Core Strategy doc. · that should form one of the Development Plan Documents (DPDs) within the LDF: the Development Policies DPD. The Development Policies DPD provides further details

LOCAL DEVE LOPM E NT FRAM EWOR KDevelopment Plan Document

DevelopmentPolicies

Adopted 26 February 2008

S W Quartermain BA(Hons) Dip TP MRTPIExecutive Director

Hambleton District Council, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton DL6 2UUTelephone: 0845 1211 555 Email: [email protected]

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HAMBLETON LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

DEVELOPMENT POLICIES – February 2008

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004brought in major changes to the development planssystem. The old system of Structure Plans and LocalPlans is replaced by a Regional Spatial Strategy anda Local Development Framework. This Council isrequired to prepare the Local DevelopmentFramework (or “LDF”) to replace the existing Local Plan.

Hambleton District Council welcomes the newsystem because it will result in quicker, moreflexible and transparent plan preparation, andbecause of the potential it offers to plan positivelyfor the area. The Council is committed to providinga high quality and responsive planning service thatmeets the needs of the community, and includesfull community involvement and engagement. Itrecognises that an efficient and effective planningservice is central to delivering the Community Planfor Hambleton and the Council’s vision andcorporate priorities.

Our aim is to produce a Local DevelopmentFramework that is distinctive to Hambleton, which isan effective response to local issues and priorities,and which contributes to our corporate vision of“Making Life Better”.

This document concerns the detailed policies that should form one of the Development PlanDocuments (DPDs) within the LDF: theDevelopment Policies DPD. The DevelopmentPolicies DPD provides further details to assist thedelivery of the LDF’s Core Strategy, which setsout the long-term spatial vision, and the spatialobjectives and strategic policies to deliver thatvision. The Core Strategy was adopted by theCouncil on 3 April 2007.

The Council has sought genuine participation inplanning for the future of Hambleton throughoutthe preparation of this document, as it will do for allthe other LDF documents. This document should beread together with the Core Strategy and with threeother important documents: the DevelopmentPolicies Pre-Submission Consultation Statement,which explains how participation has beenundertaken and how views have been taken intoaccount; the Inspector’s report on the Examinationand the Sustainability Appraisal (including a StrategicEnvironmental Assessment), which shows how thesustainability of the Development Policies has beenassessed at each stage in the process, and howthese findings have been taken into account toensure that the Development Policies contribute to achieving a truly sustainable Hambleton.

Foreword

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Foreword .......................................................................i.

Contents.......................................................................ii.

Schedule of Development Policies ...................iii.

1. Introduction and Context .......................................1

2. The Development Policies DPD...........................4

3. Meeting local development needs sustainably .....................................................7

4. Developing a balanced housing market........21

5. Supporting prosperous communities..............32

6. Maintaining quality environments ...................54

7. Creating healthy and safe communities........69

ANNEXES

Annex 1: Saved Policies in the Hambleton District Wide Local Plan replaced by Development Policies ..............................79

Annex 2: National Planning Policies ...........................81

Annex 3: Community Views............................................83

Annex 4: Monitoring and Implementation................95

Annex 5: Proposals Map ...............separate document

Annex 6: Housing Trajectories ....................................105

Annex 7: Glossary ............................................................113

Contents

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Schedule of Development Policies

As well as listing all the Development Policies, this Schedule also shows how the Development Policiescontained in this document are linked to the Core Policies (in the Core Strategy), for which they providefurther interpretation, guidance and explanation of practical means of implementation.

Core Policies Supporting Development Policies Page

Meeting local development needs sustainablyCP1 Sustainable development DP1 Protecting amenity .........................................................................7

DP2 Securing developer contributions ............................................8

CP2 Access DP3 Site accessibility ..............................................................................10DP4 Access for all....................................................................................11

CP3 Community assets DP5 Community facilities ......................................................................13DP6 Utilities and infrastructure ..........................................................14

CP4 Settlement hierarchy DP8 Development Limits .......................................................................16DP9 Development outside Development Limits...........................17DP10 Form and character of settlements .........................................18

Developing a balanced housing marketCP7 Phasing of housing DP11 Phasing of housing ........................................................................22

DP12 Delivering housing on “brownfield” land ..............................24

CP8 Type, size and tenure of housing DP13 Achieving and maintaining the right mix of housing.......26DP14 Gypsies and travellers’ sites .......................................................28

CP9 & CP9A – Affordable housing DP15 Promoting and maintaining affordable housing.................30

Supporting prosperous communitiesCP12 Priorities for DP16 Specific measures to assist the

employment development economy and employment..........................................................33DP17 Retention of employment sites..................................................35DP18 Support for small businesses/working from home...........37

CP13 Market towns regeneration DP19 Specific measures to assist market town regeneration ..39

CP14 Retail and town DP20 Approach to town centre development .................................41centre development DP21 Support for town centre shopping ..........................................43

DP22 Other town centre uses................................................................45DP23 Major out of centre shopping proposals...............................47DP24 Other retail issues ..........................................................................48

CP15 Rural regeneration DP25 Rural employment ..........................................................................49DP26 Agricultural issues..........................................................................51

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Core Policies Supporting Development Policies Page

Maintaining quality environmentsCP16 Protecting and enhancing DP28 Conservation ...................................................................................55

natural and man-made assets DP29 Archaeology ....................................................................................56DP30 Protecting the character and appearance

of the countryside...........................................................................58DP31 Protecting natural resources:

biodiversity/nature conservation...............................................59

CP17 Promoting high quality design DP32 General design ................................................................................61DP33 Landscaping ....................................................................................64

CP18 Prudent use of natural resources DP34 Sustainable energy ........................................................................65DP36 Waste .................................................................................................67

Creating healthy and safe communitiesCP19 Recreational facilities and DP37 Open space, sport and recreation ...........................................70

amenity open space DP38 Major outdoor recreation ............................................................72DP39 Recreational links ...........................................................................73

CP21 Safe response to natural DP42 Hazardous and environmentally sensitive operations......74and other forces DP43 Flooding and floodplains .............................................................75

DP44 Very noisy activities ......................................................................77

The following policies were deleted by the Inspector from the submitted version:DP7 TelecommunicationsDP27 TourismDP35 Water ResourcesDP40 Designing out CrimeDP41 Road Safety

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The Hambleton Local DevelopmentFramework (LDF)

1.1 This report forms part of a significant stagein Hambleton District Council’s work toreplace the old-style Hambleton District Wide Local Plan (DWLP) with a new LocalDevelopment Framework or LDF. Therequirement to produce an LDF wasestablished by the new Planning andCompulsory Purchase Act 2004, which came into force in September 2004.

1.2 The LDF, together with the Regional SpatialStrategy (prepared by the RegionalAssembly), provides the new “DevelopmentPlan”, replacing the former District WideLocal Plan and County Structure Plan. TheLDF can best be viewed as a folder, whichcontains a number of documents.

1.3 This document - “Development Policies”- concerns the detailed policies that form one of the “Development Plan Documents”(DPDs) that make up the LDF. Annex 1 setsout the policies in the Hambleton DistrictWide Local Plan which have been replacedby these Development Policies.

1.4 The Development Policies DPD wassubmitted to the Government on 25 August2006 for independent examination. 574representations were received from 72organisations or individuals, of which 474considered various elements of thedocument to be unsound. Public examinationhearing sessions were held between 5 and28 June, 2007 and the Inspector’s bindingreport was received on 15 November 2007.

Other LDF documents1.5 The Core Strategy sets out the long-term

spatial vision, and the spatial objectives andstrategic policies to deliver that vision. TheCore Strategy was adopted by the Council on 3 April 2007.

1.6 The Development Policies DPD providesfurther details to assist the delivery of theCore Strategy (see Section 2 following), andreference to the Core Strategy will be madethroughout this document. The Core Strategyshould also be consulted for further detailsabout the nature of the new LDF system andabout the planning context under which it isbeing prepared - particularly relating to theclose relationship of the LDF with theHambleton Community Plan and theRegional Spatial Strategy (RSS). Shouldchanges between the draft and approvedRSS mean that the LDF is no longer ingeneral conformity with the RSS as finallyapproved, because of significant changes inthe strategy, policies, housing or otherdevelopment requirements, or other figuresor targets, the Council will undertake anearly review of the Core Stragegy and, ifnecessary, the Development Policies DPD.

1.7 The Council is also producing anAllocations DPD showing site-specificallocations (in particular identifying housingand employment sites). Relevant to both theDevelopment Policies and Allocations DPDs,a new Proposals Map is also required toshow the site or area specific implications of these two DPDs. The implications of theDevelopment Policies DPD in terms ofdesignations on the LDF Proposals Map are shown in Annex 5 to this report.

1. Introduction and Context

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Consultation and Sustainability Appraisal1.8 This report needs to be considered together

with two important documents whichaccompany it: the Development Policies Pre-Submission Consultation Statement and theDevelopment Policies Sustainability Appraisal(including the Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment), both of which can be found onthe Council’s website www.hambleton.gov.uk- under Local Development Framework. Inaddition, various technical supportingdocuments have been prepared and takeninto account in preparing this document.These are referred to throughout the text andare also available from the Council and viathe website.

1.9 The Development Policies Pre-SubmissionConsultation Statement explains howcommunity involvement has been undertakenand how views have been taken into accountthroughout the stages leading up to thepresent. This includes the “Statement ofCompliance”, which indicates how thisprocess has followed the Regulations andthe Council’s intentions set out in theStatement of Community Involvement (one ofthe other components of the LDF). One ofthe key ingredients of the new LDF system isthe recognition of the need for the earliestand fullest public involvement in thepreparation of the new Plan. TheConsultation Statement explains the processwhich has been undertaken and howcomments influenced the form of thesubmission Development Policies, takingaccount of comments received on the CoreStrategy but specifically in relation to theDevelopment Policies, commencing withconsultation on issues and options inSeptember/October 2005, followed byparticipation on the “Preferred Options” forthe Development Policies, published fordiscussion during January/February 2006. Abrief summary of these stages and theimportant issues that were raised is given inAnnex 3.

1.10 The Development Policies SustainabilityAppraisal (including the StrategicEnvironmental Assessment) or SA/SEA is aformal part of the process, and is intended toensure that the LDF achieves sustainabledevelopment. At the same time as the mainLDF documents are prepared the Councilmust undertake a separate and concurrentevaluation of the sustainability of the choicesconsidered, and the options preferred. AnSA/SEA report has been produced alongwith the Development Policies DPD, thelatest version of which – the FinalSustainability Appraisal - specifically relatesto this Development Policies DPD. Keyfindings on the sustainability of theDevelopment Policies are outlined in boxesat the end of each relevant section.

Monitoring and implementation1.11 The process and main agents involved in

delivery and implementation are indicated foreach Policy throughout this document. Annex 4 sets out the proposed performanceindicators and targets for each Policy.Preparation of the LDF is not a once and forall activity. It is essential to check that thePlan is being implemented correctly, assessthe outcomes that result and check if thesestill remain as intended, and as currentlydesired. Annex 4 describes this process.

1 Planning Policy Statement 12 – Local Development Frameworks, ODPM 2004, para. 4.24

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Structure of this Development PlanDocument

1.12 Section 2 that follows provides specificdetails about the nature and format of theDevelopment Policies DPD. Thereafter thisreport relates in structure to that of the CoreStrategy. Sections 3 to 7 consider thedetailed policy implications of the 5 CoreStrategy policy themes:Section 3 Meeting local development

needs sustainably;Section 4 Developing a balanced

housing market;Section 5 Supporting prosperous

communities;Section 6 Maintaining quality

environments;Section 7 Creating healthy and safe

communities.

1.13 The LDF does not duplicate national orregional planning policies and guidance. The relevant wider policy context is statedthroughout this document, and cross-reference should be made to the national orregional policies or guidance indicated. Annex 2 provides a complete list of nationalplanning guidance, together with details of where to find this (and including website information).

Healthy and safe communities

USE OF THE LDF DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENTSBy their very nature, many if not most of theingredients of the LDF documents are inter-related. The LDF’s Strategy needs to beconsidered, and delivered, as a package.Individual elements need to be seen ascomponents of an overall approach to thefuture spatial planning of Hambleton.

This has one specific practical consequence,which relates to cross-referencing. Wherethey are particularly important, key cross-references are identified within some policiesor in the associated text. But in general notall linked policies are stated. Identifying alllinked policies is not practically possible,because it is difficult to determine in advancewhich policies might be relevant. In addition,including detailed cross-references would not result in a concise and readable document.

Consequently, when considering anyparticular aspect of the LDF, it may benecessary also to consider all the rest of theDPD. All policies apply wherever relevant,and whether or not a specific cross-referencehas been made. This principle applies also tothe LDF as a whole – all the relevantdocuments will need to be read togetherwhen considering a specific proposal or issue.

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2. The Development Policies DPD

2 Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) – Local Development Frameworks, ODPM 2004, para. 2.9

Role of this DPD 2.1 As one of the set of LDF documents, the

Development Policies DPD has two particularroles:� to provide interpretation, explanation and

further detail to the LDF’s Core Policies:– through establishing Development

Policies;– by cross-referencing to where guidance

can be found (such as national policies,the Core Strategy itself, andSupplementary Planning Documents);

� to explain the practical means ofimplementing the Core Policies (ie. toidentify the delivery mechanisms).

2.2 Government guidance identifies the potentialfor a DPD concerned with “developmentcontrol” policies, which sets out the criteriaagainst which planning applications for thedevelopment and use of land and buildingswill be considered. The roles identified aboveinclude this function. However, this alonewould be a narrow and overly negative viewof the potential for this DPD. In the case ofthe Hambleton LDF, it provides theopportunity to cover matters in more detailthan the broad strategy contained in the CoreStrategy. Precisely for this reason, this DPD istitled “Development Policies” (rather than“development control policies”).

