business insurance liability small

Scoping Report Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework for London Borough of Waltham Forest July 2006 Scoping Report Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework for Waltham Forest Borough Council July 2006 Reference: REPORT/E07975/ Waltham Forest SA/4004/SA V5 Issue Prepared by: Reviewed/Verified by: Nov V1 Dec Dec Jun Jun Jul V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 Nick Costaras Principal Environmental Consultant Peter Marsden Regional Director File Ref: H:/Projects/E07001 - E08000/E07975 Waltham Forest/4004/Reports/SA V5 White Young Green Environmental Yeoman House 63 Croydon Road London SE20 7TS Telephone: 020 8659 9959 Facsimile: 020 8676 9968 Email: enviro.london@wyg.com LONDON BOROUGH OF WALTHAM FOREST SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK SCOPING REPORT JULY 2006 CONTENTS Page No 1.0 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 4.0 4.1 4.2 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 7.0 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND Study Area Local Development Framework Local Development Framework Programme SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL PROCESS Requirement for Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability Appraisal Guidance Sustainability Appraisal Process Objectives of Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability Appraisal Methodology Scoping Methodology LINKS TO RELEVANT PLANS AND PROGRAMMES Introduction Analysis SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE Introduction Economy and Employment Population and Quality of Life Health and Education Recreation Traffic and Transport Geology and Waste Water Environment Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Landscape and Visual Amenity Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Noise Air and Climate SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OBJECTIVES Need for Objectives Integrated Regional Framework – The London Plan Sustainability Appraisal Objectives NEXT STEPS 3 5 5 6 8 10 10 10 10 11 11 12 15 15 16 19 19 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 28 30 31 32 33 34 34 34 34 37 Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 1 TABLES Table 3.1 Table 5.1 Table 6.1 Table 7.1 FIGURES Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Location of the Borough in Relation to Adjacent Council Administrations Study Area The Development Plan Ecological Assets in the Borough Tourist and Recreation Assets in the Borough Scoping Report Tasks.......................................................................................12 Priority Species ..................................................................................................30 Sustainability Appraisal Objectives.................................................................35 Next Steps in the Sustainability Appraisal of the LDF ..................................37 Report Conditions Plans and Programmes Review Proformas Baseline Data Spreadsheet Derivation of Objectives Objectives, Targets, and Indicators Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 2 1.0 INTRODUCTION The London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) is the local planning authority for the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) in North East London. London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) is in the process of preparing a Local Development Framework (LDF) for the Borough. London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) adopted the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) th Review on the 30 March 2006. This will remain in place for three years pending the preparation of the Local Development Framework. Also of relevance for the preparation of the LDF documents are the London Plan 2004, North London Sub- Regional Development Framework and the Lower Lea Valley Joint Action Plan. The Local Development Framework will comprise a number of Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDS). In addition the Core Strategy, Proposals Map and Site Specific Proposals, two of the Development Planning Documents proposed are the Leyton Area Action Plan and the Blackhorse Road Area Action Plan. Sustainability Appraisal is a process through which the sustainability of a plan under preparation is assessed. The Planning and Compulsory Act (2004) requires local planning authorities to carry out a Sustainability Appraisal of their LDF process. This is to compel local planning authorities to work towards achieving sustainable development thus enabling residents to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising quality of life for future generations. Sustainability Appraisal addresses social and economic issues but also takes into consideration environmental issues. Under the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (2004) it is a requirement that plans (setting a framework for future development consent and likely to have significant environmental effects) are subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment. Local planning authorities are required to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment of their LDF under these regulations. London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) is undertaking a combined Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment of their LDF process. For ease the combined approach is simply referred to as Sustainability Appraisal throughout this Scoping Report. White Young Green Environmental (WYGE) has been commissioned by London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) to undertake the first stage of the Sustainability Appraisal process. The first stage in the Sustainability Appraisal is the scoping stage; the results of the scoping stage are presented in this Scoping Report. The purpose of this Scoping Report is to present the findings of the scoping stage in a manner that can be used for consultation. This report has the following format: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Introduction Background Details the background to LDF being prepared by London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF). Sustainability Appraisal Process Provides an overview of the Sustainability Appraisal methodology adopted by WYGE. Links to Relevant Plans and Programmes Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 3 Provides analysis of the relationship of the LDF to other plans and programmes from the national to local level. Chapter 4 Social, Economic and Environmental Baseline Describes baseline conditions for various social, economic and environmental parameters and identifies key sustainability issues that must be considered during the preparation of the LDF and in the Sustainability Appraisal process. Sustainability Appraisal Objectives Provides details of the Sustainability Appraisal objectives against which the LDF will be assessed. Next Steps Details the further stages of work to be carried out as part of the Sustainability Appraisal process. Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Report conditions are set out in Appendix A. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 4 2.0 2.1 BACKGROUND Study Area The London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) is located in North East London in the South East of England. The borough shares borders with the boroughs of Enfield, Haringey, Hackney, Newham and Redbridge and the County of Essex to the north. Figure 1 shows the location of the borough in relation to adjacent council administrations. Figure 1 Waltham Forest Location Waltham Forest The borough covers an area of 3,860 hectares (approximately 10,000 acres). The M11 and M25 motorways are the major links to central London and areas beyond the Greater London area. The population of the borough is noted in the 2001 Census as 218,341 and land use is primarily residential with belts of industry. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 5 Figure 2 Study Area 2.2 2.2.1 Local Development Framework Local Development Frameworks Fundamental changes to the planning system have been introduced through the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which requires local planning authorities to adopt a Local Development Framework (LDF) in place of their existing Local Plan. The new scheme will replace the old system of Unitary Development Plans (UDPs) and Supplementary Planning Guidance with a new LDF. It will go beyond traditional land use planning to bring together and integrate policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they function. These will include for example: the community strategy, strategies for education, health, social inclusion, waste, biodiversity, recycling, environmental protection, urban and rural regeneration. The London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) have set themselves a timetable of having the new planning policy framework for Waltham Forest in place by the end of 2009. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 6 Figure 3. The Development Plan Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 12 sets out the new LDF process. It requires local planning authorities to adopt a spatial planning approach. The LDF will not be restricted solely to land use issues such as identifying where new houses, employment, retail and leisure facilities should be built. It will go beyond traditional land use planning by integrating policies for the development of land with policies that influence the nature of places and how they function. 2.2.2 Local Development Framework Documents The LDF will comprise of a number of Development Plan Documents (DPD) which will have statutory status. The proposals and policies set out in them will guide planning decisions. It will also comprise of a number of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) that are non-statutory and can be prepared to support the delivery of major development sites or complex policy areas. The SPDs will be taken into account as a material consideration in determining planning applications. The Core Strategy DPD will set out strategic objectives and a spatial vision for the borough of Waltham Forest. A proposals map (and insets) accompanying the Core Strategy DPD will identify areas requiring protection (such as Conservation Areas) and illustrate where particular land uses / development proposals should be located. All other DPD must conform to the Core Strategy document. 2.2.3 Core Strategy Objectives London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) are in the very early stages of developing a vision, aims and objectives for the Core Strategy DPD. It is proposed that the subject of the document will be to provide the vision for the future development of Waltham Forest for 10 years from its adoption. It is likely to include: Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 7 • • Guiding Principles – succinct statements of the LDF’s main directions. Objectives – the Council’s long-term objectives for developing core policies and enabling performance measures to be established. • Core Policies – will set out the key policies against which all planning applications will be assessed with the aim of delivering this vision; likely subject areas will be: Economy; Housing; Town Centres; Retailing & Leisure; Community Services; Transport; Open Environment; Built Environment; Waste; Minerals; Pollution; Water and Energy. 2.3 Local Development Framework Programme London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) have produced a Local Development Scheme (LDS) for their LDF process. This aims to inform the public of the documents that will make up the new planning policy framework for the borough and anticipated timescales for their preparation; to establish and reflect Council priorities and to enable work programmes to be set for preparation of documents; and to set a timetable for the review of the documents once they have been prepared. The LDF will include the following Documents: Local Development Documents • • • • • Core Strategy DPD Proposals map (and insets) accompanying the Core Strategy DPD Site Specific proposals Leyton Area Action Plan Blackhorse Road Area Action Plan Supplementary Planning Documents • • • • Residential Flat Conversions Residential Development Residential Extensions and Alterations Urban Design Principles Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 8 Additional Documents • • • • A Statement of Community Involvement Annual Monitoring Report General Background Documents – which will inform the production of LDDs e.g. Housing Capacity Study or Retail Study. Supporting documentation for each LDD that includes: o A Statement of Conformity with the Mayor’s London Plan o A Sustainability Appraisal o An explanation of the steps undertaken to ensure the document has been produced in accordance with the Statement of Community Involvement; o A Statement explaining the relationship of the LDD to the London Plan, the Waltham Forest UDP and other documents under the old planning policy framework; and o A list of documents that is relevant to the LDD topic or areas. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 9 3.0 3.1 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL PROCESS Requirement for Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability Appraisal is a process through which the sustainability of a plan under preparation is assessed. The Planning and Compulsory Act (2004) requires local planning authorities to carry out a Sustainability Appraisal of their LDF process. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a requirement of the EU Directive 2001/42 on the Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment more commonly known as the SEA Directive. The objective of the SEA Directive as stated in Article 1 is: “…to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans … with a view to promoting sustainable development....” The SEA Directive was brought into effect in the United Kingdom (UK) on 21 July 2004 through the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations. Local planning authorities are required to carry out an environmental assessment of their LDF under these regulations. Sustainability Appraisal addresses social and economic issues but also takes into consideration environmental issues. Although the statutory requirements for carrying out Sustainability Appraisal and SEA are distinct it is possible to satisfy both through a single but integrated Sustainability Appraisal process. Such a joint approach is advocated in ODPM guidance. For ease the combined SEA and Sustainability Appraisal process is simply referred to as Sustainability Appraisal throughout this Scoping Report. 