Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal - Proposed Submission Core Strategy and Policies DPD

SA Objective

Performance of policy

Temporal scale

Permanency

Certainty

Geographical extent

Commentary

Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

Alternative: Instead of working with neighbouring authorities to provide c.4,000 homes later in the plan period, an alternative approach is to provide for these within Ipswich by increasing the densities of proposed residential sites. NB this would almost double the densities on those sites anticipated to come forward from 2020/21 onwards.

ET1

To improve air quality

CS2: -

Medium and Long-term

Direct and Indirect

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Notably central Ipswich including AQMAs

The policy focuses a large proportion of growth within the IP One area and district centres which could be seen as a positive as these areas contain the majority of amenities and jobs and can also be accessed by public transport. However, in spite of this it is also likely that overall vehicle trips in these areas will increase which may affect the borough’s town centre AQMAs. The other large area of development is the Garden Suburb site. This is also likely to increase vehicle trips which may affect local air quality and potentially the AQMAs. However, a significant emphasis has been placed on promoting sustainable travel to this site which should reduce this impact. This is reiterated in the Garden Suburb SPD. At this stage the significance of this is likely to be negative overall.

The policy also provides for c.4,000 homes potentially being developed in neighbouring authority areas in the longer term. Depending on their location this may also affect air quality in their localities. However, without knowing exactly where these could be located there is considerable uncertainty at this stage regarding this.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and air quality and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the SPD, Policy CS5, DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme. When working with neighbouring authorities to address housing need consideration should also be given to impacts on air quality within Ipswich from any development that takes place outside Ipswich.

Securing a higher density of new homes within housing sites (i.e. approximately a further 4,000 homes) within the borough has significant potential to worsen traffic and air quality in the long-term and may affect the town centre AQMAs. This is in spite of the proposed mitigation measures that would be required to manage this issue. Conversely, there is greater certainty that these issues would not be realised in neighbouring authorities as a result of meeting Ipswich’s housing need.

This alternative only changes the housing element of Policy CS2, therefore the assessment of other elements are the same as the assessment of CS2.

ET2

To conserve soil resources and quality

CS2: +/-

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Approximately 30% of the housing need within the borough would be developed on previously developed land which represents a sustainable use of soil resources, although this assumes 0% of residual need would be on PDL which in reality may not be the case. However, the remainder, particularly those constructed on the Garden Suburb site would be on greenfield land and would affect soil resources along with the soil’s functionality in those areas (along with Grades 2 and 3 Agricultural Land). It is not known where housing would be developed in neighbouring authorities at this stage so the impacts on soil there are uncertain (it should be noted that there are large swaths of Grade 2 and 3 Agricultural Land in neighbouring authorities).

Higher density development means there would be a higher density on previously developed land which would be good for conserving soil resources. However, conversely this option would result in a greater loss of green areas within the Garden Suburb.

We don’t know whether development in neighbouring authority areas would be on greenfield / brownfield land therefore we do not know how this alternative would compare to proposed CS2. However, soil resources would be conserved in neighbouring authorities.

ET3

To reduce waste

CS2: 0

N/A

N/A

Effects have been assessed as neutral as the purpose of this policy is to provide information about the location and nature of development which wouldn’t strictly affect the amount or proportion of waste generated.

Given this alternative would mean more development within Ipswich rather than neighbouring authorities the volume of waste arisings for Ipswich would be greater and they would be lower in adjacent authorities.

ET4

To reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment

CS2: -

Medium and Long-term

Direct and Indirect

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The policy focuses a large proportion of development within the IP One and district centres which could be seen as positive as these areas contain the majority of amenities and jobs and can also be accessed by public transport. However, in spite of this it is also likely that overall vehicle trips in these areas will increase. The other large area of development is the Garden Suburb site and although there is a significant emphasis placed on promoting sustainable travel to this site (also outlined in the SPD) an increase in car use is, to an extent, inevitable.

The policy also provides for c.4,000 homes potentially being developed in neighbouring authority areas in the longer term. Depending on their location this may also affect trip generations in their localities. However, without knowing exactly where these could be located there is considerable uncertainty at this stage regarding this.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the SPD, Policy CS5, DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme. Neighbouring authorities should also give significant consideration to this issue when allocating land to meet Ipswich’s housing need.

Securing a higher density of new homes within housing sites (i.e. approximately a further 4,000) within the borough has the potential to worsen traffic and congestion in the long-term. This is in spite of the proposed mitigation measures that would be required to manage this issue. Conversely, there is greater certainty that these issues would not be realised in neighbouring authorities as a result of Ipswich’s housing need.

ET5

To improve access to key services for all sectors of the population

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Focussing the majority of new development within walking distance of Ipswich’s district centres would benefit this SA Objective as it would facilitate access to essential services and facilities. The policy also seeks to distribute areas of open space throughout Ipswich which is connected to ecological networks and green corridors which again would benefit this SA Objective.

The Garden Suburb site would provide a new district centre and facilities (including open space) which would ensure access is not compromised for new residents.

Although the above has been assessed as positive overall there remains an element of uncertainty due to the location of new housing required in neighbouring authorities being unknown – therefore access to key services in those areas is unknown.

Securing a higher density of new homes within the housing sites may help to sustain services than proposed CS2. Although conversely may increase pressure on existing services. However, it should be noted that the proposed CS2 would provide more opportunities to incorporate areas of open space into residential development along with green infrastructure than the alternative.

ET6

To limit and adapt to climate change

CS2: -

Medium and Long-term

Direct and Indirect

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The policy focuses a large proportion of housing development within the IP One and district centres which could be seen as a positive as these areas contain the majority of amenities and jobs and can also be accessed by public transport. However, in spite of this it is also likely that overall vehicle trips in these areas will increase which may increase carbon emissions. The other large area of development is the Garden Suburb site and although there is a significant emphasis placed on promoting sustainable travel to this site (also outlined within the Garden Suburb SPD), an increase in car use is to an extent, inevitable – along with an increase in carbon emissions.

There are also large areas of Flood Zones 2 and 3 within IP One therefore new development has the potential to increase flood risk, although, it is appreciated that this issue is covered elsewhere within the Core Strategy.

The policy provides for developing c.4,000 homes through working with neighbouring authorities in the long-term. Depending on the location of new development this may also affect carbon emissions and flooding in their localities. However, without knowing where these could be located there is considerable uncertainty at this stage regarding this.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the SPD, Policy CS5, DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme. Neighbouring authorities should also give significant consideration to this issue when allocating land to meet Ipswich’s housing need.

By concentrating development in Ipswich there is a greater potential for cycling/walking opportunities. Therefore, may help to minimise emissions from travel related to the c.4,000 new homes (although possibly not reduce overall). Whereas this would be less certain under the proposed CS2 as this would depend on the location as to whether there would be realistic opportunities to walk / cycle. This option may place greater pressure to develop on areas at risk of flooding. In addition, higher density development within areas susceptible to flooding would only exacerbate current issues as there would be a reduced scope to incorporate open space and SuDs measures.

ET7

To protect and enhance the quality of water features and resources and reduce the risk of flooding

CS2: +/-

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Policy CS2 seeks to promote development at the Garden Suburb which is located on greenfield land which may affect local ground water quality though runoff. However, the policy also seeks to maximise development on previously developed land which would result in positive effects on this SA Objective. As stated above there are large areas of Flood Zones 2 and 3 within IP One therefore locating development in this area has the potential to increase flood risk, although, it is appreciated that this issue is covered elsewhere within the Core Strategy.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of new homes in neighbouring authorities is not known - therefore effects on ground water quality cannot be assessed.

This option may place greater pressure to develop in areas of flood plain given the lack of alternative options. In addition, higher density development within areas susceptible to flooding would exacerbate current issues as there would be a reduced scope to incorporate open space and SuDs measures.

Conversely, any potential water pollution or flood risk in neighbouring authorities would be avoided.

ET8

To conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, including favourable conditions on SSSIs, SPAs and SACs

CS2: +/-

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The policy does not intend to propose development in areas that are covered by ecological designations. However, the proposals for the central urban areas and IP-One development are near to the Ramsar and SPA designations (also SSSI). It is not anticipated that the proposals would have likely significant effects on these areas directly although it will be important to consider the indirect effects of recreational pressure and undertake Habitats Regulations Assessment in conjunction with Natural England. The Appropriate Assessment concluded no adverse effect upon the integrity of European sites from the Ipswich Borough Council Proposed Submission Core Strategy and Policies DPD Review alone or in combination with the Suffolk Coastal District Core Strategy and Policies.

The policy seeks to create new areas of open space in addition to linking ecological networks and green corridors across Ipswich. The policy seeks to avoid development on ecologically sensitive sites and maximises development on previously developed land.

Although the Garden Suburb site in particular takes up a lot of greenfield land, it isn’t covered by any statutory ecological designations. However, it should be noted that, the nature of development proposed is likely to result in cumulative losses of habitat (albeit likely to be of lower value) across the borough. For these reasons effects have been assessed as both positive and negative.

In addition to the above there remains an element of uncertainty against the SA Objective as c.4,000 new homes are proposed in neighbouring authorities and the locations are unknown.

Securing a higher density of new homes within the housing sites may lead to greater adverse effects on biodiversity on proposed CS2 as there would be less scope to provide new green infrastructure, areas of open space or potential new Local Nature Reserves – all of which create opportunities for habitat creation.

As the location of new homes in neighbouring authorities is unknown it is difficult to directly compare the proposed CS2 and this alternative option. Although it should be noted that neighbouring authorities contain a SPAs Ramsar sites, SSSIs etc which would be protected by this approach.

ET9

To conserve and where appropriate enhance areas and sites of historical importance

CS2: -

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Effects were recorded as overall negative against Policy CS2. Whilst no known heritage assets are anticipated to be directly affected, new development has the potential to adversely affect the setting of these assets if inappropriate. Conversely, a high quality development near to a heritage asset that complements it or improves an existing poor quality site may benefit its setting. Without knowing these local details at this stage it is not possible to make an accurate assessment against this objective. In addition, general development could also affect unknown archaeological remains although this is also uncertain. The purpose of this policy is not to seek to protect heritage assets, this is provided in DM8. It should be noted that the policy does require new development to demonstrate principles of high quality architecture and design which would only benefit the SA Objective along with the commitment to ensure new development does not compromise heritage assets.

