out.
Under SEA topic “material assets”, there are no targets identified against the indicator “monitoring
changes to the historic landscape”. We suggest that the LPA could utilise Historic Landscape
Characterisation studies and monitor the number of applications permitted despite a significant
impact on the landscape having been identified.
Page 2 of 3
Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening
We would remind you of one of the basic conditions that a draft neighbourhood plan or Order must
met, as set out in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012, which states that ‘The making of
the neighbourhood development plan is not likely to have a significant effect on a European site’.
Kington, Kington Rural & Lower Harpton and Huntington
Weston Beggard
We welcome this initial assessment and agree that a full screening exercise will be required to
assess the impacts on the River Wye (including the River Lugg) Special Area of Conservation
(SAC).
Ballingham, Bolstone & Hentland Group;
We welcome this initial assessment and agree that a full screening exercise will be required to
assess the impacts on the River Wye (including the River Lugg) SAC and Wye Valleys Woodlands
SAC
Upton Bishop
We welcome this initial assessment and agree that a full screening exercise will be required to
assess the impacts on the River Wye (including the River Lugg) SAC, Wye Valley & Forest of Dean
Bat Sites SAC.
Vowchurch & District Group
We welcome this initial assessment and agree that a full screening exercise will not be required.
We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any
queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Gillian Driver on 0300
060 4335. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please
We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a
feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.
Yours sincerely
Gillian Driver
Miss Gililan Driver
Planning Adviser
South Mercia Team
Page 3 of 3
WEST MIDLANDS REGION
Neighbourhood Planning Team
Herefordshire Council
Planning Services
PO Box 230
Blueschool House
Blueschool Street
Hereford
Our ref:
Your ref:
Telephone
Fax
0121 625 6887
0121 625 6820
HR1 2ZB.
05 January 2015
Dear Sir or Madam
CONSULTATION ON SEA SCOPING REPORTS FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD
PLANS IN: Ballingham, Bolstone & Hentland Group; Kington, Kington Rural &
Lower Harpton and Huntington; Upton Bishop; Vowchurch & District Group;
Weston Beggard.
Thank you for your e-mail and the invitation to comment on the SEA Scoping Reports for
the Neighbourhood Plans listed above. We have no substantive objection to the contents of
the documents. However, having considered the above Neighbourhood Plans please note
that overall our comments and recommendations to you in relation to these remain
substantively the same as those which we communicated to you in our letter of the 15th
August 2014 in response to the first tranche of SEA Scoping Reports. We urge you to refer
back to and consider these representations before finalizing the reports in relation to the
above Neighbourhood Plans also.
Specifically in relation to the seventh tranche of consultations we note that all of the SEA
Scoping Reports appear to have anomalous references to SAM’s, the Herefordshire SMR,
monitoring changes to historic landscapes and historic landscape character assessments in
relation to SA Objective 14 “Use natural resources and energy more effectively”.
Presumably this is unintentional? Is there some confusion as between the Herefordshire
Sites and Monuments Register and the Herefordshire Environmental Records Register?
Would these elements in fact be more relevant under SA Objectives 15 and 20?
Other than that we note the SEA Frameworks sections of the SEA’s submitted are generally
commendable in their approach of including references to historic landscape and townscape
quality, the maintenance of the Herefordshire SMR and conservation and wherever possible
enhancement of locally significant heritage assets. We also particularly commend the
treatment of “Heritage at Risk” and the commitment to put measures in place to assist in
the removal of heritage assets from the register, also the commitment to encourage the
retention and re-use of existing buildings.
A final minor comment is to simply highlight a typographical error in Appendix A3 of the
Ballingham, Bolstone & Hentland Group where S.4 “Cultural Heritage” erroneously
references “Eardisley Group”.
I hope this is helpful.
Yours faithfully
Pete Boland
Historic Places Adviser
E-mail: peter.boland@english-heritage.org.uk
Appendix 4
SEA Task B1 (Vowchurch)
Review of NDP Objectives against SEA Objectives (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NDP Objectives versus SEA Objectives (SMART and Compatibility Test)
SEA Stage B1
Key:
SMART criteria:
The following matrix appraises the emerging
Vowchurch and District Group NDP
Objectives in terms of their SMART criteria
and their compatibility with the SEA
Objectives.
+
Compatible
S – Specific:
NDP objectives should specify what is intended to be done in detail and should not be open to a wide range of misinterpretations.
It should be possible to monitor NDP objectives in a quantifiable way, by the use of indicators. Indicators should be measurable with limited resource
implications.
–
Possible conflict
Neutral
M – Measurable:
0
X
?
A – Attainable/achievable:
R – Realistic:
NDP objectives should be achievable and deliverable, related to the scale of growth proposed.
These objectives have been developed from
both Government guidance on SEA and
from the local evidence base gathered for
identifying the NDP issues.
No relationship between
objectives
NDP objectives should relate to the overall vision of the plan. Likewise, chosen indicators should relate to objectives and their outcomes.
Unclear, more information
needed
Objectives should be specific to the NDP period or another specified time-frame. Objectives should be associated with a target and indicators should
specify when the target should be achieved.
T – Time-Bound:
SEA Objectives
1. To maintain or enhance nature conservation (biodiversity, flora and fauna)
2. To maintain or enhance the quality of landscapes and townscapes
3. To improve quality of surroundings
4. To conserve or where appropriate enhance the historic environment and cultural heritage
5. To improve air quality
6. To reduce the effect of traffic on the environment
7. To reduce contributions to climate change
8. To reduce vulnerability to climate change
9. To improve water quality
10. To provide for sustainable sources of water supply
11. To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk
12. To conserve soil resources and quality
13. To minimise the production of waste
14. To improve the health of the population
15. To reduce crime and nuisance
16. To conserve natural and manmade resources
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Page 1 of 2
SEA Task B1 (Vowchurch)
Review of NDP Objectives against SEA Objectives (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NDP objectives
Objective 1
SEA objectives
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Conclusions
Recommendations
SMART Test of NDP objective
After SMART
objective
At this stage more
information is required
to assess the
SEA objectives should
be taken into account
during the formulation of
the policies for growth.