3.2 Sustainability Appraisal Guidance The Sustainability Appraisal process undertaken by WYGE has been developed in accordance with the following national and European guidance: • Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. • Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004. • ODPM (Nov 2005) Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks • ODPM (2005) The SEA Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities. • English Nature, RSPB, Countryside Agency and Environment Agency (2004) SEA and Biodiversity: Guidance for Practitioners. • EC (2001) SEA and Integration of the Environment into Strategic Decision Making. • Environment Agency (2004) Environmental Assessment (SEA) of External Plans and Programmes. 3.3 Sustainability Appraisal Process SEA is a means of evaluating the environmental acceptability of a plan in a formalised and systematic manner by identifying key environmental issues associated with the study area and how adoption of the plan will influence them. SEA occupies a central position in the hierarchy of land use planning sitting between high level government planning policy and environmental assessment at project level. The SEA process considers similar issues to project level environmental assessment but differs in that the existing environment is examined in broad terms and strategic options are evaluated against environmental objectives. This is because the site Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 10 specific information needed to complete a project level environmental assessment and quantify environmental effects is not available at the strategic stage. Sustainability Appraisal differs from SEA in that it expands the focus of the assessment process to encompass social and economic issues. The ODPM (2005) guidance describes the purpose of Sustainability Appraisal as described by the ODPM (2004) guidance is: “to promote sustainable development through the integration of social, environmental and economic considerations into the preparation of revisions of Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) and for new or revised Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).” The combined Sustainability Appraisal process will identify key social, economic and environmental issues associated with the borough of Waltham Forest and how adoption of the LDF will influence them. It will ensure that significant effects arising from the Waltham Forest borough LDF are either avoided or mitigated. The process will also identify requirements (or indicators) for monitoring the implementation of the LDF following its adoption. Monitoring will identify any unforeseen impacts and inform the next revision or replacement. The Sustainability Appraisal process must be fully integrated into the LDF process. This Scoping Report has been prepared at an early stage in the preparation of the LDF in order to form a basis for discussions with consultees. 3.4 Objectives of Sustainability Appraisal The key objective in undertaking Sustainability Appraisal is to ensure that any significant effects arising from adoption of the LDF are (at least in principle) acceptable to London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) and other stakeholders. Undertaking Sustainability Appraisal allows for the social, economic and environmental acceptability of the strategic options to be determined and thus taken into account in the decision making process. However it should be noted that whilst Sustainability Appraisal will inform the decision making process the LDF may not always recommend the strategic option that is considered most sustainable. 3.5 Sustainability Appraisal Methodology The Sustainability Appraisal process adopted by WYGE for the Waltham Forest LDF has been developed following current guidance produced by the ODPM. The Sustainability Appraisal process involves the following steps split according to the ODPM (2005) guidance stages: STAGE A Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope • • • • • STAGE B A1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans, programmes and sustainability objectives. A2: Collating baseline information. A3: Identifying sustainability issues and problems. A4: Developing the SA Framework. A5: Consulting on the scope of the SA. Developing and refining options and assessing effects • B1: Testing the Development Plan Documents (DPD) revision objectives against the SA framework. • B2: Developing the DPD options. • B3: Predicting the effects of the DPD. • B4: Evaluating the effects of the DPD. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 11 • B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects. • B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the DPDs. STAGE C Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report • C1: Preparing the SA Report STAGE D Consulting on the draft DPD revision and the SA Report • D1: Public Participation on the preferred options of the DPD and the SA Report • D2 (i): Appraising any significant changes • D2 (ii): Appraising significant changes resulting from representations • D3: Making decisions and providing information STAGE E Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the DPD • E1: Finalising aims and methods for monitoring • E2: Responding to adverse effects. 3.6 3.6.1 Scoping Methodology Scoping Report Tasks This Scoping Report documents the findings of the first stage of the Sustainability Appraisal process referred to in the ODPM (2005) guidance as Stage A. Table 3.1 summarises the tasks which were carried out in producing this Scoping Report. Table 3.1 Scoping Report Tasks Task Identification of other plans and programmes of relevance to the LDF Purpose To document the aims and objectives of other plans and programmes. To identify constraints and opportunities for the LDF to take into account. To provide a baseline against which the assessment of significant effects can be undertaken. To provide a baseline for future monitoring purposes. To assist in identifying key sustainability issues. To ensure that the Sustainability Appraisal is focused on issues of concern in the borough of Waltham Forest. To provide a means by which the sustainability of the LDF can be assessed. Targets and indicators provide a framework for future monitoring purposes. Report Section Section 4.0 Collect baseline information Section 5.0 Identify key sustainability issues Development of Sustainability Appraisal objectives, targets and indicators Section 5.0 Section 6.0 Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 12 3.6.2 Links to Relevant Plans and Programmes A number of existing plans were identified and reviewed in order to determine any links with the Waltham Forest Borough LDF process. Plans to be reviewed were identified by WYGE through discussions with London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF). Section 4.0 provides further details of the review process including a list of the plans and programmes reviewed. For each plan the review process identified the: • • Key aims and objectives (including sustainability objectives) of each plan. Implications of the plan for the Waltham Forest Borough LDF - opportunities and conflicts. A table has been produced in Appendix D that summarises the findings of this review. In addition to determining links with the Waltham Forest Borough LDF the review process provided baseline information. It also helped to identify key sustainability issues and informed the development of the Sustainability Appraisal objectives. 3.6.3 Baseline Data Baseline data has been collated and reviewed in order to establish the baseline conditions and to help identify key sustainability issues. Baseline data has been collated in statistical format data collated from various different sources. Statistical data is presented in Appendix E in an EXCEL database format. The baseline data was reviewed to establish: • • • • • The current situation and if trends suggest that it is improving or getting worse. The current situation in relation to established thresholds or targets. If any particularly sensitive or important elements of the receiving environment are likely to be affected including people or habitats. If the current problems are reversible or irreversible, temporary or permanent, and the practicality of improving the current situation. If there have been any significant cumulative or synergistic effects over time and if there may be such effects in the future. Section 5.0 provides a summary of the baseline conditions based on the spatial and statistical data collated. 3.6.4 Data Gaps and Problems It is a requirement of the SEA Directive that any difficulties encountered in compiling baseline data are recorded. It is important that any data gaps are identified as new data (or data in a different format to that currently available) may need to be collated for LDF monitoring purposes. Data availability can be used to indicate where the local authority is improving performance or indicate areas that require further attention. Specific areas where data gaps and problems were noted are as follows: The issue is that there is a lack of Affordable Housing data. This has been raised as an area for improvement but no regional or national data is available for comparison. There is limited local data regarding the provision and level of social housing or the sale of housing. Limited district level data in relation to social poverty issues. For example, households that experience fuel poverty and children in low income households. The lack of local level data Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 13 means the baseline situation may not fully reflect the local situation. Future monitoring will need to be based on indicators for which local social poverty data is currently available. Limited data at all levels in relation to access to recreation and tourism. This represents a gap in the baseline situation. Unless local level data can be sourced future monitoring of the LDF will need to take into account that this data may not be available. There is limited local level data is relation to development on previously developed land. Future monitoring will need to be based on indicators of development on brownfield sites. The lack of local transport level data means that the baseline situation is required to reflect the local situation. Unless local level data can be sourced future monitoring of the LDF will need to take into account that data is only available at a national level. No district or county level data available on carbon emissions as a measure of climate change. This indicator appears to only be measured at a regional and national level. Unless local level data can be sourced future monitoring of the LDF will need to take into account that this data may not be available. There is no local data available regarding water sources for residents and businesses in the council area. This data will have to be monitored and collected for development. There is a limited information regarding at a local and regional level regarding renewable energy capacity or an indication of renewable energy systems currently used / available. Unless local level data can be sourced future monitoring of the LDF will need to take into account that this data may not be available. There is limited information regarding the provision of sports pitches; indoor and outdoor facilities; swimming pools. Limited district and county level data on biodiversity and nature conservation; for example, species increasing and declining in numbers. The lack of local level data means the baseline situation may not fully reflect the local situation. Future monitoring will need to be based on indicators for which biodiversity data is currently available. Limited data at all levels in relation to access to recreation and tourism. This represents a gap in the baseline situation. Unless local level data can be sourced future monitoring of the LDF will need to take into account that this data may not be available. There is limited data at a local or London level regarding the amount of construction waste arisings per annum (million tonnes). Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 14 4.0 4.1 LINKS TO RELEVANT PLANS AND PROGRAMMES Introduction It is a requirement of the SEA Directive that an analysis of the LDF “…relationship with other relevant plans and programmes…” (Annex 1a of the SEA Directive) and of “…the environmental protection objectives…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…” (Annex 1e of the SEA Directive) is undertaken. The following plans and programmes relevant to the LDF were reviewed: National Level • • • • • • • • • • • UK Sustainable Development Strategy PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development PPS 12: Local development Frameworks PPS 9: Biological and Geological Conservation. PPS 23: Planning and Pollution Control. PPG 13: Transport PPG 25 and Draft PPS 25: Development and Flood Risk. Water Framework Directive-Initial Advice to Local Planning Authorities in England and Wales (EA, RTPI, LGA, WLGA). DEFRA, 2004. Making Space for Water: Developing a New Government Strategy for Flood Risk and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in England. Environment Agency: Policy and Practice for the Protection of Floodplains. Environment Agency: Policy on Culverting of Watercourses In 2006, the Government will amend the current system of administering rural policy. This includes the amalgamation of English Nature, the Rural Development Service, and part of the Countryside Agency into an integrated agency named English Nature. Amendments to plans and programmes relevant to this SA will be considered as this change occurs. The Regional Level is not relevant to this area as the council is in London. London plans and programmes relevant to the LDF were reviewed. Metropolitan (London) Level • • • • • • • • • • London Plan – Spatial Development Strategy for Greater London London Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) – London View Management Framework Draft London SPG – Draft on Sustainable Design and Construction London SPG – Draft on Housing Provision Sustainable Development Framework for London Sustaining Success – The Mayor’s Economic Development Strategy Environment Agency: Bringing Your Rivers Back to Life-A Strategy for Restoring Rivers in North London Environment Agency: Planning for a Better London-Protecting and Enhancing London's Environment, A guide to the polices needed. Environment Agency: The London Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy. DEFRA: Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination (CLR 11). Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 15 Local Level • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4.2 Sustainable Communities in London (ODPM) (The London Plan) North London Sub-Regional Development Framework (July 2005) Working Together for North London – North London Strategy (July 2003) Lower Lea Valley Regeneration Strategy Thames Gateway London Partnership – Strategic Flood Risk Assessment of East London (June 2003) Lea Valley Regional Park Plan Biodiversity Action Plan for the Lee Valley Regional Park Waltham Forest Community Strategy 2005 Waltham Forest UDP: First Review 2006 Corporate Plan 2005 Waltham Forest Local Transport Plan 2004 Waltham Forest Crime, Disorder and Drugs Strategy 2005 Towards Health Equity in Waltham Forest 2004 Waltham Forest Housing Strategy 2003 Waltham Forest 14-19 Strategy for Learning 2004 Waltham Forest Older People’s Consultation Document 2005 Waltham Forest Cultural Strategy 2002 Waltham Forest Regeneration and Investment Strategy 2005 Waltham Forest Biodiversity Action Plan 2001 Waltham Forest Air Quality Strategy Recycling and Waste Minimisation 2004 Contaminated Land Strategy 2005 Waltham Forest Air Quality Strategy Analysis The detailed table summarising the plans is provided in Appendix D. Key points arising from this review of strategies are: Access and Transport • • • • • • • • • • • Improve road safety Improve bus journey times and reliability Reduce traffic congestion Improve parking and loading arrangements Encourage walking Encourage cycling Bring transport infrastructure to good state of repair Provide better access to jobs Enhance the vitality / viability of town centres ensuring their physical and economic regeneration Reduce the need to travel Safeguarding residents access to shops, services and facilities Crime and Disorder • • • • • Reduce violent crime Reduce antisocial behaviour Reduce the crime level Reduce drugs and alcohol misuse Reduce youth crime Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 16 Health • • • • Initiatives to improve general services for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), other disadvantaged groups, young people and older people. Develop mental health support focusing on the needs of BME groups and older people. Promote health and well being including healthy eating, physical activity Improve primary care facilities in five wards, invest in health academy and hospital Housing • • • • • Ensuring a mix of housing provision / types Increase the supply of affordable housing Improve the quality of housing stock particularly for older people Regenerate Waltham Forest Support people in obtaining good quality housing and to remain in their own houses Education • • • • • Provide learning opportunities to help achieve potential Widen curriculum and provide relevant work related learning Provide high quality teaching and leadership Provide support and guidance for young people Encourage major new investment in education at all levels Culture • • • • • Increase provision of and access to cultural opportunities for residents, workers and visitors, Develop cultural opportunities for young people and those excluded from existing services Attract and support the role of cultural industries in deprived areas to aid regeneration Support the development of tourism including the night time economy Use sports programmes to combat social exclusion Regeneration and investment • • • • • Maximising employment provision – the number and variety of jobs Provide employment initiatives in wards with highest unemployment Provide amenities close to home Champion excellent architecture and design Focus on 5 priority wards including Leyton Biodiversity • • • • • • • Produce audit and data storage to support the management of habitats Develop interest and involvement of people living and working in borough Implement London targets for habitats and species where possible Give priority to conservation of locally important and distinctive habitats and species (including those with local appeal) Continue to provide access to areas of quality open space Consider biodiversity in the management of all open space Ensure that developers and landowners are aware of the in importance of conserving biodiversity and are positively involved in the implementation of the action plan. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 17 Recycling and waste minimisation • • • • Reduce amount of waste needing to be disposed of Reclaim materials that would otherwise be lost Save energy Promote awareness and awareness of good waste management practice Contaminated Land • • Prevent new contamination and uses “suitable for use” approach Improve control and consistency of approach Air Quality • • • • Improve Air Quality while maintaining economic stability and explore wider economic opportunities Ensure integrated approach Engage those who live, work or travel through the borough Improve the quality of life and health of residents and the workforce. It is recognised that not all of the above can be achieved solely through the LDF process. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 18 5.0 5.1 SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE Introduction This chapter provides a broad overview of the social, economic and environmental features of the borough of Waltham Forest and the defined study area. The defined study area includes the area which will be covered by the Waltham Forest Borough LDF and parts of adjacent authorities which have environmental and socio-economic links with the Waltham Forest borough. The location of the borough of Waltham Forest in relation to adjacent council administrations is shown in Figure 1 and the study area is shown in Figure 2. The following social, economic and environmental parameters have been considered: • • • • • • • • • • • • Economy and Employment. Population and Quality of Life. Health and Education. Recreation. Traffic and Transport. Geology and Waste. Water Environment. Biodiversity and Nature Conservation. Landscape and Visual Amenity. Cultural Heritage and Archaeology. Noise. Air and Climate. Key sustainability issues have been identified at the end of each section. 5.2 5.2.1 Economy and Employment Introduction This section sets out the existing situation in Waltham Forest borough with regards to economy and employment. The baseline has been established with reference to: • • • National Statistics website (www.statistics.gov.uk) NOMIS - Official Labour Statistics (www.nomisweb.co.uk) The London Plan Key economic and employment data is provided in Appendix C. The borough has a higher percentage of younger potentially active people than the UK average and 34% of the workforce is from an ethnic minority. Over 50% of the resident workforce commutes to jobs outside the borough (mainly in the city or central London). This is the second highest rate in the capital. For this reason most of the workforce are employed in jobs in public administration, education and health followed by banking, finance and insurance The number of jobs in Waltham Forest fell from 58,600 in 1987 to 47,200 a decade later but has slowed since then. This decline has been largely due to manufacturers either closing or locating out of the borough. While the number of jobs in manufacturing has fallen the number of jobs in wholesale, retail and distribution has increased – many of these located outside the designated industrial and business areas, with concentrations in and around Walthamstow town centre and to a lesser extent other shopping centres. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 19 Unemployment levels were 4.45% in 2001 compared with 4.4% for London and 3.4% nationally. The 2005 average unemployment rate is 5.75% which still compares favourably with that of London. However, there is a high rate of unemployment amongst Pakistani/Bangladeshi residents (23% of this workforce) - particularly amongst women. This is also higher than London or the UK for this community. Other groups with an above average level of unemployment are the younger population - especially males. However, the number of people in the Borough claiming disability allowance in February 2005 was 8,800 people. The highest proportion of Job Seeker Allowance claimants are in the south and west of the borough. These areas also have high non employment rates in addition to some of the northern wards such as Hatch Lane. 15.5% of men are self employed compared with only 5.1% women. The new earnings survey states that the average weekly income for fulltime Waltham Forest workers is £497 which is below the London average (£605) but above the UK average (£476). The disparity in income between males and females is not as pronounced as elsewhere in the UK. More females achieve qualifications than men (NVQ level 4 and above). However 9% of females of working age and over 15% of males have no qualification at all. 5.2.2 Key Sustainability Issues The key sustainability issues relating to economy and employment are: • • 5.3 5.3.1 Employment provision, particularly for manufacturing skills. Unemployment rates within BME groups, particularly women Population and Quality of Life Introduction This section sets out the existing situation in Waltham Forest borough with regards to population, housing provision and crime. The baseline has been established with reference to: • • • • • National Statistics website (www.statistics.gov.uk) NOMIS - Official Labour Statistics (www.nomisweb.co.uk) Audit Commission Best Value Performance Indicators (www.audit-commission.gov.uk) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) Indices of Deprivation 2004 (www.odpm.gov.uk) Waltham Forest Crime, Disorder and Drugs Strategy 2005/2008 Key population and quality of life data is provided in Appendix C. 5.3.2 Local Community and Population The population of Waltham Forest is 221,600 (ONS mid year estimates for 2003). The borough has an above UK average population of younger potentially economically active people. Waltham Forest has a diverse mix of ethnic groups with above London average of Pakistani/ Bangladeshi and Black residents (ONS LFS 2003). 5.3.3 Housing Following the ODPM Guide model, this Housing Needs Survey (HNS) Update estimated that an additional 2,972 additional affordable homes per annum would be needed over the next five years in order to meet the total current housing need in Waltham Forest. The equivalent figure in the 2000 report was 1,812 additional affordable homes per annum. The difference between the two figures is likely to in part relate to small methodological differences, as well Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 20 as actual growth in housing need due to changes in the Borough’s demographic profile. The level of need shown through this assessment is significant and it would thus seem reasonable to assume that the Council would want to secure affordable housing wherever possible through such policies as encouraging an improvement of the state of housing and the provision of social housing. It is important that proposed development locations consider impacts on local transport links, the potential to increase use of sustainable public transport, and to minimise distances travelled to access amenities. 5.3.4 Crime Overall crime has reduced by 4.2% in Waltham Forest in the last year. All major crime types indicate a downward trend, with the exception of Violence Against the Person and Criminal Damage. Significant reductions have been seen in Burglary, Robbery and Motor Vehicle Crime. Property Crime, of which these are a part, accounts for the greatest volume of crime in Waltham Forest (77%). Vehicle Crime accounts for the largest proportion of crime overall (24%). Violence Against the Person has seen an increase of 10.6% in 2003/04. This is higher than the Metropolitan Police average of 4%. The British Crime Survey has indicated that the proportion of violent crime reported to Police has increased from 52% in 2002 to 62% in 2003. The level of Criminal Damage in Waltham Forest has increased by 19% from 2002/03 to 2003/04. This is more than the Metropolitan Police average of 7%. These figures are unlikely, however, to be a true reflection of this offence. Recent estimates in the British Crime Survey suggest that 69% of Criminal Damage goes unreported. Offenders tend to be young people under the age of 17 years, and increased levels of reporting are found during the summer and at weekends when educational premises are closed. Fear of crime is down in London. However, 53% of residents in Waltham Forest are concerned about crime. This is 6% higher than the London average. People feel safer during the day, women feel more vulnerable than men and the propensity to feel less safe increases with age. An exception to this is the 18–34 age group where men show the biggest fear of crime. 