Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning ......2006/09/06 · Rebecca Mayman – Senior planner Forward Planning Section Tel: 01562 732554 [email protected]

Wyre Forest District Local Development Framework

Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document

Sustainability Appraisal Report

September 2006

Forward Planning SectionPlanning Health & Environment DivisionWyre Forest District CouncilDuke HouseClensmore StreetKidderminsterWorcs. DY10 2JX.

Prosperity Policy Panel

AGENDA ITEM NO. 9Page 1 of 87

Contents Page

1. SEA Directive Requirements Page 1

2. Non Technical Summary Pages 2-4

3. Background to the Planning Obligations SPD Pages 4-6

4. The Sustainability Appraisal Process Pages 6-8

5. A1: Identifying Relevant Plans, Policies, Programmes andSustainability Objectives. Pages 8-10

6. A2: Base Line Data Collection. Pages 10-11

7. A3: Identification of Main Sustainability Issues. Page 11-14

8. A4: Developing the SA Framework. Pages 14-17

9. B1: Testing the Compatibility of SA Objectives Page 18-20

10. B2: SPD Options Pages 20-23

11. B3/B4: Predicting & evaluating the effects of the Draft SPD. Pages 23-26

12. B5: Mitigating Adverse Effects. Page 26

13. B6: Monitoring the Effects of Implementing the Draft SPD.Page 26-27

Appendix AIdentification of other relevant plans, policies, programmes and sustainabilityobjectives.

Appendix BBaseline Data



Wyre Forest District Local Development FrameworkPlanning Obligations SPD - Sustainability Appraisal Report (September 2006)

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1. SEA DIRECTIVE REQUIREMENTSThe Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (European Directive 2001/42/EC)

requires that this Sustainability Report should include the following information:

SEA Regulation Requirements Inclusion in the SAReport

Stage A - Outline of the contents, main objectives of the SPD and its

relationship with other relevant plans and programmes.Section 2. Pages 2 - 4

Stage A - The Environmental Protection Objectives, established at

international, community or national level, which are relevant to the

plan and the way those objectives and any environmental

considerations have been taken into account during its preparation.

Section 5. Pages 8 – 10(Appendix B)

Stage A - Relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and

the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or

programme and the environmental characteristics of the areas likely to

be significantly affected.

Section 6. Pages 10 - 11

Stage A - Any existing environmental problems, which are relevant to

the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any

areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas

designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC.


Stage A - Consultation with the statutory environmental bodies on the

scope and level of detail of the information, which must be included in

the environmental report.

SA Scoping ReportPublished June 2006.

Stage B – Consideration of reasonable alternatives taking into account

the objectives and the geographical scope of the SPD and give an

outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with.


Stage C – The likely significant effects on the environment, including on

issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil,

water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage, landscape

and the interrelationship between the above factors. These effects

should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and

long term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects.


Stage C – An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt

with.Section 10. Pages 20 - 23

Stage C – The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as

possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of

implementing the SPD.

Section 12. Page 26

Stage D – The authorities (with relevant environmental responsibilities)

and the public shall be given an early and effective opportunity within

appropriate time frames to express their opinion on the Draft SPD and

the accompanying Environmental Report before the adoption of the

SPD.

Public Participation onDraft SPD and SA Report12th October – 23rd

November 2006.

Stage E – The Environmental Report should provide information on “a Section 13. Pages 26-27




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SEA Regulation Requirements Inclusion in the SAReport

description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring.

2. NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY2.1 The purpose of this section is to provide a non technical summary of the Sustainability

Appraisal Report. This will set out the stages involved in the process and explain how it

has made a difference in the consideration of the Draft Planning Obligations

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

2.2 Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is a process which enables Local Planning Authorities

(LPAs) to assess how their plans and proposals help to achieve the Government’s

Sustainable Development objectives. It is a requirement under Section 39(2) of the

Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 to complete a Sustainability Appraisal

(SA) of all Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning

Documents (SPDs).

2.3 There are three key stages to preparing a SA:

• The production of a Scoping Report

• The production of a Sustainability Appraisal; and

• The production of an Adoption Statement.

2.4 The Scoping Report for the Sustainability Appraisal was prepared in June 2006. This

document reviews the relevant national, regional and local policies and baseline data,

and was used to identify the key sustainability issues for the SPD. No major

inconsistencies were found in to exist between these policies.

2.5 The key sources of baseline data were used from English Nature, the Environment

Agency, Worcestershire County Council, Wyre Forest Housing Needs Survey and the

Wyre Forest District Annual Monitoring Report.

2.6 A matrix was constructed in order to describe, assess and compare the sustainability

effects. Worcestershire County Council is currently co-ordinating a joint SEA/SA

Framework for the County and District Councils and produced the sustainability

objectives used in this report. These seventeen indicators represent a wide range of

issues including access to facilities and services, enhancing and protecting the natural




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and built environment, reducing the need to travel, providing affordable housing and

increasing promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

2.7 The SA requires options to be developed and considered in relation to the production of

the SPD. The following four options were considered:

Option 1 – “Business as Usual” Option, which would rely solely on individual

interpretation of Adopted Local Plan Policies until the relevant Development Plan

Documents are adopted by the District Council.

Option 2 – Produce a SPD to act as interim guidance on the District Council’s

requirements for the implementation of planning obligations.

Option 3 – Produce an SPD on Planning Obligations which advocates a purely tariff

based approach to developer contributions.

Option 4 – Produce a Planning Obligations SPD which does not incorporate guidance

on Section 106 Education Contributions from developers and adopt this as a separate

SPD.

2.8 The strengths and weaknesses of each option were considered. It was concluded that

the preferred option was option two.

2.9 This report sets out monitoring indicators. These will be tracked and reported through

the District Council’s Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). Additionally, the Council holds

a Section 106 database, which contains information on developer contributions and

planning obligations.

The following documents contain further guidance regarding the production of a SA:

• Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development

Frameworks (ODPM, November 2005).

• SEA Directive 42/2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and

programmes on the environment (ODPM).

• ODPM Interim Advice Note on Frequently Asked Questions (April 2005).

• The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (2004).




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2.10 Undertaking SA of the Draft SPD has been instrumental to the development of the Draft

SPD. In particular, the scoping stage consultation helped to set the context for the SPD

and the District Council was able to take on board comments from the four statutory

environmental bodies. The SA has also helped to set out monitoring indicators for the

ongoing implementation of the SPD.

2.11 We want to hear your views on this document and comments should be sent to:

Forward Planning Section

Planning, Health and Environment

Wyre Forest District Council

Duke House

Clensmore Street

Kidderminster

Worcestershire

DY10 2JX

Fax: 01562 732556

E-mail: [email protected]

2.12 If you have any questions or would like clarification on any aspect of this report please

contact:

Rebecca Mayman – Senior planner

Forward Planning Section

Tel: 01562 732554

[email protected]

2.13 The consultation period runs from 12th October to 23rd November 2006. All comments

should be received by 5pm on 23rd November 2006. A copy of this document is

available to view on our web page: ww.wyreforestdc.gov.uk. Further copies can also

be obtained from Duke House, Clensmore Street, Kidderminster.

3. BACKGROUND TO THE PLANNING OBLIGATIONS SPD3.1 Advice set out in Office for the Deputy Prime Minister’s (ODPM) Planning Obligations

Circular (05/2005), encourages the preparation of Supplementary Planning Documents



mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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(SPDs), that cover developer contributions to affordable housing, sustainable transport,

open space and biodiversity and education contributions.

3.2 The production of the Wyre Forest District Planning Obligations SPD will provide

greater clarity for developers and applicants and should assist in speeding up the

processing of major applications. Its purpose is to provide a clear framework for

assessing requirement and calculating planning obligations for developments in the

District. It also has an important role to play in ensuring that community and

infrastructure needs are fulfilled as part of new development proposals and that the

process is fair and transparent.

3.3 The relevant planning policies which require planning obligations are contained in the

Adopted Wyre Forest District Local Plan (January 2004). The SPD is specifically linked

to Policy IMP.1 Planning Obligations. The Local Plan Policies have been saved until

2008 pending the adoption of Development Plan Documents. A detailed Sustainability

Appraisal was undertaken during the review of the Local Plan. However, this appraisal

does not comply with the new requirements outlined under Section 39(2) of the

Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act. The appraisal did assess whether the aims

and objectives of the Local Plan were consistent with the District’s sustainability

objectives.

3.4 The SPD will provide interim guidance on the District Council’s requirements for the

provision of planning contributions. It will be subject to renewal as and when Local

Development Documents (LDDs) are adopted. The SPD centres on the following

objectives which were appraised during the SA Scoping Report Consultation in July

2006:

- To provide greater clarity for developers and applicants and assist in streamlining

the processing of major applications.

- To set out the main policy areas where the District Council will seek planning

obligations as part of a planning application.

- To provide a clear framework for assessing requirement and calculating planning

obligations for developments in the District.

- To play an important role in ensuring that community and infrastructure needs are

fulfilled as part of new development proposals and that the process is fair and

transparent to the local community.




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- To clearly state the Council’s procedures in dealing with planning applications which

are likely to generate planning obligations and in drafting agreements that secure


- To clearly state those thresholds for which planning obligations will be required.

4 THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL (SA) PROCESS.4.1 A Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is required under Section 39 of the Planning &

Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, it forms an integral part of the process of producing

the Local Development Documents (LDDs) that make up the Local Development

Framework (LDF). The SA process for SPDs helps Local Planning Authorities to assess

how their plans and proposals contribute towards the achievement of sustainable

development and this understanding assists in the preparation of planning policy.

4.2 The key areas of emphasis for SA include:

- Collecting and presenting baseline information to establish an accurate picture of

the social, environmental and economic trends within the District.

- Predicting the significant adverse effects of the proposals and addressing them

during the preparation process.

- Identifying reasonable options and their effects.

- Involving the public and authorities with social, environmental and economic

responsibilities in the assessment process.

- Monitoring the actual effects of the proposals during its implementation.




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The table below sets out the stages for incorporating SA into the SPD process:

4.3 Guidance on SA is included in the following documents:

• Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development

Frameworks ( ODPM November 2005).

• SEA Directive 42/2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and

programmes on the environment. (ODPM)

• ODPM Interim Advice Note on Frequently Asked Questions (April 2005)

• The Environmental Assessment of Plans & Programmes Regulations (2004)

4.4 The District Council’s Forward Planning Section has prepared the SA Report in

accordance with the guidance set out in the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister’s

“Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development

Frameworks” (ODPM November 2005).

4.5 Stage A tasks A1 – A5 were covered by the preparation of a SA Scoping Report which

was published for a five-week consultation period in June/July 2006. A number of

Stage A – Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline anddeciding on the scope.A1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans and programmes and SA Objectives.A2: Collecting baseline informationA3: Identifying sustainability issues and problemsA4: Developing the SA FrameworkA5: Consulting on the scope of the SA.

Stage B – Developing and refining options and assessing effectsB1: Testing the SPD Objectives against the frameworkB2: Developing the SPD OptionsB3: Predicting the effects of the Draft SPDB4: Evaluating the effects of the SPDB5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects.B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the SPD.

Stage C: Preparing the SA ReportC1: Preparing the SA Report

Stage D: Consulting on the Draft SPD and SA ReportD1: Public participation on the SA Report and the Draft SPDD2: Appraising significant changesD3: Making decisions and providing information

Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the SPDE1: Finalising aims and methods of monitoringE2: Responding to adverse effects.




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comments were received from the four statutory environmental consultation bodies and

these have been incorporated into this SA Report and Appendix B Baseline Data.

4.6 Stage B and C tasks B1-B6 and C1 are covered in this SA Report. The District Council

will publish this report in conjunction with the Draft SPD for a public participation period of

6 weeks running from 12th October until 23rd November 2006.

4.7 In accordance with the District Council’s Adopted Statement of Community Involvement,

all representations received on the SA Report during this consultation period will be fully

considered and amendments will be made to the SA and consequently the SPD in

appropriate circumstances. All valid representations and resulting changes will be

reported to the District Council’s Cabinet Meeting on 22nd February 2007, for

consideration prior to the adoption of the SPD in March 2007.

5 A1: IDENTIFYING RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, PROGRAMMES ANDSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES.

5.1 The SEA Directive requires local authorities to review other plans, policies and

programmes in order to establish the environmental protection objectives at

international and national level, which are relevant to the SPD. The SA process should

also set out how these objectives have been taken into account during the document’s

preparation.

5.2 Information on these relationships will help to address constraints and identify potential

synergies with other policies from International down to local level and ensure that the

SA process is not undertaken in isolation.

5.3 The table below sets out a summary list of plans, policies and programmes that have

been reviewed as part of the SA scoping process. A detailed analysis of their objectives

and how these might be incorporated into the SA Framework is included at Appendix A

to this SA report.

Name of Plan, Policy, Programme of Objective

International

European Habitats Directive (1992)

European Birds Directive (1979)

European Air Quality Directive (2000)

European Water Directive (2000)




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European Sixth Environmental Action Plan (2001 – 2010)

National

UK Strategy for Sustainable Development (2005)

Sustainable Communities Plan (2003)

Transport 10 Year Plan (2000)

UK Climate Change Programme (1994)

The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000

PPS 1 – Delivering Sustainable Development (2005)

PPS3 – Housing (Consultation) December (2005)

PPG4 – Industrial, Commercial Development & Small Firms (1992)

PPS6 – Planning for Town Centres (2005)

PPS7 – Sustainable Development in Rural Areas (2004)

PPS9 – Biodiversity & Geological Conservation (2005)

PPS11 – Regional Spatial Strategies (2004)

PPS12 – Local Development Frameworks (2004)

PPG13 – Transport (2001)

PPG15 – Planning and the Historic Environment (1994)

PPG16 – Archaeology and Planning (1990)

PPG17 – Planning for Open Space, Sport & Recreation (2002)

PPS22 – Renewable Energy (2004)

PPS23 – Planning & Pollution Control (2004)

PPG25 – Development & Flood Risk (2001)

Regional

Regional Sustainable Development Framework (2005)

West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (2004 – 2021)

West Midlands Housing Strategy (2006 – 2021)

West Midlands Visitor Economy Strategy

West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework

West Midlands Regional Biodiversity Strategy

West Midlands Regional Water Resources Strategy

County

Draft Worcestershire Local Area Agreement (2006)

Partnership Towards Excellence: A Community Strategy for Worcestershire

Worcestershire County Structure Plan (2006-11)




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Worcestershire Biodiversity Action Plan

Worcestershire Countryside Access & Recreation Strategy (2003-13)

Fluvial Severn Flood Risk Management Strategy (2005)

Draft Worcestershire Climate Change Strategy

District

Wyre Forest Community Strategy

Wyre Forest Adopted Local Plan (2004)

Wyre Forest Housing Strategy (2004)

Wyre Forest Cycle Strategy (2002)

Wyre Forest Design Supplementary Planning Guidance

Wyre Forest Community Safety Strategy

Wyre Forest Draft Air Quality Strategy (2005)

Kidderminster Economic Regeneration Strategy

Wyre Forest Housing Needs Survey

Parish

Chaddesley Corbett Parish Plan (2006)

Rock Parish Plan (2005)

Upper Arley Parish Plan (2004)

6. A2: BASE LINE DATA COLLECTION6.1 The collection of relevant baseline information provides a basis for identifying

sustainability problems and for predicting and monitoring the effects of the SPD. Data

collection should focus on the social, environmental and economic characteristics of the

District.

