Non tech summary v3

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CONTENTS
Page
1.0
Introduction
4
2.0
The SA Objectives
Framework)
Sustainability
6
3.0
Appraisal of Draft Vision, Objectives, Growth Option and
Spatial Strategy
7
4.0
Appraisal of the Deposit Plan
10
5.0
Likely significant effects of implementing the LDP
16
6.0
Related Appraisals
17
7.0
Monitoring
19
and
How to comment on the SA Report
Indicators
(The
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1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.0.1
This document is the non-technical summary of the Sustainability Appraisal
(SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Deposit Local
Development Plan (LDP) of the City and County of Swansea. The
requirement to carry out a Sustainability Appraisal of the LDP is set out in
S62(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 20041, the Town and
Country Planning (LDP) (Wales) Regulations 20052 and associated
guidance.
1.0.2
The SA process incorporates a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
as required by The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes
(Wales) Regulations 20043 (the Regulations). The combined SA and SEA
process is referred to as the “SA”.
1.0.3
The purpose of the SA is to identify the LDP’s likely significant economic,
environmental and social effects and where not possible to avoid impacts
and to suggest relevant mitigation measures. The SA integrates
sustainability considerations into all stages of the preparation of the LDP and
thus ensures that the implementation of the Plan will contribute to achieving
greater sustainability.
1.0.4
The non-technical summary provides an overview of the findings of the SA.
The main SA Report presents the appraisal findings in full. The Report
accompanies, and should be read in conjunction with, the Deposit LDP. Both
documents are published for public consultation, during which time
representations can be made in relation to the contents of the Report and/or
the Deposit LDP. All representations made will be considered and taken into
account where necessary.
1.0.5
The SA process also integrates the Health Impact Assessment (HIA)
Process, the Welsh Language Impact Assessment (WLIA), and the
Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA). It is undertaken in parallel to the
Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) which is published separately.
1.1
Sustainability Appraisal Stages
1.1.1
The Welsh Government LDP Manual (2015),4 outlines the main tasks in
undertaking an SA and the relationship between the stages of the LDP (see
Table 1). SA is an iterative process, resulting in comment and feedback at
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http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUK
EwjW8J_56ZbNAhVmBcAKHeUsCm4QFggeMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legislation.gov.uk%2F
ukpga%2F2004%2F5%2Fcontents&usg=AFQjCNFSbuDljvo8UYZ9J6q3czhy1_bCiw
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http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2005/2839/contents/made
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http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2004/1656/contents/made
4
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/policy/policy-and-guidance-on-developmentplans/ldpmanual/?lang=en
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each stage of the LDP and thus allowing the potential sustainability
implications of proposed options/policies to be considered and the
process to be transparent.
Table 1: Main Tasks in Undertaking an SA
SA Tasks
Consider the main SA tasks in the Timetable and
identify consultation processes in the CIS
Plan/Policy/Programme (PPP) Review and sustainability
objectives
Collect baseline and other information
Identify sustainability issues and problems
Develop the SA framework
Prepare and consult on the SA Scoping Report
Identify realistic options
Predict and evaluate the effects of the options in light of
the assessment framework
Consider ways of mitigating adverse effects and
maximising beneficial effects
Propose measures to monitor the significant effects of
implementing the LDP
Preparing the Initial SA Report
Public Consultation on LDP Preferred Strategy and
Initial SA Report
Appraise significant changes from consultation
Update the SA Report
Public consultation on the Deposit LDP and SA Report
Inspector examines plan, including compliance with
legal and regulatory procedures (soundness check);
Publish SA Adoption Statement; finalise SA Report
Monitor for significant adverse effects and respond
1.2
LDP Stage
Delivery Agreement
Evidence Gathering and
Objectives
Strategic Options and
Preferred Strategy
LDP Preparation and
Deposit
Submission, Examination
and Adoption
Monitoring and Review
How the Council has complied with the Regulations
1.2.1 The Council published the draft Scoping Report in 2010 and published an
update in 20125 in light of the consultation responses and in order to review
baseline data. The Scoping Report reviewed other relevant Plans, Policies or
Programmes ranging from international protocols to corporate strategies on
health and well-being that will influence land use planning; established the
environmental baseline for the County; highlighted sustainability issues and
problems which the land use system can address via the LDP; and set out the
SA Framework.
1.2.2
5
Draft versions of the LDP Vision and Objectives were assessed against the
SA Framework at the Vision Objectives and Strategic Option (VOSO) stage
http://www.swansea.gov.uk/media/1327/LDP-Scoping-Report/pdf/LDP_Scoping_Report.pdf
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in 2012 and were repeated at the Preferred Strategy stage due to significant
changes resulting from consultation comments.
