THE BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT …€¦ · 1.2.1 Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Black Country LA’s have a key role in the management of flood

50600596

THE BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

OCTOBER, 2015

Project no: 50600596 Date: October, 2015

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Three White Rose Office Park, Millshaw Park Lane Leeds LS11 0DL Tel: +0 (0) 113 395 6200 Fax: +0 (0) 113 395 6201 www.wspgroup.com www.pbworld.com

THE BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY THE BLACK COUNTRY LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY The Black Country Local Authorities

Q U A L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T ISSUE/REVISION FIRST ISSUE REVISION 1 REVISION 2 REVISION 3

Remarks Draft for Consultation

Date 28/10/2015

Prepared by Kim Bossingham

Signature

Checked by Nic Macmillan

Signature

Authorised by Nic Macmillan

Signature

Project number 50600596

Report number V1

File reference \aaENVIRONMENTALPLANNING\04projects\50600596 – Black Country SEA\3.SEA

ii

The Black Country Local Flood Risk Management Strategy WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff The Black Country Local Authorities Project No 50600596 October, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................3

1 INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................4

2 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ........................8

3 APPRAISAL OF LFRMS ............................................................25

4 NEXT STEPS ..............................................................................33

A P P E N D I C E S APPENDIX A REVIEW OF PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINABILITY

OBJECTIVES APPENDIX B BASELINE DATA APPENDIX C SCOPING COMMENTS APPENDIX D LFRMS MEASURES AND ACTIONS APPENDIX E ASSESSMENT OF THE LFRMS

3


ABBREVIATIONS AMR Annual Monitoring Report AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty BAP Biodiversity Action Plan CRoW Countryside and Rights of Way Act cSAC candidate Special Areas of Conservation DCLG Department for Communities and Local Government DMBC Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council EA Environment Agency EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FMfSW Flood Map for Surface Water FCERM Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management HAPs Habitat Action Plans HLC Historic Landscape Characterisation HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment LAs Local Authorities LFRMS Local Flood Risk Management Strategy LLFAs Local Flood Risk Authorities LNR Local Nature Reserves LSOA Lower Super Output Areas NNR National Nature Reserves NPPF National Planning Policy Framework NTS Non Technical Summary NVZs Nitrate Vulnerable Zones ONS Office of Neighbourhood Statistics PFRA Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment pSPA potential Special Protection Areas RBMP River Basin Management Plan RSDF Regional Sustainable Development Framework SA Sustainability Appraisal SAC Special Areas of Conservation SAPs Species Actions Plan SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SFRA Strategic Flood Risk Assessment SHLAA The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment SINCs Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation SMBC Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council SPA Special Protection Areas SSSIs Sites of Special Scientific Interest SuDS Sustainable Drainage Systems WC Walsall Council WCC Wolverhampton City Council WFD Water Framework Directive

4


1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND TO AND PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT

1.1.1 A Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) has been prepared for the Black Country Local Authorities (LA’s). The Black Country LA’s comprise Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC), Walsall Council (WC) and Wolverhampton City Council (WCC).

1.1.2 As part of the production of the Black Country LFRMS, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was undertaken. This report provides a summary of the SEA process so far and presents the findings and recommendations of the assessment of the Black Country LFRMS.

1.1.3 This SEA Report provides a summary of the SEA process so far and presents the findings and recommendations of the assessment of the LFRMS. The key aims of this SEA Report are to:

Provide information on the LFRMS and the SEA process;

Present the key existing social, economic and environmental conditions within the Black Country, in the context of existing plans, programmes and sustainability objectives, together with relevant baseline information;

Identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects of the LFRMS;

Recommend measures to avoid, reduce or offset any potentially significant adverse effects; and

Propose an approach to monitoring that can be used to monitor the identified significant effects.

1.2 BACKGROUND TO AND PURPOSE OF THE BLACK COUNTRY LFRMS

1.2.1 Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Black Country LA’s have a key role in the management of flood risk and this includes a duty to develop and maintain a local strategy for flood risk management. The purpose of this strategy is to explain how they will manage flood risk from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses, now and in the future. It will provide details of other organisations that are responsible for managing flood risk and what those responsibilities are.

1.2.2 The Act requires LFRMS’s to specify:

The risk management authorities within the authority’s area (in the Black Country, these are the Environment Agency, SMBC, DMBC, WC and WCC (as the Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and the Highway Authorities) and Severn Trent Water;

The flood and coastal erosion risk management functions that may be exercised by those authorities in relation to the area;

The assessment of local flood risk for the purpose of strategy;

The objectives for managing the local flood risk (including any objectives included in the authority’s flood risk management plan prepared in accordance with the Flood Risk Regulations 2009);

The measures proposed to achieve those objectives;

How and when the measures are expected to be implemented;

The costs and benefits of those measures, and how they are to be paid for;

5


How and when the strategy is to be reviewed; and

How the strategy contributes to the achievement of wider environmental objectives.

1.2.3 LLFA’s must consult risk management authorities that may be affected by the strategy as well as the general public about its LFRMS.

1.2.4 The Strategy provides a set of flood risk management objectives and actions that will ensure that these objectives are achieved within the Black Country. It will also help individuals, communities and businesses and understand flood risk and what action they can take to reduce the effects of flooding.

1.2.5 The Objectives for managing flood risk within the Black Country reflect the Government’s strategic objectives (set out in the ‘National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England’, Environment Agency and Defra, 2011) at a local level and are detailed in Section 2.4.9

1.3 BACKGROUND TO AND PURPOSE OF THE SEA

1.3.1 SEA is a systemic process for evaluating the sustainability effects of plans and programmes to ensure that sustainability issues are integrated and assessed at the earliest opportunity in the decision-making process, and that sustainable development is at the heart of the plan-making process. Article 1 of the SEA Directive states that the aim is to:

‘provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development’

1.3.2 SEA became a requirement when the European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment’ (known as the ‘SEA Directive’) was implemented in Member States in July 2004. The Directive was transposed in England through the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations, 2004, under which SEA is a mandatory requirement for certain plans and programmes which are likely to give rise to significant environmental impacts. Flood Risk Management Strategies do not clearly fall within the requirements of these regulations.

1.3.3 However, under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) (‘the Act’), local authorities were given a new role to manage local flood risk in their area. The Act requires the LLFAs, which includes the Black Country LA’s, to produce an LFRMS. These strategies must be consistent with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy. They will set out a vision for the management of flood risk and, although the Act specifies some of the key elements that must be included in the LFRMS, it is intended that they will be locally specific, reflecting key local issues and enabling communities to be more involved in decision-making regarding flood risk management. Guidance on the production of LFRMSs1 refers to the need for them to be subject to SEA, stating that “the local FRM Strategy is likely to require statutory SEA, but this requirement is something the LLFA must consider”.

1.3.4 Given the uncertainty around the need for SEA and the likely delays and costs associated with screening, the Black Country LA’s have decided to take a pragmatic approach and subject their emerging LFRMS to SEA. It is also noted that the guidance recognises that: “LLFAs should take a proportionate approach to applying SEA to local strategies particularly when environmental effects are not evident in the early stages of plan development. As the detail of plans develops, SEA should be reviewed”. 1 Framework to assist the development of the Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management ‘A Living

Document’ 2nd Edition, November 2011

6


1.3.5 The SEA has been undertaken in accordance with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) National Planning Practice Guidance (March 2014) on SEA and Sustainability Appraisal (SA). In addition, published Government guidance on SEA (referred to as the Practical Guide) has also been followed2.

1.3.6 The preparation of the LFRMS has been developed iteratively with the SEA process. An overall SEA Scoping Report was prepared in August 2015, which was consulted upon with statutory consultees (Natural England, English Heritage, Historic England and Environment Agency). Following confirmation of the scope of the SEA, an appraisal was undertaken of the LFRMS Objectives, Measures and Actions. This report presents details of the process and the assessment results. It is essential that the LFRMS is read in conjunction with this SEA Report.

1.4 HABITATS REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT

1.4.1 European Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna (the ‘Habitats Directive’) requires that any plan or programme likely to have a significant impact upon Natura 2000 site: Special Area of Conservation (SAC), candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC), Sites of Community Importance (SCI), Special Protection Area (SPA), potential Special Protection Area (pSPA) and Ramsar site, which is not directly concerned with the management of the site for nature conservation, must be subject to Appropriate Assessment. The overarching process is referred to as Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

1.4.2 A HRA screening exercise has been undertaken in parallel to the preparation of this SEA to determine whether the Black Country LFRMS (either in isolation and / or in combination with other plans or projects) would generate adverse impacts upon the integrity of Natura 2000 sites, in terms of its conservation objectives and qualifying interests. This process has been documented in a HRA Screening Report that has been submitted to Natural England.

1.4.3 The purpose of the HRA Screening report is it:

Confirm the study area and the European sites that need to be considered;

Consider the policy contest within which the work will be undertaken;

Confirm the overall methodology;

Identify the issues to be considered; and

Contribute to an audit trail for HRA related work.

1.5 STRUCTURE OF THIS REPORT

1.5.1 Table 1.1 provides an outline of the contents and structure of this SEA.

Table 1.1 Contents and Structure of this SEA Report

SECTION OF THE SEA REPORT

OUTLINE CONTENT

Non-Technical Summary (separate document)

Summary of the SEA process and SEA Report in plain English (a legislative requirement).

Abbreviations Abbreviations used in this report.

2 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) et al. (2005) A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental

Assessment Directive

7


SECTION OF THE SEA REPORT

OUTLINE CONTENT

1: Introduction Provides the background to, purpose of, and structure of the LFRMS and the SEA Report.

2: Strategic Environmental Assessment

This section outlines the legal requirements for the SEA. It outlines the key elements of the SEA process and the approach adopted for appraising the effects of the LFRMS (including the SEA Framework), together with an overview of the consultation requirements. It identifies the links to other strategies, plans and programmes and sustainability objectives, and describes the baseline characteristics and the predicted future baseline for the topics identified in the SEA Directive. It also presents the main sustainability issues and problems identified. The difficulties in collecting baseline data and limitations of the data are identified.

3: Appraisal of the LFRMS

Outlines the alternative options to the LFRMS that were considered, and presents the appraisal of the alternatives. Presents the full appraisal of the LFRMS against the SEA Framework including cumulative effects, including details of recommendations / mitigation measures that could be implemented to improve the performance of the LFRMS.

4: Next Steps and Monitoring Framework

Identifies the next steps in the SEA process, following consultation on the SEA Report. Details of how to comment upon the SEA Report are also provided.

Appendix A Presents the full analysis of relevant Plans, Programmes and Sustainability Objectives and their relationship / conflicts with the LFRMS.

Appendix B Contains the baseline data, a summary of which is presented in Section 2. Appendix C Presents the Scoping Report Consultation outcomes. Appendix D Presents the LFRMS Measures and Actions. Appendix E Assessment of the SEA against the LFRMS Objectives, Measures and Actions.

8


2 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.1.1 SEA is an essential tool for ensuring that the principles of sustainable development are inherent throughout the preparation of the LFRMS and that it complies with the relevant planning guidance. The overarching aim of the process is to contribute to better decision-making and planning. SEA is an iterative process and follows a series of prescribed stages (refer to Table 2.1) in which the elements of the LFRMS have been appraised against Sustainability Objectives (SEA Objectives), to encourage the selection of the most sustainable options and to ultimately improve the sustainability of the development that is brought forward.

2.2 STAGES IN THE SEA PROCESS

2.2.1 The Practical Guide subdivides the SEA process into a series of prescribed stages, through which the elements of the LFRMS have been appraised using a set of Sustainability Objectives. While each stage consists of specific tasks, the intention should be that the process is iterative. Table 2.1 presents the key stages in the SEA process, together with the SEA Directive requirements for each stage. Reference is given to where the requirements and specific tasks have been addressed within this SEA Report. The table also demonstrates how each of the SEA stages is linked to the preparation and development of the LFRMS.

Table 2.1 Stages in the SEA Process and SEA Directive Requirements

SEA STAGE KEY SEA DIRECTIVE REQUIREMENTS RELEVANT SECTION OF THE SEA REPORT

APPLICATION TO THE LFRMS

Stage A: Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and decided on the scope

A1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans and programmes and sustainability objectives

The environment report should provide information on:

“the relationship (of the plan or programme) with other relevant plans and programmes” (Annex 1 (a))

“the environmental protection objectives, established at international (European) Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation” (Annex 1(e))

Section 2 and Appendix A.

Stage A corresponds to the scoping stage of the SEA and the findings of this stage are presented in the Scoping Report that was consulted upon in 2015.

During this stage the scope of the SEA for the LFRMS was defined.

A2: Collecting baseline information

The environment report should provide information on:

“relevant aspects of the current state of the

Section 2 and Appendix B

9




A3: Identifying sustainability issues and problems

environment and the likely evolution thereof without its implementation of the plan or programme’ and, ‘the environmental characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected” (Annex 1(b), (c))

“any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC” (Annex 1(c))

Section 2

A4: Developing the SEA Framework

N/A Section 2

A5: Consulting on the scope of the SEA

The authorities referred to in Article 6(3) shall be consulted when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information which must be included in the environmental report. (Article 5.4)

The scope of the appraisal is presented in Section 2.

A Scoping Report was produced and consulted upon.

Stage B: Developing and Refining Options and Assessing Affects

B1: Testing the LFRMS objectives against the SEA Framework

The environment report should consider “reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme” and give “an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with” (Article 5.1 and Annex I(h))

In the environmental report, “the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme … and reasonable alternatives … are [to be] identified, described and evaluated” (Article 5.1)

Section 3 and Appendix E.

Stage B of the SEA process is linked to the overall production of the LFRMS which includes the development of plan options.

There has been a considerable degree of interaction between the plan-making and SEA teams during this stage in the process. This has enabled potential adverse effects of the LFRMS to be avoided / minimised and potential sustainability benefits maximised.

Stage B is the primary assessment stage of the

B2: Developing the LFRMS Options

B3: Predicting the effects of the LFRMS

B4: Evaluating the effects of the LFRMS

10




B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects

Annex I (g) states that it should also include “measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme…”

SEA process and is the main output of this report.

B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the LFRMS’s

The Environmental Report should provide information on a “description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring” (Annex I (i))

Stage C: Preparing the Strategic Environmental Assessment

C1: Preparing the SEA Report

Article 5.1 contains the requirement for an environmental report to be produces where an assessment is required. The environmental report “shall include the information that may reasonably be required taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme, its stage in the decision-making process and the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication…” (Article 5.2). Details of the information to be given in the Environmental Report are provided in Annex 1.

This SEA Report represents the required Stage C output.

This SEA Report has been produced in line with the requirements of the SEA Directive for producing an SEA Report. A Non-Technical Summary is also provided.

Stage D: Consultation on the Proposed Submission Documents and the SEA Report

D1: Public participation on the proposed submission documents

Article 6 contains the requirements for the draft plan or programme and the environmental report to be made available to statutory authorities and the public. They should be given an ‘early and effective opportunity within time frames to express their opinions’ (Article 6.2).

Arrangements for consultation are indicated in Section 4.

The SEA Report and the LFRMS will be consulted upon in accordance with Regulation 27 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008.

D2: Appraising significant

N/A N/A Following the receipt of representations, the SEA

11




changes resulting from representations

Report may need to be updated to reflect comments received. The SEA Report will need to be updated to accompany the Publication (Regulation 30) version of the LFRMS. It will be essential for the SEA Report and the LFRMS to remain consistent.

D3: Making decisions and providing information

Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the LFRMS

E1: Finalising aims and methods for monitoring

“Member States shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans and programmes…. in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action” (Article 10.1)

Monitoring will commence once the LFRMS has been adopted. A draft monitoring framework is included within Section 5 of this SEA Report.

Monitoring will commence once the LFRMS has been approved and published.

E2: Responding to adverse effects

2.2.2 The following sections detail the activities that have been, and are proposed to be, undertaken at each stage of the SEA process. This provides context and background to the SEA to date including its agreed scope, the methodology for the appraisal of the LFRMS, and the technical limitations to the appraisal.

2.3 STAGE A: SETTING THE CONTEXT, ESTABLISHING THE BASELINE AND DECIDING ON THE SCOPE

REVIEW OF PLANS, POLICIES AND SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES

2.3.1 A review of other plans and programmes that may affect the preparation of the LFRMS was undertaken to identify the relationship between them.

2.3.2 This included:

Identification of any external social, environmental or economic objectives, indicators or targets that should be reflected in the SEA process;

Identification of any baseline data relevant to the SEA;

Identification of any external factors that might influence the preparation of the plan, for example sustainability issues;

Identification of any external objectives or aims that would contribute positively to the development of the LFRMS; and

Determining whether there are clear potential conflicts or challenges between other identified plans, programmes or sustainability objectives and the emerging LFRMS.

12


2.3.3 The review included documents prepared at international, national, regional (sub-regional) and local scale. These documents cover a broad range of issues, not all of which apply directly to the LFRMS. The key principles of relevant plans, programmes and sustainability objectives were taken forward to positively influence the direction of the LFRMS. The initial review was undertaken during the preparation of the SEA Scoping Report. This has since been updated in accordance with consultee feedback on the Scoping Report and checked to ensure it includes any subsequent changes to the plan policy context. The full review is presented in Appendix A.

NATIONAL PLANS AND PROGRAMMES

2.3.4 A review was undertaken of relevant legislation, plans and strategies. The Government establishes the broad guidelines and policies for a variety of different topics in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which streamlines national planning policy into a consolidated set of priorities to consider when planning for and deciding on new development. The principle of sustainable development is at the heart of the NPPF.

REGIONAL, SUB-REGIONAL AND LOCAL LEVEL PLANS

2.3.5 A suite of plans and strategies have been produced at the regional, sub-regional and local level covering a variety of topics including: biodiversity; population; human health; soil and land quality; minerals and waste; transportation; cultural heritage; landscape and townscape; climate change and flood risk. All of the objectives of these plans as well as some of the challenges they raise need to be taken on board and driven forward as appropriate. However, it must be noted that the overarching goals of these plans and strategies may be outside the remit of the LFRMS which forms only an individual part of a number of different vehicles trying to deliver the regional and county level targets.