6.2 The SEA Directive requires that:

“Relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution

thereof without implementation of the plan or programme and the environmental

characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected.” (Annex 1 (b)(c))

“any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme

including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental

importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and

92/43/EEC.” (Annex 1(d))




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6.3 The table below sets out those topic areas covered by the baseline data collection.

These areas were deemed to be the most relevant to the Planning Obligations SPD. A

detailed record of baseline data collection is set out at Appendix B to this SA report.

Summary of Baseline Areas CoveredData Themes and Areas

Environmental

Biodiversity

Habitat & Species

Designated Sites

Air Quality

Flooding

Open Space

Historic Environment

Social

Affordable Housing Provision

Education Facilities

Community Facilities

Sports Provision

Health Facilities

Public Art

Economic

Transportation

Highway & Safety Improvements

Employment & Training

Access to Services

7. A3: IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES.7.1 To help focus the SA the identification of sustainability issues is an opportunity to define

key issues for the SPD and to develop sustainable objectives and options. The collation

of baseline data at Appendix B has identified a number of sustainability issues and

trends that are current within the Wyre Forest District. These are set out below. The

table shows that there are a number of issues, which the production of the Planning

Obligations SPD could help to address.




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Identified Sustainability Issue Summary and Source1. The need to improve the condition

of SSI Habitats, particularly marsh

land areas.

English Nature surveys reveal that the majority of SSSIs

within the District fall within the unfavourable/recovering

category (36%).

2. The need to conserve and

enhance the rich variety of habitat

types within the District.

The Worcestershire Biodiversity Action Plan (1999)

identified a wide variety of habitats, including traditional

orchards, wet woodland, canals and lowland heathland.

3. The need to protect the variety of

protected species from adverse

development.

The Worcestershire Biodiversity Action Plan (1999)

identifies a wide variety of protected species, including

European Otters, Adders and the Hornet Robberfly.

4. Significant residential and urban

areas at risk from flooding.

The Environment Agency’s designated flood zones show

that all three of the main urban areas are affected by

flooding.

5. Declining air quality within the

urban areas of the District.

WFDC has declared two Air Quality Management Areas

within the District, Welch Gate, Bewdley and the

Horsefair, Kidderminster. The Wyre Forest Air Quality

Strategy also identifies borderline air quality areas in

Stourport and Kidderminster town centres.

6. Marked variation in the provision

of community facilities between

the District’s urban wards.

WFDC Adopted Local Plan 2004 and WCC ACL Mapping

Project 2003, indicate that there is marked variation in the

provision of community facilities for wards across the

District.

7. A decline in rural services,

particularly to the West of the

District.

WFDC Adopted Local Plan 2004 and the Retail Update

2005 indicate that the decline in rural services to the West

of the District has been exacerbated by pressure for

residential conversions.

8. Importance of safeguarding the

District’s local centres in order to

serve their resident populations.

The Wyre Forest District Retail Update 2005 demonstrate

a reasonable spread of local centres and that they serve

their resident populations by providing a range of services.

9. Some urban and rural wards have

poor access to GP facilities.

WFDC GIS mapping demonstrates that the Spennells

housing estate in Kidderminster does not have a GP

Surgery within easy walking distance. Blakedown and the

rural settlements to the west of the River Severn have

very poor access to these services.

10. Poor access to playing fields in

some urban and rural wards.

Data collected for the WFDC Adopted Local Plan shows

that residents in Aggborough & Spennells. Blakedown &

Chaddesley, Cookley, Franche, Greenhill, Habberley &

Blakebrook, Mitton, Sutton Park and Wolverley all have

poor access to playing fields within their wards.




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Identified Sustainability Issue Summary and Source11. Potential impact of the Wyre

Forest Schools Review on access

to educational facilities and impact

on travel patterns/ increased

journey times.

Following a WCC review of the educational needs in Wyre

Forest, 45 schools will close at the end of the academic

year 2006/7 and 30 new schools will open in September

2007.

12. Poor provision of Adult and

Community Learning Facilities in

Stourport-on-Severn.

The Adult & Community Learning (ACL) Mapping Project

Sept 2003-Dec 2004, demonstrated a good representation

of adult learning venues across Kidderminster, Bewdley,

Wolverley, Cookley and Chaddesley. However, there is

only one identified venue to serve the whole of Stourport’s

adult population.

13. Lack of affordable housing choice

across the District.

The Land Registry Residential Property Price Report

(2003), demonstrates that average house prices and

rental across the District are high. Historically affordable

housing developments have been difficult to achieve

within the District.

14. Greater barriers to housing and

services in the rural wards of the

District.

The indices of Multiple Deprivation also show that there

are significant barriers to housing and services,

particularly within the rural areas of the District.

15. Rapidly increasing growth in rail

usage at both the District’s rail

interchanges.

WCC’s LTP2 includes usage figures for the District’s

stations, which show substantial increases in growth at

Blakedown (92%) and Kidderminster (61%). This can be

attributed to improved services and the increase in

commuters into the metropolitan areas.

16. Importance of safeguarding and

enhancing the bus priority route

network and the need to enhance

public transport infrastructure.

WCC statistics demonstrate that there have been

significant reductions in bus passengers over the past 5

years. There is continued downgrading of bus services

across the District in both urban and rural areas.

17. Need to provide safe cycle route

networks to increase cycling levels


2001 Census statistics demonstrate that only 2.19% of the

District’s working population cycles to work. WCC Cycle

Counter Data implies that there has been a steady

increase in cycling where new routes have been

introduced.

18. Need to retain and enhance short

stay parking facilities within the

town centres to enhance retail

attractiveness.

District Council Car Park data shows that Kidderminster

and Stourport are particularly well served by public car

parks, which are well used.

19. Importance of safeguarding the

character of the District’s rich built

The District has 16 designated conservation areas in both

urban and rural areas.




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Identified Sustainability Issue Summary and Sourceheritage from inappropriate

development.

20. Poor uptake of public art schemes


District Council records show that there are currently only

two public art schemes within the District.

8. A4: DEVELOPING THE SA FRAMEWORK8.1 The SA Framework is the primary means of assessing the SPD Policies and Objectives

in terms of their sustainability. An SA Framework consists of sustainability objectives

which are separate from the SPD Objectives, though they may in some cases overlap.

8.2 ODPM guidance set out in “Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and

Local Development Frameworks” (November 2005) sets out the following advice on

developing a SA Framework:

- SA Objectives can be derived from sustainability objectives identified in other plans

and programmes or from a review of baseline information and sustainability issues.

- SA Objectives may be expressed in the form of targets.

- SA Objectives need to address the full scope of sustainability issues.

- SA Objectives may overlap with SPD objectives.

8.3 The West Midlands Regional Sustainable Development Framework (WMRSDF) sets out

29 objectives for sustainable development in the region. These reflect key regional

priorities around society, the environment, resources and the economy. The WMRSDF

recommends that the objectives are incorporated into the appraisal of LDDs. These

objectives have therefore been used as a basis for developing the SA Objectives for

appraising the Planning Obligations SPD.

8.4 Worcestershire County Council (WCC) is co-ordinating a joint Worcestershire SEA/SA

Framework for the County. This involves a single appraisal framework covering all of

Worcestershire, which ensures a consistency of approach and in data collection. This

includes agreement to a suite of generic SA Objectives that reflect the WMRSDF,

Community Strategy and sustainability issues that can be supplemented with a set of

decision making criteria to reflect the detail and scope of each DPD/SPD in preparation

and an agreed method for prioritising SA Objectives.

8.5 The SA Objectives developed by WCC are to be used to form the basis of the Joint SA

Framework, supplemented with decision making questions and prioritised according to




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the DPD/SPD under preparation. The Objectives are set out in the table below along

with the decision-making criteria that would relate to the Planning Obligations SPD.

SA Objective Decision Making Criteria1. To minimise the production of waste generated. 1. Are opportunities to increase

recycling incorporated into

proposals?

2. Reduce greenhouse gas contributions. 1. Will it help to promote

sustainable modes of

transport?

2. Will it encourage sustainable

construction methods?

3. Will it encourage opportunities

for the production of

renewable energy?

3. To reduce traffic volumes. 1. Will it help to reduce the need

to travel?

2. Will it provide opportunities to

increase sustainable modes of

travel?

4. Develop a knowledge driven economy, the infrastructure

and skills base whilst ensuring all have the benefits, urban

and rural.

1. Will it help to enhance the

District’s economy?

2. Will it contribute towards rural

regeneration?

5. To provide opportunities for communities to participate in

and contribute to the decisions that affect their

neighbourhood and quality of life.

1. Do proposals incorporate

consultation with the local

communities?

2. Are proposals transparent and

open to the public?

6. Promote and support the development of new

technologies, especially those with high value and low

impact.

1. Does it encourage innovative

and environmentally friendly

technologies?

7. To increase the proportion of energy needs met from

renewable sources.

1. Do proposals encourage

energy efficient design?

2. Does it promote opportunities

for renewable energy

schemes?




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SA Objective Decision Making Criteria8. Protect and improve standards of air, water resources

and supply and soil quality.


reduce the District’s Air Quality

Management Areas and other

areas of concern?


improve local water quality?

9. To improve the quality of, and accessibility to, local

services and facilities.

1. Will proposals enhance local

facilities?

2. Will it contribute to rural service

provision within the District?

3. Will it enhance accessibility to

the District’s countryside by

sustainable modes of

transport?

10. Safeguard and strengthen the landscape character. 1. Will it take full account of the

District’s rich and varied

landscape character?

2. Will it enhance the existing

landscape character of the

District?

3. Will it protect and enhance the

District’s forests and

woodlands?

11.Seek net gain to biodiversity at all levels. 1. Will it help to safeguard the

District’s biodiversity?


enhance local biodiversity in

both urban and rural areas?

12. To improve the health and wellbeing of the population

and reduce inequalities in health.

1. Will it help to improve access to

health facilities across the

District?

2. Will it help to improve quality of

life for local residents?

13. Provide decent, affordable housing for all, of the right

quality and type, tenure and affordability for local needs, in

clean, safe and pleasant local environment.


increase affordable housing

levels within urban and rural

areas of the District?




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SA Objective Decision Making Criteria14. To raise the skills level and qualification of the

workforce.


further develop adult and

community learning facilities

within the District?

15. Conserve and enhance the historic environment and

other locally important buildings.

1. Will it enhance the District’s

conservation areas?

2. Will it help to safeguard the

District’s listed buildings and

areas of archaeological

importance?

16. Ensure efficient use of land through safeguarding of

minerals reserves, the best and most versatile agricultural

lands, Greenfield land and maximise use of previously

developed land.

1. Will it safeguard the District’s

minerals resources?

2. Will it help to protect the

District’s agricultural land from

adverse development?

3. Will it preserve the openness of

the Green Belt?

17. Encourage pride and social responsibility in the local

community.

1. Does it offer opportunity to

enhance civic pride?

2. Do proposals offer the

opportunity for community

involvement?




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9. B1 - TESTING THE COMPATIBILITY OF SA OBJECTIVES9.1 The Matrix set out below uses the SA Objectives to test the sustainability of the SPD

Objectives listed at paragraph 3.4 of this report.

SPD ObjectiveSA ObjectiveObjective 1 Objective 2 Objective 3 Objective 4 Objective 5 Objective 6

1. To minimise the

production of waste

generated.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

2. Reduce greenhouse

gas contributions.☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

3. To reduce traffic

volumes.☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

4. Develop a knowledge

driven economy, the

infrastructure & skills

base whilst ensuring all

have the benefits, urban

and rural.

5. To provide

opportunities for

communities to

participate in and

contribute to the

decisions that affect

their neighbourhood and

quality of life.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

6. Promote and support

the development of new

technologies, especially

those with high value

and low impact.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

7. To increase the

proportion of energy

needs met from

renewable sources.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

8. Protect and improve

standards of air, water

and soil quality.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

9. To improve the

quality of, and

accessibility to, local


☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

10. Safeguard and

strengthen the

landscape character.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺




19

SPD Objective11. Seek net gain to

biodiversity at all levels.☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

12. To improve the

health & wellbeing of

the population and

reduce inequalities in

health.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

Objective 1 Objective 2 Objective 3 Objective 4 Objective 5 Objective 6

13. Provide decent,

affordable housing for

all, of the right quality

and type, tenure and

affordability for local

needs, in clean, safe

and pleasant local

environment.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

14. To raise the skills

level and qualification of

the workforce.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

15. Conserve and

enhance the historic

environment.

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

16. Ensure efficient use

of land through

safeguarding of

minerals reserves, the

best and most versatile

agricultural land,

Greenfield land and

maximise use of

previously developed

land.

☺

17. Encourage pride

and social responsibility

in the local community.

☺

Key: ☺ = Moving towards the SA Objective

= SA Objective does not apply.

= Negative effect on the SA Objective.




20

Summary of SPD Objectives

Objective 1To provide greater clarity for developers and applicants and assist in streamlining the

processing of major applications.

Objective 2To set out the main policy areas where the District Council will seek planning

obligations as part of a planning application.

Objective 3To provide a clear framework for assessing requirement and calculating planning

obligations for developments in the District.