This objective is specific and can
be monitored via indicators within
the Annual Monitoring Report. The
Vowchurch and District
Neighbourhood Plan does not
indicates any review period which
would be a useful addition. This
objective is achievable and
deliverable and aims to meet the
overall vision for the area. It is
considered that this objective
meets the SMART criteria.
Consideration of a
period of
monitoring
policies being
included within
the plan.
Meet local
housing needs
compatibility with the
SEA objectives. This
will emerge as the
policies are assessed.
However, this has the
ability to be compatible
if in conformity with the
Core Strategy.
?
+
x
?
+
x
?
+
+
?
+
+
0
+
x
0
?
+
?
+
+
?
+
x
?
+
x
+
?
?
?
Objective 2
The objective is
seeking to ensure that
development within the during the formulation of
group parish
complements the
character of the
historic and natural
environment. This has
a positive effect on the
baseline
SEA objectives should
be taken into account
The objective is achievable and
realistic and specific. The vision
indicated that the time period for
the plan is 2031.
No changes
recommended
New
development
design and
environment
the policies for growth.
+
+
+
+
Objective 3
At this stage more
information is required
to assess the
SEA objectives should
be taken into account
during the formulation of
the policies for growth.
This objective is specific and can
be monitored via indicators within
the Annual Monitoring Report. The
Vowchurch and District
Neighbourhood Plan does not
indicates any review period which
would be a useful addition. This
objective is achievable and
deliverable and aims to meet the
overall vision for the area. It is
considered that this objective
meets the SMART criteria.
Consideration of a
period of
monitoring
policies being
included within
the plan.
Local business
and service
compatibility with the
SEA objectives. This
will emerge as the
policies are assessed.
However, this has the
ability to be compatible
if in conformity with the
Core Strategy.
x
x
+
+
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Page 2 of 2
SEA Task B2 (Vowchurch
Develop and refinement of NDP options (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Objectives verses
SEA Objectives
(SMART and
Compatibility Test)
Key:
SMART criteria:
SEA Stage B1
+ =
Compatible
S – Specific:
NDP objectives should specify what is intended to be done in detail and should not be open to a wide range of misinterpretations
The following matrix appraises the emerging
Vowchurch Neighbourhood Plan options in
terms of their SMART criteria and their
compatibility with the SEA Objectives. These
have been developed from Government
guidance on SEA and from the local
evidence base gathered for identifying the
NDP issues.
– =
Possible conflict
Neutral
M – Measurable:
It should be possible to monitor NDP objectives in a quantifiable way, by the use of indicators. Indicators should be measurable with limited resource implications.
NDP objectives should be achievable and deliverable, related to the scale of growth proposed
A –
0 =
X =
Attainable/achievable:
No relationship between
objectives
R – Realistic:
NDP objectives should relate to the overall vision of the plan. Likewise, chosen indicators should relate to objectives and their outcomes.
Unclear, more information
needed
? =
Objectives should be specific to the NDP period or another specified time-frame. Objectives should be associated with a target and indicators should specify when
the target should be achieved.
T – Time-Bound:
Baseline carried over from Stage A
SEA Objectives
1-Up-to-date countywide information will be presented in the next AMR and which is due to be published in 2014. The 2010/11 data indicates that 27% of Herefordshire’s SSSI land was in favourable
condition. At August 2014, there are four SSSI’s within Vowchurch District Group – Caerion Meadow-Area (favourable). Pikes Farm Meadows-Area (favourable). Wayne Herbert Quarry-(Favourable).
Chanstone Wood-Area (favourable)
1- To maintain and enhance nature conservation (biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
2- To maintain and enhance the quality of landscapes and townscapes
3- To improve quality of surroundings
In 2010/11: 17 Habitat Action Plans and 14 Species Action Plans are currently in operation across Herefordshire, however no locally specific data is available.
Vowchruch District Group has: SSSI: 4, SWS: 32, Ancient woodlands:24. There are no, NNRs and SINCs within the parish. There is no locally specific data available at present.
2-There are no outstanding enforcement actions or appeals concerning locally important buildings within conservation area as there are no conservation areas within the parish.
4- To conserve and where appropriate enhance the historic
environment and culture heritage
3-In terms of Vowchurch District Group, 1.88 ha of playing pitch area.1.3ha has secured community access. There is one junior football pitch. This is rated at 50% which is average quality. The sports field hosts
2 tennis courts, football, cricket pitches. All are rated at 26% which is of poor quality.
.
5- To improve air quality
6- To reduce the effect of traffic on the environment
7- To reduce contributions to climate change
8- To reduce vulnerability to climate change
9- To improve water quality
4-There are numerous listed buildings within the parish and 8 Schedule Ancient Monuments. There are two buildings at risk on the register
5-Between 2005 and 2010 Herefordshire’s total and per capita carbon emission reduced by 7% and 8% respectively; while UK’s total and per capita carbon emission reduced by 8% and 12% respectively
within the same period. This suggests that air quality is improving.
6-% of Herefordshire residents who travel to work by: Car: 70.1%, Foot: 14.7:,Bicycle: 4.3%,Bus: 2%, Train: 0.8%,Motorbike: 0.8%,Taxi: 0.3%,Other: 7%.
7-Herefordshire latest figure of C02 emissions per capita-dates back to 2010: 1.61 million tonnes (mtCO²)
10- To provide for sustainable sources of water supply
11- To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk
12- To conserve soil resources and quality
13- To minimise the production of waste
8-Reduce the risk of flooding-There have been no approvals contrary to EA advice since reporting began in 2004.The 2011-2013 AMR does not contain updated conservation data.
9-Percentage of river length assessed as good or very good chemical quality and ecological quality as required by the Water Framework Directive. Latest figure dates back to 2005: 84%.
10- The number of planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on flood defence grounds. However the 2001-13 AMR does not contain updated data Little Dewchurch
Parish is more susceptible to fluvial flooding. This requires a holistic integrated approach to flood risk management.
11-Number of planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on flood defence grounds. The 2011-2013 AMR does not contain updated conservation data.