5.3.5 Key Sustainability Issues • • • • 5.4 High levels of drug related crime. Fear of crime is higher than the London average. Provision of affordable housing within the borough. Citizen Involvement and Communication. Health and Education This section sets out the existing situation in Waltham Forest borough with regards to health and education. The baseline has been established with reference to: • • • • National Statistics website (www.statistics.gov.uk) NOMIS - Official Labour Statistics (www.nomisweb.co.uk) Audit Commission Best Value Performance Indicators (www.audit-commission.gov.uk) Waltham Forest Public Health Report Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 21 5.4.1 Health Smoking Health inequalities are differences in the health status of different groups of people. The most important causes of health inequalities are socio-economic factors such as differences in income, employment, education, housing and environmental factors. Equity describes the distribution of services or resources in relation to need. An ‘equal’ distribution of services or resources is not necessarily equitable; it is the relationship to need that is important. It has been estimated that 35% of men and 26% of women in Waltham Forest are smokers, compared to 28% of men and 26% of women in England. Additionally, in Waltham Forest in 2003/04 13.3% of women giving birth were known to be smokers at the time of delivery, compared to 19% of women in England in 2000 who smoked throughout their pregnancy. The lower rate in Waltham Forest probably reflects the high proportion of South Asian women who are known to have lower smoking rates. Men of BME community origin were generally under represented as users of the Stop Smoking cessations service. Maternal and Infant Health The infant mortality rate in Waltham Forest in 2002 was 7.1 per 1,000 live births, which was the fourth highest rate in London. The perinatal mortality rate in Waltham Forest was the 5th highest in London and the stillbirth rate the 8th highest. Additionally, women from BME groups had higher rates of stillbirths, perinatal mortality and low birth weight babies in comparison to white women. Higher rates of poor maternal outcomes were seen in the South of the Borough and are likely to be associated with deprivation and higher proportions of BME groups. Circulatory Disease Mortality from circulatory disease in Waltham Forest was significantly higher than the average for London and England and Wales. The decline in mortality rates in Waltham Forest was less than that for England and Wales. This shows there is a widening in health inequalities. There was a correlation between mortality from circulatory disease and deprivation, % population from manual groups, and % population from South Asian groups at a ward level in Waltham Forest. Diabetes Mortality rates from diabetes in men under 45 years were higher in Waltham Forest compared to London and England and Wales. The estimated prevalence of diabetes in Waltham Forest at 4.37% is lower than that for England due to our younger population. However, this is predicted to increase as our South Asian and Black populations become older. There was evidence of poor control of diabetes in children, particularly in 13 to16 year olds and minority ethnic children, leading to 11 hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis in 2002. This will have a major impact on the future health of these children. Prevention programmes are encouraged with an emphasis on healthy eating and physical exercise. Cancer The SMR for cancer in women of all ages in Waltham Forest was 113 which was the 3rd th highest in London, and for men the SMR was 110, the 10 highest in London. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 22 Mental Health Directly standardised rates for hospital episodes for schizophrenia and related conditions were significantly higher in Waltham Forest compared to the rates for London and England. These differences were not accounted for by the predicted increased prevalence of psychotic illness due to deprivation and ethnicity in Waltham Forest. Black patients appeared to be over represented in hospital episodes for schizophrenia but poor ethnic coding makes the data difficult to interpret. There was a lower than expected number of admissions but longer average length of stay for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Waltham Forest compared to England. HIV and AIDS Heterosexual sex was the most common probable route of infection (48.2%), followed by sex between men (38.3%) and mother to child transmission (4.5%). The majority of HIV related deaths in 2003 were in Black African patients. 32.3% of Waltham Forest residents diagnosed with HIV use the health care provided locally. Tuberculosis The TB incidence rate in Waltham Forest has more than doubled over the last 10 years and is now above 40 per 100,000 which is the level at which the WHO recommends urgent action. While about 75% of TB cases were in people born outside the UK, less than 20% of notifications were in new arrivals during their first year in this country. This indicates that a high proportion of cases are likely to be due to reactivation of latent TB or being infected with TB after arrival in the country. The majority of TB patients were living in the more deprived wards in the South of the Borough where they were more likely to be living in overcrowded housing which increased the risk of transmission of infection. 5.4.2 Education The number of pupils who achieved qualification equivalent to five GCSEs at Grades A* to C in Waltham Forest continued to rise to stand at 47.1% for the academic year ending in 2004. However, this is below the London and National levels of attainment. The percentage of 16 year olds (74.5%) in full time education is comfortably above the national average (71%). The Borough’s 14-19 Learning Strategy 2005 to 2008 notes that while there are some vocational programmes, provision is patchy. It seems from the numbers of year 11s not attaining A8 to G grades and young people not progressing into post 16 education, that a greater breadth of provision at key stage four might more appropriately meet the needs of a minority of pupils, and assist their successful transition into post-16 programmes. 5.4.3 Key Sustainability Issues • • 5.5 5.5.1 Health inequalities generally but particularly for BME groups Poor attainment levels in schools Recreation Introduction This section looks at the existing situation with regards to recreation. This includes leisure resources for residents, day visitors and tourists. The baseline has been established with reference to: • The audit commission (www.audit-commission.gov.uk) Key baseline recreation data is provided in Appendix C. Figures 5, 6 show the tourist and recreation assets in the borough. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 23 5.5.2 Recreation The number of visits to museums within Waltham Forest is lower than the London average, however; this is primarily likely to be due to the disproportionate number of museums and significant number of visits by non-residential, tourists within the city. However, the visits for the borough are above the national average. In contrast, library visits for Waltham Forest are below both the London and England averages per 1000 population. Overall, the borough contains a good diversity of recreational assets. These assets include nature reserves, open spaces, local waterways, cycle routes, and built facilities such as Riding Centre and the Waterworks. However, the percentage of residents satisfied within the borough regarding the provision of parks and open space (61%) is well below the national average (72%) and the London average (69%). 5.5.3 Key Sustainability Issues • Provision of and improved access to cultural and recreational facilities including museums, libraries and recreation open space. 5.6 5.6.1 Traffic and Transport Introduction This section sets out the baseline relating to modes of transport in Waltham Forest borough including the road network and public transport. The existing environment has been established with reference to: • • • • • The Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy National Cycle Network Route User Monitoring Report 2004 Waltham Forest Local Implementation Plan The London Plan Open countryside and registered common land that have rights of open access (www.openaccess.gov.uk) 5.6.2 Road Network Traffic levels on many borough roads are less now than in 1975, when car ownership was a great deal lower. However, traffic has just shifted off borough roads to the TLRN roads. Since the construction of the A12 and its opening in 1999 there has been a 69% increase in traffic flow along roads in the north-south corridor through the Leytonstone area. The construction of this new road meant that initially traffic decreased overall on surrounding roads, as traffic diverted to the new link road. However although the benefits of the new road are clearly reduced traffic on surrounding roads, overall the traffic flowing through the borough has dramatically increased. This can only have deleterious effects on local air quality and health. In addition to this the local routes - in particular Ruckholt Road - are showing increasing traffic flows (see graph entitled ‘Traffic flows in Waltham Forest along M11 corridor’). In fact the 2005 count for Ruckholt Road is 31,516. This is an increase of over 13,000 vehicles per day in only 4 years. If this trend continues traffic in Ruckholt Road could return to the levels seen prior to the construction of the A12. 80+% of residents want to see the Council taking measures to reduce the amount of traffic on borough roads. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 24 35% of commuters in the borough are driving to work - slightly lower than the London average. This may be due to a lower than average ownership of cars for an outer London borough 39% do not have a car in the household. Over 50% of journeys for the residents of Waltham Forest are between 5 and 19 km reflecting the high number of people commuting into Central London from this borough in the morning peak. 5.6.3 Public Transport 49% of Waltham Forest respondents were satisfied with the provision of local public transport information and 53% were satisfied with the local bus service. These levels are largely in line with the London and England averages although 58% of London’s responding residents were satisfied with bus services, which indicates an area for improvement within Waltham Forest. 5.6.4 Walking and Cycling There is no data available for London or the borough with regard to cycling and walking trips although at the national level there has been a notable increase of 11% in the number of cycling trips over the last year and a 12% increase in pedestrian trips. 5.6.5 Key Sustainability Issues • • • 5.7 5.7.1 Reduce traffic congestion and car usage Improve public transport satisfaction Continue to increase walking and cycling trips and facilitate an increase in access to recreational walking and cycling opportunities. Geology and Waste Introduction This section looks at the existing geological environment and waste situation in the borough of Waltham Forest including soils, sites of geological importance, contaminated land and waste management. Baseline information was obtained from: • • • • • Countryside Agency (www.countryside.gov.uk) English Nature (www.english-nature.org.uk) Waltham Forest Recycling and Waste Minimisation Plan Waltham Forest Contaminated Land Strategy DEFRA (www.defra.gov.uk) 5.7.2 Geology and Soils The London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) lies on the North Eastern side of the Thames basin, an elongated basin comprised of chalk, deposited during the Cretaceous period. Overlying the chalk are various sediments of sand, clay and shell beds, collectively known as the Lambeth group. The Lambeth group is predominant to the south of the borough. Overlying the Lambeth group is the London Clay, and on top of this is a sandy clay called the Claygate Beds. Both the London Clay and Claygate Beds are predominant to the north of the borough. The London Clay Formation forms an almost impervious layer to waterborne contaminants that preventing the transmission to groundwater. The risk of aquatic pollution migration is highest in the south of the borough as the formation thins in this area. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 25 5.7.3 Designated Geological Sites There are no designated sites of interest for geology within the borough. 5.7.4 Contaminated Land The London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) is presently undertaking Stage 2 and Stage 3 assessments of contaminated land sites across the borough. Identification of potential pollutant sites has already been undertaken within the Stage 1 Assessment of CLS. Stage 2 will establish actual pollutant linkages and Stage 3 will establish significant pollutant linkages. Former industrial sites within Waltham Forest are concentrated towards the south of the Borough and often in close proximity to dwellings. With the increasing demand for housing, former brownfield sites have been considered as potential sites for redevelopment as housing. Any earthworks associated with redevelopment or maintenance of existing sites could potentially expose contaminated land. 5.7.5 Waste Management In 2004/5 the Council collected 462 tonnes of domestic waste per head which and is around the average for London, but compares with 439.1kg/head for England. This has not reduced significantly over the past few years in line with the Council’s overall target, despite the fact that the Council achieved its statutory target of 12% in 2003/4 of domestic waste to be recycled rising to 18% by 2002/3. The cost of £49.72 per head was considerably more expensive than most London authorities. 2.76% of waste is composted (this does not include the use of home composters) and which puts Waltham Forest in the top London quartile. Additionally, the Council has provided two facilities for the recycling of construction wastes (including bricks, soil, concrete, and rubble). The facilities are for use by residents working on home DIY projects and are located at Chingford and Walthamstow. The Joint Waste Development Plan Document (JWDPD) is a strategy created by the seven London Boroughs (Camden, Barnet, Enfield, Hackney, Haringay, Islington and Waltham Forest). This is to meet the demands for dealing with waste as a result of the forthcoming EC Directive LATS which sets of significant reductions in waste that can be sent to landfill. 