There remains an element of uncertainty against Policy CS2 as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities is currently unknown – therefore effects on heritage assets outside the borough are unknown.

Securing a higher density of new homes within the housing sites may lead to greater adverse effects on the setting of heritage assets as there would be less scope to provide soft landscaping that includes green infrastructure. Both of which may offer benefits to the setting of heritage assets.

As the location of new homes in neighbouring authorities is unknown it is difficult to directly compare the proposed CS2 and this alternative option.

ET10

To conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes

CS2: -

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The policy seeks to facilitate growth across Ipswich and the Garden Suburb site would result in the removal of a large area of undeveloped land at the urban fringe. However, the policy makes a commitment to ensuring new development is defined to specific areas and demonstrates principles of very high architecture and urban design. Policy DM29 would help to mitigate through requiring new development provides tree planning, new areas of open space and urban greening schemes. It is also likely that the redevelopment of derelict sites within the central urban areas could improve the existing townscape.

However, on balance, given the loss of the areas of greenfield land to the north, the effects have been scored as minor negative overall.

The policy may benefit from a specific reference to ensuring the public realm is of a high quality design along with new structures. Design mitigation is provided in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy DM5 and the Urban Character SPD.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities required is currently unknown – therefore effects on landscape / townscape character outside the borough is unknown.

Securing a higher density of new homes within the housing sites may lead to greater adverse effects on the setting of landscape / townscape character and quality as there would be less scope to provide soft landscaping including open space and green infrastructure. All of which offer benefits to landscape / townscape character.

As the location of homes in neighbouring authorities is not known we cannot directly compare what might have been affected in the proposed CS2 with issues of higher density in this alternative option.

HW1

To improve the health of those most in need

CS2: +

Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The policy seeks to promote the use of sustainable modes of transport (i.e. walking, cycling or using public transport) through improving connectivity across Ipswich and ensuring new development has good transport links. The policy also seeks to create new areas of open space throughout the borough which may provide opportunities for recreation. All of the above would seek to promote healthy lifestyles and may help to reduce overall high levels of health and disability deprivation particularly within the west of the borough.

Focussing development near to centres could also improve access to healthcare for all.

Development at the Garden Suburb would also create accessible formal open space as currently it is agricultural land.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of c. 4,000 new homes in neighbouring authorities is unknown.

An increase in density would result in a reduction in the amount of open space and green infrastructure that could be incorporated into new development which could mean reduced health and wellbeing benefits.

HW2

To improve the quality of life where people live and encourage community participation

CS2: +/-

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

New development is likely to add to current noise and light pollution, particularly on large greenfield sites such as the Garden Suburb site. On smaller, infill sites this is less likely to be significant – i.e. within the IP One area.

The redevelopment of previously developed urban sites is likely to be positive and in all cases development with positive design and planning around district centres could help to improve a sense of community.

There remains an element of uncertainty regarding the 4,000 homes in neighbouring authorities as their locations are unknown.

Securing a higher density of new homes within the housing sites may increase noise complaints as there would be more people living at each development.

There is the potential for higher density development to lead to greater adverse effects on social-cohesion than the proposed CS2. This is because there would be more people living at each development, therefore increasing the chance of potential frictions arising. In addition, an increase in density would result in a reduction in the amount of open space, green infrastructure that could be incorporated into new development.

ER1

To reduce poverty and social exclusion

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (2010) 26.6% (35,500) of Ipswich’s population lives within the most deprived fifth of areas in England, ranking 72 out of 294 local authorities. Nine areas of the town are ranked within the bottom 10% most deprived areas nationally with 7,425 children living in households where no-one works. Promoting significant growth as per this policy would contribute to providing better quality new homes together with creating new employment opportunities and improved access to amenities and jobs via sustainable transport modes.

Improving accessibility to areas of open space and creating new areas of open space along with improvements to the borough’s green infrastructure may also contribute to reducing overall health and disability deprivation through encouraging healthy lifestyles – although certainty for this is low.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities required to meet the need of Ipswich’s residents is currently unknown.

An increase in density would result in a reduction in the amount of open space, green infrastructure that could be incorporated into new development. Other than this the alternative would perform the same as the proposed CS2 as increasing density is unlikely change existing poverty levels or affect social exclusion.

ER2

To offer everybody the opportunity for rewarding and satisfying employment

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The most deprived area in Ipswich with regards to income and employment is within the town centre or IP One area. Focussing new office, hotel, cultural, leisure and retail – along with educational development within this area may help to alleviate this deprivation.

Focussing a proportion of employment development within the town centre may also ensure physical accessibility to new jobs is maximised.

There remains an element of uncertainty as to whether residents of the c.4,000 new homes located outside the borough would have opportunities for rewarding and satisfying employment as the locations of homes are not known.

Higher housing densities close to employment sites would beneficial in terms of improving access to jobs – although this would depend upon the types of jobs available in those locations.

We do not know where the 4,000 homes in neighbouring authorities would have been located. Therefore comparing this element of the proposed CS2 with the alternative is difficult. Needless to say this alternative would benefit Ipswich’s job market to a greater degree than the Proposed CS2 as homes would be focussed within Ipswich rather than rather than neighbouring areas’.

ER3

To help meet the housing requirements for the whole community

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Policy CS2 supports the regeneration and sustainable growth of Ipswich through focusing new residential development in the town centre, Ipswich Village and within the Ipswich Garden Suburb. 13,550 new dwellings are required in Ipswich which represents significant growth. Focussing new housing within the town centre may also help to improve the availability of new high quality housing which may help to improve pockets of existing poor quality homes. The provision of new housing within Ipswich would directly benefit the existing housing stock and may help to reduce the high levels of living environment deprivation within Ipswich.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities is currently unknown and this may not benefit the housing needs of people wishing to live in Ipswich to the same extent.

The alternative option would ensure more homes are provided within Ipswich itself.

However, there may be potential for the types of homes to be affected if higher densities are required, e.g. fewer large family homes. This may result in not all housing needs being met.

ER4

To achieve sustainable levels of prosperity and economic growth throughout the plan area

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The policy would encourage sustainable economic growth through its commitment to supporting significant regeneration in Ipswich. Growth proposed within the central areas which are most accessible i.e. the IP One area where a large cluster of employment development is proposed would encourage new business formation and may potentially help to diversify employment opportunities. For these reasons effects have been assessed as positive.

With some of the long-term housing need being met outside the borough, some economic benefits may be realised in neighbouring authorities instead.

The alternative option would perform as per the proposed CS2 as the location and amount of employment land would remain the same although any economic benefits of housing growth would be fully realised in Ipswich rather than neighbouring areas. In addition, building at higher densities may mean needs for larger family houses are not met which could affect provision of workforce.

ER5

To support vital and viable town, district and local centres

CS2: ++

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

A key component of the strategy is to develop near to the town and district centres. The policy also seeks to promote the use of sustainable modes of transport (i.e. walking, cycling or using public transport) through improving connectivity across Ipswich and locating new development within areas with good transport links. All of which would seek to ensure new development is highly accessible to shops, services and other essential facilities. The Garden Suburb would provide a new local centre which again would ensure new development is accessible to essential facilities.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of c.4,000 new homes in neighbouring authorities is currently unknown – therefore it is unknown as to how this would affect town, district and local centres outside the borough.

Higher density development near to local centres might help with vitality and viability, however, it is uncertain whether this option might put local services under pressure.

ER6

To encourage efficient patterns of movement in support of economic growth

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The policy seeks to promote growth across Ipswich which may contribute to ensuring there is sufficient land available for business start-ups.

The policy also seeks to focus, office, retail, hotel, leisure and educational employment development within defined areas e.g. the town centre, the Waterfront and Ipswich Village all of which have existing good transport links. The Garden Suburb, however, is located further from the town centre where employment is focused. Local facilities would, however, be provided to support this. Addressing need with neighbouring authorities would be uncertain however, could minimise the impact of traffic within Ipswich from future housing growth.

Therefore, it will be essential for the council to understand the impacts of traffic and economic growth - and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme. Neighbouring authorities should also give significant consideration to this issue when allocating land to meet Ipswich’s housing need.

The alternative would perform in a similar way to the Proposed CS2. In addition, higher densities near employment areas may help economic growth through provision of growth, however, higher densities also have the potential to put strain on traffic infrastructure in local areas.

It is hard to compare to what might happen in neighbouring areas as we do not know exactly where new housing would be located in those areas.

ER7

To encourage and accommodate both indigenous and inward investment

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The policy would encourage and accommodate indigenous and inward investment though its commitment to supporting significant growth (note Policy CS13 seeks to encourage the provision of approximately 12,500 new jobs and provide at least 30ha for employment use) across Ipswich that is focussed largely within the IP One area and the Garden Suburb. The commitment to providing a high quality built environment, promoting the development of multi-functional green infrastructure in urban areas and providing educational facilities may also collectively enhance the reputation of the Ipswich as place people want to live, work and visit.

The development of c.4,000 homes outside the borough is less likely to benefit investment within the Ipswich borough boundary itself. However, the provision of c.4,000 new homes outside but around the borough boundary may provide an opportunity to create attractive environments in the Ipswich area.

Securing higher density development may provide for fewer opportunities to incorporate green infrastructure into new development. This can be less appealing to investors.

Conversely a bigger employment and customer market would be generated within Ipswich under a higher density option than would be generated by providing for a large proportion of Ipswich’s housing needs elsewhere if not around the borough boundary.

CL1

To maintain and improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults

CS2: +

Short, Medium and Long-term

Indirect / Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Improving sustainable access throughout Ipswich may have indirect beneficial effects on this SA Objective as it would indirectly improve access to educational establishments throughout the borough.

Focussing office, retail, hotel, cultural and leisure development within the accessible town centre may create opportunities for training for local residents that are within accessible locations. However, certainty for this would be low.

There remains an element of uncertainty as how access to education would be affected by the 4,000 new homes required in neighbouring authorities.

A bigger employment and customer market would be generated within Ipswich under a higher density option, therefore this is likely to create more opportunities to improve access to skill for young people and adults. However, conversely access to education may be more difficult due to lack of space to provide education opportunities for 4,000 extra households.

CD1

To minimise potential opportunities for crime and anti-social activity

CS2:?