KEY RESULTS FROM THE REVIEW

2.3.6 There are many common themes emerging through the review of plans, programmes and sustainability objectives and the list below provides a summary of the main themes and issues identified:

The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency;

The need to promote the use of renewable energy and renewable technologies in appropriate locations;

The need for the protection and enhancement of the quality and character of urban and more rural areas;

Recognising the need for development to be appropriate to the landscape and townscape setting and context;

The need to conserve and enhance biodiversity as an integral part of economic, social and environmental development;

The need to protect and enhance the historic environment;

Recognising the importance of open spaces, sport and recreation and the contribution that they make to enhancing quality of life;

The prudent use of natural resources;

The need to promote and protect the water environment including issues such as quality and resource use;

The need to adapt to the threat posed by climate change;

The need for long-term sustainable patterns of development that provide for the economic and social needs of all populations;

Raising levels of health and well-being and promoting greater levels of physical activity; and

13


Promoting higher levels of design quality including improvements to energy efficiency.

ESTABLISHING THE BASELINE

2.3.7 Characterising the environmental and sustainability baseline, issues and context helps to define the SEA Framework. It involves the following key elements:

Characterising the current state of the environment within the Black Country (including social and economic aspects as well as the natural environment); and

Using this information to identify existing problems and opportunities which could be considered in the LFRMS where relevant.

2.3.8 The baseline was characterised through the following methods:

Review of relevant local, sub-regional, national and international plans, policies and sustainability objectives;

Data gathering using a series of baseline indicators developed from the SEA Directive topics, and the data available for the Black Country; and

Consideration of the scope and contents of the LFRMS.

2.3.9 A detailed description of the baseline characteristics of the Black Country is provided in Appendix B. Obtaining these datasets would help to further increase the knowledge of the areas and therefore the potential impacts of the LFRMS.

2.3.10 The baseline data has been used to identify the key sustainability issues and opportunities within the Black Country, a summary of which is presented in Table 2.2. Although these have been grouped by broad sustainability theme, many are indirectly or directly linked and are therefore closely related. As with the plan policy context, the baseline data has been reviewed and updated following consultation on the SEA Scoping Report.

Table 2.2 Summary of Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities within the Black Country

SEA TOPIC KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES KEY SUSTAINABILITY OPPORTUNITIES

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

There are a number of designated sites for nature conservation in the Black Country, included Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), SAC and National Nature Reserves (NNR), together with numerous Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) and locally designated non-statutory sites.

Any increase in flood risk may pose a threat to the integrity of habitats and the distribution of species and habitats.

Management of the water environment should ensure benefits upon biodiversity, notably the area’s protecting species and habitats. The LFRMS has a role in ensuring measures that have regard to potential impacts on biodiversity flora and fauna.

The management of flooding should be designed for the benefit of wildlife. There is a need to understand how flood risk areas correlate with designated areas.

There is an opportunity to improve water quality through control of surface water runoff and point discharges, from both existing and proposed development. Good habitat and riverine structure benefits biodiversity and water quality.

Use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new development and on integrated green corridors would benefit

14



biodiversity.

Population and Human Health

In 2001, Wolverhampton had a population of 249,470 which grew by 5.17% in 2011. Walsall grew by 5.88% to a population of 269,323 in 2011. Sandwell had a population of 308,063 in 2001 and grew by 8.17%. Dudley had a population of 312,925 and grew by 2% by 2011. Population growth is likely to place increasing pressure on water resources in terms of water supply.

Inappropriate development within flood plains must be avoided. Without a change in practices, higher levels of development are likely to increase surface water runoff from urbanised areas and potentially contribute further to flood risk, irrespective of the impacts of climate change.

Flooding can have a great impact on people’s psychosocial needs and mental health.

The LFRMS will have a role in reducing flood risk. It should help to ensure that the Black Country is able to accommodate planned new development without increasing local flood risk.

There may be opportunities to improve the quality of river corridors as green links, enhancing local environmental quality and helping to improve quality of life, especially in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

SuDS should be incorporated into all new developments wherever feasible to reduce flood risk.

Soil and Land Quality

Flooding can lead to soil erosion, and in relevant locations soil erosion can contribute to higher phosphate levels in waterbodies. Any adverse impacts on its stability or fertility as a result of the LFRMS must be avoided.

The LFRMS will have a role in helping to avoid damage to soils, for example as a result of rapid surface run-off causing soil erosion.

Water Parts of the Black Country are susceptible to flood risk. Such areas are likely to increase over time as a consequence of climate change.

There are a range of water features within the Black Country. It should be ensured that inappropriate development (any development constructed against EA advice on flooding or which, by virtue of its location or operation, would increase the risk of flooding to people or property) is prevented.

Water resources are likely to be susceptible to increased pressure in the future.

Water quality can be improved across the area. The Water Framework Directive target of ‘good surface water status’ requires both the ecological status and the chemical status of a surface water body need to be at least ‘good’.

The LFRMS could have a role in achieving Water Framework Directive targets and reflect the catchment approach to planning.

Where possible, SuDS should be used to manage and reduce surface run-off rates and further reduce flood risk.

The LFRMS should promote the amenity value of surface watercourses for developing local environmental quality and creating a sense of place. It should also promote working with natural processes and the avoidance of opening up culverts.

Control of surface water run off can reduce flood risk as well as improve water quality.

Climatic Factors

Many areas lie within floodplain associated with the main rivers, e.g. the River Stour and River Tame.

Climate change is anticipated to increase the

The LFRMS should seek to reduce the risk of flooding to help to ensure that development is directed outside of identified floodplains and flood paths. It will need to take account of projected long – term

15



risk of flooding, especially during the winter.

More frequent and more sever summer droughts will place a greater strain on water resources.

changes in weather patterns and the potential for more frequent and severe flooding.

The LFRMS should promote more efficient and sustainable use of water. For example, it should promote more sustainable methods of surface drainage in order to adapt to more intense rainfall events and higher absolute precipitation totals.

Cultural Heritage

The Black Country has a range of heritage assets, some of which may be at risk of flooding.

Development puts increasing pressure on cultural heritage assets, and it is therefore important that any new infrastructure development considers heritage issues and ensures the protection of assets and the wider historic landscape / townscape.

New development / infrastructure has the potential to damage unknown buried archaeological remains.

Heritage assets and their settings should be protected and enhanced.

Opportunities should be sought to reduce flood risk to specific heritage assets.

Consideration should be given to the impacts of flood alleviation measures on the historic environment and heritage assets should be protected and conserved.

Emphasis on preservation in situ should be ensured. Archaeological preservation in situ should be undertaken if it is beneficial to the archaeology rather than as a matter of convenience.

Landscape and Townscape

Management of surface water can have a significant impact upon landscape and townscape, particularly in relation to flood defences. Careful consideration must be given to the protection of the existing quality and character.

It is essential that landscape and townscape character and quality is protected and enhanced where possible.

SCOPE OF THE APPRAISAL

2.3.11 The SEA process commenced in 2015 with the preparation of an SEA Scoping Report for the LFRMS. The Scoping Report contained:

Characterisation of the environmental, social and economic baseline within the Black Country;

A review of relevant plans, programmes and sustainability objectives that could influence the SEA and the development of the LFRMS;

Identification of key sustainability issues and opportunities, together with recommendations for mitigation where required; and

The development of the SEA Framework against which the elements of the LFRMS have been assessed.

GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE OF THE APPRAISAL

2.3.12 The Scoping Report set out the scope and approach to the assessment of the LFRMS. Geographically the scope of this SEA comprises the whole of the Black Country local authority

16


areas. However, transboundary effects and cumulative effects of other plans may result in impacts occurring over a wider area, which have also been considered in the SEA.

TOPICS COVERED IN THE APPRAISAL

2.3.13 The SEA comprises the consideration of the environmental, social and economic effects of the LFRMS. The baseline characterisation has therefore reflected the topics set out in the SEA Directive, but also considers relevant additional social and economic topics as recommended in the SEA guidance. Table 2.3 identifies the topics covered, together with their relationship topics listed in Annex 1 of the SEA Directive.

Table 2.3 Topics Covered in the SEA and Relevant SEA Directive Topics

TOPICS COVERED IN THE SEA RELEVANT TOPICS LISTED IN ANNEX I OF THE SEA DIRECTIVE

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

Material Assets

Population and Human Health Population and Human Health

Material Assets

Soil and Land Quality Soil

Material Assets

Water Water

Soil

Climatic Factors Climatic Factors

Water

Soil

Material Assets

Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage

Material Assets

Landscape and Townscape Cultural Heritage

Landscape and Townscape

Material Assets

17


2.3.14 Annex I of the SEA Directive also requires an assessment of secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects, the results of which are provided in Section 3. Transboundary effects on neighbouring authorities are considered inherently throughout the assessment.

THE SCOPING CONSULTATION

2.3.15 The Scoping Report was issued for public consultation in August 2015, for a five week consultation period. The aim of this was to obtain comment and feedback upon the scope and level of detail of the SEA.

2.3.16 It was issued to the statutory consultees (the Environment Agency, English Heritage, Historic England and Natural England). Comments are detailed in Appendix C.

THE SEA FRAMEWORK

2.3.17 The SEA Framework was developed at the scoping stage. It underpins the assessment methodology and comprises a series of 7 aspirational objectives (SEA Objectives) against which the LFRMS has been assessed. The SEA Objectives are intended to be overarching and focussed on the key aspects of the LFRMS.

2.3.18 The SEA Objectives have been developed using the review of other relevant plans, programmes and environmental objectives, the baseline data and the key issue and opportunities identified. Each of the SEA Objectives is supported by a series of sub-objectives to add further clarity and to assist the assessment process. These sub-objectives have been considered by the assessors when undertaking the appraisal in order to inform their decision.

2.3.19 The SEA Objectives and associated sub-objectives are presented in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4 The SEA Framework

SEA OBJECTIVE SEA SUB-OBJECTIVE

1 To protect and enhance human health, safety and wellbeing

To reduce flood risk to people and property

To ensure recreation opportunities are maintained and enhanced

To ensure surface water quality is maintained within statutory standards

2 To protect and enhance biodiversity, key habitats and species

To protect and enhance designated sites of nature conservation

To protect and enhance wildlife particularly protected and notable species

To protect and enhance habitats and wildlife corridors

To provide opportunities for people to come into contact with flourishing wildlife places and open green spaces, whilst encouraging respect for and raising awareness of the sensitivity of these sites

To ensure that new infrastructure incorporates ecological enhancements

3 To protect and enhance the historic environment and

To protect and enhance heritage assets and their settings, and also

18


SEA OBJECTIVE SEA SUB-OBJECTIVE

heritage assets historic landscape / townscape value

4 To protect and enhance landscape character and townscape character and quality

To protect and enhance the distinctive character and quality of the landscape / townscape

To promote sensitive design in new infrastructure

5 To maintain and improve the quality and quantity of the Borough’s surface water environment and groundwater resource

To improve the quality of groundwater and surface water

To encourage sustainable use of water resources

To protect foul drainage, sewage treatment facilities and surface water drainage

6 To limit and adapt to climate change

To contribute positively to adaptation to climate change

To reduce or manage flooding

To ensure new infrastructure is able to withstand extreme weather events

To encourage the inclusion of flood mitigation measures such as SuDS

To encourage infrastructure that is energy efficient in design and construction

7 To ensure the sustainable use of natural resources

To encourage development of brownfield land and outside of sensitive sites where possible

To promote the prudent use of land resources

To protect and enhance soil resources

To ensure that contaminated land will be guarded against

To protect and enhance geodiversity

SEA OBJECTIVE COMPATIBILITY

2.3.20 The seven SEA Objectives have been tested against each other to identify any potential areas of internal compatibility. The results are presented in Table 2.5 and summarised below. The numbers refer to the SEA Objectives detailed in Table 2.4.

2.3.21 The internal compatibility of the SEA Objectives was generally assessed as positive as all the SEA Objectives seek to improve the quality of the environment and human health.

2.3.22 No areas of potential conflict and no areas of uncertainty were identified.

19


Table 2.5 Internal Compatibility of the SEA Objectives

1 2

3

4

5

6

7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Key

- Objectives are compatible;

- - Mutually incompatible;

0 – No clear impact on each other; and

? – Compatibility unknown.

2.4 STAGE B: DEVELOPING AND REFINING OPTIONS AND ASSESSING EFFECTS

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS ASSESSMENT

2.4.1 Following consultation on the Scoping Report, the alternative options for the Black Country LFRMS were assessed. These options comprise:

Option 1: Do nothing;

Option 2: Do minimum – legally required tasks; and

Option 3: Do something – enhanced LFRMS including measures over and above the legal requirements.

2.4.2 A high-level review of the options against the SEA Objectives was undertaken in the form of a simple matrix.

2.4.3 One table was produced for all three alternative options which compared the option against the seven SEA Objectives. Positive elements, negative elements and potential mitigation / enhancement of the options were identified and recorded. The notations used in the assessment are presented in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6 Notations used in the SEA of the Options

IMPACT DESCRIPTION SYMBOL

Major Positive Impact The Option contributes to the achievement of the SEA Objective and is likely to deliver enhancements.

++

20



Positive Impact The Option contributes partially to the achievement of the SEA Objective but not completely.

+

No Impact / Neutral There is no clear relationship between the Option and / or the achievement of the SEA Objective or the relationship is negligible.

0

Negative Impact The Option partially detracts from the achievement of some elements of the SEA Objective

-

Major Negative Impact The Option detracts from the achievement of all elements of the SEA Objective.

- -

Uncertain impact More information is required ?

2.4.4 The results of this exercise are presented in Chapter 3 along with an overall conclusion and identification of a preferred option.

2.4.5 The consideration of alternatives in SEA typically considers the hierarchy of alternatives:

2.4.6 This approach is most suited to plans that either have policies that will lead to specific development project, or allocate land for development. The LFRMS is a legislative requirement that acts borough-wide and doesn’t address the detailed implementation of measures ‘on the ground’. Rather it addresses strategic priorities. As such, the particular mode or process, or the ‘how it should be done?’ is where there are potential options. As assessment of all the options that were considered during the preparation of the LFRMS and the ‘do nothing’ option is presented in Section 4.

ASSESSING THE LFRMS OBJECTIVES, MEASURES AND ACTIONS

2.4.7 Good practice guidance recommends that the goals of a plan should be assessed against the SEA Objectives, in order to determine whether they accord with broad sustainability principles.

2.4.8 The Black Country LFRMS contains six overarching Local Objectives which reflect the Government’s strategic objectives locally. The Black Country’s Flood Management Authorities developed the following objectives for managing flood risk:

Objective 1: Understanding and communicating flood risk in the Black Country;

Objective 2: Managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding;

21


Objective 3: Helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk;

Objective 4: Ensuring appropriate development in the Black Country;

Objective 5: Improving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery; and

Objective 6: Work in partnership with others to deliver the Local Strategy.

2.4.9 In addition to these objectives there are 30 Measures, supported by a series of actions, listed under each of the Local Objectives. For the purpose of the assessment, the Actions within the Black Country LFRMS have been assessed by the overarching Local Objective heading they fall under within the strategy. Table 2.7. Appendix D present the Measures and Actions associated with the objectives assessed.

2.4.10 Table 2.7 below presents the Objectives and their associated Measures.

Table 2.7 LFRMS Objectives and Measures

OBJECTIVE MEASURE

Objective 1 – Understanding and communicating flood risk in the Black Country

1A Develop a Flood Risk Management Plan for the West Midlands Cluster;

1B Investigate locally significant incidents of flooding identifying sources and remedial actions with partners;

1C Review and update the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments for the Black Country;

1D Develop and continue to maintain a register of flood risk management assets;

1E Engage with local communities to gain information of flood risk issues;

1F Share knowledge and information on local flood risk with the residents of the Black Country; and

1G Ensure latest information is used in assessing local flood risk.

Objective 2 – Managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding

2A Work with partners to reduce the impacts of flooding by targeting and prioritising maintenance at high risk locations and assets, enabling an efficient response to, and recovery from, flooding incidents;

2B Develop flood risk management schemes led by the Black Country authorities, seeking to make best use of available funding;

2C Work with partners to develop flood risk management schemes led by third parties, riparian landowners and stakeholders;

2D Work to ensure ongoing management of existing flood risk and drainage assets; and

2E Work to ensure compliance of all Local Authority owned assets with the Reservoirs Act.

Objective 3 – Helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk

3A Continue to work with community flood groups and other local stakeholders;

3B Work with residents to communicate the risks of flooding;

3C Work with residents and landowners to educate them with regards to their responsibilities for watercourse management;

3D Encourage local involvement in the development of flood risk management schemes;

3E Encourage residents to share information on flooding incidents; and

3F Share knowledge and information with communities and residents.

Objective 4 – 4A Develop a planning process to create clear advice and direction to developers

22


OBJECTIVE MEASURE

Ensuring appropriate development in the Black Country

on flood risk, drainage and SuDS;

4B Undertake consenting activities for ordinary watercourses;

4C Promote the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems in new development; and

4D Ensure compliance with Black Country Core Strategy (ENV5 Flood Risk) principals and objectives.

Objective 5 – Improving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery

5A Work with partners to minimise the recovery time for residents and businesses from flooding events;

5B Establish a co-ordinated approach to the provision of temporary flood risk management measures;

5C Work with partners to improve communications and advice given during flooding events; and

5D Work with partners to understand trigger levels for flooding events and develop local flood warning systems.

Objective 6 – Work in partnership with others to deliver the local strategy

6A Engage in regional networks for sharing of knowledge and best practice;

6B Improve the mechanisms of sharing of data and information between partners;

6C Engage with neighbouring LLFAs to facilitate a catchment based approach; and

6D Continue to engage with flood action groups in the delivery of local flood risk management.

2.4.11 The assessment of the Local Objectives, measures and actions against the SEA Objectives has been undertaken using a matrix based approach. Positive elements, negative elements and potential mitigation / enhancement of the objectives were identified and recorded.

2.4.12 The notation used for the appraisal of alternative options was also used for the appraisal of the preferred option for the LFRMS (refer to Table 2.8 below). When undertaking the assessment, the symbols assigned in the matrix were justified in the commentary box along with any uncertainties. All effects are considered to be long term, indirect and reversible unless stated otherwise. This is due to the nature of the LFRMS, which does not include site specific proposals, rather it sets out a series of actions that could ultimately be withdrawn or amended.

Table 2.8 Notations used in the SEA Assessment


Major Positive Impact The Action contributes to the achievement of the SEA Objective and is likely to deliver enhancements.

++

Positive Impact The Action contributes partially to the achievement of the SEA Objective but not completely.

+

No Impact / Neutral There is no clear relationship between the Action and / or the achievement of the SEA Objective or the relationship is negligible.

0

23



Negative Impact The Action partially detracts from the achievement of the SEA Objective.

-

Major Negative Impact The Action detracts from the achievement of all elements of the SEA Objective.