Objective 4To play an important role in ensuring that community and infrastructure needs are

fulfilled as part of new development proposals and that the process is fair and

transparent to the local community.

Objective 5To clearly state the Council’s procedures in dealing with planning applications which

are likely to generate planning obligations and in drafting agreements that secure


Objective 6To clearly state those thresholds for which planning obligations will be required.

9.2 The appraisal demonstrates that none of the SPD Objectives will have a negative effect

on the District’s SA Objectives.

10. B2 - SPD OPTIONS 10.1 Task B2 requires the development and consideration of different scenarios or options

for the SPD. The following options were considered during the production of the Draft

SPD:

Option 1 – “Business as Usual” Option, which would rely solely on individual

interpretation of Adopted Local Plan Policies until the relevant Development Plan

Documents are adopted by the District Council.

Option 2 – Produce a SPD to act as interim guidance on the District Council’s

requirements for the implementation of planning obligations.




21

Option 3 – Produce an SPD on Planning Obligations which advocates a purely tariff

based approach to developer contributions.

Option 4 – Produce a Planning Obligations SPD which does not incorporate guidance

on Section 106 Education Contributions from developers and adopt this as a separate

SPD.

10.2 The SA Framework set out below appraises each of these four options in terms of their

sustainability

SPD OptionsSA ObjectiveComment Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

1. To minimise the

production of waste

generated.

2. Reduce greenhouse

gas contributions.

3. To reduce traffic

volumes.Options 2,3&4 may

help to reduce traffic

through providing more

sustainable transport

infrastructure.

☺ ☺ ☺

4. Develop a knowledge

driven economy, the

infrastructure & skills

base whilst ensuring all

have the benefits, urban

and rural.

5. To provide

opportunities for

communities to

participate in and

contribute to the

decisions that affect

their neighbourhood and

quality of life.

Options 2,3 & 4 provide

the opportunity for

community involvement

during public

participation stages.

☺ ☺ ☺

6. Promote and support

the development of new

technologies, especially

those with high value

and low impact.

7. To increase the

proportion of energy

needs met from

renewable sources.

Non tariffed based

approaches/negotiation

based may help to

☺ ☺




22

SPD Optionspromote renewable

energy.

8. Protect and improve

standards of air, water

and soil quality.

Non tariffed based

approaches/negotiation

based may help to

protect the

environment.

☺ ☺

9. To improve the

quality of, and

accessibility to, local


Option 4 may incur a

more piecemeal

approach towards

securing educational

services?

☺ ☺

10. Safeguard and

strengthen the

landscape character.

11. Seek net gain to

biodiversity at all levels.The

safeguarding/enhance

ment of biodiversity is a

key facet of the SPD.

☺ ☺ ☺

12. To improve the

health & wellbeing of

the population and

reduce inequalities in

health.

13. Provide decent,

affordable housing for

all, of the right quality

and type, tenure and

affordability for local

needs, in clean, safe

and pleasant local

environment.

Securing better

provision of affordable

housing is a key

emphasis of the SPD.

☺ ☺ ☺

14. To raise the skills

level and qualification of

the workforce.

15. Conserve and

enhance the historic

environment.

A rigid tariff based

approach may rule out

conservation

improvements in some

circumstances.

☺ ☺

16. Ensure efficient use

of land through

safeguarding of

minerals reserves, the

best and most versatile

agricultural land,




23

SPD OptionsGreenfield land and

maximise use of

previously developed

land.

17. Encourage pride

and social responsibility

in the local community.

Public realm

improvements are a

key emphasis of the

SPD and may induce

civic pride.

☺ ☺ ☺

Key: ☺ = Moving towards the SA Objective

= SA Objective does not apply.

= Negative effect on the SA Objective.

10.3 On balance the favoured approach is Option 2 as this sets interim guidance on securing

planning obligations to ensure that community and infrastructure needs are fulfilled as

part of new development proposals. This will address a number of the District’s

sustainability objectives as demonstrated above.

10.4 Option 3 may be too inflexible in its approach and may rule out opportunities for

negotiation, for example on improvements to the public realm and conservation of the

historic environment.

10.5 Option 4 may result in a more piecemeal approach to securing planning obligations,

which may be confusing for developers and the general public to interpret. In the

interests of clarity the District Council would prefer to incorporate guidance on Section

106 Education Contributions into the Planning Obligations SPD.

11. B3/B4: PREDICTING AND EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF THE DRAFT SPD11.1 This task predicts the social, environmental and economic effects of the options and

objectives being considered in the SPD process. The potential effects of implementing

the SPD are assessed in the table below. Where the effects cannot be quantified with

baseline data, a judgement has been made based on the baseline data set out at

Appendix B.




24

SPD Objectives Targets Baseline DataSource

Qualitativeprediction onDistrict’s SAObjectives.

Commentary

Objective 1 - To

provide greater

clarity for

developers and

applicants and

assist in

streamlining the

processing of

major

applications.

Best Value

Performance

Indicators:

BV109(a),

BV109(b),

BV109(c), BV111.

Planning Health &

Environment

Division Statistics.

0 The SPD will help to

make the planning

application process more

efficient. This will have a

positive knock on effect

for the local economy.

Objective 2 - To

set out the main

policy areas

where the District

Council will seek

planning

obligations as

part of a planning

application.

- % increase in

affordable

housing

provision

across the

District.

- % increase in

proportion of

approved

developments

with

Sustainable

Drainage

Systems.

(EA)

- No of metres

of new flood

defence

created (EA)

- No of new

cycle facilities

installed as

part of new

development.

- % of new

developments

incorporating

renewable

energy

++ The SPD clearly sets out

those areas where

planning obligations will

be required.

- Affordable Housing

- Parks & Open

Spaces

- Enhancing

Biodiversity

- Sustainable

Transport

- Public Realm

- Recycling and

Renewable Energy

- Sustainable

Drainage.

This will help to ensure

that the social,

environmental and

economic needs of the

District are addressed

through new

development.




25



Commentary

sources.

Objective 3 - To

provide a clear

framework for

assessing

requirement and

calculating

planning

obligations for

developments in

the District.

Best Value

Performance

Indicators:

BV109(a),

BV109(b),

BV109(c0, BV111

Planning Health &

Environment


0 See comments for

Objective 1.

Objective 4 - To

play an important

role in ensuring

that community

and infrastructure

needs are fulfilled

as part of new

development

proposals and

that the process

is fair and

transparent to the

local community.

- % increase in

affordable

housing

provision

across the

District.

- Level of

contributions

secured for

education

services from

new

development.

-

Improvement

s secured to

the District’s

existing

strategic

parks and

open spaces.

- Level of

contributions

secured

towards

WCC’s

Accessibility

- Wyre Forest

District

Council’s

Annual

Monitoring

Reports.

-

Worcestershir

e County

Council.

- Cultural

Leisure &

Commercial

Services

Division.

++ The SPD will have a very

positive effect on

securing improved

community infrastructure

from new developments





26



Commentary

Strategy.

Objective 5 - To

clearly state the

Council’s

procedures in

dealing with

planning

applications

which are likely to

generate planning

obligations and in

drafting

agreements that

secure planning

obligations.

Best Value

Performance

Indicators:

BV109(a),

BV109(b),

BV109(c0, BV111

Planning Health &

Environment


0 See comments for

Objective 1.

Objective 6 - To

clearly state those

thresholds for

which planning

obligations will be

required.

Best Value

Performance

Indicators:

BV109(a),

BV109(b),

BV109(c0, BV111

Planning Health &

Environment


0 See comments for

Objective 1.

Key: + positive (minor), ++positive (major), -negative, 0 neutral, ? uncertain.

11.2 The above table shows that the SPD Objectives are unlikely to have any negative impact

on the District’s Sustainability Objectives. The implementation of the SPD will have a

very positive effect on securing improved community infrastructure within the District. It

will ensure that biodiversity enhancements are secured as part of new development

proposals.

12. B5: MITIGATING ADVERSE EFFECTS12.1 As demonstrated under task B3/B4 the implementation of the Draft SPD is unlikely to

have any significant adverse impact on the District’s identified sustainability objectives.

13. B6: MONITORING THE EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTING THE DRAFT SPD13.1 The significant sustainability effects of implementing the plan must be monitored to

identify unforeseen adverse effects. SA monitoring can be used to identify whether the

SPD is contributing towards the achievement of the District’s Sustainability Objectives.




27

13.2 The District Council records and maintains information on the type, location and amount

of developer contributions secured. This is reported to the Planning (Development

Control) Committee on a quarterly basis. This information will help the District Council to

monitor those targets set out above under tasks B3/B4. In particular, this will help to

ensure that there is an appropriate balance between funding for social, economic and

environmental infrastructure and services provided as part of new development

proposals.

13.3 The District Council’s Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) identifies the following key

indicators which can be used to monitor the impact of the SPD within the District:

- 2D: Affordable housing completions

- 4C: Amount and % of eligible open spaces managed to green flag award standard.

- 8: Biodiversity – change in areas and populations of biodiversity importance

including: I) Change in priority habitats and species (by type) and ii) Change in

areas designated for their intrinsic environmental value including sites of

international, national, regional or sub regional significance.

- 9: Renewable Energy capacity installed by type.

- L4: % Local Nature Reserves meeting Biodiversity Action Plan criteria.

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Relevant Plans, Policies, Programmes and SustainabilityObjectives.

Appendix B – Baseline Data.




Planning Obligations Draft Supplementary Planning Document


APPENDIX A – RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES,PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES.

September 2006




APPENDIX A: Identification of other relevant plans, policies, programmes and sustainability objectives.

Wyre Forest District Local Development FrameworkDraft Planning Obligations SPDSustainability Appraisal Report. Appendix A.(September 2006)

1

INTERNATIONALPolicy/Plan/Programme/Strategy/Initiative

Objectives SA Implications

European Habitats Directive (1992) • Promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring measures to maintainor restore natural habitats and wild species at a favourable conservationstatus.

• Include SA Objective onmaintaining andenhancing biodiversitywithin the District.

European Birds Directive (1979) • Maintenance of the favourable conservation status of wild bird species.• Identification and classification of Special Protection Areas for rare or

vulnerable species.• Establishment of a general scheme of protection for all wild birds.

• Include SA Objective onmaintaining and enhancingbiodiversity within theDistrict

European Air Quality Directive (2000) • Introduction of new air quality standards for previously unregulated airpollutants. Including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter,lead and ozone.

• Pollutants governed by already existing ambient air quality objectives andbenzene, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, cadmium,arsenic, nickel and mercury.

• Establishes a community wide procedure for exchange of information anddata on ambient air quality in the EC.

• Include SA Objective onpromoting opportunities forsustainable travel toreduce transportemissions.

European Water Directive (2000) • Framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters,coastal waters and groundwater.

• Four distinct elements; characterisation and assessment of impacts on riverbasin districts, environmental monitoring, the setting of environmentalobjectives and design and implementation of the programme of measuresneeded to achieve them.

• Include SA Objective onpreservation andenhancement of theDistrict’s water resources.

European Sixth Environmental Action Plan(2001 – 2010)

• High level of protection for the environment and human health, for generalimprovement in the environment and quality of life.

• Identifies areas at risk of flooding and possible future flooding problems.

• Include SA Objective onseeking opportunities toreduce the risk of floodingwithin the District.





2

NATIONALPolicy/Plan/Programme/Strategy/Initiative


UK Strategy for Sustainable Development(2005)

• Living within environmental limits.• Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society.• Achieving a sustainable economy.• Promoting good governance and using sound science responsibly.• Highlights four priority areas for action: Sustainable consumption and

production, climate change and energy, protecting our natural resources andenhancing the environment and creating sustainable communities and afairer world.

• For each of these areas, the Strategy identifies indicators through which toreview progress.

• Includes 20 UK Framework Indicators intended to cover key impacts andoutcomes that reflect the priority areas across the UK.

• Pillars of sustainabledevelopment areinterwoven into the SAProcess.

Sustainable Communities Plan (2003) • Long-term programme of action for delivering sustainable communities inurban and rural areas: - addressing the housing shortage throughaccelerating the provision of housing, affordable housing and tacklinghomelessness.

• Addressing low demand and abandonment• Decent homes• Liveability – improving local environments• Protecting the countryside.

• Develop SA Objective topromote opportunities toimprove housing choiceand provide affordablehousing opportunities.

Transport 10 Year Plan (2000) • Ten-year strategy for investment in the future to create prosperity and abetter environment. Approach based on integrated transport, public & privatepartnership and new projects to deliver a broad package of improvement by2010.

• 50% increase in rail use• 80% increase in rail freight• Traffic congestion reduced below current levels particularly in large urban

areas• 10% increase in bus passenger journeys• Safer cycling and walking routes, more 20mph areas and Home Zones for

safer roads.

• Develop SA Objective toimprove transport choicefor local residents and toreduce the dependency onthe private car as a modeof transport.





3



UK Climate Change Programme (1994) • Improve business use of energy, stimulate investment and cut costs.• Energy labels, standards, integrated pollution prevention and control,

stimulate new more efficient sources of power generation, • Cut emissions from the transport sector, promote better energy efficiency in

the domestic sector, improve energy efficiency requirements of the buildingregulations,

• Protecting and enhancing forests, • New targets for improving energy management of public buildings, energy

efficiency targets for local authorities, schools and hospitals, developinggreen travel plans.

• Develop SA Objective onprotecting and enhancingforests and woodlands inthe District.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act(CROW) 2000

• Extends the public’s ability to enjoy the Countryside whilst also providingsafeguards for landowners and occupiers.

• Creates a new statutory right of access to open country and registeredcommon land.

• Modernise the Rights of Way system• Give greater protection to SSSIs.• Provide better management arrangements for AONBs• Strengthen Wildlife Enforcement Legislation.

• Develop SA Objective topromote opportunities toaccess and enjoy theDistrict’s countryside in asustainable manner.

PPS 1 – Delivering SustainableDevelopment (2005)

Contributing to sustainable economic development. Protecting andenhancing the natural and historic environment, the quality and character ofthe countryside and existing communities.

• Ensuring high quality development through good and inclusive design andefficient use of resources.

• Community involvement to present a shared vision and strategy of how thearea should develop to achieve more sustainable patterns of development.

• High quality inclusive design in the layout of new developments andindividual buildings in terms of function and impact.