1.2.3
The Interim SA Report of the Preferred Strategy6 contained an appraisal of
the Vision, Objectives, Strategic Growth Options, Spatial Options and
Strategic Policies against the SA objectives in the SA Framework; updated
the environmental baseline and the predicted effects with and without the
implementation of the LDP. The SA of the Preferred Strategy was subject to
public consultation in 2013 alongside the Preferred Strategy7 document.
1.2.4
The Revised SA of the Final Preferred Strategy (2014)8 concluded that
amendments to the Preferred Strategy following public consultation were
relatively minor, focusing on housing figures and spatial strategy together
with amendments as a result of the HRA. It was therefore considered
unlikely that the implementation of the Preferred Strategy would result in
significantly different effects on the environment from those outlined within
the initial SA Report.
1.2.5
The SA Report of the Deposit LDP provides an update to the previous SA
Reports and is published as part of the Deposit Plan public consultation.
2.0
2.0.1
THE SA OBJECTIVES AND INDICATORS (THE SUSTAINABILITY
FRAMEWORK)
The Sustainability Framework contains the 22 SA Objectives and indicators
which are used to assess the sustainability of the Plan’s policies and
proposals. The objectives and associated indicators reflect the issues
highlighted within the SA Scoping Report, 2012, and are relevant for the LDP
as a land use planning document whilst also meeting the topics listed in the
SEA Regulations, S2(6) and the interrelationship between them. These are:
•
•
•
•
•
2.0.2
• Water
• Fauna
Biodiversity
• Air
• Soil
Population
• Climatic factors
• Material assets
Human health
• Flora
Landscape
Cultural heritage (including architectural and archaeological heritage)
Climate change, economic and social objectives are also included in order to
address sustainable development (including health and well-being) issues.
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http://www.swansea.gov.uk/media/1329/Preferred-Strategy-SA-Report---August2013/pdf/Preferred_Strategy_SA_Report_-_August_2013.pdf
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http://www.swansea.gov.uk/media/5425/LDP-Preferred-Strategy-July-2014/pdf/Final_Draft_PS__31_07_14.pdf
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http://www.swansea.gov.uk/ldpsasea
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3.0
APPRAISAL OF DRAFT VISION, OBJECTIVES, GROWTH OPTION AND
SPATIAL STRATEGY
3.0.1
The Vison, Objectives, Growth Options and Spatial Strategy were contained
within the Preferred Strategy and assessed at that stage. The SA on the
Preferred Strategy, 2013 and the subsequent Revised SA of the Final
Preferred Strategy 2014, contain the results of the assessment and are
summarised below. The Vision, LDP objectives, growth options and spatial
strategy within the Deposit Plan are the same as those contained within the
Final Preferred Strategy, 2014.
3.1
SA of the LDP Vision
3.1.1
The LDP Vision was presented within the Preferred Strategy and was
informed by the SA process and representations received during the
consultation on the Preferred Strategy. The Vision presented within the
Deposit Plan is the same as that in the Final Preferred Strategy and as a
result has not been reassessed at this stage. The assessment is presented
in the SA of the Preferred Strategy, 20139 and further minor amendments
were outlined in the draft Schedule of Amendments to the Preferred
Strategy, 201410.
3.1.2
The role of the Vision is to clarify the core purpose of the LDP and to provide
a framework for developing polices and measuring the extent to which
implementation of the Plan is successful. The LDP Vision has drawn on the
strategic planning priorities identified in national policy and locally prepared
strategies as well as the identified Key Issues for the County.
3.1.3
The SA concluded that the Vision successfully addressed aspects of
sustainable development, including positive social, economic and
environmental benefits. It is compatible with Vision contained within the
Council’s Single Integrated Plan11 and the Welsh Government’s Vision of
healthy, cohesive communities as set out in the Wellbeing of Future
Generations Act12.
3.2
SA of LDP Objectives
3.2.1
The LDP Objectives provide clear statements of intent and focus on how the
LDP Vision will be delivered. They set out the overarching guiding principles
for the LDP, provide a framework which guides the formulation of strategic
and detailed Policies and set the context for the development of the Strategic
Growth and Spatial Options.
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11
http://www.swansea.gov.uk/oneswansea
http://gov.wales/docs//equality-impact-assessments/141210-eia-future-generations-bill-combined-impactassessments-en.pdf
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3.2.2
The draft Preferred Strategy set out 24 LDP Objectives which were
developed having regard to the Key Issues which the LDP must address and
informed by the SA and comments received during the consultation process.
Three Objectives were amended as a result of consultation responses and
were presented within the Final Preferred Strategy.
3.2.3
The revised SA concluded that the amendments to Objectives 1 and 4 were
for the purpose of clarifying the objective and did not result in changes to the
meaning of the objective. However, the amendments to Objective 14
significantly altered the Objective resulting in re-assessment. The
assessment concluded that the objective was strengthened when assessed
against SA objectives 4 and 6, resulting in a more sustainable LDP objective
with greater positive social and economic benefits.