2.3 This DPD seeks to fulfil a key role indeveloping the “spatial planning” approachintended by the Government in introducingthe new LDF system. Spatial planningconcerns itself with places, how they functionand relate together – and its objectivesshould be to manage change to secure thebest achievable quality of life for all in thecommunity, without wasting scarce resourcesor spoiling the environment. The new processrequires the local authority and otheragencies to work much more closelytogether, and to co-ordinate their activities toachieve agreed objectives. Thus theDevelopment Policies DPD includes not justnegative, restrictive policies, where theseremain necessary to control newdevelopment, but also positive andpromotional policies that indicate how thevision and objectives set out in the CoreStrategy will be taken forward.

2.4 It is important to recognise also that the role of this DPD relates closely to the deliveryof the Core Strategy. Its contents must be “in conformity” with the Core Strategy.2

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Format of the DPD2.5 Very clear guidance exists on the approach

that should be taken in preparingdevelopment control DPDs, and which isrelevant also to the wider developmentpolicies approach considered here. PPS12stresses that a “limited suite” of policiesshould be included. It states that “localplanning authorities should avoid producinga compendium of use-related developmentcontrol policies which can be repetitive andquickly become out-of-date. The focus,instead, should be on topic-related policiessuch as protecting residential amenity;protecting landscape and natural resources;nature conservation; addressing accessibility;highway and transport issues; protectingvitality and viability; and addressing visualimpact etc.”3

2.6 It follows also, as part of the process ofpreparing this necessarily concise documentthat “generic policies should not repeatnational Planning Policy Statements butshould explain how they apply to the localarea”.4 Such a concise document will meanthat the LDF “is shorter and clearer, as wellas providing greater flexibility for updating,amending or replacing development controlpolicies in the light of monitoringinformation”.5

2.7 These points have particular importance forthe approach that will be seen in thisdocument. A key aim of the new planningsystem is “to remove unnecessary contentfrom plans, to give greater focus on theessential elements of policies, proposals,reasoned justifications and Proposals Maps”.This means a considerable “challenge ofweeding-out all unnecessary detail andrepetition”, and aiming to “cut the number ofpolicies to an irreducible minimum”.6

2.8 The form of the Development Policies DPD isthus very different from the precedingHambleton District Wide Local Plan. A majorobjective of this new DPD, reflectingGovernment guidance, has been to cutthrough to the essence of the earlier LocalPlan policies, and retain only those aspectsand principles relevant. A drastic reduction inthe number of policies is one consequence:this DPD contains 39 policies, in comparisonwith the 185 contained in the District WideLocal Plan – and in this respect is consideredfully consistent with Government guidance.

2.9 As the preceding section indicates, theDevelopment Policies DPD needs to be seen as part of the wider LDF preparation, in conjunction with the emerging Allocations,and in the context of the adopted CoreStrategy. The context within which eachpolicy will operate is an importantconsideration, which has implications for the role the policy should play.

2.10 Reflecting considerations of role and format,the primary purpose of the DevelopmentPolicies DPD is to help articulate the CoreStrategy, and it thus seeks to address whatguidance is necessary to help itsimplementation. It means that DevelopmentPolicies are included when, and only when,they are necessary to assist in that respect,and when they add value. The relationshipbetween the Development Policies and theCore Strategy Policies is shown throughoutthis document, which is structured by thethemes on which the Core Strategy isorganised, and by the Core Strategy Policiesfor which additional guidance is provided.

3 Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) – Local Development Frameworks, ODPM 2004, para. 2.294 PPS12 para. 2.30.5 “Creating Local Development Frameworks – A Companion Guide to PPS12”, ODPM 2004, para. 8.9.6 “Policies for Spatial Plans: a guide to writing the policy content of Local Development Documents” – Planning Officers’ Society, July 2005.

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2.11 It is also particularly important to recognisethe objective in this document of providingadditional detail where necessary tosupplement, and not duplicate, nationalguidance. Policies (or elements of Policies)within the Core Strategy itself similarly arenot duplicated. All elements of the LDF needto be considered together. This means that tohelp achieve conciseness, cross-referencingand repetition are kept to a minimum, theessential point being that all relevant policieswill apply, in whichever LDF document theyare located (see box following para. 1.13).

2.12 The LDF documents seek to provide localexpression and interpretation of national andregional guidance, as well as providingsupport for the Core Strategy. One key areain this respect is the spatial identification onthe Proposals Map of areas or locations towhich national, regional or local level policiesapply. With the exception of site allocations(proposed through the Allocations DPD), allthese Proposals Map ingredients are initiatedby policies within the Development PoliciesDPD. These linked Proposals Mapdesignations are indicated throughout thisreport (and shown in Annex 5).

2.13 The potential use of Supplementary PlanningDocuments (SPDs) within the LDF alsoneeds to be considered. The SPD is thesuccessor under the new LDF system to theSupplementary Planning Guidance (SPG).SPDs have to be produced following arigorous consultation procedure, but are notsubject to a Public Examination (they areadopted by the Council, taking account ofconsultation responses). As a result they donot have the status of being formally part ofthe development plan – although SPDguidance will still be regarded as a materialconsideration in determining planningapplications. In comparison with DPDs, SPDswill in many cases be more rapid to prepare,and more flexible – and better suited toproviding guidance on detailed matters,including practical details of implementation.There are many cases, identified throughoutthis document, where preparing an SPD isproposed as more appropriate than seekingto include further details within this DPD.

Community involvement at the LDF Roadshows

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3. Meeting local development needs sustainably

3.1 The Core Strategy is based around fivethemes. Within the context and role of theLDF, these link closely to those of theHambleton Community Plan. The first ofthese helps to define the fundamentalobjective which is intended to run throughoutthe LDF, that of achieving development whichis sustainable, and sustainable communities in particular.

3.2 The Core Strategy includes 4 policies:CP1 – Sustainable development - provides a set of requirements againstwhich all proposals will be assessed, helpingto ensure that all development is sustainable;CP2 – Access - ensures that development is located as faras possible so that it will minimise the use ofthe car, and promotes improvements inaccessibility by non-car transport;CP3 – Community assets - gives support to the protection andenhancement of existing facilities, andencourages provision of new assets that willimprove the quality of life for all;CP4 – Settlement hierarchy - supports sustainable development and theprovision of services in the definedsettlement hierarchy.

3.3 These Policies are set within the context ofthe Government’s sustainability objectives(for example established through PPS1 and12). It is the task of the LDF to give localexpression, through identifying the principlesand priorities that are important in planning the future of Hambleton. The DevelopmentPolicies DPD offers the opportunity (togetherwith the preparation of SupplementaryPlanning Documents) to refine the approachto achieving sustainable forms ofdevelopment, and to shaping the best form of settlements.

CP1 – SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT3.4 Policy CP1 provides a concise statement, or

checklist, of basic principles that mustunderlie all the elements of the LDF, ifsustainable development is to be achieved.Much national guidance exists on theseissues, and many if not most of the issuesidentified are picked up elsewhere (eg.character of landscapes under Policy CP16,and through Policy DP30), but two areas aresubject of more specific guidance in thisDPD: protecting amenity and securingdeveloper contributions.

DP1 Protecting amenity

DP1 All development proposals mustadequately protect amenity, particularlywith regard to privacy, security, noise anddisturbance, pollution (including lightpollution), odours and daylight.

Development must make provision for thebasic amenity needs of occupants and/orusers, including where appropriateprovision for an adequate level of openspace for the use of occupants/users ofthe development.

Developments must not unacceptablyreduce the existing level of amenity spaceabout buildings, particularly dwellings,and not unacceptably affect the amenityof residents or occupants.

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Justification (DP1)3.4.1 At the national level, PPS1 (Delivering

Sustainable Development) provides generalguidance on the role of planning controls andthe delivery of sustainable development,including concerning the role of planning inrelation to amenity issues. These are oftencomplex matters, which are nonethelessfrequently important in determining planningapplications. Policy DP1 provides a simplestatement of interpretation and priorities toguide the consideration of amenity matters atthe local level. It states the general principleswhich should be taken into account in relationfor example to considering reasonable levels ofprivate amenity space, and safeguards for theamenity of neighbours. Some of these issuesare also addressed by policies on design (seePolicies CP17 and DP32), but a policy statementspecifically on amenity issues is necessary.

3.4.2 This Policy applies to amenity matters generally:whilst primarily related to residential issues(where people live), it should also apply to otherlocations (where people work, educationestablishments, hospitals etc).

3.4.3 Although traditionally planning has resorted todetailed space standards (distances betweendwellings etc), these have often proved tooprescriptive, particularly given the scope to usethe potential of design solutions to overcomeamenity problems. General guidance ispreferred in the Hambleton LDF to detailedprescriptions. There is nonetheless the potentialto use SPD to refine detailed approaches, andconsequently an SPD is included within theLDS programme, to address matters concerninghouse extensions.

Implementation (DP1)3.4.4 The main agents for the implementation of this

Policy will be developers (advancing specificdevelopment proposals for planning approval),and the District Council in its role as LocalPlanning Authority, determining planningapplications in consultation with localcommunities and in particular Town and ParishCouncils.

Policy Context (DP1)3.4.5 The policy context is provided by PPS1. Policies

CP17 and DP32 (design) may also be relevantto these matters.

DP2 Securing developer contributions

DP2 Contributions from developers will be soughtwhere necessary to ensure the achievementof sustainable development, including theprovision of additional infrastructurewhenever there is a need generated by thenew development. These could include,where appropriate, provision of:

i. public open space, and sport and recreationfacilities to serve new residents;

ii. landscaping, of the setting of development,and related areas;

iii. affordable housing;

iv. community facilities (eg. community halls),where there is an identified need that wouldbe exacerbated by further development;

v. additional children’s services/facilities,where existing services in the area haveinsufficient capacity to cater for thepotential increase in the number of children,or are inappropriately placed to serve adevelopment, having regard to the need tominimise travel, consistent with Core PolicyCP2;

vi. other facilities for young people;

vii. facilities for disabled people;

viii. additional highway or transportinfrastructure, including support for publicand community transport initiatives,footpaths, cycleways and links to orcreation of new public rights of way;

ix. water supply, sewerage and sewagedisposal infrastructure improvements;

x. flood protection measures and sustainabledrainage systems;

xi. habitat creation such as ponds, wetlands orwildlife corridors;

xii. waste recycling facilities;

xiii. public art;

xiv. other facilities which are important locally.

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Justification (DP2)3.4.6 Planning obligations are legal agreements

between landowners and/or developers andthe Council, which secure contributions tomake provision for facilities. In accord withGovernment guidance (Circular 05/05), suchobligations will be sought where this wouldensure that development is acceptable, whichwould otherwise be unacceptable in planningterms. The list contained in Policy DP2 ispurely indicative of the possible range ofmatters for which obligations could besought, and is not in any priority order.

3.4.7 Although the use of planning obligations isparticularly contentious, it remains animportant tool for securing the acceptabilityof development, and providing fordevelopment that is truly sustainable. TheGovernment continues to keep this planningtool under review, but whilst its policyapproach may be subject to revision, thelatest Circular 05/05 confirms the continuedvalidity of securing contributions, which leadto real benefits and which would enabledevelopment to proceed, which wouldotherwise have to be refused. The scope toutilise obligations to help fund accompanyinginfrastructure may well be crucial ifsustainable development is to be achieved.

3.4.8 Policy DP2 states the principles concerningthe use of obligations, and identifies the mainlocal priorities. However, securing theappropriate scale and type of contributions(eg. calculation of contributions) and theimplementation of the measures needed,raise a number of detailed issues, whichinclude:

i. reflecting Circular 05/05 guidance,obligations sought must be ”fairly andreasonably related in scale and kind to theproposed development, and reasonable in allother respects”. In some cases, it may not bepossible for the proposed development tomeet all relevant requirements, and stillremain viable. In these cases, it will benecessary to negotiate with the developer

over the scale and nature of contributions –taking account of the priorities identified inthe LDF, and expressions of local aspirationsand priorities;

ii. it may also be the case that the scale of theissue being addressed is beyond theresponsibility, or capacity to address, of asingle development. In such cases it may bethat the obligations sought relate to thecumulative implications of a number ofdevelopments, and thus obligations may besought from each development as partcontributions towards addressing a specificmatter;

iii. as a general principle, obligations will besought to meet a specific identified need. Asa consequence, direct provision of the facilityrequired will be a clear preference toprovision of payments (in the form ofcommuted sums).

Implementation (DP2)3.4.9 The main agents for the implementation of

this Policy will be landowners and developers(advancing specific development proposalsfor planning approval), the District Council inits role as Local Planning Authoritydetermining planning applications (inconsultation with Town and Parish Councils),potential delivery agents depending on thenature of the obligation, and localcommunities. The necessary obligations inrelation to developments in an area arematters that should be informed byknowledge of the needs and aspirationsidentified by local communities through theHambleton Strategic Partnership and theCommunity Plan process, and by the AreaGroups in particular. Links will also beessential with the programmes and prioritiesof other partners, for example in relation tothe proposals contained in the LocalTransport Plan (the delivery plans for servicecentres in particular) produced by NorthYorkshire County Council.

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3.4.10 In general it may be that detailed andimplementation matters are best addressedthrough the use of SPDs. More detail on sitespecific developer contributions will beprovided in the Allocations DPD and as aSPD on Developer Contributions. This SPDwill contain additonal information on whenplanning obligations may be needed to makea development acceptable and will covermatters such as: when contributions will berequired; the type and scale of contributions;the circumstances where a financialcontribution, as opposed to direct provisionwill be acceptable; how financialcontributions will be calculated; and the formand timing of legal agreements.