• Consider people’s diverse needs and aim to break down unnecessarybarriers and exclusions to benefit the whole community.

• Policies should take account of environmental issues such as:- Mitigation of effects and adaptation to climate change through the reduction

• The SA process willensure that sustainability isthe central consideration inthe SPD.





4



of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of renewable energy, air qualityand pollution, land contamination, protection of groundwater fromcontamination and noise and light pollution.

- Protection of the wider countryside and impact of development on landscapequality, conservation and enhancement of wildlife species and habitats. Thepromotion of biodiversity.

- Need to improve built and natural environment in and around urban areasand rural settlements including the provision of good quality open space,conservation of soil quality, preservation and enhancement of built andarchaeological heritage.

PPS 3 – Housing (Consultation Dec 2005) Ensure wide choice of housing types available (both affordable and market). Deliver better balance between demand and supply and improve

affordability. Create sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities in all areas. Developments should be attractive, safe and designed and built to a high

quality. They should be located in areas with good access to jobs, keyservices and infrastructure.

Housing land assessments and housing market assessments to be carriedout by LPAs to inform LDFs and RSS.

Develop SA Objectives toprovide a wider choice ofhousing through improvingaffordability to createinclusive and mixedcommunities in all areas ofthe District.

PPG 4 – Industrial, CommercialDevelopment & Small Firms (1992)

Encourage continued economic development in a way, which is compatiblewith government environmental objectives.

New developments can be encouraged in locations: Which minimise the length and number of trips, especially by motor vehicles. That can be served by more energy efficient modes of transport. That won't add unacceptably to congestion. Where development that requires access mainly to local roads is located

away from trunk roads, to avoid unnecessary congestion on roads designedfor longer distance movement.

In rural areas, applications for development necessary to sustain the ruraleconomy should be weighed with the need to protect the countryside.

• Develop SA Objective toencourage new businessdevelopments, but alsoensure that they are insuitable, sustainablelocations and have minimalimpact on the environment.





5



PPS 6 – Planning for Town Centres (2005) Key objective for town centres is to promote viability and vitality by: Planning for the growth and development of existing centres Promoting and enhancing existing centres, by focusing development in such

centres and encouraging a wide range of services in a good environment,accessible to all.

Enhancing consumer choice by making provision for a wide range ofshopping, leisure and local services, which allow genuine choice to meet theneeds of the entire community, and particularly socially excluded groups.

Improving accessibility, ensuring that existing or new development is, or willbe, accessible and well served by a choice means of transport.

Promote social inclusion, ensuring that communities have access to a rangeof main town centre uses, and that deficiencies in provision in poor areaswith poor access to facilities are remedied.

Encourage investment to regenerate deprived areas, creating additionalemployment opportunities and an improved physical environment.

To deliver more sustainable patterns of development, ensuring that locationsare fully exploited through high-density, mixed-use development andpromoting sustainable transport choices, including reducing the need totravel and providing alternatives to car use

Ensure that town centres provide an attractive, accessible and safeenvironment for businesses, shoppers and residents

Develop SA objective toimprove accessibility andtransport choice to Districtand Local Centres.

Develop SA objective tomaintain and improve theattractiveness of theDistrict’s town centres.

PPS 7 – Sustainable Development in RuralAreas (2004)

Be aware of the circumstances, needs and priorities of the rural communitiesand businesses in their area and of the interdependence between urban andrural areas.

• Planning authorities should focus most new development in or near to localservice centres where employment, housing and services can be providedclose together.

• Policies for allowing some limited development in or next to rural settlementsnot designated as local service centres in order to maintain the vitality ofthese communities.

• Should support a wide range of economic activity in rural areas.

• Develop SA Objective toprovide accessibleservices and facilities tomaintain community vitalityin rural areas.

• Develop SA Objective toprovide a wider choice ofhousing in rural areasthrough improvingaffordability.





6



• Plan for accessible new services and facilities. Support mixed and mutli-purpose uses that maintain community vitality.

• Positive approach to planning proposals designed to improve the viability,accessibility or community value of existing services and facilities.

• It is essential that LPA’s plan to meet housing requirements in rural areasbased on an up to date assessment of local need.

• Ensure that the quality and character of the wider countryside is protectedand where possible enhanced.

• Support development that delivers diverse and sustainable farmingenterprises and countryside based enterprises which contribute to ruraleconomies and promote recreation in and the enjoyment of the countryside,

• Conserve specified features and sites of landscape, wildlife and historic orarchitectural value in accordance with statutory designations.

• Re-use of appropriately located and suitable constructed existing buildings inthe countryside where this would meet sustainable development objectives.

• Presence of best and most versatile agricultural land should be taken intoaccount alongside other sustainability considerations when determiningplanning applications.

• Supportive approach to farm diversification should not result in excessiveexpansion and encroachment of building and development into thecountryside.

• Policies for supporting equine enterprises that maintain environmentalquality and countryside character.

• LPAs should have regard to the Regional Forestry Framework and forestareas of regional or sub-regional significance when preparing LDDs anddeciding planning applications.

• LDDs should support sustainable rural tourism and leisure developmentsthat benefit rural businesses, communities and visitors, which utilise andenrich but do not harm the character of the countryside.

PPS 9 – Biodiversity & GeologicalConservation (2005)

Policies should seek to maintain, or enhance, or add to biodiversity andgeological conservation interests

Include sustainabilityobjective to





7



Policies on the form and location of development should take a strategicapproach to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and geology,and recognise the contributions that individual sites and areas make toconserving these resources in the wider environment

Development policies should promote opportunities for the incorporation ofbeneficial biodiversity and geological features within the design ofdevelopment.

Policies should aim to maintain, enhance, or add to, biodiversity andgeological conservation interests, including incorporating features intodevelopment

maintain/enhancebiodiversity and geologicalconservation within theDistrict.

PPS 11 – Regional Spatial Strategies(2004)

• Core strategy needs to be in general conformity with the RSS.• RSS provides a broad development strategy for the West Midlands Region

up until 2021. For example, it identifies scale and distribution of provision fornew housing, priorities for the environment, transport, infrastructure,economic development, agriculture, minerals extraction and waste treatmentand disposal.

• Ensure that the RSSinforms the policies andoption analysis within theSA.

PPS 12 – Local Development Frameworks(2004)

• LPAs should take account of the principles and characteristics of otherrelevant strategies and programmes when preparing the core strategy.

• LDF should be a key component in the delivery of the community strategysetting out its spatial aspects where appropriate and providing long-termspatial vision.

• Good design including consideration of access issues are crucial to thedeliver of sustainable development.

• The Community Strategy isincorporated within the SAScoping process.

PPG 13 – Transport (2001) • Promote development within urban areas at locations highly accessible bymeans other than the private car.

• Locate major generators of travel demand in existing centres, which arehighly accessible by means other than the private car.

• Strengthening existing local centres, which offer a range of everydaycommunity, shopping and employment opportunities, and aim to protect andenhance their viability and vitality.

• Maintain and improve choice for people to walk, cycle or catch public

• Develop SA Objective topromote opportunities forsustainable modes oftransport including walking,cycling and publictransport.





8



transport rather than drive between homes and facilities which they tend tovisit regularly.

• Limit parking provision for developments and other on or off street parkingprovision to discourage reliance on the car for work and other journeyswhere there are effective alternatives.

PPG 15 – Planning and the historicenvironment (1994)

Sets out clear policies for the preservation and enhancement of the historicenvironment.

The historic environment should not be sacrificed in favour of short-terminterests but also recognise that it cannot be preserved entirely unchanged.

Economic prosperity can secure the continued vitality of historic areas andbuildings if realistic and imaginative approach to their alteration and changeof use.

Conservation plays a key part in economic prosperity by offering attractiveconditions that encourage inward investment.

Need positive management of development in conservation areas to ensurevitality and prosperity.

Design in historic area needs careful consideration in terms of scale, height,mass, alignment and materials but not necessarily copies of old stylebuildings.

• Need to integrate old buildings into the townscape.

• Develop SA objective togive protection to thevarious elements of thehistoric environment butalso to allow forappropriate change.

PPG 16 – Archaeology and Planning (1990) • Include policies for the protection, enhancement and preservation of sites ofarchaeological interest and their settings.

• Archaeological remains identified and scheduled, as being of nationalimportance should be earmarked for preservation in Local Plans.

• Ensure sites ofarchaeological importanceare preserved within theDistrict.

PPG 17 – Planning for Open Space, Sport& Recreation (2002)

• To maintain an adequate supply of open space and sports and recreationalfacilities.

• High quality/value open spaces should be recognised and protected throughappropriate policies.

• Local authorities should; avoid any erosion of recreational function andmaintain or enhance the character of open space.

• Encourage better accessibility of open spaces and recreational facilities.

• Develop SA Objective topreserve and enhanceopen space andrecreational facilities withinthe District.





9



Local planning authorities should ensure that new facilities are accessible bywalking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the use of the car.

• Open space has multiple functions: defining and separating urban areas,support regeneration, improve quality of life, promote health and well being,provide havens and habitats for flora and fauna, act as a communityresource and as a visual amenity.

PPS 22 – Renewable Energy (2004) • Should contain policies designed to promote and encourage rather thatrestrict the development of renewable energy resources.

• LPA’s should recognise the full range of renewable energy sources, theirdiffering characteristics, locational requirements and potential for exploitingthem subject to appropriate environmental safeguards.

• Small-scale projects can provide a limited but valuable contribution to overalloutputs of renewable energy and to meeting energy needs both locally andnationally.

• LPA’s and LSPs should foster community involvement in renewable energyprojects and seek to promote knowledge of and greater acceptance by thepublic of prospective renewable energy projects that are appropriatelylocated.

Develop SA Objective topromote opportunities forrenewable energy facilitieswithin the District inappropriate circumstances.

PPS 23 – Planning & Pollution Control(2004)

Aim to keep apart housing and other developments sensitive to pollutionfrom polluting or potentially polluting uses, where such uses cannotreasonably coexist.

Policies for development on and remediation of existing contaminated andderelict land.

Control and minimise pollution In terms of contaminated land, identify and remove unacceptable risks to

human health and the environment• The principles of sustainable development and the precautionary principal

should be taken into account

Develop SA Objective thatreduce the effects ofpollution and reduce theamount of contaminatedland.

PPG 25 - Development & Flood Risk(2001)

Ensure that new development is safe and not exposed unnecessarily toflooding by considering flood risk on a catchment-wide basis and, wherenecessary, across administrative boundaries

Develop SA objective toreduce and manage therisk of flooding in the





10



Reduce the risks to people and the developed and natural environment fromflooding

Apply precautionary approach, recognising the uncertainties in flood riskprediction, and have an expectation that flood risk could increase due toclimate change

Recognise that flood plains and washlands are natural forms of defencesand should be kept clear of inappropriate development

Recognise that engineered flood reduction measures may not always be theappropriate solution, since they can have economic and environmental costsand impacts on the natural and built environment, need maintenance andreplacement and cannot eliminate all risk of flooding

District.





11

REGIONALPolicy/Plan/Programme/Strategy/Initiative


Regional Sustainable DevelopmentFramework (2005)

Aims to help people develop, review and implement strategies, policies andplans in the West Midlands region. Tool to help this happen, by setting out acommon set of objectives, designed to help the Region move towards a moresustainable future.• Develop thriving communities: participation, crime reduction, health

improvements, tackle poverty and disadvantage, promote and improveaccess to services, improve opportunities to participate in diverse culture,provide decent and affordable housing.

• Enhance & protect the environment: value, enhance and protect the region’senvironmental assets and biodiversity, encourage development thatoptimises the use of previously developed land, encourage urbandevelopment to stem unsustainable decentralisation, encourage localstewardship, minimise air, water and soil pollution levels, minimise theregion’s contribution to the causes of climate change.

• Ensure prudent and efficient use of natural resources: reduce overall energyuse, conserve natural resources, promote and ensure high standards ofdesign and construction, ensure location of development makes efficient useof existing physical infrastructure, reduce production of pollutants, encourageand enable waste minimisation, encourage local sourcing of goods andmaterials.

• Develop a flourishing diverse and stable regional economy: achievesustainable economic growth and prosperity, create high quality employmentopportunities, promote investment in future prosperity, encourage ongoinginvestment and engagement, encourage culture of enterprise andinnovation, promote and support the development of new technologies,encourage social and environmental responsibility,

• Ensure that the RSDFObjectives are reflectedwithin the SA Process.

West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy(2004 – 2021)

• 76% of new housing on brownfield land creating balanced communitiesthrough providing a range of different housing with different tenures andwithin rural areas targeting new housing to meet local needs and to supportlocal services.

• Improvements to quality of environment and access to high quality public

• The SPD will need to be ingeneral conformity with theRSS.

• Develop SA Objectives toreflect the RSS policies





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services and transport. Creating a high quality built environment, landscapesand enhancing urban greenspace and public spaces, the historicenvironment, restoring degraded land, increasing forestry and woodland andareas for increasing biodiversity.

• A positive approach towards renewable energy and energy conservation.Regional targets for waste reduction and recycling.

• Reducing the need to travel and to make the best use of infrastructure whiletargeting investment at areas in a joined up way across the different types oftransport. Need to change people’s attitude to travel, promote publictransport and strategic park and ride.

• Increase range and quality of business opportunities available.• Create balanced communities and provide the commercial, retail, transport

and leisure facilities to serve a wider area, thereby minimising the need totravel further afield.

• Kidderminster to provide the main focus in the District for large scale retail,leisure, business and commercial development and other major communityfacilities like health, education and public administration.

including:. – Creating more housingchoice and balancedcommunities. .

- Providing high qualitypublic services andtransport.

- Enhancing urbangreenspace and publicspaces.

- Increasing forestry,woodland andbiodiversity.

West Midlands Housing Strategy 2006 –2021

Create mixed, balanced and inclusive communities Assist in the delivery of urban and rural renaissance as per RSS Influence future development of new housing provision to facilitate and

enhance economic development Address variety of different housing needs See that Decent Homes standards are met Achieve social and other affordable housing Achieve sustainable access to minimise environmental resource

consumption and traffic and improve the quality of the environment

Develop SA Objective toensure the District Councilis able to meet theDistrict’s housingrequirements.

