Northamptonshire County Council Sustainability …...Northamptonshire County Council Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Minerals and Waste Local Plan Proposed submission document

Northamptonshire County Council

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

Minerals and Waste Local Plan Proposed submission document

November 2012

CONTENTS

1. Introduction 1

2. Policy Context - Policies, plans and programmes influencing the plan and

Sustainability Appraisal 8

4. Development of the Sustainability Appraisal framework 9

3. Baseline information and key sustainability issues 16

5. Testing the plan against the Sustainability Appraisal 18

6. Moving forward 22

7. Consultation 23

Appendix 1: Policy context – policies, plans and programmes influencing the Plan and

Sustainability Appraisal 24

Appendix 2: Baseline information 39

Appendix 3: Key sustainability issues affecting the Plan 49

Appendix 4: Development of the Sustainability Appraisal framework 52

Appendix 5: Methodology for testing development options and appraising effects of the

plan 60

Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (November 2012) 1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (the Act), Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is mandatory for Local Development Documents as part of the plan making process.

1.2 The process of undertaking SA assists planning authorities to fulfil the objective of integrating sustainable development principles into the plan making process.

1.3 There are a number of different definitions of sustainable development. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) refers to the UK Sustainable Development Strategy Securing the Future in realtion to its five ‘guiding principles’ of sustainable development: living within the planet’s environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieveing a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using sound science responsibly.

1.4 Sustainable development in England will be achieved partly through the planning system by the policies within the NPPF assisting it to fulfill a number of roles under three dimensions:

“an economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive

economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right

places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and

coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure;

a social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the

supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and

by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect

the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being; and

an environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and

historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural

resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate

change including moving to a low carbon economy.” (NPPF 2012)

1.5 The requirement to carry out SA and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) are distinct. However it is possible to satisfy both through a single appraisal process. It should be noted that herein where reference is made to SA it should be taken to include the requirements of the SEA Directive.

1.6 The purpose of SA is to promote sustainable development through better integration of sustainability considerations into plan preparation and adoption. SA is an integral part of good plan-making and should not be seen as a separate activity.

1.7 SA is an iterative process that identifies and reports on the likely significant effects of the plan and the extent to which implementation of the plan will achieve the social, environmental and economic objectives by which sustainable development can be defined.

Purpose of the Scoping Report

1.8 This SA Scoping Report has been prepared within the Planning Policy section of the Environment and Planning Directorate of the Northamptonshire County Council. The aim of the Scoping Report is to fulfil requirements of both the Act and the SEA Directive, and has been produced in accordance with the NPPF.

1.9 The integration of sustainability considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans is the key focus of the SA process. Within this capacity, as per Government guidance, the purpose of the SA Scoping Report is to determine consistency and compatibility between the SA Framework objectives and the plan objectives.

1.10 The Scoping Report lays the foundation for the SA and focuses on the context of the plan, in this case the Local Plan. The Scoping Report also acts to assess the plan’s context in a holistic manner in order to determine if the plan’s objectives contribute towards sustainable development.

Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 2 SA Scoping Report (November 2012)

1.11 The Scoping Report is also the mechanism for developing a sound and robust SA Framework and appraisal methodology. Hence the Scoping Report forms the basis for the appraisal and the production of the SA Environmental Report. The Scoping Report details:

Policies, plans and programmes influencing the plan and SA, including the

international, national, regional and local policy context,

Baseline information and key sustainability issues, including economic,

environmental, social and spatial factors,

Development of the SA framework and objectives,

Testing the plan objectives against the SA framework,

Methodology for testing development options and appraising effects of the plan, and

Outline of the format and content of the SA Environmental Report.

1.12 Northamptonshire County Council is the minerals and waste planning authority for Northamptonshire. Hence it is responsible for the development of the planning for minerals and waste development.

1.13 Changes in the planning system have resulted in Development Frameworks (i.e. the MWDF), previously the main vehicle for setting out the context for planning decisions on minerals and waste development, being replaced by Local Plans.

1.14 Northamptonshire County Council are undertaking a partial review of their adopted MWDF in order to ensure that it is up-to-date and in-line with current national poilcy and guidance. When this partial review is complete, the Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan (MWLP or the Local Plan) (and associated documents) will provide the strategic spatial planning framework for Northamptonshire’s minerals and waste development that guides future land use planning and promotes sustainable development and sound planning.

1.15 The Act (2004), the NPPF and Government guidance provide for the transition between the existing Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF) to the Local Plan.

The Partial Review

1.16 The adopted MWDF will retain its status until it is superseded by the Local Plan (upon adoption). There is however pressure for Local Planning Authorities to replace their Development Frameworks with Local Plans due to the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ and national policy highlighting the importance of keeping plans up-to-date (as set out in the NPPF). Where a plan is out-of-date or silent on matters there will be a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The review of the SA will form the base of the partial review process.

1.17 Although the MWDF is recently adopted and most of the plan is considered to be up-to-date there are elements which are considered to be losing their immediacy. The figures relating to provisions are now becoming dated. For waste this is due to the level of growth in Northamptonshire now being less than was envisaged when the Core Strategy was adopted. In addition to this, the national guidance on mineral provision has been updated as a result of changes to national requirements, reducing our annual provision target. Policies in both the Core Strategy and the Control and Management of Development DPDs will require updating in order to reflect revised national guidance contained in the NPPF and to ensure that specific matters which are no longer covered in the NPPF are included (where this is relevant to Northamptonshire). The Local Plan is also set to include county level planning guidance on matters such as low level radioactive waste (LLW).

1.18 The partial review will extend the end date of the current MWDF from 2026 to 2031, both for the reviewed elements and the remainder of the plan. In doing so, the current portfolio of DPD documents will now be branded as the Minerals and Waste Local Plan and combined into one document. Table 1 shows the elements of the partial review process and outcomes.


Table 1: The Partial review outcome

Overview of the Local Plan

1.19 The Northamptonshire Local Plan will:

Set out the broad strategy for minerals and waste in the county and the amount of

provision we will need to make for such development (note that spatial strategies are

not included in the partial review),

Identify specific sites for waste-related development (note that site allocations are not

included in the partial review),

Identify specific sites for minerals-related development (note that site allocations are

not included in the partial review),

Cover aspects of controlling and managing minerals and waste-related development,

and

A Proposals Map, which identifies the sites on a detailed map.

1.20 There will also be related documents that combined with the Local Plan will form part of the Development Plan for Northamptonshire:

Development and Implementation Principles Supplementary Planning Document

(SPD) which provides guidance on waste minimisation and the provision of waste

management facilities in new development, as well as the design and restoration of

minerals and waste facilities.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which sets out how the council will

consult and engage with people during the preparation of the Local Plan as well as on

significant planning applications submitted to the council.

The Minerals and Waste Development Scheme (MWDS) which sets out the

composition of and the production process, for the partial review process and its

individual components.

Annual Monitoring Report (AMR), which monitors how the council is progressing with

the Local Plan (and MWDF until formerly replaced), and particularly how its policies

are being implemented; an AMR is produced every December.

MWDF

existing current documents

Partial Review

what is being reviewed

Sustainability Appraisal

what is being assessed

Partial review

the outcomes

Partial Review Process Core Strategy

Local Plan

Locations for Minerals Development DPD Locations for Waste Development DPD Control and Management for Development DPD

Proposals Map N/A N/A



Statement of Community Involvement

N/A N/A Statement of Community Involvement

Minerals and Waste Development Scheme

N/A N/A Minerals and Waste Development Scheme

Annual Monitoring Report

N/A N/A Annual Monitoring Report


Background

1.21 The Local Plan will be the main component of planning policy and will set out the long-term spatial vision, spatial objectives and core policies which form the development strategy for minerals and waste development in Northamptonshire. In addition it will outline the broad provision that needs to be made for such development to 2031 and strategic spatial considerations that apply to enable this provision to be accommodated within Northamptonshire. It also sets out the monitoring and implementation framework.

1.22 The Local Plan will reflect Government guidance by taking account of the need to contribute towards the development of sustainable communities at acceptable social, environmental and economic costs.

1.23 Detailed locations for minerals and waste development and the locational criteria for specific types of minerals and waste development were identified through the MWDF Locations DPDs, site allocations are not included in the partial review.

Vision

1.24 The Local Plan vision outlines the desired outcome and the plan’s intent in spatial planning terms; setting the context for development options for the Local Plan at a broad level. The vision also demonstrates a sense of local distinctiveness and considers the functional relationship between key social, environmental, economic and physical features of the area.

1.25 The strategic vision for the Local Plan is detailed below in Box 1. The vision is fit-for-purpose and is not considered to require updating (apart from the plan period), as such it is not included in the partial review.

Key Principles

1.26 The objectives of the Local Plan set out what the plan is aiming to achieve in spatial planning terms and set the context for development options.

1.27 The objectives for the Local Plan are listed in Box 2. The objectives are fit-for-purpose and are not considered to require updating (apart from the plan period), as such it is not included in the partial review.

Box 1: The MWDF vision

The Northamptonshire of 2026 will have seen sustained growth and development. A network of well-designed urban-focused waste management facilities, and sensitively worked and restored mineral extraction sites from glacial / pre-glacial areas in the western half of the county and certain of its river valleys, will have strongly helped to have brought about the implementation and management of this growth. Through growth and development, the creation of sustainable communities across Northamptonshire will have also been underpinned by optimising the efficient use of minerals and waste resources, including communities taking far more responsibility for the waste they generate.


Box 2: The Local Plan objectives

Objective 1: Developing sustainable communities

Support the development of sustainable communities in the key national growth area of Northamptonshire by facilitating the provision of infrastructure, facilities and services through ensuring:

a supply of minerals to the construction industry in line with national and regional guidance; and

development of a modern network of sustainable waste management facilities which contributes towards achieving regional self-sufficiency and meets community, business and industry needs.

Objective 2: Sustainable minerals and waste development in Northamptonshire

Promote a step change in high quality design-led sustainable development by maximising materials resource efficiency, minimising waste, optimising the use of existing infrastructure and highway networks and previously developed land and promoting the sustainable transport of materials.

Objective 3: Promoting a clear investment framework

Promote a clear investment framework that identifies priorities for future private and public investment in minerals and waste development which gives confidence in delivery and ensures linkages to other growth area investment within and adjacent to Northamptonshire.

Objective 4: Spatial distribution of minerals development

Facilitate of mineral extraction within Northamptonshire through a strategic approach that directs through a clear and deliverable spatial strategy, particularly for sand and gravel, extraction of the mineral deposits that will meet the annual apportionments for Northamptonshire.

Objective 5: Spatial distribution of waste development

Facilitate the delivery of a strategic urban-focused flexible waste management network which supports the treatment of waste close to where it has been generated, with particular encouragement of integrated waste recovery and treatment facilities.

Objective 6: Efficient use and re-use of minerals resources

Ensure efficient use of primary aggregates and encourage the use of secondary and recycled materials for higher quality end-uses for development to support the growth of Northamptonshire and its infrastructure requirements.

Objective 7: Safeguarding Northamptonshire’s mineral resources

Safeguard Northamptonshire’s key mineral resources, particularly sand and gravel, from sterilisation by other forms of development.

Objective 8: Safeguarding Northamptonshire’s waste management network

Safeguard Northamptonshire’s waste management network from incompatible development.

Objective 9: Supporting local identity

Support the distinctive local identity of Northamptonshire through the supply of locally sourced building materials (including varieties of limestone, ironstone, sandstone and Collyweston stone slate) and encourage their use within the county for the purposes for which they are most suitable.

Objective 10: Conserving and enhancing Northamptonshire’s built and natural environment

Recognise Northamptonshire’s environmental systems and landscape linkages in order to conserve and enhance the built and natural environment through ensuring sensitive working, and where necessary high standards of mitigation of potentially adverse impacts of minerals and waste development.

Objective 11: Responsible stewardship through restoration

Ensure an appropriate and beneficial after-use from mineral, and where appropriate waste development, through restoration that maximises enhancement opportunities, delivers a net gain in environmental capital, and fosters responsible stewardship.

Objective 12: Safe and healthy communities

Preserve residential amenity, protect the health and safety of communities and promote recreational opportunities associated with minerals and waste development.


Practical application of the SA process to the Local Plan

1.28 This Scoping Report focuses on the development and appraisal of the Local Plan. Specific to Northamptonshire, the Local Plan will set out the long-term spatial objectives for minerals and waste development. Each of the policies contained within the Local Plan expand upon and ensures the practical application of the plan’s objectives across the county.

1.29 Following a review of the plan making and SA process, the following was determined:

The purpose of the Scoping Report is to determine consistency and compatibility

between the SA Framework objectives and the plan objectives,

The Scoping Report lays the foundation for the SA process by providing a mechanism

for developing a sound and robust SA Framework and appraisal methodology which

will form the base for the subsequent production of SA Environmental Reports for

individual documents,

The Scoping Report acts to assess the plan’s context, including the review and

identification of the policy context, baseline information and key sustainability issues.

This can be applied across the board to all of Northamptonshire’s planning policy

documents,

The geographical coverage of all the planning policy apply to the county as a whole,

and

All of the Northamptonshire minerals and waste planning policies will act as an

extension and practical application of the objectives whilst reflecting the Local Plan

Key Vision and Principles.

1.30 This SA is only for the components of northamptonshire’s minerals and waste planning policy which are under partial review. The sections of the existing MWDF which are not being reviewed at this time do not require further SA. As a result of this the SA framework has not been amended as it is considered fit for purpose and to do so would not value-add to the process or prove an efficient approach.