Policy Context (DP2)3.4.11 The policy context is provided by ODPM

Circular 05/05 (Planning Obligations). SPD(s)will be prepared in due course covering themain types of facilities for which obligationsmay be required.

CP2 – ACCESS 3.5 One of the key ingredients in securing

development that is more sustainable is toreduce the need to travel, especially by car.Whilst Hambleton is a largely rural area, andcar-ownership is and will always remain high,there will be significant opportunities toreduce the need for and length of travel(whilst at the same time seeking to improvepublic transport accessibility). This can beachieved by better locating activities, but alsoby providing better facilities for non-carusage, to make leaving the car at home moreacceptable. More detailed guidance iscontained in this DPD in relation to twospecific areas: improving accessibility to andfrom a site, and improving accessibility fromthe point of view of the users, including thosewith disabilities.

DP3 Site accessibility

DP3 All proposals for new development mustinclude provision for sustainable forms oftransport to access the site, and within thedevelopment.

Measures commensurate with thedevelopment proposed must beincorporated as an integral part of thedesign of all development proposals, andcould include where appropriate:

i. footpaths, cycleways, safe provision forcycle parking and cycle shelters;

ii. bus stops/shelters and transportinformation;

iii. support for sustainable forms of transport(eg community transport schemes,workforce buses);

iv. preparation and implementation of Travel Plans;

v. minimum levels of car parking,commensurate with road safety, thereduction of congestion, and the availabilityof alternative means of transport.

Justification (DP3)3.5.1 This Policy provides guidance on specific

requirements at a site level, to deliver PolicyCP2. It defines local priorities, and sets thelevel of expectations.

3.5.2 As Policy CP2 recognises, the provision ofsustainable transport presents particularchallenges for Hambleton. There is a clearimperative to address the issues of climatechange, and seek to reduce movements, andincrease the use of travel modes that involveless greenhouse gas emissions. The LDFtherefore identifies that preference should begiven towards supporting sustainable forms oftransport (ie. non-car-modes), and in particularto supporting improved public and communitytransport provision. The provisions of the LDFwill be co-ordinated with the proposalscontained in the Local Transport Plan (thedelivery plans for service centres in particular)produced by North Yorkshire County Council.

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3.5.3 However, it must be recognised that thenature of most of the District is largely rural,with a highly dispersed population, coupledwith high car ownership. The LDF needs toreflect these characteristics, and seek toadopt a balanced approach, whichacknowledges both the high level of carownership (and the importance of car usageto local communities) whilst also striving formore sustainable patterns of development,and more sustainable forms of transport.Supporting the provision of more sustainablealternatives to the car is not therefore todeny the reality of car ownership, but toattempt to mitigate some of the effects of carusage, and not least to respond to the needsof the not insignificant numbers of peoplewithout access to a car (particularly youngand elderly people).

3.5.4 The intention to seek minimum levels of carparking is designed to encourage movementsby non-car modes, and is in line with PPG13and RSS requirements. Detailed car parkingstandards are provided in both PPG13 andRSS (Policy T2). The approach seeks not togive unnecessary encouragement to the useof the car, and to reduce on-site parkingprovision accordingly, whilst at the same timerecognising the need actively to address anyconsequential on-street and potentialcongestion implications.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications (in consultation withTown and Parish Councils), the CountyCouncil (as Local Highway Authority), andpublic and community transport operators.

Policy Context (DP3)3.5.6 The policy context is provided by PPG13, the

Regional Spatial Strategy (which includes theRegional Transport Strategy), and NorthYorkshire County Council guidance, includingthe Local Transport Plan, the adopted Rights ofWay Improvement Plan (2007) and ‘TransportIssues and Development – A guide’ (2003).

DP4 Access for all

DP4 Development proposals must ensure thatsafe and easy access is available to allpotential users, regardless of disability, ageor gender.

Proposals must identify all possible barriersto access by different users, anddemonstrate where appropriate howspecific measures have been incorporatedto ensure high standards of access for all.

Justification (DP4)3.5.7 The LDF identifies the core principles that

relate to these issues as the basis for theDPD policy, and provides a key cross-reference to national advice (the goodpractice guide – see below). This Policy isintended to ensure that inclusive access, withequality of opportunities for all, is an integralpart of the design process (rather than anafter-thought), by requiring that all possiblebarriers and exclusions are identified; andthat measures are included to ensureappropriately high standards of access for all.This will be an increasingly important aspectof securing sustainable communities thatprovide for all, particularly with an agingpopulation. This includes access to, into andwithin a building and its facilities, as well asappropriate car parking and access to publictransport provision.

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3.5.8 The Government requires that design andaccess statements are submitted toaccompany all planning applications excepthouseholder, changes of use and engineeringand mining operations. In addition to designmatters (see Policy DP32) these statementsare required to explain how issues such asdisabled access have been addressed ineach proposal, and help Local PlanningAuthorities ensure new developments are ofa high quality. Such design statements fordevelopments in Hambleton will need toaddress the requirements of Policy DP4.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications, (in consultation withlocal community groups and Town and ParishCouncils), and disabled people supportgroups.

Policy Context (DP4)3.5.10 The policy context is provided by “Planning &

Access for Disabled People – a good practiceguide” (ODPM 2003). Policies CP17 andDP32 (design) are also relevant. Policy CP2itself addresses the location of development,and seeks to maximise accessibility for all –Policy DP4 addresses access in relation tothe site or development itself.

CP3 – COMMUNITY ASSETS3.6 One aspect of the achievement of sustainable

communities, which is particularly importantin a largely rural area like Hambleton, is tosecure and retain the best possiblecommunity facilities and infrastructure. Publicconsultation responses during the preparationof the LDF have stressed the strong localimportance given to the availability ofcommunity halls, village shops, public housesand post offices. This is a particularly difficultarea, when the provision of many facilities isstrongly influenced by commercial viability (orlack of it) – and Policy DP5 provides specificguidance. The development of the CommunityPlan and the area Community Plans hasidentified the range, and importance of issuesconcerning community facilities.

3.7 Clarification on other aspects of infrastructureprovision is also provided, reflecting publicconcern in some areas about the capacity ofexisting infrastructure, for example sewerageand sewage treatment (Policy DP6).

Stillington village shop

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DP5 Community facilities

DP5 Support will be given to the provision and enhancement of community facilities,and to their retention, where theseconstitute important contributions to thequality of local community life and themaintenance of sustainable communities.

Proposals that will lead to the loss ofcommunity facilities will only be permitted if:

i. there is a demonstrable lack of communityneed for the facility, and the site or buildingis not needed for an alternative communityuse; or

ii. retention of the community facility is clearlydemonstrated not to be financially viablewhen operated either by the currentoccupier or by any alternative occupier; or

iii. an alternative facility is provided, orfacilities are combined with other facilities,which meets identified needs in anappropriately accessible location.

The involvement of the local community will be sought in identifying the importance of localfacilities and in developing appropriatesolutions for their retention and enhancement.

Justification (DP5)3.7.1 The LDF is clear in its general approach and

aspiration towards the development ofsustainable communities. This is afundamental priority of the Community Plan,and fully in line with the Government’s policyinitiatives to secure sustainable communities.Policy CP3 indicates that support should begiven to protect viable community facilities,and Policy DP5 identifies the principles thatwill need to be taken into account. Theexpression of this support may be throughthe operation of development control (eg. inrefusing permission for an alternative use, orin approving provision of new facilities whereneeded), or through other measures ofsupport which could include co-ordinatingand assisting the actions of others, workingwith partners, and where possible, makingdirect contributions, investing in or helpingwith the maintenance of facilities.

3.7.2 In communities (and particularly villages),when access to alternatives may well be verylimited, the presence of key facilities may bevery important indeed in maintaining thequality of life, and reducing the need totravel. These could include village shops(including post offices), other key commercialoperations (such as pubs, petrol fillingstations), community facilities (halls, meetingrooms, open space, sport and recreationfacilities, care homes), places of worship, aswell as local services such as doctor’ssurgeries, libraries and schools. Support willbe given to the provision of additionalfacilities where this will enhance thesustainability of community life. The use ofdeveloper contributions (through planningobligations) may well be appropriate in thisrespect (see Policy DP2). Where communitiesare well supplied in terms of a particular typeof facility (eg. shops or public houses), theloss of one such asset may not be criticallyimportant. Conversely, where the facility is inshort supply, retention of the limitedremaining asset or assets may become ofparticular importance.

Key facilities – such as village schools

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3.7.3 Applicants proposing to redevelop or convertfacilities valued by the community will needto demonstrate the lack of viability of thecurrent operation, and will be expected toconsult local communities about the relativeimportance of the facilities which could belost. Not all facilities satisfactorily meet theneeds of local communities, and it may bethat combining or rationalising facilitiesmight be appropriate.

Implementation (DP5)3.7.4 Depending on the nature of the community

facilities under consideration for provision orenhancement, or at risk from loss toalternative development, implementation ofthis Policy could require a wide range ofclose involvement from different partners.This could include developers, the DistrictCouncil, the Hambleton Strategic Partnershipand Community Plan Area Groups, Town andParish Councils, local community groups, theCounty Council (especially as education andsocial services provider), Yorkshire Forwardand the Health Trusts. The importance ofparticular facilities will vary betweencommunities, and it is essential that thecommunity is involved in considering theimportance of any facility and the suitabilityof any proposals for alternative forms (andlocations) of provision, and in developingmeans of retaining facilities, should theircontinued viability of operation be in doubt.The location and maintenance of somefacilities – such as doctors’ surgeries, schoolsor libraries – are clearly influenced byoperational considerations that might not bematters that the LDF can control.Nevertheless, the LDF, in particular throughthe settlement hierarchy identified in PolicyCP4, seeks to act as a co-ordinating device.

Policy Context (DP5)3.7.5 The policy context is provided by PPS1.

DP6 Utilities and infrastructure

DP6 Proposals for new development must becapable of being accommodated byexisting or planned services (whethersupplied by utilities providers or thedevelopment itself), and must not have aseriously harmful impact on existingsystems, worsening the services enjoyed bythe existing community. These systems willinclude off-site service infrastructure,surface water, sewage disposal, water andsewerage facilities, flood risk defences andcontrol facilities, power, and any otherpublic services.

Where improvements in off-siteinfrastructure are programmed, the timingof development must be co-ordinated withits provision.

The provision of additional infrastructurewill be permitted where this is consistentwith the principles of sustainabledevelopment, including where suchprovision will have no adverse impact onthe environment.

Justification (DP6)3.7.6 This Policy identifies the main infrastructure

considerations that need to be taken intoaccount when planning development.

3.7.7 This includes establishing the need for anyproposed development to take into accountthe extent of spare capacity in infrastructure,and to identify and resolve importantinfrastructure issues relevant to theachievement of that development. It will beimportant to ensure that appropriateprovision is secured prior to occupation oruse of the development.

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3.7.8 The extent of spare capacity could be areason for refusing development, or phasingits introduction to the rate of infrastructureinvestment. Such provision could be by theutility supplier as part of their statutoryresponsibilities, and taking account of theirinfrastructure investment programmes, butcould also be in the form of provision by thedeveloper in relation to a particulardevelopment. In some such cases provisionmay be required through developercontributions (see Policy DP2).

3.7.9 The provision of additional infrastructure in asustainable and efficient manner raises anumber of additional considerations. Suchprovision will need to minimise environmentalconsequences (eg. in relation to the siting ofpower lines), and take a sustainableapproach to development (eg. the culvertingof watercourses would not be permitted).


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications, and the utilitycompanies, who will need to be fullyconsulted.

Policy Context (DP6)3.7.11 The policy context is provided by PPS12. Also

relevant is Circular 03/99, which providesguidance on acceptable sewerage systemsthat are not connected to mains sewers. Thepolicy context provided by the approach todeveloper contributions (Policy DP2) is alsorelevant, although the provision ofinfrastructure, particularly by statutoryundertakers, is largely controlled bylegislation and standard procedures. Cross-reference should also be made to PolicyDP43, which addresses flooding issues inmore detail.

Telecommunications3.7.12 For telecommunications facilities the policy

context is provided by PPG8, whichaddresses environmental and healthconsiderations, design issues and sharing of facilities.

CP4 – SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY3.8 Policy CP4 is an important Core Strategy

Policy, with ramifications throughout the LDF.It identifies specific settlements that areintended to deliver Core Strategy SpatialPrinciple 3, which seeks to achieve asustainable hierarchy of settlements as theorganising basis for development and serviceprovision. As well as naming the respectivesettlements in each level of the hierarchy, thePolicy also expresses the approach todevelopment elsewhere. This raises a numberof detailed issues, related to the boundariesor limits of settlements, and to developmentoutside them. Clarification on these matters isprovided by three Development Policies:Policy DP8 defining Development Limits,Policy DP9 concerning development outsideDevelopment Limits, and Policy DP10providing guidance on the form ofsettlements.

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DP8 Development Limits

DP8 Permission for development will be grantedwithin the settlement Development Limits asdefined on the Proposals Map, provided thatit is consistent with other LDF policies.

Development Limits are defined for eachsettlement in the hierarchy identified in CorePolicy CP4, in order to achieve the following:

i. to relate development opportunities to thescale and appropriate distribution of housing(and other developments) proposed to bemet by the sustainable hierarchy ofsettlements during the LDF period;

ii. to ensure that new development issympathetic in scale and location to theform and character of settlements;

iii. to protect the countryside;

iv. to prevent the outward spread ofdevelopment from settlements;

v. to prevent the coalescence of neighbouringsettlements.