3.2.4
The compatibility of the LDP objectives was assessed and it was considered
that there were no changes in the compatibility compared to the previous
assessment as a result of the revised objectives.
3.2.5
No changes have been made to the LDP objectives in the Deposit Plan and
therefore they have not been reassessed at this stage.
3.3
The Growth Options including Alternatives
3.3.1
The Preferred Strategy assessed five growth options and concluded that
‘moderate growth’ was the preferred Strategic Growth Option, with a total of
16,700 dwellings being provided within the LDP. The SA supported the
option, concluding that it would achieve sustainable effects for the most
number of SA objectives and achieved the greatest balance between
economic, environmental and social considerations.
3.3.2
Following the 2011 Census, and subsequent publication by WG of 2011
based household projections, the Council re-appraised the Growth Options
and presented alternative options in the Final Preferred Strategy. The
revised options also took into consideration Welsh Government (WG)
consultation response to the Preferred Strategy that it would not be
appropriate to consider a growth option lower than the principal WG
household projection and in view of the aspirations for City Region growth.
Three options were analysed for the extent to which they will deliver the LDP
and SA objectives. The revised options were screened and the results
published in the revised SA Report of the Preferred Strategy, 201413.
3.3.3
Growth Option 2 was chosen as the Preferred Option which requires a
further 400 dwellings over the lifetime of the LDP than the previous preferred
option contained within the draft Preferred Strategy (17,100 compared to
16,700). The option is a policy based forecast for the housing required to
support the Council’s aspirations for economic growth in view of Swansea’s
role as the regional hub for the City Region. The small scale of change was
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not considered to result in any likely significant effects on the environment or
on social and economic considerations. Indeed, the increase in the number
of dwellings was considered to address concerns raised as part of the
consultation process about the level of development required to meet the
economic and regeneration aspirations of the County. Housing needs will
be met, particularly within rural communities, which will result in some social
and economic benefits, particularly addressing inequality, wellbeing and
social exclusion issues.
3.4
The Spatial Options
3.4.1
The draft Preferred Strategy presented four alternative scenarios for the
spatial distribution of growth. The SA of the draft Preferred Strategy
determined that the Preferred Spatial Option should be based on a blend of
a limited number of Mixed Use Major Development Areas (called ‘Strategic
Development Areas in the Deposit Plan) (Option 4) and Sustainable Urban
Extensions (Option 3), supported elsewhere by small to large-scale edge of
settlement allocations (Option 1) including limited rural/semi-rural extensions
(Option 2). Growth throughout the whole County was considered the
approach most likely to achieve sustainable development and address
identified infrastructure capacity issues.
3.4.2
The SA concluded that the Preferred Spatial Option distributes development
across the County in a manner which addresses community needs and
supports social and economic development. However the lack of brownfield
land available to deliver the required level of growth and the need to
safeguard undeveloped land within the urban area as important green space
for local amenity and biodiversity means that significant development will
occur on greenfield sites beyond the existing settlement limits.
3.4.3
This therefore infers changes to the environment and results in tensions with
those SA objectives that seek to protect or enhance the natural environment.
There will undoubtedly be unavoidable impacts on soil resources but the
Plan seeks to avoid, where possible, the loss of the best and most versatile
agricultural land and soils that act as carbon stores. Negative impacts on
biodiversity and landscape can also be offset or mitigated against. There is
also supporting legislation and external policies which aim to protect the
environment, particularly in relation to pollution control, water quality and
ecology. Care must be taken to ensure that environmental quality is
maintained, particularly with respect to settlement form and character and
landscape quality. Furthermore, additional housing should not create
pressure on existing resources and community infrastructure, but seek to
sustain and enhance it.
3.4.4
A significant amount of development will be located within communities
where the Welsh language is an important part of the social fabric. New
housing, including affordable and specialist housing for local need,
employment allocations, education provision and social and community
infrastructure will help new developments integrate into the existing
community and enable people to remain in their communities, strengthening
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the cultural identity of the area and the continued use of the Welsh language
as part of the social fabric.
3.4.5
3.5
3.5.1
4.0
Concerns were also raised against SA objectives in relation to:
• Increased vehicular traffic and associated detrimental impacts on air
quality in certain areas of the County;
• Potential impacts on the water environment in line with the WFD;
• New development in the City Centre which is located within an area that is
susceptible to flooding and appropriate mitigation would have to be put in
place to ensure that increased water run off would not cause problems for
the water environment or communities;
• Potential impacts on highway infrastructure which requires improvements
in the transport and active travel networks in order to mitigate increase
traffic congestion; and
• Most importantly the cumulative impacts of individual development
allocations on the County’s environment.