West Midlands Visitor Economy Strategy Need to create successful sustainable destinations Need to focus on key destinations and gateways Encourages the development of , and investment in, the destinations of the

future Developing sustainable tourism and transport initiatives

• Develop SA Objective topromote the use of publictransport in linkingdestinations.





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Focus public and private sector investment on the sustainable(re)development of key visitor destinations

Focus on ‘sense of place’, ‘liveability’ and authentic local products Link destinations using information, signage and integrated public transport Develop sustainable projects:

- To meet market needs- To fit with established themes- With professional business planning- Through partnership working

West Midlands Regional ForestryFramework

• The vision is to create a viable and inclusive woodland and forestry sectorthat maximises sustainable development through the delivery of economic,environmental and cultural and social benefits to the people of the region.

• Aim to increase significantly woodland cover, linked to the Regional SpatialStrategy and local plans.

• To promote the role of woodland and forestry in the effective delivery ofpublic benefits.

• Support the development of wood energy through the evolving renewableenergy resource, through improved awareness and support.

• Increase the diversity, quality and accessibility of woodland recreation, forlong-term public access.

• Social Inclusion. Enhancing opportunities for everyone to experience andenjoy trees and woodlands.

• Protecting and enhancing the biodiversity and ecological value of ourwoodlands.

• Improve the contribution that trees and woodlands provide for our natural,built and historic environment.

• For regeneration; embedding woodlands and forestry as a key component ofnew and revitalised green space and development sites in and around ourtowns and cities.

Develop SA Objective topromote woodland andforestry as a keycomponent of green spaceand development siteswithin the District.

West Midlands Regional BiodiversityStrategy

Maintain and improve the condition of habitats, species and ecosystems Develop an area based approach to restoring wildlife

Develop SA objective toprotect and enhance the





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Monitor the condition of habitats, species and ecosystems Reconnect and integrate action for biodiversity with other environmental,

social and economic activity Cope with the impact of climate change

biodiversity of the District.

West Midlands Regional Water ResourcesStrategy

Future developments in the West Midlands should recognise the limitedavailability of water as an influence their location and timing, and shouldincorporate water efficiency measures and sustainable drainage systems atthe feasibility or planning stage

Water abstraction cut backs are necessary in some area to improve theenvironment

A twin track approach to meeting future demands should be followed,combining further water resource developments and improvements withsensible management of our demands through efficient use

Over the next 25years, household metering will become more widespread,providing a greater incentive for sustainable use of water in the home, withappropriate tariffs to protect vulnerable households

Industry should strive to use water efficiently and realise the economic andenvironmental benefits

Farmers should strive to use water efficiently and consider opportunities towork with others to develop new sources of water and consider thedevelopment of winter storage to ensure reliable supplies

Climate change studies suggest summers could become drier and winterswetter. Water resource options that are flexible to the possible impacts ofclimate change are preferred

Mineral and aggregate companies should take steps to minimise the impactof their extraction operations on the local water environment

Develop SA objective toensure the efficient use ofwater resources and topromote the use ofsustainable drainagesystems.





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COUNTYPolicy/Plan/Programme/Strategy/Initiative


Draft Worcestershire Local AreaAgreement (2006)

• “A County with safe, cohesive, healthy and inclusive communities, a strongand diverse economy and a valued and cherished environment.”

Identifies 36 outcomes under 6 thematic blocks as follows:A. Communities that are safe and feel safe.B. A better environment for today and tomorrowC. Economic success that is shared by all.D. Improving health and well beingE. Meeting the needs of children and young peopleF. Stronger communities

Includes an outcome under A as follows:A5: To improve the quality of life of people living in Broadwaters and Horsefair.

• Ensure that the LAAObjectives are reflectedwithin the SA Framework.

Partnership Towards Excellence: ACommunity Strategy for Worcestershire

• Communities that are healthy and support vulnerable people • A safer place to live, work, learn, travel and do business. • People able to acquire the skills, knowledge and self-esteem they need to

allow them to be active citizens and achieve personal fulfilment.• Worcestershire as a prosperous County which continues to build on

strengths and by diversifying and modernising to meet the needs of achanging economy.

• Worcestershire’s environment and everything it contains to be protected,conserved and enhanced to ensure that we keep the best of our inheritancefor future generations.

• Worcestershire to be vibrant and celebrate diversity, to include everyone andgive them equal access to public services and opportunities to take part incommunity life and have a strong sense of citizenship.

• Ensure that theCommunity StrategyObjectives are reflectedwithin the SA Framework.

Worcestershire County Structure Plan(1996 – 2011)

• Long term planning document covering the period 1996-2011.• Encourage and promote land use activities that will lead to an improvement

in the quality or air, water and land.• Seek a reduction in the consumption of energy and finite resources through

the more efficient use of resources, recycling, the use of renewable sources

• Ensure that the StructurePlan policies areincorporated into the SAFramework.





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and the reduction in the amount of waste produced.• Protect from damaging development and land use activity, and enhance,

biodiversity and diverse and important environmental. Landscape townscapeand historic features and characteristics.

• Ensure the integration of development within the landscape in order toprotect and enhance essential landscape characteristics and features.

• Protect and expand amenity areas and open spaces, and access to them, inboth town and country.

• Meet the housing requirements of the population of the new County throughthe provision of an adequate range of housing including general market,affordable and social housing in a way which protects the environment andmakes the most effective use of the existing settlement pattern.

• Work towards a better balance between housing, employment, social andcommunity facilities within settlements

• Encourage development that will help retain and enhance the identity,character and vitality of settlements.

• Promote energy efficient construction, design and development patterns.• Seek the location of development in areas which will minimise the need to

travel and reduce the distances required to be travelled (energy efficientlocations)

• Guide new development to locations that can be served by a choice oftransport modes for both the movements of people and freight.

• Support and facilitate the development of alternative modes of travel tot hecar.

• Facilitate the strengthening and diversification of the economic base of theRegion and of Worcestershire by the provision of a mixed portfolio ofdevelopment locations and sites and by the enhancement and managementof an attractive County environment.

• Encourage urban and rural regeneration• Support the enhancement, development and integration of, and access to, a

range of recreation facilities both within and around settlements.





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• Seek to reduce crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour byintroducing crime prevention as a material consideration into the land-useand development planning process.

• Prudent use of natural resources in order to minimise their use and toconserve them for future generations.

• There is a primary need to reduce energy use wherever possible at allstages of the development process.

• The loss of or detrimental impact to the County’s environmental assets orlandscape character should be avoided.

• Encourage development on previously developed land• Deliver sustainable patterns of development, which allow accessibility to

jobs, education, health, shopping, leisure and other local services.• A key element of sustainability is to ensure that town centres within the

County are not undermined by development proposals elsewhere.• Skylines and hill features and prominent views of such features contribute to

local landscape character and as such should be protected fromdevelopment.

• The principle of sustainable development must be applied to agriculturalland, and this will require the protection of the best and most versatileagricultural land for future generations, whilst recognising the environmental,economic and social needs of rural areas.

• Development will be expected to incorporate measures to prevent thepollution of watercourses and aquifers.

• Support for proposals that incorporate renewable energy/energy efficiencymeasures.

Worcestershire Local Transport Plan 2 (2006 – 2011)

• Sets out Transport Strategy for Worcestershire for 2006 – 11. Identifies anarea strategy for Wyre Forest which includes the following policies:

- WF.1 To identify and implement an appropriate traffic management schemeto reduce traffic emissions on the A451 at Horsefair and to enable the AirQuality Management Area designation to be removed.

- WF.2 To undertake a transportation study for the Wyre Forest area, which

• The Transport Strategy forWyre Forest will bereflected in the SPD, whichshould support theimplementation of thisstrategy.





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will result in the identification of the preferred transport strategy to supportthe economic regeneration of the SREC. This will form the basis for a futuremajor scheme funding bid for implementation of the strategy within the LTP3period.

- To work with rail industry partners and the SVR to undertake improvementsat Kidderminster Railway Station, that will improve accessibility within and tothe Station, improve the connectivity between the station and the towncentre and improve bus/rail interchange.

- To implement a package of measures within Bewdley town centre to improveair quality and the town centre environment.

- To work with Stourport Forward partners to identify and implement apackage of transportation measures to reduce congestion and improve theenvironment within Stourport Town Centre.

- To support the work of WFBQP by helping the development of a fullyintegrated, affordable public and community transport network for WyreForest, providing the opportunity for seamless multi-modal journeys.

- To work with the Highways Agency to develop the future strategy for themanagement of the A449 and A456 Trunk Road routes.

- To undertake a review of all aspects of school transport provision, includingschool travel plans, as part of the Wyre Forest Schools Review and inparticular to identify opportunities for better integration of school busservices.

Worcestershire Biodiversity Action Plan Takes objectives/targets of UK BAP and translates them into a Worcestershirecontext

Contains Habitat Action Plans for 19 key wildlife habitats and Species Action Plansfor 20 key species

Habitat Action Plans aim to preserve habitats and their associated species byprotecting existing sites, restoring degraded sites and where appropriate creatingnew sites.

Species Action Plans aim to protect viable populations through protecting andenhancing them

• Develop SA objective tosafeguard and enhancebiodiversity and promotecreation of appropriate newhabitats

Worcestershire Countryside Access & • Provides the Strategic Management Framework for issues relating to • Include SA Objective to





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Recreation Strategy. (2003 – 2013) countryside access and recreation within Worcestershire. • Vision: “To develop a countryside recreation culture in Worcestershire in

which residents and visitors alike benefit from the opportunity to access arange of high quality countryside recreation opportunities. This will beplanned and implemented having respect for the wishes of both landownersand the local community and ensuring the utmost protection ofenvironmental interests.

• Ensuring opportunity is available to all sections of the community to enjoythe countryside.

• Securing and promoting opportunities for countryside access.• Encouraging and enabling local communities to become involved in and take

action to share and increase the local benefits of countryside recreationopportunities.

• Manage and promote responsible land use activities so as to reduce thepotential for conflict between all types of land users, communities and ruralenterprises.

• Making use of recreational opportunities whilst protecting and enhancing theenvironmental qualities of the countryside.

• Provide a range of facilities of high standard to ensure that the differingdemands and aspirations of users are catered for, to help people enjoy andappreciate their recreational experiences.

• Contributing to and promoting the associated health and well being qualitiesassociated with countryside recreation activities.

• Raise awareness of the opportunities and benefits of countryside recreationto the diversification of the rural economy, in particular in its support for localtourism.

• Encourage and promote the use of a greater variety of transport modes toaccess the countryside and in particular alternatives to the car.

promote recreationalopportunities whilstprotecting and enhancingthe environmental qualitiesof the countryside.

Fluvial Severn Flood Risk ManagementStrategy (2005)

50yr framework for management of flood risk and a 5yr plan for capitalinvestment in flood defence management.

Identify and assess potential solutions: economically, technically and

• Include SA Objective toidentify flood riskmanagement options and





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environmentally Identify preferred flood risk management options and any environmental

enhancements In locations where there are no significant populations at flood risk, and

where it would be economically viable, the preferred environmental optionwould be to manage retreat to allow reclamation of the floodplain.

A long term vision for development can deliver reduced flood risk

any environmentalenhancements.

DRAFT Worcestershire Climate Changestrategy

Raise awareness of the issue of Climate Change & its impact on the County. Reduce Climate Change causing gas emissions across the County

by a minimum of 10% from 2005 levels by 2011 and 20% by 2020 Adapt to and plan for the inevitable impacts of Climate Change on

the County by focussing on a number of key sectors including; Commercial,Voluntary & Public Service, Industry, New Developments, Public Transportand Waste.

• Include SA Objective onpromoting opportunities forsustainable travel toreduce transportemissions.





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DISTRICTPolicy/Plan/Programme/Strategy/Initiative


Wyre Forest Community Strategy • Improved Health & Wellbeing: tackling the determinants of ill health,engaging communities and individuals, supporting children and families,preventing illness and providing effective treatment and care.

• A better environment: improve the provision and promotion of sustainabletransport, protect and enhance our natural and built environment, promoteeffective and minimal use of natural resources.

• Shared Prosperity: support business development and investment, promoteand market the District’s diverse economy. Connecting people to economicopportunity.

• Safer communities: reduce crime and anti social behaviour, use a problemsolving approach to deliver sustainable solutions to local problems. Tackledrugs and alcohol misuse, value diversity, promote positive inclusivebehaviour and challenge discrimination.

• Greater learning and participation: maximise resident’s potential personaldevelopment and fulfilment through engagement with learning and culturalactivity, create a collaborative learning infrastructure that will provide bettertransport links, childcare provision and support to improve accessiblelearning opportunities for all ages. Increase employer’s awareness,involvement and contribution to the benefits of workforce development.

• Imperative that the centralthemes of the CommunityStrategy are reflected inthe SA Framework.

Wyre Forest Adopted Local Plan (2004) - Overall vision: “to establish a framework for achieving a sustainable balancebetween development necessary to meet the needs of the District and theconservation of the diverse character of the area’s built and naturalenvironments. In striving to achieve this balance, the Plan will help to ensurea better quality of life for residents, visitors and future generations.”

- Principle aims of the Development Strategy: accommodate the developmentneeds of the District as set out in the Worcestershire County Structure Plan1996 – 2011, in a sustainable manner by concentrating housing andemployment development in the main towns of Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn.

- Place an emphasis on urban regeneration and recycling of land andbuildings particularly for mixed-use development in or adjacent to the main

• The SA Framework shouldreflect the aims of thedevelopment strategy.





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town centres. - Concentrate retail, commercial, leisure and office uses in Kidderminster

Town Centre and to a lesser extent Stourport-on-Severn town centre. - Enable the diversification of the rural economy whilst generally limiting rural

housing provision to local needs.- Conserve and enhance the District’s environmental assets including the

countryside, natural and built heritage.- Locate development so as to reduce the need to travel, provide a choice of

travel modes, and support the provision of alternative modes to the privatecar.

- Maintain the existing adopted Green Belt boundaries unless exceptionalcircumstances require otherwise.

Wyre Forest Housing Strategy (2004) 4 key priorities meeting affordable housing needs tackling homelessness and providing housing options maintaining independence of older and vulnerable people through housing

and support improving conditions within private sector housing

Develop an SA objective totry and meet the housingneeds of the district’spopulation.

Wyre Forest Cycle Strategy (2002) - Aims to promote cycling as a sustainable from of transport and to provide acomprehensive framework of measures by which this can be achieved.