The location of the Development Limitaround each settlement will ensure thatdevelopment within the Limit will:

a. be a natural infill to or extension of thesettlement compatible with its positionwithin the settlement hierarchy (defined inCore Policy CP4), and its size, character,location and setting, or otherwise be anintensification/ redevelopment of an existinguse;

b. not lead to the coalescence of distinct andseparate communities;

c. not have a detrimental impact on thecharacter, appearance and environmentalquality of the adjacent countryside, orotherwise conflict with the environmentalpolicies of the LDF;

d. meet the development needs of the area,and can be accommodated within thecapacity of existing infrastructure andfacilities.

Justification (DP8)3.8.1 Development Limits are identified for each

settlement identified in the hierarchy(Principal Service Centres, Service Centres,Service Villages and Secondary Villages)established by Policy CP4.

3.8.2 Policy CP4 identifies the names of settlementsin the hierarchy – Policy DP8 establishes theprinciples that are used in defining the limits todevelopment of each settlement, or effectivelyits boundary. Within Development Limits,proposals for development will be accepted,provided that they reflect the other Policies ofthe LDF, particularly concerning theappropriate locations for development, and interms of design, reflect the requirementsconcerning amenity (Policies CP1 and DP1),and design (Policies CP17 and DP32).

3.8.3 Development Limits have a number ofobjectives, which are set out fully in the Policy,and which will direct the designation of theboundaries themselves. The approach adoptedin the preceding District Wide Local Plan wasto identify specific boundaries on the ProposalsMap. This approach is retained in the LDF, butthe boundaries concerned are being reviewed:the proposed Development Limits will beadvanced through revisions to the ProposalsMap, and will be published for comment aspart of the progression of the Allocations DPD.Until the Allocations DPD is formally adopted,the Development Limits established by PolicyL1 in the District Wide Local Plan will continueto apply to those settlements in the hierarchyidentified in Policy CP4.

3.8.4 In reviewing the boundaries, and takingaccount of the objectives set out above, theDevelopment Limits will be defined in preciselocational terms to guide the appropriate shapeand form of each designated settlement, basedon the principles set out in the Policy. Shouldmonitoring of the LDF indicate that furtherreview of Development Limits is required, thiswill be conducted as part of a formal review ofthe Allocations DPD, based on the purposesand principles set out in Policy DP8.

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Implementation (DP8)3.8.5 The main agent for the implementation of this

Policy will be the District Council, through itsrole as Local Planning Authority in bringingforward the definition of the DevelopmentLimits through the Allocations DPD, inconsultation with local communities and theParish Councils. In relation to developmentproposals within the Development Limits it willinvolve developers (advancing specificdevelopment proposals), and the DistrictCouncil in its role as Local Planning Authority,determining planning applications, inconsultation with Town and Parish Councils.

DP9 Development outside Development Limits

DP9 Permission will only be granted fordevelopment outside Development Limits in exceptional circumstances having regardto the provisions of Core Policy CP4, orwhere it constitutes replacement of abuilding, where that replacement wouldachieve a more acceptable and sustainabledevelopment than would be achieved by conversion.

Within the area designated on the Proposals Map as the York Green Belt, only development acceptable within theterms of national policy will be permitted.

Justification (DP9)3.8.6 This Policy relates specifically to the

guidance contained in Policy CP4 concerningdevelopment in locations other than theidentified hierarchy of settlements. It providesfurther guidance on the acceptability ofdevelopment (as an exceptional case). PolicyCP4 indicates that development might besupported as an exception to the generallocational strategy which focuses on thesettlement hierarchy, where it relates toactivities that need to locate in thecountryside (eg. agricultural workers’

dwellings), or where environmentalimprovements or re-use of buildings areinvolved. Further policy guidance is providedon the acceptability of different activitiesoutside Development Limits under a numberof Development Policies, and in particularPolicy DP25 concerning rural employment,and Policy DP18 concerning support forsmall businesses and home-working.Development will of course need to take intoaccount all other LDF policies as appropriate,which would thus for example include theneed to protect and enhance the interests ofnature conservation and biodiversity (PolicyDP31) and the character and quality of thelandscape (Policy DP30).

3.8.7 Where there is a choice of developmentlocations, preference would be given tolocations involving the re-use of brownfield(previously developed land) over greenfieldlocations, in accordance with Core PolicyCP1. However, the existence of brownfieldland in locations outside Development Limitsdoes not in itself create any preference infavour of development, unless there are nomore suitable sites available in sustainablelocations within Development Limits.

3.8.8 One area covered by this Policy is the area ofthe York Green Belt within Hambleton. Thearea of the Green Belt is designated on theProposals Map through this Policy. As aprinciple, the Green Belt (with its Green Beltinset) designated in the Hambleton DWLPremains valid, and is shown on the LDFProposals Map. This is consistent with theRSS (Policy YH9), which indicates that thegeneral extent of Green Belts should not bechanged unless there are exceptional localcircumstances. The extent of the Green Belt isshown on the Proposals Map (Annex 5).

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this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, and in particular Townand Parish Councils.

Policy Context (DP9)3.8.10 In relation to the area designated as Green

Belt, the policy context is provided by PPG2,which defines the functions of the GreenBelt, and the appropriate forms ofdevelopment within it.

DP10 Form and character of settlements

DP10 Permission for development will only begranted where it respects (by protecting orenhancing) the intrinsic qualities of openareas that have particular importance incontributing to the identity or character ofsettlements. This includes Green Wedgesbetween (and extending into) settlements,and spaces and landscaping of townscapeimportance (in both towns and villages, andincluding protected trees and woodland).

Justification (DP10)3.8.11 In addition to the definition of Development

Limits, this DPD contains further guidancethat helps shape the form of settlements byprotecting features important to their identity,form and character (and identifying areasworthy of further enhancement) – both insideand outside the Development Limits. Thisincludes Green Wedges that havesignificance in maintaining the separateidentity of closely located settlements, andimportant spaces within the DevelopmentLimits, which help shape the character of thesettlement, and should be protected fromover-intensive infill proposals.

3.8.12 Important areas are in two categories:� Green Wedges - which are areas of

predominantly open land that extend intoor abut a number of the larger settlements.These features need to be protectedbecause they contribute to the characterof settlements; protect the separateidentities of individual settlements whenthey are close together; prevent built-upareas from becoming one undifferentiatedmass; afford recreational opportunities andprovide corridors for wildlife;

� Spaces of Townscape Importance - whichare areas that make a contribution to thecharacter or setting of the settlement,provide attractive settings for buildingswithin it, or are important in terms of thehistoric form and layout of the settlement.

3.8.13 Protection and encouragement toenhancement will be given to any spaceswhich perform a significant function ascontributors to local character (including asGreen Wedges and Spaces of TownscapeImportance). The importance of trees andwoodland similarly will be considered underthis Policy, which may for example supportformal designation through the TreePreservation Order process.

3.8.14 Cross-reference should also be made toother Policies concerned with design issuesand environmental impact – in particularDP30 (countryside), DP32 (design) and DP33(landscaping). Depending on localcircumstances, it may in due course beappropriate to provide further local guidancethrough the preparation of SPD. Thepreparation and review of Village DesignStatements and Conservation AreaAppraisals should form an important part ofthis process, which if appropriate will beprogressed as SPD.

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this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and in particular Town andParish Councils.

Policy Context (DP10)3.8.16 The policy context is provided by PPS7, which

gives guidance on achieving sustainable ruralcommunities that maintain local characterand a high quality environment.

River Leven bankside at Stokesley

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Meeting local development needs sustainably,advice from SA/SEA

The SA/SEA shows that these policies willcontribute towards sustainable development by:

Policy DP1 � supporting sustainable development and

ensuring that developments do not threatenelements of public amenity concerning matterssuch as privacy, daylight, noise and pollution;

Policy DP2 � outlining the instances where developer

contributions will be required which will supportthe principle of sustainable development;

� listing flood protection measures as one type ofinfrastructure where developer contributionswould be applicable, thereby contributing tominimisation of the effects of climate change;

Policy DP3 � providing a list of suitable measures to help

‘design-in’ sustainable transport modes to newdevelopment. This will encourage moresustainable forms of transport;

Policy DP4 � creating safe and sustainable communities by

helping to ensure safe and easy access for all;

Policy DP5� creating sustainable communities by aiming to

ensure the retention of community facilities andalso seeking the involvement of the localcommunity;

� addressing the trend of declining rural servicesin Hambleton. This will help local communities tothrive and become more sustainable;

Policy DP6� supporting jobs in the support services, by

encouraging the ongoing development of serviceutilities to meet local needs. This will aid thecreation of sustainable communities;

Policy DP8� ensuring that development will be located in

sustainable locations where it will not have adetrimental impact on the countryside;

� defining strict requirements of developmentinside and outside Development Limits, which inboth instances incorporate sustainabilityconsiderations;

Policy DP9� providing support for the protection and

enhancement of flora, fauna and geology, byidentifying the strict criteria for developmentsproposed outside the identified limits. This willdeliver development that is sustainable and doesnot damage Hambleton’s natural features;

� supporting the protection of the historicenvironment. This will deliver development that issustainable and does not harm Hambleton’svaluable man-made assets;

� focusing development within certain areas,which should complement efforts to providecloser links between where people live and work,thereby encouraging sustainable localcommunities and reducing the need to travel;

Policy DP10� requiring the maintenance of the form of

settlements, with consequential benefits for themaintenance of natural areas and establishedsites of geological and wildlife value.

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4. Developing a balanced housing market

4.1 The second Core Strategy theme concernsissues related to housing, such as its quantityand location (traditional planning issues) –but also the timing of its release, and perhapsmost important of all, in the Hambletoncontext, the type of housing proposed inrelation to the needs of the community.

4.2 The Core Strategy includes the following 7 policies:CP5 – Scale of new housing - proposes targets for new housingcompletions up to 2021;CP5A – Scale of new housing by sub-area - sets targets for housing for each of the fivehinterlands, based on Spatial Principles 1 & 2;CP6 – Distribution of housing - within each hinterland, ensures that themajority of housing will be located in themarket towns, with a smaller proportion in theService Villages and very limited developmentin the Secondary Villages;CP7 – Phasing of housing- ensures housing releases will be phased,with details to be contained in thisDevelopment Policies DPD;CP8 – Type, size and tenure of housing- ensures achievement of the right mix tomeet local needs;CP9 – Affordable housing- sets challenging targets for affordablehousing (as a proportion of all new housing)for each hinterland;CP9A – Affordable housing exceptions- permits small-scale housing in some ruralsituations where all of it is affordable.

4.3 Of these Policies, CP5, CP5A and CP6,concerning the scale and distribution of newhousing, provide guidance for the allocationof new sites, which will be undertakenthrough the Allocations DPD. Further detailedguidance is provided in the DevelopmentPolicies DPD relating to Core Policy CP7 inDP11 (phasing) and in DP12 (brownfieldtarget); to Core Policy CP8 in DP13 (mix ofhousing) and DP14 (housing for gypsies andtravellers); and to Core Policies CP9 and CP9Ain DP15 (affordable housing).

CP7 – PHASING OF HOUSING4.4 The Core Strategy incorporates the need to

phase the release of housing sites, but doesnot provide details, since these reflect thenature and availability of sites, identifiedthrough the Allocations DPD. TheDevelopment Policies DPD has a key role in providing the mechanisms for releasingdifferent phases, closely linked to theAllocations DPD, and also in ensuring that the key target set in relation to thedevelopment of brownfield sites beforegreenfield is achieved.

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DP11 Phasing of housing

DP11 The release of housing sites over the LDFperiod will be managed in order to:

� meet the scale of development requiredby Core Policy CP5, and the distributionestablished by Core Policy CP5A;

� maintain a continuous five-year supply ofdeliverable housing sites in accordancewith national policy;

� secure the distributional principlesbetween settlements established by CorePolicy CP6;

� ensure that the scale and timing ofdevelopment is co-ordinated with theprovision of new infrastructure;

� enable development to meet other LDFobjectives concerning the minimisationof development on greenfield sites, andthe provision of affordable housing.

Sites will be released for development in thefollowing three phases, reflecting theapproach required by RSS, and the specificfigures indicated in Core Policies CP5 andCP5A:

Phase 1: 2006 to 2011

Phase 2: 2011 to 2016

Phase 3: 2016 to 2021

Sites for housing development shown in theAllocations DPD will be identified in thethree phases to reflect the followingprinciples, and proposals for developmenton unallocated sites (“windfalldevelopments”) will also be considered in accordance with these principles for all phases.

Phase 1The scale and location of housing proposed forPhase 1 is based on the objectives of securingopportunities for development which will meet theannual requirements identified in Core PoliciesCP5 and CP5A for the period, and:

a. directing development to the most sustainablelocations first, which in particular focuses onachieving the distributional principles ofdevelopment between locations identified byCore Policy CP6, ie. with the majority ofdevelopment concentrated in the PrincipalService Centres, followed by the ServiceCentres and then the Service Villages;

b. utilising first brownfield opportunities wherethese are located within sustainable locations.

It will comprise:

i. land already with planning permission forhousing not yet completed;

ii. land identified in the Allocations DPD which:

a. reflects the sustainability hierarchyidentified in Core Policy CP4, and thedistributional principles established by CorePolicy CP6; and

b. is within the capacity of existinginfrastructure, or can be serviced byprovision programmed or capable of beingprovided within the timescale of the phase;and

c. where possible utilises brownfielddevelopment opportunities consistent withthe target for brownfield land releasesidentified in Policy DP12.