N/A

N/A

Redevelopment of derelict town centre sites has potential to reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour. Also new development across the borough would be required to meet Policy DM5 which addresses crime and safety.

However, on balance, it is not possible to clearly identify if the policy as a whole would significantly affect crime levels.

There is an element of uncertainty as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities is not known – therefore an assessment cannot be undertaken.

There is the potential for higher density development to lead to greater adverse effects on social-cohesion than the proposed CS2. This is because there would be more people living at each development, therefore increasing the chance of potential frictions arising. In addition, an increase in density would result in a reduction in the amount of open space, green infrastructure that could be incorporated into new development. Whether this is positive or negative would depend on how it’s designed.

SA Objective

Performance of policy

Temporal scale

Permanency

Certainty

Geographical extent

Commentary

Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

ET1

To improve air quality

Medium and Long-term

Direct and Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS1 would benefit this SA Objective though its commitment to promoting sustainable transport use and encouraging a 15% modal shift. Reducing the number of private cars on the road over the medium to long term would benefit local air quality.

Policy CS3 focusses a large proportion of housing development within the central urban area which is positive in that the area contains the majority of amenities and jobs and is accessible by public transport. However, in spite of this it is also likely that overall vehicle trips in this area will increase which may affect the borough’s four designated AQMAs. The provisions of Policy CS1 could help to mitigate this.

Policy CS5 directly seeks to improve accessibility throughout the borough on foot, by bicycle and by public transport all of which would contribute to minimising the need to travel by private car over the medium to long term. Again a reduction in the number of private cars on the roads would only benefit local air quality across Ipswich (and potentially the four designated AQMAs).

Protecting the borough’s built, historical, natural and geological assets under Policy CS4 would not significantly affect this SA Objective. Nor would joint working as promoted in Policy CS6.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and air quality and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance within Policy CS5 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

ET2

To conserve soil resources and quality

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS3 seeks to site new development on previously developed land within the IP One area – this represents a sustainable use of soil resources, therefore effects are scored as positive.

Policy CS4 would benefit this SA Objective thorough its commitment to protecting geodiversity including geological assets which would only benefit soil resources. The beneficial score recorded against Policy CS4 could be strengthened though a direct reference in the policy wording to protecting and enhancing the boroughs soil resource and function.

Joint working with neighbouring authorities may benefit soil resources through areas of previously developed land for new development being identified in other boroughs over greenfield land.

ET3

To reduce waste

Short, Medium and Long-term

Indirect / Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS1 makes a commitment to ensuring new development incorporates water conservation, capture, recycling and efficiency measures. All of which would benefit this SA Objective.

Effects have been assessed as major positive against Policy CS4 as the policy seeks to encourage the use of reclaimed, renewable, recycled, and low environmental impact materials in construction. In addition, the policy requires new development to minimise waste generated during construction. All of the above would promote the use of recycled materials in construction, encourage a reduced demand for raw materials and potentially reduce the proportion of waste landfilled.

Stating the broad nature and location of development together with improving accessibility and promoting joint working as per Policies CS3, CS5 and CS6 would not clearly affect the waste SA Objective.

ET4

To reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS1 would directly benefit this SA Objective as its purpose is to promote sustainable development which includes supporting the implementation of ‘Travel to Ipswich’ - this promotes the use of sustainable modes of transport (including walking, cycling and busses) to encourage a 15% modal shift.

Policy CS3 focusses a large proportion of housing development within the central urban area which is positive in that the area contains the majority of amenities and jobs and is accessible by public transport. However, in spite of this it is also likely that overall vehicle trips in this area will increase. The provisions of Policy CS1 could help to mitigate this.

The purpose of Policy CS5 is to improve accessibility across the borough in such a way that it minimises the need to travel and encourages journeys by foot, bicycle and by public transport (bus and rail) would promote the use of sustainable travel modes and reduce vehicle movements.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance within Policy CS5 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

Policy CS4 and CS6, protecting the borough’s built, historical, natural and geological assets and joint working are unlikely to affect the SA Objective.

ET5

To improve access to key services for all sectors of the population

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS3 would benefit the SA Objective through its commitment to providing new community facilities and new areas of open space within the readily accessible IP-One Area. The policy also promotes the adjacency of new homes to new employment opportunities which again would benefit access to services.

Policy CS4 seeks to conserve and enhance Ipswich’s natural environment including designating additional Local Nature Reserves and identifying an ecological network across Ipswich linking into adjacent areas – this would contribute to improving access to open space for residents in Ipswich.

The focus of Policy CS5 is to facilitate access across Ipswich, particularly via foot, bicycle and by public transport (bus and rail). The policy also makes a specific focus to prioritising the introduction of an integrated cycle network. As the policy would contribute to ensuring new development improves access and seeks to develop new sustainable access within Ipswich, effects have been recorded as major positive.

Joint working may help to locate key services / housing to meets needs of people living in border areas.

ET6

To limit and adapt to climate change

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS1 would benefit this SA Objective though its commitment to promoting sustainable transport use and encouraging a 15% modal shift. Reducing the number of vehicle movements over the medium to long term would only reduce carbon emissions from traffic. In addition, a key theme of Policy CS1 is to ensure new development seeks to reduce carbon emissions and tackles the implications climate change in the future. Policy CS1 also seeks to incorporate SuDS where relevant. For these reasons effects have been assessed as major positive.

Policy CS3 focusses a large proportion of housing development within the central urban area which is positive in that the area contains the majority of amenities and jobs and is accessible by public transport. However, in spite of this it is also likely that overall vehicle trips in this area will increase and may increase carbon emissions. The provisions of Policy CS1 could help to mitigate this.

Policy CS5 directly seeks to improve accessibility throughout the borough on foot, by bicycle and by public transport all of which would contribute to minimising the need to travel by private car over the medium to long term.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and air quality and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance within Policy CS5 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

Protecting the borough’s built, historical, natural and geological assets under Policy CS4 would not affect this SA Objective. Nor would joint working as promoted in Policy CS6.

ET7

To protect and enhance the quality of water features and resources and reduce the risk of flooding

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS1 would directly benefit the SA Objective through its commitment to supporting the Ipswich Flood Defence Strategy to manage flood risk with in the borough and through its commitment to ensuring new development incorporates water conservation, efficiency measures and SuDS as appropriate.

Effects have been assessed as both positive and negative against Policy CS3 as it seeks to promote growth within the IP One area, although development on previously developed land may benefit groundwater quality, the policy could result in an increase in the demand for water resources and increase the risk of flooding (particularly as large areas in the IP One area are within Flood Zones 2 and 3). However, the Core Strategy should be read as a whole and the benefits outlined above as per Policy CS1 would offset potential negative effects.

ET8

To conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, including favourable conditions on SSSIs, SPAs and SACs

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS4 would directly benefit this SA Objective as it seeks to conserve the boroughs natural assets. It also seeks to conserve and enhance local biodiversity, protect the boroughs green infrastructure and designate additional Local Nature Reserves. In addition the policy seeks to protect local geodiversity.

It is noted that there are overlaps between this policy and DM31. Nonetheless, there is considerable scope to expand this policy given its overarching nature at the front of the plan, in particular to protect and enhance the borough’s designated natural assets including principally European, National and local level designations. A reiteration of the text in DM31 regarding protection of the European Sites is recommended.

Policies CS1, CS3 and CS5 seek to provide and protect wildlife corridors along with contributing to creating green infrastructure, all of which would benefit the SA Objective.

ET9

To conserve and where appropriate enhance areas and sites of historical importance

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS4 makes a specific commitment to conserving the borough’s built and historical assets. The policy goes on to state it would ensure the character and appearance of conservation areas are conserved / enhanced through preparing character appraisals which would only protect and enhance heritage assets and their setting from inappropriate development. The policy also includes a cross reference to development management policies which seek to protect / conserve heritage assets (DM8). The policy may also, over the medium to long term, benefit the Gateway to Wolsey's College of St Mary and St Mary at Quay – both listed on English Heritage’s 2013 ‘Heritage at Risk Register’.

Policy CS3 makes a commitment to creating a heritage assets register within the IP-One Area Action Plan boundary that new development would be required to be mindful of. For this reason effects were recorded as positive as this would contribute to the protection and enhancement of the historic landscape within the defined boundary – which would particularly benefit the town centres Conservation Areas, listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments.

ET10

To conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS3 promotes growth within the IP One area which may lead to negative effects on local townscape character, particularly due to the Conservation Areas within the boundary. However, conversely promoting high quality design and potentially developing on derelict sites may lead to beneficial effects on the SA Objective. For these reasons effects have been assessed as both positive and negative. Although it is not the purpose of the policy it should be ensured new development integrates well into the existing townscape, it is therefore recommended that a specific reference to this is included within the policy.

Policy CS4 would lead to major positive effects on the SA Objective as it directly seeks to protect the built, historical and natural environment of Ipswich. This would help to protect and enhance townscape character and quality across the borough.

HW1

To improve the health of those most in need

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS3 seeks to create new areas of open space within the IP One area which may provide opportunities for recreation and ultimately promote healthy lifestyles – although low certainty improving opportunities for recreation may help to reduce overall high levels of health and disability deprivation particularly within the west of the borough. Focussing development within the town centre could also improve access to healthcare for all.

Policies CS1, CS3 and CS5 all seek to promote the use of sustainable modes of transport (i.e. walking, cycling or using public transport) through improving connectivity across Ipswich and locating new development in areas with good sustainable transport links - again this may offer health benefits.

CS4 may offer indirect health benefits through its commitment to supporting the Greenways Project, protecting green spaces and linking ecological networks across the borough.

HW2

To improve the quality of life where people live and encourage community participation

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Positive scores have been recorded against Policy CS3 as it will help provide regeneration, new high-quality homes in accessible locations and other amenities.

The redevelopment of previously developed urban sites is likely to be positive and in all cases development with positive design and planning within the IP One area could help to improve a sense of community.

Policies CS1, CS3 and CS4 also both seek to create and improve areas of open space across Ipswich along with ensuring new areas are accessible via foot and bicycle which may provide opportunities for community participation.