5.7.6 Key Sustainability Issues • • • Reduce waste at source and encourage recycling in both domestic and commercial waste management Waste management costs Contaminated land area within the borough 5.8 5.8.1 Water Environment Introduction This section sets out the existing situation with regards to water resources in Waltham Forest borough. The water baseline has been established with reference to: • • • Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk) Environment Agency (2003) Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy: Introductory Leaflet Waltham Forest Contaminated Land Strategy Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 26 5.8.2 Rivers In general, chemical and biological river quality within the UK has improved or remained high since 1990. In 2001 95 per cent of rivers in the UK were rated as having good or fair chemical quality including, 94 per cent of rivers in England, 92 per cent in Wales, 96 per cent in Scotland and 96 per cent in Northern Ireland. Rivers rated as good (not shown separately) accounted for 66 per cent of rivers in England, 93 per cent in Wales, 87 per cent in Scotland and 58 per cent in Northern Ireland. Overall, it is estimated that approximately 95 per cent of UK rivers were of good or fair chemical quality and were of good biological quality in 2000. The watercourses flowing through Waltham Forest are all associated with the River Lea (or Lee). The River Lea forms, for the greater part, the western boundary of the borough, flowing past the numerous reservoirs constructed in the Lea Valley. The water quality of the Lea deteriorates suddenly below Tottenham Lock, where discharges from sewage works, run-off from roads and discharges from industrial premises and boats render the quality 'poor' (EA, 1999). Eutrophication and pollution is a major problem, particularly in the River Lea below Tottenham Lock, and in the Dagenham Brook. Nitrates and phosphates arising from sewage works, particularly storm-waters, raise nutrient-levels which increases weed growth and organic activity. This can, particularly in warm weather, de-oxygenate the water, killing fish and other aquatic organisms. Excessive weed growth can also prevent or limit light reaching the lower levels of the watercourse, thus restricting the growth of other species. The increased silt-load brought in to rivers from sources, such as road run-off also prevents light filtering through the water. 5.8.3 Groundwater The risk for aquatic pollutant migration is highest in the south of the borough as the formation thins in this area. Excavations and boreholes may provide pathways for surface water and pollutants to penetrate the formation. There are approximately two hundred boreholes and approximately sixteen abstraction points in the borough. There are numerous Source Protection Zones (SPZ) located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF). Some of these boreholes are used for a water source for use in the manufacturing. The zones around the SPZ’s show a 40 to 500 day ragtime for a contaminant to reach the extraction point. The EA recommends that development should not occur in the inner SPZ (50 day travel time) as there is unlikely to be enough time for dilution of contaminants in this area before they reach the aquifer. Monitoring and control of the groundwater quality is to be undertaken when developing in close proximity to an outer SPZ (400 day pollutant migration period). 5.8.4 Flood Risk A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been completed for the Blackhorse Lane and Leyton areas. These areas have been identified within the “Regeneration & Investment Strategy” (Oct 2004) as key regeneration areas. The SFRA was to provide guidance for the planning process on the flood risks that occur in these two areas. The SFRA has indicated that flood risks, in varying degrees of significance, are present in all six of the major flood risk sources, namely: • • • • • • Tidal Fluvial Groundwater Overland flow Sewers Artificial sources Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 27 The main flood risk, according to the likelihood and severity, is that due to fluvial events, namely the River Lee and its associated effects on the surrounding watercourses such as Dagenham Brook, the Ching, the Flood Relief Channel and surrounding Ordinary Watercourses. A given individual development could incorporate a number of mitigation measures to provide an appropriate level of protection. 5.8.5 Key Sustainability Issues • • • 5.9 5.9.1 Water quality in rivers and groundwater is generally poor, primarily due to contaminated land issues within the borough. Water sources / supply. Water treatment; sewerage works Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Introduction This section looks at the existing environment with regards to designated wildlife sites, other habitats and species in Waltham Forest borough. The ecological baseline has been established with reference to: • • • English Nature (www.english-nature.org.uk) The Waltham Forest Borough Biodiversity Action Plan The Mayor’s Biodiversity Strategy Key baseline data relating to biodiversity and nature conservation is provided in Appendix C. 5.9.2 Biodiversity Resource Waltham Forest extends from the edge of the Essex countryside in the north to the inner city East End bordering Hackney and Newham in the south. Running the length of the western boundary is the flat, low-lying land of the Lea Valley, an extensive area of open space which contains reservoirs, marshes and river valley of national importance for nature conservation. Additionally, the waterways provide an important biological resource. The Borough’s northern and eastern boundaries are on ridges of higher ground. The ancient woodland, grassland and grass heaths of Epping Forest are found here- again recognised to be of national importance. Between the Lea Valley and Epping Forest the land is largely developed. However, important areas of ancient woodland remain here such as Larkewood and Ainslie Wood, together with churchyards, gardens, railway embankments and the valleys of the River Ching and Dagenham Brook. 5.9.3 Statutory Sites Waltham Forest contains two sites of International Importance – The Lea Valley (Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar Site, ‘potential’ status of Special Area of Conservation (SAC)) and Epping Forest (SAC). The borough also contains four Sites of Special Scientific Interest of national Importance and 87% of these areas are of a favourable condition. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 28 5.9.4 Non-Statutory Sites The borough has 14 sites of importance for nature conservation that have been designated at the local level. 5.9.5 Key Habitats Priority habitats within the borough of Waltham Forest include wood pasture, lowland mixed woodland, hedgerows and green corridors, acid grassland, rivers and streams and private gardens and allotments. The gardens and allotments have been prioritised within the borough due to the high level of opportunity for public involvement. Waltham Forest harbours a significant proportion of the total area within London for the following habitat types: • • • • • • • • Wood pasture Lowland mixed woodland Urban parks/open spaces Acid grassland Marshland Reedbed Rivers and Streams Standing Water 5.9.6 Priority Species No specific action plans have been produced for species within the borough however, there are a large number of species present within Waltham Forest that are globally threatened or rapidly declining, nationally notable or of local importance: Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 29 Table 5.1 Priority Species Invertebrates Insects Gibbaranea bituberculata spider Click beetle Greater stag beetle Agrilus laticornis beetle Psithyrus rupestris Buttoned snout moth Red-belted clearwing White-letter hairstreak Red-eyed damselfly Herpetofauna Amphibians Common frog Common toad Great crested newt Palmate newt Smooth newt Plants Native bluebell Creeping willow Wild service tree Marsh dock Shiny rest harrow Mistletoe Meadow rue Bee orchid Common cow wheat Marsh pennywort Fungi Russula raolti Reptiles Adder Slow worm Grass snake Molluscs Shining ramshorn snail Mammals Common shrew Daubenton’s bat Fallow deer Hedgehog Leisler’s bat Noctule bat Pipistrelle bat Water vole Weasel Goosander Pintail Shoveler Teal Wigeon Mallard Gadwall Pochard Tufted duck Goldeneye Hobby Little ringed plover Birds Short eared owl Lesser spotted woodpecker Kingfisher Skylark Swallow Sand martin House martin Meadow pipit Tree pipit Grey wagtail Yellow wagtail Blackbird Stonechat Willow warbler Lesser whitethroat Goldcrest Song thrush Reed bunting Starling Bullfinch Redpoll Linnet Tree sparrow 5.9.7 Key Sustainability Issues • • • • • Protection and enhancement of statutory and non-statutory sites Encourage preservation and re-creation of key habitats that support key species Protection of species Maintain and enhance biodiversity in general throughout the borough Maintain and enhance networks of natural habitats 5.10 Landscape and Visual Amenity 5.10.1 Introduction This section examines the existing landscape character and visual resources of Waltham Forest borough. The landscape baseline has been established with reference to: • • • • The Countryside Agency website (www.countryside.gov.uk and www.openaccess.gov.uk) English Nature website (www.english-nature.org.uk) Strategic Environmental Assessment for Waltham Forest Designated Landscapes of National Importance (www.hmrc.gov.uk/heritage/lbsearch.htm) 5.10.2 Landscape and townscape Waltham Forest has yet to undertake a Landscape Character Assessment for the borough. However, “landscape” within the borough would generally refer to the more open areas that include all Metropolitan Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land, Epping Forest and the Lea Valley. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 30 Epping Forest is the only area within the borough that is registered as common land or open country under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It is an aim of the Lee Valley Regional Park Plan to maintain the open nature of the Lee Valley. The protection of the Lee Valley has created a natural feature that is an important and valued resource for the region. The park was created to meet the recreation, leisure, and nature conservation needs of London, Hertfordshire, and Essex. Landscape and townscape are likely to remain under pressure because of the demands placed on them and the limited resources made available to manage them. Although only one property in London is conditionally exempt from capital taxes because of outstanding scenic, scientific, or historic interest (Designated Landscapes of National Significance in Middlesex), the impact of any development in the borough on future designated landscapes will need to be assessed. Landscape interests may be adversely affected by land-take from these resources but particularly by traffic impacts. Increasing traffic on major transport corridors has reduced the value of the adjoining landscape /townscape over the years. Townscape quality is reduced as the street scene is increasingly dominated by traffic. However where more effective management of traffic has been achieved than in the past, improvements in townscape and landscape have developments in close proximity to open areas in the borough also have the potential to impact on the amenity and public use of these areas. 5.10.3 Key Sustainability Issues • 5.11 Traffic management issues that visually impact upon the landscape amenity value of the borough. Cultural Heritage and Archaeology 5.11.1 Introduction Cultural heritage encompasses archaeological features, historic buildings, historic landscape features and geological attributes. Cultural heritage features comprise upstanding structures and remains as well as earthworks, buried remains, artefact scatters or elements of soft heritage features that have appeared in arts or literature. The archaeological and cultural heritage baseline has been established with reference to: • • English Heritage website (www.english-heritage.org.uk) Waltham Forest Borough Council Planning Services Key baseline archaeological and cultural heritage data is provided in Appendix C. 5.11.2 Designated Archaeological Sites In 2005 Waltham Forest had seven listed buildings described by English Heritage as being “at risk”. Five of these are described as being in “poor” condition and two as “fair”. None of these are in “bad” condition. The number of visits to libraries per 1000 population in Waltham Forest in 2003/4 was lower than the average for England (6382) and significantly below the average for London (9961). However visits to museums in the borough at 2108 per 1000 population was higher than those for England (1027/1000 pop) but understandably lower than the average for London (3731/1000 pop) where many authorities have museums of national importance. The key visitor attraction is the William Morris main museum is with 31,000 visitors per year and 218,000 hits on its website. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 31 The Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service has defined a number of Archaeological Priority Zones (APZs) which have been identified as having particular archaeological interest. Some of the APZs are extensive and include the whole of the Lea Valley, the valleys of The Ching and The Fillebrook Rivers and areas around former Saxon and Mediaeval settlements such as Chingford, Walthamstow, Leyton, Highams Park and Leytonstone. There are also a number of less extensive APZs. For proposed developments involving a site of 0.4 acres or more within the APZs, the Council will liaise with the Greater London Archaeology Advisory Service in order to assess the archaeological significance of the site. 5.11.3 Conservation Areas Waltham Forest has eleven urban conservation areas within the borough and one area of special character. 5.11.4 Key Sustainability Issues • 5.12 Protection of areas of archaeological significance from development impacts Noise 5.12.1 Introduction This section sets out the baseline for the noise climate in the borough of Waltham Forest. The noise baseline has been established with reference to: • • Waltham Forest Community Strategy London area noise map Key baseline noise data is provided in Appendix C. 5.12.2 Noise Pollution The London Road Traffic Noise Map was commissioned by DEFRA in 2004 and modelled the level of noise associated with motor vehicle traffic. The model calculated that during the daytime, 13% of Waltham Forest is affected by noise levels greater than 60 dB(A). At night the area that is affected by noise levels greater than 60 dB(A) is reduced to 3% of the Borough. It is generally anticipated that traffic levels will continue to rise, putting more pressure on the transport network and increasing noise levels. However, with future improvements in engine technology, and a shift towards environmentally friendly vehicles, we are likely to see reductions in noise per vehicle. (For example the replacement of older buses by modern vehicles is likely to reduce noise). Residents in areas that are within close proximity to major transport routes are likely to be affected most by noise from transport. The percentage of Waltham Forest that is affected by noise levels greater than 60dB(A) at night is only 3%. 