14- To improve health of the population
15- To reduce crime and nuisance
12-The agricultural land classification around the Vowchurch District Group is mainly Grade 3 (good- moderate) or 4 (Poor). There are small patches of Grade 2 (very good) Percentage of all new
developments completed on previously developed land; 67% (2010) and 57% (2011-13)
16- There are numerous listed buildings within the parish and 8 Schedule Ancient Monuments. There are two buildings at risk on the register at present
16- To conserve natural and manmade resources
SEA Task B2 (Vowchurch
Develop and refinement of NDP options (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NDP
SEA objectives
Policies
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
9
10 11
12
12
13
14
15
16
16
Summary in relation to
baseline
Overall commentary and any initial
Conformity with Core Strategy
cumulative effects/ Recommendations
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
9
10 11
Baseline
Option 1
Do nothing option is essential
not to produce a
All developments would need to be in
conformity with the Core Strategy. The
Core Strategy has been subject to a
Sustainability Appraisal and policies met
the SEA objectives.
n/a
Do nothing
neighbourhood plan and rely
on the criteria policies within
the Core Strategy to guide
further development. Specific
policies and proposals for the
parishes would not exist.
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Option 2
Allocation of sites for housing
or other uses would give
certainty to future development. the area particularly within Vowchurch,
Specific environmental issues
could be investigated during
the site search and be
Pursuing this option would give greater
certainty over future development within
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA.
Allocate sites
for housing
Michealchurch Escley and Lower Maes-
coyd villages, where proportional growth
is expected. If required mitigation criteria
can be added to site allocations policies
positively addressed within the
++
++
++
++
++
+
++
++ ++
+
++
+
policy wording. The designation to ensure all SEA objectives are
++
of a settlement boundary will
give additional certainty and
help define those areas
achieved.
considered as the built form
and open countryside This
option could have a positive
effect on the baseline.
Option 3
The designation of a settlement Any settlement boundary would need to
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA.
boundary will give additional
certainty and help define those
areas considered as the built
form and open countryside.
This can aid the direction of
further growth to maintain the
quality of the landscape and
surroundings. There is less
certainty over the positive
effects on the baseline as any
growth with be adjudged by
criteria based policy.
be designated to ensure that sufficient
capacity was included to permit the
proportional growth requirements within
Policy RA2 of the Core Strategy. Criteria
would need to be included within the
policy to safeguard against effects on any
SEA objectives.
Manage
future
housing
using a
settlement
boundary
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Option 4
Criteria based policy does not
give the same level of certainty
as the other options as it will be
more reactionary than proactive
in terms of growth proposals.
However provide criteria is
added to the policy to
Criteria would need to be included within
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA
Manage
future
housing
growth by
criteria base
policy
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
safeguard or mitigate against
any harm, the option will have a
positive effect on the baseline.
SEA Task B2 (Vowchurch
Develop and refinement of NDP options (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 5
The designation of a settlement Criteria would need to be included within
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA
boundary will give additional
certainty and help define those
areas considered as the built
form and open countryside.
However, the historic form of
Lower Maes-coyd does not
make the designation of a
settlement boundary
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
Settlement
boundary for
Lower Maes-
coyd
+
O
O
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
characteristic. Most of the area
consists of individual dwellings
within and around common
land.
Option 6
Criteria based policy does not
give the same level of certainty
as the other options as it will be
more reactionary than proactive
in terms of growth proposals.
However provide criteria is
added to the policy to
Criteria would need to be included within
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA
No
settlement
boundary for
Lower Maes-
coyd
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
safeguard or mitigate against
any harm, the option will have a
positive effect on the baseline
particularly given the form and
setting of the settlement.
Option 7
A specific design policy for the
area would have a positive
effect on the baseline
Criteria would need to be included within
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA.
Design
policies for
parish
particularly with regards to
townscape, quality of
+
++
++
+
+
x
+
+
x
+
+
+
+
surroundings and historic
environment. This will enable
additional local detail to
supplement the environmental
policies of the Core Strategy.
Option 8
The allocation of employment
would add certainty however
the dominate employment
within this area has been
Criteria would need to be included within
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA.
Allocation for
employment
agricultural / land based or
small business / home working.
Purpose built employment units
would not necessary be
characteristic of the local area
and could increase traffic on
rural single track roads.
?
+
O
O
O
–
–
?
+
?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Option 9
Criteria based policy does not
give the same level of certainty
as the other options as it will be
more reactionary than proactive
in terms of growth proposals.
However provide criteria is
Criteria would need to be included within
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA.
Criteria for
small scale
business
+
+
+
+
+
development
and home
SEA Task B2 (Vowchurch
Develop and refinement of NDP options (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
working
added to the policy to
safeguard or mitigate against
any harm, the option will have a
positive effect on the baseline
particularly given the form and
setting of the settlements and
the nature of employment
growth within the area
Option 10
The control of lighting can have
a positive effect on the
Criteria would need to be included within
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA.
Specific
external
lighting policy
surrounding and the
++
+
++
+
++
+
+
+
x
x
x
x
+
+
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
environment. Darker skies can
also have a positive effect
many nocturnal species.
Option 11
Policy SD1 of the Core
Strategy does provide criteria
to safeguard against light
contamination.
Criteria would need to be included within
the policy to safeguard against effects on
any SEA objectives.
This option would meet the Core
Strategy requirements in terms of
the SEA.
No specific
lighting policy
SEA Task B2 (Vowchurch)
Develop and refinement of NDP policies (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Objectives verses
SEA Objectives
(SMART and
Compatibility Test)
Key:
SMART criteria:
SEA Stage B1
+ =
Compatible
S – Specific:
NDP objectives should specify what is intended to be done in detail and should not be open to a wide range of misinterpretations
The following matrix appraises the emerging
Vowchurch and District Neighbourhood Plan
policies in terms of their SMART criteria and
their compatibility with the SEA Objectives.
These have been developed from
Government guidance on SEA and from the
local evidence base gathered for identifying
the NDP issues.
– =
Possible conflict
Neutral
M – Measurable:
It should be possible to monitor NDP objectives in a quantifiable way, by the use of indicators. Indicators should be measurable with limited resource implications.
NDP objectives should be achievable and deliverable, related to the scale of growth proposed
A –
0 =
X =
Attainable/achievable:
No relationship between
objectives
R – Realistic:
NDP objectives should relate to the overall vision of the plan. Likewise, chosen indicators should relate to objectives and their outcomes.
Unclear, more information
needed
? =
Objectives should be specific to the NDP period or another specified time-frame. Objectives should be associated with a target and indicators should specify when
the target should be achieved.