ER1

To reduce poverty and social exclusion

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide

According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (2010) 26.6% (35,500) of Ipswich’s population lives within the most deprived fifth of areas in England, ranking 72 out of 294 local authorities. Nine areas of the town are ranked within the bottom 10% most deprived areas nationally with 7,425 children living in households where no-one works. Promoting growth as per Policy CS3 would contribute to providing better quality new homes together with creating new employment opportunities and improved access to amenities and jobs via sustainable transport modes. This together with safeguarding the Educational Quarter within the town centre would all provide the ingredients to reducing overall deprivation. Policy CS5’s commitment to improving sustainable access throughout Ipswich again could help people to access educational facilities and employment – and potentially reduce deprivation.

Improving accessibility to areas of open space and creating new areas of open space along with improvements to the boroughs green infrastructure (as per Policies CS1, CS3, CS4 and CS5) may also contribute to reducing overall health and disability deprivation through encouraging healthy lifestyles – although certainty for this is low.

ER2

To offer everybody the opportunity for rewarding and satisfying employment

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide

The most deprived area in Ipswich with regards to income and employment is within the town centre or IP One area. Focussing new office, hotel, cultural, leisure and retail – along with educational development within this area may help to alleviate this deprivation. Focussing a proportion of employment development within the town centre may also ensure physical accessibility to new jobs is maximised. This with Policy CS5 that seeks to improve access would benefit access to employment further.

Safeguarding the Educational Quarter as outlined within Policy CS3 may also contribute to ensuring people are educated to meet local economic needs although certainty is low.

Joint working may help co-locate housing and employment opportunities which may help to enable employment land to be allocated in appropriate locations across the Ipswich Planning Area. For this reason a positive score has been recorded against Policy CS6.

ER3

To help meet the housing requirements for the whole community

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS3 supports the regeneration and sustainable growth of Ipswich town centre through focusing a number of residential developments within the IP One area. Focussing new housing within the town centre may help to improve the availability of new high quality housing which may help to improve pockets of existing poor quality homes. The provision of new housing within Ipswich would directly benefit the existing housing stock and may help to reduce the high levels of living environment deprivation within Ipswich.

Joint working is fundamental to future housing delivery to meet Ipswich’s needs, therefore a positive score has been recorded for Policy CS6.

ER4

To achieve sustainable levels of prosperity and economic growth throughout the plan area

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

CS3 would encourage sustainable economic growth through its commitment to supporting significant regeneration in Ipswich. Growth proposed within the central areas which are most accessible i.e. the IP One area where a cluster of employment development is proposed would encourage new business formation and may potentially help to diversify employment opportunities. Positive effects would be strengthened through Policy CS5s commitment to improving accessibility across the borough, which may also improve access to jobs.

ER5

To support vital and viable town, district and local centres

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policies CS1, CS3 and CS5 all seek to promote the use of sustainable modes of transport (i.e. walking, cycling or using public transport) through improving connectivity across Ipswich and locating new development within areas with good transport links. All of which would seek to ensure new development is highly accessible to shops, services and other essential facilities. Policy CS3 in particular would benefit the SA Objective as it encourages growth within the central IP One area - proposes a cluster of employment development.

ER6

To encourage efficient patterns of movement in support of economic growth

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS3 seeks to focus, office, retail, hotel, leisure and educational employment development within the IP One area which benefits from existing good transport links. That said, it will still be important for the council to understand the impacts of traffic and economic growth - and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in Policy CS5 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

Policies CS1 and CS5 both seek to promote the use of sustainable modes of transport (i.e. walking, cycling or using public transport) through improving connectivity across Ipswich and locating new development within areas with good transport links. All of which would (over time) reduce vehicle movements.

ER7

To encourage and accommodate both indigenous and inward investment

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

IP One area

All the policies seek to support the development of a high quality built environment which encourages the adjacency of homes and jobs along with promoting the development of multi-functional green infrastructure (and safeguarding the Educational Quarter) and improving transport infrastructure which may enhance the reputation of Ipswich as place people want to live, work and visit.

CL1

To maintain and improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS3 seeks to safeguard the Education Quarter to support the development of University Campus Suffolk, Suffolk New College and a new primary school which would help to improve the provision of education and training facilities. In addition, locating these facilities in the readily accessible IP –One Area may help to encourage involvement in lifelong learning opportunities and increase educational attainment for all members of society. This would be particularly beneficial within the IP one area as education, skills and training deprivation is considered to be high.

Improving sustainable accessibility throughout Ipswich may have indirect beneficial effects on this SA Objective as it would improve access to educational establishments throughout the borough.

CD1

To minimise potential opportunities for crime and anti-social activity

N/A

N/A

Redevelopment of derelict town centre sites under CS3 has potential to reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour. Also new development across the borough will also be required to meet secure by design principles which should also deter crime.

However, on balance, it is not possible to clearly identify if the policy as a whole would significantly affect crime levels.

SA Objective

Performance of policy

Temporal scale

Permanency

Certainty

Geographical extent

Commentary

Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

ET1

To improve air quality

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Under CS7, the 7,234 new homes to be delivered in the borough would increase vehicle movements which may affect local air quality and potentially the four AQMAs. In addition, the amount required on windfall sites and within neighbouring authorities may also affect air quality depending upon their locality, although, without knowing where these could be located there is considerable uncertainty regarding this. However, a significant emphasis has been placed on promoting sustainable travel within the Core Strategy which should reduce this impact. This is reiterated in the Garden Suburb SPD. At this stage the significance of this is uncertain although anticipated to be negative overall for Policies CS7 and CS10. The level of certainty is recorded as medium / low as the increase in traffic won’t necessarily result in a significant adverse effect on air quality, particularly due to the focus in the Core Strategy of improving sustainable transport movements.

In relation to CS10 it should be noted that the AQMAs at Norwich Road and Crown Street may potentially be affected by any additional traffic from the Garden Suburb travelling to the town centre. It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and air quality and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5, DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme. Air quality will need to be considered when working with neighbouring authorities to address housing need later in the plan period.

ET2

To conserve soil resources and quality

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Siting approximately a third of the residual housing on previously developed land as per Policy CS7 represents a sustainable use of soil resources. However, the remainder, particularly those at the Garden Suburb would be on greenfield land and would affect soil resources along with the soil’s functionality in those areas. It is not known where the 5,851 required homes (on windfall sites and) within neighbouring authorities would be developed at this stage therefore there remains an element of uncertainty.

Policy CS9 represents a sustainable use of soil resources as it commits to ensuring new development is focused on previously developed land which would help to preserve soil resources elsewhere in the borough. This is also true for Policy CS11 as cites a preference to locate gypsy and traveller accommodation on previously developed land.

ET3

To reduce waste

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The construction of 7,234 new homes within the borough would undoubtedly increase the amount of waste produced. In addition, the amount of new homes required in neighbouring authorities would also increase the amount of waste produced per capita outside of the borough. However, It is recognised that reducing waste is not the focus of Policy CS7, Policy CS1 ensures that new development is developed to minimise waste generation. That said opportunities should be sought (particularly within Policy CS10) to encourage recycling within the new housing developments. Facilities should be provided to encourage reuse/recycling.

A minor positive score has been assessed against Policy CS11 as it directly seeks to ensure new gypsy and traveller accommodation is capable of being serviced with waste disposal and re-cycling facilities.

ET4

To reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Policy CS7 states that 7,234 new homes are to be developed in the borough. This would therefore increase vehicle trips. In addition, those required on windfall sites and in neighbouring authorities would also increase vehicle movements depending upon their locality. Although, without knowing where these could be located there is considerable uncertainty to what extent. However, a significant emphasis has been placed on promoting sustainable travel within the Core Strategy along with Policy CS10s commitment to improving sustainable access to the Garden Suburb site via walking, cycling and promoting the use of Westfield Station to help alleviate negative effects. This is reiterated in the Garden Suburb SPD. At this stage the significance of this is uncertain, however anticipated to be negative overall against Policies CS7 and CS10.

Whilst enhancements in public transport provision may be needed at various locations, it is noted in particular that areas around northern Ipswich, Sproughton Road/Jovian Way and the waterfront are currently less well served by public transport.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5, DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme. Neighbouring authorities should also give significant consideration to this issue when allocating land to meet Ipswich’s housing need.

ET5

To improve access to key services for all sectors of the population

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The Garden Suburb site, due to its size would be required to provide a new district centre along with two local centres providing new residents with a range of essential facilities (including schools, a supermarket, employment development and open space). This would ensure new development maintains and improves access to essential services and facilities. The provision of new services would also guard against putting existing services under pressure.

Policy CS11 would ensure any new gypsy and traveller accommodation is located (where possible) within 1km of basic services including the public transport network, along with being accessible safely on foot, by bicycle and by vehicle. As the policy seeks to ensure pitch provision is accessible to essential services effects are assessed as positive.

ET6

To limit and adapt to climate change

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Policy CS7 states that 7,234 new homes are to be developed in the borough. This would therefore increase vehicle movements across the borough and may increase carbon emissions. In addition, those required on windfall sites and in neighbouring authorities would also increase vehicle movements and carbon emissions depending upon their locality. Although, without knowing where these could be located there is considerable uncertainty to what extent. It should be noted that a significant emphasis has been placed on promoting sustainable travel within the Core Strategy along with Policy CS10s commitment to improving sustainable access to the Garden Suburb site via walking, cycling and promoting the use of Westfield Station which would help to alleviate negative effects. This is reiterated in the Garden Suburb SPD. At this stage the significance of this is uncertain, however anticipated to be negative overall against Policies CS7 and CS10.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and increases in carbon emissions from transport and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5, DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme. Neighbouring authorities should also give significant consideration to this issue when allocating land to meet Ipswich’s housing need.

ET7

To protect and enhance the quality of water features and resources and reduce the risk of flooding

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The significant amount of new homes required in the borough (CS7) would only increase the demand for water resources. In addition, the significant amount of new homes proposed could also exacerbate existing flooding issues on land adjacent to the River Orwell, the River Gipping and Belstead Brook.

The Garden Suburb is located on greenfield land which may affect local ground water quality though runoff. However, it should be noted only the small watercourse located within the northern part of the Garden Suburb is considered by the Environment Agency to be at risk of flooding. Although negative effects have been recorded for Policies CS7 and CS10, it is appreciated that the issue of flooding and water efficiency is covered elsewhere within the Core Strategy.

With regards to Policy CS7 there remains an element of uncertainty as the location of a significant number of new homes in neighbouring authorities is not known - therefore effects on ground water quality, resources and flood risk cannot be assessed.

