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Wealden LDF Core Strategy
Environmental Agencies Meeting 17th February 2009
Attendees: Andrew Shaw
- High Weald AONB unit
Marion Ashdown
- Natural England
Jane Field
- Natural England
Hannah Mears
- Environment Agency
Marina Brigginshaw - Wealden District Council
Nigel Eveleigh
- Wealden District Council
Erica Peck
- Wealden District Council
1)
Introduction and background to meeting
NE
Welcomed all attendees. Clarified the purpose of the meeting:
To provide an update on LDF core strategy progress at Wealden
and a brief on the next consultation stage.
To identify environmental or related issues which may present
particular challenges for the spatial development options being
developed for the Core Strategy Consultation Document.
To initiate the dialogue on issues of mutual concern and provide
the opportunity for matters of common interest to be raised.
The target dates were clarified as follows:
April 22nd 2009
submission
of
Core
Strategy
Consultation
Document to Wealden's Local Development
Framework sub-committee. If approved by the
portfolio holder, the Consultation Document could
be made available (in advance of the formal 6
week consultation period) to key Infrastructure
Providers and Agencies.
May 22nd 2009
Commencement of 6-week formal consultation
period, for the Consultation Document (Core
Strategy).
June 2010
Publication of 'proposed submission' version of
Core Strategy
Sept 2010
Submission of final Wealden Core Strategy to the
to the Secretary of State
NE
Explained that following the 6-week consultation period (starting on
22nd May 2009) there is no subsequent formal consultation stage
planned. However, a continued dialogue and series of group meetings
would continue to provide the opportunity to address and resolve
issues that emerge during the preparation of the Core Strategy.
2) Update of relevant studies undertaken
MB
All evidence studies are made available at the Council's website when
complete. To find the relevant page, click on Planning/Building Control
on the Council's homepage, then Local Development Framework and
then Evidence base for the Core Strategy.
http://www.wealden.gov.uk/Planning_and_Building_Control/Local_Plan
EvidenceBase.aspx
MB
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)
Two studies have/are being undertaken. Southern Catchment Level 1
(completed) and north (yet to be completed).
Appropriate Assessment
Applicable in respect of the Ashdown Forest (SAC & SPA), the
Pevensey Levels (RAMSAR site) and the Lewes Downs (SAC).
Awaiting the outcome of the Joint Mid Sussex District Council and
Wealden District Council Recreation study on the Ashdown Forest.
Three more studies are being proposed namely air pollution studies
concerning the Ashdown Forest and Lewes Downs, and a hydrological
study concerning the Pevensey Levels. An air pollution study
concerning the Pevensey Levels is currently being undertaken in
partnership with Rother District Council, Eastbourne Borough Council,
Wealden District Council and Hastings Borough Council. Consultants
will be commissioned to complete individual studies and to draw all the
elements of assessment together.
JF
There are issues with the draft recreation study. Natural England (NE)
have asked that the analysis and conclusions be reassessed. Apparent
errors with analysis, despite apparently sound and robust evidence
base. In addition the recreational survey requires mapping of habitats
together with how and where people access the Ashdown Forest.
Open Space Study
Required under PPG 17, details of open space available within the
district and which open space is working.
Landscape Study
ESCC employed as consultants for study. Consultants are using the
same methodology for a study of Tunbridge Wells and Natural England
has confirmed the methodology of the study meets best practice.
Hinterlands of 5 towns plus larger villages have been examined with
further work required on smaller settlements. Results not on web site
yet, WDC happy to share results, if requested, with attendees.
Discussion ensued over to what extent green infrastructure could be
taken into consideration at the strategic level of considering spatial
growth options across the District. An understanding of how landscape,
habitats and species interact is required. Reference made to Brighton
and Hove Unitary Authority, where mapping work has been undertaken
to link habitats throughout the city (contact Matthew Thomas). The use
of Biodiversity Priority Areas and the open space study, can together
assist in assembling a green network. Discussion regarding developer
contributions for green infrastructure and biodiversity. J.F advised that
at Thames Basin Heath, a developer contribution (£1.5-£2k per house)
is required for development within a 5 miles distance of the heath.