1.31 Given the above, it was decided that in order to ensure efficiency within the plan making process, the Scoping Report would act as the Scoping Report for both the Local Plan and associated documents. This applies to this Scoping Report which reflects the current policy context and revised baseline information.

1.32 The practical application of the SA process in relation to the Northamptonshire Local Plan is illustrated in Figure 1.


Figure 1: Practical application of the SA process in relation to the Northamptonshire Local Plan


2. POLICY CONTEXT - POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES

INFLUENCING THE PLAN AND SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

2.1 As part of the MWDF process a review was undertaken of relevant policies, plans and

programmes influencing the policy context of the plan and SA. This process enabled the

identification of potential synergies between other policies, plans and programmes. It

also assisted in the identification and clarification of any inconsistencies and constraints.

The review incorporated relevant material at an international (including EU), national,

regional and local policy context level. The level of identification of documents forming

the policy context is considered to comply with the requirements of the SEA Directive. A

standard template was used to determine:

Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA,

Key targets and indicators relevant to the plan and SA,

Implications for the plan, and

Implications for SA.

2.2 A review of the policy hierarchy was undertaken however it was not considered

necessary to amend the SA Framework as a result. The updated policy context has been

updated and is summarised in Appendix 1.


3. BASELINE INFORMATION AND KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES

Baseline information

3.1 Baseline information provides the basis for predicting and monitoring effects and helps to identify key sustainability issues. The baseline data was originally co-ordinated with the development of the evidence base as required by the MWDF plan making process, and development of the SA Framework. This data is based on the monitoring period 1

st April

2010 to 31st March 2011 (Appendix 2).

3.2 Information on the current state and emerging trends of economic, environmental, social and spatial planning factors within Northamptonshire allow the plan’s effects to be adequately predicted and monitored.

3.3 Indicators have been tailored to specifically address issues of relevance to minerals and waste development. Generic information has been included where it was believed to add value to the baseline.

3.4 Data limitations include availability of data (e.g. correct scale, up to date), unreliable sources or statistics and information being commercially sensitive.

3.5 Data collection is ongoing throughout the development and monitoring of minerals and waste planning policy. As such indicators and data will continue to be updated as necessary to ensure that the local factors are accurately reflected.

3.6 An overview of the state of Northamptonshire, with respect to economic, environmental, social and spatial planning matters as they relate to mineral and waste development, is provided in the following sections. This is believed to fulfil the requirement of providing information regarding environmental characteristics and the state of the environment as per the SEA Directive.

Key sustainability issues

3.7 The SA Framework must highlight any existing environmental, economic, social and spatial planning issues of relevance to LDDs. The identification of the key sustainability issues assists in the development of the SA Framework. The key sustainability issues were derived from the analysis of the policy context, focussing on material of specific relevance to Northamptonshire. The key issues are outlined in the following sections and Appendix 3.

Overview of the state of Northamptonshire

3.8 Northamptonshire covers an area of over 200,000 hectares. The population has grown by over 50% over the past 50 years, particularly through planned growth and the designation of and development at new and expanded towns. It has nevertheless retained traditional shire characteristics. The area is predominantly rural in character, interspersed with large to small towns built on commercial activities ranging from manufacturing to farming.

Economic - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment

3.9 The global economy entered recession in 2008, following the contraction in the money markets that commenced in 2007. The economic situation in the county has been significantly affected by the recession. While the evidence suggests that the impacts are slowing, conditions remain difficult in many areas. In particular levels of unemployment remain high, especially among young people. The unemployment rate for Northamptonshire in January 2012 was 3.2%. This has declined significantly from the same time the provious year indicating that Northamptonshire has seen the worst of the effects of this global depression.

3.10 The rapid expansion of the county in the past three decades has brought with it a diversified industrial and commercial base. Northamptonshire’s economy has consistently experienced growth well above national averages, despite the decline in traditional industries. The traditional industrial base, centred on footwear manufacturing,


steelmaking and agriculture, is being supplanted by service, high technology, engineering and distribution sectors.

3.11 However, the persistence of the ‘low pay low skills equilibrium’ remains an issue. Further, economic change resulting in a move away from traditional industries has created skills and job gaps and destabilised communities, creating an unequal distribution of debt, joblessness and deprivation which can be hidden at the local level. Subsequently, there is a lower level of innovation and enterprise culture within disadvantaged communities. This has also reduced the ability of communities to participate in the local economy. The current industrial base requires modernising in order to move towards a knowledge intensive economy to ensure quality employment.

3.12 The three main employment industries in the county are public administration, education and health (approx 25%), distribution, hotels and restaurants (approx 21%), and manufacturing (approx 16%).

3.13 The distribution sector in particular has grown substantially, primarily due to Northamptonshire’s strategic location and good communications. The county has good north-south and east highway links; further upgrades will increase and strengthen linkages. The county is also on the north-south and east-west rail corridors. There are two strategic freight interchanges in Northamptonshire, one in the west of the county adjacent to the M1 (DIRFT) and one at Corby (Eurohub). Northamptonshire also has a rapidly growing knowledge economy, with employment in knowledge based services increasing during the period 1998-2002 at more than twice the rate of increase in the East Midlands and Great Britain. Despite this growth, employment in knowledge based services remains slightly below the level in Great Britain.

3.14 Key issues influencing the achievement of economic growth in a sustainable manner include:

Comparatively low skill levels and training take-up rates for employment related

training reflecting a lack of ongoing learning and development of skills,

Coping with economic diversification and ensuring quality employment opportunities

for all,

Tackling a lack of innovation and enterprise culture, especially in disadvantaged

communities. This includes encouraging new business and ensuring that existing

businesses, and subsequent growth, remain within the county,

Ensuring that wealth generation is retained within the county to enable opportunity for

individuals and community-based organisations to participate in the local economy;

Balance growth, communities and the environment whilst harnessing the economic

potential of the rural areas,

Tackling a lack of access to, and diminishing provision of, local business, transport,

facilities and services in rural areas may restrict economic development, and

Recovery from the economic recession, in particular unemployment.

Environment - Effective protection of the environment

3.15 Land characterisation studies undertaken in 2004 determined the main land classifications within Northamptonshire as arable (61%), pastureland (23%), woodland (8%) and urban (8%). The greater part of the county retains strong rural character and comprises agricultural land and isolated villages, hamlets and country estates. Despite large areas being managed for agricultural land, significant nature conservation interest is evident in a range of semi-natural habitats, ranging from acidic grasslands to ancient woodlands.

3.16 Northamptonshire was first settled over 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by buried archaeology, standing buildings, historic sites and landscapes. During the period 2010 – 2011 there were 172 Scheduled Monuments, 178 conservation areas, 32 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens and 2 Registered Battlefields, which combined with the 6446 Listed Buildings, make up the county’s resource of nationally important sites.


3.17 The River Nene is the principal river catchment in Northamptonshire, extending from the hills in the west of the county and flowing eastwards. The character of the Nene Valley has been dramatically altered between Northampton and Thrapston, where significant sand and gravel extraction has taken place resulting in a modern landscape of artificial lakes and woodland.

3.18 Local heritage and landscape character has helped Northamptonshire maintain a distinct identity. The Nene Valley and Northamptonshire uplands are perhaps the county’s defining natural features, with the limestone villages, industrial small towns, the Grand Union Canal and the Nene Valley gravel pits giving the county its man-made character.

3.19 There is an increasing need to balance economic growth and development with the effective protection of the environment. Impacts from development have previously resulted in the decline of biodiversity and quality of water resources. The new planning framework promotes sustainable development and design to ensure an improvement in the quality of the natural and built environment. For example, the use of innovative design (such as renewable energies) can assist community and industry in adapting to the effects of climate change. Previously there has been limited emphasis and practical consideration on such matters.

Key issues influencing the effective protection of the environment include:

Balancing economic growth and development whilst protecting the environment,

The need for an improvement in the quality of the region’s natural and built

environment,

Halting and reversing the decline in biodiversity,

Availability and quality of water resources,

Reducing the contribution to and adapting to the effects of climate change, and

Limited use of renewable energy.

Environment - Prudent use of natural resources

3.20 Population growth bears significant implications for minerals and waste development as both are required to support growth patterns. However, these industries are often seen in a negative light due to potentially adverse impacts (such as dust, noise, and odour). It is therefore essential to minimise potential adverse impacts on the environment and local community. This includes promoting the prudent use of natural resources (such as high quality end use of primary aggregates, increased usage of recycled and secondary aggregates, and sustainable waste management) and improving design efficiency (such as use of previously-developed land and appropriate restoration and after-use).

Minerals development

3.21 Minerals extraction and development within the county includes sand and gravel, limestone, ironstone and recycled aggregates. Economically, sand and gravel is by far the most important mineral resource that is found in the county. The three main types of sand and gravel include river sand and gravel, glacial sand and gravel, and soft sand. Northamptonshire’s production of sand and gravel between 2003 and 2010 was 3.3 million tonnes (Mt), primarily extraced from river deposits in the Nene Valley. Production of sand and gravel in the county is traditionally below landbank targets but this has not impacted on annual demand being met.

3.22 Limestone is primarily found in the north and north east of Northamptonshire. Two geologically different types of limestone exist within the county: Lincolnshire Limestone and Blisworth Limestone, both of which are used as an aggregate and building stone. Production of limestone between 2003 and 2010 was approximately 2.5 Mt.

3.23 Ironstone deposits are found in large parts of Northamptonshire, much of which is found within the Northamptonshire Sand Formation. Refractory minerals consisting of clays are limited to the northernmost part of the county. Minimal amounts have been extracted in recent times for reasons of economic viability.

3.24 Northamptonshire’s annual apportionment is for an average annual figure of 1.36 Mt of

aggregates to be provided consisting of 0.97 Mt of sand and gravel per annum and 0.39


Mt of crushed rock (limestone) per annum. The NPPF recommends that apportionment be derived from a ten year average, as such the apportionment rates are under review.

3.25 The two main sources of recycled aggregates are demolition & construction waste, and asphalt road plantings. It is difficult to calculate the amount of recycled aggregates used, but it is estimated that about 10% of the overall need for aggregates in Northamptonshire is met by secondary and recycled materials.

Waste development

3.26 Proposed growth levels present potential concerns in relation to future waste arising from all waste streams. The need to move away from reliance on land filling and increase recovery and recycling of waste is a key component of sustainable waste management. Measures are required to address waste arisings and ensure best practice within the industry as well as the provision of appropriate facilities.

3.27 Northamptonshire currently produces over two million tonnes a year of various types of waste. Waste types originate from several sources, including municipal solid waste, commercial & industrial, and construction, demolition & excavation waste. Not all of this waste is disposed of in landfill sites, some of it is reused, recycled, composted or thermally treated. The point of origin does not always define how waste should be managed, physical characteristics is another determining factor.

3.28 European Directives have, and will continue to have, significant impacts on the way that waste is classified, treated and disposed, as well as infrastructure requirements.

3.29 Key issues influencing the prudent use of natural resources include:

Inefficient and often wasteful use of natural resources. Often as a result of poor

design, hence there is a need to increase design efficiency,

Natural resources extraction and waste management development is required to

support current and anticipated growth patterns, however it is essential to minimise

potential adverse impacts on the environment and community,

Optimising the use of previously-developed land and ensuring the appropriate

restoration and after-use of sites,

Waste generation and management, including minimisation, recovery and recycling of

wastes to meet targets, and

Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals is achieved whilst protecting the

environment and safeguarding resources.

Social - Just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing

3.30 Due to its convenient location Northamptonshire has become a popular place to live and work. Population growth has predominantly resulted from the county absorbing growth pressure from surrounding areas, particularly from London and the South East, but also the West Midlands.

3.31 Between the 1960s and mid 2011 the county’s population increased by more than 50% to approximately 691,900 residents, living within a total of 287,700 individual households and creating a population density of 293 people per km

2 (2011 Census). The North

Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy and the West Northamptonshire Pre-submission Joint Core Strategy plan for the development of a combined total of up to 61,870 houses between 2010 and 2026.

3.32 High population growth rates and changing demographics present a challenge in relation to ensuring the provision of appropriate infrastructure, services and facilities to reflect growth patterns, ensuring adequate access, and addressing changing demographics. Trends within the county indicate an increasing aged population residing in rural areas, and interestingly whilst life expectancy has increased the average length of life free from illness and disability has not.

3.33 The reduction in traditional industry bases, such as steelmaking, has produced localised follow-on effects resulting in various forms and levels of deprivation.


3.34 Throughout the county certain groups and individuals suffer higher levels of exclusion from a range of opportunities for their development by virtue of ethnic background, religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Circumstances such as poverty, unemployment, low level of skills, low incomes, poor housing and health, high crime and family breakdown combine together to create exclusion and inequalities. Such circumstances are reflected nationally. Both nationally and locally such trends indicate that the poorest levels of health correlate with social disadvantage and multiple deprivations, wealth creation and employment quality decline markedly in disadvantaged communities and community safety varies widely with pockets of high crime rates or fear of crime throughout the county. Such circumstances also hinder the community’s ability to become involved in broader level issues, such as environmental issues.