- -

Uncertain impact – more information required

It is not possible to determine the nature of the impact as there may be too many external factors that would influence the appraisal or the impact may depend heavily upon implementation at the local level.

?

Positive and Negative Impacts

The Action has a combination of both positive and negative contributions to the achievement of the SEA Objective.

+/-

2.4.13 This assessment has enabled the identification of the key sustainability strengths and weaknesses, and the potential areas for improvement. Recommendations are made to offset or alleviate any adverse impacts that have been predicted, or to enhance any opportunities that have been identified.

2.4.14 A summary of the assessment of the Black Country LFRMS is provided in Section 3. The complete results of the assessment are presented in Appendix E.

2.4.15 As the objectives of the LFRMS have been assessed as a part of assessing the objectives and the actions, there is no need to undertake a compatibility test between the SEA objectives and the LFRMS objectives.

MITIGATION

2.4.16 Where appropriate, mitigation measures are recommended to avoid, reduce or offset the potential adverse impacts as a result of the Black Country LFRMS. In addition, potential opportunities to benefit and enhance the social, economic and environmental receptors improve are identified.

2.4.17 As the LFRMS has been developed in parallel to the SEA process, mitigation measures have been incorporated on a continual basis.

APPRAISAL OF CUMULATIVE AND SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS

2.4.18 The SEA Directive requires inter alia that cumulative effects should be considered. It stipulates consideration of “the likely significant effects on the environment….” and that “These effects should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic… effects” (Annex I). The Practical Guide sets out the following definitions for these terms:

Secondary or indirect effects comprise effects which do not occur as a direct result of the proposed activities, but as a result of complex casual pathway (which may not be predictable);

Cumulative effects arise from a combination of two or more effects, for instance, where several developments each have insignificant effects but together have a significant effect; or where several individual effects of the plan or programme have a combined effect; and

Synergistic effects – synergy occurs where the joint effect of two or more processes is greater than the sum of individual effects.

24


2.4.19 The potential for cumulative, synergistic or secondary or indirect effects as a result of the LFRMS has been inherently considered within the appraisal, the findings of which are presented in Section 3.

APPRAISAL OF TRANSBOUNDARY EFFECTS

2.4.20 The SEA Directive also requires SEAs to consider the transboundary effects of the plan on other EU member states. It is considered there the plan will not have any significant transboundary effects.

TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES

2.4.21 The LFRMS essentially acts as a guidance document for the future development of the Black Country. There is therefore reliance upon future decision-makers to ensure sustainable development is ensured.

2.5 STAGE C: PREPARATION OF THE SEA REPORT

2.5.1 This SEA Report presents the findings of the assessment to-date including the information collated in Stage A and during scoping, and documents the entire SEA process. The results of the appraisal together with any mitigation measures proposed are recorded in the remaining sections of this document.

2.5.2 The SEA Report also includes a separate Non-Technical Summary (NTS).

2.6 STAGE D: CONSULTATION ON THE BLACK COUNTRY LFRMS AND THE SEA REPORT

2.6.1 This final SEA Report has now been issued for consultation alongside the LFRMS to all key stakeholders (including statutory consultees and the public) for comment. Following the close of the consultation period, the Black Country will review feedback and revise the plan as appropriate. If significant amendments are made to the document, the SEA Report may also need to be updated to reflect the assessment of these amendments prior to the LFRMS being adopted.

2.7 STAGE E MONITORING THE SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTING THE LFRMS

2.7.1 The SEA Directive requires that the plan is monitored to test the actual significant effects of implementing the plan against those predicted through the assessment. This process helps to ensure that any undesirable environmental effects are identified and remedial action is implemented accordingly.

2.7.2 The approach to monitoring is presented in Section 4.

25


3 APPRAISAL OF LFRMS 3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.1.1 This section outlines the results of the SEA appraisal of the Black Country LFRMS including details of recommendations / mitigation measures (where appropriate) that could be implemented to improve the performance of the strategy.

3.2 ASSESSMENT OF THE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

3.2.1 A requirement of the SEA is to consider “reasonable alternatives taking into account the objective and geographical scope of the plan or programme” and to “give an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with”.

3.2.2 Three alternative options have been identified for review:

Option 1: Do nothing;

Option 2: Do minimum - legally required tasks; and

Option 3: Do something – do the enhanced version as presented in the Strategy.

3.2.3 The results of the SEA appraisal of the Black Country LFRMS alternative options are presented in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Assessment of Reasonable Alternatives

SEA OBJECTIVES THE BLACK COUNTRY LFRMS ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

OPTION 1: DO NOTHING OPTION 2: DO MINIMUM – LEGALLY REQUIRED TASKS

OPTION 3: DO SOMETHING – DO THE ENHANCED VERSION AS PRESENTED IN THE STRATEGY


- -

Without the LFRMS in place, adverse effects upon surface water quality may occur, which could generate access and transport problems. This could be due to flood prediction and warning taking longer without a strategy in place. In addition, recreation may also be affected if areas such as playing fields were flooded. Adverse effects would arise over the medium to long term.

-

Although this option includes and therefore a coordinated approach to flood management, it would not include the Action Plan. Therefore, this option, as option 1, may lead to adverse effects on surface water quality which could lead to transport and access issues as flood prediction and warning would take longer without an Action Plan in place.

+

This option is likely to lead to beneficial effects on surface water quality and transport / access problems associated with flooding as the LFRMS and Action Plan would provide a coordinated approach to flood prediction, warning and recovery. Residents would also be made better prepared and aware of how to protect themselves / their properties from flooding.

2 To protect and enhance

0 It is unlikely that the ‘Do nothing’ option would

+ A LFRMS that meets current legislation would

+ Preparing an LFRMS and Action Plan for the

26





biodiversity, key habitats and species

lead to any significant effects on biodiversity resources.

have the potential to offer benefits to biodiversity through habitat protection and enhancement.

Black Country has the potential to offer benefits to biodiversity resources through habitat protection and enhancements.

3 To protect and enhance the historic environment and heritage assets

- -

With no LFRMS, the heritage assets within the Black Country are more likely to be damaged through flooding. There would be no coordinated approach to managing flood risk and improving flood risk warning / prediction. In addition, inappropriate development would not be guarded against. Effects have therefore been assessed as major negative over the medium to long-term.

-

Similarly to Option 1, without an Action Plan, the LFRMS would not offer benefits to heritage assets,

+

Preparing the LFRMS and Action Plan for the Black Country has the potential to offer benefits to the historic environment and heritage assets. Better management of flood prediction / warning and recovery may also offer benefits to the Black Country’s important heritage features over the long-term.

4 To protect and enhance landscape and townscape character and quality 0

It is unlikely that the ‘Do nothing’ option would lead to any significant effects on landscape / townscape character or quality. 0

It is unlikely that this option would lead to any significant effects on landscape / townscape character or quality.

+

Landscape / townscape character and quality could potentially benefit from a LFRMS and Action Plan potentially committing to the protection and enhancement of assets such as landscape and townscape character and quality.


- -

Not preparing an LFRMS and Action Plan has the potential to lead to adverse effects on surface water and groundwater resource and potentially exacerbate current flood risk. Post flood recovery may take longer without an LFRMS and Action Plan in place and inappropriate development would not

-

Effects would be similar to the ‘Do nothing’ option. Without the Action Plan in place to, post flood recovery may take longer and inappropriate development may not be guarded against.

+

The preparation of an LFRMS and Action Plan would provide coordinated approach to support post flood recovery and guard against inappropriate development, which would offer benefits to surface water and groundwater.

27





be guarded against. Effects are therefore predicted as major negative over the medium to long term.

6 To limit and adapt to climate change

-

It is unlikely that the ‘Do nothing’ option would lead to any significant effects on climate change issues. However, without a Strategy and Action Plan in place, the Black Country may not be prepared to future flood events.

0

It is unlikely that this option would lead to any significant effects on climate change. However, there would be a more co-ordinated approach associated with current activities undertaken in the Black Country that reduces flood risk.

+

The development of the LFRMS and Action Plan is likely to lead to beneficial effects on climate change issues in the long-term. This is because there would be a more co-ordinated approach with respect to predicting future flood events, reducing flood risk and managing flood recovery efficiently.


0

It is unlikely that the ‘Do nothing’ option would lead to any significant effects upon soil quality / resources and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

0

It is unlikely that this option would lead to any significant effects upon soil quality / resources and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

+

The preparation of an LFRMS and Action Plan would provide coordinated approach to support post flood recovery and guard against inappropriate development, which could offer benefits to soil quality and resources.

Uncertainties in the Assessment No uncertainties were recorded during the alternative options assessment.

Overall Conclusion and Preferred Option

The do nothing scenario would see none of the benefits of the proposed LFRMS as set out in Section 3 of this report. Given that flood risk in the Black Country presents a risk to people and property, proactive steps need to be taken to address flood risk in the borough. As such, the do nothing scenario is considered significantly less desirable in principal. In addition, the LFRMS is required to be prepared under the Flood Water Management Act 2012 and to not prepare the LFRMS would be in breach of this legislation.

The preferred option for the Black Country LFRMS would be Option 3. This Option would ensure environmental protection / enhancement along with a co-ordinated approach at the county level to flood risk.

28


3.3 ASSESSMENT OF THE LFRMS PREFERRED OPTION

THE LOCAL OBJECTIVES

3.3.1 As previously stated, the Black Country LFRMS contains six overarching Local Objectives which reflect the Government’s strategic objectives locally, as follows:

Objective 1 – Understanding and communicating flood risk in the Black Country;

Objective 2 – Managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding;

Objective 3 – Helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk;

Objective 4 – Ensuring appropriate development in the Black Country;

Objective 5 – Improving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery; and

Objective 6 – Work in partnership with others to deliver the Local Strategy.

3.3.2 These objectives and their associated measures and actions have been assessed against the SEA objectives. Table 3.2 below presents a brief summary of the outcomes of this assessment. The detailed assessment matrices are presented in Appendix E.

Table 3.2 Appraisal Summary of the LFRMS

SEA OBJECTIVES LOCAL OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE 1 OBJECTIVE 2 OBJECTIVE 3 OBJECTIVE 4 OBJECTIVE 5 OBJECTIVE 6

1 To protect and enhance human health safety and wellbeing

++ ++ + + ++ 0


0 + 0 + 0 0


0 + 0 + + 0

4 To protect and enhance landscape and townscape character and quality

0 + 0 + 0 0


0 ++ + ++ + 0

6 To limit and adapt to climate change + + + ++ + 0

29


SEA OBJECTIVES LOCAL OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE 1 OBJECTIVE 2 OBJECTIVE 3 OBJECTIVE 4 OBJECTIVE 5 OBJECTIVE 6

7 To ensure the sustainable use of natural resources 0 0 0 + 0 0

Key

Major Positive Impact ++ Positive Impact + No Impact / Neutral 0 Negative Impact - Major Negative Impact - - Uncertain impact – more information required ?

DISCUSSION OF ASSESSMENT FINDINGS

3.3.3 Each of the Local Objectives and associated measures and actions were assessed against the SEA Objectives in an assessment matrix to determine potential sustainability effects and to identify any potential areas where new Local Objectives need to be established or the existing ones clarified.

OBJECTIVE 1: UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATING FLOOD RISK IN THE BLACK COUNTRY

3.3.4 The measures and actions associated with this objective seek to improve the awareness and understanding of flood risk in the Black Country.

3.3.5 A key action for this objective is to engage with key members of the community to gain information on flood risk issues and to prepare such plans as the PFRA and LFRMS. A better understanding of flood risk would prepare all for future flooding risks with climate change, and ensure residents are better informed of potential events which may benefit local wellbeing and health. In addition, there is an action to develop the Flood Risk Management Plan for the West Midlands Cluster.

OBJECTIVE 2: MANAGING THE LIKELIHOOD AND IMPACTS OF FLOODING

3.3.6 Key actions for this objective include the production of the PFRA, LFRMS, flood mitigation schemes, SuDS, Pre Flood Action Plan and on-site and off-site reservoir safety plans. Such actions and regular maintenance will control activates on watercourses that may result in adverse effects upon human health, climate change, biodiversity, the historic environment and heritage assets, landscape and townscape and the quality of the Borough’s surface water environment and groundwater resources, and therefore the assessment identified positive benefits against these SEA Objectives. All of these assets can be adversely affected by flooding, such as through damage to buildings are a direct risk to life. As such, actions to minimise these risks will have a beneficial effect.

30


OBJECTIVE 3: HELPING THE BLACK COUNTRY’S CITIZENS TO MANAGE THEIR OWN RISK

3.3.7 Many neutral scores were recorded against the SEA Objectives as the measures and actions simply seek to help residents to manage flood risk incident reporting, flood warnings and advice. Therefore the measures and actions would not have any significant effects on biodiversity resources, heritage resources, surface water / ground water resources, landscape and townscape character or soils.

3.3.8 The actions that support this objective relate to engaging with key members of the community to gain information on flood risk issues and preparing such plans as PFRA, LFRMS and providing information about how citizens can minimise flood risk and protect themselves during flooding will positively meet this objective. As such the key benefit of the actions under this objective is in relation to protecting human health and climate change, as it will allow members of the local community to make informed decisions on how best to protect themselves from flooding.

OBJECTIVE 4: ENSURING APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE BLACK COUNTRY

3.3.9 Many beneficial effects have been recorded against the SEA Objectives as a result of implementing the measures and actions. The development of a consenting and approval process for work on watercourses, together with ensuring compliance with the Core Strategy, would indirectly ensure the protection of biodiversity resources, heritage assets, landscape / townscape, water quality and soil quality. Furthermore, encouraging appropriate development that does not increase flood risk and that promotes SuDS would reduce the risk of pollution to surface and groundwater resources from new development. This would protect current WFD status of local watercourses.

3.3.10 The actions which meet this objective are inclusive of an FRA and indicative flood risk maps, which area a requirement for new developments. By developments complying with the Local Plan’s principles and objectives, human health will have a positive impact. This objective is also important in tackling climate change as FRAs and indicative flood risk maps take into account climate change and are a key aspect when new development is cited.

3.3.11 Climate change and increased flood risk would be guarded against through ensuring Local Planning Authorities encourage new development that does not increase flood risk.

OBJECTIVE 5: IMPROVING FLOOD PREDICTION, WARNING AND POST FLOOD RECOVERY

3.3.12 Key actions to meet this objective are encouraging the public to sign up to the Floodline Warnings Direct service, keeping records of flooding events and developing a programme of flood mitigation schemes and initiatives will have a positive effect on human health and better prepare residents against future flooding events as a result of climate change. In addition, with better warnings in place, more time will be given to put measures in place, such as sandbags to protect heritage assets and landscape / townscape character and quality. Such measures may also reduce the risk of pollution to surface and groundwater resources following a flood.

OBJECTIVE 6: WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS TO DELIVER THE LOCAL STRATEGY

3.3.13 Measures set out in the LFRMS around working in partnership with others focus on ensuring that the other direct and indirect actions identified in the LFRMS are realised. Whilst this is necessary and beneficial aspect of the plan, to attribute significant effects to it would be to risk double counting the benefits of the direct and indirect actions it seeks to deliver as already identified in the matrices for Objectives 1 – 5.

31


3.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

3.4.1 The following recommendations have been made:

The role of climate change adaptation could be given greater emphasis in the LFRMS;

The LFRMS could emphasise the need to consider environmental enhancements as a part of the management of flood risk infrastructure;

Need to highlight that other organisations should also consider the potential to contribute to wider sustainability objectives in fulfilling their responsibilities;

It should be ensured that new development does not adversely affect the current WFD status of local watercourses; and

More emphasis could be placed upon the need to protect and where possible enhance biodiversity, heritage assets and landscape / townscape character and quality.

3.5 APPRAISAL OF SECONDARY, CUMULATIVE AND SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS

3.5.1 Appendix 8 of the Practical Guide to the SEA Directive provides guidance on the assessment of such effects and regard has been had to this in undertaking the work. The work is reported separately for transparency but consideration has been given to the potential for such effects throughout the assessment. All of the effects associated with the LFRMS are considered to be indirect (or secondary) because of the nature of the actions.

3.5.2 The Practical Guide to the SEA Directive defines the three terms as follows:

Secondary effects or indirect effects are effects that are not a direct result of the plan, but occur away from the original effect or as a result of a complex pathway. Examples of secondary effects are a development that changes a water table and thus effects the ecology of a nearby wetland; and construction of one project that facilitates or attracts other developments.

Cumulative effects arise, for instance, where several developments each have insignificant effects but together have a significant effect; or where several individual effects of the plan (e.g. noise, dust and visual) have a combined effect.

Synergistic effects interact to produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual effects. Synergistic effects often happen as habitats, resources or human communities get close to capacity. For instance a wildlife habitat can become progressively fragmented with limited effects on a particular species until the last fragmentation makes the areas too small to support the species at all.

3.5.3 The potential for cumulative and synergistic effects is considered in Table 3.3:

Table 3.3 Cumulative and Synergistic Effects of the Black Country LFRMS

SEA OBJECTIVE POTENTIAL FOR CUMULATIVE / SYNERGISTIC EFFECT


Reducing flood risk and improving the ability of communities to respond to future events could have cumulative positive effects in relation to this objective.


It is expected that the management measures would have a cumulative positive effect on biodiversity through the creation and enhancement of habitats associated with schemes to manage flood risk, taking into account the safeguards present

32


SEA OBJECTIVE POTENTIAL FOR CUMULATIVE / SYNERGISTIC EFFECT

at the project stage.


A number of positive effects have been identified for this objective and there is the potential for these to act cumulatively.


Measures could have a cumulative positive effect on the landscape and urban areas, for example through the creation of ponds.

5 To maintain and improve the quality and quantity of the Borough’s surface water environment and groundwater resources

There is the potential for cumulative benefits if a number of measures combine to reduce or prevent, for example, pollution to a watercourse.

6 To limit and adapt to climate change Primarily through improving the Black Country’s ability to deal with increased rainfall and in turn flooding events predicted to occur as a result of climate change, the management measures are expected to act cumulatively to achieve this objective.


No significant effects have been identified for this objective and as such there is not expected to be a cumulative effect.

3.6 CONCLUSIONS

3.6.1 The assessment of the LFRMS has not identified any instances where potential significant negative effects are anticipated. The main positive effects identified were associated with flood risk, water quality and the protection of material assets.

3.6.2 The LFRMS operates at a strategic level, with the potential for different outcomes depending on how the measures and actions are implemented on the ground. Where measures and actions would be expected to lead to development, the development itself would be subject to technical assessments that will require planning permission, and if necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and screening for Appropriate Assessment.