Policy CS11 ensures that gypsy and traveller accommodation is not located within areas that are at risk of flooding. Therefore beneficial effects have been recorded.

Seeking to locate development on previously developed land as per Policy CS9 in the first instance would seek to guard against ground water contamination on greenfield sites. However, it should be noted there is insufficient brownfield land to meet housing requirements.

ET8

To conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, including favourable conditions on SSSIs, SPAs and SACs

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The proposed 7,234 new homes in Ipswich including the significant amount being constructed on the greenfield Garden Suburb site (as per Policy CS10) is likely to result in a loss of wildlife habitat. However, Policy CS10 seeks to create new areas of open space, including a 24.5ha (minimum) county park which could help to mitigate adverse effects on biodiversity resources. The Core Strategy’s overarching commitment to link ecological networks and green corridors across Ipswich could also provide further mitigation.

Although the Garden Suburb site takes up a lot of greenfield land, it is worth noting that it isn’t covered by any statutory ecological designations.

In addition to the above there remains an element of uncertainty against the SA Objective as the locations of new homes proposed in neighbouring authorities are unknown – therefore effects on biodiversity resources cannot be assessed.

Policy CS9 seeks to develop previously developed land in the first instance, which may protect some green field sites from development. However, it should be noted that some brownfield sites can also be rich in wildlife.

Policy CS11 commits to ensure new gypsy and traveller accommodation is not sited where it could potentially affect sites of nature conservation importance. This would be particularly beneficial given the boroughs (although fairly urban) number of SSSIs, LNRs and the Stour and Orwell Estuaries SPA and Ramsar site.

The Appropriate Assessment has concluded no adverse effects upon the integrity of European sites from the Ipswich Borough Council Proposed Submission Core Strategy and Policies DPD Review alone or in combination with the Suffolk Coastal District Core Strategy and Policies.

ET9

To conserve and where appropriate enhance areas and sites of historical importance

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Effects were recorded as uncertain against Policies CS7 and CS10 as whilst no known heritage assets are anticipated to be directly affected, new residential development has the potential to adversely affect the setting of these assets if inappropriate. Conversely, high quality residential development near to a heritage asset that complements it or improves an existing poor quality site may benefit its setting. Without knowing these local details at this stage it is not possible to make an accurate assessment against this objective. In addition, new homes could also affect unknown archaeological remains although this is also uncertain. There also remains further uncertainty with regards to Policy CS7 as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities required to meet the need of Ipswich’s residents is currently unknown – therefore effects on heritage assets outside the borough are unknown.

Positive scores were recorded against Policy CS11 as the policy ensures that new gypsy and traveller pitch provision does not have a significant effect on conservation areas. The positive score could be strengthened though removing the reference to conservation areas and historic sites in clauses ii and iii respectively and adding a new clause that states ‘heritage assets’.

ET10

To conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Policy CS7 commits to the provision of 7,234 new homes within Ipswich and within the Garden Suburb site (Policy CS10). New residential development on derelict sites within the central urban areas could improve the existing townscape. However, development within the Garden Suburb site would result in the removal of a large area of undeveloped land at the urban fringe which would negatively affect landscape character. It should be noted that Policy CS10 does provide some mitigation, such as ensuring development provides tree planting, new areas of open space and urban greening schemes. Although it is concluded that even with the mitigation built into Policy CS10 the overall effect on landscape would be negative.

There also remains further uncertainty with regards to Policy CS7 as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities required to meet the need of Ipswich’s residents is currently unknown – therefore effects on landscape / townscape character outside the borough are unknown.

Positive scores were recorded against Policies CS9 and CS11 as the preference to develop previously developed land in the first instance may improve the appearance of some derelict sites in the town centre. In addition, Policy CS11 makes a commitment to ensuring new pitch provision is proportionate in size to nearby settlements, does not impact on the appearance and character of the open countryside and does not affect sites designated for their landscape qualities.

HW1

To improve the health of those most in need

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

Policy CS10 seeks to create new areas of open space throughout the Garden Suburb along with a 24.5ha (minimum) country park which would provide opportunities for recreation and may encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles. This together with the creation of replacement playing fields may help to reduce overall high levels of health and disability deprivation within Ipswich. Policy CS10 also seeks to provide a health centre within the Garden Suburb. It is worth noting that the Garden Suburb would also create accessible formal open space as currently it is just agricultural fields. Conversely, some indirect negative effect may arise associated with deterioration of the air quality in the north part of the borough.

Focussing housing development near to centres could also improve access to healthcare for all.

There remains an element of uncertainty under CS7 as the location of the additional new homes required in neighbouring authorities is unknown.

HW2

To improve the quality of life where people live and encourage community participation

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

New residential development is likely to add to current noise and light pollution, particularly at the Garden Suburb. On smaller, infill sites this is less likely to be significant – i.e. within the town centre.

Residential development on previously developed urban sites is likely to be positive and in all cases development with positive design and planning around district centres could help to improve a sense of community.

There remains an element of uncertainty regarding the additional homes required in neighbouring authorities as their locations are unknown.

Policy CS11 makes a direct commitment to ensuing new gypsy and traveller sites are proportionate in size and support community cohesion.

ER1

To reduce poverty and social exclusion

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (2010) 26.6% (35,500) of Ipswich’s population lives within the most deprived fifth of areas in England. Promoting significant residential development as per Policy CS7 would contribute to providing better quality new homes, which may help to address existing living environment deprivation – particularly within the IP One area. This together with improving the availability of affordable new homes (Policy CS12) would benefit the SA Objective further through potentially reducing homelessness.

The provision of new decent family homes at the Northern Fringe (– although not a deprived area) on the whole may reduce deprivation levels at a borough level.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of residential development in neighbouring authorities required to meet the need of Ipswich’s residents is currently unknown. Therefore it is unknown as to whether it would benefit this SA Objective.

ER2

To offer everybody the opportunity for rewarding and satisfying employment

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Garden Suburb

Policies CS7, CS8, CS9, CS11 and CS12 all largely relate to housing provision and a preference to develop on previously developed land within the borough. Therefore these policies are unlikely to offer any benefits to the SA Objective.

Policy CS10 may contribute, in a relatively minor way, to reducing unemployment and improving accessibility to new jobs within the Garden Suburb through the commitment to non-residential uses which will lead to job creation.

ER3

To help meet the housing requirements for the whole community

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide and neighbouring authorities

The provision of 7,234 new homes (Policy CS7) in the borough, including a proportion in the Garden Suburb (Policy CS10) would contribute to ensuring there is sufficient housing to meet identified needs in all areas. In addition, although not the focus of the policy housing would be of a high quality which would only help to reduce high levels of living environment deprivation within the town centre. The commitment to provide a balance between flats and houses (Policy CS8) along with ensuring the provision of affordable new homes (Policy CS12).

New gypsy and traveller pitch provision (Policy CS11) would also ensure all sectors of society are catered for with regards to housing requirements.

There remains an element of uncertainty as the location of new housing in neighbouring authorities is currently unknown.

ER4

To achieve sustainable levels of prosperity and economic growth throughout the plan area

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Garden Suburb

Policies CS7 and CS10 may benefit the SA Objective indirectly through meeting the demand of housing and providing opportunities for the borough to grow and develop. Investment in residential developments would create a number of temporary jobs but also may also attract further inward investment by becoming a better place to live.

Policy CS10 may also contribute to reducing employment and improving accessibility to new jobs within the Garden Suburb through the commitment to creating new jobs within the new district centre and two new local centres (retail, leisure, A1, A2-A5, schools and a health centre) along with jobs. However, it should be noted that effects would be minor as employment provision will be focused within the town centre / IP One area.

ER5

To support vital and viable town, district and local centres

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Garden Suburb

It is considered that the influx of new residents in Ipswich associated with Policy CS7 would have a positive effect on existing town and district centres. Therefore effects have been assessed as positive.

Policy CS10 would contribute to maintaining and improving access to shops, services and facilities within the Garden Suburb. The Garden Suburb would provide a new district centre and two new local centres which would provide new retail, leisure, health and educational facilities.

ER6

To encourage efficient patterns of movement in support of economic growth

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Garden Suburb

Policies CS7, CS8, CS9, CS11 and CS12 all largely relate to housing provision and a preference to develop on previously developed land within the borough. Therefore these policies are unlikely to offer any benefits to this economic SA Objective.

Policy CS10 may contribute to ensuring there is sufficient land, buildings and premises available for business start-ups within the Garden Suburb through its commitment to providing a new district centre and two new local centres which will contain new retail, leisure, A1, A2-A5 premises. Policy CS10 also ensures that any planning applications that come forward for the Garden Suburb are supported by an Infrastructure Delivery Plan and also meet criteria outlined in the Garden Suburb development brief SPD which would only ensure infrastructure (including transport) meet the needs of the local area.

ER7

To encourage and accommodate both indigenous and inward investment

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Borough wide

The SA Objective would be indirectly achieved through CS7 through meeting the demand for housing and providing opportunities for the borough to grow and develop. Investment in residential developments would also create a number of temporary jobs but may also attract further inward investment by becoming a better place to live. The significant number of new properties proposed to be constructed in the borough (outlined in CS7 and CS10) may contribute to the development of a high quality built environment, particularly within the Garden Suburb where a new district centre would be developed. This with the provision of multi-functional green infrastructure and the new educational facilities may also collectively enhance the reputation of the Ipswich as place people want to live, work and visit.

CL1

To maintain and improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Garden Suburb

The implementation of Policy CS10 has the potential to improve educational attainment through the provision of a new high school and three primary schools. However, it is uncertain whether the overall educational attainment would be improved significantly as other factors also influence the level of skills and qualifications.

CD1

To minimise potential opportunities for crime and anti-social activity

N/A

N/A

Crime rates are higher than national average within Ipswich with high records of organised crime and hate crime amongst others. An influx of new residents could potentially result in an increase in thefts in the short term, however, this not the only factor that contributes to an increase of crime levels – for this reason effects have been recorded as neutral.