- Identifies a network of prioritised cycle route proposals for the District, whichreflects WCC’s LTP2 Strategy.

- Outlines the following objectives:- To create safe cycle routes for local people to utilise.- To ensure that cyclists’ needs are catered for in new developments within

the District.- To improve the provision of facilities for cyclists at transport interchanges

and to promote links between cycling and public transport.- To support the creation of safer routes to schools in conjunction with

Worcestershire County Council. - To implement the Sustrans Route 45 Network within the District in

partnership with Sustrans and Worcestershire County Council.

- Develop an SA Objectiveto promote opportunities toincrease cycling levelswithin the District.





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- To increase cycle parking provision within the town centres of Kidderminster,Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley.

- To promote cycle routes for leisure and sustainable tourism purposes withinthe District.

- To promote the environmental and health benefits of cycling as a form oftransport through partnership working.

- To provide quality and usable cycle infrastructure through regularconsultation with local cyclists.

- To work in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, the HighwaysAgency, Wyre Forest Cycle Forum and local residents to meet or exceedgovernment targets of trebling cycling by 2010 compared with 2000.

Wyre Forest Design SupplementaryPlanning Guidance. (2004)

Everyone deserves access to places, which are safe, welcoming, attractiveand healthy.

Good design adds value to development schemes in terms of environmentalperformance, community and social well being and commercial viability

New development should remove real and perceived barriers to access anduse

Every opportunity should be taken to improve the environmentalperformance of development, at scheme and detailed level

Sustainability relates to design, construction and operating costs of newdevelopment

Development which scores ‘Good’ (or better) on the BREEAM rating systemis encouraged

Larger scale developments may need to demonstrate a commitment tosustainable design

New buildings need to adapt to future change. Buildings that can bemodified without major structural alteration will suit changing circumstancesand the energy and upheaval of demolition can be avoided

Design new development to contribute to vitality by mixing uses andincreasing densities and the intensity of uses within buildings

Design for walking and forms of movement other than the car – which shouldnot dominate

Develop SA objective toensure good, sustainabledesign in any(re)development.





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Residential development should support more sustainable lifestylesWyre Forest Community Safety Strategy • To reduce crime by 18% in the District by 2007/08

• To reassure the public, reducing the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour. • To reduce the harm caused by illegal drugs.• To increase voluntary and community engagement especially amongst those

at risk of social exclusion.

• Develop SA Objective tocontribute to the reductionof crime levels within theDistrict.

Wyre Forest Air Quality Strategy (2005) • Maps out the actions required to improve air quality and set out objectivesand actions within strategic business and public sectors to implement andinvestigate further improvements to air quality within the District, Includes thefollowing objectives:

- Ensure that planning applications are assessed for the effects of air pollutionon future occupiers of that development and the effects of the developmenton air quality.

- Implement procedures to liaise with neighbouring local authorities wheredevelopments within the District could adversely effect air quality within theirarea.

- Require air quality monitoring and modelling from developers for proposeddevelopment where appropriate.

- Apply LTP initiatives: S106 Obligations will be sought for contributionstowards improved bus services and priority measures, inclusion of cyclefacilities in proposals, S106 Obligations sought for developers to enhancepedestrian access to development, all major new developments that wouldcreate specific transport related problems must be accompanied by travelplans, promote use of public transport, Bus Quality Partnerships and otherforms of sustainable transport, work together with WCC to co-ordinate asustainable transport policy across the District, implement policies to reducetraffic demand on roads in the District,

- Provide energy efficiency and green energy initiatives to residents andbusinesses within the District.

Develop SA Objective toreduce the adverse effectson air quality within theDistrict.

Wyre Forest Housing Needs Survey To reanalyse the change in the housing market locally in order to reassessincome thresholds for access to market housing

• Develop SA objective toensure that there is an





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To reanalyse housing survey database To reanalyse population forecasts To provide an affordable need forecast to 2006

To inform the Housing Strategy and support Local Plan policies for affordablehousing

adequate range of affordableand social housing to meetthe District’s needs





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PARISHPolicy/Plan/Programme/Strategy/Initiative


Upper Arley Parish Plan (2004) - Includes the following policy statements set out by the Parish Council:- Protection of woodland areas within the Parish- Seek to ensure that there is adequate and suitable housing in the Parish.- Support existing and the provision of new, educational opportunities for all

age groups in the Parish.- Aims to achieve transport solutions that best serve the Parish.- Assist in the provision of high quality and suitable amenities for residents

and visitors.- Support proposals for provision of further sports and leisure opportunities in

the Parish.

• Include SA Objectives thatrelate to the provision ofaffordable housing in therural areas and improvedlocal services andamenities.

Rock Parish Plan (2005) - Support provision of a full facility Sports hall,- Consider how to proceed with some form of affordable housing scheme for

the Parish- Ensure that long term public transport needs are met.- Investigate and improve the traffic situation at the Lea Memorial School.

- Include SA Objectives thatrelate to the provision ofaffordable housing in therural areas and improvedlocal services andamenities.

Chaddesley Corbett Parish Plan (2006) - Sets out a vision of what is important to residents of the Parish and willinfluence the policies, decisions and actions of other bodies.

- A Parish where there is a diversity of housing, respecting the historicalheritage of the area and complimenting the rural environment. New housingshould be limited unless there are exceptional circumstances.

- A Parish with clean, well-maintained and safe roads, adequate parking andrural public transport.

- A Parish where ancient woodland is valued, managed and protected.- A Parish where footpaths and bridleways are well maintained, well respected

and used.- Welcomes visitors and provides appropriate facilities for a rural Parish.- Takes pride in its appearance and provides support for projects and ideas

which aim to make the Parish a pleasure to look at and live in.

- Include SA Objectives thatrelate to the provision ofaffordable housing in therural areas and improvedlocal services andamenities.




Planning Obligations Draft Supplementary Planning Document


APPENDIX B – BASELINE DATA

September 2006




APPENDIX B: BASELINE DATA

Wyre Forest District Local Development Framework – Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning DocumentSustainability Appraisal Report – Appendix B Baseline Data (September 2006)

BIODIVERSITY

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

The district contains a rich variety of nature conservation interests. A number of areas of national

importance are found within the district with 6% of the land area designated as Sites of Special

Scientific Interest (SSSIs). A variety of habitats are found including, marshland, broadleaved mixed

woodland, neutral grassland, acid grassland and heathland. The largest such designation is that of

the Wyre Forest itself.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest Source: Adopted Local Plan Proposals Map. 2004

Name of site Size inhectares

Condition(from English Naturesurveys)

Areley Wood 16.95 FavourableBliss Gate Pastures 1.23

0.78Favourable

Unfavourable -decliningBrowns Close Meadow 2.67 Favourable

Buckeridge Meadow 2.59 FavourableDevil’s Spittleful 22.15

77.13Unfavourable – no change

Unfavourable but recoveringDumbleton Dingle 1.49 Favourable

Eymore railway Cutting 0.22 Unfavourable - no changeFeckenham Forest 57.84

2.01Unfavourable - recovering

Unfavourable - decliningHartlebury Common 0.77 Unfavourable - declining

Hurcott and Podmore Pools 14.896.76

Unfavourable - no change Favourable

Hurcott Pasture 4.69 Unfavourable – recoveringKinver Edge 9.65 Unfavourable but recovering

Puxton Marshes 7.665.27

FavourablePart destroyed

Ranters Bank pastures 2.18 Unfavourable but recovering

©Crown Copyright. Unauthorisedreproduction infringes CrownCopyright and may lead toprosecution or civil proceedings.Wyre Forest District Council.100018317





Name of site Size inhectares

Condition(from English Naturesurveys)

River Stour Floodplain 17.64 FavourableShowground Meadow

Callow Hill0.83 Favourable

Stourvale marsh 9.28 Unfavourable – declining

Wilden Marsh 40.51 Unfavourable - decliningWyre Forest 301.35

251.88196.14

99.8

FavourableUnfavourable but recovering

Unfavourable – no changeUnfavourable – declining

Source: English Nature SSSI Site Condition Survey. (January 2006)

The size of the SSSIs shown above relates to those sites which fall within the boundaries of the

District. The table shows that those SSSIs which fall into marshland are in the least favourable

condition and are declining. In comparison meadows remain in a favourable condition.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)There are also a number of national and local nature reserves in the district. National Nature

Reserves can be found at Chaddesley Woods and part of the Wyre Forest itself. There are also

eight local nature reserves managed by the District Council. Kingsford Country Park located to the

north of the District and crosses the border with South Staffordshire. This is not a District Council

maintained LNR and is therefore not shown in the table below.

Local Nature Reserves Source: Wyre Forest District Council Returns to English Nature (2004)

©Crown Copyright.Unauthorised reproductioninfringes Crown Copyrightand may lead toprosecution or civilproceedings.Wyre Forest DistrictCouncil 100018317





Nature Reserve Size(Ha)

Habitat Condition

Blake Marsh 4.3 Wet woodland / marsh Unfavourable but recoveringBurlish Top 38.9 Heathland Unfavourable but recovering

Ancient Woodland FavourableAcid grassland Unfavourable but recovering

Habberley Valley 24.8

Heathland Unfavourable - no changeMixed woodland Unfavourable but recoveringHalf Crown Wood 5Meadow Unfavourable - declining

Hurcott Pool 41. Wet & mixed woodland Unfavourable - decliningMarsh, wet grassland FavourableRedstone Marsh 7.1Dry broadleavedwoodland

Unfavourable - declining

Wet woodland / marsh Unfavourable - no changeDry acid woodland Unfavourable - declining

Spennells Valley 15.8

Mixed woodland Favourable Vicarage Farm Heath 11.4 Heathland Unfavourable - no change

Source: Wyre Forest District Council Condition Survey (2005)

The table shows that the majority of LNRs are in a favourable or recovering state. There is no real

pattern to the habitat types that are in a declining state. Heathland LNRs within the District

generally show no change in their condition.

HABITAT & SPECIES

The Wyre Forest and its outliers are recognised by English Nature as a potential Prime Biodiversity

Area, a mechanism for promoting nature conservation activity in areas with a particularly high

concentration of biological interest.

The key species and habitats identified for action in the Biodiversity Action Plan for Worcestershire

1999 are identified in the following tables: (please note that an updated Biodiversity Action Plan is

currently being produced).

Habitat types within the District

There are various types of habitats throughout the Wyre Forest District; the table below indicates

the different types found and examples of where they can be located. It demonstrates the rich

variety of habitats that are present within the District. The Wyre Forest Prime Biodiversity Area

(PBA), now forms part of the larger Biodiversity Enhancement Area (BEA) that also encompasses

the Clee Hill area of Shropshire.

Habitat Location (Examples, not exhaustive)Arable Lands Field margins, hedge banks, natural corners

Traditional Orchards The plum and Cherry orchardsAncient/Species-rich

hedgerowsOccurring throughout the District

Scrub The scrub/heath mosaic of Hartlebury commonand Burlish Top





Habitat Location (Examples, not exhaustive)Woodland Wyre Forest and Chaddesley Wood

Lowland Pastures andveteran trees

Wyre Forest; and veteran willow pollards ofWilden Marsh & Meadows, & Puxton Marshes

Wet Woodland The alder & crack willow woodlands along theRiver Stour & its tributaries; and the largest single

alder woodland in the county at Hurcott WoodReedbeds Hurcott Pool, Puxton Marsh

Fen and Marsh The county’s largest and most important marshes,at Wilden Marsh

Lowland wet grassland Wilden & Puxton Marshes in the Stour ValleyLowland dry-acidic

grasslandDevils Spittleful/Rifle Range and Habberley Valley

Lowland Heathland The Devil's Spittleful, Rifle RangeCanals Staffordshire & Worcestershire

Open Water Stanklyn Pool & Trimpley ReservoirRivers & Streams River Severn, which has upland and lowland

characteristics; Dowles Brook and the Hurcott-Podmore-Blakedown stream complex

Important roadsideverges

Including roadside verge nature reserves

Urban & Semi-urbanareas

Parks, derelict land, allotments, playingfields,churchyards & domestic gardens

Source: Biodiversity Action Plan for Worcestershire (1999)

Protected Species

International and national law relevant to the protection of species in the District, includes the

following:

European Council Habitats Directive 92/43

Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)

Protection of Badgers Act (1992)

These statutes provide comprehensive protection to a variety of flora and fauna. Some species are

given total protection, whilst others are protected from activities such as killing or sale. Many of the

species referred to are commonly encountered during the development process and include

(although not exclusively) the following:

-Species protected under the European Habitats Directive:

All species of bats

Dormice

Great Crested Newts

Otter

-Species protected under British law:

Badgers

Birds, including owls and swift

Water Vole





Species within the Wyre Forest

The table below demonstrates the wide variety of protected species within the District.

Species Type Location (Not Comprehensive)European Otter Along the River Severn and River Stour

Bats Including those in rural buildingsWater Vole The River Stour and its tributaries

Hawfinch Wyre ForestTwaite & Allis Shad River Severn

Adder Wyre Forest, Habberley Valley & Kingsford Country ParkSlow Worm On allotments & at Puxton Marsh and Habberley Valley

Great Crested Newt In pondsPearl-Bordered and Small

Pearl-Bordered FritillaryButterflies

Club-tailed Dragonfly River Sever, particularly above BewdleyHornet Robberfly Hurcott pastures, being the only siting in the County

Black Poplar Along the Severn and Stour ValleysTower Mustard Around Kidderminster

Narrow Leaved Helleborine Wyre ForestSource: Biodiversity Action Plan for Worcestershire (1999)

Special Wildlife Sites

Special Wildlife Sites (excluding those within SSSI's) Source: Adopted Local Plan Proposals Map 2004

The above map shows that the District has a large number of Special Wildlife Sites. These are

particularly concentrated to the West of the River Severn and to the North of Kidderminster. They

show a strong correlation with the Designated Landscape Protection Area. By contrast there are

relatively few sites to the east of Kidderminster, which is washed over by Green Belt. (It should be

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noted that Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is currently undertaking a review of all Special Wildlife

Sites and that this data should be available shortly).

FLOODING

Flooding Information

The flood plain areas provide wildlife corridors through the District and should be considered as

water storage capacity zones that also provide potential as wetland habitats for wildlife.

