Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

Ended on the 30 October 2017

Chapter 2 - Context Review (Task A1)

2.1 Prior to the preparation of a Sustainability Appraisal it is essential to understand the policy context in which the document is being prepared. A comprehensive review of other plans and programmes at a national, regional, county and local level is undertaken to identify implications for future Local Plan policies and the Sustainability Appraisal objectives.

An 'Environmental Report' required under the SEA Directive should include;

"An outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes" to determine "the environmental protection objectives, established at international (European) community or national level, which are relevant to the plan or programme…and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation" (Annex 1 (a), (e)).

2.2 Appendix I lists the plans and programmes that have been reviewed to inform the preparation of the Sustainability Appraisal^[5]. The review of plans and programmes presented in Appendix I has identified a number of objectives and policy issues relevant to the Local Plan and the scope of the SA across fifteen topic areas and these are summarised in table 1 overleaf.

Table 1: Sustainability Appraisal Topics Identified Through Task A1

Topic and key messages	Key Source(s)	What should the SA objectives/guide questions cover?
Population Address deprivation Reduce inequality Reduce social exclusion	NPPF, 2012; Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, 2015; Localism Act, 2011; Suffolk Poverty Strategy: Working together to tackle poverty 2015-2020; Transforming Suffolk Community Strategy 2008-2028; Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2017.	Achieving equality, inclusion and social mobility. Reducing deprivation. Provision of high quality community facilities and services.
Housing Ensure housing growth meets demand in the IHMA Deliver a mix of high quality housing to meet local needs Make appropriate provision for Gypsies, Travellers, Travelling Showpeople and Boat Dwellers. Address issues associated with empty homes and second homes Address homelessness	NPPF, 2012; Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, 2015; Housing White Paper: Fixing our Broken Housing Market, 2017, Housing Act, 2004; Lifetime homes, lifetime neighbourhoods – A national strategy for housing in an Ageing Society, 2008; Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2017.	Provision of housing to meet local needs. Provision of high quality community facilities and services. Provision of an adequate supply of land for housing Improving the quality of and utilising the existing housing stock. Urban regeneration.
Health and Wellbeing Promote healthier lifestyles. Tackle health inequalities Reduce anti-social behaviour and crime (including the fear of crime). Ensure that there are appropriate facilities for the physically and mentally disabled and elderly.	NPPF, 2012; Guidance for NHS Commissioners on equality and health inequalities, 2015; Health inequalities, working together to reduce health inequalities 2014-15; NHS Five Year Forward View, 2014; Dementia-friendly Health and Social Care Environments, 2015; Suffolk Walking Strategy 2015-2020; Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Refreshed for 2016 to 2019; Transforming Suffolk Community Strategy 2008-2028 (2008 revision); Hidden Needs, 2016; State of Children in Suffolk Report, 2016; Health effects of climate change in the UK, 2012; Ipswich Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2011-2016	Provision of health facilities and services; Provision of open space and recreational facilities; Reduction of crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. Improve health outcomes in relation to specific/disadvantaged demographic groups e.g. the elderly, Gypsies and Travellers.
Education Enhance skills in the workforce to reduce unemployment and deprivation. Improve educational attainment in the IHMA Ensure the appropriate supply of high quality educational and childcare facilities.	DCLG Planning for schools, 2011; Schools Organisational Review, 2006; Transforming Suffolk Community Strategy 2008-2028 (2008 revision); Department of education, Home to school travel and transport guidance, 2014; Suffolk County Council's Education and Learning Infrastructure Plan version 2.1.	Raising educational attainment. Raising skills levels. Adequate provision of childcare, pre-schools, schools, and further and higher education establishments.
Water Address the high levels of nitrates in farmland Protect and enhance surface and groundwater quality. Improve water efficiency. Ensure timely investment water services infrastructure to meet demand arising from new development.	Flood and Water Management Act, 2010; Water Act, 2014; Future Water – the governments Water Strategy for England , 2011; NPPF; Water for People and the Environment: Water Resources Strategy Regional Action Plan Anglian Region, 2009; Anglian Water: Water Resources Management Plan, 2014; Anglian River Basin District Management Plans (RBMP), 2015; Anglia Water – Water Resources Management Plan, 2015; Haven Gateway Water Cycle Study, November 2009; Essex and Suffolk Water- Water Resources Management Plan, 2010-2035	Protection and enhancement of water quality (surface and groundwater). Provision of adequate water supply infrastructure to meet demand arising from new development. Provision of adequate waste water treatment infrastructure to meet demand arising from new development. Addressing pollution via run-off (particularly from farmland).