SA Objective

Performance of policy

Temporal scale

Permanency

Certainty

Geographical extent

Commentary

Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

ET1

To improve air quality

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Although reducing traffic movements is not the focus Policies CS13 and CS14 encouraging the provision of 12,500 new jobs in the borough would inevitably increase vehicle movements (particularly within the town centre) which may affect local air quality and potentially the four AQMAs. However, it is worth noting that, a significant emphasis has been placed on promoting sustainable travel within the Core Strategy which should reduce this impact. This is reiterated in the Garden Suburb SPD, Travel Ipswich and Policy CS5.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and air quality and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5, Policy DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

ET2

To conserve soil resources and quality

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Irreversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Largely encouraging employment, retail and town centre use development within Ipswich town centre, within existing employment sites and at Futura Park would represent a sustainable use of soil resources, as associated new employment development would be on previously developed land. However, some provision would be within the Garden Suburb, therefore on greenfield land – this would affect soil resources along with the soil’s functionality in the area.

ET3

To reduce waste

Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Although not the focus of Policy CS13 or Policy CS14 encouraging significant growth through the provision of 12,500 new jobs would inevitably increase waste production in the borough. However, this could be partially mitigated though Policy CS4s commitment to ensuring new development is required to minimise the amount of waste generated during construction and through the lifetime of the buildings.

ET4

To reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Although reducing traffic movements is not the focus Policies CS13 and CS14 encouraging the provision of 12,500 new jobs in the borough period would inevitably increase vehicle movements (particularly within the town centre). However, it is worth noting that, a significant emphasis has been placed on promoting sustainable travel within the Core Strategy which should reduce this impact. This is reiterated in the Garden Suburb SPD, Travel Ipswich and Policy CS5.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5, Policy DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

ET5

To improve access to key services for all sectors of the population

Short, Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Town Centre

Policies CS13 and CS14 would benefit the SA Objective through focussing new employment, retail and town centre use provision largely within the accessible the town centre which would only benefit access to services.

ET6

To limit and adapt to climate change

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Although reducing traffic movements is not the focus Policies CS13 and CS14 encouraging the provision of 12,500 new jobs in the borough would inevitably increase vehicle movements and associated carbon emissions (particularly within the town centre). However, it is worth noting that, a significant emphasis has been placed on promoting sustainable travel within the Core Strategy which should reduce this impact. This is reiterated in the Garden Suburb SPD, Travel Ipswich, Policy CS5 and Policy DM17. In addition, Policy CS14 would encourage linked trips.

It will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic (and associated increases in carbon emissions) and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5, DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

ET7

To protect and enhance the quality of water features and resources and reduce the risk of flooding

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium / Low Certainty

Largely within the town centre.

The purpose of Policies CS13 and CS14 is to encourage economic growth across Ipswich rather than conserving water resources and reducing flood risk. However, it should be noted that Policy CS13 commitment to encouraging 12,500 new jobs is likely to increase the demand for water resources over the medium to long term. Focussing job provision within the town centre would maximise development on previously developed land which would result in positive effects on this SA Objective by conserving permeable greenfield land. Employment development at the Garden Suburb would be located on greenfield land which could affect local ground water quality though runoff.

With regards to flooding, it should be ensured that the allocated 30ha (minimum) of new employment development is outside flood zones 2 and 3.

ET8

To conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, including favourable conditions on SSSIs, SPAs and SACs

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Largely within the town centre.

Policy CS13 and CS14 seek to focus the majority of employment development on previously developed land in the first instance, which may protect some greenfield sites from development. However, it should be noted that some brownfield sites can also be rich in wildlife. Policy CS14 also seeks to provide urban greening within the town centre which may offer biodiversity benefits.

The Appropriate Assessment has concluded no adverse effects upon the integrity of European sites from the Ipswich Borough Council Proposed Submission Core Strategy and Policies DPD Review alone or in combination with the Suffolk Coastal District Core Strategy and Policies.

It should be ensured that the 30ha (minimum) of new employment allocations are located away from statutory designated sites along with areas with high biodiversity. However, Policy DM31 would help to mitigate for this.

ET9

To conserve and where appropriate enhance areas and sites of historical importance

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Largely within the town centre and Garden Suburb.

Effects were recorded as uncertain as whilst no known heritage assets are anticipated to be directly affected, new employment development has the potential to adversely affect the setting of assets if inappropriate. Conversely, a high quality development near to a heritage asset that complements it or improves an existing poor quality site may benefit its setting. Without knowing these local details at this stage it is not possible to make an accurate assessment against this objective. In addition, development could also affect unknown archaeological remains although this is also uncertain. The purpose of this policy is not to seek to protect heritage assets, this is provided in DM8.

ET10

To conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Largely within the town centre and Garden Suburb.

Policies CS13 and CS14 largely promote economic growth within the town centre which may lead to negative effects on local townscape character, particularly due to the Conservation Areas within the boundary. However, conversely promoting development that is of a scale appropriate to the size, function and catchment may offer some beneficial effects on the SA Objective.

In addition to promoting economic growth in the town centre Policy CS13 would also lead to some development in the Garden Suburb which would result in a loss of agricultural fields, it is likely that this would result in adverse effects on the local landscape quality.

For the reasons above effects have been assessed as both positive and negative.

It should be ensured that the 30ha (minimum) of new employment allocations are well integrated into the existing environment -NB this is provided in Policy DM5.

HW1

To improve the health of those most in need

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Town Centre

The policies commitment to largely focussing employment, retail and town centre use development within the accessible town centre may help to encourage healthy lifestyles. In addition, creating more employment opportunities in the borough and may improve overall mental health and overall deprivation.

HW2

To improve the quality of life where people live and encourage community participation

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Town Centre

The policies may indirectly contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through supporting the growth of educational facilities and initiatives to improve skills and qualifications levels. The level of educational attainment is low and the local partnerships may have a positive effect on the comprehensive development of the borough and the quality of life. In addition, the cumulative effect of concentrating employment development along with residential development (proposed in Policies CS2 and CS7) within the town centre and the Garden Suburb are likely to increase noise and light pollution within these areas.

ER1

To reduce poverty and social exclusion

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Town Centre

Encouraging 12,500 jobs to be created in the borough along with focussing economic development within the accessible town centre would provide the foundation to improve existing high levels of income and employment deprivation within the town centre.

ER2

To offer everybody the opportunity for rewarding and satisfying employment

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Town Centre

As above, encouraging the creation of 12,500 jobs along with focussing economic development within the accessible town centre would provide the foundations to improve existing high levels of income and employment deprivation along with reducing unemployment within an area most at need.

ER3

To help meet the housing requirements for the whole community

N/A

N/A

There is no clear link between the Policies and the SA Objective.

ER4

To achieve sustainable levels of prosperity and economic growth throughout the plan area

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Policies CS13 and CS14 would encourage new business formation and ensure there is sufficient land, buildings and premises available to accommodate business start-ups through allocating land for employment use, protecting land in existing employment areas and allocating land for other employment generating uses.

The commitment to encouraging the provision of 12,500 new jobs would also contribute to encouraging economic growth and diversifying employment opportunities within the borough.

ER5

To support vital and viable town, district and local centres

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Town Centre and district / local centres

Policy CS14 would directly benefit the SA Objective as it seeks to enhance the role, vitality and viability of the Ipswich Central Shopping Area. In addition, focussing new economic development within the town centre (Policies CS13 and CS14) would concentrate new facilities including a mix of retail units within an area that already benefits from good sustainable access.

ER6

To encourage efficient patterns of movement in support of economic growth

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Town Centre

Policies CS13 and CS14 seek to ensure sufficient land, buildings and premises are available to accommodate business start-up and growth through the commitment to allocate a minimum of 30ha for employment use. The policies also promote the use of sustainable travel modes through largely focussing new employment development within the accessible town centre, over time this may reduce dependence on the private car.

Although not the focus of the policy it will be essential for planning applications to thoroughly assess the impacts of traffic and to propose effective measures to mitigate any impacts following the guidance in the Garden Suburb SPD, Policy CS5, Policy DM17 and the Travel Ipswich Scheme.

ER7

To encourage and accommodate both indigenous and inward investment

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Low certainty

Town Centre and employment allocations

Policies CS13 and CS14 would encourage inward investment and new business formation though the commitment to encouraging 12,500 new jobs, allocating a minimum of 30ha for employment development and protecting land for employment in existing employment use.

Policy CS14 also seeks to ensure new town centre and retail development provides environmental enhancements along with urban greening which may contribute to the development of multi-functional green infrastructure in urban areas.

Collectively the above may help to enhance the reputation of urban areas as place to live, work and visit.

CL1

To maintain and improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Low certainty

Borough wide

The implementation of Policies CS13 and CS14 have the potential to improve educational attainment through the strategic provision of new schools and create new opportunities to improve skills therefore effects have been assessed as positive.

CD1

To minimise potential opportunities for crime and anti-social activity

N/A

N/A

There is no clear link between the policies and the SA Objective.

SA Objective

Performance of policy

Temporal scale

Permanency

Certainty

Geographical extent

Commentary

Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

ET1

To improve air quality

CS15: +

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The provision of educational facilities in accessible locations would contribute towards reducing reliance on private vehicles and encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport such as walking which would indirectly help to make some contributions towards improving air quality.

ET2

To conserve soil resources and quality

CS15: +/-

Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible and Irreversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

Ipswich is predominantly urban with the Garden Suburb greenfield agricultural land. The provision of educational facilities at existing sites such as Suffolk New College and University Campus Suffolk as well as the development and safeguarding of land for educational use would support the SA Objective by providing facilities on previously developed land. Development within the Garden Suburb would result in the loss of greenfield land and soil resources which would not support the SA Objective.

ET3

To reduce waste

CS15: -

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

New educational facilities in the long term would increase waste production.

New development should be required to minimise the amount of waste generated during construction and through the lifetime of the building.

ET4

To reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment

CS15: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Areas surrounding Suffolk New College and University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The policy seeks to provide new educational facilities in accessible locations which in the long term would help to reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment by reducing reliance on private cars and encouraging walking, cycling and public transport.

It is recommended that the policy should be linked to Travel Ipswich.

ET5

To improve access to key services for all sectors of the population

CS15: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Areas surrounding Local Centres, District Centres and schools identified for development

The policy seeks to provide schools in sustainable locations and to provide nursery and children’s centres within or adjacent to local and district centres or co-located within schools in order to facilitate linked trips by parents. These provisions would help to improve access to these facilities for communities.