The Environment Agency’s designated flood zones are indicated on the map below:

Source: Environment Agency (September 2005) Flood Zones 2 1:100 and 3 1:1000.

As main rivers pass through the centre of all three towns in the District there is a pressure for

development within the flood zones. The Environment Agency is consulted on proposals for

development within the flood zones and in 2005 no developments were built against Environment

Agency advice.

Flood Defences

Due to the nature of the heavy flooding that the District has received in the past steps have been

taken to alleviate the impact of flooding in certain areas. Flood defence schemes have been

constructed in Severn Side South/North, Bewdley and at Crossley Park/Puxton Marsh,

Kidderminster.

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AIR QUALITY

Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA)

Air Quality Management Areas are areas designated by Wyre Forest District Council where there

are elevated levels of NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide). There are 2 locations designated as AQMA’s within

the Wyre Forest and these are shown on the maps below. There is a strong correlation between

the higher levels of NO2 and high levels of traffic congestion. Road traffic congestion within these

areas appears to be exacerbated by the fact that:

The roads are street canyons

Both are restrictively narrow for large vehicles

In Welch Gate, traffic flows up an incline or downhill to a busy T-Junction (with priority currently

given to another road)

The net effect of these site-specific features is slow moving and standing traffic, especially at peak

times.

AQMA 1 – Welch Gate, Bewdley.

AQMA 2 – Horsefair, Kidderminster.

The Wyre Forest Air Quality Strategy identifies borderline air quality areas in Stourport-on-Severn

town centre (particularly around the one-way system) and also along the Kidderminster Ring Road

at St Marys.

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Air Quality Impact on SSSI's

It should be noted that the overall air quality within the District could have an impact on SSSI's in

the form of nitrate deposition from NO2 sources. Heathlands in particular with their low soil fertility

are susceptible to raised nitrate levels.

CO2 EMISSIONS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Electricity used in district: (2004) 446 GWh

Gas used in District: (2004) 1152 GWh

Renewables and Wastes: (2003) 1.16 GWh

Energy use in the average dwelling in Wyre Forest emits 5.304 tonnes of CO2 per year (British

Gas, Domestic Carbon Dioxide Emissions 2006). This is slightly lower than the West Midlands

average of 5.666 tonnes.

The Clear Skies Grant (now the Low Carbon Buildings Programme) supports installation of

domestic renewable energy systems. Between 2003 and 2005 grants were made for 1 biomass

burner, 1 ground source heat pump, and 5 solar hot water systems in the District.

Light pollution within the District can also contribute to CO2 emissions and have an adverse effect

on biodiversity by the misuse of lighting by light trespass and glare. The effects on biodiversity can

include disruption of species’ natural circadian rhythms. Lights can attract and disorientate animals

such as bats confusing their natural patterns, deterring them from establishing foraging areas and

affecting their breeding cycles.





COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Ward Map

Source: GGP Wyre Forest District Wards 2004

The above map outlines the District’s 17 urban and rural wards. Kidderminster has 8 largely urban

wards, Stourport-on-Severn has 3 and Bewdley has 2 mixed urban and rural wards. The Rock,

Wolverley, Cookley, and Blakedown and Chaddesley wards are predominantly rural in character.

Ward level data is used to assess provision and access to facilities within the District.

Community Facilities in the District.

District Ward Ward Population(2001 Census)

CommunityCivic Halls

SchoolsPrimary Middle

Schools/High

PrivateSchools &

ACLs

Doctor’sSurgeries

Aggborough & Spennells 7,225 2 1 1Areley Kings 6,041 5 3 0

Bewdley & Arley 6,295 8 3 3 1Blakedown & Chaddesley 4,264 9 3 2 1

Broadwaters 7,787 4 4 5Cookley 2,491 2 1 1 1Franche 7,071 3 4 1

Greenhill 7,293 11 2 4 3Habberley & Blakebrook 6,477 4 2 1 2 1

Lickhill 7,131 5 4 1 0Mitton 6,541 6 3 1 2

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Provision of Services in the District's Rural Settlements

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Upp

er A

rley

Blak

edow

n

Blis

s G

ate

Cal

low

Hill

Cha

ddes

ley

Clo

ws

Top

Coo

kley

Far F

ores

t

Roc

k

Wol

verle

y in

cFa

irfie

ld

Settlement

No o

f Ser

vice

s

Post Office

Pub(s)

Cash Point

Garage

Shop(s)

Bus Stop(S)

GP

Rail Station

District Ward Ward Population(2001 Census)

CommunityCivic Halls

SchoolsPrimary Middle

Schools/High

PrivateSchools &

ACLs

Doctor’sSurgeries

Offmore & Comberton Ward 6,901 3 3 1 1Oldington & Foley Park Ward 5,261 3 2 3 1

Rock Ward 2,366 5 1 3Sutton Park Ward 7,167 3 2 5 1

Wolverley Ward 2,096 2 2 1 2 1Wribbenhall Ward 4,574 4 2 1 1

Total 96,981 75 42 5 35 12Sources: WFDC- Environmental Health - Licencing Jan 2006; WFDC Adopted Local Plan 2004; Valuation Office - www.voa.gov.ukWCC

SPG April 2003, WCC - ACL Mapping Project - Sept 2003 - Dec 2004

The above table indicates that there is a marked variation in the provision of community facilities

for wards across the District, although this largely reflects population numbers within each ward.

However some of the more densely populated urban wards are poorly served, particularly

Aggborough & Spennells and Franche.

Greenhill, Bewdley and Arley, and Mitton Wards all have a higher number of community facilities

for their local residents. This probably reflects the presence of one of the three town centres in

each of these wards. Generally speaking, there is a good representation of community and civic

halls across all District Wards.

Rural FacilitiesSource: Adopted Local Plan (2004) & 2005 Retail Update



http://www.voa.gov.uk/



The chart indicates that Cookley has a good level of service provision for its local residents,

followed by Wolverley and Chaddesley. The rural settlements to the west of the District including

Rock, Bliss Gate, Callow Hill, Far Forest and Clows Top all have lower levels of service provision.

Local Centres

Source: Adopted Local Plan Proposals Map 2004 and Wyre Forest District Retail Update 2005

Kidderminster1. Horsefair 2. Comberton Hill 3. Comberton Estate4. Blakebrook 5. Broadwaters 6. Stourport Road7. Habberley 8. Marlpool 9. Spennells10. Sutton FarmStourport-on-Severn11. Areley Common 12. Burlish 13. LickhillBewdley14. The LakesSurrounding Villages15. Blakedown 16. Chaddesley Corbett 17. Cookley

.

The above map and its corresponding table indicates the location and distribution of the local

centres within the Wyre Forest area. The majority of centres are located in and around

Kidderminster while important local centres serve the towns of Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley

and the surrounding villages of Blakedown, Cookley and Chaddesley Corbett. The local centres

serve their resident populations by providing a range of services including general stores, post

offices, takeaways and cash points.

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Town Centres

Shopping Areas within Kidderminster

The areas shaded in blue are theprimary shopping areas whilst theareas in blue outline are theareas zoned as secondaryshopping.

Shopping Areas within Stourport-on-Severn

The blue shaded areas indicatethe primary shopping areas andthe blue outline zones thesecondary shopping areas.

Shopping Areas within Bewdley

There are no primary and secondaryshopping areas within Bewdley, due tothe size of the town and the nature ofthe shopping. Instead Bewdley isdefined as a ‘District Centre’ and themap above highlights where the mainshopping area is located.

Maps Source: WFDC GGP Town Centres Overlay

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Location of GP Surgeries within the District

Source: Forward Planning Section WFDC 2006.

The above map shows that the three towns are relatively well served by GP Surgeries and that the

majority of these are located on bus routes. The Spennells estate in Kidderminster does not have a

GP Surgery within easy walking distance. This is also the case for the Areley Kings Ward of

Stourport and Wribbenhall, Bewdley. Whilst the three main villages of Cookley, Wolverley and

Chaddesley Corbett all have access to a Doctor’s surgery, Blakedown, Shatterford, Upper Arley

and the rural settlements to the west of the River Severn have very poor access to these services.





LEISURE AND OPEN SPACE

Open Space Provision The table below shows open space provision in hectares within the three towns. Figures for the

rural wards are not available at present. An audit of open space is due to be conducted during

2006. This should help to establish an updated profile on provision throughout the district.

Ward WardPopulation

(2001 Census)

Allotments PublicOpen

Space

UrbanOpen

Space

SchoolGrounds

PlayingField

ChurchYard

Total

Aggborough. &Spennells

7,225 1.6 19.8 4.6 1.3 - - 27.3

Broadwaters 7,787 - 29.3 0.9 5.9 - 2.8 38.9Franche 7,071 - 0.9 1.3 4.9 4.3 - 11.4

Greenhill 7,293 - 0.8 4.9 3.6 2.4 - 11.7Habberley &Blakebrook

6,477 1.1 17.2 2.5 17.2 - 1.6 39.6

Offmore &Comberton

6,901 5.5 5.2 0.4 15.5 5.3 - 31.9

Oldington &Foley Park

5,261 0.8 15.4 3.8 3.5 1.9 - 25.4

Sutton Park 7,167 3.4 14.3 2.1 3.9 - 7.9 31.6Kidderminster 55,182 12.4 102.9 20.5 55.8 13.9 12.3 217.8

Areley Kings 6,041 2.0 28.7 7.0 3.0 1.4 0.5 42.6Lickhill 7,131 - 12.4 0.2 2.8 100.6 - 116Mitton 6,541 - 17.0 6.3 3.5 - 2.8 29.6

Stourport 19,713 2.0 58.1 13.5 9.3 102.0 3.3 188.2Bewdley & Arley 6,295 - 4.9 0.3 4.1 1.9 - 11.2

Wribbenhall 4,574 - 3.4 1.5 8.1 - 0.6 13.6Bewdley 10,869 - 8.3 1.8 12.2 1.9 0.6 24.8

(Source Adopted Local Plan Proposals Map, 2004)

The data shows that Stourport’s wards are well served by open space and residents enjoy good

access to open space. Kidderminster’s urban wards of Broadwaters, Habberley & Blakebrook,

Offmore & Comberton and Sutton Park are all relatively well served by public open space. In

contrast, Franche & Greenhill wards have a lower amount of open space provision in relation to

their resident populations. Overall Bewdley’s population has good access to open space, although

there are no allotment facilities within the town.

In terms of parks and open spaces the District is fortunate that it has a number of town parks such

as Brinton, St. Georges, Baxter Gardens, Broadwaters and Springfield in Kidderminster and the

Memorial Park in Stourport-on-Severn and in Bewdley there are the Jubilee Gardens. In addition

there are extensive riverside meadow open spaces at Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley.





EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Schools

Schools in the Wyre Forest District (Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport), are currently based on

a three-tier model in which pupils move schools at least twice, between First and Middle School

and then again between Middle and High Schools. Due to falling birthrates, there are around 1,600

vacant school places in Wyre Forest and the number of children starting school annually is

expected to drop further over the next four years (data 2003). The Surplus Places Return (January

2005), submitted by the County Council annually to the Department for Education and Skills,

identified seven first schools and three middle schools in the Wyre Forest as having surplus

places. Following a review of the educational needs in Wyre Forest. It is understood that 45

schools will close at the end of the academic year 2006/7 and 30 new schools will open in

September 2007.

First & Middle

Schools High Schools

Private Schools

(Source:WFDC Forward Planning Section 2006)

Further EducationThe District is served by Kidderminster College, which offers a wide range of full and part time

courses. The college recently relocated to the town centre where it is well served by alternative

modes of transport.

Adult and Community Learning (ACL)The ACL Mapping Project was developed by the Worcestershire Learning and Skills Partnership. It

was implemented in September 2003 to develop a dynamic mapping process for Adult Community

Learning provision and facilities across Worcestershire and Hereford City. One of the objectives of






the project was to identify the locations where adult and community learning is delivered. The

definition of ACL venues is wide ranging and incorporates IT, sports, leisure and business

administration courses amongst other wide ranging subjects. The map and table below show the

distribution of venues across the Wyre Forest District.

Distribution of Adult Learning Venues

Source: ACL Mapping Project 2003-04.

The above map shows a good representation of adult learning venues across Kidderminster,

Bewdley, Wolverley, Cookley and Chaddesley. There are also some venues located to the West of

the River Severn. However venues in Stourport are scarce. There is only one identified venue to

service the whole of Stourport’s population.

School Primary /sMiddle **(March 06)

Schools/High**(March 06)

Other Education Venues(ACL -Dec.2004)***

WardAggborough & Spennells 1 1Areley Kings 3 0Bewdley & Arley 3 3Blakedown & Chaddesley 3 2Broadwaters 4 5Cookley 1 1Franche 4 1Greenhill 2 4Habberley & Blakebrook 2 1 2Lickhill 4 1 0Mitton 3 1Offmore & Comberton 3 1 1Oldington & Foley Park 2 3Rock 1 3Sutton Park 2 5Wolverley 2 1 2Wribbenhall 2 1 1

Total 42 5 35Sources: ** WCC Supplementary Planning Guidance - Section 106 Obligations - Education Facilities April 2003 *** WCC - Adult and Community Learning (ACL) Mapping Project - Sept 2003 – Dec 2004.






HOUSING CHOICE

The table below sets out the recent levels of affordable housing provision as part of new

developments in the District. Most of the affordable housing provision has been within the urban

areas of Kidderminster and Stourport, particularly as part of the allocated housing sites.

Affordable Housing Provision Completed

Location/Parish No ofunits

Financial YearImplemented

Rifle Range Road (BCHA), Kidderminster 12 2000/01Watery Lane (McAlpine), Stourport 6 2000/01

Park Street, Kidderminster 14 2001/02York Street, Broadwaters 16 2001/02

Chapel Street/Park Street, Kidderminster 13 2001/02Fairfield, Wardle Way DLP, Wolverley 10 2001/02

End of St David’s Close, Kidderminster 11 2002/03Former garage court, Kidderminster 8 2002/03

Park Lane, Sutton Park, Kidderminster 8 2003/04Hoo Road (Plots 114-121), Kidderminster 8 2004/05

Comberton Place, Kidderminster 32 2004/05Timber Lane (Morris Homes) Stourport 6 2004/05

Hoo Road (College Site), Kidderminster 8 2004/05Areley Kings, 36 and 38, Stourport 3 2004/05

Timber Lane, Westbury Homes, Stourport 1 2004/05Mill Road, Timber Lane, Stourport 9 2005/06

Mitton Park, Timber Lane, Stourport 5 2005/06Chapel Street, Kidderminster 33 2005/06

Drake Crescent, Habberley, Kidderminster 8 2005/06Queensway, Bewdley 9 2005/06

Adj 47 Broome Crescent, Kidderminster 5 2005/06Source: Residential Land Availability March 2006.