Strategic Policies
The Draft Preferred Strategy contained 15 Strategic Policies which were
subject to SA, the results of which can be viewed within the SA Report of the
Preferred Strategy, 2013. A number of policies were amended following
public consultation and were thus reassessed where necessary. The
outcomes can be viewed in the Revised SA of the Preferred Strategy, 2014.
The policies were revised in preparation of the Deposit Plan and the new
Strategic Policies have been assessed as part of the Deposit Plan.
APPRAISAL OF THE DEPOSIT PLAN
4.0.1
The Vision, Objectives, Growth Option and Spatial Strategy have been
carried forward from the Final Preferred Strategy and have therefore not
been re-assessed at this stage. Nevertheless the Deposit Plan does contain
greater detail regarding the spatial distribution of development and enabled
further evaluation against SA objectives and in particular, the cumulative
impact of proposals can be considered.
4.1
Growth Strategy
4.1.1
The Strategy is based on an economic led strategy, complementing the
approach taken by neighbouring local authorities and meeting the economic
and regeneration aspirations of the County as the centre of the City Region.
The LDP seeks to make provision for the creation of 14,700 new jobs over
the Plan period, maximising job growth and productivity, which is
fundamental to achieving the LDP vision and underlying health and wellbeing goals by helping to address poverty and social exclusion. In order to
accommodate future economic growth the Deposit Plan will allocate
sufficient land for employment uses and land to accommodate 17,100
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homes which are needed to ensure employment and housing is planned in
tandem.
4.2
Spatial Strategy
4.2.1
The location of allocated land has been identified from detailed assessment
of the opportunities for, and constraints on, development and the potential
economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts. In preparation of the
LPD the Council has considered and assessed a significant number of sites
against the sustainability framework. The proposed allocations accord with
sustainable development principles and the summary of the SA findings is
presented below by Strategic Housing Policy Zone.
4.2.2
The Greater North West Zone. The zone encompasses former industrial
communities such as Gorseinon and Pontarddulais that in recent times have
become primarily dormitory settlements together with the rural northern
hinterlands of the County. There has been significant public sector
infrastructure investment for new employment land and premises, but this
has largely failed to attract or retain new employers, notably at the former
Felindre Tinplate works. The UDP housing-led growth strategy delivered new
growth over the last decade and this has brought with it significant
supporting retail investment but little other social and physical infrastructure.
As a result opportunities for settlement growth identified within this zone are
required to be supported by infrastructure provision. New infrastructure is
needed to help sustain existing communities as well as support growth, but
in many instances this will not realistically occur without further development
to facilitate its delivery. Around 4,200 new homes are proposed within this
zone, delivered via 4 SDA’s and non-strategic greenfield releases on the
edge of existing settlements providing appropriate rounding off and/or the
fulfilment of suitable current non-developed Unitary Development Plan
(UDP) allocations.
4.2.3
Overall, the housing allocations score positively against the SA objectives,
particularly as a number of sites will result in the remediation and re-use of
brownfield sites. The area sees the greatest number of houses allocated
and will require significant new highway infrastructure provision to ensure
there is no increase in traffic congestion and associated negative impact on
SA objectives relating to air quality. Plan policies will ensure phased delivery
of development together with proposed infrastructure delivery
implementation which should prevent and mitigate any adverse effects.
4.2.4
The quantity of proposed development has led to the allocation of greenfield
areas, resulting in negative scores in relation to biodiversity and soil
resources and potential negative impacts on the rural economy due to the
loss of agricultural land. These are acknowledged outcomes as a result of
the chosen growth option and due to the lack of available brownfield sites
within the County to accommodate the required level of growth.
Nevertheless, Plan policies and site masterplans aim to prevent the loss of
biodiversity as much as possible and incorporate green infrastructure
networks throughout developments in order to mitigate and offset any loss.
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In particular, new development is allocated away from European and
nationally designated sites in order to retain supporting habitats for mobile
species. Furthermore, development will result in opportunities to introduce
new areas of formal and informal open space as part of the greenspace
infrastructure network, addressing open space deficiencies in the area and
contributing to the future health and well-being of residents.
4.2.5
The allocation of Strategic Development Areas (SDAs) within the zone will
enable the creation of sustainable cohesive communities, including land
allocated for economic growth, residential development, community facilities
and infrastructure. The provision of facilities and services within walking
distance to new development, together with new active travel networks and
public transport corridors, will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
reducing the need to use the private car, fostering social inclusion and
accessibility.
4.2.6
Allocations within this zone drain to the Gowerton Welsh Water Treatment
Works. The SA reflects the findings of the HRA,14 Deposit Plan growth will
be able to be accommodated in the Gowerton works as a result of
compensatory surface water removal ensuring no overall increase in flow.