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Phases 2 and 3

Development proposed for Phases 2 and 3 willenable the required level of output to be achieved,and will seek to continue the process of bringingforward land in the most sustainable locations,and which maximises the potential use ofbrownfield opportunities. The release of sitesidentified in Phase 2 will be held back until afterthe development of Phase 1, and similarly Phase 2will be released before Phase 3, in order that:

a. the benefits of the earlier Phases, in terms ofmore sustainable locations and earlier use ofbrownfield opportunities, can be achieved first;and

b. where necessary, infrastructure investment canbe made to facilitate the developmentproposed.

Control MechanismMonitoring of the delivery of housing will beundertaken quarterly and through the AnnualMonitoring Report process, to ensure that thetrajectory of housing output meets the targets forquantity and brownfield development proportionestablished by the Core Strategy and maintains arolling five-year supply of deliverable sites. If theoutput deviates significantly from these targets, orthe targets for a phase are reached, compensatoryaction will be required.

Strategic SitesThe development of some sites, separatelyidentified in the Allocations DPD, could takelonger than a single 5-year period to deliver, as aresult of the scale of the site, and potentially thenature of supporting infrastructure requirements.Such sites will be identified as “strategic sites”,and the timing of their delivery will be controlledaccording to the site specific guidance containedin the Allocations DPD. The development of thesesites will therefore take place outside the contextof the phasing established in this Policy.

Justification (DP11)4.4.1 In conjunction with the Allocations DPD, this

Policy provides a control mechanism, helpingto secure the achievement of Plan objectives,which include securing appropriate quantitiesof housing to meet local needs, and inparticular the need for affordable housing.This will be assisted by the release ofsuccessive phases of land through this Policy,relating both to the District as whole, and tothe 5 Service Centre hinterlands. Theapproach proposed reflects Governmentguidance on the need for phasing, andappropriate methods, and the requirementsof RSS. Whilst recognition of the reality ofmarket forces is taken into account in theapproach and site allocations advanced here,it is evident (and supported by Governmentguidance in PPS3) that market forces alonewill not achieve sustainable development,and measures will be necessary to ensurethat the sequence of the release of housingbrings forward land in the most sustainablemanner.

4.4.2 Determining the appropriate sequence ofrelease will require balancing the variouscomponents of sustainability identified in thePlan. Wherever possible, allocations willreflect the scale and locations of thesustainable settlement hierarchy identified inthe Core Strategy, and will seek to bringforward brownfield opportunities first (manyof which have been identified in the UrbanPotential Study). However, account will alsoneed to be taken of the physical availabilityof development opportunities, and ofinfrastructure capacity and any proposals forstrategic sites. Thus it may be the case thatsome greenfield land may need to bebrought forward earlier because it is availableand serviced (and brownfield alternatives arenot), within the most sustainable locations,such as a Principal Service Centre. Inconsidering brownfield sites for development,account will also be taken of the natureconservation value of the site (for example in

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relation to natural regeneration of the sitesince it was in use), reflecting nationalguidance contained in PPS3, and PolicyDP31.

4.4.3 With the benefit of the phases establishedand controlled by this Policy, planning ofinfrastructure and the achievement of keyPlan objectives, in particular achievingdevelopment in the most sustainablelocations, should be facilitated. Developmentwill of course also need to reflect all theLDF’s policies as appropriate, including forexample matters of design and landscaping(Policies DP32 and DP33) and the form andcharacter of settlements (Policy DP10).


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, in bringingforward phased allocations within theAllocations DPD, and in determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and in particular Town and Parish Councils.

4.4.5 Operation of this Policy will depend criticallyupon the results of monitoring (the newsystem requires an Annual Monitoring Report(AMR) to be prepared). Governmentguidance requires that progress will beestablished on an annual basis through thepreparation of “housing trajectories”, whichshow planned and actual delivery of housing,year by year through the Plan period.Housing trajectories (for the District andeach sub-area) will be reviewed within thecontext of this DPD Policy. The initialtrajectories are set out in Annex 6.Depending on outcomes, in relation to thesetrajectories, specific action may be required.This could include the earlier (or later)release of subsequent Phases, based on areview of the LDF, and may also include theadoption of interim measures pending the

completion of that review. Irrespective of anyinterim measures, implementation of thisPolicy, concerned with the delivery of 5 yearphases, will require the review and rollforward of the Allocations DPD at least at 5year intervals.

Policy Context (DP11)4.4.6 The policy context is provided by PPS3,

supporting guidance and by RSSrequirements. PPS3 focuses on the need toassess need and demand within housingmarkets, and take a pro-active approach todelivering housing (including maintaining arolling five year supply within a 15 year time horizon).

DP12 Delivering housing on “brownfield” land

DP12 In order to maximise the development of“brownfield” (previously developed) land inpreference to “greenfield” land for housing,land will be allocated for development, andproposals for development on allocationsand on unallocated land (“windfallproposals”) will be considered against thecontext of the following target proportion ofdevelopment on brownfield land in relationto all housing development:

“Brownfield” District target: 55%

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Justification (DP12)4.4.7 The general preference to use “brownfield”

land (Previously Developed Land) beforegreenfield land for all purposes is establishedin PPS1 (and specifically identified in CoreStrategy Policy CP1), and for housingpurposes by PPS3.

4.4.8 This Policy will provide the basis forestablishing control on development and thetarget in relation to housing on “brownfield”sites. It provides the means in the LDF tointroduce and implement the specific targetthat is set by RSS for the District (55% in thesubmitted RSS (Policy H1)). Following theadoption of the Allocations DPD, it is theintention to review this Policy within theDevelopment Policies DPD, in order toincorporate brownfield targets specific toeach sub-area. These will be realistic, basedon the analysis in developing the AllocationsDPD, and reflect the situation and potentialin each sub-area. At that point, the targetsset will provide benchmarks for theconsideration of development proposals onboth allocated and unallocated land.

4.4.9 As Policy CP1 indicates, brownfield sitesshould be used for development in preferenceto greenfield sites, wherever possible.Exceptions to this principle may occur whereno brownfield alternatives exist in anotherwise sustainable location. In consideringbrownfield sites for development, account willalso be taken of the nature conservationvalue of the site (for example in relation tonatural regeneration of the site since it was inuse), reflecting national guidance containedin PPS3, and Policy DP31.

4.4.10 For the avoidance of doubt, the definition ofbrownfield land (more formally known as“previously developed land”) is set in nationalguidance (PPS3 Annex B). At its simplest, itconstitutes land that is or was occupied by apermanent structure. However, the definitionexcludes various categories, particularlyagricultural and forestry buildings, and land

in use for those activities, and also neverdeveloped land in use as parks within built-up areas. Also excluded is land which whilstpreviously developed has through timeblended into the landscape.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, in bringingforward phased allocations within theAllocations DPD, and in determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and in particular Town andParish Councils. The target will be applied inmaking allocations within the AllocationsDPD, and in identifying the phases of landrelease made under Policy DP11. Whenconsidering the acceptability of proposals onland not allocated in the LDF, the currentstate of achievement of the target, asrecorded in the latest Annual MonitoringReport, will be a material consideration.Where there is significant under-achievementof the target, and where brownfieldalternatives exist, permission for developmenton greenfield sites is likely to be refused.

Policy Context (DP12)4.4.12 The policy context is provided by PPS1, PPS3

(and its supporting guidance) and RSS.

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CP8 – TYPE, SIZE AND TENURE OF HOUSING

4.5 Achieving the right mix of housing is anothersignificant principle that is established in theCore Strategy, for which details are providedwithin the Development Policies DPD. Issuesof the general type of housing required arecovered by Policy DP13 – but specific issuesare raised by one particular area of needrelating to the gypsy and travellercommunities. Reflecting Government advice,these are addressed in the separate PolicyDP14.

DP13 Achieving and maintaining the rightmix of housing

DP13 Housing proposals, and the allocation of sitesin the Allocations DPD, must provide for amix of dwellings, in terms of size, type andtenure, which meets the needs of all sectionsof the local community, promotes sustainablecommunities and social cohesion, andsupports the local economy.

House builders will be required to workcollaboratively with the Council, takingaccount also of the views of other relevanthousing partners, in determining theappropriate mix and type of housing oneach site allocated in the Allocations DPD,and in developing proposals on unallocatedsites (“windfall proposals”). The mainconsiderations in determining theappropriate mix is whether the developmentcreates or contributes to the creation of asustainable and inclusive community, takinginto account:

i. the Council’s Housing Needs Study,which will be kept under review;

ii. any other local housing needsinformation (eg. relating to elderlypeople or special needs);

iii. the location and particular physical andenvironmental characteristics of thesite, including its accessibility to localservices and transport;

iv. the characteristics of the existing stockin the locality, including housing age,condition, occupancy and demand;

v. any site specific guidance contained inthe Allocations DPD;

vi. current housing market conditions;

vii. the context and proposals of theCommunity Plan and the HousingStrategy.

Developers will be required to assess anddemonstrate the sustainability of theproposed mix on any particular siteagainst this information.

Specific guidance will where appropriatebe given in relation to the majordevelopment proposals within theAllocations DPD.

Justification (DP13)4.5.1 Providing for a mix of housing to create

sustainable communities is a keyGovernment priority, which is fully shared bythe Hambleton LDF. Part of what makes acommunity sustainable is a well-integratedmix of decent housing of different types andtenures to support a wide range ofhouseholds of different sizes, ages andincomes. Local authorities are urged to takeall material considerations into account inmaking plans and judging planningapplications, which in this context includescurrent market conditions and the mostappropriate mix of housing on each site, inorder to secure a wide range of housing thatpromotes social cohesion. This requirement isalso contained within the RSS (Policy H4).

4.5.2 Local Planning Authorities are urged to carryout local housing market assessments, whichinclude examination of the nature of currentand future households, the type of demandfor housing which will result, and theparticular accommodation needs of differentgroups (for example first time buyers, older

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people and key workers). Within Hambleton,the recent Housing Needs Study 2004provides the best available information. ThisStudy will be kept under review. This processwill reflect the latest guidance on suchassessments, and in particular will includework in this region to produce StrategicHousing Market Assessments as advised byPPS3 and in accordance with StrategicHousing Market Assessments PracticeGuidance, August 2007. It will at all times besupplemented by further informationavailable from relevant partners, includingmarket housing providers and RegisteredSocial Landlords (ie. housing associations).

4.5.3 Bearing in mind that the Housing NeedsStudy will be kept under review, at a broadlevel the current Study indicates that thereare shortfalls of general housing by tenure,size and type in the following respects. Interms of tenure, the owner occupied marketis generally well provided, apart fromparticular pressure in the Stokesley, Bedaleand Easingwold villages. Within the ServiceCentres there is good balance. Social rentedaccommodation is considered under PolicyCP9 and CP9A, but there are particularshortages in the private rented sector acrossmost of Hambleton. In terms of size, whilstthe Service Centres have a good range ofproperty, there are shortages of one bedroomaccommodation in the Bedale, Easingwoldand Stokesley villages. There are generalshortages of two and three bedroom stock inboth Service Centres and rural areasthroughout the District. Larger properties(four bedrooms or more) are in shortageparticularly in the Northallerton andEasingwold sub-areas. In terms of type, flatsare in short supply in most areas except forthe Service Centres of Northallerton, Thirskand Easingwold. Insufficient bungalows existin most areas apart from Northallerton,Bedale and Stokesley Service Centres,whereas houses are under-provided in theNorthallerton, Bedale and Stokesley villages.

4.5.4 The appropriate type of housing built must bemore closely aligned than in the past to theneeds of the local community, for examplethe needs of elderly people, families andsingle people, and younger people. Thisshould be reflected in the size (and design,including flexibility of future use), tenure ofthe accommodation, its relationship tofacilities and mix with other dwellings, andservicing arrangements (for example theprovision of sheltered accommodation ofdiffering forms for elderly residents).Guidance suggests that all developmentproposals should contribute to the creation ofmixed communities and should seek toachieve an appropriate broad balance.


this Policy will be developers (housebuildersand landowners), advancing specificdevelopment proposals for planning approval,and the District Council in its role as LocalPlanning Authority, determining planningapplications in consultation with localcommunities and Town and Parish Councils.Particularly important consultees will beRegistered Social Landlords and otherhousing bodies.

4.5.6 Agreement on the appropriate balance mustbe achieved jointly between housing partners(particularly the Council and the housebuilders). This balance may well differbetween sites and at different times,depending on the evidence available at thetime of the proposal. Each site should makean appropriate contribution to achieving amore sustainable mix of housing available ina locality – it is not intended that each siteshould contain a full mix within itself. Theparticular nature of the site (eg. sloping orflat) and its location (eg. close to a towncentre or to a transport connection point)may make a site especially suitable for onetype of housing or sector of need, such ashousing designed for elderly people.

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Policy Context (DP13)4.5.7 The policy context is provided by PPS3, RSS,

and guidance on Strategic Housing MarketAssessments (DCLG August 2007).

DP14 Gypsies and travellers’ sites

DP14 Permission will be granted for the provisionof accommodation that meets the needs ofgypsies and travellers’ communities wherethe proposal would represent a way ofmeeting an established need, in accordancewith the following criteria. These criteria willalso be used as a basis for allocating sitesto meet a need for gypsy and travelleraccommodation identified through a Gypsyand Traveller Accommodation Assessment.