Air Ensure that air quality is maintained or enhanced (e.g. in existing Air Quality Management Areas) Reduce emissions to air Address health inequalities and public health	Improving air quality: reducing nitrogen dioxide in our towns and cities, 2017; Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, 2007; National Air Quality Strategy for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Vol 2, 2011; NPPF, 2012; Suffolk Local Authorities – Air Quality Management and New Development, 2011; Ipswich Borough Council Air Quality Action Plan, 2008.	Protection and enhancement of air quality. Provision of adequate sustainable travel modes. Protection of those most at risk of poor health related to poor air quality.
Material Assets (including soil and waste) Encourage the use of previously developed (brownfield) land. Conserve and enhance soil quality and mineral resources Protect/minimise the loss of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Protect geologically important sites. Encourage mixed use development. To promote the sustainable management of waste	Safeguarding Our Soils: A Strategy for England, 2009; NPPF, 2012; National Planning Policy For Waste, 2014; The Geological Conservation Review, ongoing; Guidance on the planning for mineral extraction, 2014; DEFRA waste management plan for England, 2013; National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management, January 2017; Suffolk Local Geodiversity Action Plan, 2006; Suffolk Joint Municipal Waste Strategy 2003-2020; Suffolk Minerals Core Strategy, 2008; Suffolk Waste Core Strategy, 2011; Suffolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan, Issues and Options Consultation Document, 2016	Remediation of contaminated sites and avoidance of further contamination. Protection of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Protection and enhancement of soil quality. Promotion of resource efficiency through sustainable design and construction. Management of waste arisings in accordance with the waste hierarchy. Prioritise development on previously developed land and/or make use of existing buildings and infrastructure.
Climatic Change and Flooding Ensure adaptation to the effects of climate change. Minimise the effects of climate change e.g. through sustainable construction Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that may cause climate change. Promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies Reduce the risk of flooding arising from new development. Protect flood plains	Climate Change Act , 2008; Energy Act, 2013; National Adaptation Programme, 2013; Carbon Plan: Delivering our Low Carbon Future; UK Renewable Energy Strategy; NPPF; Climate Change Risk Assessment, 2012; Suffolk Climate Action Plan 2, 2012; Ipswich Strategic Flood risk assessment, May 2011, Developing Adaptation to Climate Change in the East of England, 2011; Suffolk Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, 2012; A summary of Climate Change Risks for the East of England, 2012; The Stour & Orwell Estuaries Management Strategy 2015 – 2020 (draft May 2016)	Reduction of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. Promotion of sustainable construction. Promotion of the uptake of renewable energy technologies. Protection of flood plains. Adaptation to the effects of climate change e.g. extreme weather, sea level rise. Promotion of sustainable drainage systems.
The Coast and Estuaries Reduce the risk of flooding arising from new development. Protect existing properties and other land uses on the coast and estuaries	UK Marine Policy Statement, 2013; A summary of Climate Change Risks for the East of England, 2012; The Stour & Orwell Estuaries Management Strategy 2015 – 2020 (draft May 2016); The Stour and Orwell Estuaries: scheme of management, and management strategy (Suffolk Coasts and Heaths) (2010) Updated 2013 – 2018; Essex and South Suffolk Shoreline Management Plan (Oct 2010) (Environment Agency); Habitats Regulations Assessment Recreational Avoidance and Mitigaton Strategy (forthcoming, 2017)	Managing pressure on protected European Sites and other designated sites. Responding to the impacts of climatic change. Balancing the economic and environmental needs especially with regard to tourism.
Biodiversity Protect and enhance biodiversity including designated sites and ecological networks. Protect and enhance green infrastructure. Encourage biodiversity net gain Increase canopy cover Ecosystem services Ensure tourism is compatible with protection of biodiversity, landscapes and townscapes	The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006; Biodiversity 2020: • Biodiversity duty: public authority to have regard to conserving biodiversity, 2014; A Strategy for England's Wildlife and Ecosystem Services; UK post 2010 Biodiversity Framework; NPPF; Accessible Natural Green Space Standards in Towns and Cities: A Review and Toolkit for their Implementation (2003) and Nature Nearby: Accessible Green Space Guidance (2010) Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan, 2012; Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Management Strategy (June 2013-18); Suffolk's Nature Strategy, 2015; Suffolk Tree Strategy (forthcoming).	Protection and enhancement/creation of new biodiversity/habitat. Protection and enhancement/creation of new green infrastructure provision. Protection of species at risk. Increasing canopy cover.