T – Time-Bound:
NDP
SEA objectives
Policies
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
9
10 11
12
12
+
13
14
15
16
16
Summary in relation to
baseline
Overall commentary and any initial
Conformity with Core Strategy
cumulative effects/ Recommendations
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
9
10 11
Baseline
Policy 1 –
Overall the policy is compatible
and has a positive impact on
the baseline data as the criteria
is aimed at protecting the local
environment.
The policy would not lead to development
but set the environmental criteria any
development will need to address. This is
aimed at preserving and enhancing the
local characteristics and well as the
natural environment.
This policy does meet the Core
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
Protect and
enhance local
environment
++
++
++
++
+
x
+
+
+
+
+
+
Policy 2 –
Location of
future
Overall the policy is compatible
and has a positive impact on
the baseline data.
Safeguarding criteria exists
within Policy 1. Some areas of
Vowchurch and Michaelchurch
Escley are subject to flooding
and this should be reflected
within the policy.
Overall this policy meets the SEA
baseline objectives. It will only lead to
small scale development in line with
Policy H2 of the Core Strategy.
This policy does meet the Core
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
development
?
+
?
+
+
+
++
++
?
+
+
?
+
o
+
+
+
?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Include reference to avoiding an land
liable to flooding within the policy criteria.
Policy 3 –
Overall the policy is compatible
and has a positive impact on
the baseline data
This policy is compatible with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy. It will only lead to
very small and specific developments
required within the open countryside.
This policy does meet the Core
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
Development
in the open
countryside
+
+
Policy 4 –
Nature and
scale of new
homes
Overall this policy has a
positive effect on the baseline.
Some objectives will be
dependent on the specific
location, however Policy 1
contains criteria safeguards
with regards to the natural and
built environments.
It is recommended that this policy should
be read in conjunction with Policy 2 with
regards to location. Therefore this would
need lead to development itself by guide
the type and scale of development.
This policy does meet the Core
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
+
?
Recommended that cross reference is
made within the policy text to the location
element of the new housing proposals.
SEA Task B2 (Vowchurch)
Develop and refinement of NDP policies (Feb 2016)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Policy 5 –
Housing
This policy has a positive effect
on the baseline, it will net lead
to development itself but
contains criteria for new
housing developments to meet.
The policy would not lead to development
but set the environmental criteria any
development will need to address. This is
aimed at preserving and enhancing the
local characteristics and well as the
natural environment. Additional criteria is
recommended to reflect the need to avoid
land liable to flooding.
This policy does meet the Core
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
design criteria
+
++
++
+
+
x
+
+
x
+
?
+
+
Policy 6 –
Affordable
housing
Overall the policy is compatible
and has a positive impact on
the baseline data. Some
objectives will be dependent on
location of the affordable
housing schemes.
Overall this policy meets the SEA
baseline objectives. It will only lead to
small scale development in line with
Policy H2 of the Core Strategy.
This policy does meet the Core
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
?
?
?
+
x
+
+
+
x
+
x
+
+
+
x
+
x
+
x
+
x
+
x
Policy 7 –
External
lighting
The control of lighting can have
a positive effect on the
The policy meets the SEA objective.
This policy does meet the Core
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
surrounding and the
++
++
++
environment. Darker skies can
also have a positive effect
many nocturnal species.
Policy 8 –
New
Overall the policy is compatible
and has a positive impact on
the baseline data
Overall the policy is positive as it will help
to reduce the need to travel and enable
additional opportunities to work from
home. Criteria has been included which
would aim to safeguard environmental
character and quality.
The principle of this policy is
compatible with the Core Strategy
Policy E3, RA5, RA6 and meets the
Core Strategy requirements for the
purpose of the SEA.
commercial
development
x
+
+
+
+
o
o
+
+
++
+
++
+
++
+
+
+
o
o
+
x
+
+
++
+
Policy 9 –
Overall the policy is compatible
with the baseline data.
Overall the policy meets the SEA baseline This policy does meet the Core
objectives. Additional tourism visitors and
facilities can have an effect on natural
resources. Additional policy safeguards
within the Neighbourhood plan and Core
Strategy will help mitigate these issues.
Strategy requirement for the
purposes of the SEA.
New tourism
development
+
SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
Key:
++ Move
towards
significantly
+ Move towards
Marginally
– Move away
marginally
0 Neutral
? Uncertain
N/A No
relationship
– – Move away
significantly
Policy 1 – to protect and enhance the local environment
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
effects, significance of the effect and
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
opportunities
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
++
++
++
++
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
–
–
–
–
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
To improve quality of
surroundings
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
habitats.
cultural heritage
To improve air quality
+
+
+
The preservation and enhance of
many natural features will have a
positive effect on air quality
–
To reduce the effect of
x
x
x
No relationship
–
–
traffic on the environment
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
+
+
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
+
+
?
?
+
+
+
?
+
+
+
+
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
–
–
–
To improve water quality
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats. Vowchurch has areas
within Flood Zone 3 and
Reference to avoidance
of flood areas should be
included within the
criteria.
Michaelchurch Escley also
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
experience flooding to the south
west. A criteria should be added to
include reference to flooding
To conserve soil
+
+
+
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
landscape, environment and
habitats.
–
resources and quality
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
nuisance
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
+
This is a criteria based policy which
seeks to preserve and enhance the
natural and built environment,
habitats and cultural assets.
–
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
This policy is seeking to safeguard many features of the natural and built environment within any development
proposals. This will have a positive effect overall on the SEA baseline.
Policy 2 – Location of future developments in Michaelchurch Escley, Vowchurch and Lower Maes-coed
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
opportunities
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
?
+
+
+
?
+
This policy is encouraging smaller
development which are
–
–
–
–
characteristic to the form and
nature of the settlements within the
Group parish area. The
conversation of historic and existing
buildings could have an impact on
nature conservation.
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
+
+
The policy is seeking to direct
development to the settlement
boundaries for two settlements
highlighted with RA2. The criteria is
seeking to ensure that new
developments follow historic
settlement patterns or within
existing buildings.