3.6.3 Due to the early assessment work undertaken for the LFRMS, the LFRMS team were able to take on board and action the key sustainability messages early on in the development of the LFRMS. As such there are not many outstanding recommendations from the SEA. The key recommendations from the assessment are:

The role of climate change adaptation could be given greater emphasis in the LFRMS;

The LFRMS could emphasise the need to consider environmental enhancements as a part of the management of flood risk infrastructure;

Need to highlight that other organisations should also consider the potential to contribute to wider sustainability objectives in fulfilling their responsibilities;

It should be ensured that new development does not adversely affect the current WFD status of local watercourses; and

3.6.4 More emphasis could be placed upon the need to protect and where possible enhance biodiversity, heritage assets and landscape / townscape character and quality.

33


4 NEXT STEPS 4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.1.1 This section discusses monitoring and next steps.

4.2 MONITORING

4.2.1 The SEA Directive requires monitoring to identify unforeseen adverse effects and to enable appropriate remedial action to be taken (Article 10.1). The factors to be monitored include:

Biodiversity;

Population;

Human Health;

Fauna;

Flora;

Soil;

Water;

Climatic factors;

Material Assets;

Cultural Heritage; and

Landscape and Townscape.

4.2.2 The LFRMS is closely related to the Local Plan and there may be potential to co-ordinate monitoring requirements between these documents.

4.2.3 It is proposed that the review should be undertaken of the LFRMS in 2017. This will follow the review of the National Strategy in 2016, coinciding with the review of the Black Country Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment required under the Flood Risk Regulations and follow a review of the Humber River Basin Management Plan. This review will provide the opportunity to monitor the outcomes of the SEA.

4.3 POST-CONSULTATION ISSUES

4.3.1 These matters will be discussed in the Post-Adoption Statement that is produced at the end of the SEA process.

4.3.2 This Draft SEA Report will be consulted on and a final version of the report produced in light of comments on the draft and any further changes to the LFRMS that have a bearing on the findings of the SEA.

34


4.4 HOW TO COMMENT

Please send comments to:

Dudley Council [email protected] Roger Morgan Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Directorate of the Urban Environment Environmental Management Civil Engineering Group Lister Road Depot Lister Road Dudley MBC West Midlands DY2 8JW Telephone 01384 814431 Wolverhampton City Council [email protected] Keith Rogers Wolverhampton City Council Highway Assets Culwell Street Depot Culwell Street Wolverhampton WV10 0JN Walsall Council [email protected] John Roseblade Walsall Council Engineering and Transportation Economy & Environment Civic Centre Walsall West Midlands WS1 1DG Telephone 01922 654391 Sandwell Council [email protected] Nigel Wilkins Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Council House Freeth Street Oldbury West Midlands B69 3DE

35


4.4.1 Telephone 0845 352 1878If you would like to discuss any aspects of this report before responding, please contact Nic Macmillan, Principal Consultant, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff on 077 8538 8256.

Appendix A

REVIEW OF PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES

SUMMARY OF NATIONAL PLANS NATIONAL PLANS KEY OBJECTIVES RELEVANT TO PLAN AND SEA KEY TARGETS AND INDICATORS

RELEVANT TO PLAN AND SEA IMPLICATIONS FOR LFRMS IMPLICATIONS FOR SEA

Planning Act (2008) The Act created amendments to the functioning of the planning system, following recommendations from the Barker Review first proposed in the 2007 White Paper: Planning for a Sustainable Future. The two principal changes are:

The establishment of an Infrastructure Planning Commission to make decisions on nationally significant infrastructure projects; and

Creation of the Community Infrastructure Levy, a charge to be collected from developers by local authorities for the provision of local and sub-regional infrastructure.

There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance.

The preparation of the strategy should consider the recommended actions in this document.

The SEA should consider the means by which the measures in the Act may enable the plan to contribute towards sustainable development

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) The act created Natural England and the Commission for Rural Communities and, amongst other measures, it extended the biodiversity duty set out in the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act to public bodies and statutory undertakers to ensure due regard to the conservation of biodiversity. The Duty is set out in Section 40 of the Act, and states that every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. The Duty applies to all local authorities, community, parish and town councils, police, fire and health authorities and utility companies. The aim of the biodiversity duty is to raise the profile of biodiversity in England and Wales, so that the conservation of biodiversity becomes properly embedded in all relevant policies and decisions made by public authorities. Fifty-six habitats of principal importance are included on the S41 list, and 943 species. These were identified as requiring action in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and continue to be regarded as conservation priorities in the subsequent UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. In accordance with Section 41(4) the Secretary of State will, in consultation with Natural England, keep this list under review and will publish a revised list if necessary. The S41 list is used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies, including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions.


The Act places a duty on flood authorities to have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of their functions, to conserve biodiversity, including restoring or enhancing species populations or habitats.

The SEA Framework should include objectives relating to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity resources. Potential conflicts could arise if the Black Country LA’s fail in their duty to have, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of their functions, to conserve biodiversity, including restoring or enhancing species populations or habitats.

Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations (2003) The purpose of this Directive is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface Objectives for surface waters: Water quality and The SEA Framework

NATIONAL PLANS KEY OBJECTIVES RELEVANT TO PLAN AND SEA KEY TARGETS AND INDICATORS


waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater which: (a) prevents further deterioration and protects and enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on the aquatic ecosystems (b) promotes sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources (c) aims at enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment, inter alia, through specific measures for the progressive reduction of discharges, emissions and losses of priority substances and the cessation or phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of the priority hazardous substances (d) ensures the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevents its further pollution (e) contributes to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts The WFD is designed to improve and integrate the way water bodies are managed throughout Europe. Member States must aim to reach good chemical and ecological status in inland and coastal waters by 2015 subject to certain limited exceptions. The WFD establishes a strategic framework for managing the water environment. It requires a management plan for each river basin to be developed every 6 years. The plans are based on a detailed analysis of the impacts of human activity on the water environment and incorporate a programme of measures to improve water bodies where required. In December 2009 the Environment Agency (the “competent authority” responsible for implementation of the WFD) published the first set of River Basin Management Plans for England and Wales.

Achievement of good ecological status and good surface water chemical status by 2015

Achievement of good ecological potential and good surface water chemical status for heavily modified water bodies and artificial water bodies

Prevention of deterioration from one status class to another

Achievement of water-related objectives and standards for protected areas

Objectives for groundwater:

Achievement of good groundwater quantitative and chemical status by 2015

Prevention of deterioration from one status class to another

Reversal of any significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations and prevent or limit input of pollutants to groundwater

Achievement of water related objectives and standards for protected

quantity is linked to the LFRMS as flooding events can lead to water pollution and changes in water levels.

should include objectives that consider effects upon water quality and resource.



areas

Future Water: The Government’s Water Strategy for England (2008) Defra’s vision for the state of the water environment in 2030 is for:

an improved quality of the water environment and the ecology which it supports, and continued high levels of drinking water quality;

sustainably managed risks from flooding and coastal erosion, with greater understanding and more effective management of surface water;

sustainable use of water resources, and implemented fair, affordable and cost reflective water charges;

reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and

an embedded continuous adaptation to climate change and other pressures across the water industry and water users.

The Strategy contains few quantitative targets. It sets out broad ambitions for improvements in the areas of water demand, supply, quality, surface water drainage, flooding, greenhouse gas emissions, water charging and the regulatory framework. One headline target is to reduce per capita consumption of water to an average of 130 litres per person per day by 2030, or possibly even 120 litres per person per day depending on new technological developments and innovation.

The LFRMS should help to support the aims of this Strategy through requiring high levels of protection for the water environment.

The SEA Framework should contain objectives related to water resources, flooding and climate change.

Water for People and the Environment: A Strategy for England and Wales (2009) This is a strategy produced by the Environment Agency (EA) and applies to both England and Wales. It forms the EA’s strategy for water resource management for the next 25 years. The focus of the strategy is understanding the present state of water resources and planning for the management of water resources to prevent long-term environmental damage and degradation. The strategy highlights where water abstractions are unsustainable and where further water is needed. The issue of climate change and its impact upon our water resources is also considered. 30 action points are identified to deliver the strategy, which include developing leakage control, encouraging good practice when using water and promoting the value of water.


The strategy should consider how the water environment can be protected and enhanced, and include policies that promote the sustainable use of water resources.

The SEA Framework should include objectives that consider effects upon water quality and resource, and that promote the protection of the water environment.

Flood and Water Management Act (2010) The Act will provide better, more comprehensive management of coastal erosion and flood risk for people, homes and businesses. It also contains financial provisions related to the water industry.

Requires Lead Local Flood Authorities to produce a LFRMS.

The strategy should consider flood risk issues. It should seek to avoid siting new development

The SEA Framework should include objectives, targets and indicators that address flooding risk and



The Act will give the EA an overview of all flood and coastal erosion risk management and unitary and county councils the lead in managing the risk of local floods. It will also enable better management of water resources and quality, and will help to manage and respond to severe weather events such as flood and drought. Under this strategic role, the duties and powers of the Environment Agency, the lead Competent Authority under the EU Floods Directive, includes:

Setting out of a national strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management;

Developing the methods, framework and tools to understand and manage flooding from all sources;

Supporting the roles of local authorities and others in flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM), by providing them with information and guidance;

Assessing flood and coastal erosion risk on a national basis and determine spending priorities to manage those risks as well as allocating relevant funding in accordance with the priorities;

Consenting and enforcement powers in relation to any works or activities by any person which may directly impact on flooding from main rivers and the sea; and

Responsibility for flood warning for all forms of flood risk.

in floodplain and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

the need to manage runoff effectively.

National Planning Policy Framework (March 2012) The NPPF sets out the Government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. Taken together, these policies articulate the Government’s vision of sustainable development, which should be interpreted and applied locally to meet local aspirations. The NPPF is based around the presumption in favour of sustainable development. Sustainable development, for the planning system, is defined as:

Planning for prosperity – using the planning system to build a strong, responsive and competitive economy;

Planning for people – using the planning system to promote strong, vibrant and healthy communities; and

Planning for places – using the planning system to protect and enhance the natural, built and historic environment.

The NPPF contains several changes from the suite of policy guidance notes and statements that it is replacing:


The strategy should adhere to the principles of the Planning Policy Framework.

The SEA Framework should include objectives relating to economic, environmental and social issues.



Replacing the local development framework with the local plan, that contain both policies and site allocations;

Discouraging the long term protection of employment land or floor space;

Removing the sequential test for offices;

Permission should be granted for housing where a 5 year supply (plus 20% contingency) is not in place – though this would be still subject to other policies and parts of the NPPF; and

Local communities will be able to designate local green space.

The Natural Environment White Paper (The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature) (2011) The first Government White Paper dealing with the natural environment in over 20 years, marking the most significant shift in environmental policy for a generation “by 2060, our essential natural assets will be contributing fully to robust and resilient ecosystems, providing a wide range of goods and services so that increasing numbers of people enjoy benefits from a healthier natural environment." The Natural Environment White Paper sets out how together we can start to tackle the challenges ahead, for example, by:

Giving local people more involvement in the natural environment and helping them to realise the benefits;

Helping to develop a thriving green economy, developing payments for ecosystem services and addressing barriers to using green infrastructure to promote sustainable growth;

Helping to deliver the Government’s ambitions for resilient ecological networks, biodiversity recovery, sustainable agriculture, healthy woods and forests, an improved water environment and a better protected marine environment;

Taking action to address the risks and consequences of climate change and other pressures;

Delivering conservation at the landscape scale, including through Nature Improvement Areas; and

Further improving how we monitor progress and provide access to environmental information.


The LFRMS should take into account the elements of this framework and be used to manage any increased risk of flooding.

The SEA Framework should include objectives relating to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, particularly as there is potential for conflicts if the LFRMS impacts on green space provision and/or biodiversity.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981



Introduced in October 1981, The Countryside and Wildlife Act is An Act to repeal and re-enact with amendments the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967 and the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975; to prohibit certain methods of killing or taking wild animals; to amend the law relating to protection of certain mammals; to restrict the introduction of certain animals and plants; to amend the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976; to amend the law relating to nature conservation, the countryside and National Parks and to make provision with respect to the Countryside Commission; to amend the law relating to public rights of way; and for connected purposes.


The strategy should adhere to the principles of the Guidance in terms of protecting birds, wild animals and plant life.

The SEA framework should adhere to the principle objectives of the Act.

Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s Wildlife This strategy will guide our conservation efforts in England over the next decade, including setting ambitions to halt the overall loss of England’s biodiversity by 2020. In the longer term, the ambition is to move progressively from a position of net biodiversity loss to net gain. We need to build a wider network of places across England which enables wildlife to thrive and natural processes to be sustained, alongside other land uses such as farming. This will help nature to better withstand future pressures such as climate change – and set our continuing conservation efforts for particular important species into a wider context.

Relevant Objectives are as follows :

Halt bio-diversity loss;

Support healthy, well-functioning eco-systems;

Establish coherent ecological networks; and

Create better places for the benefit of nature and people.

The LFRMS should follow the priority action principles outlined in the document.

The SEA Framework should adhere to the principles of the Guidance to improve and conserve existing wildlife.

Flooding and Historic Buildings (2010) This English Heritage advisory note provides guidance for home-owners, owners of small businesses and others involved with managing historic buildings on ways to establish flood risk and prepare for possible flooding by installing protection measures. It also recommends actions to be taken during and after a flood so as to minimise damage and risks. Although most historic structures are inherently durable and are relatively resistant to flooding compared with much modern construction, they are still vulnerable. Many of these buildings are not only at risk from flood damage but also damage from inappropriate remedial works carried out by contractors who have little understanding of historic fabric. This can result in unnecessary removal and disposal of significant finishes and fittings as well as the use of unsuitable materials for the repairs. Too often like-for-like replacement is not carried out when repair works are put in hand. This document advises on preparing for and dealing with a flood, and the correct procedures for minimising damage after a flood.


The LFRMS should take into account the provisions of this document.

The SEA Framework should include objectives relating to the protection and enhancement of the historic environment.



National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (2011) The risk of flooding and coastal erosion in England is predicted to increase due to climate change and development in areas at risk. It is not possible to prevent all flooding or coastal erosion, but there are actions that can be taken to manage these risks and reduce the impacts on communities. This flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) strategy for England builds on existing approaches to managing risk. It aims to encourage the use of all of the available measures in a co-ordinated way that balances the needs of communities, the economy and the environment. This strategy sets out a national framework for managing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion. It will help risk management authorities and communities understand their different roles and responsibilities and will be particularly relevant to LLFAs which have new responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010). It addresses all forms of flooding and coastal erosion consistent with the definitions in the Act. To do this it considers:

How the current risk of flooding and coastal erosion may change;

The measures that can be used to manage these risks;

The functions of those involved in flood and coastal erosion risk management and how these organisations can work together better;

How work will be paid for and the costs and benefits of the measures used; and

The guidance and advice available to help manage flood risk and coastal erosion.

This strategy aims to make sure that Defra, the Environment Agency, local authorities, water companies, internal drainage boards and other FCERM partners work together to:

Maintain and over time improve standards of protection against flood and coastal erosion risks where it is affordable to do so;

Increase the overall level of investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management to supplement central government expenditure;

Help householders, businesses and communities better understand and manage any flood and coastal erosion risks that they face;

Ensure fast and effective responses to and recovery from flood events when they do occur;

Give priority to investment in actions that benefit those communities which face


The LFRMS is required to be in conformity with this Strategy.

The SEA Framework should include objectives relating to the management of flooding.



greatest risk and are least able to afford to help themselves;

Encourage and support local innovation and decision making within the framework of river catchments and coastal cells; and

Achieve environmental gains alongside economic and social gains, consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

The strategy also aims to clarify the responsibilities and roles of all the organisations involved in flood and coastal erosion risk management. Guidance for Risk Management Authorities on Sustainable Development in Relation to their Flood and Coastal Erosion Management Functions (2011) Section 27 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires certain flood and coastal erosion risk management authorities to aim to make a contribution towards the achievement of sustainable development when exercising their flood and coastal erosion risk management functions. It also requires the Secretary of State to issue guidance on how those authorities are to discharge this duty and explain the meaning of sustainable development in this context – this document does that.


The guidance applies to LLFAs. It provides background context about the application of sustainable development principles when discharging their duties to manage flood risk.


Floods Directive and the Flood Risk Regulations, 2009 These Regulations transpose Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment and management of flood risks for England and Wales. It imposes a duty on the local authorities to prepare a flood risk management plan for each area which has been identified as being at significant risk of flooding. The plan must set objectives for the purpose of managing the flood risk and propose measures for achieving those objectives. It aims to provide a consistent approach to flood risk management across all of Europe.


The LFRMS is required to be in conformity with this Strategy.


National Planning Practice Guidance (2014) This Guidance was launched by the Government in March 2014, with the aim of making the planning system simpler, clearer and easier for people to use, allowing local communities to shape where development should and should not go. It also commits to ensuring that countryside and environmental protections continue to be safeguarded, and devolving power down not just to local councils, but also down to neighbourhoods and local residents. The Guidance contains 41 categories, including guidance in relation to SEA and SA.


The strategy should adhere to the principles of the Guidance.

The SEA Framework should include objectives relating to economic, environmental and social issues. The SEA will be undertaken in accordance with this Guidance.

Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning, Notes 1, 2 and 3, 2015 The Good Practice Advice Notes aim is to provide information to assist local authorities, There are no specific targets or The strategy should The SEA Framework



planning and other consultants, owners, applicants and other parties in implementing historic environment policy in the NPPF and the related guidance given in the National PPG.

indicators of relevance. adhere to the principles of the Guidance.

should include objectives relating to the protection of the historic environment. The SEA will be undertaken in accordance with this Guidance.

SUMMARY OF REGIONAL, SUB-REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANS REGIONAL, SUB-REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANS KEY OBJECTIVES RELEVANT TO PLAN AND SEA KEY TARGETS AND INDICATORS


A Sustainable Future for the West Midlands –Regional Sustainable Development Framework (RSDF) (2006) The document provides four priorities and long term goals:

Sustainable production and consumption, ensuring energy and resources are used both efficiently and effectively by all;

Climate change and energy, reduce overall energy use through increased energy efficiency;

Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement; and

Sustainable communities.

The objectives are supported by a suite of indicators, some of which include:

Value, protect, enhance and restore the Region’s environmental assets, including the natural, built and historic environment and landscape;

Minimise air, water, soil, light and noise pollution levels and create good quality air, water and soils; and

Encourage land use and development that creates and sustains well-designed, high quality built environments that incorporate green space, encourage biodiversity, and promote local distinctiveness and sense of place.