ET6

To limit and adapt to climate change

CS15: +

Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The provision of new educational facilities in accessible locations including additional nursery and children’s centres within or adjacent to district and local centres would contribute towards reducing reliance on private cars and increase the use sustainable modes of travel such as walking, cycling and public transport.

It is recommended that new educational development should meet BREEAM standards.

ET7

To protect and enhance the quality of water features and resources and reduce the risk of flooding

CS15: 0

N/A

N/A

The policy is not considered to have any significant effect on protecting and enhancing the quality of water features. It is noted that development however in the long term would see an increase in water use though not to a level that is considered to be significant level.

ET8

To conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, including favourable conditions on SSSIs, SPAs and SACs

CS15: +/-

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

New educational development could affect biodiversity resources across the borough. However, new educational development within the IP One area is likely to utilise previously developed land which would protect greenfield sites. However, the provision of three primary schools and a secondary school within the Garden Suburb on greenfield land would result in the loss of wildlife habitats. Although it should be noted that the Garden Suburb is not covered by any statutory ecological designations. Mitigation measures such as soft landscaping, improvements to green infrastructure / wildlife corridors and the provision of a country park within the Garden Suburb would only help to reduce negative impacts to biodiversity.

ET9

To conserve and where appropriate enhance areas and sites of historical importance

CS15: ?

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

There are conservation areas, Scheduled Monuments, listed buildings and other heritage assets across Ipswich which could be affected by the development of new educational facilities however this would be dependent upon the location of sites which will be selected for development and safeguarding through the Site Allocations DPD (Incorporating IP-One Area Action Plan). Development could affect the setting of these features if located in close proximity. There is also potential to uncover previously undiscovered archaeological remains during construction activities. This policy could include a cross reference to policies CS4 and DM8 in order to encourage new development to protect heritage features.

Policy DM8 ensures that land identified for educational use that is close to heritage assets such as listed buildings or Conservation Areas is developed sensitively and in keeping with local townscape character.

ET10

To conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes

CS15: +

Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

Development of educational facilities could support the SA Objective by using high quality design that ensures new educational development complements and enhances the character and quality of the local townscape – this would be particularly true within the IP One area if derelicts sites are redeveloped.

HW1

To improve the health of those most in need

CS15: +

Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Areas surrounding Suffolk New College, University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The provision of educational facilities in accessible locations would partially help to support the SA Objective through encouraging people to walking / cycle to school.

HW2

To improve the quality of life where people live and encourage community participation

CS15: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Areas surrounding Suffolk New College, University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The policy seeks to encourage the use of educational facilities for community uses out of hours. This would encourage people to make use of these facilities during previously unavailable hours which would help to improve quality of life and encourage community participation.

ER1

To reduce poverty and social exclusion

CS15: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Areas surrounding Suffolk New College, University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The policy seeks to encourage the use of educational facilities for community uses out of hours. This would help to partially support the reduction of social exclusion as it would help to encourage people within the community to engage with each other and make use of the facilities available.

ER2

To offer everybody the opportunity for rewarding and satisfying employment

CS15: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The development of educational facilities would create construction jobs and elementary jobs though this would not be to a significant level. There would be opportunities provided for employment including teaching jobs.

ER3

To help meet the housing requirements for the whole community

CS15: 0

N/A

N/A

The policy is not considered to have any significant effect on helping to meet the housing requirement s for the whole community.

ER4

To achieve sustainable levels of prosperity and economic growth throughout the plan area

CS15: 0

N/A

N/A

There is no clear relationship between the policies and the SA Objective.

ER5

To support vital and viable town, district and local centres

CS15: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The development of additional nursery and children’s centres located adjacent to Local and District Centres will help to support the vitality and viability of the centres. The developments at Suffolk New College and University Campus Suffolk will also help to support the future wellbeing and prosperity of Ipswich.

ER6

To encourage efficient patterns of movement in support of economic growth

CS15: 0

N/A

N/A

There is no clear relationship between the policy and the SA Objective.

ER7

To encourage and accommodate both indigenous and inward investment

CS15: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

The provision of educational facilities in accessible locations including Local and District Centres would help to support the vitality and viability of these areas and would help to support the reputation of urban areas as places to live, work and visit which in turn would make contributions towards encouraging and accommodating both indigenous and inward investment. Further education establishments are often regarded as positive hubs of the knowledge industry and can attract wider businesses to locate near them. Having a well-educated workforce may also contribute towards this SA Objective.

CL1

To maintain and improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults

CS15: ++

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

High Certainty

Suffolk New College

University Campus Suffolk

Ipswich Garden Suburb

Safeguarded areas identified across the borough

Land identified for further development of educational facilities will be safeguarded through the Sites DPD (Incorporating IP-One Area Action Plan). This includes new primary school provision all of which in the medium to long term will help to improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults. The provision of additional nursery and children’s centres within or adjacent to District and Local Centres or co-located within schools will also help to improve access to educational facilities.

Educational use land safeguarded through policy CS10 at Ipswich Garden suburb will help to support the SA Objective in the long term.

It is recommended that the policy should refer to safeguarded land being accessible by sustainable transport.

CD1

To minimise potential opportunities for crime and anti-social activity

CS15: 0

N/A

N/A

Whilst university campuses can sometimes be hotspots for petty-crime it should be possible to mitigate this through design features. On balance, the policy is not considered to have any significant effect on minimising potential opportunities for crime and antisocial activity.

SA Objective

Performance of policy

Temporal scale

Permanency

Certainty

Geographical extent

Commentary

Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

ET1

To improve air quality

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Borough wide

The policy seeks to enhance and extend the ecological network and green corridors and open spaces. It requires that all new development contributes to the provision of open space. The policy also seeks to improve green infrastructure and to connect radial networks including the publically accessible green rim around Ipswich. All of these provisions will make minor contributions towards improving air quality because they will encourage sustainable travel across these networks.

ET2

To conserve soil resources and quality

CS16: +

Medium and Long term

Direct and Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The policy seeks to enhance and extend the ecological network and green corridors and open spaces. These elements of the policy would help to maintain soil quality as they would be protected from development.

ET3

To reduce waste

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

The policy is not considered to have any significant effect on reducing waste.

ET4

To reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment

CS16: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Borough wide

The policy seeks to enhance and extend the ecological network and green corridors and open spaces. The policy seeks to improve green infrastructure provision and to link radial networks including the publically accessible green rim around Ipswich. All of these provisions will make minor contributions towards reducing effects of traffic upon the environment by encouraging more sustainable movement across networks.

ET5

To improve access to key services for all sectors of the population

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Ipswich Borough Council seek to work with partners in order to improve green infrastructure provision whilst linking radial ecological networks and green corridors with a publicly accessible green rim around Ipswich. The policy also seeks to extend the country park and promote improved access to recreational and sports facilities all of which will help to improve sustainable access within the Borough to key services and open spaces.

ET6

To limit and adapt to climate change

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Borough wide

The policy seeks to provide green infrastructure across the borough which would help to improve air quality by encouraging sustainable travel such as walking and cycling. This would help to limit emissions and would contribute to limiting and adapting to climate change. The provision of green infrastructure would also help to maintain flood plain and permeable green areas which would contribute to adapting to climate change.

ET7

To protect and enhance the quality of water features and resources and reduce the risk of flooding

CS16: +

N/A

N/A

The provision of green infrastructure could provide opportunities to incorporate SuDs features and it may also be possible that in some cases green spaces coincide with flood zones. Also green infrastructure in itself would be permeable and hence would help to reduce flood risk. This would offer some benefits to reducing the impact of flooding.

ET8

To conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, including favourable conditions on SSSIs, SPAs and SACs

CS16: ++

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

High Certainty

Borough wide

The policy seeks to safeguard, protect and enhance biodiversity and the environment and in particular seeks to reduce the impacts on birds in the Orwell Estuary SPA through a management plan for Orwell Country Park which would help to protect wildlife within the designated site. The policy requires major development to include on-site public space, wildlife habitat and networks connecting to existing ecological networks where they exist close to the proposed development. All of this would help to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

ET9

To conserve and where appropriate enhance areas and sites of historical importance

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

There is no link between the Policy and the SA Objective.

ET10

To conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The provision of accessible and well-designed green infrastructure across the borough including the publicly accessible green rim, a new country park and visitor centre within the Ipswich Garden Suburb and an extension to Orwell Country Park and possible provision of a visitor facility would each contribute towards conserving and enhancing the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes.

HW1

To improve the health of those most in need

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Borough wide

The provision of safe accessible open spaces, sport and recreational facilities would encourage healthy lifestyles which would contribute to the achievement of this SA Objective.

HW2

To improve the quality of life where people live and encourage community participation

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The provision of safe and freely accessible open spaces, sport and recreational facilities will help to encourage community participation. They would also help to protect residents from amenity pollution and noise and light pollution which would contribute towards improving the quality of life where people live.

ER1

To reduce poverty and social exclusion

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

The policy encourages healthier lifestyles through the provision sustainably accessible open spaces, recreational and outdoor facilities. This may help to reduce high levels of health and disability deprivation however it is not considered that this would be to a significant level.

ER2

To offer everybody the opportunity for rewarding and satisfying employment

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

There is no link between the Policy and the SA Objective.

ER3

To help meet the housing requirements for the whole community

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

There is no link between the Policy and the SA Objective.

ER4

To achieve sustainable levels of prosperity and economic growth throughout the plan area

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

There is no link between the Policy and the SA Objective.

ER5

To support vital and viable town, district and local centres

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The policy seeks to ensure that green spaces are well designed, well managed and freely accessible. Providing green spaces in locations which would also help to improve access to shops, services and facilities across the Borough which would benefit communities and would support the vitality and viability of District and Local Centres.

ER6

To encourage efficient patterns of movement in support of economic growth

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

There is no link between the Policy and the SA Objective.

ER7

To encourage and accommodate both indigenous and inward investment

CS16: +

Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

The provision of new green infrastructure and open spaces and management plans for these areas would help to improve the image and reputation of local areas as places to live, work and visit which would make contributions towards encouraging and accommodating both indigenous and inward investment.

CL1

To maintain and improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults

CS16: 0

N/A

N/A

It is not considered that the policy would have a significant effect on achieving the SA Objective, however, the provision of publicly accessible green infrastructure may partially help to support the SA Objective if this would enable better access to education or training establishments.