3.35 The Indices of Multiple Deprivations combine information relating to income, employment, education, health, skills and training, barriers to housing and services and crime into an overall measure of deprivation. A score is calculated for each area, a low score indicates greater deprivation - the most deprived local authority area is indicated by a rank of 1, the least by 354. The 2010 indices indicate a large variance in levels of deprivation throughout the county, ranging from Corby (78) to South Northamptonshire (324), illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Indices of Multiple Deprivations for Northamptonshire districts 2010

3.36 More recent and expanding industries within the county, such as the distribution sector, although beneficial for socio-economic factors, may increase the perceived and potentially adverse safety and health impacts resultant from this industry. For example, Heavy Goods Vehicle movement account for a relatively small proportion of the traffic flow, typically 10% or less, but the effect on the road network, people’s lives and the environment may be far greater than this statistic implies. However, freight movements are important for the local economy, employment, supply of goods and services; hence a balance needs to be found whereby strategic road network is optimised and adverse impacts are mitigated.

3.37 Key issues influencing the development of sustainable communities include:

Providing for the region's growing population with respect to housing, infrastructure,

facilities and services,

Ensuring infrastructure, services and facilities reflects growth patterns,

Addressing changing demographics,

Lack of awareness and engagement with respect to environmental issues,

Access to recreational opportunities,

Adverse impact of transport on communities and the environment, and addressing

social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination.


Spatial

3.38 Northamptonshire is predominantly rural in character and displays a range of townscapes and landscapes with distinct identities and characters that are linked at the broader landscape level.

3.39 The growth of the county has strengthened relationships with the South East and the West Midlands, whilst the improved links to the east and the increasing economic influence of Cambridge has achieved similar for the Eastern region. In addition new town growth at Milton Keynes and Peterborough has strengthened cross regional local links in the south and north-east of the county.

3.40 The county exhibits two distinct areas in terms of the main settlement pattern, west and east. The western half is dominated by Northampton, the administrative and commercial centre of the whole county, which contains approximately 200,000 people or roughly a third of Northamptonshire’s population. The west and south also incorporate Daventry, Towcester and Brackley which are economic and service centres with rural hinterland catchments.

3.41 On the eastern side of the county the urban settlement pattern is more closely interlinked and is related to the broad north-south corridor of the A6 and Midland Mainline railway. This includes the larger urban areas of Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden and Higham Ferrers, as well as smaller towns with industrial heritage such as Desborough and Irthlingborough. Corby although closely related to this corridor, is distinct from characteristic settlements due to its new town and steel heritage. Raunds and Thrapston, further to the east, have similarities to the towns in the main corridor. Oundle in the north-east, is a more traditional market town serving a large rural hinterland and with socio-economic links with the Peterborough area.

3.42 The town centres of Northamptonshire still provide the main focus for retail and other commercial activity. Trends currently impacting on the vitality and vibrancy of the county’s town centres include both the decentralisation of retail and other traditional town centre uses (such as offices and entertainment and leisure), and the national tendency for retail and services to drift towards larger nodes (resulting in a decline of services at smaller nodal points). Similarly the availability of land for development in appropriate locations (such as residential, business, industry, etc), as well as the ability to safeguard existing land-uses, need to be incorporated into the strategic spatial planning framework.

3.43 Recent rapid population growth has resulted in additional demands for the provision of appropriate infrastructure and transport networks to meet land-use and development patterns; this has been addressed at varying levels throughout the county.

3.44 Key issues influencing spatial character and planning include:

Provision of appropriate infrastructure to support current and future needs of the

modern economy and community,

Provision of an integrated transport network that supports economic development and

land-use patterns and minimises adverse impacts on environment and community,

The adequate protection of the character and distinctiveness of townscapes and

landscapes,

Availability of land for development, such as residential, business, industry, etc, in

appropriate locations,

Safeguarding existing land-uses, and

Ensuring appropriate facilities for waste management.

The availability of reliable up-to-date data regarding the waste and minerals industry

at a local scale is also a key issue as it impacts upon the baseline information and

evidence base for the MWDF.


MWDF performance baseline information

3.45 The MWDF is an adopted suite of working documents which contribute towards the decision making process related to determining planning applications. Annual monitoring allows the performance of the MWDF to be measured and for trends to be identified along with highlighting any issues and constraints (see Appendix 2). Overall the MWDF is considered to be performing well and that the majority of SA and MWDF objectives and targets are being met.


4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK

4.1 The SA framework is fundamental to the SA process and is used as the basis for appraising the plan. The SA Framework sets objectives, sub-objectives and indicators used to appraise the plan’s objectives and policy options in order to identify specific sustainability issues and ascertain whether and how these issues are being addressed. Movement towards, or away from, SA objectives should be able to be monitored through the identified indicators. The SA Framework also highlights the potential social, environmental and economic implications of the proposals set out in the plan.

4.2 Objectives have been further developed to take account of local strategies and issues, identified by the policy context and key sustainability issues. Sub-objectives and proposed indicators have also been identified. SEA Directive topics have been cross-referenced with the SA objectives to indicate how these issues have been accounted for. Objectives have been categorised to address the economic, environmental, social and spatial factors. Appendix 4 details the development of the SA framework.

4.3 The SA framework reflects local priorities for sustainable development to ensure that the plan, policy proposals and processes are appraised at an appropriate level and that they contribute to the aims of sustainable development.

4.4 The SA objectives were developed as part of the plan-making process for the MWDF; to ensure consistency these also form the basis for assessment of the elements of the plan subject to partial review. As part of this SA Scoping Reort the objectives were re-considered in relation to the baseline and policy hierarchy. No changes to the SA Framework were considered necessary as a result. Changes have instead focused on the update of the policy context and baseline data.

Sustainability Appraisal objectives

4.5 The SA objectives are listed in Box 3.


Box 3: The SA objectives


SA1. Support economic development and employment opportunities.


SA2. Protect and enhance the built and natural environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils). SA3. Protect and enhance air quality. SA4. Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk. SA5. Conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting SA6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.


SA7. Ensure prudent use of natural resources. SA8. Maximise re-use of previously developed land. SA9. Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites. SA10. Promote sustainable waste management principles. SA11. Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources. SA12. Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines.

Social - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing

SA13. Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport. SA14. Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs. SA15. Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities.

Spatial

SA16. Promote sustainable development and efficient design. SA17. Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes. SA18. Reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that waste and minerals development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning. SA19. Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure. SA20. Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other

forms of development


5. TESTING THE PLAN AGAINST THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

5.1 In line with the SA process the plan objectives were tested for consistency and compatibility with the SA objectives through the MWDF plan-making process; no amendments have been made to either the plan or SA objectives through this partial review. Subsequently it has not been necessary to retest the plan against the SA Framework. For ease of reference the compatibility matrix and summary of results has been included below.

5.2 The SA objectives and associated assessment criteria is outlined in Table 2. The SA objectives will be used to test the options presented through the partial review.

Table 2: SA objectives assessment criterion for testing the plan objectives

SA Objective & Decision Making Criteria Will the plan objective …?



Promote economic development within the minerals and waste and related industries? Encourage and support growth of the economy, including the rural economy? Increase the diversity and quality of employment opportunities within the county, including rural areas? Promote innovation and enterprise within the minerals and waste and related industries? E.g. cost effective waste reduction measures and minerals extraction techniques, recycling or re-use of primary resources, etc


SA2. Protect and enhance the environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils).

Protect, and enhance where possible, the environment (including biodiversity, flora, fauna, water, air & soils)? Ensure that any potential adverse environmental impacts are mitigated? Provide effective protection for conservation sites from minerals and waste development? Avoid harm to and enhance opportunities for protected species and others listed in the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan? Protect and enhance green infrastructure assets and promote green infrastructure delivery? Enhance and promote the connectivity of green spaces and networks?

SA3. Protect and enhance air quality.

Protect, and enhance where possible, air quality? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated?

SA4. Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk.

Protect, and enhance where possible, water quality? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated? (e.g. conditions, Sustainable Drainage Schemes SUDS) Ensure there is no net increase in the overall flood risk?

SA5. Conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting

Ensure that M&W development conserves and enhances the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts avoided or mitigated and benefits identified? Secure a supply of local building and roofing materials?

SA6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

Help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency? (e.g. energy efficient design, pollution control, capture and use of emissions, waste minimisation, materials re-use, etc) Encourage the use of renewable energy or waste to energy schemes?


SA7. Ensure prudent use of natural resources.

Encourage the prudent use of natural resources? (e.g. conserve minerals, reduce demand for raw materials, ensure efficient use of raw materials (including aggregates), avoid wasteful use of land, encourage waste minimisation, re-use, recycling and energy efficiency) Discourage wasteful use of natural resources? Protect agricultural resources including soils and best and most versatile agricultural land from irreversible damage? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated?

SA8. Maximise re-use of previously developed land.

Encourage the re-use of previously developed land? Minimise the loss of greenfield land? Maximise the use of brownfield land?



Recognise that minerals can only be worked where they are found, however endeavour to maximise the re-use of previously developed land?

SA9. Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites.

Reduce the risk of land contamination? Remediate contaminated land? Ensure effective restoration and after use of sites? Promote the identification of appropriate after-uses to benefit the environment, landscape character and human health and safety?

SA10. Promote sustainable waste management principles.

Promote sustainable waste management principles? (e.g. promotion of regional self sufficiency, proximity principle, waste hierarchy)

SA11. Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources.

Provide appropriate land-use planning mechanisms to avoid sterilisation of mineral resources?

SA12. Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines.

Allow for a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines? Identify Northamptonshire’s aggregate apportionment in accordance with national and regional guidelines?


SA13. Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport.

Seek to avoid adverse impacts on human health and safety? Ensure that any potential adverse impacts are mitigated?

SA14. Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs.

Support social progress that recognises the needs of everyone by meeting specific needs of the community for both current and future generations? (e.g. increasing awareness and practice of sustainable waste management, prudent use of natural resources and increased consumption of secondary and recycled aggregates) Address and reduce social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination through the provision of – opportunities for employment, access to facilities and services, community engagement and ongoing learning, community health and safety? Improve access to facilities and services to support and serve the communities’ needs? Ensure services are located to maintain the viability of settlements and meet the needs of residents and existing businesses? Encourage all sections of the community to participate in ongoing community engagement and learning with respect to minerals and waste planning? Increase the ability of people to influence decisions and gain access to information?

SA15. Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities.

Improve access to facilities and services including recreational facilities and opportunities? Maximise the benefits of appropriate restoration and after-use of sites for the community? (e.g. Effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites can contribute towards recreational opportunities)

Spatial

SA16. Promote sustainable development and efficient design.

Promote sustainable development and efficient design? (e.g. resource efficient buildings, use of recycled materials, reduce the production of waste)

SA17. Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes.

Seek to improve landscape and townscape character of the county and help to minimise adverse impacts to local amenity and overall landscape character? Ensure Landscape Character Assessment influences development patterns?

SA18. Reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that waste and minerals development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning.

Seek to reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways)? Promote the integration of minerals and waste development planning, strategic transport and land-use planning? Encourage efficient patterns of movement?

SA19. Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure.

Make provision for development of necessary infrastructure to meet current and future needs? (e.g.



Waste management facilities, minerals development to support development) Ensure that existing infrastructure (including services and facilities) is able to accommodate growth patterns and where necessary ensure new infrastructure is provided?

SA20. Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development.

Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development? (e.g. appropriate land-use planning mechanisms).

5.3 The compatibility of the plan and SA objectives were tested using a compatibility matrix (Table 3), to assist in highlighting potential conflicts that may emerge between objectives. The compatibility relationship between the two objectives is indicated as follows:

Positive Potential conflict Neutral

5.4 Overall the plan objectives are consistent with the SA objectives, in addition the level of potential conflict between objectives is considered acceptable.

Testing the plan objectives against the Sustainability Appraisal framework

Table 3: Compatibility matrix – Core Strategy Key Principles (plan objectives) vs. SA objectives

SA objectives

Plan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Table 4: Summary of matrix results

Matrix code

Comments Overall consistency of the plan objective

with the SA objectives

P4 SA2 Minerals can only be worked where they are found. It is inevitable that there will be some adverse impacts on the surrounding environment where minerals are worked. Minerals developments are temporary by nature and it should be recognised that effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites can contribute towards habitat and landscape enhancement.

Overall, plan Objective 4 is consistent with the SA Objectives. Mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts and sensitive site working are included in other plan objectives. It should be recognised that the form and scale of potential impacts is largely determined by site location and the nature of the surrounding environment.


Matrix code

Comments Overall consistency of the plan objective

with the SA objectives

P4 SA17 The extraction of minerals from glacial areas and selected river valleys result in adverse landscape character impacts. Minerals developments are temporary by nature and it should be recognised that effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites can contribute towards habitat and landscape enhancement.

Overall, plan Objective 4 is consistent with the SA objectives. Mitigation measures to reduce potential adverse impacts and sensitive site working are included in other plan objectives. It should be recognised that the form and scale of potential impacts is largely determined by site location and the nature of the surrounding environment.


6. MOVING FORWARD

6.1 This is the fourth version of the Scoping Report prepared by the council. This version has been developed in relation to the partial review although based on the SA Framework which was created in relation to the MWDF. Quality assurance checks of the Scoping Report will continue to be undertaken internally by the council as per Government guidance. Amendments resulting from feedback from consultation or the quality assurance assessment will be detailed as appropriate through the plan and SA process.

Methodology for testing development options and appraising effects of the plan

6.2 The appraisals are undertaken primarily on the basis of professional judgement informed by the evidence base and other information available to the council. In undertaking the assessments of the effects any judgements of significance are systematically documented. The appraisal of options is presented in the SA Environmental Report and will be presented as per the example in Appendix 5.

6.3 The range of techniques that may be used in the prediction and assessment of effects includes expert judgement, public participation or consultation, GIS, network analysis, modelling, scenario or sensitivity analysis, multi-criteria analysis, carrying capacity or ecological foot printing, and compatibility assessment. The appropriateness of individual techniques to meet the council’s needs and requirements will be determined and implemented accordingly.