4.2.7
The zone lies within the Welsh Language Sensitive Area and proposed
regeneration and development opportunities within the ward will enable
people to remain in their communities, strengthening the cultural identity of
the area and the continued use of the Welsh language as part of the social
fabric.
4.2.8
The North Zone. The zone incorporates largely residential urban areas
around the fringes of Central Swansea, including Penlan, Mynyddbach,
Llangyfelach, and Morriston; and also established business parks at
Fforestfach and Waunarlwydd. Around 3,175 new homes are proposed
within this zone, delivered via 3 SDA’s and non-strategic scale residential
development at various locations within the urban area; and for a healthcare
development on land adjacent to Morriston Hospital to deliver a nucleus of
modern healthcare facilities of regional significance.
4.2.9
Overall, the housing allocations score positively against the SA objectives,
particularly as a number of sites will result in the remediation and re-use of
brownfield sites.
4.2.10 However there are potential negative impacts in relation to SA objectives
seeking to protect biodiversity, soil resources and the rural economy, as
there will be a significant loss of greenfield sites and agricultural land. These
are inevitable outcomes as a result of the chosen growth option and due to
the lack of available brownfield sites within the zone. Nevertheless, Plan
policies and site masterplans aim to prevent the loss of biodiversity as much
as possible and incorporate green infrastructure networks throughout
14
http://www.swansea.gov.uk/ldphra
12
developments in order to mitigate and offset any loss. Development will
result in opportunities to introduce new areas of formal and informal open
space as part of the greenspace infrastructure network, addressing open
space deficiencies in the area and contributing to the future health and wellbeing of residents.
4.2.11 An increase in the resident population may result in increased vehicular
movements and there is potential for a negative impact on air quality due to
vehicular emissions, both within and outside the AQMA.
4.2.12 A number of sites are allocated on safeguarded mineral resources, but their
development is not considered to impact on the safeguarding of the wider
mineral resource.
4.2.13 The East Zone comprises the urban area east of the River Tawe and
extends north to Clydach. It includes employment and mixed use locations,
such as Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea Vale, Swansea Port and SA1
Swansea Waterfront. The area has been subject to significant regeneration
and this will be continued with the allocation of around 2,405 new homes to
be delivered via 3 SDA’s and non-strategic allocations within the urban area
which will provide appropriate rounding off opportunities.
4.2.14 Overall, the housing allocations score positively against the SA objectives,
particularly with regard to promoting economic regeneration, increased
educational facilities, increased Active Travel and public transport
opportunities, and a significant level of housing, thus aiding an inclusive
society, meeting housing needs and promoting health and wellbeing.
4.2.15 However negative impacts are identified against SA objectives in relation to
flood risk, air quality and biodiversity. Potential impacts of the Strategic
Development Area at Fabian Way on the Crymlyn Bog European designated
site been assessed via the Habitats Regulations Assessment which
concluded a further assessment via the Habitats Regulations would be
required at planning application stage. Areas of the Fabian Way Strategic
Site contain C2 flood risk zone, but the masterplan identifies that highly
vulnerable development will not be located within the flood risk zone.
4.2.16 The Fabian Way Strategic Development Area lies adjacent to the Neath Port
Talbot (NPT) County Borough boundary and the cumulative and cross
boundary impacts are not considered to have any significant environmental
effect on NPT.
4.2.17 A significant number of the sites in the ward are greenfield and contain
locally important habitats or species. Biodiversity loss will be mitigated via
the introduction and or improvement of green infrastructure networks and the
protection of the most vulnerable habitat areas.
4.2.18 Clydach ward lies within the Welsh Language Sensitive Area and proposed
regeneration and development opportunities within the ward will enable
people to remain in their communities, strengthening the cultural identity of
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the area and the continued use of the Welsh language as part of the social
fabric.
4.2.19 The Central Zone comprises Swansea City Centre and the adjoining City
Waterfront and incorporates established residential areas. The focus is on
the delivery of new homes associated with City Centre regeneration, windfall
brownfield sites and conversion of vacant accommodation, including above
shops which will deliver some 1,390 new homes on allocated sites.
4.2.20 The SA identifies that the allocations will have positive affects on many of
the SA objectives, particularly in terms of meeting housing need, supporting
the development of a regional economy, encouraging an inclusive society,
creating environments that support and encourage health and well-being and
promoting an integrated transport system.
4.2.21 Maximising the re-use of brownfield land aids regeneration and provides
housing and employment, leisure and commercial uses within the Central
Area, which is sustainably, located with regard to access to high level
services and facilities and public transport hubs.
