Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal (includes Non-Technical Summary)

Ended on the 13 March 2019

Appendix A

Review of Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OBJECTIVES

1.1.1 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 was undertaken to identify implications for future Local Plan policies and the Sustainability Appraisal objectives.

1.1.2 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)).

1.1.3 This appendix lists the plans and programmes that have been reviewed to inform the preparation of the Sustainability Appraisal. The review of plans and programmes 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 A-1.

Table A-1: Review of plans, policies and environmental objectives to be accounted for during the SA of the LPR

Topic and key messages

Key Source(s)

What should the SA objectives/guide questions cover?

Population

Address deprivation

Reduce inequality

Reduce social exclusion

NPPF, 2018; 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, 2018; 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, 2018; Guidance for NHS Commissioners on equality and health inequalities, 2015; 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 Strategies

Provision of health facilities and services

Provision of open space and recreational facilities

Reduction of crime, the fear of crime and antisocial 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, 2018; 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, 2018; Suffolk Local Authorities – Air Quality Management and New Development, 2011; Ipswich Borough Council Air Quality Action Plan, 2008; Ipswich Draft Air Quality Action Plan 2018.

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, 2018; 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 Mitigation 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, 2018; 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); and UK 25-year Environment Plan.

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, 2018; Heritage in Local Plans: How to create a sound plan under the NPPF, 2018; Suffolk Heritage Strategy, 2014; and Development and Archaeology SPD 2018 (IBC).

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 townscape

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; and Settlement Sensitivity Assessment – Volume 1: Landscape Fringes of Ipswich 2018.

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

Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain Fit for the Future, White Paper 2017; Economic Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk 2017; 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, 2018; 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

Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain Fit for the Future, White 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.

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