MB
With regards to developer contributions Wealden has very different
land values to that of Brighton and Hove and Surrey. The Council is
undertaking a viability study for affordable housing and as a result it will
be necessary for the Council to prioritise infrastructure and other
requirements when considering developer contributions. However it is
noted that green space to mitigate the impact on the Ashdown Forest
will potentially be required for the delivery of housing and therefore a
necessary priority.
HM
There is a need to include 'blue' space as well as green space as part
of the 'green network', examples include river banks and other water
based features.
3)
Briefing on the Council’s evolving spatial development options
NE
Explained the 6 alternative spatial growth distribution options.
Explained that the outcomes from several group meetings with
infrastructure providers and regulatory agencies (including this
meeting) are helping to develop and refine the spatial options, prior to
the publication of the Consultation Document in May 09. Clarified that
the South East Plan (due to be adopted this year) indicates a District
split, with 7,000 and 4, 000 new homes to be split between the south
and north of the district respectively. Out of the 11,000 housing
requirement (2006-2026), approximately 3,000 homes are accounted
for with existing commitments. Polegate and Hailsham are anticipated
to be principal growth areas, with the South East Plan also indicating
further growth in Uckfield.
4)
Discussion regarding the alternative spatial growth distribution
options
JF
Natural England is able to object to planning applications at the
reserved matters stage with regards to the Habitats Regulations where
appropriate assessment has not been undertaken for outline consent.
This has been exercised by NE with regards to development at
Thames Basins Heath.
JF
In the absence of evidence to the contrary WDC should be applying a
‘precautionary approach’ to new development which may have an
impact upon Ashdown Forest. Concern is raised with regard to
potential development in Crowborough and within 400m of the
Ashdown Forest Boundary. It is clear from the recreational study that a
concentration of residents that visit the Ashdown Forest originate from
Crowborough and there are some doubts that physical intervention (by
means of an alternative green space) would be effective in mitigating
any harm. It has also been necessary, at Thames Basins Heaths and
the New Forest, to impose a 400m exclusion around the SPA to
prevent predation from cats. This is a recognised area for cats
Comment [m1]: This is an error as the
roaming from home and should be considered in relation to the
400m relates to other issues such as
trampling, fires, vandalism, trail bikes,
Ashdown Forest SPA. NE will consider these issues further in relation
garden rubbish dumping etc.
to the potential impact on the future development of settlements in
Action; Wealden, particularly Crowborough. NE agreed to provide information
and further guidance as soon as possible.
MB
It is acknowledged that Wealden has some particular flood risk
constraints at a strategic level, including Pevensey and Forest Row.
WDCP propose a strategic sequential test for the May consultation
(informing the options) prior to a more detailed sequential test at site
level for later stages of the Core Strategy.
AS
The High Weald AONB can benefit from some housing development
for local employment purposes, especially in this area which is
dependent upon active land management and opportunities for rural
employment. It is necessary to target development in the AONB where
it will build on and enhance the existing communities as this is
historically how the High Weald has developed, and it is a distinctive
part of its character. There is a need for an understanding of how the
landscape work-clusters of settlements function differently in the north
compared to the south of the District. The European Landscape
Convention maintains that all landscapes matter and are important and
need to be taken into account. Rother District Council are working with
High Weald AONB on shaping a key worker policy to include land use
management workers.
5)
Any other issues Water Resources
HM
EA will be requiring a reduction in the litres used, per head, per day.
EA presently considering their position on water efficiency by the use of
water efficiency mechanisms, this is due to the area being in a "water
stress" area. Some LPAs have been very proactive in requiring water
efficiency.
The Water Framework Directive is an important aspect for Wealden in
relation to the Core Strategy. The EA are currently undertaking a water
quality mapping exercise on a District basis. The Core Strategy should
reflect the implications of development (including cumulative impact) on
the aquatic environment. EA to check whether the mapping for
Wealden has been completed and provide results as soon as possible.
8)
Continuing the dialogue
All agreed that a further meeting should be arranged for early June 09.
Comment [m2]: We have no record that
Suggested that Sussex Wildlife Trust attend next meeting (Janice
Natural England attended another meeting
at this time.
Watson).