5.12.3 Key Sustainability Issues • Traffic management issues that result in increasing noise levels within the borough, particularly along major transport routes. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 32 5.13 Air and Climate 5.13.1 Introduction This section sets out the existing situation in the borough of Waltham Forest with regards to air quality and climate including climate change issues. The air and climate baseline has been established with reference to the Waltham Forest Air Quality Action Plan Key baseline air and climate data is provided in Appendix C. 5.13.2 Air Quality On October 2001, the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) designated the whole borough as an Air Quality Management Area for the pollutants of nitrogen dioxide and respirable particles (PM10). A comprehensive assessment determined that the objective levels for these pollutants could not be met along certain roads in the borough. Depending on location a reduction of between 2.7µg/m3 and 2.7µg/m3 is required to comply with government guidelines. Additionally, air quality levels within the Borough will need to comply with EU Air Quality Directive (1999/30) which specifies a limit value for nitrogen dioxide to be achieved by 2010. It as been estimated that a significant reduction in traffic levels is required before Waltham Forest can meet the Government’s air quality objectives. Tackling emissions at source will create a significant improvement, but an estimated increase in traffic flows will as a result of nearby development (such as the Olympics) will have the opposite effect. 5.13.3 Climate Change Transport is the major source of greenhouse gases within the borough and hence contributes to climate change. Any reduction in traffic congestion in volume would help to reduce these impacts. Historically commercial and light industrial activities were present across the four north London boroughs and within Waltham Forest included manufacture of furniture, vacuum flasks, clothing, electrical goods and paper products. Whilst these sites were located throughout the Borough the majority were in the southern part of the Borough. A fluctuating economy, an increasing tendency for manufacture to move overseas to low cost countries and an increased conflict between existing industrial sites and residential land resulted in the closure of industrial sites. Today, industrial activities have continued to decline, but industrial activities are still present in some areas. 5.13.4 Key Sustainability Issues • Air quality and climate change impacts as a result of traffic congestion and volume. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 33 6.0 6.1 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL OBJECTIVES Need for Objectives Objectives have been developed for the Sustainability Appraisal to provide a basis against which the Waltham Forest Borough LDF can be assessed. An objective is a statement of what is intended. For every objective a target can be set specifying the desired direction of change. From these targets monitoring indicators are derived which can be used to measure the performance of the Waltham Forest Borough LDF against the targets and objectives. The Waltham Forest Borough LDF must aim to fulfil the Sustainability Appraisal objectives as this will allow it to be consistent with environmental regulations and high level sustainable development policies. However the inclusion of a particular objective does not mean that the policies of the Waltham Forest Borough LDF will meet it. Indeed a number of the objectives will conflict. 6.2 Integrated Regional Framework – The London Plan The London Plan Spatial Development Strategy for Greater London was produced by the Mayor and the Greater London Authority that sets out an integrated social, economic and environmental framework for the future development of London, looking forward 15 – 20 years. It sets out six objectives that cover social, economic and environmental issues. These objectives are: • • • • • • To accommodate London’s growth within its boundaries without encroaching on open spaces. To make London a better city for people to live in. To make London a more prosperous city with strong and diverse economic growth. To promote social inclusion and tackle deprivation and discrimination. To improve London’s accessibility. To make London a more attractive, well-designed and green city. These objectives were used as a starting point for the development of Waltham Forest borough specific objectives. The review of plans and programmes (Section 4.0) were used to inform the development of Waltham Forest borough specific objectives. The derivation of the objectives is shown in Appendix D. 6.3 Sustainability Appraisal Objectives The proposed objectives to assess the social, economic and environmental acceptability of the Waltham Forest Borough LDF are listed in Table 6.1. The objectives integrate social, economic and environmental considerations. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 34 Table 6.1 Sustainability Appraisal Objectives for the Waltham Forest Borough LDF Objective Economic Social Environmental Provide sufficient affordable housing of good quality to meet local needs, making good use of derelict and vacant property bearing in mind their nature conservation value Reduce production of waste and increase recycling Conserve energy To protect and enhance water, soil and air quality through reducing pollution. To reduce crime and the fear of crime and to ensure public safety Improve standard of health and wellbeing of those who live and work in the borough To increase the provision of and access to community facilities to meet local cultural, recreational and social needs. Improve condition of public and private housing stock To conserve and enhance all aspects of the ecological environment, in particular designated sites and protected species, and provide opportunities for local residents to access and understand these including consideration of biodiversity within new development. Provide a clean well maintained public realm Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 35 Objective To preserve and enhance all aspects of the historic environment and to provide opportunities for all residents to access and understand local cultural heritage. Maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the borough's town centres Economic Social Environmental Improve the local economy, by attracting inward investment Improve educational attainment in schools To provide and improve the existing education and training opportunities for all local residents of all age groups, including the young, deprived, disabled, the elderly and particularly to enable access to local employment Reduce the overall level of deprivation Encourage community understanding and participation Ensure a safe integrated transport system that provides easy access to local facilities and jobs and concentrate new development at transport hubs Targets and indicators for monitoring the performance of the LDF against these Sustainability Appraisal objectives have been suggested by WYGE and are detailed in Appendix E. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 36 7.0 NEXT STEPS This Scoping Report forms the first stage of the Sustainability Appraisal of the Waltham Forest Borough LDF process. The next steps of the Sustainability Appraisal and associated steps of the Waltham Forest Borough LDF development are detailed in Table 7.1. Table 7.1 Next Steps in the Sustainability Appraisal of the LDF Sustainability Appraisal Steps A5 Consulting on the scope of the SA Links to LDF Process The results of the process will feed into the development of the Preferred Options. ODPM Stage Stage A Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope Stage B Develop options and policies, taking account of assessed effects and developing the draft RSS revision B2 B1 Testing the DPD revision objectives against the SA framework. The results of the process will feed into the development of the Preferred Options. Developing the DPD revised options. The results of the process will feed into the development of the Preferred Options. B3 Predicting the effects of the DPD revision. Undertaken after Preferred Options developed. The Preferred Options will then need to be revised in line with any findings. B4 Evaluating the effects of the DPD revision. Undertaken after Preferred Options developed. The Preferred Options will then need to be revised in line with any findings. B5 Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects. Undertaken after Preferred Options developed. The Preferred Options will then need to be revised in line with any findings. B6 Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the DPD revision. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 37 ODPM Stage Stage C Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report Stage D Consulting on the draft RSS revision and the SA report D2 D1 C1 Sustainability Appraisal Steps Preparing the SA report Links to LDF Process To be undertaken in conjunction with preparation of Preferred Options Report. Consulting on the draft DPD revision and the SA Report. Undertaken at the same time as formal consultation on the Preferred Options Report. Appraising any significant changes proposed by the Secretary of State. Undertaken in conjunction finalisation of the LDF documents. Undertaken in conjunction finalisation of the LDF documents. D3 Making decisions and providing information. Stage E E1 Finalising aims and methods for monitoring Undertaken in conjunction finalisation of the LDF documents. E2 Responding to adverse effects. Undertaken after LDF has been adopted. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 38 FIGURES Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 Figure 1 Waltham Forest Location Waltham Forest Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 Figure 2 Study Area Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 Figure 3. The Development Plan Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 Figure 4 Local Assets A (Ecological Sensitivities) Grid Ref: TQ 378 878 Full Grid Ref: 537875 , 187884 The following features have been found within 3,500 metres of the search point: RSPB Reserves (England) There are no features within the search area. Ancient Woodland (England) Reference Description 1784 1788 1789 1791 1799 1800 2236 2237 Local Nature Reserves (England) Reference Name 1009350 National Nature Reserves (England) Ramsar Sites (England) Reference Name UK11034 Special Protection Areas (England) Reference Name UK9012111 LEE VALLEY Special Areas of Conservation (England) Reference Name UK0012720 EPPING FOREST Sites of Special Scientific Interest (England) Reference Name 1000135 1001669 1000343 EPPING FOREST WALTHAMSTOW MARSHES LEE VALLEY SPRINGFIELD PARK ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND There are no features within the search area. Citation 1001814 1003054 WALTHAMSTOW RESERVOIRS 1004304 Important Bird Areas (England) Site Name Description Reference 51005 LEA VALLEY A SERIES OF WETLANDS AND RESERVOIRS SITUATED ALONG THE RIVER STET, TO THE NORTH-EAST OF LONDON. A RICH AQUATIC AND MARGINAL FLORA IS PRESENT IN THE RESERVOIRS AND STREAMS. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 National Forest (England) There are no features within the search area. There are no features within the search area. There are no features within the search area. There are no features within the search area. There are no features within the search area. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (England) National Parks - proposed (England) National Parks (England) World Heritage Sites (England) Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 Figure 5 Local Assets B (Heritage and Scheduled Site) Grid Ref: TQ 370 890 Full Grid Ref: 537025, 189000 The following features have been found within 3,500 metres of the search point: Doorstep Greens (England) There are no features within the search area. Millennium Greens (England) There are no features within the search area. Registered Parks and Gardens (England) Reference Name 1835 1101 Date of registration Grade Scale of capture 10000 10000 SPRINGFIELD PARK Thu, 1 Jan 1987 00:00:00 UTC II WANSTEAD PARK Thu, 1 Jan 1987 00:00:00 UTC II* Woodland Trust sites (England) There are no features within the search area. There are no features within the search area. Forestry Commission Woodland (England) National Inventory of Woodland and Trees (England) Feature type Reference date Update type BROADLEAVED 310395 BROADLEAVED 310395 BROADLEAVED 310395 MIXED 310395 BROADLEAVED 310395 BROADLEAVED 310395 MIXED MIXED 310300 310395 BROADLEAVED 310395 BROADLEAVED 310395 MIXED MIXED 310300 310300 WGS YOUNG TREES 310302 Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 Green Belt (England) Reference Name of Local Plan 11047333 11048495 11048496 11060221 11060223 LONDON BOROUGH OF ENFIELD UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN HARINGEY UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN HARINGEY UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Date Local Plan was Published 19940325 19980331 19980331 Status ADOPTED ADOPTED ADOPTED ADOPTED ADOPTED SECOND DEPOSIT DRAFT SECOND DEPOSIT DRAFT ADOPTED Authority LONDON BOROUGH OF ENFIELD LONDON BOROUGH OF HARINGEY LONDON BOROUGH OF HARINGEY Scale of Original Plan 1:10,560 1:8,000 1:8,000 LB OF WALTHAM FOREST UNITARY 19960131 DEVELOPMENT PLAN LB OF WALTHAM FOREST UNITARY 19960131 DEVELOPMENT PLAN LONDON BOROUGH 1:10,000 OF WALTHAM FOREST LONDON BOROUGH 1:10,000 OF WALTHAM FOREST LONDON BOROUGH 1:10,000 OF WALTHAM FOREST LONDON BOROUGH 1:10,000 OF WALTHAM FOREST LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE LONDON BOROUGH OF HARINGEY 1:10,000 LB OF WALTHAM FOREST UNITARY 20866544 DEVELOPMENT PLAN-FIRST 20030430 REVIEW LB OF WALTHAM FOREST UNITARY 20866546 DEVELOPMENT PLAN-FIRST 20030430 REVIEW LONDON BOROUGH OF 21673464 REDBRIDGE UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN LONDON BOROUGH OF 21673466 REDBRIDGE UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN LONDON BOROUGH OF 21673467 REDBRIDGE UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN LONDON BOROUGH OF 21673468 REDBRIDGE UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 26409318 HARINGEY UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 20031130 20031130 ADOPTED 1:10,000 20031130 ADOPTED 1:10,000 20031130 20040930 ADOPTED REVISED DEPOSIT CONSULTATION 1:10,000 1:8,000 Scheduled Monuments (England) Registered Battlefields (England) Community Forests (England) There are no features within the search area. There are no features within the search area. There are no features within the search area. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 APPENDIX A REPORT CONDITIONS Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 WHITE YOUNG GREEN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT CONDITIONS SUSTAINAIBILITY APPRAISAL SCOPING REPORT This report is produced solely for the benefit of Waltham Forest Borough Council and no liability is accepted for any reliance placed on it by any other party unless specifically agreed in writing otherwise. This report refers, within the limitations stated, to the condition of the site and the recorded proposals at the time of the inspections and study. No warranty is given as to the possibility of future changes in the condition of the site. This report is based solely on the referenced data, inspections, discussions with Statutory Authorities and assessment by WYGE. Some of the opinions are based on unconfirmed data and information and are presented as the best that can be obtained at this stage without further extensive research. The report is prepared for the objectives, scope and proposed uses stated in the report and should not be used in a different context without consent of WYGE. The report is limited to those aspects specifically reported on and is necessarily restricted. No liability is accepted for any other aspect. The opinions expressed cannot be absolute due to the limitations of time and resources imposed by the agreed brief. Whilst the findings detailed within this report reflect our best assessment, because there are no exact UK definitions of these matters, being subject to risk analysis and interpretation, we are unable to give categoric assurances that they will be accepted by authorities or interested parties without question as such bodies have their own interpretation of regulations and standards. Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 APPENDIX B PLANS AND PROGRAMMES REVIEW PROFORMAS Waltham Forest Borough Council Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Development Framework Scoping Report July 2006 The Historic Environment: A Force for our Future Author / Proponent Body Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Status Complete Date Produced 2001 Relevance to LDF Sets out Governmental proposals and objectives aimed at preserving and enhancing the historic environment. Main Aims and Objectives • To match public interest in the historic environment with firm leadership, effective partnerships, and the development of a sound knowledge base from which to develop policies; • To realise the full potential of the historic environment as a learning resource; • To ensure the historic environment’s accessibility; • To protect and sustain the historic environment for the benefit of our own and future generations; and • To harness the historic environment’s importance as an economic asset. Relationships (opportunities / synergies) with the LDF Opportunity to protect and sustain the Borough’s historic environment. Opportunity to improve the knowledge base of the coast, particularly the ‘Heritage Coast’. Opportunity to improve education/knowledge base on the local historic environment. Opportunity to improve the accessibility for the local historic environment. Potential for employment/work experience opportunities. Opportunity to utilise new technology in enhancing the historic environment. Opportunity to preserve and enhance historic parkas and gardens. Opportunity to maintain high archaeological standards of the Borough. Conflicts (constraints / challenges) with the LDF Potential conflict between improving the historic environments accessibility and preserving the historic environment. How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Set policies encouraging the protection and enhancement of the Borough’s historic environment. Set policies ensuring any new development in the setting of a listing building follows the relevant guidance. Set policies allowing the development of knowledge on the local historic environment, including the coast and sea. Set policies allowing for the use of new technology in the protection of the historic environment. Set policies ensuring all people (both local and tourists) have access to the historic environment of the Borough. Set policies ensuring Historic Parks and Gardens are protected, and enhanced. Set policies ensuring archaeological opportunity is provided where possible. http://www.culture.gov.uk/global/publications/archive_2001/his_force_ future.htm References to Other Plans / Programmes ‘Power of Place’, English Heritage ‘Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the need of disabled people’ (2001), British Standards Institution Hackney Building Exploratory Historic Landscape Assessments ‘Funding and Friendships’ (2001), Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies ‘Our Countryside: The Future. A Fair Deal for Rural England’ (2002), Rural White Paper Public Parks Assessment, Department for Transport Hadrians Wall management plan ‘Our Towns and Cities: The Future’, White Paper ‘Building in Context: New Development in Historic Areas’, CABE Internet Link Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the Historic Environment ODPM Author / Proponent Body Statutory Status 1994 Date Produced Relevance to LDF PPG15 sets out the Government’s policies on the identification and protection of historic buildings, conservation areas, and other elements of the historic environment, and the role of the planning system in their protection. Local planning authorities must take their content into account in preparing their development plans. Main Aims and Objectives There should be effective protection for all aspects of the historic environment: individual listed buildings, conservation areas, parks and gardens, battlefields or the wider historic landscape. • Objective should be to reconcile the need for economic growth with the need to protect the natural and historic environment. • We must ensure that the means are available to identify what is special in the historic environment; to define, through the development plan system its capacity for change; and, when proposals for new development come forward, to assess their impact on the historic environment and give it full weight, alongside other considerations. Relationships (opportunities / synergies) with the LDF • • Opportunities to protect and enhance the historic environment. Opportunities to ensure that conservation policies are co-ordinated and integrated with other planning policies affecting the historic environment. • Conflicts (constraints / challenges) with the LDF Potential challenge to ensure that new developments are in keeping with the historic environment. • How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Identify important historic resources in the area and set policies to ensure their preservation and enhancement. • Set policies which encourage suitable re-use of historic buildings which will contribute to economic prosperity, in addition to preserving their historic value. • Ensure that plans include all the criteria on the basis of which planning decisions will be made. • Ensure that aspects of conservation policy that are relevant, directly or indirectly, to development control decisions are included - for instance, policies for alterations or extensions to listed buildings that also constitute development. • Include a strategy for the economic regeneration of rundown areas, and in particular seek to identify the opportunities which the historic fabric of an area can offer as a focus for regeneration. • Set out broad criteria for the designation of new conservation areas and for the review of existing conservation area boundaries; and, where possible, which particular areas are in mind for both. • Plan for new developments which will fit into the historic environment, so that historic buildings are woven into the fabric of the living and working community. • Set policies for the countryside which take account of the historical dimension of the landscape as a whole rather than concentrate on selected areas. • The Sustainability Appraisal should contain an objective on preserving / enhancing the historic environment. Internet Link http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/documents/ page/odpm_plan_606900.hcsp References to Other Plans / Programmes PPG 16: Archaeology and Planning Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology & Planning ODPM Author / Proponent Body Statutory Status August 2001 Date Produced Relevance to LDF Planning Policy Guidance notes set out the Government’s policies on different aspects of planning. Local planning authorities must take their content into account in preparing their development plans. Main Aims and Objectives • • It sets out the Secretary of State’s policy on archaeological remains on land, and how they should be preserved or recorded in an urban setting and in the countryside; It gives advice on the handling of archaeological remains and discoveries under the development plan and control systems, including the weight given to them in planning decisions and the use of planning conditions. Conflicts (constraints / challenges) with the LDF Relationships (opportunities / synergies) with the LDF Opportunities to preserve known sites of archaeological interest through the LDF. Opportunities to encourage pre-application assessments of the archaeological interest of potential development sites to reduce problems later on in the planning process. Opportunity to encourage funding provisions for local archaeological investigations through the LDF Potential conflict between development needs and the desire to preserve features of archaeological interest. How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Set policies to preserve sites of known archaeological interest within the borough. Set policies which encourage the pre-development assessment of sites to determine archaeological interest. The SA should include objectives to assess whether the policies of the LDF will help to preserve features of archaeological interest. http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents /contentservertemplate/odpm_index.hcst?n=3422&l=3 Internet Link References to Other Plans / Programmes / Author / Proponent Body Status Date Produced Planning Policy Guidance 21: Tourism ODPM Statutory November 1992 Relevance to LDF Planning Policy Guidance notes set out the Government’s policies on different aspects of planning. Local planning authorities must take their content into account in preparing their development plans Main Aims and Objectives PPG21 itself has the following aim; • Outlines the economic importance of tourism and its environmental impact, and therefore its importance in land-use planning • Explains how the needs of tourism should be dealt with in development plans and in development control. In addition it re-iterates the strategy of the English Tourist Board, which includes; • Balancing the needs of visitors, host communities and the environment; • Improving quality and value for money; • Improving transport and communications; • Increasing standards of training and professionalism; and • Encouraging tourism growth and development. Relationships (opportunities / synergies) with the LDF Opportunities to encourage the growth of tourism through the LDF; Opportunity to develop tourism opportunities by strengthening the local and national transport linkages; Opportunities to preserve existing historical features of tourism interest. Conflicts (constraints / challenges) With the LDF Challenge to preserve the integrity of features of tourist interest, without compromising their longterm preservation. Challenge to balance needs of resident population with that of seasonal visitors. How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Set policies which encourage the development of tourism opportunities within the borough. Set policies to encourage investment in local and links to the national transport infrastructure to increase accessibility to tourist attractions. The Sustainability Appraisal should include objectives which addresses the Tourism issues which are raised in this strategy. Internet Link http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents /contentservertemplate/odpm_index.hcst?n=3437&l=3 References to Other Plans / Programmes Planning Policy Guidance Notes; 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20 Planning Policy Guidance 3: Housing(with updates Planning for Sustainable Communities in Rural Areas and Supporting the Delivery of New Housing, published 2005) ODPM Author / Proponent Body Statutory Status 2000 Date Produced Relevance to LDF Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) notes set out the Government's policies on different aspects of planning. They should be taken into account by local planning authorities in preparing development plans. This PPG provides guidance on a range of issues relating to the provision of housing. Main Aims and Objectives • The Government intends that everyone should have the opportunity of a decent home. They further intend that there should be greater choice of housing and that housing should not reinforce social distinctions. The housing needs of all in the community should be recognised, including those in need of affordable or special housing in both urban and rural areas. To promote more sustainable patterns of development and make better use of previously-developed land, the focus for additional housing should be existing towns and cities. New housing and residential environments should be well designed and should make a significant contribution to promoting urban renaissance and improving the quality of life. • Local planning authorities should: plan to meet the housing requirements of the whole community, including those in need of affordable and special needs housing; o provide wider housing opportunity and choice and a better mix in the size, type and location of housing than is currently available, and seek to create mixed communities; o provide sufficient housing land but give priority to re-using previously-developed land within urban areas, bringing empty homes back into