To improve quality of
surroundings
++
++
The policy is seeking to direct
development to the settlement
boundaries for two settlements
highlighted with RA2. The criteria is
seeking to ensure that new
developments follow historic
settlement patterns or within
existing buildings.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
++
++
The policy is seeking to direct
development to the settlement
boundaries for two settlements
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
cultural heritage
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
highlighted with RA2. The criteria is
seeking to ensure that new
developments follow historic
settlement patterns or within
existing buildings.
To improve air quality
?
?
+
Proportional growth will have the
potential to increase traffic within
the area. However, the policy seeks
to locate development within
settlement boundaries or existing
buildings near to existing services
and facilities.
–
–
–
To reduce the effect of
?
?
+
Proportional growth will have the
potential to increase traffic within
the area. However, the policy seeks
to locate development within
settlement boundaries or existing
buildings near to existing services
and facilities.
traffic on the environment
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
?
+
?
+
+
This policy is in line with Policy RA2
of the Core Strategy and does not
go over and above the proportional
growth.
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
This policy is in line with Policy RA2 Include reference to
of the Core Strategy and does not
go over and above the proportional
growth. Some areas of Vowchurch
settlement and Michaelchurch
avoid of dwellings within
areas liable to flood.
Escley experience flooding. It would
be beneficial to include this within
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
To improve water quality
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
the policy criteria
+
+
?
+
+
?
+
+
+
This policy is in line with Policy RA2
of the Core Strategy and does not
go over and above the proportional
growth.
–
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
This policy is in line with Policy RA2
of the Core Strategy and does not
go over and above the proportional
growth.
–
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
This policy is in line with Policy RA2 Include reference to
of the Core Strategy and does not
go over and above the proportional
growth. Some areas of Vowchurch
settlement and Michaelchurch
Escley experience flooding. It would
be beneficial to include this within
the policy criteria
avoid of dwellings within
areas liable to flood.
To conserve soil
+
+
+
This policy is in line with Policy RA2
of the Core Strategy and does not
go over and above the proportional
growth.
–
resources and quality
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
nuisance
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
+
This policy is in line with Policy RA2
of the Core Strategy and does not
go over and above the proportional
growth.
–
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
This policy is seeking to direct development in line with Policy RA2 of the Core Strategy and contains criteria to
encourage future developments to reflect the historic character of this predominately rural area. Some
reference should be included within the criteria to safeguarding against areas liable to flooding.
Policy 3 – Development in the open countryside
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
opportunities
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
+
+
+
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
–
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
+
+
+
+
+
+
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
–
–
To improve quality of
surroundings
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
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Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
cultural heritage
+
+
+
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
–
To improve air quality
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
To reduce the effect of
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
traffic on the environment
To reduce contributions to
climate change
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
To improve water quality
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
To conserve soil
The policy is in line with the Core
Strategy
resources and quality
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
nuisance
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
+
This policy is in line with policy RA3
of the Core Strategy.
–
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
This policy is in line with policy RA3 of the Core Strategy.
Policy 4 Nature and scale of new homes
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
opportunities
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
?
+
+
?
+
+
+
+
+
This policy will not lead to
development itself and other
policies within the NDP exist to
safeguard natural environment
aspects.
Textual links to policy 2
of the NDP would be
beneficial.
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
This policy will not lead to
development itself and other
policies within the NDP exist to
safeguard natural environment
aspects.
To improve quality of
This policy will not lead to
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
surroundings
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
development itself and other
policies within the NDP exist to
safeguard natural environment
aspects.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
cultural heritage
?
+
?
+
?
+
This policy will not lead to
development itself and other
policies within the NDP exist to
safeguard natural environment
aspects.
To improve air quality
The policy is encouraging a
dwellings which would able a range
and mix to be provided in the local
area to assist young local families
to remain close to existing family
members and facilities.
To reduce the effect of
o
o
o
Proportional growth will potentially
lead to additional traffic. However,
the policy is seeking to encourage a
range and mix of housing locally
which could reduce the need to
travel to local facilities including the
local primary school.
traffic on the environment
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
+
+
Proportional growth will potentially
lead to additional traffic. However,
the policy is seeking to encourage a
range and mix of housing locally
which could reduce the need to
travel to local facilities including the
local primary school.
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
+
+
+
Criteria should be included within
other policies of the NDP to avoid
areas which are liable to flooding.
To improve water quality
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
The policy is in line with the Core
Strategy
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
The policy is in line with the Core
Strategy
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
Criteria should be included within
other policies of the NDP to avoid
areas which are liable to flooding.
To conserve soil
+
+
+
This policy is in line with the Core
Strategy
resources and quality
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
nuisance
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
+
This policy is in line with the Core
Strategy.
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
There are some unknown effects on the SEA objectives, however there are sufficient policy safeguards within
the Core Strategy and other NDP policies.
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
Policy 5 – Housing design criteria
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
opportunities
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
+
+
+
+
+
+
++
++
+
This policy will not lead to
development itself, it highlights
design criteria. Criteria is included
to encourage developments to
‘blend’ with the surrounding
environment.
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
+
This policy will not lead to
development itself, it highlights
design criteria. Criteria is included
to encourage developments to
‘blend’ with the surrounding
environment.
To improve quality of
surroundings
++
This policy will not lead to
development itself, it highlights
design criteria. Criteria is included
to encourage developments to
‘blend’ with the surrounding
environment.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
+
This policy will not lead to
development itself, it highlights
design criteria. Criteria is included
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
cultural heritage
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
to encourage developments to
‘blend’ with the surrounding
environment.
To improve air quality
+
+
+
Criteria is included to encourage
energy efficient within the buildings
and developments
To reduce the effect of
x
x
x
No relationship
traffic on the environment
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
+
+
Criteria is included to encourage
energy efficient within the buildings
and developments
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
+
+
+
Criteria is included to encourage
energy efficient within the buildings
and developments. Amendments to
other policies within the NDP will
refer to flooding aspects
To improve water quality
x
x
x
No relationship
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
+
+
+
Criteria is included to encourage
energy efficient within the buildings
and developments
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
+
+
+
+
+
+
Criteria is included to encourage
energy efficient within the buildings
and developments. Amendments to
other policies within the NDP will
refer to flooding aspects
To conserve soil
This policy will not lead to
development itself, it highlights
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
resources and quality
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
design criteria. Criteria is included
to encourage developments to
‘blend’ with the surrounding
environment.