Sites should:

i. be located within reasonable distance ofservices and community facilities, within orclose to a Service Centre or Service Village,in order that residents should have accesson the same basis as other local residentsto shops, social, educational and healthfacilities;

ii. provide an acceptable living environment,where there is potential for futureimprovements in accordance with the needsof the community;

iii. be of an appropriate size, which reflectsboth:

a. the planned number of caravans andthe need for separate space forcommercial vehicles, a play area forchildren, access roads and space forthe safe circulation of vehicles andconstruction of amenity blocks; and

b. the need to ensure a scale ofdevelopment which allows integrationwith neighbouring local communities,taking into account the size anddensity of development in the locality,and availability of local infrastructure;

iv. have safe and convenient access to the roadnetwork. Vehicle movements should notcause a hazard to other users, eg. onto abridleway or footpath;

v. avoid creating demonstrable harm to theamenity of existing communities, or to thenatural, archaeological and historicenvironment, including wildlife sites and anytrees and woodland in the area, and providemitigating measures (for examplelandscaping) where necessary;

vi. not be located on contaminated land(unless appropriate remedial measures areundertaken first). This does not necessarilyrule out all locations near or adjoiningmotorways, power lines, landfill sites orrailways, any more than it would forconventional housing.

Justification (DP14)4.5.8 Within the range of particular housing needs,

which in general is tackled by Policy DP13,specific issues arise concerning the needs ofgypsies and travellers.

4.5.9 The latest Government guidance (ODPMCircular 01/06, February 2006) nowestablishes a process for making appropriateprovision for these communities. It requiresthe preparation of a Gypsy and TravellerAccommodation Assessment (GTAA), to becompleted for each local authority area butco-ordinated at the regional level. The resultsof this Assessment will then enable the RSSto provide guidance on the nature ofprovision, in particular the number of pitches,which are required in each area, and whichshould be identified by site specificallocations within each LDF. In the interim

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period before such GTAAs are completed,and consequential RSS provisions made (asis now the situation), the Circular givesguidance on transitional arrangements.

4.5.10 Information about the extent of needs ofthese communities was not covered in detailin the Housing Needs Study. However,communities are known to reside throughoutthe District, and there is a good level ofaccommodation, both private and public.Given the accessibility of the Districtparticularly in terms of north-south regionalroutes it is evident that these communitiesfrequently pass through the District, andthere is information locally that suggests thatthere has been a recent increase in suchencampments. A detailed study is beingundertaken across the North Yorkshire sub-region.

4.5.11 Pending the completion of this assessment,as Circular 01/06 advises, proposals will needto be addressed on their merits through theuse of criteria that are fair and reasonable.The criteria contained in Policy DP14 arebased on the guidance contained in Circular01/06. As an exceptional category, within thelocational guidance proposed by Policy CP4,the acceptability of a site will also need totake account of the other policies of the LDF,in particular Policy DP9, which relates todevelopment outside Development Limits.Account will also naturally need to be takenof amenity and landscape considerationsaddressed by Policies DP1 and DP33.

4.5.12 The assessment process now required byCircular 01/06 will take some time. In anycase, identifying appropriate sites may wellbe a difficult process, as it is oftencontentious. Consequently it is not possibleto be accomplished within the timescale forthe current preparation of the AllocationsDPD. On completion of the Assessment ofthe needs of these communities, a Gypsy andTraveller DPD will be prepared which willpermit the identification of appropriate sites,if this is shown to be necessary.

4.5.13 The RSS (Policy H5) also addresses theprovision of sites for gypsies and travellers,and stipulates the need for an assessment asrecommended by Circular 01/06.


this Policy will be the gypsy and travellercommunities (whose needs may includeadvancing specific development proposalswhich may need planning approval), and theDistrict Council in its role as Local PlanningAuthority, determining planning applicationsin consultation with local communities andTown and Parish Councils. Particularlyimportant consultees will include the CountyCouncil (the Supporting People Team), andthe Regional Assembly.

Policy Context (DP14)4.5.15 The policy context is provided by Circular

01/06, and by RSS.

CP9 & 9A – AFFORDABLE HOUSING4.6 Achieving more affordable housing, in the

locations and quantities where it is needed, isa major Core Strategy priority. This is acomplex area, and further guidance isnecessary, through a detailed policy in theDevelopment Policies DPD, and also, in duecourse, through a Supplementary PlanningDocument.

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DP15 Promoting and maintaining affordable housing

DP15 Where housing development makesprovision for affordable housing in thecontext of Core Policy CP9 or CP9A, suchdevelopment must:

i. be affordable – ie. available at a price orrental level which meets the local definitionof affordability. This will be taken as definedby the relationship between grosshousehold incomes pertaining in theDistrict, and housing costs. Affordability isthus determined locally as follows:

� for mortgages, an affordable mortgagewill be considered to be no more than3.5 times the average lower quartilesingle gross income;

� for rents, an affordable rent is defined asno more than 25% of the average lowerquartile gross household income;

� for intermediate affordable housing, it isaffordable if the contribution is no morethan 30% of average lower quartile grosshousehold income;

ii. be secured in perpetuity by an appropriatemeans (legal, ownership etc), ensuring thatthe affordability remains for successiveoccupiers;

iii. be available to people who have a localconnection and by reason of personalcircumstances and employment can bedemonstrated to be in need of localhousing;

iv. achieve a balance between rental propertyand intermediate afordable housing whichreflects current market conditions andhousing needs: an initial target will be set of50% social rental and 50% intermediatetenures (such as discounted sale or equityshares) on average in the Plan Area eachyear;

v. be fully integrated within the development,where the affordable housing is locatedwithin a larger housing scheme.

Justification (DP15)4.6.1 Provision of more affordable housing, to

match identified local needs, is one of themost important objectives for the LDF. Aparticular priority is accorded to theachievement of greater low cost homeownership. Accordingly, specific (and high)targets are actually set within the Core Policy(CP9) itself, rather than leaving this to adetailed Development Policy (as in the caseof the necessary mix of housing, addressedby Policy DP13).

4.6.2 Core Policy CP9 is consistent with RSS PolicyH3, which seeks to secure sufficientaffordable housing in the region, and meetsthe RSS requirement set in that Policy forover 40% of all provision to be affordable inhigh demand areas such as Hambleton.

4.6.3 However, the provision of affordable housingis a particularly complex area, and manymatters need to be resolved to ensureachievement. Certain key matters of policyare detailed in the Development PoliciesDPD, whilst matters of detail concerning theprocesses of implementation will beaddressed in due course in an SPD.

4.6.4 Although a brief definition and explanation iscontained in the Core Strategy text (para.4.2.14), this Development Policy provides forprecise interpretation and mechanisms to bespecified (as the Core Strategy text itselfindicates).

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4.6.5 Policy DP15 thus identifies the key definitionsor principles on which the provision ofaffordable housing will be achieved. Thedefinition of “affordable” in terms of price orrental level is based on current Governmentadvice on the preparation of StrategicHousing Market Assessments. Data oncurrent income levels and house prices willbe maintained in order to facilitate thecalculation of affordability. Information on thegroups in need of affordable housing, and onthe appropriate form of tenure in each case,will be derived from the Housing NeedsStudy, which as the commentary on DP13indicates, will be kept under review, and alsofrom advice sought from Registered SocialLandlords. This information will also bemaintained within the proposed SPD, whichwill also address practical issues concerningimplementation.


this Policy will be developers (housebuildersand landowners), advancing specificdevelopment proposals for planning approval,and the District Council in its role as LocalPlanning Authority, determining planningapplications in consultation with localcommunities and Town and Parish Councils.Particularly important consultees will beRegistered Social Landlords and otherhousing bodies.

Policy Context (DP15)4.6.7 The policy context is provided by PPS3

(and its supporting guidance) and RSS.

Developing a balanced housing market, advicefrom SA/SEA


Policies DP11 and DP12� prioritising development on brownfield sites and

in the most sustainable locations which shouldhelp minimise the effects of climate change;

Policy DP13� directing development towards the most

sustainable locations that are accessible toservices and facilities;

Policies DP13 and DP15� requiring housing proposals to be of the right

mix and levels of affordability to meet localneeds, and thereby encouraging thedevelopment of mixed, socially inclusive,sustainable communities;

Policy DP14� providing support for disadvantaged groups in

particular to meet the specific needs of gypsies,travellers and travelling show people, andincluding a number of criteria to guard againstunsustainable effects.

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5.1 The third Core Strategy theme is concernedwith economic sustainability issues, and thepromotion of prosperous communities.

5.2 The Core Strategy includes 7 policies:CP10 – Scale of new employmentdevelopment- provides for 75 hectares of development upto 2021, which meets the level of needestimated by a recent study;CP10A – Sub-area scale of employmentdevelopment- sets targets for the amount of land neededfor each hinterland;CP11 – Distribution of new employmentdevelopment- promotes most employment development inthe Service Centres (and Leeming Bar andDalton Airfield), although small scaledevelopment will be supported in ServiceVillages;CP12 – Priorities for employmentdevelopment- supports employment development, andassociated measures, which will encouragethe local economy to grow, consistent withthe proposals of the Regional EconomicStrategy;CP13 – Market towns regeneration- supports measures which will assist in thecontinued renaissance of the market towns;CP14 – Retail and town centredevelopment- gives support to maintaining the vitality andviability of the market town centres, andcovers retail matters generally;CP15 – Rural regeneration- sets out a series of measures and types ofdevelopment which will be supported to helpthe changing rural economy.

5.3 Of these Policies, CP10, CP10A and CP11,concerning the scale and distribution of newemployment development, provide guidancefor the allocation of new sites, undertakenthrough the parallel Allocations DPD and nodetailed policy elaboration is necessary. Theremaining Policies concern different economicissues, some of which raise a number ofpotentially complex matters, for which furtherdetailed guidance is provided in this sectionof the Development Policies DPD.

CP12 – PRIORITIES FOR EMPLOYMENTDEVELOPMENT

5.4 Policy CP12 considers priorities for the type ofemployment development, and associatedmeasures, which will help the local economyto grow. The Development Policies DPDexpands upon this, and provides moredetailed guidance. Three policies in particularcontain further details.

5. Supporting prosperous communities

Employment – Springboard grow-on development, Stokesley

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DP16 Specific measures to assist the economy and employment

DP16 Support will be given to the followingpriorities in developing and sustaining theeconomy of Hambleton, and permissionfor related development will be granted, ifalso acceptable in terms of other LDFpolicies:

i. diversification in the range of economicactivities, in particular encouragingemployment opportunities in higherskilled jobs which are better able tocapitalise on the skills of the residentpopulation, and development in sectorslikely to produce sustainable economicgrowth;

ii. measures assisting the furtherdevelopment of the main industrialclusters represented in the area:particularly food, digital, biomedical andsteel/engineering;

iii. measures which provide infrastructurenecessary to support economicdevelopment, in accordance with PolicyDP6;

iv. ensuring the continued renaissance of thefive Service Centres;

v. increasing manufacturing productivitygenerally, including throughencouragement to the development ofsupport services, and supporting existingbusinesses to grow to realise theirpotential;

vi. supporting skills development;

vii. providing support and facilities toencourage local new and youngbusinesses, particularly in key growthsectors such as IT, e-businesses, digitalmedia, and creative technology;

viii. provision of high quality sites andpremises suitable for B1 uses, in towncentre locations wherever possible;

ix. provision of mixed use sites, incorporatinghigh quality layouts, landscaping anddesign, based on sustainable developmentprinciples;

x. developing institutional and commerciallinks with Tees Valley and the North East;

xi. developing increased economic links withYork, particularly relating to science andtechnology;

xii. supporting the tourism sector;

xiii. supporting transport investment which willhelp sustain the local economy, givingpriority to:

- schemes which improve links andimprove local accessibility betweenhomes and jobs across the District, and inparticular improve accessibility to andfrom the main Service Centres, especiallyby sustainable forms of transport, eg.public transport, walking and cycling;

- schemes that facilitate developmentunder Core Strategy Spatial Principle 1(the Area of Opportunity).

Support will be given in particular to:

- improved accessibility to and fromNorthallerton;

- A1 motorway upgrading proposals;

- Bedale/Aiskew & Leeming Bar ReliefRoad;

- development of the WensleydaleRailway;

- improvements to access Dalton AirfieldIndustrial Park.

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Justification (DP16)5.4.1 This Policy gives details that flesh out the

principles of support for the local economyestablished by Policy CP12. Policy DP16supports the local economy in ways thatreflect local issues, and in particular, localpotential. The Policy includes furtherguidance on the range of issues relevant tothe Hambleton economy, and in particular itaddresses:� provision of sites for B1 uses

supporting the allocation and bringingforward of sites specifically for B1 uses(particularly offices), especially in towncentre locations, reflecting PPS6 andPolicy DP22;

� provision of mixed use sitesproviding guidance on the development ofother important sites, controlling therange of uses and ensuring that thedesign meets the highest standards.Particularly important, for example, is theneed for high quality design andlandscaping at entrances to settlementsand along main transport corridors;

� measures to support the food industriescluster or other clusters(such as the biomedical, anddigital/media/ICT), including allocationsfor that purpose (although limited by thecurrent use classes order) or otherwiseagreements with landowners; provision ofserviced sites; marketing and businesssupport; assistance with the networking offirms, training linked with main educationestablishments leading in this field; andprovision of incubator units (coveredunder Policy DP18);

� specific initiatives relating to support forparticular business needs (such aspromoting locations and providinginfrastructure);

� support for measures which improve skills,linked with education and trainingproviders. This includes developingstronger links with educational

institutions, leading for example to theestablishment of incubator units;

� specific measures to develop links withneighbouring leading economic sectors and institutions;

� transport investment specifically related topromoting a sustainable economy. One ofthe intentions of the approach of theLDF’s Core Strategy is not to addresstransport issues for their own sake (eg. asa list of engineering schemes), but insteadto relate them to the objectives of thetransport investment. Whilst eachtransport investment proposal may have anumber of benefits, under this Policyschemes that are primarily related toimproving accessibility between homesand jobs, and improving economicperformance, are considered. This Policyidentifies specific schemes on theProposals Map where these aresufficiently advanced, and therebyreserves routes or allocates land. It thusincludes road and railway improvementsand protected lines. The routes concernedare shown on the Proposals Map in Annex5, except for improvements to accessDalton Airfield Industrial Park, for whichthere is no preferred route.