Average House Prices in 2005

DwellingType

Kidderminster Bewdley Stourport –on- Severn

Blakedown Wolverley &Fairfield.

Detached £224,000 £286,000 £237,000 £391,000 £398,000Semi-

detached£144,000 £153,000 £147,000 £213,000 £180,000

Terraced £113,000 £167,000 £136,000 £205,000 £155,000Flat £94,000 £112,000 £128,000 - £117,000

(Source: Land Registry Residential Property Price Report (2005))

Average sales levels vary across the District with the lowest average price for a flat starting at

£94,000 in Kidderminster and the highest in Stourport at £128,000. Terraced properties can be

purchased for £113,000 in Kidderminster, however, the highest prices for these properties occur in

Blakedown with an average of £205,000. Semi detached properties are far more expensive in the





rural areas of Blakedown and Wolverley and there are marked variations between Kidderminster

(£144,000) and Blakedown (£213,000). The biggest variations in house prices occur in detached

properties and there is a huge contrast between average house prices in Kidderminster (£224,000)

and Bewdley (£286,000). The most expensive detached properties were sold in Wolverley &

Fairfield where the price averaged £398,000.

Average Market Rent Levels (as at 1st January 2003)

Source: Wyre Forest Housing Needs Survey Update (2003)

The rent levels vary markedly across the District. Generally speaking rental prices are lower in the

main urban areas of Kidderminster and Stourport. However, rented properties in Bewdley, are very

high. In the rural areas of Rock and Ribbesford, Wolverley and Chaddesley prices are also high,

particularly in comparison with Stourport. There are limitations in the data due to 2003 figures

being the only ones available in the latest housing needs survey update.

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

£/month

1 Bed Flat

2 BedTerrace

3 Bed Semi

Dw

ellin

g Ty

pe

Average Rent Levels in the District (2003)

ChaddesleyRock & RibbWolverleyCookleyStourportBewdleyKidderminster





Average Rent Levels per Calendar Month for Dwelling Types across the District. (as at 1st January 2003)

PropertyType

Kidderminster Bewdley Stourport Cookley Wolverley Rock &Ribb

Chaddesley

1 bed flat 334 386 370 375 350 375 3832 bed flat 407 506 487 405 413 483 508

2 bedterrace

450 464 428 439 450 493 440

3 bedterrace

494 488 488 458 500 553 450

2 bedsemi

475 488 450 450 515 523 448

3 bedsemi

538 569 483 516 538 590 525

Source: DCA House Price Survey. Wyre Forest Housing Needs Survey Update (2003)





EMPLOYMENTEmployment Areas in Wyre Forest District

(Source: WFDC Strategy and Performance Unit)

The District’s main employment areas are outlined above. Kidderminster is well served by

employment sites located on strategic transport routes. The map shows the important role that the

Stourport Road corridor plays in the District’s employment base.





TRANSPORTPublic Transport within the Wyre ForestRail

Worcestershire Station Usage – Annual Journeys 1994 – 2005

Station 1994 2005 % Change

Kidderminster 645,517 1,038,129 61%

Blakedown 23,894 45,802 92%Source: Worcestershire Local Transport Plan 2006 – 11 (WCC) p.97

Kidderminster is the 2nd busiest station in Worcestershire, carrying over a million passengers a

year, with a significant growth having been recorded over the past 11 years. This increase can be

attributed to the continual improvement of services from Kidderminster to Birmingham operated by

Central Trains and the introduction of peak time train services to London Marylebone by Chiltern

Railways during 2002. It is notable that Kidderminster and Worcester Stations generate more

passengers per train than any other comparable non-metropolitan stations within the West

Midlands region.

There has also been significant growth in passenger usage at Blakedown Rail Station with a 92%

increase over the 11-year period. This can also be attributed to improved services and the increase

in commuters into the metropolitan areas.

BusesA Bus Quality Partnership has been established covering the Wyre Forest area. The partnership

has helped to attract Rural Bus Challenge funding to support the improvement of local bus

services, particularly in the evening, linking Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn with Kidderminster

railway station and Hartlebury. There is a newly built bus station within the District, located in the

heart of Weavers Wharf, which services many parts of the District. The District council operates a

small park-and-ride scheme into Kidderminster town centre from Stadium Close on Hoo Road.

The Wyre Forest Adopted Local Plan Proposals Map (2004) safeguards a network of prioritised

bus routes within the District. Bus priority routes are those which are served by a 20 minute service

frequency during the daytime. The routes run from Areley Kings, Stourport along the A451 to

Kidderminster Bus Station, they cover Kidderminster town centre and the ring road. A high

frequency route also runs along the A456 from Kidderminster to Bewdley town centre.





Cycling

The 2001 Census Results showed that from a total of 47,161working Wyre Forest residents aged

16-74, 1,033 people cycled to work. This represents a total of 2.19%. 2002/03 statistics from the

WCC cycle counter located on Minster Road, Stourport demonstrate that the numbers of cyclists

increase during the warmer spring and summer months when it is lighter in the mornings and

evenings. Figures are set out below for information:

Worcestershire Cycle Counter DataJun 02 Jul 02 Aug 02 Sep 02 Oct 02 Nov 02 Dec 02 Jan 03 Feb 03 Mar 03

79 80 77 72 63 59 43 54 57 57(Source: WCC Cycle Counter Data representing an average daily flow for the specified month)

WCC also has limited figures from the counter located on the canal towpath adjacent to the Gilgal.

These show that average daily flow figures have nearly doubled from 36 cyclists in March 2003 to

71 cyclists in April 2004.

The District Council has an Adopted Cycle Strategy (2002) which identifies a prioritised network of

cycle routes. In total 117 proposed schemes have been identified under the prioritised cycle route

network. 10 schemes were completed during 2002/03. This represents 8.6% of the total network.

14 schemes were programmed for implementation during the 2003/04 financial year. This

represents 12% of the total network. 6 schemes were programmed for implementation by 2005

under the Sustrans Route 45/Advantage West Midlands Rural Regeneration Zone funding

proposals. This represents 5% of the total network.

Source: Taken from 2004 Annual Monitoring Report on Wyre Forest Cycle Strategy (2004).

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Num

ber o

f Sch

emes

ImplementedSchemes

Programmed2003/04

Programmed2005

Figure 1: Progress on Cycle Strategy Network.





Road LinksWithin the District the key strategic highways are as follows:

- The A449 trunk road, which runs north/south through the District and the eastern side of

Kidderminster, linking Worcester and Wolverhampton.

- The A456 which is a trunk road (between M5 junction 3 and the A449) and runs east/west

through the District providing the main route from the conurbation to Kidderminster, Bewdley

and on to the Marches.

- The A448 Kidderminster to Bromsgrove Road.

- The A442 which connects Kidderminster with Bridgnorth and Droitwich

- The A451 Stourport-on-Severn – Kidderminster – Stourbridge route.

Car ParkingThe adjacent map shows the car

parks serving Kidderminster Town

Centre. The town is relatively well

served by public car parking, A

large proportion of car parking is

maintained privately and has been

provided through the KTC1

regeneration scheme. Generally

speaking the town’s car parks are

easily accessed.

Source: WFDC GGP Town Centre Car

Parks overlay.






The adjacent map outlines the

town centre car parking areas for

Stourport-on-Severn. The green

hatched areas are District Council

operated and the purple are

privately operated.Source: WFDC GGP Town Centre Car

Parks overlay.

There are four council operated public

car parks within Bewdley. The Load

Street short stay car park plays an

important role in parking for the health

centre. Bewdley suffers from a lack of

readily accessible car parks.

Source: WFDC GGP Town Centre Car Parks

overlay.







Table of District Council Pay and Display Facilities

Car Park Duration No of SpacesKidderminster

Comberton Place Short Stay 88

Market Street Short Stay 72

Bateman Yard Long Stay 50

Horsefair Medium/Long Stay 45

Bromsgrove Street Short/Medium/Long Stay 330

Weavers Wharf Short/Medium Stay 402

Pike Mills Medium/Long Stay 210

Aldi Store Medium/Long Stay 65

Castle Road Medium/Long Stay 42

St Marys Church Medium/Long Stay 40

Youth Centre Medium/Long Stay 65

Stadium Close Long Stay 153 (Park & Ride)

Stourport-on-Severn

Raven Street Short Stay 28

Vale Road Short/Medium/Long Stay 72

Severn Meadows No1 Medium/Long Stay 105

Stourport Sports Centre Medium/Long Stay 49

Severn Meadows No2 Long Stay 101

Severn Meadows No 3 Long Stay 116

Riverside Meadows Long Stay 600 (Seasonal)

Bewdley

Load Street Short Stay 41

Dog Lane Medium/Long Stay 168

Gardeners Meadow Medium/Long Stay 125(Source: WFDC Cultural, Leisure & Commercial Services Division 2006)





HERITAGE AND PUBLIC ART

Wyre Forest district contains a variety of heritage interests, including buildings, areas, monuments,

landscapes and archaeology.

At April 2006, there were six Grade I, twenty-five Grade II* and 659 Grade II lists entries on the

statutory lists. This covers over 900 individual buildings and structures. These buildings and

structures vary greatly in age and include cottages, farm buildings, country houses, carpet works,

bridges and telephone kiosks.

The district also has 9 Scheduled Ancient Monuments ranging from moated sites to hill forts.

English heritage also keeps a register of Parks and Gardens which are considered to be of national

importance. Arley House with its arboretum is the only registered park and garden in Wyre Forest

District. The Hereford and Worcester Gardens Trust has also identified 32 other landscaped parks

and gardens of interest.





Conservation Areas

There are a number of conservation areas throughout the District which are highlighted on the map

below. The quality of the historic environment is high within the three main towns and the outlying

villages.

Map Ref. Conservation Area1 Upper Arley2 Bewdley3 Ribbesford4 Wolverley5 Blakebrook6 Staffs & Worcs canal7 Church Street8 Vicar & Exchange St.9 Churchill10 Broome11 Harvington12 Chaddesley Corbett13 Gilgal14 Stourport-on-Severn

No.215 Stourport-on-Severn

No.116 Areley Kings

(Source: Wyre Forest District Local Development Framework - 2005 Annual Monitoring Report)

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A Locally Listed Building is one that is recognised by the District Council as being of local interest,

either for historical associations, or for its architectural style. The Kidderminster Local List (2004),

contains 430 buildings and structures ranging from terraced housing, public houses, churches and

schools to walls, railings and a railway viaduct.

The Stourport –on-Severn Local List (2006), contains 287 buildings and structures. A number of

walls and lodges remaining from former grand houses in the town are included together with

structures relating to the canals and basins.

English Heritage maintains a Register of Parks and Gardens that are considered to be of national

importance. Arley House is on this list. The Hereford and Worcestershire Gardens Trust has

published a survey of other historic parks and gardens in the district. This lists 32 additional

gardens deemed to be of historical significance locally.

The District also contains a number of historic landscapes connected with the Wyre Forest

coalfield, the pool systems east of Kidderminster and the carpet industries.

Locally listedbuildings

Scheduled ancientmonuments

Historic parks andgardens

KIDDERMINSTER 430 0 3STOURPORT 287 0 4BEWDLEY N/A 0 5RURAL AREAS N/A 9 21

Public Art

Currently there are a very limited number of public art schemes within the District. As part of the

Kidderminster Town Centre redevelopment, a small-scale public art scheme was incorporated into

Weavers Wharf. The recent completion of the Environment Agency’s flood alleviation works at

Severn Side South, Bewdley also incorporated public art into the highway infrastructure.

SECTION 106 CONTRIBUTIONSThe District Council has secured a number of Planning Obligations during recent years. In

particular, it has been able to secure developer contributions towards education more readily

perhaps due to the existence of the WCC Section 106 Education Contributions Supplementary

Planning Guidance. A number of contributions towards sustainable transport and the cycle network

have also been secured and this may have been aided by the clear policy set out in the Wyre

Forest Cycle Strategy, which was adopted as SPG in 2002.





The tables below set out the types of agreements secured and cover the period from 2003 – 2005.

Type of Obligation 2003 Completed Section 106Agreements.

Play Area Provision 1Provision of affordable housing 1

Highways Contributions 1Contribution to sustainable transport 1

Contribution towards public realm -Contributions towards education 3

Limiting Condition 3


Play Area Provision 2Provision of affordable housing 4


Contribution towards public realm -Contributions towards education 8

Limiting Condition 1


Play Area Provision -Provision of affordable housing -


Contribution towards public realm 1Contributions towards education 9

Limiting Condition 3Source: Wyre Forest District Council Section 106 Obligation Monitoring Form (13/06/06)

The tables show that education contributions have been achieved more frequently during recent

years. It would appear that provision for affordable housing has been more difficult to secure in

2005. The figures show a fairly inconsistent number of agreements secured and contributions

could certainly be increased in all the listed areas.

Section 106 Contributions towards Sustainable Transport

The table below sets out details of those S106 monies that the District Council has negotiated in

relation to the implementation of sustainable transport projects.

Application Site Amount ContributionTowards

Status

Folkes Forge, £15,000 Sustrans Route 45 To be finalised.





Application Site Amount ContributionTowards

Status

Stourport Road

New Forest Close,Far Forest

£5,000 Footpath Link Finalised and spent

Swan Centre,Kidderminster

£50,000 Sustainable Transportfor Kidderminster

Town centre

Pending finalisation

Plot 2a Foley Park £10,000 Sustrans Route 45 Finalised and Spent

SainsburysExtension

£100,000 Town CentreImprovements

Finalised, someworks undertaken.

KidderminsterCollege Relocation

£75,000 Sustainable Transportmeasures for students

Proposals beingdeveloped.

Stourvale HousingDevelopment

£50,000 Pedestrian./cyclelinkage

Revised schemebeing investigated.

(Source: WFDC, 2005)