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
nuisance
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
+
This policy will not lead to
development itself, it highlights
design criteria. Criteria is included
to encourage developments to
‘blend’ with the surrounding
environment.
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
The policy contains a number of criteria which are aimed at ensuring that the design of any new developments
complement the character of the existing settlements and surrounding areas.
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
Policy 6 – Affordable housing
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
opportunities
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
This policy is specifically aimed to
encourage affordable housing. The
location and criteria associated with
Cross reference to
policy H2 would be
beneficial with regards
the development of the sites are not to locations
detailed within the policy itself.
Other policies of the NDP and Core
Strategy can provide this policy
detail. Although at this stage the
details of the site locations are
unknown.
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
This policy is specifically aimed to
encourage affordable housing. The
location and criteria associated with
Cross reference to
policy H2 would be
beneficial with regards
the development of the sites are not to locations
detailed within the policy itself.
Other policies of the NDP and Core
Strategy can provide this policy
detail. Although at this stage the
details of the site locations are
unknown.
To improve quality of
This policy is specifically aimed to
encourage affordable housing. The
Cross reference to
policy H2 would be
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
surroundings
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
location and criteria associated with
beneficial with regards
the development of the sites are not to locations
detailed within the policy itself.
Other policies of the NDP and Core
Strategy can provide this policy
detail. Although at this stage the
details of the site locations are
unknown.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
cultural heritage
?
?
?
This policy is specifically aimed to
encourage affordable housing. The
location and criteria associated with
Cross reference to
policy H2 would be
beneficial with regards
the development of the sites are not to locations
detailed within the policy itself.
Other policies of the NDP and Core
Strategy can provide this policy
detail. Although at this stage the
details of the site locations are
unknown.
To improve air quality
+
+
+
The provision of affordable housing
within the parish will enable an
opportunity for young families to
continue living need to existing
service and facilities including the
local primary school thus reducing
the need to travel.
To reduce the effect of
+
+
+
The provision of affordable housing
within the parish will enable an
opportunity for young families to
continue living need to existing
service and facilities including the
local primary school thus reducing
traffic on the environment
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
the need to travel.
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
+
+
The provision of affordable housing
within the parish will enable an
opportunity for young families to
continue living need to existing
service and facilities including the
local primary school thus reducing
the need to travel.
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and with the Core
Strategy.
To improve water quality
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and with the Core
Strategy.
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and with the Core
Strategy.
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and with the Core
Strategy.
To conserve soil
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and with the Core
Strategy.
resources and quality
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To reduce crime and
nuisance
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
+
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and with the Core
Strategy.
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
This policy is seeking to encourage affordable housing in line with Policy H2 of the Core Strategy. As there are
no locational references within the policy itself, some of the objectives will be fully tested during the planning
application stage. However there are policy safeguards within the Core Strategy and other policies of the NDP.
Policy 7 – External lighting
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
opportunities
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
+
+
+
++
++
This policy is aiming at reducing the
amount of unnecessary light
pollution in the open countryside.
Darker skies can help nocturnal
animals particularly bats.
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
+
The reduction in light pollution can
have a positive effect on the
landscape particularly in this area
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
and townscapes
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
close to the Brecon Beacons.
To improve quality of
surroundings
+
+
+
++
The reduction in light pollution can
have a positive effect on the
landscape particularly in this area
close to the Brecon Beacons.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
cultural heritage
+
+
The reduction in light pollution can
have a positive effect on the
landscape particularly in this area
close to the Brecon Beacons.
To improve air quality
x
x
x
x
x
x
No relationship
No relationship
To reduce the effect of
traffic on the environment
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
x
+
x
+
x
Reduction in the use of artificial
lighting can help to reduce energy
use.
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
No relationship
To improve water quality
x
x
x
x
x
x
No relationship
No relationship
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
x
x
x
x
x
x
No relationship
No relationship
To conserve soil
resources and quality
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
nuisance
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
x
x
x
No relationship
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
Darker skies policy can assist in balancing the need for well-designed and required lighting with minimising
light pollution. The reduction in lighting can have a positive effect on the landscape, local fauna and views of
the night sky.
Policy 8 – Applications for new commercial developments
SEA Objective
Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
opportunities
Short term
(1 – 5
Medium term
Long term
(11 years +)
(6 – 10 years)
years)
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
x
x
x
No relationship
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
This policy is seeking to encourage
small scale commercial
development in line with policy RA6
of the Core Strategy whilst
preserving the rural character of the
5 parishes.
To improve quality of
surroundings
+
This policy is seeking to encourage
small scale commercial
development in line with policy RA6
of the Core Strategy whilst
preserving the rural character of the
5 parishes.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
cultural heritage
+
This policy is seeking to encourage
small scale commercial
development in line with policy RA6
of the Core Strategy whilst
preserving the rural character of the
5 parishes.
To improve air quality
++
++
This policy will encourage small
scale commercial developments
including working for home. This
will assist reduce the need to travel
by providing some local
employment opportunities.
To reduce the effect of
This policy will encourage small
scale commercial developments
including working for home. This
will assist reduce the need to travel
by providing some local
traffic on the environment
employment opportunities.
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
+
o
+
+
+
++
This policy will encourage small
scale commercial developments
including working for home. This
will assist reduce the need to travel
by providing some local
employment opportunities.
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
+
Policy criteria within the Core
Strategy and the NDP will provide
necessary policy safeguards to
ensure issues relating to location
and vulnerability are taken into
consideration.
To improve water quality
+
This will be dependent on the scale
and type of commercial
development proposed. However
the parish is not within the
hydrological catchment of the River
Wye SAC where water quality is a
current issue.
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
x
x
x
No relationship
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
+
+
+
Policy criteria within the Core
Strategy and the NDP will provide
necessary policy safeguards to
ensure issues relating to location
and vulnerability are taken into
consideration.
To conserve soil
o
o
o
Policy criteria within the Core
Strategy and the NDP will provide
necessary policy safeguards to
resources and quality
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
ensure issues relating to location
and vulnerability are taken into
consideration.
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
nuisance
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
++
This policy is seeking to encourage
small scale commercial
development in line with policy RA6
of the Core Strategy whilst
preserving the rural character of the
5 parishes.