Format and content of the Sustainability Appraisal report

6.4 The SA Environmental Report incorporates the Scoping Report and fulfils both legislative and SEA Directive requirements. An example of the content and structure of the SA Environmental Report is outlined in Appendix 5.


7. CONSULTATION

7.1 Consultation of the Scoping Report helps to ensure that the SA will be comprehensive and robust to support the plan during later stages of full public consultation and examination. Consultation includes the four SEA Consultation Bodies as required by the SEA Directive (Countryside Agency, English Heritage, English Nature and the Environment Agency).

7.2 The following outcomes are sought through the Scoping Report consultation process:

Ensure that due consideration has been given to the relevant policies, Plan’s and

programmes and sustainable development objectives that may influence the Plan and

the SA;

Develop a sound base for both the Plan and the SA Report which satisfies legislative

and SEA directive requirements; and

Ensure that the baseline information is appropriate and sufficient within the context of

the Plan.

7.3 Consultation is being undertaken at this stage with the required SEA Consultation Bodies and other appropriate consultees. The Scoping Report (and Form for Making Representations) will also be made available to other parties via the Councils website or upon request.

7.4 The closing date for feedback is 23rd

August 2012. All forms must be received by the County Council before 5:30PM.


APPENDIX 1: POLICY CONTEXT – POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES INFLUENCING THE PLAN AND SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

An updated policy context is listed below. This will be updated as new material becomes available. Documents marked with an asterisk (*) are recognised as being of relevance however have not been formally reviewed as it is believed that they have been adequately captured due to the hierarchical nature of the policy context.

Table 1: Policy context of the plan and SA

Policy context of the plan and SA

International policy context

Aalborg Charter*

Aarhus Convention*

European Union Spatial Development Perspective

The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC

EC Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC

EC Hazardous Waste Directive 91/689/EEC

EC Directive on Landfill 1999/31/EC

EC Waste Directive 2006/12/EC

EC Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive 2008/1/EC


EC Mining Waste Directive 2006/21/EC

EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 94/62/EC

EC Directive on End of Life Vehicles 2000/53/EC

EC Directive on Waste Incineration 2000/76/EC

EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/96/EC

EC Directive on Batteries 2006/66/EC

Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds 79/409/EEC

EC Directive on the Conservation of Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora 92/43/EEC

EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC

EC Noise Directive 2000/14/EC

EC Air Quality Framework Directive 96/62/EC

EC Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe 2008/50/EC

European Landscape Convention

Kyoto Climate Change Protocol & UK Climate Change Programme

EC White Paper: Adapting to Climate Change

EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan*

European Programmes, Objective 1 and 2*

Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development*

National policy context

Securing the Future – Delivering UK Sustainable Development Strategy

UK Renewable Energy Strategy

Energy White Paper: Meeting the Energy Challenge

Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Air Quality and Climate Change: A UK perspective

National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 – 2020

English Nature Policy Position Statement: Aggregate extraction and nature conservation

English Nature Policy Position Statement: Non-aggregate mineral extraction

English Heritage Mineral Extraction and the Historic Environment 2008

Waste Strategy for England 2007

Policy for the Long Term Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste in the UK

Review of Environmental Health Effects of Waste Management DEFRA 2004

English Nature Policy Position Statement: Waste management

Working with the Grain of Nature – A Biodiversity Strategy for England

Water for People and the Environment – Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales

Safeguarding our Soils – A Strategy for England

Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future

Urban White Paper- Your Region, Your Choice

Rural White Paper- Our Countryside, the Future

National Planning Policy Framework

National Planning Policy Framework – Technical Guidance

PPS10 – Planning for Sustainable Waste Management

PPG21 – Tourism


Policy context of the plan and SA

PPS 25 – Development and Flood Risk Practice Guide

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2013

Regional policy context

East Midlands Biodiversity Strategy, Putting wildlife on the map

Water Resources Strategy Regional Action Plan for Midlands Region

Sub-regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 – 2020

Local policy context

Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan 2006-2011

Sustainable Community Strategy for Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire MWDF *

Northamptonshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan (2)

Northamptonshire Environmental Character and GI Suite

Northamptonshire Green Infrastructure Strategy*

Northamptonshire Environmental Character Assessment*

Northamptonshire Landscape Character Assessment*

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Assessment*

Northamptonshire Historic Landscape Character Assessment*

North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy*

West Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy*

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment*

Water Cycle Studies*

Surface Water management Plans*

North Northants Flood Risk Management Study*

Catchment Flood Management Plans – The River Welland, River Nene, River Great Ouse and the River Thames and Severn*


Table 2: International Policy Context Review

Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators)

European Union Spatial Development Perspective

The development of a polycentric and balanced urban system and the strengthening of the relationship between urban and rural areas The promotion of integrated transport and communications which support integration and the polycentric development of the European Union territory The development and conservation of the natural and cultural heritage contributing both to the preservation and deepening of regional identities and the maintenance of the natural and cultural diversity of the region.

Plan will seek sustainable development that balances urban and rural areas, promote integrated transport and communications and to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage assets, as well as landscapes and townscapes. Ensure that the requirements of the EUSDP are reflected in the SA Framework.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC

Requires a formal environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. In preparing plans or programmes subject to the Directive authorities must prepare a report on the likely significant environmental effects, consult, and take the report and the consultation results into account during the preparation and adoption process.

Environmental assessment in accordance with the SEA Directive. SEA requirements included in SA.

EC Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC

Outlines objectives for provisions relating to waste disposal, being -1. The protection of human health and the environment against harmful effects caused by the collection, transport, treatment, storage and tipping of waste, and 2. The recovery of waste and the use of recovered materials should be encouraged in order to conserve natural resources. Set out waste management controls, which are extended to include agriculture through a recent revision of the directive requires waste management controls. Wastes affected will be non-natural materials such as plastics, rubble, containers etc. This revision requires: Uncontrolled burying and burning of waste on farms is prohibited; Farmers will have to send or take waste for disposal off-farm at licensed sites, secure a licensing exemption with the Environment Agency to recycle waste on-farm, or apply to the EA for a Licence to continue on-farm disposal. May bear additional demand on waste management and resource recovery facilities (e.g. Civic Amenity sites if agricultural wastes were permitted on site).

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework.

Directive on Hazardous Waste

Provides a framework for the control of hazardous waste. Proper management of hazardous waste is important to minimise risks to the

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA


91/689/EEC environment and human health. Framework.

EC Directive on Landfill 1999/31/EC

The aim of the Directive is, by way of stringent operational and technical requirements on the waste and landfills, to provide for measures, procedures and guidance to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment, in particular the pollution of surface water, groundwater, soil and air, and on the global environment, including the greenhouse effect, as well as any resulting risk to human health, from land filling of waste, during the whole lifecycle of the landfill. All landfill sites are to be classified as either hazardous, non hazardous or inert. Also requires the treatment of wastes before landfilling, for instance to reduce the hazardousness or volume of the waste being landfilled. It will also ban the landfill of certain types of waste, for instance liquid wastes, tyres, and certain hazardous wastes. Reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill. Reduce the emission of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from landfill sites.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Effectively ends the traditional UK practice of co-disposing hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste, and will require the modification of landfill sites and the expansion of alternative means of dealing with hazardous wastes. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to recycling, composting, biogas production or materials/energy recovery. Reduce biodegradable municipal waste to landfills to 75 % of the 1995 total landfilled by 2004, to 50% by 2007 and to 35% by 2014.


Defines waste. Requires authorities to issue waste management authorisations and licenses but allows them to specify which waste recovery operations and businesses are exempt from these licensing regimes. Seeks to ensure the recovery or disposal of waste without endangering human health and the environment. Emphasis is placed on the prevention, reduction, re-use and recycling of waste.


Directive Concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control 2008/1/EC

Requires industrial and agricultural activities with high pollution potential to have a permit. This permit can only be issued if certain environmental conditions are met, so that the companies themselves bear responsibility for preventing and reducing any pollution they may cause.



Modernises and streamlines the provisions of Directive 2006/12/EC. Sets out concepts, definitions and principles related to waste management


EC Mining Waste Directive 2006/21/EC

Covers the management of waste from land-based extractive industries, including the working of quarries. Included are a number of requirements to ensure protection of the environment and human health, depending on the risks posed by the type of waste. All operators are required to provide a waste management plan of the minimisation, treatment, recovery and disposal of the extractive waste.


EC Directive on Packaging and

This Directive, amended by Directive 2004/12/EC, lays down measures aimed, as a first priority, at preventing the production of packaging

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA

Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review 28 SA Scoping Report (January 2013)

Packaging Waste 94/62/EC

waste and, as additional fundamental principles, at reusing packaging, at recycling and other forms of recovering packaging waste and, hence, at reducing the final disposal of such waste.

Framework. Sets targets relating to recovery and recycling.

EC Directive on End of Life Vehicles 2000/53/EC

Requires producers to limit the use of hazardous substances and increase the quantity of recycled materials used in the manufacture of vehicles. Also provides for design of vehicles for easy recycling. Also requires treatment facilities to have permits to deal with end of life vehicles and operate to higher standards.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to production and recycling.

EC Directive on Waste Incineration 2000/76/EC

Prevent or - where not practicable - reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment caused by the incineration and co-incineration of waste. In particular, it should reduce pollution caused by emissions into the air, soil, surface water and groundwater, and thus lessen the risks which these pose to human health. This is to be achieved through stringent operational conditions and technical requirements and by setting up emission limit values for waste incineration and co-incineration plants.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets reduction targets for acid gases (e.g. nitrogen oxides NOx, sulphur dioxide SO2 and hydrogen chloride HCl) as well as for heavy metals. Applicable to all new installations from December 2002 and those existing at that date from December 2005.

EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/96/EC

Reduce the quantity of waste from electrical and electronic equipment and increase re-use, recovery and recycling. Requires additional systems to encourage separate collection (co-disposal to be minimised). Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment to be treated at appropriate facilities.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive through the provision of appropriate collection and processing facilities. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to recovery and recycling of WEEE. Increase collection rates to 4kg (average) per inhabitant per year of waste electrical and electronic equipment from private households by December 2006.

EC Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators 2006/66/EC

Prohibits the placing on the market of certain batteries and accumulators with a proportional mercury or cadmium content above a fixed threshold. Promotes a high rate of collection and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators and improvement in the environmental performance of all involved in the life-cycle of batteries and accumulators, including their recycling and disposal. Aims to cut the amount of hazardous substances requiring disposal.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets relating to recovery and recycling. Collection rates of at least 25% and 45% by 26 September 2012 and 26 September 2016 respectively. The recycling of battery and accumulator content has to reach the following levels by 26 September 2011: At least 65% by average weight of lead-acid batteries and accumulators. At least 75% by average weight of nickel-cadmium batteries and accumulators. At least 50% by average weight of other battery and accumulator waste.

Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds 79/409/EEC

Provides a framework for the conservation and management of wild birds in Europe, including their habitats.



EC Directive on the Conservation of Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora 92/43/EEC

Conserve fauna and flora and natural habitats of EU importance. Establish a network of protected areas throughout the community designed to maintain both the distribution and abundance of threatened species and habitats.


EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC

Promote sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources. Contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts. Ensure the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevent its further pollution.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. All inland and coastal waters to reach good ecological and chemical status by 2015.

EC Noise Directive 2000/14/EC

Monitor the environmental problem by drawing up strategic noise maps. Informing and consulting the public about noise exposure, its effects and the measures considered to address noise. Addressing local noise issues by requiring authorities to draw up action Plans to reduce noise where necessary and maintain environmental noise where it is good. Develop a long term EU strategy.


EC Air Quality Framework Directive 96/62/EC

In order to protect the environment as a whole and human health, concentrations of harmful air pollutants should be avoided, prevented or reduced and limit values and/or alert thresholds set for ambient air pollution levels. This directive sets the basic principles of how air quality should be assessed and managed and lists the pollutants for which air quality standards and objectives will be developed and specified in subsequent legislation.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Established in related ‘Daughter Directives’

EC Directive on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe 2008/50/EC

Streamlines existing air quality objectives. Confirms many of the existing directive’s obligations. Introduces controls on fine particles.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Directive. Ensure that the requirements of the Directive are reflected in the SA Framework. Reduce exposure to PM2.5 in urban areas by an average of 20% (based on 2010 levels) by 2020. duce exposure levels in urban areas below 20 micrograms/m

3 by 2015.

Reduce PM2.5 values below 25 micrograms/m3 by 2015 or, where possible, by

2010.

European Landscape Convention

Promotes the protection, management and planning of European landscapes and organises European co-operation on landscape issues.

Plan policies to support overall objectives and requirements of the Convention. Ensure that the requirements of the Convention are reflected in the SA Framework.

Kyoto Climate Change Protocol & UK Climate Change

Enhancement of energy efficiency in relevant sectors of the national economy. Limitation or reduction of methane emissions through recovery and use in waste management, as well as in the production, transport and

Sets targets relating to reductions of greenhouse gases. Kyoto Protocol sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% of 1990 levels, 2008-12. UK agreement is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990


Programme distribution of energy. Established to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. 6 gases addressed: Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Hydroflurocarbons, Perflurocarbons, Sulphur haxflurodide

levels by 2008-12. UK Climate Change Programme national goal of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010.