4.2.22 However some concerns are raised, particularly with regard to SA objectives
in relation to food risk, climate change, the quality of controlled waters,
biodiversity and culture and heritage (due to the impact on archaeological
sensitive areas).
4.2.23 Swansea City Centre and sites alongside the River Tawe are located within
flood risk zones and further flood mitigation measures in relation to the
Swansea City Centre and River Tawe are actively being explored by the
Council in order to take account of the impacts of climate change. Plan
policies, together with national planning guidance, will ensure appropriate
types of development are located within the areas.
4.2.24 Cumulatively, air quality is raised as a significant potential issue both within
the City Centre and on strategic routes into the Centre; as development may
increase the number of people living within the City Centre, the density of the
built form and increase in travel flows, resulting in potential detrimental
impact on air quality should the existing road infrastructure remain.
Additional monitoring undertaken within the City Centre will inform the design
process as to the suitability of certain locations for the provision of dwellings
thus protecting in the long term, the health of City Centre residents. The
existing road network and linkages within the City Centre and surrounding
area will also be reviewed in order to minimise adverse impacts.
4.2.25 Plan policies will minimise these adverse impacts by encouraging Active
Travel modes and increased use of public transport, and strategies must be
in place to mitigate any negative impacts.
4.2.26 The West Zone is highly constrained due to significant environmental
constraints and lack of available land. Around 520 new homes are proposed
in this zone to be delivered via a residential led SDA on land surplus to
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operational requirements at Cefn Coed Hospital, small-scale infill and
windfall redevelopment sites. Housing opportunities for first time buyers and
low income households are limited in this zone compared to others due to
high land values and redevelopment costs. The Plan therefore provides
opportunities for settlement extension into adjoining Gower Fringe locations
as an exception to meet identified affordable/local housing needs.
4.2.27 The site allocations score positively against SA objectives addressing social
inclusion and equality, health and wellbeing and housing need due to the
fact that the proposals will address housing shortages and provide housing
to meet local needs.
4.2.28 The allocations include the redevelopment of brownfield sites as well as the
development of greenfield areas, thus attempting to reduce the impact of
development on the landscape as much as possible, particularly sites within
or close to the AONB boundary. Potential negative seascape impacts must
be mitigated at the Thistleboon site due to the close proximity of the coast.
There will be a loss of agricultural land and therefore a negative score
against the relevant SA objective
4.2.29 The Cefn Coed Strategic Site will require improvements to the highway
infrastructure in order to reduce congestion and any associated adverse
effects on air quality at Sketty.
4.2.30 The Gower and Gower Fringe Zones are characterised by small and large
villages located in rural and semi-rural landscapes, some near the western
fringe of the urban area. The Plan seeks to deliver around 500 new homes
within these zones, the majority of which should be affordable to meet
identified local needs delivered via small-scale settlement boundary
amendments and a number of ‘exception’ sites to bring forward affordable
housing for local needs, with some open market homes.
4.2.31 The site allocations score positively against SA objectives addressing social
inclusion and equality, health and wellbeing and housing need due to the
fact that the proposals will address housing shortages and provide housing
to meet local needs. The provision of additional housing in communities
reinforces and helps sustain the vitality and viability of local services and
facilities and aids the local economy. The allocated sites are within
communities which have a level of community services, such as schools,
health centres, community centres and shops and can sustain an increase in
population.
4.2.32 There will inevitably be an impact on soil resources and biodiversity, due to
sites being greenfield land, with potential associated impacts on the rural
economy due to the loss of agricultural land. However, there may also be
benefits to the rural economy due to the fact that provision of affordable
housing in rural areas enables access to accommodation for key workers
and low income households.
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4.2.33 The Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a nationally designated
landscape and development must be carefully integrated into the landscape
to ensure no negative effects. There may be some impact on climate
change as the rural locations may lead to an increase in private vehicular
use, but all locations are located within settlements with public transport links
and are served by local services such as primary schools, local shops and
community facilities, which may reduce the need to travel for everyday
essentials.
4.3
Plan Policies
4.3.1
The SA indicated that the policies contained within the Deposit Plan will
ensure that any detrimental effects on the environment are avoided, or
where that is not possible, are mitigated, for example, developments in flood
risk areas or the loss of biodiversity. The implementation of plan policies will
mitigate any adverse impacts of the level of growth proposed over the Plan
period, enabling the development of sustainable communities, regenerating
the local economy, facilitating the County’s role as a driver for the City
Region and combating poverty and social exclusion. Furthermore, policies
seek to promote a growth in the visitor economy and to protect the natural
environment that attracts visitors to the County.
4.3.2
Health and well-being of the population will be protected and improved
through the development of significant green infrastructure including
significant elements of public open space and Active Travel networks. The
potential impact on the landscape and soil resources is acknowledged, due
to the inevitable loss of greenfield land, but the policies seek to ensure that
there will be no deficit in public open space throughout the County. The
provision of significant new infrastructure, including highways and education
facilities will meet community needs, promoting social inclusion and access
to services.