use and converting existing buildings, in preference to the development of greenfield sites; o create more sustainable patterns of development by building in ways which exploit and deliver accessibility by public transport to jobs, education and health facilities, shopping, leisure and local services; o make more efficient use of land by reviewing planning policies and standards; o place the needs of people before ease of traffic movement in designing the layout of residential developments; o seek to reduce car dependence by facilitating more walking and cycling, by improving linkages by public transport between housing, jobs, local services and local amenity, and by planning for mixed use; and o promote good design in new housing developments in order to create attractive, highquality living environments in which people will choose to live. Conflicts (constraints / challenges) with the LDF o Relationships (opportunities / synergies) with the LDF Opportunities to provide space for a greater choice in housing which better meets the needs of the community. Opportunities to prioritise the re-use of previously developed land through LDF policies. Opportunities to create more sustainable patterns of development. Opportunities to make more efficient use of land. Opportunities to facilitate more walking and cycling. Opportunities to create high quality living environments through LDF policies. Potential challenge to encourage housing development which is suitable for disadvantaged groups rather than housing which is expensive and inaccessible to those in need. Potential challenge to reduce car dependence, particularly in rural areas. How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Provide space for housing of types and in locations which best meet the needs of the community. Set policies which give priority to housing developments on previously developed land, in urban areas, in preference to the development of greenfield sites. Set policies which encourage housing development which will be accessible by public transport to jobs, education, health facilities, shopping, leisure and other local services. Set policies which ensure that people’s needs are placed before ease of traffic movement in designing the layout of residential areas. Set policies for the protection and improvement of public footpaths and cycle ways. Set policies which encourage mixed use developments. Set policies which promote good design in new housing developments. Provide sufficient land either within or adjoining existing rural communities to enable these local requirements to be met in a manner which contributes to the achievement of sustainable communities. Include a rural exception site policy. Sustainability Appraisal objectives should incorporate issues of high quality design, the provision of affordable and decent homes, preserving open space, and reducing car travel. Internet Link http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_ planning/documents/page/odpm_plan_606933.hcsp References to Other Plans / Programmes Regional Housing Statements DETR Circular 6/98 Planning and Affordable Housing Planning Policy Guidance 4: Industrial, Commercial Development and Small Firms ODPM Author / Proponent Body Statutory Status 2001 Date Produced Relevance to LDF Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) notes set out the Government's policies on different aspects of planning. They should be taken into account by local planning authorities in preparing development plans. Main Aims and Objectives The aim of PPG 4 is to encourage continued economic development that is compatible with governmental environmental objectives. • In allocating land for industry and commerce, planning authorities should be realistic in their assessment of the needs of business. They should aim to ensure that there is sufficient land available which is readily capable of development and well served by infrastructure. They should also ensure that there is a variety of sites available to meet differing needs. • The Government's policy, set out in "This Common Inheritance" and subsequent White Papers, is to seek to control the emissions of greenhouse gases which lead to global warming. Locational policies in development plans can help to achieve that objective through reducing the need to travel, and encouraging development in areas that can be served by more energy efficient modes of transport - such as rail or water (including coastal shipping). • In areas which are primarily residential, development plan policies should not seek unreasonably to restrict commercial and industrial activities of an appropriate scale particularly in existing buildings - which would not adversely affect residential amenity. • In rural areas, applications for development necessary to sustain the rural economy should be weighed with the need to protect the countryside in terms of, for example, its landscape, wildlife, agriculture, natural resources and recreational value. • Planning authorities should consider carefully whether particular proposals for new development may be incompatible with existing industrial and commercial activities. Many urban areas contain large amounts of land, once used for industrial purposes but now under-used or vacant. Getting this land back into beneficial use is important to the regeneration of towns and cities. Relationships (opportunities / synergies) with the LDF Conflicts (constraints / challenges) with the LDF Potential challenge to ensure that land provided for economic development is suitable and well served by infrastructure. Potential challenge to achieve the right balance between housing and commercial / industrial activities in areas which are primarily residential. Potential challenge to achieve the right balance between economic development to sustain the rural economy and the need to protect the countryside. Potential challenge to determine whether proposals for new developments are compatible with existing activities. • Opportunity to provide land for economic development. Opportunities to reduce the need to travel and encourage more sustainable forms of transport through designations and policies of the LDF. Opportunity to get under-used or vacant (brownfield) land back into beneficial use. How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Ensure that there is sufficient land available for economic development which is readily capable of development and well served by infrastructure. Set policies which encourage development in areas which are accessible by public transport to minimise the impact on current levels of congestion. Set policies which encourage re-use of previously developed buildings and / or land and encourage new uses in under-used space. The Sustainability Appraisal A process should consider the need for economic development, accessibility issues and the suitability of the location of economic developments. http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/documents/page/odp Internet Link m_plan_ 606913.hcsp References to Other Plans / Programmes PPG12 Planning Policy Guidance 9: Nature and Conservation ODPM Author / Proponent Body Statutory Status February 2002 Date Produced Relevance to LDF Planning Policy Guidance notes set out the Government’s policies on different aspects of planning. Local planning authorities must take their content into account in preparing their development plans. Main Aims and Objectives Sets out the governments objectives for nature conservation and the framework for safeguarding our natural heritage under domestic and international law: to ensure that its policies contribute to the conservation of the abundance and diversity of British wildlife and its habitats • to minimise the adverse effects on wildlife where conflict of interest is unavoidable • to meet its international responsibilities and obligations for nature conservation. Relationships (opportunities / synergies) with the LDF Conflicts (constraints / challenges) with the LDF • Opportunities to promote responsible development in areas which have, or are near to sites of nature conservation value. Opportunities to define the areas covered within the LDF, which are directly affected by this policy. Conflict between encouraging inward investment and development without compromising the ecological value of the area. How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Set policies which ensure that all sites of nature conservation value, both designated and non-designated sites, are fully considered in planning land-use decisions. Ensure that English Nature are consulted for during the development of the LDF. Set policies which encourage the protection of non-designated sites of nature conservation value through the LDF. The SA should incorporate objectives which deal with the environmental issues dealt with by this policy. Internet Link http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents/contentservertemplate/ odpm_index.hcst?n=3401&l=3 References to Other Plans / Programmes Planning Policy Guidance Notes; 7, 12, 13, 17, 20 & 21, Mineral Planning Guidance Notes; 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 & 10. Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development ODPM Author / Proponent Body Statutory Status February 2005 Date Produced Relevance to LDF PPS1 sets out the overarching planning policies on the delivery of sustainable development through the planning system and explains that planning has a key role in the creation of sustainable communities. The policies set out in this PPS will need to be taken into account by local planning authorities in the preparation of local development documents. Main Aims and Objectives • Sustainable development is the core principle underpinning planning. • The UK government’s sustainable development aims should be pursued in an integrated way through a sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment, and a just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal well being, in ways that protect and enhance the physical environment and optimise resource and energy use. • Planning should facilitate and promote sustainable and inclusive patterns of urban and rural development by: o making suitable land available for development in line with economic, social and environmental objectives to improve people's quality of life; o contributing to sustainable economic development; o protecting and enhancing the natural and historic environment, the quality and character of the countryside, and existing communities; o ensuring high quality development through good and inclusive design, and the efficient use of resources; and o ensuring that development supports existing communities and contributes to the creation of safe, sustainable, liveable and mixed communities with good access to jobs and key services for all members of the community. • Planning has a key role to play in the creation of sustainable communities: communities that will stand the test of time, where people want to live, and which will enable people to meet their aspirations and potential. Relationships (opportunities / synergies) Conflicts (constraints / challenges) with the LDF with the LDF Opportunities to promote development that creates socially inclusive communities through LDF policies. Opportunities to promote health and well-being through LDF policies and provision. Potential challenge to deliver sustainable Opportunities to promote high quality communities and avoid negative impacts of development through LDF policies. development upon social fabric. Opportunities to tackle climate change through Potential challenge to protect the LDF policies. environment and natural resources while Opportunities to protect and enhance the making provision for development. natural and historic environment through LDF policies. Opportunities to promote regeneration to improve the wellbeing of communities through LDF policies. How could the aims and objectives be addressed in the LDF? Ensure sustainable development is incorporated in to the LDF in an integrated manner. Set policies which promote development that creates socially inclusive communities. Set policies which tackle access issues (both in terms of location and physical access) and aim to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusions in a manner that benefits the entire community. Provide sufficient land to meet the housing needs of the community, in suitable locations (so as to reduce the need to travel) whether through new development or the conversion of existing buildings. Set policies to ensure provision of good quality housing which is safe, healthy and attractive. Make provision for physical activity in order to promote health and wellbeing. Set policies which promote high quality inclusive design in the layout of new developments and individual buildings in terms of function and impact, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development. Set policies which aim to reduce energy use, reduce emissions (for example, by encouraging patterns of development which reduce the need to travel by private car, or reduce the impact of moving freight), promote the development of renewable energy resources, and take climate change impacts into account in the location and design of development. Set policies which protect and enhance the quality character and amenity value of the countryside and urban areas as a whole. Set policies which take account of environmental issues such as air quality and pollution, land contamination, the protection of groundwater from contamination, noise pollution, light pollution, the conservation of wildlife species and habitats, the need to improve the built and natural environment in and around urban areas and rural settlements, the conservation of soil quality, the preservation and enhancement of built and archaeological heritage and the management of waste. Set policies which seek to minimise the need to consume new resources over the lifetime of the development by making more efficient use or reuse of existing resources. Set policies which promote and encourage, rather than restrict the use of renewable energy. Set policies which promote urban and rural regeneration. Set policies which promote mixed use developments for locations that allow the creation of linkages between different uses. Bring forward sufficient land of a suitable quality in appropriate locations to meet the expected needs for housing, for industri