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
This policy is seeking to encourage small scale commercial development in line with policy RA6 of the Core
Strategy whilst preserving the rural character of the 5 parishes.
Policy 9 – Applications for new tourism development
SEA Objective Assessment of effect (consider cumulative
Summary Explanation
Enhancement and
mitigation
effects, significance of the effect and
magnitude of the effect in terms of the three
time periods)
opportunities
Short term
Medium term
Long term
(1 – 5
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
years)
(6 – 10 years)
+
(11 years +)
+
To maintain and enhance
nature conservation
(biodiversity, flora and
fauna)
+
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and within the Core
Strategy to assist maintain and
enhancing the natural elements of
any proposal.
To maintain and enhance
the quality of landscapes
and townscapes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and within the Core
Strategy to assist maintain and
enhancing the natural elements of
any proposal.
To improve quality of
surroundings
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and within the Core
Strategy to assist maintain and
enhancing the natural elements of
any proposal.
To conserve and where
appropriate enhance the
historic environment and
cultural heritage
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and within the Core
Strategy to assist maintain and
enhancing the natural elements of
any proposal.
To improve air quality
Tourism will have the potential to
encourage additional car trips to the
area. This will be dependent on the
location, nature and form of the
tourism development concerned.
To reduce the effect of
Tourism will have the potential to
encourage additional car trips to the
traffic on the environment
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
area. This will be dependent on the
location, nature and form of the
tourism development concerned.
To reduce contributions to
climate change
+
+
+
Tourism will have the potential to
encourage additional car trips to the
area. This will be dependent on the
location, nature and form of the
tourism development concerned.
To reduce vulnerability to
climate change
+
o
+
o
+
+
The area is not within the
hydrological catchment of an
European site. Flooding should be
reflected within the policy criteria.
To improve water quality
The area is not within the
hydrological catchment of an
European site. Flooding should be
reflected within the policy criteria.
To provide for sustainable
sources of water supply
x
x
x
No relationship
To avoid, reduce and
manage flood risk
?
?
+
Some areas of the parish are
subject to flooding and the policies
should have some additional
reference to avoid areas which are
liable to flooding.
To conserve soil
o
o
o
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and within the Core
Strategy to assist maintain and
enhancing the natural elements of
any proposal. This will be location
resources and quality
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SEA Task B3 (Vowchurch)
Predict and evaluate the effects of the policies and sites within the Neighbourhood Development Plan. (Feb 16)
and nature of business dependent.
To minimise the
production of waste
To improve health of the
population
To reduce crime and
nuisance
To conserve natural and
manmade resources
+
+
+
Policy safeguards exist within policy
1 of the NDP and within the Core
Strategy to assist maintain and
enhancing the natural and built
elements of any proposal.
Overall commentary
and any cumulative
effects
The plans contained sufficient policy safeguards within both the Core Strategy and the NDP. Details will be
dependent on the location and the nature of the tourism development concerns, these details will be addressed
at the planning application stages.
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SEA Task B4 (Vowchurch)
Assessment of cumulative impact of the NDP (February 2016)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Key:
+ + Move
towards
significantly
+ Move towards
marginally
– – Move away
Significantly
0 Neutral
? Uncertain
X No
relationship
– Move away
marginally
SEA Objective
1. To
maintain
and
enhance
nature
conservation of
(biodiversity, landscapes
flora and
fauna)
2. To
maintain
and
enhance
the quality
3. To
improve
quality of
surroundings appropriate
enhance the
historic
4. To
conserve
and where
5. To
improve air
quality
6. To
reduce the
effect of
traffic on the change
environment
7. To reduce
contributions vulnerability
to climate
8. To reduce
9. To
improve
water
10. To
provide for
sustainable reduce and
sources of
water
11. To
avoid,
12. To
conserve
soil
resources
and quality
13. To
minimise the
production
14. To
improve
health of the
population
15. To
reduce crime conserve
and
nuisance
16. To
to climate
change
natural and
manmade
resources
quality
manage
flood risk
supply
Objective /
Policy
environment
and culture
heritage
and
townscapes
Objective 1
Objective 2
Objective 3
?
+
x
?
+
x
?
+
+
?
+
+
0
+
x
0
?
+
?
+
+
?
+
x
?
+
x
+
+
x
?
+
x
?
+
+
?
+
+
Policy 1
Policy 2
Policy 3
Policy 4
Policy 5
Policy 6
Policy 7
Policy 8
Policy 9
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?
++
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++
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x
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o
x
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x
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x
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++
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x
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x
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x
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x
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x
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x
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x
++
x
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o
o
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o
o
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x
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Summary of
effects of whole
plan on each SEA
Objective
?+
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Cumulative
effects of whole
plan (1 + 2 + 3…)
Overall the Vowchurch Neighbourhood Plan will contribution to meeting the SEA objectives and having a positive impact on the baseline. Policies have been drafted in general conformity with the Core Strategy objectives and contain many
policy safeguards to ensure that the effects on environmental assets can be avoided or mitigated against. None of the policies are over and above those already assessed for the Core Strategy.
Commentary for
significant
cumulative
effects
The Vowchurch neighbourhood plan is unlikely to have any significant cumulative effects on the SEA objectives.
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Appendix 5
SEA (Vowchurch)
(Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Options Considered in preparation of Vowchurch and District Group NDP
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Option 1 – Do nothing
Option 2 – Allocation sites for housing
Option 3 – Manage future housing using a settlement boundary
Option 4 –Manage future housing growth by criteria base policy
Option 5 – Settlement boundary for Lower Maes-coyd
Option 6 – No settlement boundary for Lower Maes-coyd
Option 7 – Design policies for parish
Option 8 – Allocation for employment
Option 9 – Criteria for small scale business development and home
working
•
•
Option 10 – Specific external lighting policy
Option 11 – No specific lighting policy
_________________________________________________________________________________
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Appendix 6
SEA: Task C2 (Vowchurch)
SEA Quality Assurance Checklist (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Objectives and context
Where referenced in NDP/SEA
•
•
The Neighbourhood Development Plan’s
purpose and objectives are made clear.
•
•
Section 1 (paras 1.10 – 1.18).