The LFRMS objectives need to be broadly compatible with the priorities and long term goals of the RSDF.

The SEA Framework should be compatible with RSDF. Detailed objectives should be consistent with the overarching RSDF objectives.

West Midlands Regional Climate Change Action Plan (2007) The vision for the plan is ‘of a sustainable, low carbon West Midlands, well adapted to the impacts of climate change and supported by a low carbon economy’ The priorities of the plan are to:

Substantially reduced emissions and resilience to likely climate change and impacts;

Adapt to and support local businesses adapt to unavoidable climate change;

Providing appropriate support and incentives for regional, subregional and local


The LFRMS must recognise the need to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

The SEA Framework should echo the vision and objectives of the plan. It should include an objective to adapt to unavoidable climate change.

REGIONAL, SUB-REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANS KEY OBJECTIVES RELEVANT TO PLAN AND SEA KEY TARGETS AND INDICATORS


delivery agents to ensure the delivery of substantial carbon reductions and climate change adaptation measures by removing barriers;

Ensure that regional partners lead by example by significantly reducing carbon emissions and by ensuring that their assets and services are resilient to likely climate change impacts;

Increase awareness and understanding of the implications of Climate Change and appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions for the West Midlands amongst regional policymakers, public sector organisations and businesses; and

Establish appropriate regional carbon reduction targets and adaptation goals, and a robust and transparent framework for monitoring and reviewing progress where gaps are identified.

River Severn Catchment Flood Management Plan (2009) The plan is a high level strategic planning tool which will be used to explore and define long term sustainable policies for flood risk management. They are essential plans to enable a strategic, proactive and risk-based approach to flood risk management. It provides an overview of the flood risk in the River Severn catchment and sets out the preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50 to 100 years.

The Plan does not contain specific targets or indicators.

The LFRMS should consider potential flood risk, and prevent development within the floodplain.

The SEA Framework should include objectives that promote the reduction and management of flood risk.

River Trent Catchment Flood Management Plan (2010) The plan is a high level strategic planning tool which will be used to explore and define long term sustainable policies for flood risk management. They are essential plans to enable a strategic, proactive and risk-based approach to flood risk management. It provides an overview of the flood risk in the River Trent catchment and sets out the preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50 to 100 years.




River Basin Management Plan for the Severn River Basin District (2009) This plan is about the pressures facing the water environment in the River Severn Basin District, and the actions that will address them. It has been prepared under the Water Framework Directive, and is the first of a series of six-year planning cycles. River Basin Management Plans aim to protect and improve the water environment and have been developed in consultation with organisations and individuals. They address the main issues for the water environment and the actions needed to deal with them. River basin management is a continuous process of planning and delivery. The Water Framework Directive introduces a formal series of six year cycles. The first cycle will end in

Relevant targets include:

By 2015, 17% of surface waters (rivers, lakes estuaries and coastal waters) are going to improve for at least one biological, chemical or physical element,

The LFRMS should consider how the water environment can be protected and enhanced.

The SEA Framework should include objectives that consider effects upon water quality and resource.



2015 when, following further planning and consultation, this plan will be updated and reissued. The Environment Agency has worked extensively with local stakeholders to identify the actions needed to address the main pressures on the water environment.

measured as part of an assessment of good status according to the Water Framework Directive.

34% of surface waters will be at good or better ecological status and 17% of groundwater bodies will be at good overall status by 2015.

At least 38% of assessed surface waters will be at good or better biological quality by 2015.

River Humber Basin District: River Basin Management Plan (Environment Agency, 2009) As for the above Severn RBMP discussed above, this plan is about the pressures facing the water environment in the River Humber Basin District, and the actions that will address them.

Relevant targets include:

By 2015, 22% of surface waters (rivers, lakes estuaries and coastal waters) are going to improve for at least one biological, chemical or physical element, measured as part of an assessment of good status according to the Water Framework Directive.

25% of surface waters will be at good or better ecological status and 17% of groundwater bodies will be at good overall status by 2015.

The LFRMS should consider how the water environment can be protected and enhanced.

The SEA Framework should include objectives that consider effects upon water quality and resource.



At least 30% of assessed surface waters will be at good or better biological quality by 2015.

Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy, 2008 To manage the risk of flooding around the Humber Estuary in ways that are sustainable for the people who live there, the economy and the environment, taking into account:

Natural estuary processes; and

Future changes in the environment (built or natural), sea levels or the climate.

To ensure that all proposals are technically feasible, economically viable, environmentally appropriate and socially beneficial.




Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy, 2013 The strategy is the EA’s plan to manage tidal flood risks in the Severn Estuary. The main objectives are to

Define a 100 year plan of investment for flood defences by the EA and local authorities;

Priorities other flood risk management measures such as providing advice to utility companies to protect critical infrastructure, development control advise and flood warning investment

Decide where we should create new inter-tidal wildlife habitats to compensate for losses of habitat caused by rising sea levels.




River Tame Flood Risk Management Strategy, 2011 The objectives of the strategy are to:

Understand and raise awareness of the risk of flooding on the River Tame;

Develop a plan for the management of flood risk that is sustainable, taking in to account future changes in the environment and the climate;

Ensuring all proposals are technically feasible, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally appropriate;

Seeking opportunities for environmental improvements wherever possible through the recommendation of integrated flood risk management measures; and






Working in partnership with and encouraging co-operation between stakeholdrers.

Cotswolds AONB Management Plan April 2013 - 18 The Cotswolds AONB Management Plan April 2013 – 18 is the statutory plan which sets out the policies for the management of the Cotswolds AONB and for the carrying out of its functions in relation to it. The Plan informs public bodies of the means by which they can demonstrate compliance with their statutory duty to “have regard to” the purpose of designation of the AONB when undertaking their functions. It also guides the engagement of public bodies, landowners, businesses and individuals in the management of the AONB.

The Management Plan contains many indicators for the monitoring of key issues. Some of the most relevant include:

Water Resources; and

Water quality of rivers (GQA/WFD)

The LFRMS needs to include policies that seek to protect (and enhance where possible) the AONB and other sensitive landscapes within the Borough.

The SEA Framework should include objectives that seek to ensure the protection and enhancement where possible of sensitive landscapes.

Birmingham and The Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan (2010) The plan comprises a series of action plans for habitats and species. For each of the habitats and species information is provided about current national, regional and local status. The main objectives are to:

maintain and increase the biodiversity of key sites and landscapes through appropriate protection and management;

restore degraded habitats and key species populations by restoring key areas;

link key areas with ecological corridors to reconnect wildlife populations and make them less vulnerable;

promote and support the use of the natural environment to mitigate against, and adapt to, the effects of climate change; and

enable the sustainable use of the natural environment to benefit health and wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors as well as improving the local economy.

For each habitat type/species a series of objectives, actions and timescales for implementation are identified.

The LFRMS needs to incorporate policies which support and promote the enhancement of biodiversity. The LFRMS could have a role in helping achieve the BAP targets. There is potential for conflict if flood prevention measures damage biodiversity.

The relevant objectives, targets and indicators should be integrated into the SEA Framework.

The Black Country Geodiversity Action Plan (2006/7)

Seven objectives are identified which reflect the wide range of interests’ involved in conserving the county’s geology and landforms:

To ensure geodiversity is identified and included as an integral part of all Black Country sub-regional and local strategies, plans and policies;

To develop and maintain comprehensive geodiversity data resources integrated with


The strategy should include policies which relate to geoconservation interests. There is potential conflict if flood prevention measures damage Local geological

The SEA should seek to protect and enhance geodiversity in Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.



other data sets;

To protect and enhance the geodiversity resource by appropriate designation of geological sites and features commensurate with their local, regional, national or international importance;

To manage existing geodiversity resources and create new features and opportunities in association with partners;

To increase public awareness and appreciation of the Black Country Geodiversity Heritage;

To maximise the opportunities for Black Country geodiversity, and

To establish appropriate mechanisms to secure the continuity, sustainability and effectiveness of the BCGAP process.

sites.

The Black Country Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2009) A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is a technical document that provides an assessment and overview of flood risk considerations by collating and appraising available information sources on flood risk. This includes rivers, surface water, groundwater, large reservoirs/lakes and sewers. The SFRA builds upon existing Council knowledge of flood risk within the Borough and that sourced through consultation with the Environment Agency, Thames Water and local Town and Parish Councils. The SFRA informs the preparation of the Local Development Framework and gives essential information for the allocation of land for development. The SFRA also helps to inform future planning decisions, including those made on planning applications. The Black Country SFRA was prepared in 2009 as a supplementary planning document to enable the Black Country Local Authorities to have a suitable evidence base for the development of appropriate planning policies with regards flood risk.




Dudley Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (2011) The Dudley PFRA was produced in compliance with the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 to provide a high level screening on historic and potential future flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. PFRAs were produced for every LLFA, based on existing information including historical flood records, the Flood Map for Surface Water (FMfSW) and the previous plans described above.




Walsall Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (2011) The Walsall PFRA was produced in compliance with the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 to The Plan does not contain The LFRMS should consider The SEA Framework



provide high level screening on historic and potential future flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. PFRAs were produced for every LLFA, based on existing information including historical flood records, the FMfSW and the previous plans described above.

specific targets or indicators. potential flood risk, and prevent development within the floodplain.

should include objectives that promote the reduction and management of flood risk.

Wolverhampton Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (2011) The Wolverhampton PFRA was produced in compliance with the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 to provide high level screening on historic and potential future flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. PFRAs were produced for every LLFA, based on existing information including historical flood records, the FMfSW and the previous plans described above.




Sandwell Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (2011) The Sandwell PFRA was produced in compliance with the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 to provide high level screening on historic and potential future flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. PFRAs were produced for every LLFA, based on existing information including historical flood records, the FMfSW and the previous plans described above.




Sandwell Surface Water Management Plan (2013) The Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) for Sandwell follows central government funding to tackle locations with expected surface water flooding problems. The SWMP builds on the work completed in the PFRA, 2011 to better analyse the risk to properties and people within the borough.

The Plan does not contact specific targets or indicators.



Sandwell Borough Council Local Plan (including the Black Country Core Strategy, 2011) The Local Plan provides detailed strategic planning guidance for the area. The Core Strategy forms the basis of the Local Plan, and has been prepared conjointly with the other Black Country local authorities. The Core Strategy is a ‘spatial planning document’ which will guide the transformation and regeneration of the Black Country by promoting economic growth through improving the quality of employment land and aiding the delivery of a broad mix of new homes between now and 2026, supported by new shops, offices, leisure, transport and environmental improvements.


Unless carefully sited and designed, new development can increase run-off by the addition of impermeable surfaces. This can result in increased risk of flooding downstream and to surrounding areas, as well as damage to the water




environment. Development will be restricted in areas liable to flood and in locations that would result in an increased flood risk in surrounding areas and downstream.

Dudley Borough Council Local Plan (including the Black Country Core Strategy, 2011) The Local Plan provides detailed strategic planning guidance for the area. The Core Strategy forms the basis of the Local Plan, and has been prepared conjointly with the other Black Country local authorities. The Core Strategy is a ‘spatial planning document’ which will guide the transformation and regeneration of the Black Country by promoting economic growth through improving the quality of employment land and aiding the delivery of a broad mix of new homes between now and 2026, supported by new shops, offices, leisure, transport and environmental improvements.


Unless carefully sited and designed, new development can increase run-off by the addition of impermeable surfaces. This can result in increased risk of flooding downstream and to surrounding areas, as well as damage to the water environment. Development will be restricted in areas liable to flood and in locations that would result in an increased flood risk in surrounding areas and downstream.


Wolverhampton City Council Local Plan including the Black Country Core Strategy, 2011) The Local Plan provides detailed strategic planning guidance for the area. The Core Strategy forms the basis of the Local Plan, and has been prepared conjointly with the other Black Country local authorities. The Core Strategy is a ‘spatial planning document’ which will guide the transformation and regeneration of the Black Country by promoting economic growth through improving the quality of employment land and aiding the delivery of a broad mix of new homes between now and 2026, supported by new shops, offices, leisure, transport and environmental improvements.


Unless carefully sited and designed, new development can increase run-off by the addition of impermeable surfaces. This can result in increased risk of flooding downstream and to surrounding areas, as well as damage to the water environment. Development will be restricted in areas liable to flood and in




locations that would result in an increased flood risk in surrounding areas and downstream.

Walsall Council Local Plan ( including the Black Country Core Strategy, 2011) The Local Plan provides detailed strategic planning guidance for the area. The Core Strategy forms the basis of the Local Plan, and has been prepared conjointly with the other Black Country local authorities. The Core Strategy is a ‘spatial planning document’ which will guide the transformation and regeneration of The Black Country by promoting economic growth through improving the quality of employment land and aiding the delivery of a broad mix of new homes between now and 2026, supported by new shops, offices, leisure, transport and environmental improvements.


Unless carefully sited and designed, new development can increase run-off by the addition of impermeable surfaces. This can result in increased risk of flooding downstream and to surrounding areas, as well as damage to the water environment. Development will be restricted in areas liable to flood and in locations that would result in an increased flood risk in surrounding areas and downstream.


Appendix B

BASELINE DATA

BIODIVERSITY/FLORA AND FAUNA

The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise conditions across the Black Country:

Number and distribution of designated sites (MAGIC, www.magic.gov.uk; iGIS, SMBC, DMBC, WC and WCC websites);

Condition of SSSIs (data from Natural England, 2014);

Areas of woodland, including ancient woodland (www.magic.gov.uk); and

Key Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and habitats present (Birmingham and Black Country BAP).

The Boroughs have a number of nationally designated sites of conservation importance (refer to Figures 1 and 2).

National Nature Reserves (NNR’s)

Wolverhampton, Walsall and Sandwell do not have any NNR’s within their district boundaries. However, adjacent to the east of the Walsall district boundary is Sutton Park, which is also a SSSI. Wren’s Nest NNR (also SSSI) is situated in the north of the Dudley borough.

Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI)

There are no SSSIs in the Wolverhampton City or Sandwell Borough.

There are 8 SSSIs in the Walsall area3. The Cannock Extension Canal SSSI is also an SAC extending from the Cannock Chase District into the north of Walsall District, and is approximately 5.1ha in size and is categorised as Standing Open Water and Canals. The Chasewater and The Southern Staffordshire Coalfield Heaths SSSI is approximately 530ha in size with its most southern area in the north of Walsall and has categories of Dwarf Shrub Heath, Lowland; Fen Marsh and Swamp, Lowland; and Standing Open Water and Canals. Clayhanger SSSI has an approximate area of 27.2ha and is categorised as Neutral Grassland – Lowland. Jockey Fields SSSI is approximately 17.9ha in size and categorised as Neutral Grassland – Lowland and M23 – Juncus effuses / acutiflorus – Galium palustre rush pasture. Swan Pool and The Swag SSSI is approximately 6ha in size and is categorised as Fen, Marsh and Swamp – Lowland. Stubbers Green Bog SSSI is approximately 2.7ha in size and is categorised as Fen, Marsh and Swamp – Lowland. Daw End Railway Cutting SSSI is approximately 8ha in size and is categorised as Earth Heritage. Hay Head Quarry SSSI is approximately 5.5ha in size and is categorised as Earth Heritage.

According to Natural England’s website5 a portion of Cannock Extension Canal SSSI is unfavourable – recovering and the remainder favourable. The majority of The Chasewater and The Southern Staffordshire Coalfield Heaths Dwarf Shrub Heaths SSSI is unfavourable – recovering with the Fen, Marsh and Swamp and Standing Open Water and Canals SSSI being favourable. The Clayhanger SSSI has areas which are unfavourable - recovering; however, the majority of areas are unfavourable – declining. The Neutral Grassland – Lowland areas of Jockey Fields SSSI are Unfavourable – recovering, however the M23 – Juncus effuses / acutiflorus – Galium palustre rush pasture is Unfavourable – No change. Swan Pool and The Swag SSSI is Unfavourable – No change. Stubbers Green Bog is Unfavourable – declining. Around half of Daw End Railway Cutting is Favourable, with the other half being Unfavourable – declining. Hay Head Quarry is Favourable.

There are 8 SSSIs in the Dudley Borough5. Wren’s Nest SSSI is situated in the north of the borough and is approximately 34ha in size; Turner’s Hill SSSI is approximately 1.6ha in size; Barrow Hill and Tansey Green SSSI is approximately 15ha in size; Ketley Claypit is approximately 1.6ha in size; Brewin’s Canal Section is approximately 1.3ha in size; and Doulton’s Claypit is approximately 3ha in size; Road Cutting, Tenterfields SSSI is approximately 0.18ha in size. All SSSI’s located within Dudley

3 http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/environment/conservation/ecological--geological-services/

are categorised as Earth Heritage apart from Fens Pools, approximately 38ha in size, is categorised as Standing Open Water and Canals. According to Natural England’s website4, Wren’s Nest, Ketley Claypit, Brewin’s Canal Section and Fens Pools are all Favourable. Turner’s Hill is Unfavourable – Recovering. Barrow Hill and Tansey Green is mainly Favourable with a small percentage of the SSSI as Unfavourable – No change. Doulton’s Claypit and Bromsgrove Road Cutting, Tenterfields is Unfavourable – No Change.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)

LNR's reflect areas of locally important nature conservation or amenity value and give access to the public. Wolverhampton has 1 LNR: Smestow Valley, which lies to the west of the borough and is approximately 51ha in size5. There are 11 LNRs within Walsall, comprising Barr Beason and Pinfold Lane Quarry, Cuckoo’s Nook and the Dingle, Fibbersley, Hay Head Wood, Mill Lane, Merrions Wood, Moorcroft Wood, Park Lime Pitts, Pelsall Common North, Rough Wood Chase and Shire Oak Park6. Sandwell has 10 LNRs, comprising Holly Wood, Gorse Farm Wood, Forge Mill Lake, Priory Woods, Sot’s Hole with Bluebell Wood, Sheepwash, Codsall Coppice, Mousesweet Brook, RSPB Sandwell Valley and Warrens Hall7. A further 6 LNR’s lie in Dudley, comprising Cotwall End, Barrow Hill, Buckpool and Fens Pool and Saltwells and Bumble hole and Warrens Hall8.

There are numerous non-statutory sites in the Black Country, referred to as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs)9. There are 103 located within the Black Country10 covering a total area of 160ha. There have recently been some net losses to such nature conservation sites in recent years within the Black Country region11.