4.3.3
Climate change considerations have been taken into account via allocation
of sites and policies which seek to encourage the development of renewable
and low carbon energies and reduce travel patterns by private car.
5.0
5.01
LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTING THE LDP
The SA has indicated that implementation of the Deposit Plan will not have
any likely significant adverse effects on the topics listed in the SEA
Regulations, S2(6), due to the comprehensive coverage of sustainable
development issues within the Plan policies which seek to avoid, or where
necessary, mitigate against adverse effects. This included an assessment of
the temporal effects (short, medium and long term), permanent and
temporary effects, positive and negative, and secondary, cumulative and
synergistic effects.
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5.0.2
6.0
The HRA states that in relation to European Designated sites,
implementation
of the Deposit Plan will have no likely significant effect,
either alone or in combination with other plans and projects, on any
European site.
RELATED APPRAISALS
6.1
Health Impact Assessment (HIA)
6.1.1
Health considerations are an inherent part of the Plan making process and
are embedded throughout the Plan.
6.1.2
As part of the SA process the LDP policies and proposals were assessed in
terms of the following objectives and questions relating to health impacts:
• SA objective 1: Promotion of sustainable development
- Does the LDP promote safe, sustainable and attractive communities in
which people have access to services and enjoy good health?
• SA objective 10: Create social and physical environments that encourage
and support health and well-being.
- Does the LDP encourage healthy lifestyles, including travel choice
such as walking and cycling?
- Does the new built environment avoid negative impacts on air quality?
- Will the LDP improve access to employment, particularly by means
other than the private car?
6.1.3
The SA identified the following issues relating to potential impacts of the
Deposit Plan on people’s health:
• Poor air quality is an issue in some areas of the County which may be
exacerbated by increases in population living within the AQMA and
increased traffic movements inside and outside of the AQMA.
• The sustainable spatial strategy will develop communities that have good
access to existing, and the development of new, services and facilities
which will enable greater social integration and access to services, thus
reducing inequalities.
• Improved access to open space (both informal and formal) and the
creation of green infrastructure networks including Active Travel routes
will help improve opportunities for sport and recreation, having a beneficial
effect on health and well-being.
• High unemployment levels and low economic activity levels have a
detrimental effect on health and well-being. The economic growth
strategy, allocation of employment land and pursuit of the City Region
objectives will help reduce unemployment and economic activity levels.
• The Plan supports a high level of housing provision in support of the
economic-led strategy which will ensure people’s housing needs are met,
specifically the provision of an adequate supply of affordable housing and
specialist needs housing, particularly older people’s housing to meet
identified demands.
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• The impacts of environmental pollution on residents, both from existing
and potential new sources, are considered via Plan policies concerning
contaminated land, air, noise and light pollution and the protection of
controlled waters.
6.2
Equalities Impact Assessment
6.2.1
The Deposit Plan has been subject to the Council’s Equality Impact
Assessment (EqIA) which is published in draft format alongside the Deposit
Plan.
6.2.2
Furthermore, as part of the SA process the LDP policies and proposal were
assess in terms of the following objectives and questions relating to
equalities:
• SA Objectives 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 15.
6.2.3
The SA identified the following issues relating to potential impacts of the
Deposit Plan on equalities:
• Active Travel networks will impact positively on those without access to
the private car, inclusive of young people.
• Design principles include “access for all”, therefore new developments will
positively enhance the built environment for disabled people, older and
younger people.
• The delivery of Affordable and Specialist Housing will encourage inclusive
society and cohesive communities.
• Formal and informal play space for children is also encouraged within the
Open Space Policies.
• The Plan seeks to protect and enhance use of the Welsh language
through the designation of a Welsh Language Sensitive Area.
• Design policies and Plan allocations aim to foster cohesive communities,
with new community facilities identified in order to meet the needs of new
and existing residents, thereby reducing social exclusion.
• The allocation of employment land will facilitate an increase in economic
activity, reduce deprivation and inequalities.
• The allocation and support for new educational facilities will increase
access to education facilities, reduce exclusion and inequalities.
6.3
6.3.1
Welsh Language Impact Assessment
The number of Welsh speakers varies across the County but is an important
part of the social fabric of communities in the north west of the County which
has been designated a Language Sensitive Area. The SA has assessed the
impact of the Deposit Plan on the Welsh Language through the following
objectives:
• SA Objective 6: Encourage an inclusive society and promote equality.
- Does the LDP help to promote the needs of all members of society,
regardless of race, gender, disability, Welsh speakers, age,
religion/belief or sexual orientation?