CD1

To minimise potential opportunities for crime and anti-social activity

CS16: +

Short, Medium and Long term

Indirect

Reversible

Low Certainty

Borough wide

The policy seeks to support proposals that create safe parks and open spaces and it also seeks to protect and enhance open spaces and sport and recreational facilities. The provision of safe open spaces would make some contributions towards minimising potential opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour.

SA Objective

Performance of policy

Temporal scale

Permanency

Certainty

Geographical extent

Commentary

Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

ET1

To improve air quality

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Borough wide

Whilst the primary focus of the infrastructure policies is not to address air quality issues, it is considered that adequate infrastructure would result in relief of congestion at key routes of the borough. In addition, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will help address road capacity and congestion issues off- site and thus result in improved air quality in the long term. The key transport proposals included in Policy CS20 aim to reduce vehicle movements through improved bus station provision, shuttle bus provision, new pedestrian links and high quality cycle routes.

In addition, Policy CS19 considers travel implications when allocating sites for health facilities. The SA Objective will be achieved through the allocation of new health facilities in or adjacent to the town centre or a district/local centre and the requirement for submission of a Travel Plan with the proposal for development at Heath Road.

ET2

To conserve soil resources and quality

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium Certainty

Within the town centre

The development of the flood barrier barrier would enable use of previously developed land with in the town centre, therefore positive effects have been recorded against Policy CS18.

ET3

To reduce waste

N/A

N/A

Waste may be generated as a result of construction activities related to key infrastructure improvements; however it is considered unlikely to affect the SA Objective significantly. The policies would not contribute to reduction of waste per capita or the proportion of waste sent to landfill within the borough.

ET4

To reduce the effects of traffic upon the environment

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium certainty

Borough wide

Policies CS17, CS19, and CS20 would contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through the provision of adequate infrastructure and subsequent relief of congestion at key routes of the borough. Highways infrastructure will be improved through the implementation of Policy CS20 to enable east-west movements and meet the need for high quality walking and cycling links around the Waterfront area. New health facilities (Policy CS19) will promote the use of sustainable travel modes through the implementation of a travel plan and appropriate location.

ET5

To improve access to key services for all sectors of the population

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

High certainty

Borough wide

Island site

Waterfront and town centre

Policies CS17 and CS20 will contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through improved access between the Central Shopping area, Waterfront and railway station. Access to open space, school and health facilities and play areas will be ensured through specific site allocation and the provision of new social and green infrastructure, sports and leisure facilities to serve the whole borough. Policy CS20 seeks to provide a road bridge as well as pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Wet dock resulting in improved access to and from the Island site.

ET6

To limit and adapt to climate change

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Waterfront

Island Site

The Environment Agency has identified a risk of flooding on land adjacent to the River Orwell, the River Gipping, Belstead Brook and the small watercourse located within the northern part of the Northern Fringe. Flood defences are identified as key strategic infrastructure in CS17. Policy CS18 will contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through delivery of strategic flood infrastructure including installing a tidal flood barrier as well as repairs to existing tidal and fluvial defences upstream.

Policy CS20 aims to reduce dependency on private car by 15% through the Travel Ipswich Scheme which will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions from transport. Similarly, Policy CS19 promotes the use of sustainable travel modes through the implementation of travel plans and appropriate location.

ET7

To protect and enhance the quality of water features and resources and reduce the risk of flooding

Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium certainty

Borough wide

Waterfront

Island Site

Water management infrastructure is identified within Policy CS17 as strategic infrastructure. When delivering water management infrastructure opportunities should be sought to consider sustainable solutions to drainage system and sewage collection as well as sustainable water supply network (this is provided in Policies CS1 and DM4). Flood risk will be reduced through the implementation of Policy CS17 and Policy CS18.

ET8

To conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, including favourable conditions on SSSIs, SPAs and SACs

Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium certainty

Borough wide

Strategic green infrastructure along with town centre environmental enhancements will be financed through the implementation of Policy CS17. Positive effects would occur with the provision of a country park and open space. This will result in protection and enhancement of wildlife corridors which will be beneficial to any rare or endangered species. The policy will also provide opportunities for people to access wildlife and open green spaces therefore it is considered that the SA Objective will be achieved.

It is not anticipated that any of the proposed health facilities/key transport improvements will have any significant negative effects on designated sites of nature conservation importance due to the their location. It is anticipated that local issues should be able to be mitigated through appropriate design and management.

ET9

To conserve and where appropriate enhance areas and sites of historical importance

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium certainty

Borough wide

There are a great number of designated heritage assets (e.g. listed buildings) within the borough boundary and the majority of them are concentrated in the town centre. Policy CS17 may contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through allocation of funds to enhance settings of heritage assets. Although no heritage or archaeology assets were specifically listed in the key strategic infrastructure requirements, the policy seeks to protect and conserve areas and sites of historical importance in a broader category of infrastructure to be secured or financed from new developments. There are no specific commitments as to which heritage assets (e.g. listed buildings, Historic Parks) will be restored or enhanced; therefore it will beneficial to create a borough wide heritage assets register and identify the ones ‘at risk’ (as identified on English Heritages ‘at risk’ register) or with high priority.

In addition it should be noted that the construction of a flood defence barrier may protect heritage assets from flood damage.

ET10

To conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes and townscapes

Short, Medium and Long-term

Direct

Reversible

Medium certainty

Borough wide

Policy CS17 is likely to contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through allocation of funds to investment into public realm improvements, green infrastructure, and town centre environmental enhancements.

Transport proposals and new health facilities (CS20 and CS19) may have a negative impact on townscape; however high standards of design will be required through the implementation other policies in the Core Strategy.

HW1

To improve the health of those most in need

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Low certainty

Borough wide

Policies CS17, CS19 and CS20 seek to promote the use of sustainable modes of transport (i.e. walking, cycling or using public transport) through improved pedestrian and cycle routes, location of health facilities which has good transport links and the implementation of the Travel Ipswich Scheme. Policy CS17 seeks to create new areas of open space and a country park which may provide opportunities for recreation. Sport and leisure facilities will also be delivered through the implementation of policy CS17. In addition, policy CS19 has a specific focus on the adequate provision of health infrastructure at easily accessible locations. All of the above would seek to promote healthy lifestyles and may help to reduce overall high levels of health and disability deprivation. The promotion of sustainable transport may contribute to reducing vehicle emissions which can have positive health effects in the long term.

The effects associated with the implementation of CS18 are also assessed as positive as reducing flood risk can benefit people’s health and wellbeing.

HW2

To improve the quality of life where people live and encourage community participation

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium certainty

Borough wide

On the whole the quality of life will be improved though the provision of key infrastructure facilities e.g. schools, flood defences, key transport links etc. as listed in Policy CS17. Health benefits are identified with regard to reduced flood risk. Community participation will be encouraged with the provision of community facilities, sport and leisure facilities and the creation of a country park serving the whole borough. The policy also seeks to ensure that open space and children’s play areas are provided. Access improvements included in policy CS20 will also contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through the provision of high quality road and pedestrian/cycling network.

ER1

To reduce poverty and social exclusion

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Low certainty

Borough wide

Delivering infrastructure and Improved overall accessibility (CS17 and CS20) may contribute to improving social inclusion therefore it is considered that Policies CS17 and CS20 would have a positive effect and would contribute indirectly to the achievement of the SA Objective.

ER2

To offer everybody the opportunity for rewarding and satisfying employment

N/A

N/A

The primary focus of this set of policies is not to address employment issues. Although some job opportunities will be created through local infrastructure projects and Policy CS18 may result in a greater availability of employment land it is anticipated that overall effect on employment figures will be negligible.

ER3

To help meet the housing requirements for the whole community

N/A

N/A

Housing provision is not a primary function of these policies. The policies would not contribute to the availability of housing to meet the identified needs.

ER4

To achieve sustainable levels of prosperity and economic growth throughout the plan area

Medium and Long-term

Indirect

Reversible

Medium certainty

Borough wide

Waterfront

Policies CS17, CS18, and CS20 would encourage sustainable economic growth though their commitment to provide key infrastructure thus facilitating new business formation and meeting the needs of business through improved access. Big infrastructure projects such as the tidal flood barrier (CS18) may potentially help to diversify employment opportunities. In addition, town centre enhancements and enhanced pedestrian environment at the Waterfront may attract more visitors which will support the local economy. For these reasons effects have been assessed as positive.

ER5

To support vital and viable town, district and local centres

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium certainty

Town and district centres

Delivering infrastructure and improved access to shops, services and facilities will be achieved through the implementation of Policies CS17 and CS20. There are clear commitments to provide better linkages between the Central Shopping area, the railway station and Waterfront and relieve congestion issues on key routes which will support the town economy and in particular the town centre.

ER6

To encourage efficient patterns of movement in support of economic growth

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Medium certainty

Town and district centres

Policies CS18 and CS20 seek to ensure that better linkages between key areas in Ipswich are provided. The SA Objective will be achieved through the Ipswich Major Scheme ‘Travel Ipswich’ and accessibility improvements between the Central Shopping area, Waterfront, and railway station. Public transport services will be improved through bus station provision, passenger information, and shuttle bus provision. The proposed improvements to the pedestrian network would reduce the impact of traffic on the economy and promote the use of sustainable travel modes. For these reasons effects from the implementation of Policy CS17 and CS20 have been assessed as positive.

ER7

To encourage and accommodate both indigenous and inward investment

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Borough wide

Policies CS17 and CS20 will contribute to the achievement of the SA Objective through the development of a high quality public realm and multi-functional green infrastructure in urban areas. The proposed environmental and accessibility improvements will enhance the reputation of town centre and suburb areas as places to work, live and visit. This may encourage inward investment therefore the effects are assessed as positive.

CL1

To maintain and improve access to education and skills for both young people and adults

Medium and Long-term

Direct / Indirect

Reversible

Low certainty

Borough wide

The implementation of Policy CS17 has the potential to improve educational attainment through the strategic provision of new schools, however, a low certainty has been recorded as it is uncertain whether the overall educational attainment would be improved significantly as other factors also influence the level of skills and qualifications.

CD1

To minimise potential opportunities for crime and anti-social activity

N/A

N/A

There is no clear relationship between the policies and the SA Objective.