Presents the framework for adaption measures and policies to reduce the EU’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Outlines the need to create a mechanism by 2011 where information on climate change risks, impacts and best practices would be exchanged between governments, agencies and organisations working on adaptation policies. Since the impacts of climate change will vary by region, many adaptation measures will need to be carried out nationally or regionally. The role of the EU will be to support and complement these efforts through an integrated and co-ordinated approach, particularly in cross-border issues and policies which are highly integrated at EU level. Adapting to climate change will be integrated into all EU policies.

Give due consideration to how the plan can reflect climate change issues. Ensure that the issues and options raised are reflected in the SA Framework.


Presents the framework for adaption measures and policies to reduce the EU’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Outlines the need to create a mechanism by 2011 where information on climate change risks, impacts and best practices would be exchanged between governments, agencies and organisations working on adaptation policies. Since the impacts of climate change will vary by region, many adaptation measures will need to be carried out nationally or regionally. The role of the EU will be to support and complement these efforts through an integrated and co-ordinated approach, particularly in cross-border issues and policies which are highly integrated at EU level. Adapting to climate change will be integrated into all EU policies.

Give due consideration to how the plan can reflect climate change issues. Ensure that the issues and options raised are reflected in the SA Framework.

Table 3: National Policy Context Review

Plan Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (Including key targets and indicators

Securing the Future – Delivering UK Sustainable Development Strategy

Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment. Effective protection of the environment; Prudent use of natural resources. A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing.

Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Outlines targets for delivering sustainable development, targets are largely delivered via other National Plans and Guidelines.

UK Renewable Energy Strategy

Establishes the methods and reasons for increasing the use of renewable electricity, heat and transport. Models scenarios to show how targets might be met.

Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.



15% of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Energy White Paper: Meeting the Energy Challenge

Sets out the government’s international and domestic energy strategy to tackle climate change and secure clean and affordable energy. Recognises the need to save energy, develop cleaner energy supplies and secure reliable energy supplies at prices set in competitive markets. The key elements of the strategy are:

Establishing an international framework to tackle climate change.

Providing legally binding carbon targets for the whole UK economy.

More progress in achieving fully competitive and transparent international markets.

Encouraging more energy saving through better information, incentives and regulation.

Providing more support for low carbon technologies.

Ensuring the right conditions for investment.

Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to meeting energy challenges. Ensure that the strategy is reflected in the SA Framework.

Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Ensure a level of ambient air quality in public places, which poses no significant risk to health or quality of life, for all to enjoy.

Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets national targets for air quality: Sulphur dioxide 20ug/m3, Nitrous oxides 30ug/m3, Particles (PM10) 40UG/m3, Nitrogen dioxide 40ug/m3.

Air Quality and Climate Change: A UK Perspective

Provides the long term air quality strategy for the UK. Sets out air quality objectives and policy options to further improve air quality. As well as direct benefits to public health, these options are intended to provide important benefits to quality of life and help to protect our environment.

Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives and targets of the Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Various objectives establish limits for air pollutants.

National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 - 2020

Sets out national and regional guidelines for aggregates provisions in England for the period 2005-2020 inclusive.

Ensure that the provisions are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the requirements of national and regional guidelines are reflected in the SA Framework. Various objectives establish limits for air pollutants.

English Nature Policy Position Statement: Aggregate extraction and nature

English Nature acknowledges the vital role of the aggregates industry in supplying minerals needed by local and national economies. Objective of the policy statement is to work to incorporate the principles of sustainable development in order to deliver well planned and managed minerals workings to safeguard and enhance England’s wildlife and geology (including geomorphology).

Ensure that objectives and requirements of the policy position statement are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the objectives are reflected in the SA Framework.



conservation Furthermore, restoration of mineral sites can provide major opportunities to develop or enhance new and existing wildlife and geological sites.

English Nature Policy Position Statement: Non-aggregate mineral extraction

English Nature recognises that minerals are critical to national chemical, energy and construction industries. And recognises that the role of extractors in winning these minerals and the social and economic benefits arising from their use. English Nature considers that mineral deposits should be worked within the principles of sustainability, integrating extraction with care for the natural environment. Mineral extraction should operate within wider efforts to maintain the natural environment and should look to ensure wise use of the finite minerals resource. Furthermore, restoration of mineral sites can provide major opportunities to develop or enhance new and existing wildlife and geological sites.

Ensure that objectives and requirements of the policy position statement are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the objectives are reflected in the SA Framework.

Waste Strategy for England 2007a

Decouple waste growth from economic growth and put more emphasis on waste prevention and re-use. Meet and exceed the Landfill Directive diversion targets for biodegradable MSW in 2010, 2013 and 2020. Increase diversion from landfill of non-municipal waste and secure better integration of treatment for municipal and non-municipal waste. Secure the investment in infrastructure needed to divert waste from landfill and for the management of hazardous waste. Get the most environmental benefit from that investment, through increased recycling of resources and recovery of energy.

Ensure that objectives and requirements are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets a range of targets for waste management in England

Policy for the Long Term Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste in the UK

Covers all aspects of generation, management and regulation of low level radioactive waste. The key aim of the policy is to provide a high level framework within which individual low level waste management decisions can be taken flexibly to ensure safe environmentally-acceptable and cost-effective management solutions that appropriately reflect the nature of the low level waste concerned.

Give due consideration to how the plan can incorporate the aims of the Policy. Ensure that the requirements of the Policy are reflected in the SA Framework.

Review of Environmental Health Effects of Waste Management (DEFRA 2004)

Details the potential health implications with respect to waste management operations such as of collection, treatment, transport and disposal of municipal and similar waste. Also identifies priorities for consideration in LDFs and / or development conditions.

Ensure that objectives and requirements are incorporated into the plan. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.

English Nature Policy Position

English Nature supports the principle in the Government’s Waste Strategy, that where waste creation is unavoidable the preference

Ensure that objectives and requirements of the policy position statement are incorporated into the plan.



Statement: Waste management

should be for reuse, then recycling, energy recovery and composting. Disposal should be considered only when the foregoing options have been exhausted, subject to considerations of best practical environmental option (BPEO) in each case.

Ensure that the objectives are reflected in the SA Framework.

Working with the Grain of Nature - A Biodiversity Strategy for England

Ensure cities, towns and other settlements contribute fully to goals of biodiversity conservation. Ensure construction, planning, development and regeneration has minimal adverse impacts on biodiversity and enhances it where possible. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is integral to sustainable urban communities, both in the built environment, and in parks and green spaces. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is integral to measures to improve the quality of people’s lives.

Plan policies should support the national biodiversity strategy objectives. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.

Water for People and the Environment – Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales

Establishes how water resources should be managed to 2050 and beyond to ensure that there will be enough water for people and the environment.

Plan policies should support the Water Resources Strategy. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.

Safeguarding our Soils – A Strategy for England

Sets out a vision to improve the sustainable management of soil and tackle degradation within 20 years. Aims to ensure that England’s soils are better protected and managed. Four main themes:

Sustainable use of agricultural soils

Role of soils in mitigating and adopting to climate change

Protecting soil functions during construction and development

Preventing pollution and dealing with historic contamination.

Details 16 key objectives for meeting these themes.

Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the objectives of the Strategy. Ensure that the objectives of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.

Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future

Maintaining and creating sustainable communities that people want to live which: are economically prosperous, have decent homes at a price people can afford, safeguard the countryside, enjoy a well-designed, accessible and pleasant living and working environment, and are effectively and fairly governed with a strong sense of community.


Urban White Paper- Your Region, Your Choice

The aim is to create high quality towns through good design and planning and cities which people can be proud to live in. They must be attractive, clean, safe and well cared-for, combining vitality and interest with practicality, sensitivity to the environment and continuity with the




past, as well as offer a high quality of life. They must be well designed and planned, and make the best use of previously-developed land and existing buildings. They must provide good quality services that meet the needs of all. The urban renaissance will benefit everyone, making towns and cities vibrant and successful, and protecting the countryside from development pressure.

Rural White Paper- Our Countryside, the Future

To facilitate the development of dynamic, competitive and sustainable economies in the countryside, tackling poverty in rural areas. To maintain and stimulate communities, and secure access to services which is equitable in all the circumstances, for those who live or work in the countryside. To conserve and enhance rural landscapes and the diversity and abundance of wildlife (including the habitats on which it depends). To increase opportunities for people to get enjoyment from the countryside. To open up public access to mountain, moor heath and down and registered common land by the end of 2005. Promote responsiveness to rural communities through better working together between central departments, local government, government agencies and better co-operation with non-government bodies.


National Planning Policy Framework

Secure an adequate and steady supply of indigenous minerals needed to support sustainable growth, whilst encouraging the recycling of suitable materials to minimise the requirement for new primary extraction; and facilitate sustainable use of energy minerals.

Develop plan policies in line with national planning policy on minerals and planning. Ensure that the requirements of national planning guidance are reflected in the SA Framework.

National Planning Policy Framework – Technical Guidance

Provides further detail in relation to the NPPF with regard to dust, noise, stability in mine workings and tips, restoration and aftercare of mineral sites and landbanks for industrial minerals.

Develop plan policies in line with national planning policy on minerals and planning. Ensure that the requirements of national planning guidance are reflected in the SA Framework.

PPS10 – Planning for Sustainable Waste Management

Protect human health and the environment by producing less waste and by using it as a resource wherever possible. Through more sustainable waste management, moving the management of waste up the ‘waste hierarchy’ of reduction, reuse, recycling and composting, using waste as a source of energy, and only disposing as a last resort the Government aims to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impact of waste. Requires a step-change in the way waste is handled and significant new investment in waste management facilities. The planning system is pivotal to the adequate and timely provision of the new facilities that will be needed.

Develop plan policies in line with national planning policies on planning for sustainable waste management. Plan policies are to support the objectives of PPS10. Include policies that ensure appropriate form and location of waste development. Ensure that the requirements of national planning policies are reflected in the SA Framework.



PPG21 - Tourism Tourism often depends on a high quality environment (natural, historical and archaeological features). Development should seek to support and encourage tourism whilst conserving the environment, protect the interests of the community and supporting economic prosperity.

Develop plan policies in line with national planning guidance on tourism. Plan policies are to support the objectives of PPG21 by ensuring high environmental standards. Ensure that the requirements of national planning guidance are reflected in the SA Framework.

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2013

Promotes high level protection for the environment (taken as a whole) from harmful effects of industrial activities.

Develop plan policies in line with national regulations on industrial emissions by ensuring high environmental standards in relation to industrial development Ensure that the requirements of national regulations are reflected in the SA Framework.

Table 4: Regional Policy Context Review

Document Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (including key targets and indicators)

East Midlands Biodiversity Strategy, Putting wildlife on the map

Establishes the strategic framework for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Identifies the main issues affecting the region’s wildlife and outlines opportunities and activities that will ensure its protection and enhancement, whilst increasing people’s enjoyment and understanding of nature. Aims to promote the creation of the policy, strategic and communications framework within which conservation and enhancement of biodiversity can best be achieved. Recognises the actions and key socio-economic areas of activity that affect biodiversity.

Give due consideration to how the plan can incorporate the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Ensure that the Biodiversity Strategy is reflected in the SA Framework.

Water Resources Strategy Regional Action Plan for Midlands Region

Establishes the regional actions that will enable the aims and objectives of the Water Resources Strategy for England.

Give due consideration to how the plan can contribute to the regional actions required. Ensure that the requirements of the plan are reflected in the SA Framework.

Sub-regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005 – 2020

Apportions the National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England (2005-2020) to Mineral Planning Authority level. Based on average sales 2001-2007 expressed as a percentage of regional sales, with minor adjustments.

Ensure that the aggregates apportionment figures are deliverable under the plan. Ensure that the guidelines are reflected in the SA Framework. Northamptonshire apportionment (proposed):

Sand and gravel 12.48 Mt

Crushed rock 4.9 Mt

Table 5: Local Policy Context Review

Document Key objectives and policies relevant to the plan and SA Implications for the Plan / SA (including key targets and indicators

Northamptonshire Local Transport

To maintain the county’s highway assets in the most economically and environmentally sustainable long-term manner.

Ensure that objectives of the Local Transport Plan are incorporated into the plan by supporting integrated transport and minimising the impact of



Plan 2 To minimise and wherever possible reduce the effect of traffic and transport on the built and natural environment. To reduce the congestion experienced by road users essential to the prosperity of Northamptonshire. To provide the transport system necessary to support and manage growth in the county, ensuring it is integrated with the planning system to create a sustainable and viable future environment.

transport associated with minerals and waste development. Ensure that the requirements of the Local Transport Plan are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets out targets at the local level relating to transport planning.

Sustainable Community Strategy for Northamptonshire

Establishes the framework for the public organisations in Northamptonshire to work together. Details what must be done to meet Northamptonshire’s longer-term needs and big issues that can only be tackled together. Outlines how organisations will better work together to make lasting improvements for the people of Northamptonshire. A range of aims for Northamptonshire:

To be successful through sustainable growth and regeneration

To develop through having a growing economy with more skilled jobs

To have safe and strong communities

To have healthy people who enjoy a good quality of life

Ensure that the aims of the Strategy are reflected in the plan. Consider how plan policies can contribute to sustainable communities. Ensure that the requirements of the Strategy are reflected in the SA Framework.

Northamptonshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy (NJMWMS)

Details the joint approach to managing the county’s MSW in the period 2007/08-2020/21. Establishes current position and charts the way forward for the future, setting out a vision for the strategy, and the principles which will guide further actions. Policies set out how the Northamptonshire authorities will achieve the vision and principles. We will continue investment in education and awareness raising to support the strategy. We will prioritise actions which promote and deliver household waste prevention and re-use. We will provide quality, convenient collection services so as to maximise the opportunity for separate collection of dry recyclables and organic waste. We will provide a network of quality recycling centres which maximise the opportunity for segregated collection of materials. We will aim to put in place appropriate services and infrastructure to achieve recycling and composting rates for the county as a whole of: We will keep under review the range of mechanisms available to us to incentivise waste prevention/re-use and greater participation by residents in separate collection services. The Northamptonshire authorities will work together to reduce the

Ensure that objectives of the NJMWMS are incorporated into the plan by supporting the management of waste in a sustainable manner to meet the current and future needs of Northamptonshire communities. Ensure that the requirements of the NJMWMS are reflected in the SA Framework. County recycling rates:

44% of household waste by 2009/10;



56% of household waste by 2019/20. Within this target, the council is aiming to achieve a target of 70% for recycling and composting of waste received at HWRCs by 2012/13. County targets for residual HH waste generated:

295 kg in 2009/10;

275 kg in 2012/13;

255 kg in 2015/16;

230 kg in 2019/20.



amount of residual HH waste generated per person on a continuous basis so as to achieve the following targets: We will seek a residual waste management solution which respects our desire to move waste up the hierarchy, which is environmentally sustainable, reliable and deliverable, which presents value for money and which is consistent with our response to the LATS. We will take measures to minimise the landfilling of trade waste We will, as local authorities, set an example by preventing, re-using, recycling/composting our own waste and by using our buying power to encourage sustainable resource use. We will use enforcement action to combat environmental crimes. We will work together to develop and deliver co-ordinated services and infrastructure for more efficient waste collection, transfer, treatment & disposal. We will investigate the opportunities for formalising partnership working across the Northamptonshire Authorities. We will seek opportunities in the creation of new communities in Northamptonshire for integrating sustainable waste and resource management into development plans. We will ensure that development makes appropriate provision for waste management. We will monitor & consider the impact of activities in relation to climate change. Policy development will have regard to the National Waste Management Strategy and other relevant national, regional and local guidance, policies and strategies and plans. We will lobby relevant government departments and agencies, as well as other organisations, for the introduction of policies and financial arrangements which support the delivery of this Strategy’s principles.

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan

Conserve and enhance the diversity of life in Northamptonshire. Targets the most threatened and declining habitats and species in Northamptonshire.

Ensure that objectives of the BAP are reflected in the plan by providing for environmental conservation and protection. Ensure that the requirements of the BAP are reflected in the SA Framework. Sets targets for local action plans to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

Northamptonshire Environmental Character (EC) and Green Infrastructure (GI)

The EC describes the physical environment of the county and provides guidelines for historical, ecological and modern landscapes to help ensure their qualities are retained and enhanced. The GI strategy sets out the strategic framework and plan for GI delivery. It is intended to help direct positive change that encourages environmental protection

Ensure that the guidelines and strategies set out in the suite are reflected in the plan. Ensure that the guidelines and policies are reflected in the SA Framework.



Suite and enhancement while embracing economic regeneration and growth.

Catchment Flood Management Plans (CFMPs)– The River Welland and River Nene

CFMPs detail the potential scale and extent of flooding now and in the future and provide sustainable management policies for specific catchment areas, including the Welland and Nene. The policies are designed to provide sustainable flood risk management for the next 50-100 years. Each catchment has been divided into sub areas with similar physical characteristics, sources of flooding and level of risk. Each of the sub-areas has been allocated one of six generic flood risk management policies.

Ensure that CFMPs are reflected in the plan through flood management policies. Ensure that the requirements of the CFMPs are reflected in the SA Framework.


APPENDIX 2: BASELINE INFORMATION

Potential significant

sustainability effect and link to

SA objective

Indicator Comparators

and target

Baseline Data (monitoring period 1st

Apr 2009 – 31st Mar 2010)

Monitoring period (1st Apr 2010 – 31st Mar

2011) Trends

Likely significant

effects

Links to Local Plan

Minerals

Aggregate extraction

Steady and adequate supply of aggregates SA objectives: 19, 20

Level of aggregates extracted

To meet S&G and CR annual apportionments: S&G – 0.97 Mt CR – 0.39 Mt Building and roofing stone will be provided for restoration, conservation, and enhancement Capacity for inert fill processing of secondary aggregates will increase

Mineral sales (2009 data): S&G – 17 MT CR – 0.15 MT A sustainable amount of building and roofing stone was extracted for restoration, conservation and enhancement The capacity for inert fill was not increased through the granting of permission for mineral extraction during this monitoring period

Mineral sales: (2009 data): S&G – 0.21 MT CR – 0.18 MT A sustainable amount of building and roofing stone was extracted for restoration, conservation and enhancement The capacity for inert fill was not increased through the granting of permission for mineral extraction during this monitoring period

Amount of mineral extraction increased over monitoring periods

Aggregate extraction levels meet the apportionment figures Sufficient aggregates are made available to support growth and development of sustainable communities

Local Plan objectives: 1,2, 4 Local Plan policy & LDD: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 22, 33, 34,

Landbanks

Maintain landbanks SA objectives: 11, 12

Landbank for S&G and CR (years)

S&G 7 years CR 10 years

Landbank figures for 2009: S&G – 6.3 years CR – 35 years

Landbank figures for 2009: S&G – 5.7 years CR – 39 years

landbank figure for S&G decreased by 0.6 years to over monitoring periods not reaching target landbank Landbank for CR increased by 4 years over monitoring periods

Maintenance of landbanks

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 Local Plan policy & LDD: 32, 33, 34


Sterilisation

Protect economically important resources from sterilisation SA objectives: 7, 11, 12

Number of applications in MSAs satisfying Local Plan requirements

100% of all new development

All development applications identifying sites within MSAs meet the requirements set out in the MWDF that relate to protecting economically important resources from sterilisation. As a result no development took place which caused sterilisation to economically viable resources

All development applications identifying sites within MSAs meet the requirements set out in the MWDF that relate to protecting economically important resources from sterilisation. As a result no development took place which caused sterilisation to economically viable resources

Areas considered to be economically viable in relation to mineral resources continue to be protected from sterilisation ensuring they are available for future extraction when required

Economically important mineral reserves do not become unnecessarily sterilised

Local Plan objectives: 1, 4, 7 Local Plan policy & LDD: 32, 33, 34

Development adversely affecting minerals development

Development does not adversely affect committed or allocated minerals development, including the safeguarding of minerals-related uses (such as storage / processing, rail head / links and wharfage facilities) from other forms of development SA objectives: 20

Number of applications satisfying Local Plan requirements


No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated locations for mineral development. Mineral sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development

No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated locations for mineral development. Mineral sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development

Areas considered to be economically viable in relation to mineral resources continue to be protected from unrelated development within close proximity ensuring they are available for future extraction when required. Allocated mineral extraction takes precedence over unrelated development

M&W (committed or allocated) development and associated use are not adversely affected by other development

Local Plan objectives: 7 Local Plan policy & LDD: 2, 32, 33, 34


Sustainable minerals transport movements

Promote the use of sustainable transportation movements / methods SA objectives: 6, 13, 16, 18

Number of applications including a sustainable transport assessment or incorporating alternative transport methods

100% of all new minerals development

All mineral development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods

All mineral development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods

Target met Increase in developments incorporating sustainable transportation movements and methods

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 4 Local Plan policy and LDD: 30

Waste

Sustainable use of resources

Development including the sustainable use of secondary aggregates, use of recycled materials and waste minimisation measures SA objectives: 7

Development that includes use of secondary & recycled aggregates, and construction & demolition methods which minimise waste

100% of all new development (10% increase per annum in the number of new developments utilising secondary & recycled aggregates)

It is estimated that there was a 10% increase in the number of developments that included the use of secondary aggregates, recycled materials, and waste minimisation measures However it is extremely difficult to provide an exact figure for this due to the nature of the monitoring objective and that it includes ‘all new development’ rather that M&W development

It is estimated that there was a 10% increase in the number of developments that included the use of secondary aggregates, recycled materials, and waste minimisation measures However it is extremely difficult to provide an exact figure for this due to the nature of the monitoring objective and that it includes ‘all new development’ rather that M&W development

Estimated 10% increase per annum

Increase in the use of secondary & recycled aggregates Decrease in construction & demolition waste

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD

Sustainable waste transport movements

Promote the use of sustainable transportation movements / methods SA objectives:

Number of applications including a sustainable transport assessment

100% of all new waste development

All waste development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods

All waste development included a sustainable waste transport assessment incorporating sustainable transports movement and methods

Target met Increase in developments incorporating sustainable transportation movements / methods

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 5 Local Plan policy & LDD: 21, 23, 30


6, 10, 13, 16, 18

Waste management associated with general development

Promote integration of sustainable waste management measures with other forms of development SA objectives: 10

Number of applications satisfying Local Plan requirements for minimisation of development related waste and provision of waste management facilities

100% of all new development (where relevant)

All permissions granted for developments over 10 dwellings / 1ha satisfy the MWDF requirements and incorporate waste management measures such as waste audits and waste management facilities & design features (where relevant)

All permissions granted for developments over 10 dwellings / 1ha satisfy the MWDF requirements and incorporate waste management measures such as waste audits and waste management facilities & design features (where relevant)

Target met Increase in developments incorporating waste management measures such as waste audits, waste management facilities and design features

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 12, 18, 27, 31, SPD

Waste arisings and management methods

Drive waste up the waste hierarchy SA objectives: 10

Waste arisings (MSW, C&I, C&D, hazardous and LLW) and management methods (recycling, treatment, and disposal rates)

Decrease in waste disposed of to landfill JMWMS targets

MSW arisings for 2009/10 were 333,856 t Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 202,900 m

3

(32,900 m3 inert, and

170,000 m3

non hazardous) 52.1% of MSW was disposed of to landfill Waste type arising (Mt):

Waste type

Mt

HIC 1.57

Inert/C&D 0.59

Haz 0.19

Other 0.01

Total 2.36

Waste management

MSW arisings for 2010/11 were 354,524 t Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 190,000m

3

(all inert waste disposal) 50.9 % of MSW was disposed of to landfill Waste type arising (Mt):

Waste type

Mt

HIC 1.47

Inert/C&D 0.73

Haz 0.24

Total 2.44

Waste management method (Mt):

Increase in rates of sustainable waste management methods

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 29, SPD


method (Mt):

Landfill 1.24

Non Hazardous LF 0.71

Inert LF 0.32

Hazardous Merchant LF 0.11

Non Haz (SNRHW) LF 0.09

MRS 0.06

Metal Recycling 0.05

Car Breaker 0.02

Transfer 0.65

Non-Haz Waste Transfer 0.41

Haz Waste Transfer 0.17

CA Site 0.07

Treatment 0.41

Physical-Chemical Treatment 0.10

Composting 0.10

Physical Treatment 0.18

Material Recycling Facility 0.03

*HIC – Household / Industrial / Commercial Inert / C&D – Inert / Commercial and

Landfill 1.14

Non Hazardous LF 0.52

Inert LF 0.44

Hazardous Merchant LF 0.10

Non Haz (SNRHW) LF 0.08

MRS 0.06

Metal Recycling 0.05

Car Breaker 0.01

Transfer 0.71

Non-Haz Waste Transfer 0.38

Haz Waste Transfer 0.26

CA Site 0.07

Treatment 0.53

Physical-Chemical Treatment 0.19

Composting 0.11

Physical Treatment 0.07

WEEE treatment facility 0.04

Biological Treatment 0.04

Material Recycling Facility 0.03


Development Haz – Hazardous (Waste data is based on the EA Waste Interrogator and is approx) (Waste data 2009 calendar year)

Mechanical Biological Treatment 0.03

*HIC – Household / Industrial / Commercial Inert / C&D – Inert / Commercial and Development Haz – Hazardous (Waste data is based on the EA Waste Interrogator and is approx) (Waste data 2010 calendar year)

Waste management capacity (permitted / operational)

Increase in more sustainable management methods and reduction in disposal to landfill SA objectives: 10

Waste management capacity of permitted / operational facilities

Indicative waste management capacity requirements Landfill capacity sufficient to meet ten years requirement

21 permissions were granted for waste management alternatives to landfill during the monitoring period increasing waste management capacity by 471,000 tpa Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 202,900 m

3

(32,900 m3 inert, and

170,000 m3

non hazardous) In the same period permitted power generation capacity from waste gas increased by 19 megawatts (MW) There were nine waste applications undetermined at the end of November 2009

24 permissions were granted for waste management alternatives to landfill during the monitoring period increasing waste management capacity by 566,000 tpa Permitted new waste disposal capacity totalled approximately 190,000 tpa (all inert waste disposal) No schemes including power generation were permitted in the monitoring period There were ten waste applications undetermined at the end of November 20091

st Mar

Continued permitted waste management alternatives to landfill, increasing waste management capacity

Increase in waste management capacity to meet capacity requirements

Local Plan objectives: 2, 3, 5, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 11, 12, 13, 21, 23, 31, SPD


01

Catchment areas for waste management facilities

Waste management facilities within Northamptonshire contribute towards reduced transport movements, communities taking responsibility for their waste and Northamptonshire achieving net-self sufficiency SA objectives: 10


100% of waste management facilities have an identified catchment area

All permitted waste management facilities have an identified catchment area

All permitted waste management facilities have an identified catchment area

Catchment areas for waste continue to be identified during the application stage

Decrease in transport movements and positive move towards self-sufficiency.