4 https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ReportUnitCondition.aspx?SiteCode=S1001404&ReportTitle=BROMSGROVE

ROAD CUTTING, TENTERFIELDS 5 http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/article/3355/Smestow-Valley-Local-Nature-Reserve 6 http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/index/nature_reserves.htm 7 http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200248/parks_and_green_spaces/2313/nature_reserves 8 http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/environment/countryside/nature-reserves/ 9 http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/bap/html/ptables.htm 10 http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/bap/html/ptables.htm 11 Sandwell Annual Monitoring Report

Figures 1 and 2 – International, National and Local Nature Conservation Designations (Source: iGIS)

The UK Government published ‘Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan’ in 1994. The plan combined new and existing conservation initiatives with an emphasis on a partnership approach. It contains objectives for conserving and enhancing species and habitats as well as promoting public awareness and contributing to international conservation efforts. Following on from the initial strategy publication, Species Action Plans (SAPs) and Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) were published for the UK’s most threatened (i.e. “priority”) species and habitats. In addition Local Biodiversity Action Plans have been produced at county level. These plans usually include actions to address the needs of the UK priority habitats and species in the local area, together with a range of other plans for habitats and species that are of local importance or interest (Biodiversity Action Reporting System12).

The Birmingham and the Black Country BAP is made up of many individual species and habitat plans. Each plan gives information on the status and threats to the species or habitat. The most important section of the plan details the conservation action required and the organisations responsible. Birmingham and the Black Country BAP species and habitats include the following13:

Habitat Action Plans;

Ancient broad-leaved (semi-natural);

Lowland neutral and base-rich grassland;

Lowland dry acid grassland;

Lowland wet grassland;

Rivers and streams;

Canals;

Arable Fields; and

Field margins and beetle banks;

Urban Habitat Plans;

Urban “Wasteland”;

Managed Greenspace; and

Building / Built Environment;

Species Plans;

Deadwood habitats (invertebrates and fungi);

Badger;

Bluebell;

Green hairstreak;

Dingy skipper;

Orchids;

Vaccinium spp.;

White-clawed Crayfish;

Amphibians;

Great Crested Newts;

Snipe;

Floating water-plantain;

12 http://www.ukbap-reporting.org.uk/ 13 http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/bap/html/main.htm

Water vole

Hedgerows;

Brown hare;

Tree sparrow;

Grey partridge;

Skylark;

Little ringed plover;

Wall butterfly;

Garden ponds;

Eutrophic urban pools;

Song thrush;

Bats;

Black redstart; and

Kestrel.

There are a number of areas of ancient woodland across the Black Country. Figure 2 shows the locations of these. Although these are considerably scattered throughout the boroughs, there are an increased number of larger areas of ancient woodland to the east and west of the Black Country.

Figure 2: Ancient Woodland in the Black Country

Source: iGIS

POPULATION

The following baseline indicators have been used to identify key population trends and characteristics:

Total population and density (2011 Census);

Age structure of the population (2011 Census); and

Ethnic groups represented in the population (Black Country Contextual update, 2012 – 2013)

Table 1 shows the percentage increase of population across the Black Country between 2001 and 2011. Population has increased in all the Black Country areas and is mainly consistent with the West Midlands and England and Wales increases. Dudley has had the smallest increase of 2% in contrast to Sandwell where the population increased by 8.17%.

Table 1: Population change 2001 – 2011

REGION 2011 POPULATION CHANGE IN POPULATION SINCE 2001 Number Percentage

Wolverhampton 249,470 +12,888 +5.17% Walsall 269,323 +15,824 +5.88% Sandwell 308,063 +25,159 +8.17% Dudley 312, 925 +7,770 +2% West Midlands 5,601,847 +334,539 +6% England and Wales 53,012,456 +3,873,625 +7.3%

Source: Neighbourhood Online Statistics

The change in the proportion of young people between the ages of 10 and 14 from 2001 and 2011 was decreased substantially in Wolverhampton (-8.6%) and Dudley (-6.1%) which is comparable to the West Midlands (-6.1%), yet Sandwell (-2.4%) and Walsall (-2%) had a much lower decline. Sandwell has a significantly higher percentage of residents aged 20-29 than the other areas in the Black Country, West Midlands and England. Dudley has a higher percentage of residents from age 60+ than the other areas in the Black Country and West Midlands as a whole. Dudley and Walsall have experienced a decline in residents between the ages of 30-39 which is much higher than Wolverhampton, Sandwell, West Midlands as a whole and England. Wolverhampton has a significant decline of population of the age of 85+ of -29%, in contrast to the rest of the Black Country, West Midlands and England which all have increases of 23.7% or more.

Table 2 breaks down the above analysis for the Black Country more comprehensively by quinary age groups and compares with the regional and English average.

Table 2: Population change for 2011 in quinary age groups

AGE GROUP

WO

LVER

HAM

PTO

N

2011

PO

PULA

TIO

N

WAL

SALL

201

1 PO

PULA

TIO

N

SAN

DW

ELL

2011

PO

PULA

TIO

N

DU

DLE

Y 20

11

POPU

LATI

ON

CHANGE IN POPULATION SINCE 2001

WO

LVER

HAM

PTO

N

% IN

CR

EAS

E

WAL

SALL

%

INC

REA

SE

SAN

DW

ELL

%

INC

REA

SE

DU

DLE

Y %

IN

CR

EASE

WES

T M

IDLA

ND

S %

INC

REA

SE

ENG

LAN

D %

IN

CR

EASE

0-4 16,687 18,373 22,669 18,867 17.7% 12% 24.8% 11.2% 11.2% 13.4% 5-9 14,442 16,971 20,194 17,934 -7.9% -3% 2.4% -4.8% -4.8% -4.8% 10-14 15,095 17,266 19,333 18,539 -8.6% -2% -2.4% -6.1% -6.1% -4.6% 15-19 16,728 17,667 20,220 19,863 8.8% 9% 11.9% 8.7% 8.7% 10.1% 20-24 17,988 17,504 20,793 18,141 18% 27% 33.3% 23.3% 23.3% 21.8% 25-29 17,947 17,690 23,085 18,947 14% 12% 19.8% 10.7% 10.7% 11.7% 30-34 16,436 16,184 21,326 18,024 -10% -14.8% -5.4% -12.6% -12.6% -7.3%

AGE GROUP

WO

LVER

HAM

PTO

N

2011

PO

PULA

TIO

N

WAL

SALL

201

1 PO

PULA

TIO

N

SAN

DW

ELL

2011

PO

PULA

TIO

N

DU

DLE

Y 20

11

POPU

LATI

ON

CHANGE IN POPULATION SINCE 2001

WO

LVER

HAM

PTO

N

% IN

CR

EAS

E

WAL

SALL

%

INC

REA

SE

SAN

DW

ELL

%

INC

REA

SE

DU

DLE

Y %

IN

CR

EASE

WES

T M

IDLA

ND

S %

INC

REA

SE

ENG

LAN

D %

IN

CR

EASE

35-39 16,744 16,906 21,168 19,798 -3.5% -10% -2% -9.8% -9.8% -8.6% 40-44 18,219 19,503 22,411 23,848 17% 16.6% 21.5% 13% 13% 12.3% 45-49 17,370 19,087 21,398 23,248 22.8% 24% 30% 21.5% 21.5% 24.7% 50-54 14,949 16,464 17,991 19,583 3% 0.3% 5.4% -2.7% -2.7% 0.5% 55-59 13,255 14,672 15,495 18,389 5.9% -2% 1% 2.3% 2.3% 7.6% 60-64 12,981 15,221 15,230 19,547 10.6% -7.9% 28.3% 25.6% 25.6% 32.6% 65-69 10,853 13,227 13,139 17,255 2% 6% 1.2% 16.4% 16.4% 18.6% 70-74 9,712 11,439 11,381 14,247 6.4% 6.23% -4.2% 5.6% 5.6% 4.9% 75-79 8,146 9,194 9,186 11,379 5% 9.6% -7.4% 2.1% 2.1% 1.5% 80-84 6,322 6,558 6,950 8,418 12.9% 23% 0.2% 14.8% 14.8% 13.8% 85+ 5,596 5,397 6,185 6,898 -29% 33.5% 27.4% 30% 30% 23.7%

Source: Neighbourhood Online Statistics

In 2011, the Local Authority areas in the Black Country had a significantly higher population density compared to West Midlands as a whole (4.3 people per hectare), with Sandwell being the highest density of 36 people per hectare, then Wolverhampton with 35.9 people per hectare, Dudley at 31.9 people per hectare and Walsall with 25.9 people per hectare14.

According to the Black Country contextual update (2012-13), Wolverhampton has the greatest proportion of minority groups (defined as non-White British) at 35.5%, with Sandwell having 34.2%, Walsall 23% and Dudley 11.5%. Asian groups are the largest minorities in each area; Pakistani in Dudley and Indian in the other three districts15.

HUMAN HEALTH

The following baseline data has been used to identify key trends:

Percentage of the resident population who consider themselves to be in good health (ONS);

Number of wards with Lower Super Output Area (LSOA) in the bottom 10% most deprived for health deprivation and disability ( Local Health Profiles);

Life expectancy at birth for males and females for the period 2005 – 2009 and for 2013 (ONS);

Contextual information for mortality and mortality rates for circulatory disease and cancer (Local Council’s Health Profile and the council’s websites); and

Conception rate of under-18 year olds (per 1,000 15-17 year olds) (The local Health Profiles).

At the time of the 2011 census, the residents of the Black Country considered themselves relatively healthy with at least 76% stating that their health was ‘good’ or better within each local authority area, which is slightly better than the West Midlands (80%), but lower than England at 81.4% (refer to Table 3 below).

14 http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/index.html 15 http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/black_country_contextual_update_2012-13.pdf

Table 3: Health of the Black Country according to 2011 census 16

WOLVERHAMPTON % WALSALL % SANDWELL % DUDLEY % WEST MIDLANDS % ENGLAND % Very good health

41% 42.2% 41% 42.4% 45.1% 47.2%

Good health 35.3% 35.1% 34.8% 35.8% 34.8% 34.2%

Fair health 15.7% 15.5% 15.6% 15.3% 14% 13.1%

Bad health 5.5% 5.6% 5.9% 5.1% 4.7% 4.3%

Very bad health

1.7% 1.7% 1.8% 1.4% 1.4% 1.3%

Source: Office for National Statistics

Life expectancy for males and females has gradually increased across the Black Country between 2005 and 2009. Table 4 presents this data. During all three periods life expectancy for both males and females in Sandwell is lower compared to the rest of the Black Country, West Midlands and England averages.

Table 4: Life Expectancy at Birth for Males and Females

YEAR Indicator 2005-2007 2006-2008 2007-2009 Life Expectancy at Birth (Males) Wolverhampton 75.7 75.7 76.3 Walsall 75.7 75.9 76.3 Sandwell 74.2 74.3 74.9 Dudley 77.1 77.2 77.8 West Midlands 76.9 77.2 77.5 England 77.6 77.9 78.3 Life Expectancy at Birth (Females) Wolverhampton 80.3 80.5 81.0 Walsall 81.3 81.3 81.9 Sandwell 80.0 80.0 80.7 Dudley 81.6 81.9 82.2 West Midlands 81.4 81.6 81.9 England 81.8 82.0 82.3

Source: Office for National Statistics

The Wolverhampton Health Profile shows that over the last 10 years, all cause mortality rates have fallen within the city. Early death rates from cancer and from heart disease and stroke have fallen but remain worse than the England average.

According to the Walsall Health Profile, over the last 10 years, all cause mortality rates have slightly fallen within in the area and are only slightly worst than the England average. Early death rates from heart disease and stroke and cancer have fallen but remain worse than the England average.

According to the Sandwell Health Profile, over the last 10 years, all cause mortality rates have fallen within the borough. Early death rates from cancer and from heart disease and stroke have fallen but remain worse than the England average.

16 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/

The Dudley Health Profile shows that over the last 10 years, all cause mortality rates have fallen within the borough and are similar to the England average. Early death rates from cancer and heart disease and stroke have also fallen and remain fairly consistent with the England average.

The census also asked people if they were providing unpaid care to family, friends or neighbours with long term physical or mental health problems. All of the areas within the Black Country are substantially higher than the 10.2% in England: Wolverhampton – 10.9%, Walsall – 11.1%, Sandwell – 11% and Dudley – 12.1%. In Wolverhampton, in 2001, 25,707 people stated that they provided unpaid care, compared to 27,136 in 2011, an increase of 5.6% people over ten years. In Walsall, 27,941 people stated that they provided unpaid care in 2001, increasing by 9.6% in 2011 to 30,632. Sandwell’s population declared that 30,086 people provided unpaid care, increasing by 11.5% to 33,530 in 2011. In Dudley, in 2001, 35,030 people stated that they provided unpaid care, compared to 37,974 in 2011, an increase of 8.4%17.

According to ‘The Black Country Contextual Update’ document15, Wolverhampton is ranked the 21st most deprived local authority out of 326 LAs in England, Walsall is ranked 30th, Sandwell 12th and Dudley is 104. In the 2010 Indices of Deprivation shows that 9.4% of Dudley’s LSOA were amongst the 10% most deprived in England, compared to 24.3% in Walsall, 23.6% in Wolverhampton and 30.5% in Sandwell.

SOIL AND LAND QUALITY

The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the soil and land quality conditions across the Black Country:

Distribution of best and most versatile agricultural land (iGIS and www.magic.gov.uk);

Soil types within the Black Country (Soilscapes website);

Percentage of housing completions on previously developed land (ONS);

The Black Country Core Strategy;

The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment’s (SHLAA) for the local authorities;

Key sources of Contaminated Land (local authorities websites); and

Area of previously developed vacant land, vacant buildings and derelict land and buildings (ONS).

The Black Country Core Strategy and the SHLAA’s for each of the local authorities, state that at least 95% of residential development should be located on previously developed, brownfield land. In 2010/2011, Sandwell exceeded this with 97% of completions18, exceeding the targets set out. Dudley further exceeded the target by 98.1% of development completions19. Walsall also exceeded the targets with 98% in 2011/201220. Wolverhampton did not meet the target in 2011/201221 with 93% of development completions.

Contaminated Land documents are not available; however 83 sites are on the public register for contaminated sites22. In the 18th Century, the metal trades were the main manufacturing industries of Walsall due to its location. The main employment within this area was in the making of bits, stirrups, buckles, chains, mining, engineering, decorative leather goods, harnesses and saddlery, nails, locks and iron founding. Due to the historical land use of the area it is envisaged that there are numerous potential sources of ground contamination. A known database of potentially contaminated sites in the area shows nearly 9,000 areas that are potentially contaminated23.

17 Office for National Statistics (2011) Neighbourhood Statistics http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk 18 http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/ 19 http://www.dudley.gov.uk/ 20 http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/local_plan_monitoring_report_2012__final_.pdf 21 http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1474&p=0 22 http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/article/3372/Contaminated-land 23 http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/contaminated_land.pdf

In Sandwell, the key potential sources of contamination within the Borough are those associated with the legacy of land contamination arising from a range of past activities including industrial processes, mining and waste disposal, and sites such as petrol stations, railway land and transport depots, scrap yards and sewage treatment works / waste water treatment works24.

Dudley is situated at the heart of The Black Country, and is an intensely industrialised area that was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. It has strong industrial heritage, built upon its mineral wealth of coal, ironstone, limestone, fireclay and sand. Numerous sites have become contaminated due to human activities involving the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of toxic or hazardous substances. In addition, land contamination as a result of substances such as arsenic, methane and carbon dioxide occur naturally due to the geology of the Borough. Contamination can also be present as a result of accidents, spillages, aerial deposition or migration. The nature of the borough’s industrial past has also resulted in other hazardous ground conditions associated with unstable land, shallow coal workings, mineshafts and limestone caverns being present. The key potential sources of contamination within the Borough are those associated with the legacy of land contamination and sites such as petrol stations, railway land and transport depots, scrap yards and sewage treatment works / waste water treatment work25.

According to Agricultural Land Classification, the majority of the Black Country is classified as urban (Figure 3). Grade 3 (good to moderate quality) land lies to the north of Wolverhampton, the north and east of Walsall and the north of Dudley. Small pockets of Grade 2 (very good quality) agricultural land can be found in the north west of Wolverhampton and the west of Dudley. In addition, there are areas of Grade 4 (poor quality) to the north of Wolverhampton, north of Walsall, east of Sandwell and north of Dudley.

Figure 3: Agricultural Land Classification

Source: iGIS

The amount of vacant land, derelict land and buildings and vacant buildings across The Black Country is fairly high when compared to other parts of West Midlands26 . In 2010, the areas of derelict land and buildings and vacant buildings within Wolverhampton were 120ha. Sandwell (140ha) and Walsall

24 SMBC Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy, January 2013 25 DMBC Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy, 2015 26 Office for National Statistics

(130ha) were similar to Wolverhampton, however Dudley was significantly lower with only 40ha of derelict land and buildings and vacant buildings.

According to Natural England, the geology of the West Midlands is dominated by the South Staffordshire Coalfield, which has contributed greatly to the industrial and economic development of the area through exploitation. Upper Carboniferous Coal Measures underlie the main conurbation of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Bromwich and Dudley, with sandstones and mudstones surrounding (Triassic aged rocks) and underlying much of Birmingham and forming the solid geology up to Sutton Coldfield. Within the main mass of the Coal Measures there are a number of isolated outcrops of older Silurian rock, which are shallow water limestones and shales containing a wide range of marine fossils and form the famous outcrops at Wren’s Nest and Dudley Castle Hill. There are also a number of igneous intrusions into the Coal Measures. Much of the area has been mantled in thick deposits of boulder clay and sands and gravel deposited by ice sheets and meltwaters during the Ice Ages of the last two million years27.

According to the Soilscapes28 website (Figure 4), the main soil type within the Black Country is ‘slowly permeable, seasonally wet, slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils’ within the north of Wolverhampton, Walsall, the majority of Sandwell and a small portion in the south of Dudley. These areas are of moderate fertility. The majority of Dudley is classified as ‘slowly permeable, seasonally wet, acid loamy and clayey soils’ with low fertility. The east of Dudley and west of Sandwell comprises soil type of ‘slightly acid, loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage’ with a moderate to high fertility. In addition, there are smaller areas of ‘freely draining slightly acid sandy soils’ to the south of Sandwell, ‘naturally wet very acid sandy and loamy soils’ to the east of Sandwell, ‘freely draining acid loamy soils over rock’, to the east of Dudley, ‘loamy soils with naturally high groundwater’ to the east of Wolverhampton and ‘loamy and clayey floodplain soils with naturally high groundwater’ to the south of Walsall.