Cultural Heritage Improve the quality of the built environment. Incorporate good quality design Conserve and enhance cultural heritage assets and their settings. Respect, maintain and strengthen local character and distinctiveness. Ensure tourism is compatible with protection of biodiversity, landscapes and townscapes	NPPF, 2012; Heritage in Local Plans: How to create a sound plan under the NPPF, 2012; Suffolk Heritage Strategy, 2014	Conservation and enhancement of the IHMA's cultural heritage. Protection/enhancement of the IHMAs designated and non-designated cultural heritage assets and their settings. Protection/enhancement of local character and distinctiveness. Promotion of high quality design that respects local character.
Landscape Protect and enhance the quality and distinctiveness of natural landscapes and townscapes. Promote high quality design that respects and enhances local character. Ensure tourism is compatible with protection of biodiversity, landscapes and townscapes	Integrated Landscape Character Objectives, Landscape East 2010; Suffolk Countryside Strategy (2000); Touching the Tide Landscape Character Assessment August 2012 (Suffolk County Council Landscape Character Assessment; Suffolk Historic Landscape Characterisation Map 2008	Conservation and enhancement of the IHMA's landscape character. Promotion of high quality design that respects/enhances local character and the quality of urban environments.
Economy Ensure that there is an adequate supply of employment land to meet the economic ambition of the IHMA (in rural and urban contexts) Attract inward investment in line with the ambition of the Local Economic Partnership. Encourage economic diversification including growth in high value, high growth, and high knowledge economic sectors. Create local employment opportunities. Enhance skills in the workforce to reduce unemployment and deprivation. Build upon the IHMA's successes in tourism Attract visitors to Ipswich as well as the rest of Suffolk in order to contribute to the vitality of Ipswich	Building our Industrial Strategy: Green Paper, 2017; New Anglia LEP Strategic Economic Plan, 2014; Leading the Way: Green Economy Pathfinder Manifesto 2012-15, New Anglia LEP; New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Towards a Growth Plan, 2013; Suffolk Coast Tourism Strategy 2013-2023; Suffolk's Local Economic Assessment 2011; New Anglia LEP Skills Manifesto (Parts 1 and 2)	Delivery of employment land that supports economic diversification and the creation of high quality, local jobs. Enhancing town centres, district and local centres and villages. Improving the viability of Ipswich. Supporting the growth and development of existing businesses. Providing job opportunities in sustainable locations. Ensuring tourism growth is sustainable. How tourism can contribute to the vitality and viability of Ipswich.
Transport and Connectivity Promote sustainable transport modes, walking and cycling and reduce the need to travel. Ensure timely investment in transport infrastructure to accommodate new development. Reduce traffic and congestion. Improve public transport provision including better integration of modes. Enhance accessibility to key community facilities, services and jobs for all (urban and rural)	NPPF; Suffolk's Local Transport Plan, 2011-2031; Suffolk Cycle Strategy, 2014; Ipswich Borough Council's Cycling Strategy Supplementary Planning Document, 2016; Suffolk Walking Strategy 2015-2020; Department of education, Home to School Travel and Transport Guidance, 2014; In Step With Suffolk: Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2006-16	Reducing the need to travel, particularly by private motor car. Promotion of sustainable forms of transport including public transport, walking and cycling. Maintaining and enhancing accessibility to key facilities, services and jobs. Investment in transport infrastructure to meet future needs. Maintaining and enhancing accessibility to key tourist destinations.
Digital Infrastructure Build upon the IHMA's successes in digital industries Attract inward investment. Create local employment opportunities. Enhance digital skills in the workforce to reduce unemployment and deprivation. Ensure that the digital infrastructure is used to promote social inclusion and reduce isolation (particularly in rural areas) Capitalise on the ability of digital infrastructure to deliver services	Building our Industrial Strategy: Green Paper, 2017; UK Digital Strategy, 2017; Suffolk Local Authorities Draft 5 Year Infrastructure Plan, 2017 – 2022; Suffolk County Council's 'Better Broadband for Suffolk'	Provision of services through technology. Supporting the growth of the (digital) economy. Realising opportunities for social inclusion and reducing rural isolation. Enhancing the digital skills of the IHMA residents. Building upon existing strengths and successes in digital industries.

Table 1: Sustainability Appraisal Topics Identified Through Task A1

^[5] International documents and regulations have not been included as part of this Scoping Report as it is considered that these have been transposed into UK regulation.

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