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 8 Local Plan policy & LDD: 21, 33, 34, SPD

Development adversely affecting waste development

Development does not adversely affect committed or allocated waste development, including the safeguarding of waste sites from other forms of development



No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated waste development. Waste sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development

No development permitted within the monitoring year would adversely affect committed or allocated waste development. Waste sites have been safeguarded from other forms of development

Target met M&W (committed or allocated) development is not adversely affected by other development

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD


SA objectives: 20

Environment and landuse

Natural

Protect and enhance the natural environment Avoid and / or minimise environmental impacts where necessary SA objectives: 2, 3, 4, 13, 17

The number of incidents of enforcement action taken by NCC against the M&W industry relating to environmental impact

Reduction in the number of incidents where enforcement action is taken against the M&W industry in relation to environmental impact

All M&W development permissions granted during the monitoring period included measures designed to ensure the surrounding environment was protected and enhanced During the monitoring period there were no cases of enforcement action taken as a result of negative impacts on the environment in relation to the M&W industry

All M&W development permissions granted during the monitoring period included measures designed to ensure the surrounding environment was protected and enhanced During the monitoring period there has been one case of enforcement action taken. This involved the serving of an enforcement notice regarding a site at Blackbridge Farm, Burton Latimer (a bio-drying and pyrolysis waste management facility). The enforcement notice has been appealed and as of 31/11/2010 this case is ongoing

Continual trend in permission being grated for developments which consider the environment and would not result in negative environmental impacts One case of enforcement action taken which against the general trend and a rare event. However the serving of an enforcement notice is working towards minimising negative environmental impacts and ensuring that no further issues are created

Reduction in substantiated complaints and pollution incidents requiring enforcement action for developments satisfying Local Plan requirements

Local Plan objectives: 10, 11, 12 Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 24, SPD

Historic

Conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting

Number of M&W developments that have an approved scheme addressing the

100% of all new development (where relevant)

All permitted M&W developments included an approved scheme addressing the historic environment Archaeological investigation took place at

All permitted M&W Developments included an approved scheme addressing the historic environment Archaeological investigation took place at

Target met Increase in the proactive management of historic environment

Local Plan objectives: 9, 10 Local Plan policy & LDD: 6, 22, 26, SPD


SA objectives: 5, 13, 17

historic environment or include a scheme which secures a supply of building and roofing stone (where relevant)

all sites which required further information prior to permission being granted or secures a supply of building and roofing stone

all sites which required further information prior to permission being granted or secures a supply of building and roofing stone

Built

M&W development which is complementary to the surrounding landscape and townscape SA objectives: 2, 13, 17

Number of M&W applications that include a landscape character assessment and satisfy the SPD principles relating to innovation and design (where relevant)

100% of all applications (where relevant)

All M&W permissions included a landscape character assessment and satisfies the principles included in the SPD related to innovation and design (where relevant)

All M&W permissions included a landscape character assessment and satisfies the principles included in the SPD related to innovation and design (where relevant)

Target met Increase in creative design an innovation of M&W developments

Local Plan objectives: 2, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 Local Plan policy & LDD: 1, 30, 22, 25, 28, SPD

Flood risk

Avoid adverse impact on flood risk from M&W development SA objectives: 4, 13, 17

Number of M&W applications receiving permission contrary to Environment Agency advice on flooding

All applications / permissions meet flood management requirements

All applications / permissions met flood management requirements 3 applications for sites in flood zones were approved (22%) No M&W development in flood zones took place against EA advice None of these facilities became operational during monitoring period

All applications / permissions met flood management requirements There were no applications that included further development in flood zones. No M&W development in flood zones took place against EA advice

Target met Decrease in potentially adverse impacts on flood risk and prevention of flood risk impacts on surrounding areas

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 10 Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 24, SPD, SA

Restoration and after-use

After-use should enhance

Number of M&W permissions that include an

100% of all new development (where relevant) Increase in

All M&W applications included an adequate after-use / restoration scheme

All M&W applications included an adequate after-use / restoration scheme

Target met Increase in the enhancement of biodiversity (BAP targets),

Local Plan objectives: 11, 12


biodiversity, the historic & natural environment and amenity whilst benefitting the local community and / or economy SA objectives: 2, 9, 15, 17

approved restoration scheme that seeks to maximise beneficial outcomes

creation of BAP priority habitats (BAP targets)

Increase in the creation of BAP priority habitats specifically included a progressive restoration scheme restoring the site to wet woodland

the historic & natural environment, amenity with increased benefits to the local community and / or economy

Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 25, 28, SPD

Climate change

Climate change reduction measures

Carbon emission reduction within the M&W industry SA objectives: 6, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19

Number of applications satisfying the Local Plan requirements relating to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency i.e. the regular servicing of vehicles, landfill gas extraction, methane gas recovery

100% of all development

All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency

All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency

Target met

County carbon emissions continue to decrease

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD, SA

Energy production

Increase in renewable energy production within the M&W industry SA objectives: 6, 13, 14, 16, 19

Increase in energy production from waste developments (e.g. energy from waste facilities, landfill gas extraction, anaerobic

Net increase

All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the increase in renewable energy and enhancing energy production Increase in energy production from waste developments include the

All permitted developments satisfy the MWDF requirements in relation to the increase in renewable energy and enhancing energy production There was no increase in energy production from waste developments

Target met County carbon emissions continue to decrease

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2 Local Plan policy & LDD: 30, SPD, SA


digestion, etc) development of a 3MW biomass fuelled energy production plant at Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough and a renewable energy production plant at Gretton Brook Road, Corby. Neither of which are operational

during the monitoring period.

Economic and community benefits

Employment

Increase in investment and employment in the M&W industry SA objectives: 1, 14

Continued investment in M&W development (e.g. new waste management facilities and mineral workings)

Net increase Granting of M&W development applications during this monitoring period will result in a net increase in employment opportunities within Northamptonshire During the monitoring period applications were permitted which in total included the creation of 103 full time positions A total of 28 of these full time positions were made available due to permissions being implemented during the monitoring period

Granting of M&W development applications during this monitoring period will result in a net increase in employment opportunities within Northamptonshire During the monitoring period applications were permitted which in total included the creation of 41.5 full time positions A total of 41.5 of these full time positions were made available due to permissions being implemented during the monitoring period

Target met Employment opportunities in Northamptonshire increased

Economic growth due to further investment and increased skills / knowledge

Local Plan objectives: 1, 3 Local Plan Policy & LDD: SPD

Health and safety

Ensure that M&W development does not adversely affect the health and safety of our

Number of applications that satisfy the MWDF requirements relating to sustainable transport ,

100% of all development

All permitted M&W development satisfied the MWDF requirements relating to sustainable transport , avoiding and / or reducing potentially adverse impacts, prevent landuse conflict and

All permitted M&W development satisfied the MWDF requirements relating to sustainable transport , avoiding and / or reducing potentially adverse impacts, prevent landuse conflict and

Target met Decrease in potentially adverse impacts on health and safety

Local Plan objectives: 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 12 Local Plan policy & LDD: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31,


communities. SA objectives: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20

avoiding and / or reducing potentially adverse impacts, prevent landuse conflict and reducing carbon emissions

reducing carbon emissions

reducing carbon emissions

34, SPD, SA

Northamptonshire MWDF Partial Review SA Scoping Report (January 2013) 49

APPENDIX 3: KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES AFFECTING THE PLAN

Table 1: Key sustainability issues and source

Key sustainability issues Source

Economic issues - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment

Lack of ongoing learning and development of skills. While there are more highly skilled people in Northamptonshire than the regional average there are also a higher proportion of residents who have no qualifications, perhaps reflecting the polarisation in the county between employment in lower-skill logistics and construction versus the high skill service-sector employment. This trend is reflected by comparatively low skill levels and training take-up rates for employment related training. Highlighted in some areas by higher than average levels of poor literacy and numeracy skills in adults, youth unemployment and people in low income brackets (less than £250 per week).

IRS, REcS, EM09

Coping with economic diversification and ensuring quality employment opportunities. Current industrial base requires modernisation towards a modern knowledge intensive economic base to ensure sustainability and quality employment.

IRS, REcS

Lack of innovation and enterprise culture, especially in disadvantaged communities. Including the need to encourage new business and ensure that existing businesses, and subsequent growth, remains within the county. Also highlights the need to provide a quality range of employment premises and sites for new business and industry.

REcS

Lack of opportunity for individuals and community-based organisations to participate in the local economy, and to generate wealth which is retained within the community.

REcS

Balance growth, communities and the environment whilst harnessing the economic potential of the rural areas.

IRS, REcS

Lack of access to and diminishing provision of, local business, transport, facilities and services in rural areas may restrict economic development.

IRS, REcS

The ongoing recession presents particular sustainability challenges. Lags in the production of economic statistics mean that many data series do not yet show the full impacts of the recession. However, unemployment has increased across the UK with Northamptonshire no exception. Claimant count unemployment, traditionally low in the county, has been increasing at a greater rate than the regional and national averages. The recovery of the economy is a key issue for Northamptonshire. Developments in the global economy will continue to impact on the county.

EM09

Environmental - Effective protection of the environment

Reducing the contribution to and adapting to the effects of, climate change REcS, REnvS, REnS, EMRP, CS

Limited use of renewable energy IRS, REnvS, REnS. CS

The need for an improvement in the quality of the region’s natural and built environment

REcS, REnvS, NBAP, NLCA,

Halting and reversing the decline in biodiversity IRS, REnvS, NCS, NBAP, CS

Balancing economic growth and development whilst protecting the environment REcS, IRS, REnvS, NCS, CS

Availability and quality of water resources REnvS, WREM

Environmental - Prudent use of natural resources

Inefficient and often wasteful use of our natural resources. Often as a result of poor design, hence there is a need to increase design efficiency.

REcS, REnvS, CS

Natural resources extraction and waste management development is required to support current and anticipated growth patterns, however it is essential to minimise potential adverse impacts on the environment and community

REnvS, IRS, MKSMSS, CS

Optimising the use of previously-developed land and ensuring the appropriate restoration and after-use of sites

IRS, EMRP, MKSMSS, NWLP, NMLP, CS

Waste generation and management, including minimisation, recovery and recycling of wastes to meet targets

RWS, IRS, NWLP, CS

Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals is achieved whilst protecting the environment and safeguarding resources

NMLP, MKSMSS, CS



Key sustainability issues Source

Providing for the region's growing population with respect to housing, infrastructure, facilities and services.

IRS, NCS, CS

Ensuring infrastructure, services and facilities reflects growth patterns. A large proportion of the population live in towns and villages. Where access to basic services and facilities is potentially limited, this may create disadvantages and social deprivation.

IRS, EMRP, CS

Addressing changing demographics. Increasing aged population residing in rural areas bears implications for the provision of appropriate health and social care, education and for a range of other services and agencies. Additionally, whilst life expectancy has risen, the average length of life free from illness and disability has not increased.

IRS, NCS

Lack of awareness and engagement with respect to environmental issues. REcS, REnvS

Access to recreational opportunities. NCS, NSP

Adverse impact of transport on communities and the environment. Heavy Goods Vehicles movement account for a relatively small proportion of the traffic flow – typically 10% or less – but the effect on the road network, people’s lives and the environment is far greater than this statistic implies. Impacts include: o contribution to congestion; o potential adverse impacts on the environment and human health and safety

(pedestrians); o increased maintenance requirements resulting from the wear on roads and

underground utilities; and o misuse of local streets (rat-running), weight-restricted roads and parking in

residential areas; However, freight movements are important for the local economy, employment, supply of goods and services; hence a balance needs to be found whereby strategic road network is optimised and adverse impacts are mitigated. Additionally, the use of alternative means of transport needs to be encouraged.

LTP2, IRS, REcS, REnvS, EMRP CS

Addressing social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination. Significant inequalities and or disparities are apparent in the following areas, health - the poorest levels of health clearly correlate to social disadvantage and multiple deprivations, wealth creation and employment quality, and community safety (affected by a combination of social, educational, health, economic and environmental issues) where pockets with high rates of crime or fear of crime exist throughout. Certain groups and individuals suffer higher levels of exclusion from a range of opportunities for their development by virtue of their ethnic background, religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Circumstances such as poverty, unemployment, low level of skills, low incomes, poor housing and health, high crime and family breakdown combine together to create exclusion and inequalities.

IRS, NCS, NSP

Spatial

Provision of an integrated transport network that supports economic development and land-use patterns and minimises adverse impacts on environment and community.

LTP2, EMRP, IRS, CS

The adequate protection of the character and distinctiveness of townscapes and landscapes. Northamptonshire displays a range of townscapes and landscapes with distinct identities and characters which are linked at the broader landscape level.

NCS, NSP, NLCA, CS

Availability of land for development, such as residential, business, industry, etc, in appropriate locations.

IRS, MKSMSS, NSP, CS

Safeguarding existing land-uses. Increased access to the countryside may impact upon the operation and viability of some land-uses (e.g. minerals and waste development, agriculture).

IRS, CS

Provision of appropriate infrastructure to support current and future needs of modern economy and community.

NSP, CS

The availability of reliable up-to-date data regarding the waste and minerals industry at a local scale is also a key issue as it may impact upon the baseline information and evidence base for the MWDF.

IRS, RWS, NMLP, NWLP, CS

Ensuring appropriate facilities for waste management. Although the amount of waste landfilled must decline to avoid causing environmental problems, some of the alternatives can have their own environmental consequences.