5.4.2 More detailed guidance on support for smallbusinesses (Policy DP16.vii) is provided inPolicy DP18. Guidance provided by theelements of this Policy will where appropriatebe applied to specific allocations made bythe Allocations DPD.

5.4.3 In relation to transport investment proposals,in each case there will be a need to ensurethe minimum environmental impact of anyscheme, taking account of the other Policiesin the LDF, and in particular that the design(including landscaping) respects itssurroundings; any adverse effects on publicamenity and settlement character, and thecharacter and appearance of the countryside,are minimised, and the proposals are

35



otherwise consistent with the environmentalobjectives of the LDF; and that the impact onpublic rights of way are minimised. Fundingfor such schemes could come from a numberof sources, for example support from the LTP,or from contributions from developments inaccordance with Policy DP2.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils; and in its role as supporter ofeconomic development, together with itsmajor partners, including Yorkshire Forward,the York and North Yorkshire PartnershipUnit, North Yorkshire County Council,Business Link and Chambers of Trade &Industry and Commerce.

5.4.5 This Policy provides a basis for developingdetails of programmes, eg. in conjunctionwith the RSS (especially Policy E4, whichaddresses support for priority sectors andclusters) and the Regional Economic Strategy(the Sub-Regional Investment Plan inparticular), with key partners such asYorkshire Forward and North YorkshireCounty Council. Regular review of the Policywill allow the LDF to provide an up-to-datefocus and co-ordinating device, which willhelp to relate detailed economic supportmeasures more closely to the overall spatialplanning strategy.

Policy Context (DP16)5.4.6 Recent Government guidance is limited on

these issues, but some context is provided byPPG4 – Industrial and commercialdevelopment and small firms (1992). This isunder review – a new PPS is expected soon(a review of issues was published in May2004). RSS and RES also provide importantelements of the policy context.

DP17 Retention of employment sites

DP17 Sites and premises used and/or allocatedfor employment purposes will besafeguarded for that use. Permission forany use that may have an adverse effecton an area’s primary purpose foremployment will not be granted, unless:

i. the supply and variety of availablealternative employment land issufficient to meet District and localrequirements; or

ii. evidence can be provided that nosuitable and viable alternativeemployment use can be found, or islikely to be found in the foreseeablefuture; or

iii. there would be substantial planningbenefit in permitting an alternative use,for example in removing a use whichcreates residential amenity problemssuch as noise or odours; or

iv. economic benefits to the area wouldresult by allowing redevelopment, forexample by facilitating the retention ofa business in the area through fundinga new site or premises.

Where redevelopment of employment landis accepted, particular concern will begiven towards ensuring the future viabilityof individual businesses (eg. tenants of anestate or premises) that might bedisplaced.

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Justification (DP17)5.4.7 The loss of employment land, whether in

existing employment use (actively used orwith a prior established employment use) orproposed to be allocated for employmentdevelopment within the Allocations DPD,could affect the LDF’s ability to achieve itsemployment objectives. Core Policies CP10and CP10A establish the scale and generallocation of land for employment purposes,and are set in the context of the EconomicDevelopment Study 2005, which wascommissioned for that purpose by theCouncil.

5.4.8 As a general principle therefore, such landshould be safeguarded for employmentpurposes. However, it may be that localcircumstances, reflecting a lack of viability ofthe existing operation, may give rise toproposals to find an alternative use. Wherethe local need for employment land (takingaccount of the LDF employment strategy)can be met elsewhere, it may be thatalternative uses could be consideredfavourably (within the context of the otherpolicies in the LDF).

5.4.9 Exceptionally, an alternative use may bepreferable, for example where continuation ofthe employment use would be detrimental toother planning objectives such as protectingor enhancing residential amenity or theappearance of the countryside, or whereother economic benefits to the area mightresult. Consideration of overall economicbenefits must also extend to includeaddressing the future of any firms displacedthrough the redevelopment, and to retainingexisting premises suitable for starting andsustaining small firms.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils, and in its role as supporter ofeconomic development, together with itseconomic development partners.

Policy Context (DP17)5.4.11 Some policy context is provided by PPG4 –

Industrial and Commercial Development andSmall Firms (1992) – a new PPS is expected.RSS (Policy E5) also provides guidance,stressing the need to see safeguarding interms similar to those proposed in PolicyDP17, ie. reflecting the context of a review ofemployment land needs (and knowledge ofcompeting demands).

Springboard incubator units, Stokesley

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DP18 Support for small businesses/working from home

DP18 The importance to the Hambleton economyof developing small businesses will berecognised through support for (andincluding the granting of permission forrelated development, if also acceptable interms of other LDF policies):

i. provision of workshops for B1 and B2uses;

ii. provision of managed workspace foruses in growth sectors in appropriatelocations, particularly within the ServiceCentres, including provision of facilitiestailored to particular economic sectors,and with associated proposals toprovide development space as firmsgrow;

iii. provision of advice, in particular forbusiness planning, marketing andinformation technology;

iv. provision of staff training;

v. home working and live-work units,provided that the development createsno precedent for alternative uses,should the employment use cease;

vi. financial incentives linked to thesemeasures.

Justification (DP18)5.4.12 Smaller enterprises (often described as SMEs

– small and medium sized enterprises) arealready a very important part of the localeconomy, and likely to be increasingly so –indeed are likely to be the main driver ofeconomic growth in the District. Traditionally,because of their size, they have not beenaddressed in much detail within the planningprocess. The policy approach taken in theLDF is to give appropriate support to aspectrum of activities, ranging from smallfirms employing a number of staff, to theparticular problems faced by “homeworking”,and including those who wish to live andwork in the same, purpose-designed, “live-work” accommodation. Assistance will alsobe provided under Policy DP17, whichprotects a range of sites and premises, someof which will meet the needs of developingsmall businesses.

5.4.13 Identification of particular issues, followed byspecific measures or approaches, will requireongoing discussion with partners. As far assmall firms are concerned, the provision ofmanaged workspace and incubator units isvery important (as is proving to be the casewith the scheme at Stokesley). There is scopeto promote schemes specifically tailored todifferent sectors, eg. business/financialservices in Northallerton, and advancedengineering in Thirsk. Allocation orreservation for these purposes may helpunlock funding and will be considered in theAllocations DPD. Schemes should beassisted by a range of measures includingadvice on business planning, marketing, ICT,support for staff training and possiblefinancial incentives – and potential to moveup to larger premises.

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5.4.14 At the smaller end of the spectrum, supportis proposed for homeworking. The planningsystem has often been more concernedabout possible amenity implications of theseuses, which are in fact usually minimal (andwhich will be addressed by the LDF’s policyapproach). One variation of this is theprovision of purpose-designed “live-work”units. The scale of operations, and financialimplications may be greater than simplehome-working, and thus the policy contextneeds to resolve design and amenity issues,the availability of infrastructure (eg.broadband) and access. Restrictions onfuture use may need to be considered toretain the economic potential, or retain thelink with employment that justified housing inthat particular location (eg. in a rural area).The Policy needs to be consistent with theapproach developed under Policy CP4 (inrelation to development outside DevelopmentLimits) and Policy DP25, concerning supportfor the rural economy (and particularlyrelating to conversions).


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval) and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils; and in its role as supporter ofeconomic development, together with itsmajor partners, including Yorkshire Forward,the York and North Yorkshire PartnershipUnit, Business Link and Chambers of Trade &Industry and Commerce.

Policy Context (DP18)5.4.16 Some policy context is provided by PPG4 –

Industrial and Commercial Development andSmall Firms (1992) – a new PPS is expected.See also Core Policy CP15, concerning ruralregeneration.

CP13 – MARKET TOWNSREGENERATION

5.5 The economic future of Hambleton and theprovision of services and facilities is heavilydependent on the prosperity of the fivemarket towns (designated as Principal ServiceCentres and Service Centres under PolicyCP4). A number of areas are identified wheredetailed guidance should be helpful,concerning general measures, prioritiesbetween uses in different areas, and transportinvestment.

Prosperous market towns

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DP19 Specific measures to assist market town regeneration

DP19 Regeneration of the Market Towns will beencouraged by supporting proposals orinitiatives (and by granting permission forrelated development, if also acceptable interms of other LDF policies) which:i. assist the implementation of

community-led regeneration plans;ii. retain and develop a mix of employment

generating uses in town centres,including retail, commercial, health,leisure and cultural uses, and B1 offices;

iii. support new or resist the loss of existingresidential accommodation;

iv. enable the retention, enhancement anddevelopment of tourism related facilities;

v. retain existing services and facilities;vi. redevelop vacant and underused sites

close to town centres, redevelop surpluspublicly owned land and buildings, andbring back into use contaminated ordamaged land;

vii. re-use vacant upper floors, particularlyfor B1 uses and residentialaccommodation;

viii. maintain and enhance architectural andhistorical interest, and the unique senseof place;

ix. improve the quality, diversity and use ofpublicly accessible spaces and the publicrealm;

x. improve public and community transport,pedestrian and cycling links between thehinterlands and the town centres andemployment areas;

xi. provide traffic and pedestrianimprovements which lead toenvironmental benefits, reduction ofcongestion and improved safety;

xii. provide adequate and appropriateparking provision (long and short stay)for cars and cycles in the town centres, tosupport their commercial viability;

xiii. provide facilities for lorry and coachparking.

Justification (DP19)5.5.1 This Policy is similar in some respects to

proposed Policy DP16, which relates togeneral support to the economy. It givesdetail to the principle identified in the CorePolicy, in this case Core Policy CP13, thatrelates to measures supporting market townregeneration.

5.5.2 This Policy enables the LDF to providespecific support, where the nature andtimescale of the proposals are within thecapabilities of the LDF to assist, to aid theimplementation of programmes andproposals of the community-led regenerationplans such as Renaissance Market Towns inNorthallerton and Bedale and the MarketTown Initiative at Thirsk (and similarly wouldsupport approaches for the other ServiceCentres). Clearly such initiatives will need tobe undertaken in close conjunction with keypartners such as Yorkshire Forward, localTown Teams and North Yorkshire CountyCouncil. Where appropriate specificallocations of land may be advanced throughthe Allocations DPD process.

5.5.3 Through the market towns regenerationprocess, the importance of establishing anappropriate range of activities has becomeevident, in order to support the vitality andviability of their centres, and the achievementof vibrant and economically successfultowns, which are able to retain and increasethe range and quality of all their facilities.Some sectors are particularly important inindividual towns, such as tourism in Thirsk.More generally, retail investment will supportthe vitality of each centre, and in most casesit should be the priority to secure morehousing, to achieve a more lively livingenvironment, and improve safety by ensuringa constant public presence. The potential forencouraging additional uses must beconsidered positively, and bringing into use(or back into use) upper floors is an examplewhere addressing an underused resourcecould be a significant ingredient in town

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regeneration. Also important in achievingmore vibrant and successful market townswill be measures to secure and enhance thecharacter of each town, and improve thequality of the public realm.

5.5.4 Some measures, including specificallocations for some purposes (eg. housing,employment, and parking), will requiredesignation on the Proposals Map, based onthis Policy. The actual designations will beachieved through the Allocations DPDprocess. The proposed areas of landconcerned are being advanced throughrevisions to the adopted Proposals Map, tobe published for comment as part of theprogression of the Allocations DPD.

5.5.5 As indicated in relation to Policy DP16(measures to assist the economy), one of theintentions of the approach of the LDF’s CoreStrategy is not to address transport issues fortheir own sake (eg. as a list of engineeringschemes), but instead to relate them to theobjectives of the transport investment. Whilsteach transport investment proposal may havea number of benefits; under this Policyschemes that are primarily related to markettown regeneration are identified. A list ofproposed types of measures is included inPolicy DP19 (clauses x. – xiii.), which will beachieved through application of the policycriteria and by specific Proposals Mapdesignations.

5.5.6 The development of transport proposalsunder this Policy will need to take account ofthe provisions of the Local Transport Plan(LTP), prepared by the North YorkshireCounty Council – and in turn the applicationof Policy DP19 should help shape thedevelopment of the LTP. A key ingredient inthe process of developing the LTP, and intaking forward the approach of the LDF, willbe the Town Centre Traffic ManagementStrategies prepared by North YorkshireCounty Council covering Northallerton,Bedale and Easingwold. As part of the new

approach proposed under the revised LTP,Stokesley/Great Ayton and Thirsk will follow,addressed through Service CentreTransportation Strategies which will cover theService Centres together with theirhinterlands.

5.5.7 Policy DP19 gives support and preference, asdoes the LDF as a whole, to the developmentof sustainable transport modes. However, thecontinued operation of each market towncentre, in terms of economic vitality andviability, depends upon achieving anappropriate response to the need toaccommodate car movements – and to theprovision of parking in particular. Adequateand appropriate short stay parking, balancedwith support for improved public transportaccessibility, will be essential to ensure theviability of the retail and commercial centres.Provision for car parking has been assessedand proposals are being advanced within theCouncil’s Car Parking Strategy. Specificallocations for car parking, within the contextof this policy, and guided by that Strategy,will be considered, and designations madeon the Proposals Map, as will otherallocations (eg. lorry and coach parking), aspart of the progression of the AllocationsDPD. It will be important for the design andmaterials used in any measures to respectthe character of the environment, inaccordance with the other policies in theLDF.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, Town and Parish Councils,and in its role as supporter of economicdevelopment and regeneration, together withits major partners, including Town and ParishCouncils, the Community Plan Area Groups,the Renaissance Market Town Initiative Town

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Teams and Yorkshire Forward, and the busand coach operators. Regular review of thePolicy will allow the LDF to provide an up-to-date focus and co-ordinating device, whichwill help to relate detailed regenerationmeasures more closely to the overall spatialplanning strategy.