Figure 4: Soil Types

Source: Soilscape

27 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/geodiversity/englands/counties/area_ID38.aspx 28 https://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/

WATER

The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the water environment in the Black Country:

River catchment areas (Environment Agency Catchment Flood Management Plans);

Distribution of areas at risk of fluvial flooding (Environment Agency Flood Map); and

Number of planning applications granted permission contrary to Environment Agency advice (AMR’s for the Black Country Boroughs).

Water is an essential resource required for domestic and industrial use. The Black Country is at the watershed of two major rivers. The majority of the Black Country drains into the River Trent via the River Tame. Many watercourses, particularly in the River Tame catchment, are culverted or in concrete channels through the urban areas29.

The main watercourses (i.e. managed by the EA and the Canal and River Trust) in the Black Country are Stourbridge Canal, River Stour (Warks), River Tame, Birmingham to Wolverhampton Canal, Wyreley and Essington, Daw End and Rushall Canals, Titford Feeder, Titford Canal, Walsall Canal, Coseley Catchtrib and Hockley Brook Catchment.

The Black Country has mostly a moderate to good record of water quality (Figure 5) which is fairly consistent with the rest of the County.

Figure 5: Current Ecological Quality of rivers in The Black Country

Source: Environment Agency

The Environment Agency has identified a risk of flooding on land adjacent to Rivers Stour, Tame and Coseley Catchtrib and the Smestow Brook and Sneyd Brook (Environment Agencies online Flood 29 http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/black_country_contextual_update_2012-13.pdf

Map). Flooding remains a risk within the Black Country with communities located adjacent to, or near, these watercourses.

During 2011/2012, there were no applications granted by WCC contrary to EA advice on flooding and water quality. One application with an EA objection has yet to be determined30. During 2011/2012, there were no planning applications approved by WC that were contrary to the advice of the EA on flood risk grounds or water quality grounds31. During financial year 2011/2012, no applications were approved by SMBC contrary to EA advice on flooding and water quality32. During the year 2011 no applications were approved by DMBC contrary to EA advice on flooding and water quality33, although one application was granted permission with a relevant condition.

High levels of nitrates are found in areas of poor water quality. The whole of the Black Country is covered by a Surface Water Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), according to the Environment Agency website34. NVZs apply to areas where surface and/or groundwater contains nitrate concentrations in excess of 50mg/l.

Water resources within the Black Country are managed by South Staffordshire Water, apart from in Wolverhampton, which is managed by Severn Trent Water.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The following baseline indicators have been used:

Changing weather patterns (Met Office); and

Annual average domestic gas and electricity consumption per consumer (www.gov.uk).

Action to avoid the most serious effects of climate change, and to minimise the emission of greenhouse gases needs to occur at a local level. The Black Country will not be immune to the impacts of climate change, either directly or as a result of policy responses at the national and international levels.

Changing weather patterns may be seen as direct indicators of climate change. The Met Office’s average figures for the Midlands for 1981-2010 indicate that minimum daily temperatures ranged from 0.8°C in February to a minimum of 11.5°C in July, while maximum temperatures ranged from 6.7°C in January to 21.1°C in July. Average monthly rainfall in the Midlands varies from 54.0mm in February, to 82.0mm in October, with an average annual total of 798.3mm35. All regions of the UK have experienced an increase over the past 45 years in the contribution to winter rainfall from heavy precipitation events; in summer all regions except NE England and N Scotland show decreases.

Table 5 below represents the average domestic energy usage per year per customer. Over the years, trends show that energy consumption has decreased fairly substantially. Walsall’s average gas consumption has decreased the most from 2010-2013 with a reduction of 1,625kWh per consumer, with Sandwell consumers reducing the least (1,326kWh). Between 2010 and 2013, the electrical consumption across the Black Country has been fairly consistent between 177kW and 187kW; however, Dudley has decreased significantly more with a reduction of 223kW per year.

30 http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1474&p=0 31 http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/local_plan_monitoring_report_2012__final_.pdf 32 http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/downloads/download/441/annual_monitoring_reports 33 http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/planning/planning-policy/local-development-framework/annual-monitoring-report/ 34 http://maps.environment-

agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?topic=nvz&ep=map&scale=7&lang=_e&layerGroups=default&layerGroupToQuery=1&x=411374.9996&y=314125.00035&textonly=off

35 Met Office (2013) Average Tables. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/hill-top-west-midlands-conurbation#?tab=climateTables

Table 5: Average energy consumption per customer since 201036

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

ENERGY 2010 2011 2012 2013

Wolverhampton Gas (kWh) 15,289 14,493 14,222 13,735 Electric (kW) 3,972 3,919 3,838 3,785

Walsall Gas (kWh) 15,350 14,488 14,219 13,725 Electric (kW) 4,029 3,988 3,892 3,854

Sandwell Gas (kWh) 14,148 13,459 13,213 12,822 Electric (kW) 3,828 3,759 3,683 3,651

Dudley Gas (kWh) 14,876 14,027 13,935 13,510 Electric (kW) 4,003 3,920 3,817 3,780

MINERALS AND WASTE

The following baseline indicator has been used to characterise the existing conditions:

Amount of household waste collected and recycled (Government Statistical Data Sets);

Proportion of fly tipping incidents (local authorities Annual Monitoring Reports); and

Amount of waste produced (Environment Agency, 2010).

The emerging Black Country Core Strategy for Minerals and Waste will contain mineral and waste specific policies for use in determining planning applications for waste or quarry developments. It will set out the strategy for future minerals and waste development and addresses issues including mineral extraction; waste management and recycling; protecting mineral resources and restoring minerals and waste sites.

Across the Black Country, collected waste per household has increased, with the smallest increase of 5.99kg in Sandwell, and the largest increase in Wolverhampton of 16.73kg. This is shown in Table 6 below37.

Table 6: Collected household waste per person

BOROUGH 2012/2013 (KG) 2013/2014 (KG) Wolverhampton 418.35 435.08 Walsall 390.99 407.71 Sandwell 379.29 385.28 Dudley 380.92 390.69 The aim within the Black Country is to have sufficient waste recycling and waste management facilities in locations which are the most accessible and have the least environmental impact38. The Black Country will have zero waste growth in managing waste and will have an increased variety of waste management facilities that will enable the management of a wider range of wastes locally, move waste up the waste hierarchy and address waste as a valuable resource.

The 2012 AMR states that the number of reported fly-tipping incidents has decreased Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton since 2006/7, whereas the number of incidents in Walsall has

36

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?keywords=gas&publication_filter_option=all&topics%5B%5D=all&departments%5B%5D=department-of-energy-climate-change&official_document_status=all&world_locations%5B%5D=all&from_date=&to_date=

37 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/env18-local-authority-collected-waste-annual-results-tables

38 The Black Country Core Strategy, 2012

increased. The proportion of such incidents in the Black Country in 2011/12 was higher than the national average (65.3% of all incidents reported in England 2011/12). The Black Country’s target is to not increase the total number of fly-tipping incidents or number Household, Commercial and Construction, Demolition and Waste Incidents.

The proportion of incidents involving fly-tipping of CD&EW waste was also higher than the national average, 7.4% in the Black Country compared to 6% of all incidents reported in England. However, the percentage of incidents involving fly-tipping of commercial waste was lower than the national average – 5.8% in the Black Country compared to 6.6% in England. The Dudley and Walsall areas fall below the Black Country average, being below the national average for fly tipping of Household Waste, whilst Sandwell and Wolverhampton statistics are higher than the Black Country and national averages. In terms of CD&EW, Dudley falls below the Black Country and national average, however, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton exceed these. Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton are substantially lower than the Black Country and national averages in terms of Commercial waste fly tipping, whereas Dudley is significantly higher39.

To reduce the need for natural resources, recycled and secondary materials should be used where feasible in construction projects and new developments that occur in the Borough. The successful implementation of sustainable design and construction techniques will reduce emissions from the domestic and commercial sectors and will assist in tackling the impacts of climate change. In addition, the promotion of renewable energy technologies at the micro and macro levels will help to reduce the need for energy from sources that contribute to climate change and will go towards meeting the renewable energy targets at the national, regional and local level. The Local Plan for each of the LA’s, of which the Black Country Core Strategy is the lead document, is one of the mechanisms through which emission reductions will be put into action.

There are four Active Waste Schemes in the Black Country. This comprises the Wolverhampton Incinerator with a capacity of 8.35MW, Himley Wood (1.82MW), Edwin Richards (1.78MW) and Dudley Incinerator (6.2MW). There is one proposed / planned Energy to Waste Scheme, which would be the Foxyards Waste to Energy Plant.

Source: Renewables Map40

TRANSPORTATION

The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the existing conditions across the Black Country:

Distribution of major transport systems – roads, airports, ports, rail etc. (Ordnance Survey mapping); and

Journey to work by mode (2011 Census).

The Black Country is served by effective communication links that provide access to the rest of the country. The M5 runs along the south-eastern boundary of Dudley connecting through Sandwell to the M6 linking in to Walsall and Wolverhampton. The areas within the Black Country have additional inter-connections via A roads, which also connect to outside the Black Country including to Birmingham City Centre. In addition, the Black Country is connected by local and national rail services and local bus services.

Figures 7 and 8 below show the cycle paths in the Black Country. National Routes run from the centres of the boroughs, effectively creating a connection between them, and Walsall and Wolverhampton are connected b y a

39 Sandwell AMR, 2012 40 http://www.renewables-map.co.uk/index.asp?Status=2&passlat=52.411&passlong=-1.777&passzoom=9

Local Route, both on and off road. There are no cycle routes to the west of Wolverhampton, to the east of Walsall and the south of Sandwell. Figure 7: Designated Cycle Paths for Wolverhampton and Walsall

Source: iGIS

Figure 8: Designated Cycle Paths for Sandwell and Dudley

Source: iGIS

Travel to work statistics indicate that Walsall residents (7%) and Dudley residents (6.5%) use methods of public transportation at a similar level to the West Midlands (6.5%), whereas the residents of Wolverhampton (9%) and Sandwell (10.7%) are similar to England (11%). Compared to 2001, the residents in Wolverhampton using public transportation has increased by 1.12%, Walsall by 1%, Sandwell by 0.9%, Dudley by 0.1%, West Midlands has stayed the same and England has increased by 1.6%41. These statistics also show that a substantially higher proportion of all residents in the UK travel by private transport, inclusive of driving a car, van, motorcycle or as a passenger in the former. In 2011, Wolverhampton’s residents using private transportation was at 39.6%, Walsall at 43%, Sandwell at 39.8%, Dudley at 47.8%, West Midlands at 45.8% and England at 40.7%. Since 2001, the use of private transportation in Wolverhampton has increased by 0.39% which is substantially less than in England at +1.5%. Sandwell is at +3.6% and Dudley at +2.4% which are more in line with West Midlands at +3.8%. The increase for Walsall residents is significantly higher at +6.3%.

Data from the 2001 Census revealed that the majority of residents in the Black Country as a whole travel up to 10km to work. It is recognised that out-commuting by the resident population occurs on a daily basis for employment reasons42.

The West Midlands Local Transport Plan (2006) objectives are:

To improve safety;

To promote accessibility;

To contribute to an efficient economy; and

To promote integration and to protect the environment.

The Local Transport Plan aims to provide greater choices for all residents to access the services and facilities they need. Improving travel choice will bring about a change in people’s travel habits, signalling a shift away from reliance on the private car, particularly in terms of single occupancy car use, in favour of more sustainable modes.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the cultural heritage baseline:

Number and distribution of Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas and Registered Parks and Gardens (iGIS, www.magic.gov.uk, Historic Environment website);

Eligible open spaces managed to Green Flag standards (The Black Country LA AMRs); and

Historic Landscape Characterisation (Black Country Historic Landscape Characterisation).

Table 7 shows the number of Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas and Registered Parks and Gardens within the Black Country, which has a range of cultural heritage assets.

41 Office for National Statistics 42 Office for National Statistics

Table 7: Summary of cultural heritage assets in the Black Country

BOROUGH LISTED BUILDINGS SCHEDULED MONUMENTS CONSERVATION AREAS REGISTERED PARKS AND GARDENS

Wolverhampton43 429 4 30 2 Walsall44 155 5 18 3 Sandwell45 195 9 9 4 Dudley46 344 11 22 2 Figure 9: Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings in the Black Country

Source: iGIS

43 http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/home 44 https://www.walsall.gov.uk/ 45 http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/ 46 http://www.dudley.gov.uk/

The Scheduled Monuments in Wolverhampton are fairly interspersed across the city and consist of Lady Godiva's churchyard cross in St Bartholomew's churchyard, Churchyard cross in St Bartholomew's churchyard, Cross in St Mary’s churchyard and Anglian cross 25m south of St Peter's Collegiate Church. Walsall Scheduled Monuments are more central and north of the area and consist of Hillfort known as The Castle Fort at Castlebank Plantation, Cross in All Saints churchyard, Medieval fortified house at Rushall Hall, Hlaew 12m north west of Rushall Hall and Moated site, 15m south of Moat Farm. The Scheduled Monuments in Sandwell are situated to the east of the borough and consist of a Benedictine monastery, Chances Glassworks, Smeaton’s Summit Bridge, Engine Arm Aquaduct, Smethwich Engine House and the Remains of the Boulton and Watt Soho foundry and mint. The larger of the Scheduled Monuments situated in Dudley are to the north of the borough, although there are also a couple around the southern boundary. The Scheduled Monuments in Dudley consist of Halesowen Abbey and associated water control features, Wychbury Ring, The Redhouse Whitehouse and Newhouse glassworks, Coal mining remains at Saltwells Wood, Medieval settlement at Cooper’s Bank Farm, St James’ Priory, Lime working remains in Dudley and Dudley Castle.

Conservation areas within the Black Country are fairly scattered. In Wolverhampton the majority lie to the centre and west of the city with a few to the east. In Walsall they are scattered throughout the area. Sandwell has fewer conservation areas with the majority situated in the east of the borough. Dudley’s conservation areas are more interspersed across the borough with a slightly larger cluster to the west.

The majority of Registered Parks and Gardens are clustered to the centre of the Black Country, the largest being to the south of Walsall – Great Barr Hall. A small number are located towards to the boundaries of the Black Country.

The Civic Trust and DCLG administer the Green Flag Award, given for the quality and management of parks and other public open spaces. Despite its predominantly urban character area Sandwell has many areas of open space which includes seven award winning green flag parks and approximately 820ha of Green Belt, which contribute to its environmental quality and attractiveness47. During the monitoring period 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012, The Green Flag Award Scheme has been awarded to 3 separate parks within the Dudley borough, notably Silver Jubilee Park in Coseley, Netherton Park and The Leasowes Historic Park in Halesowen48. Palfrey Park and Willenhall Memorial Park in Walsall are green flag parks, with an award for atleast 6 years49. No information is available for Wolverhampton.

In addition to the designated built heritage resource it is also important to recognise the historic character of the landscape in the Black Country. In 2009, the Black Country Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) project50 took place, which aims to be a tool in understanding the landscape as it exists today, by placing it firmly in a context of the historical development of its constituent parts, in order to assist the sensitive management of the built environment in the future. The result of this process was the division of the district into 15 Historic Character Areas, each of which has a similar landscape history and evolution as well as geographical characteristics.

47 Sandwell AMR 2012 48 Dudley AMR 2012 49 Walsall Council 50 http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archieves/view/blackcountry_hlc_2009/

LANDSCAPE

The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the existing conditions:

Distribution and area of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (www.magic.gov.uk and iGIS); and

Landscape Character (iGIS).

There are no AONB’s in the Black Country. The nearest one is Cannock Chase which borders the Walsall boundary. No National Parks are located within the Black Country boundaries.

The majority of the Black Country lies within Cannock Chase and Cank Wood character area, Natural England Character Area 67. A small area of the south of the Sandwell borough and the south east of the Dudley borough lies within the Arden character area, Natural England Character Area 97. The west of the Wolverhampton city area and the south west of the Dudley borough lie within Mid Severn Sandstone Plateau character area, Natural England Character Area 66.

According to the Black Country Core Strategy Scoping Report, the Black Country contains a wealth of historic landscapes which, without heritage-led regeneration, are at risk of losing their identities due to replacement of historic buildings with modern architecture51.

51 http://blackcountrycorestrategy.dudley.gov.uk/evidencesa/sa/

Appendix C SCOPING COMMENTS

CONSULTEE COMMENT RESPONSE

Environment Agency

The SEA scoping report references the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) which is good to see. Any schemes within the LFRMS should be assessed against their impact on WFD and identify mitigation measures. Schemes should consider the relevant River Basin Management Plan and identify opportunities for restoration and enhancement of water bodies to prevent the deterioration and promote recovery of water bodies. The opportunity for creating priority habitat should be a material consideration within a scheme

Noted

Consultation Question (c) Do you consider that the structure of the report is appropriate? The scoping report should not just see WFD as a measure of water quality but also as ecological health, making sure that the impact on riverine habitat is considered as well. We would expect to see links made between the Biodiversity, Fauna & Flora sections and the Water section of the report.

Noted

Are there any key emerging plans, initiatives & sustainability objectives that should be identified as part of the assessment process?

Trent Catchment Flood Management Plan

Severn Catchment Flood Management Plan

Humber River Basin Management Plan

Severn River Basin Management Plan

Humber Flood Risk Management Plan

Severn Flood Risk Management Plan

River Tame Flood Risk Management Strategy

Included

Included

Included

Included

Updated

Updated

Updated

The second cycle of the river basin management planning will be published in late 2015 and will provide new baseline data for WFD water bodies on which to work on instead of the current 2009 baseline. The development of the LFRMS should recognise this and look to use the 2015 baseline and objectives on which to assess schemes against as well as looking for opportunities to improve water body status. Both the Humber and the Severn River Basin Management Plans are relevant for the Black Country LFRMS.

Noted within the LFRMS.

Can you recommend any important sources to supplement the baseline data we are collating, that will inform the assessment process? The Environment Agency holds monitoring data for the rivers in the Black county which includes ecological (fish, invertebrates & macrophyte surveys) as well as chemical data which are used to determine WFD classifications of watercourses. This data could be used to provide a baseline for the LFRMS and associated schemes and to monitor any improvements or deteriorations of water courses.

Included

Increase in flood risk may, in some cases, be beneficial to habitats and species.

Control of surface water runoff can reduce flood risk as well as improve water quality.

Noted

Noted

CONSULTEE COMMENT RESPONSE Use of SuDS – retrofitting to existing developments can also be beneficial.

The Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna section should consider any change of hydrology at a site, not just an increase in flooding. E.g. A decrease in flooding frequency as a result of a flood risk scheme at a site valuable for flood plain meadows could change the nature conservation value of the site.

As mentioned above, there needs to be a link made between the water and the biodiversity section as good habitat and riverine structure benefits biodiversity and water quality.

Included

Included

Updated

Water:

The Environment Agency advises on fluvial (river) flooding. Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) advise on surface water flooding.

The LFRMS should promote working with natural processes and the avoidance and opening up of culverts.

The LFRMS should have an objective to manage flood risk and drainage of new development so that no new flood risk is created and, wherever possible, any opportunities to reduce flood risk are taken.

Noted

Updated

Noted within the LFRMS

It would be of benefit to look at existing indicators already collected by the local authorities. For the biodiversity section the number of local wildlife sites in positive management could be used. We’d also recommend that the WFD data is utilised and that the strategy looks to positively contribute towards the achievement of WFD objectives.

Included

Appendix A

Suggest that include reference to the Floods Directive and the Flood Risk Regulations 2009. Updated

The Flood Risk Regulations transpose the EU Floods Directive into law in England and Wales. The EU Floods Directive aims to provide a consistent approach to flood risk management across all of Europe.

Under the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 the Environment Agency and LLFAs had to prepare preliminary flood risk assessments by December 2011. Completed by LLFAs, these PRFAs are published by the Environment Agency.

There is also a duty on LLFAs with an agreed Flood Risk Area to publish flood hazard and flood risk maps for all sources of flooding by December 2013 and flood risk management plans by December 2015. These flood risk management plans should set objectives for flood risk management and outline measures for achieving these objectives.

Flood Risk Management Plans for both the Humber and Severn River Basin Districts will be published by the Environment Agency in December 2015.

The West Midlands Flood Risk Area, which includes a large part of the Black Country, is included in the Humber Flood Risk Management Plan.

Updated

CONSULTEE COMMENT RESPONSE Appendix B Water

2nd paragraph – The majority of the Black Country drains into the River Trent via the River Tame

3rd paragraph – there seems to be some confusion between rivers and canals. Canals are overseen by the Canal and River Trust not the Environment Agency.

Updated

Updated

Historic England

Paragraph 3.2.7states what will happen in the event of uncertain effects being identified. Historic England consider that identifying effects as ‘uncertain’ should be avoided as it will not be possible for avoidance or mitigation measures to be incorporated into the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and harm to heritage assets could then occur in the implementation stages. All efforts should be taken to ascertain what effects may occur and how they can be overcome.

Noted

Paragraph 4.4 we support the reference to the need to protect and enhance the historic environment, as a key issue. Noted

Table 5.1 we suggest the following amendments – Cultural Heritage

The settings of cultural heritage features the significance of heritage assets, including their settings should be considered and preserved protected and enhanced.

There may be opportunities to reduce flood risk to specific heritage features. Opportunities should be sought to reduce flood risk to specific heritage assets.

Consideration should be given to the impacts of flood alleviation measures on the historic environment and heritage assets should be protected and conserved.

Landscape

It is essential that landscape character and quality is protected and enhanced.

Updated

Updated

Added

Updated

Table 6.1, clause 3 – To protect and enhance historic assets heritage assets and their settings, and also historic landscape/townscape value. Updated

Appendix A – National Plans – we recommend that you include a reference to the recently adopted Good Practice Advice Notes 1, 2 and 3 that are available on Historic England’s website and would be relevant here. Updated

We would also encourage that the SEA process has regard to Historic England’s advice on SEA and the historic environment. https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/strategic-environ-assessment-sustainability-appraisal-historic-environment/

Noted

In relation to ‘local plans’ we recommend that you consult each local authority and specifically their historic environment staff to ascertain which plans may be relevant. Evidence base relating to Historic Landscape Characterisation and Conservation Area

Included

CONSULTEE COMMENT RESPONSE Appraisals as examples, may be of relevance.

Appendix B – Baseline - with regards to baseline information for the section on Cultural Heritage we would recommend that you liaise with historic environment staff at each authority. We would recommend including information about locally listed heritage assets as well as information relating to non-designated archaeology, of which information should be contained on the Historic Environment Record, per authority. Additionally, we recommend using the Heritage at Risk register and considering whether there are any heritage assets at risk as a result of flooding issues, where this particular strategy may be able to address these at risk issues.

At this strategic level, such consultation has not been undertaken. However relevant consultees will be engaged during the consultation process.

No Heritage at Risk due to flooding.

The description of heritage assets under Figure 9 is welcome. It would be useful to include a reference to local flood issues within the context of the historic environment and what the current issues are.

Not deemed appropriate at this high level stage.

Under the Landscape heading we consider it would be beneficial to include information from the Historic Landscape Character report.

Incorporated and Considered

Appendix D LFRMS MEASURES AND ACTIONS

MEASURE(S) ACTION(S)

Objective 1 - Understanding and communicating flood risk in the Black Country

1A Develop a Flood Risk Management Plan for the West Midlands Cluster

Align aims, objectives and outcomes of the Humber and Severn RBMP with the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and other relevant policies, strategies and procedures.

Undertake further assessment of local flood risk with detailed hydraulic modelling where appropriate.

Identification of flood hotspot areas where flood risk management solutions could be developed.

Ensure that local authority planning and development strategies, development plans, Area Action Plans and Supplementary Planning Polices are aligned with the Black Country LFRMS

1B Investigate locally significant incidents of flooding identifying sources and remedial actions with partners

Undertake flood investigations in line with Flood Investigation procedures.

Publish the results of flood investigations on local authority websites.

Incorporate all locally significant and other flood risk incidents into a GIS database.

1C Review and update the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments for the Black Country

Black Country LLFA’s complete review of the Dudley PFRA.

Black Country LLFA’s complete review of the Sandwell PFRA.

Black Country LLFA’s complete review of the Walsall PFRA.

Black Country LLFA’s complete review of the Wolverhampton PFRA.

1D Develop and continue to maintain a register of flood risk management assets

Develop a GIS based register of structures, with details of ownership, state of repair, and the designation of such structures or features which may affect flood risk.

Develop a procedure for review and update of the asset register.

1E Engage with local communities to gain information of flood risk issues

Key stakeholder workshops.

1F Share knowledge and information on local flood risk with the residents of the Black Country

Develop the relevant sections of the local authorities’ websites to provide clear advice and guidance on flood risk and associated issues.

1G Ensure latest information is used in assessing local flood risk.

Adopt the latest version of the Environment Agency’s Risk of Flooding form Surface Water mapping as the locally agreed surface water flood risk information.

Objective 2 – Managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding


2A Work with partners to reduce the impacts of flooding by targeting and prioritising maintenance at high risk locations and assets, enabling an efficient response to, and recovery from, flooding incidents.

Formalise relationships with the EA and Severn Trent Water, and take opportunities for collaborative and partnership working.

Develop a multi-agency preparedness plan to respond to flood events under the West Midlands Conurbation Local Resilience Forum.

Prepare a Pre Flood Action Plan activated by Met Office weather warning alerts. Once activated officers to inspect high risk assets and arrange emergency works if possible in time available.

2B Develop flood risk management schemes led by the Black Country authorities, seeking to make best use of available funding

Develop a programme of flood mitigation schemes and initiatives which are likely to be funded through the National Programme or Local Levy.

Identify and maximise all other funding sources including CIL, Council, partners and other external organisations, and maximise match-funding.

2C Work with partners to develop flood risk management schemes led by third parties, riparian landowners and stakeholders.

Make available council funds and services where appropriate to provide partnership contributions to flood risk management schemes.

2D Work to ensure ongoing management of existing flood risk and drainage assets.

Develop an affordable and suitable flood asset maintenance regime based on risk. Target and prioritise inspections and maintenance to high flood risk locations.

Preparation of a pre flood action plan identifying inspections and works required at critical locations.

2E Work to ensure compliance of all Local Authority owned assets with the Reservoirs Act

Produce on-site and off-site reservoir safety plans for reservoirs owned by local authorities.

Objective 3 – Helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk

3A Continue to work with community flood groups and other local stakeholders

Support and attend local flood forums.

Support and work with community volunteer groups wherever possible.

Support community groups in developing local flood risk plans.

3B Work with residents to communicate the risks of flooding

Raising public awareness of and encouraging sign up to Floodline Warnings.

Provide information about how citizens can minimise flood risk and protect themselves during flooding.

Issue guidance to help local communities to protect their home and valuables and understand what to do before a flood, during flooding and afterwards.

Provide guidance and assistance to the public on Flood risk insurance matters.


3C Work with residents and landowners to educate them with regards to their responsibilities for watercourse management

Provide guidance and information to those living near watercourses that have a responsibility for on-going maintenance (Riparian Owners).

Enforce riparian responsibilities where appropriate.

3D Encourage local involvement in the development of flood risk management schemes

Give local communities a greater stake in project design and delivery at an early stage of flood risk management schemes.

3E Encourage residents to share information on flooding incidents

Develop a web-based flood incident reporting tool to allow efficient notification of the relevant LLFA to incidents of flooding.

3F Share knowledge and information with communities and residents

Develop a flood risk knowledge and information section on the council’s website providing links to key advisors including the EA, the National Flood Forum and LLFA officer contacts.

Objective 4 – Ensuring appropriate development in the Black Country

4A Develop a planning process to create clear advice and direction to developers on flood risk, drainage and SuDS.

Work with Local Planning Authorities to ensure flood risk and SuDS are properly considered during the planning application process.

LLFA’s to provide statutory consultee response on surface water drainage for major planning applications.

Produce developer guidance on the use of SuDS in the Black Country to be available on the local authorities’ websites.

Develop a SuDS Handbook for the Black Country.

Develop a policy on Urban Creep to ensure it is accounted for in new developments.

4B Undertake consenting activities for ordinary watercourses

Develop a consenting and approval process with accompanying guidance for work to ordinary watercourses.

Make ordinary watercourse consenting guidance available on local authorities’ websites.

4C Promote the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems in new development

Ensure that developers make necessary contributions to the cost of SuDS and flood risk management activities through Section 106 agreements and/or the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Undertake the LLFA’s statutory consultee role on new major developments.

Develop SuDS handbook for the Black Country.

4D Ensure compliance with Black Country Core Strategy (ENV5 Flood Risk) principals and objectives

Include specific requirements in the SuDs developer guidance and SuDS Handbook.


Objective 5 – Improving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery

5A Work with partners to minimise the recovery time for residents and businesses from flooding events

Develop recovery contingency plans in case the local area is impacted by flooding (including business and economic recovery).

5B Establish a co-ordinated approach to the provision of temporary flood risk management measures.

Develop a co-ordinated approach to the supply of sandbags across the Black Country.

Explore the potential for the use of alternatives to sandbags for provision of temporary flood defences.

5C Work with partners to improve communications and advice given during flooding events.

Incorporate council emergency contact numbers in community flood plans.

Make appropriate use of social media to give advice during flood events.

Make use of alerts and news updates in the council’s websites to give advice during flood events.

5D Work with partners to understand trigger levels for local flooding events and develop local flood warning systems

Monitor rainfall and flow conditions in smaller catchments to enable flooding trigger levels to be established.

Work with local communities to establish local flood warning systems.

Objective 6 – Work in partnership with others to deliver the local strategy

6A Engage in regional networks for sharing of knowledge and best practice.

Learning best practice and sharing experiences through the EA Network Meetings.

Continue with Black Country collaborative work.

6B Improve the mechanisms of sharing of data and information between partners.

Develop strategy for flood risk data and information sharing for officers, partners, stakeholders and the public.

6C Engage with neighbouring LLFAs to facilitate a catchment based approach

Formalise engagement process with neighbouring LLFAs with quarterly meetings.

6D Continue to engage with flood action groups and other community groups in the delivery of local flood risk management

Formalise engagement process with flood action grounds through bi-annual meetings.

Appendix E

ASSESSMENT OF THE LFRMS

Key to Matrices Potential major positive effect ++ Potential minor positive effect + No negligible effect 0 Potential minor negative effect - Potential major negative effect - - Uncertain Impact – more information required ?

Objective 1 Understanding and communicating flood risk in the Black Country

SEA OBJECTIVES SCORE COMMENTARY


++

Engaging with key members of the community through workshops to gain information on flood risk issues, preparing such plans as the PFRA and LFRMS and developing the Flood Risk Management Plan for the West Midlands Cluster is likely to have a positive impact on protecting and enhancing human health, safety and wellbeing. The Flood Risk Management Plan will include identification of flood hotspot areas where flood risk management solutions could be developed, potentially leading to reduction in flooding and subsequently reducing risk to human health.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving knowledge and understanding of local sources of flood risk are unlikely to have an effect on biodiversity.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving knowledge and understanding of local sources of flood risk are unlikely to have an effect on the historic environment and heritage assets.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving knowledge and understanding of local sources of flood risk are unlikely to have an effect on landscape and townscape.


0

Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving the understanding and communication of flood risk in the Black Country are unlikely to have an effect on maintaining and improving the quality and quantity of the Black Country’s surface water environmental and groundwater resources.

6 To limit and adapt to climate change +

A better understanding of flood risk may enable the Black Country Local Authorities to better inform residents of potential flood events which may benefit adaptation to climate change in the long term.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving the understanding and communication of flood risk in the Black Country are unlikely to have an effect on the sustainable use of natural resources.

Objective 2 Managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding



++

The measures set out in the LFRMS around managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding, such as producing a Pre Flood Action Plan, SuDS and on-site and off-site reservoir safety plans are likely to have a positive effect on protecting and enhancing human health, safety and wellbeing.


+

Mitigating environmental impacts of flood risk management activities through managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding is likely to have a positive effect on protecting biodiversity, key habitats and species. In addition, the actions would control activities on watercourses that may result in adverse effects upon biodiversity.


+

Producing the LFRMS, through provisions such as SuDS, managing and reducing flood risk, and PFRA would help protect the Black Country’s historic environment and heritage assets from the damaging effects of flooding.


+

Producing the LFRMS, through provisions such as SuDS, managing and reducing flood risk, and PFRA would help protect the Black Country’s historic environment and heritage assets from the damaging effects of flooding.


++

Measures set out in the LFRMS around managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding such as the preparation of flood maps for surface water and locally agreed surface water information is likely to have a positive impact of maintaining and improving the quality of the Black Country’s surface water environment and groundwater resource. In addition, the actions would control activities on watercourses that may result in adverse effects upon water resources.


Measures set out in the LFRMS around managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding such as the preparation of flood maps for surface water and locally agreed surface water information is likely to have a positive impact on adapting to climate change.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around Managing the likelihood and impacts of flooding are unlikely to have an effect on ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

Objective 3 Helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk



+

Engaging with key members of the community to gain information on flood risk issues and preparing such plans as PFRA, LFRMS and providing information about how citizens can minimise flood risk and protect themselves during flooding is likely to have a positive impact on protecting and enhancing human health, safety and wellbeing.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk are unlikely to have an effect on protecting and enhancing biodiversity, key habitats and species.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk are unlikely to have an effect on protecting and enhancing the historic environment and heritage assets.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk are unlikely to have an effect on protecting and enhancing landscape and townscape character and quality.


+

Engaging with key members of the community to gain information on flood risk issues and preparing such plans as PFRA, LFRMS and developing the Flood Risk Management Plan for the West Midlands Cluster is likely to have a positive impact on maintaining and improving the quality and quantity of the Black Country’s surface water environment and groundwater resources.


Preparing the public to better prepare their properties against future flood events would help them to adapt to future flooding events associated with climate change.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around helping the Black Country’s citizens to manage their own risk are unlikely to have an effect on ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

Objective 4 Ensuring appropriate development in the Black Country



+

Complying with the Black Country’s Local Authorities Local Plan’s principles and objectives for mitigating flood risk and improving the water environment is likely to have a positive impact on protecting and enhancing human health, safety and wellbeing.


+

Encouraging the use of SuDS in developments and ensuring that developers make necessary contributions to the cost of SuDS and flood risk management activities are likely to have a positive impact on protecting biodiversity, key habitats and species.


+

Encouraging the use of SuDS in developments and ensuring that developers make necessary contributions to the cost of SuDS and flood risk management activities are likely to have a positive impact on protecting heritage assets.


+ Guarding against inappropriate development would preserve landscape and townscape in the long term.


++

Using available information on flood risk to identify appropriate development potential and steer growth towards suitable areas will have a positive impact on maintaining and improving the quality and quantity of the Black Country’s surface water environment and groundwater resources.

6 To limit and adapt to climate change ++ FRAs and indicative flood risk maps take into account climate change and

are a key aspect when new development is cited.


+

Encouraging the use of SuDS in developments and ensuring that developers make necessary contributions to the cost of SuDS and flood risk management activities are likely to have a positive impact on protecting natural resources such as soils.

Objective 5 Improving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery



++

Developing recovery contingency plans, raising public awareness, the implementation of flood mitigation schemes, sandbag provision and using social media to make carry out flooding alerts will have a positive effect on human health, safety and wellbeing by getting the public better prepared to protect their properties against flood events.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving flood prediction, warning and post-flood recovery are unlikely to have an effect on protecting and enhancing biodiversity, key habitats and species.


+ With better warning systems in place, there will be more time to put protective measures in to place, such as deploying sandbags and therefore protecting heritage assets.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving flood prediction, warning and post-flood recovery are unlikely to have an effect on protecting and enhancing the landscape and townscape character and quality.


+ Post flood recovery plans may help to reduce the risk of pollution to surface and groundwater resources after a flood.


Preparing the public to better prepare their properties against future flood events would help them to adapt to future flooding events associated with climate change.


0 Measures set out in the LFRMS around improving flood prediction, warning and post-flood recovery are unlikely to have an effect on ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

Objective 6 Work in partnership with others to deliver the local strategy

SEA HEADLINE OBJECTIVES SCORE COMMENTARY


0

Measures set out in the LFRMS around working in partnership with others are focusing on ensuring that the other direct and indirect actions identified in the LFRMS are realised. Whilst this is a necessary and beneficial aspect of the plan, to attribute significant effects to it would be to risk double counting the benefits of the direct and indirect actions it seeks to deliver as already identified in the matrices for objectives 1 – 5.

2 To protect and enhance biodiversity, key habitats and species 3 To protect and enhance the historic environment and heritage assets 4 To protect and enhance landscape and townscape character and quality 5 To maintain and improve the quality and quantity of the Borough’s surface water environment and groundwater resource 6 To limit and adapt to climate change 7 To ensure the sustainable use of natural resources