RWS, NWLP, NSP, CS

Source abbreviations:

CS – Northamptonshire Core Strategy EM – The East Midlands in 2009 IRS - Integrated Regional Strategy. England’s East Midlands – Our sustainable development


LTP2 - Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan 2006/7 – 2010/11 MKSMSS - Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy NBAP - Biodiversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire NCS - Community Strategy for Northamptonshire NLCA - Northamptonshire Landscape Character Assessment NMLP - Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan NWLP - Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan REcS - Destination 2010. Regional Economic Strategy for the East Midlands REnS - Regional Energy Strategy. East Midlands Energy Challenge REnvS - Regional Environmental Strategy England’s East Midlands EMRP - East Midlands Regional Plan RWS - Towards a Regional Waste Strategy – East Midlands WREM - Water Resources for the Future- A Strategy for the East Midlands


APPENDIX 4: DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK

Table 1: Development of the SA objectives

Regional SD Framework SEA Directive Other plans & programmes

Sustainability issues identified Proposed SA objectives

Economic Objectives - Sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment

To create high quality employment opportunities and to develop a culture of ongoing engagement and excellence in learning and skills, giving the region a competitive edge in how we acquire and exploit knowledge

To develop a strong culture of enterprise and innovation, creating a climate within which entrepreneurs and world-class business can flourish

To provide the physical conditions for a modern economic structure, including infrastructure to support the use of new technologies

Support economic development and employment

Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS White Papers (Urban & Rural) Destination 2010. Regional Economic Strategy for the East Midlands East Midlands Regional Plan Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD

Lack of ongoing learning and development of skills

Coping with economic diversification and ensuring quality employment opportunities.

Lack of innovation and enterprise culture

Lack of opportunity to participate in the local economy, and to generate wealth which is retained within the community

Balance growth, communities and the environment whilst harnessing the economic potential of the rural areas

Lack of access to and diminishing provision of, local business, transport, facilities and services in rural areas may restrict economic development.

Support economic development and employment opportunities

Environmental Objectives - Effective protection of the environment

To protect, enhance and manage the rich diversity of the natural, cultural and built environmental and archaeological assets of the region

To enhance and conserve the environmental quality of the region by increasing the environmental infrastructure

Effective protection of the environment (including biodiversity, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets and cultural heritage - architectural and archaeological heritage)

Kyoto Climate Change Protocol UK Climate Change Programme Air Quality Strategy for England Working with the Grain of Nature : a Biodiversity Strategy for England White Papers

Balancing economic growth and development whilst protecting the environment

The need for an improvement in the quality of the region’s natural and built environment

Halting and reversing the decline in biodiversity

Availability and quality of water

Protect and enhance the built and natural environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils)

Protect and enhance air quality

Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk

Protect and enhance cultural




To involve people, through changes to lifestyle and at work, in preventing and minimising adverse local, regional and global environmental impacts

To minimise energy usage and to develop the region’s renewable energy resource, reducing dependency on non-renewable resources

Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS Regional Environmental Strategy England’s East Midlands Water Resources for the Future- A Strategy for the East Midlands Biodiversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy East Midlands Regional Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD

resources

Reducing the contribution to, and adapting to the effects of, climate change

Limited use of renewable energy

heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency

Environmental Objectives - Prudent use of natural resources

To manage prudently the natural resources of the region including water, air quality, soil and minerals

To minimise waste and to increase the re-use and recycling of waste materials

Prudent use of natural resources

Northamptonshire’s Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS Securing the future – delivering UK

Inefficient and often wasteful use of our natural resources

Natural resources extraction and waste management development is required to support current and anticipated growth patterns, however it is essential to minimise potential adverse impacts on the environment and community

Optimising the use of previously-developed land and ensuring the appropriate restoration and after-use of sites

Waste generation and management, including minimisation, recovery and

Ensure prudent use of natural resources

Maximise re-use of previously developed land

Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites

Promote sustainable waste management principles

Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources

Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines




sustainable development strategy UK National Waste Strategy Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy East Midlands Regional Plan

recycling of wastes to meet targets

Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals is achieved whilst protecting the environment and safeguarding resources

Social Objectives - A just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing

To ensure that the existing and future housing stock meets the housing needs of all communities in the region

To improve health and reduce health inequalities by promoting healthy lifestyles, protecting health and providing health services

To provide better opportunities for people to value and enjoy the regions heritage and participate in cultural and recreational activities

To improve community safety, reduce crime and the fear of crime

To promote and support the development and growth of social capital across the communities of the region

Support social progress that recognises the needs of everyone Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health Address population growth

Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS White Papers (Urban & Rural) Sustainable communities: Building for the future Community Strategy for Northamptonshire Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-regional Strategy Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan 2 Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan Northamptonshire Waste Local Plan East Midlands Regional Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD

Providing for the region's growing population with respect to housing, infrastructure, facilities and services

Ensuring infrastructure, services and facilities reflects growth patterns

Addressing changing demographics

Lack of awareness and engagement with respect to environmental issues

Access to recreational opportunities

Adverse impact of transport on communities and the environment

Addressing social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination

Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport

Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs

Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities

Encourage ongoing engagement and learning

Spatial Objectives

To ensure that the location of Promote sustainable European Spatial Provision of an integrated transport Promote sustainable development




development makes efficient use of existing physical infrastructure and helps to reduce the need to travel

To promote and ensure high standards of sustainable design and construction, optimising the use of previously developed land and buildings

To improve accessibility to jobs and services by increasing the use of public transport, cycling and walking, and reducing traffic growth and congestion

development Protect and enhance landscape character and its components

Development Perspective National and regional guidelines for aggregates provision in England Securing the future – delivering UK sustainable development strategy UK National Waste Strategy White Papers (Urban & Rural) Relevant MPG, MPS, PPG, PPS Towards a Regional Waste Strategy – East Midlands Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan East Midlands Regional Plan Northamptonshire Core Strategy Northamptonshire Development and Implementation SPD

network

Adequate protection of townscapes and landscapes

Availability of land for development in appropriate locations

Safeguarding existing land-uses

Provision of appropriate infrastructure to support current and future needs of modern economy and community

Availability of reliable up-to-date data for minerals and waste development

Ensuring appropriate facilities for waste management

and efficient design

Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes, ensuring

To reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that minerals and waste development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning.

Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure

Safeguard existing land-uses, such as minerals and waste development, from other forms of development which do not complement existing operations.


Table 2: SEA Directives cross-referenced with the SA objectives

SEA Directive topic Northamptonshire SA objective

Biodiversity 2

Fauna 2

Flora 2

Soil 2, 7

Water 2, 4, 9

Air 2, 3, 6

Climatic factors 3, 6

Material assets 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20

Cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage 5

Landscape 8, 9, 17

Human health 13, 15

Population 1, 14, 18, 19

Table 3: Development of the SA objective indicators

SA Objective Sub-objective Indicator



Do the policies support the development and growth of the local economy and generate employment opportunities? (e.g. within the mineral development or waste management industry) Do the policies encourage innovation, enterprise and competitiveness within the minerals and waste development industry? (e.g. cost effective waste reduction)

General economic overview of the county

Diversity and quality of employment opportunities within the county and its rural areas

Value of the minerals and waste development industry within the county

Investment in innovation technologies within the minerals and waste industry


SA2. Protect and enhance the built and natural environment (including biodiversity, water, air and soils).

Do the policies protect and enhance where possible, the environment? Do the policies allow for the effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites to enable contribution towards habitat and landscape enhancement?

General overview of the environmental state and land use within the county

Minerals and waste industry land use coverage within the county

Restoration and after-use of sites that contribute towards habitat and landscape enhancement

Protection of designated conservation land

SA3. Protect and enhance air quality. Do the policies protect and enhance where possible, air quality? Operational impact on surrounding environment – air quality



SA4. Protect water resources and mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk.

Do the policies protect water resources and enhance water quality (where possible)? Do the policies help to mitigate the potential effects of flood and reduce the overall flood risk?

Operational impact on surrounding environment – water quality

Flood risk

SA5. Conserves and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting

Do the policies conserve and enhance the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting? Do the policies ensure that any potential adverse impacts avoided or mitigated and benefits identified? Do the policies secure a supply of local building and roofing materials?

Protection of cultural heritage assets

SA6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

Do the policies help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency?

Greenhouse gas emissions

Emission reduction techniques


SA7. Ensure prudent use of natural resources.

Do the policies seek to conserve and protect natural resources? (e.g. consumption of secondary / recycled aggregates and sustainable waste management) Do the policies help to protect agricultural resources including soils and best and most versatile agricultural land? Do the policies help to reduce land contamination?

Minerals resource consumption

Waste arisings and management

Protection of best and most versatile agricultural lands

Soil contamination

SA8. Maximise re-use of previously developed land.

Do the policies encourage the re-use of previously developed land? Re-use of previously developed land

SA9. Promote effective restoration and appropriate after-use of sites.

Do the policies help promote effective restoration and after use of sites for social, environmental or economic benefit?

Restoration and after use of minerals and waste development sites

SA10. Promote sustainable waste management principles.

Do the policies help to promote sustainable waste management principles?

Active promotion of sustainable waste management

SA11. Avoid sterilisation of mineral resources.

Do the policies provide appropriate land-use planning mechanisms to avoid sterilisation of mineral resources?

Mineral resources within the county and extent of sterilisation

Planning mechanisms

SA12. Ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines.

Do the policies allow for a steady and adequate supply of minerals to meet society’s needs in accordance with national and regional guidelines?

Supply of minerals


SA13. Minimise potential adverse impacts on human health and safety from minerals and waste development, including associated transport.

Do the policies avoid and or minimise adverse impacts on human health and safety?

Human health and safety



SA14. Support social progress that seeks to enable current and future generations to meet their needs.

Do the policies support social progress that recognises the needs of everyone with respect to minerals and waste development? E.g. Meet specific needs of the community for both current and future generations through increasing awareness and practice of sustainable waste management, prudent use of natural resources and increased consumption of secondary and recycled aggregates. Do the policies address and reduce social exclusion, inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination through the provision of – opportunities for employment, access to facilities and services, community engagement and ongoing learning, community health and safety. Do the policies improve access to facilities and services to support and serve the community’s needs, such as waste management and aggregate recycling facilities? Do the policies encourage all sections of the community to participate in ongoing community engagement and learning with respect to minerals and waste planning?

Sustainable communities

Socio economic factors - deprivation index

Access to facilities

Community engagement and learning opportunities

SA15. Improve access to recreation facilities and opportunities.

Do the policies improve access to facilities and services including recreational facilities and opportunities? Do the policies help to maximise the benefits of appropriate restoration and after-use of sites for the community?

Access to recreation facilities and opportunities Restoration and after-use of sites that contributes towards recreational opportunities.

Spatial

SA16. Promote sustainable development and efficient design.

Do the policies incorporate and help promote sustainable development and efficient design?

Implementation of sustainable development measure

SA17. Protect and enhance quality, character, integrity and distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes.

Do the policies help improve landscape and townscape character of the county and help to minimise adverse impacts to local amenity and overall landscape character?

Restoration that contributes towards enhancement of landscapes

SA18. Reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways), and ensure that waste and minerals development planning gives consideration to strategic transport and land-use planning.

Do the policies help to reduce reliance on road transport and encourage efficient use of alternate transport means (such as rail and waterways)? Do the policies integrate minerals and waste development planning, strategic transport and land-use planning?

Transport movements

SA19. Facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure.

Do the policies make provision for development of necessary infrastructure to meet current and future needs? (e.g. Waste management facilities, minerals development to support development)

Requirement for, and provision of infrastructure



SA20. Safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development.

Do the policies help to safeguard existing land-uses such as minerals and waste development from other forms of development which do not complement existing operations? (e.g. appropriate land-use planning mechanisms)

Planning mechanisms


APPENDIX 5: METHODOLOGY FOR TESTING DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS AND APPRAISING EFFECTS OF THE PLAN

Table 1: Example matrix for documenting the appraisal of plan policy

Sustainability objective

Predicted effects Justification for assessment - Likelihood or certainty of effect occurring - Geographical scale - Temporary or permanent - Assumptions made - Recommendations for mitigation or improvement

Nature of effect

Assessment of effect and likely term

Short Medium Long





Spatial

Table 2: Example content and structure of the SA Environmental Report

Structure of the report Information to be included

1.0 Summary and Outcomes 1.1 Non-technical summary 1.2 Statement on the difference the process has made 1.3 How to comment on the report

2.0 Appraisal Methodology 2.1 Approach adopted to the SA 2.2 When the SA was carried out 2.3 Who carried out the SA 2.4 Who was consulted, when and how

3.0 Background 3.1 Purpose of the SA and the SA Report 3.2 Plan objectives and outline of contents 3.3 Compliance with the SEA Directive/Regulations

4.0 Sustainability Objectives, baseline and context

4.1 Links to other strategies, Plans and programmes and sustainability objectives 4.2 Description of the social, environmental and economic baseline characteristics and the predicted future baseline 4.3 Difficulties in collecting data and limitations of the data 4.4 The SA Framework, including objectives, targets and indicators 4.5 Main social, environmental and economic issues and problems identified

5.0 Plan issues and options

5.1 Main strategic options considered and how they were identified 5.2 Comparison of the social, environmental and economic effects of the options 5.3 How social, environmental and economic issues were considered in choosing the preferred options 5.4 Other options considered and why these were rejected 5.5 Proposed mitigation measures

6.0 Plan Policies

6.1 Significant social, environmental and economic effects of the preferred policies 6.2 How the social, environmental and economic problems were considered in developing the policies 6.3 Proposed mitigation measures 6.4 Uncertainties and risks

7.0 Implementation 7.1 Links to other tiers of Plans and programmes and the project level (environmental impact assessment, design guidance etc) 7.2 Proposals for monitoring