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• SA Objective 21: Protect and enhance the quality of the cultural and
historic environment.
- Will the LDP protect or enhance sites, features or areas or historical or
cultural interest, including the Welsh language?
6.3.2.
All Plan policies and proposals were considered against the SA objective
and the extent to which new development and Plan policies can influence
the use of the Welsh language in areas where there is little use of the
language is limited. In the designated Language Sensitive Area new
developments and Plan policies can have a significant effect on the use of
the language, in particular with an influx of people who do not use the
language in everyday life moving into the area.
6.3.3
The designation of the Language Sensitive Area identifies the wards in the
County which collectively hold the highest percentage of individuals with
Welsh language skills. The Plan seeks to protect the integrity of the Welsh
language within the identified area, where an average of over 18% of the
population speaks Welsh.
6.3.4
The Plan allocates significant areas of residential and economic growth
within the defined Language Sensitive Area in support of regeneration and
local employment initiatives and it is important that developments do not
negatively impact on the linguistic balance of an area, and instead form
sustainable developments which integrate into the social and cultural fabric
of the community.
6.3.5
The Deposit Plan contains a policy requiring developers to submit a Welsh
Language Action Plan (WLAP) to accompany planning applications for
residential development for 10 or more dwellings or retail, commercial or
industrial development with a total floorspace of 1000 sq. m, which sets out
the measures to be taken to protect, promote and enhance the Welsh
Language. Measures include providing funding for Welsh medium schools,
facilities for Welsh speakers and learners, street names and development
areas to be named in Welsh, and the requirement for a Welsh language
service within any commercial development.
6.3.6
It is considered that these measures will effectively address concerns about
impacts on the language in the language sensitive area, ensuring the
Deposit LDP does not impact on language equality.
7.0
7.0.1
MONITORING
Both the SEA Regulations (Article 17) and LDP Regulations require that the
significant environmental effects of the plan are monitored in order that any
unforeseen adverse effects can be remediated. In order to avoid duplication
between the monitoring carried out for the SEA and the LDP, some
indicators have been combined for the two processes in order to aid clarity.
The LDP Monitoring Framework is set out in the Deposit Plan.
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7.0.2
Monitoring helps understand the impacts of the implementation of the Plan
and ensures evidence is kept up to date, which will assist in future Plan
reviews. Monitoring needs to consider both positive and negative effects of
the LDP and also examine cumulative, secondary and synergistic effects
and effects over the lifespan of the Plan. The monitoring can be focused on
significant environmental effects. For example, breaches in international,
national and local legislation or standards; effects that may give rise to
irreversible damage; or where there was uncertainty over possible adverse
effects and monitoring, would enable mitigation measures to be taken.
Indicators will also be kept under review and modified if necessary.
7.0.3
SEA monitoring activities and reporting will be incorporated within the LDP
Annual Monitoring Report in accordance with the SEA Regulations.
7.0.4
Key issues for monitoring will be those areas of the environment where the
SA Report has indicated the implementation of the LDP will have the most
significant likely effect. These include:
• Loss of habitats and species (biodiversity);
• Impact on landscape character, particularly protected landscapes;
• Impact on the cultural and historic environment, particularly the Welsh
language and archaeology;
• Air pollution, particularly with regard to increased vehicular emissions as a
result of new development through the AQMA and City Centre;
• Increased development in flood risk areas, particularly with regard to the
City Centre and waterfront destinations;
• The provision of affordable housing to meet local needs, particularly in
rural areas.
• The provision of necessary social and community infrastructure and
highway and transport improvements, to facilitate the delivery of Strategic
Development Areas as required by the masterplanning principles to
deliver sustainable and cohesive communities.
• Increase employment and economic activity throughout the County as a
result of the economic strategy which underlines the Plan.
7.0.5
Monitoring will commence once the LDP has been adopted
HOW TO COMMENT ON THE SA REPORT
The SA Report is available for public consultation alongside the Deposit LDP
for a 6-week period.
The SA Report may be viewed free of charge at Reception, Civic Centre, or
downloaded from www.swansea.gov.uk/ldpsasea
Anyone wishing to comment on the contents of the SA Report may do so as follows:
• Online through the LDP interactive E-consultation website at: http://swansea.jdiconsult.net/ldp/
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Alternatively, if you are unable to make comments online please either:
• Download the ‘Deposit LDP Feedback Form’ from www.swansea.gov.uk/ldp and
email it to: [email protected]
or
• Call us on 01792 635744 to obtain a form to return by post to:
Strategic Planning Team,
City and County of Swansea Council
Room 2.6.2, Civic Centre
Oystermouth Road
Swansea
SA1 3SN
If you choose to e-mail or post your comments please note that the Feedback forms
available with the Report or downloaded from the website must be completed.
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