The Neighbourhood Area’s
Sections 2 and 3; and Tables A2 and A3
environmental issues and constraints,
including acknowledgement of those in
the Local Plan (Core Strategy) SA, where
relevant, and local environmental
protection objectives, are considered in
developing objectives and targets.
•
•
SEA objectives are clearly set out and
linked to indicators and targets where
appropriate.
•
•
Section 3 (para 3.7).
Section 3 (para 3.1).
Links with other locally related plans,
programmes and policies are identified,
explained and acknowledgement for
those set out in the SA of the Local Plan
(Core Strategy) is given, where relevant.
•
Conflicts that exist between SEA and
Neighbourhood Development Plan
objectives; and between SEA objectives
and other local plan objectives are
identified and described.
•
Section 4 (paras 4.4)
Scoping
•
Statutory Consultees are consulted in
appropriate ways and at appropriate
times on the content and scope of the
Environmental Report.
•
•
•
Section 2 (paras 2.6 – 2.9) & Appendix 3
Sections 2 and 6
•
•
The assessment focuses on significant
issues.
Sections 2 and 6
Technical, procedural and other
difficulties encountered are discussed;
assumptions and uncertainties are made
explicit.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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SEA: Task C2 (Vowchurch)
SEA Quality Assurance Checklist (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Alternatives
•
•
•
•
Realistic alternatives are considered for
key issues, and the reasons for choosing
them are documented.
•
•
•
•
Section 5.
Alternatives include ‘do minimum’ and/or
‘business as usual’ scenarios wherever
relevant.
Section 5 (paras 5.2 – 5.8).
Section 5 & Appendix 5
N/A
The environmental effects (both adverse
and beneficial) of each alternative are
identified and compared.
Inconsistencies between the alternatives
and other relevant local plans,
programmes or policies are identified and
explained.
•
Reasons are given for selection or
elimination of alternatives.
•
•
Section 5 (paras 5.2 – 5.8).
Section 1 and 6.
Baseline information
•
•
•
Relevant aspects of the current state of
the local, neighbourhood area
environment and their likely evolution
without the Neighbourhood Development
Plan are described. Acknowledgement to
the information in the SA of the Local
Plan (Core Strategy) is given, where
relevant.
Environmental characteristics of the
local, neighbourhood area, likely to be
significantly affected are described,
including areas wider than the physical
boundary of the designated
neighbourhood area, where it is likely to
be affected by the Neighbourhood
Development Plan.
•
•
Initial screening report and Section 1.
Difficulties such as deficiencies in
information or methods are explained.
Section 2.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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SEA: Task C2 (Vowchurch)
SEA Quality Assurance Checklist (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Prediction and evaluation of likely significant environmental effects
•
Effects identified include the types listed
in the Directive (biodiversity, population,
human health, fauna, flora, soil, water,
air, climate factors, material assets,
cultural heritage and landscape), as
relevant; and other local likely
•
Tables A2, A3 and A4 (Appendix 2)
environmental effects are also covered,
as appropriate.
•
•
Both positive and negative effects are
considered, and the duration of effects
(short, medium or long-term) is
addressed.
•
•
Tables B2 and B3 (Appendix 4)
Table B4 (Appendix 4)
Likely secondary, cumulative (growing in
quantity and strength) and synergistic
(acting together) effects are identified,
where practicable.
•
•
Inter-relationships between effects are
considered, where practicable.
•
•
Section 6
Section 6
The prediction and evaluation of effects
makes use of relevant accepted
standards, regulations, and thresholds
(i.e. data gathered for the evidence
base).
•
Methods used to evaluate the effects are
described.
•
•
•
Section 2
Mitigation measures
•
Measures envisaged to prevent, reduce
and offset any significant adverse effects
of implementing the Neighbourhood
Development Plan are indicated.
Section 6 (paras 6.5. – 6.8)
•
Issues to be taken into account when
determining planning applications or
other projects, for example funding bids,
are identified.
Section 6.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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SEA: Task C2 (Vowchurch)
SEA Quality Assurance Checklist (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Environmental Report
•
•
•
Is clear and concise in its layout and
presentation.
•
•
•
N/A
N/A
N/A
Uses simple, clear language and avoids
or explains technical terms.
Uses maps and other illustrations, where
appropriate.
•
•
Explains the methodology used.
•
•
Section 2
Section 2
Explains who was consulted and what
methods of consultation were used.
•
•
Identifies sources of information,
including expert judgement and matters
of opinion.
•
•
Section 2
Contains a non-technical summary
covering the overall approach to the
SEA, the objectives of the
Included at page 1
Neighbourhood Development Plan, the
main options considered, and any
changes to the Neighbourhood
Development Plan resulting from the
SEA.
Consultation
•
The SEA is consulted on as an integral
part of the plan-making process of the
Neighbourhood Development Plan.
•
•
Section 2 (paras 2.4 – 2.5).
Section 7.
•
Consultation Bodies and the public likely
to be affected by, or having an interest in,
the Neighbourhood Development Plan
are consulted in ways and at times,
which give them an early and effective
opportunity within appropriate time
frames to express their opinions on the
draft Neighbourhood Development Plan
and Environmental Report.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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SEA: Task C2 (Vowchurch)
SEA Quality Assurance Checklist (Feb 2016)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Decision-making and information on the decision
•
The environmental report and the
•
Sections 2 and 8.
opinions of those consulted are taken
into account in finalising and adopting the
Neighbourhood Development Plan.
•
•
An explanation is given of how they have
been taken into account.
•
•
Following draft consultation
Following draft consultation
Reasons are given for choosing the
Neighbourhood Development Plan as
adopted, in the light of other reasonable
alternatives considered.
Monitoring measures
•
•
•
•
Measures proposed for monitoring the
Neighbourhood Development Plan are
clear, practicable and linked to the
indicators and objectives used in the
SEA.
•
•
•
•
Section 7.
Section 7.
Section 7.
Section 7.
Monitoring is used, where appropriate,
during implementation of the
Neighbourhood Development Plan to
make good deficiencies in baseline
information in the SEA.
Acknowledgement that monitoring
enables unforeseen adverse effects to be
identified at an early stage. (These
effects may include predictions which
prove to be incorrect.)
Proposals are made for action in
response to significant adverse effects
arising from the monitoring of the
Neighbourhood Development Plan.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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