Policy Context (DP19)5.5.9 The Policy context is provided by RSS

(particularly Policy YH6 – supporting the roleof the Principal Service Centres, and the sub-area guidance), the Regional EconomicStrategy (RES) (including the Sub-RegionalInvestment Plan – SRIP), Renaissance MarketTowns (RMT), Market Towns Initiative (MTI)and other community based action plans.Also relevant in terms of the transport relatedproposals are PPG13 and North YorkshireCounty Council’s Local Transport Plan, TrafficManagement and Transportation Strategiesand the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.Account also needs to be taken of the policycontext for retailing and town centres inPolicies DP20 and DP21.

CP14 – RETAIL AND TOWN CENTREDEVELOPMENT

5.6 National guidance (PPS6 – Planning for TownCentres) stresses the importance ofmaintaining the vitality and viability of towncentres, as the main focus of shoppingprovision in particular. This is a particularlycomplex area, which under Core Policy CP14covers both matters relating to thecommercial health of the town centres andthe closely linked issues raised by retailinggenerally. PPS6 provides most of the guidancethat is necessary, and a detailed proliferationof policies relating to specific retailing issuesis avoided in this LDF. A Hambleton TownCentres Study has been undertaken for theCouncil (Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, andothers, December 2004), which reviewed therelevance of the DWLP policies in the light ofnational guidance, and recommended policy

approaches (and designations) to be includedin the LDF. This Study has provided a basisfor the Policies set out below, which cover anumber of issues for which detailed policiesin the Development Policies DPD arenecessary, particularly giving local expressionand definition to geographical policy areas,which are represented on the Proposals Map.

DP20 Approach to town centre development

DP20 Support for the town centres of thePrincipal Service Centres and ServiceCentres will be given by encouraginguses, activities and investment that willsustain or enhance their character,attractiveness, conservation heritage,vitality and viability – and lead to thecentres becoming more vibrant andeconomically successful. Permission willalso be granted for related development, ifalso acceptable in terms of other LDFpolicies.

Town Centre boundaries for thesepurposes are defined on the ProposalsMap, and sites representing town centredevelopment opportunities will bedesignated in the Allocations DPD.

Proposals that relate to the developmentof the evening and night-time economy(eg. pubs, clubs, restaurants and foodoutlets, shops and night-timeentertainment) will be supported asvaluable additions to the vitality andviability of the town centres, provided thatthe operation of such activities can becontrolled to address amenityimplications. Such developments will beresisted where they have a detrimentalimpact on other uses or areas, orotherwise undermine the approachtowards supporting the centre.

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Justification (DP20)5.6.1 Three issues are addressed under this Policy:

the definition of the town centres; the policycontext for development within the centres;and the potential for new development sites,taking into account the findings of the TownCentres Study and the work on RenaissanceMarket Towns.

5.6.2 Firstly, the physical definition of the towncentre within which the principles of PPS6,and any further local guidance, will operate isprovided by this detailed policy. PPS6 advisesthat the town centre should be identified onthe Proposals Map – the area that includesthe Primary Retail Area (which is also shownon the Proposals Map, and is consideredunder Policy DP21 below) and also theadjacent areas of predominantly leisure andentertainment, cultural, business and othermain town centre uses. Town Centreboundaries are identified for each of the five Service Centres (defined as town ordistrict centres).

5.6.3 In the Hambleton DWLP, Town CentreCommercial Areas were defined for each ofthe five market towns. These have beenrevised, to ensure that they take account ofall town centre uses, and possibledevelopment sites (see below), and thus areconsistent with the PPS6 definition of towncentres. The Town Centres Study proposedrevised boundaries, which form the basis forthose now included in the LDF, and thus toreplace the DWLP boundaries. The TownCentre boundaries are shown on the ProposalsMap in Annex 5.

5.6.4 Secondly, DP20 elaborates upon the policycontext for development within the TownCentres, providing local guidance consistentwith the national guidance of PPS6. However,matters relating to retailing and other majornon-retail town centre uses are covered byseparate policies – Policies DP21 and DP22(following). The main specific issue relates tothe growing evening and night-time economy

(pubs, clubs, restaurants and food outlets,and night-time entertainment). Although theirsignificance is, as yet, far less important thanin the adjacent metropolitan areas, pressuresfor such activities are developing – not leastbecause Hambleton’s centres offer a safer,and often better quality environment. Theycan be important additions that support theoverall vitality and viability of town centres,provided that their operation can bemanaged to reduce any adverse impact onother land uses and centre users, particularlythose who live in the town centres.

5.6.5 Thirdly, the LDF needs to take a proactiveview towards the identification of potentialnew development sites, within the definedTown Centre boundary. PPS6 identifies theneed to take a sequential approach to alltown centre development (retail and othermajor uses), to seek to develop within thedefined town centres before consideringedge of centre (and then out of centre) sites.To assist with this, in-centre sites will beidentified in LDFs. Only one site is proposedfor new development in the DWLP, but therecent Town Centres Study recommends that,reflecting PPS6, more opportunities fordevelopment of town centre (and retail inparticular) uses are identified throughDevelopment Plan allocations. The scope fornew retailing floorspace (ie. the quantity andtype of retailing) is addressed under DP21following. The Study proposes a number ofallocations that, together with the possibilityof other proposals originating fromRenaissance Market town work, will beadvanced for consideration through the LDFprocess. The principle of designation will bebased on this DP Policy, but the actualdesignations will be achieved through theAllocations DPD. The proposed areas of landconcerned are being advanced throughrevisions to the Proposals Map, published forcomment as part of the progression of the Allocations DPD.

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this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority, allocating sites inthe Allocations DPD, and determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils, and local conservation groups; andin its role as supporter of economicdevelopment, together with its majorpartners, including Yorkshire Forward, theYork and North Yorkshire Partnership Unit,Business Link and Chambers of Trade &Industry and Commerce.

Policy Context (DP20)5.6.7 The policy context is provided by PPS6 –

Planning for Town Centres, and by RSS(particularly Policy YH6, which supports theroles of the towns, and stresses theimportance of maintaining town centrevitality and viability, and Policy E2, whichprovides guidance on strengthening the roleand performance of existing town centres).

DP21 Support for town centre shopping

DP21 The shopping role of the town centres willbe supported, within the Town Centreboundaries designated under Policy DP20,giving priority to development in thePrimary Retail Areas defined on theProposals Map.

Permission will be granted for appropriatenew retail development (in scale andtype) in order to maintain and improveprovision in the Service Centres, in theface of competition from larger townsoutside the District. There is likely to bescope in the period to 2012 for some2,000 - 5,000 m. sq. (net) of newconvenience goods floorspace in theDistrict, and comparison goods floorspaceof 16,000 -18,600 m. sq. (net), themajority of which should be located inNorthallerton. Developments thatcumulatively exceed these levels willnonetheless be approved, provided thatqualitative benefits result or it can bedemonstrated that such developmentassists in clawing back leakage ofexpenditure that would be expected tosupport that centre.

Retail development will be approved of atype and scale that supports the functionsof each of the town centres, provided thatsuch development respects the characterof the centre. In the case of Northallerton(identified as a Main Town Centre)development that increases the range ofcomparison goods retailing (includingnational multiples and small localindependent traders) will be approved. Inthe case of Thirsk (identified as a TownCentre), development will be approvedwhich is consistent with its role as aservice centre for a wide rural catchment,and also development that caters fortourists and other visitors to the area.

Barkers Arcade, Northallerton

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A balance between retail and non-retailcommercial uses (eg. banks, cafes) willbe maintained to secure the variety andvitality of the Primary Retail Areas. Thiswill be achieved by differential controls,within the Primary and SecondaryShopping Frontages designated on theProposals Map, as follows:

Primary Shopping FrontagesNorthallerton and Thirsk: non-retail commercial uses will bepermitted where they will not constitutemore than 25% of the frontage (measuredby total distance);

Bedale, Easingwold and Stokesley:non-retail commercial uses will bepermitted where they will not constitutemore than 33% of the frontage (measuredby total distance).

Secondary Shopping FrontagesNorthallerton: non-retail commercial uses will bepermitted where they will not constitutemore than 2 consecutive uses in thefrontage;

Thirsk: non-retail commercial uses will bepermitted where they will not constitutemore than 3 consecutive uses in thefrontage.

Provided in all cases that the proposals donot remove existing or potential beneficialuse of upper floors.

Justification (DP21)5.6.8 Four issues are addressed under this Policy:

support for the retail function of the TownCentres; the appropriate scale and type ofnew retailing which should be planned; thepolicy context for retail development withinthe Town Centre boundaries; and theapproach to securing a balance between

retail and non-retail commercial uses in thePrimary Retail Areas.

5.6.9 Firstly, support for the retail function ofcentres is provided by this Policy. Thedefinition of the Town Centre boundariesprovides the basis for operating thesequential approach required by PPS6, whichseeks to prefer town centre locations beforeedge of centre (and then out of centre) sitesfor retail developments. The Town Centreareas for the purposes of this Policy aredefined by the Town Centre boundariesdesignated under Policy DP20, within whichretail development will be supported.However, in addition PPS6 advises that thePrimary Retail Area should be identified onthe Proposals Map. The Primary Retail Areasare shown on the Proposals Map in Annex 5.The definition of these Areas has beeninformed by the Town Centres Study. Inconsidering, or promoting, retaildevelopments within the Town Centreboundaries, first priority will be given todevelopments located within and supportingthe retail function of the Primary Retail Areas.

5.6.10 Secondly, as PPS6 advises, it is desirable toprovide an indication of the scale of newretail development that will be appropriateto be planned for, across the District and inrelation to the main Service Centres. TheTown Centres Study advised that there wasscope for convenience goods floorspace ofsome 2,000 - 5,000 m. sq. (net) in the periodto 2012, and comparison goods floorspace of16,000 -18,600 m. sq. (net), the majority ofwhich it considered should be focused inNorthallerton. A guideline based on thisanalysis is included in this Policy, making itclear that developments exceeding thoselevels may be supported, provided thatbenefits result. The guideline will in duecourse be reviewed (and the timescale rolledforward) for the remainder of the Plan period.Sites capable of providing for suchdevelopment will be identified (together withthe needs of other town centre uses) underPolicy DP20.

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5.6.11 Thirdly, Policy DP21 elaborates the policycontext for retail development within theTown Centre boundaries. It thus refinesPolicy CP14’s specific guidance in relation tothe types of retail development expected tobe appropriate in Northallerton and Thirsk.

5.6.12 Fourthly, an important ingredient in securingthe continued vitality of shopping centres isto maintain the appropriate balancebetween retail and non-retail commercialuses in the Primary Retail Areas. Thismeans achieving a balance between shopsand so-called “non-retail commercial” uses –the latter uses, including banks, buildingsocieties, estate agents and restaurants,providing additional attractions, but inconcentration potentially reducing theprimary retailing function of an area. The LDF(continuing the approach of the HambletonDWLP) adopts a policy approach where thedegree of concentration of non-retail uses iscontrolled within and without the definedPrimary Retail Areas on the Proposals Map,in order to support the vitality of a particularcentre. The specific shopping frontagesdefined are based on those recommended bythe Town Centres Study. Primary andSecondary frontages are defined forNorthallerton and Thirsk, and Primary only forthe other centres of Bedale, Easingwold andStokesley. In relation to these definedfrontages, the policy approach seeks tomaintain the essential retail character of thecentre, whilst allowing non-retail uses whichwill add to the variety and vitality of thecentre. This differential approach reflects theextent of the retail centres, and the likelypressures for development within each.

The Shopping Frontage Areas are shown onthe Proposals Map in Annex 5.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, and in its role assupporter of economic development andregeneration, together with its majorpartners, including Town and Parish Councils,Yorkshire Forward and the RenaissanceMarket Town Initiative Teams.

Policy Context (DP21)5.6.14 The policy context is provided by PPS6 –

Planning for Town Centres. RSS Policy E2also provides guidance on strengthening therole and performance of existing towncentres.

DP22 Other town centre uses

DP22 Development of appropriate non-shoppingtown centre uses, including commercialleisure and entertainment, culturalfacilities, residential development,community facilities which attract usersfrom a wide area, and town centre relatedoffice uses (non-retail commercial A2uses), and potentially B1 offices, will beencouraged to locate within the TownCentre boundaries (and permissiongranted for such development, if alsoacceptable in terms of other LDF policies),where support is given to the vitality andviability of the centres and access isavailable for all sectors of the community.

Sites for appropriate non-shopping usesshould be sought firstly within the definedTown Centres, before development wouldbe considered acceptable on the edge (oroutside) centres.

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Justification (DP22)5.6.15 The Service Centres fulfil much more than a

retailing function for their hinterlands,including the wider traditional role as rural“capitals” for their hinterlands. The principlesof the sustainable hierarchy of settlements,described in Core Strategy Spatial Principle 3and Policy CP4, recognise the role that theService Centres have in providing a widerange of facilities for their areas. Leisure,recreation and cultural facilities, in particular,need to be encouraged to locate in theService Centres – a principle that is reflectedin Government guidance contained in PPS6.

5.6.16 Together with Policy DP20, which defines thegeographical extent of the Town Centres, andPolicy DP21 that guides retail developmentwithin those centres, this Policy supports thevitality and viability of town centres, byproviding similar encouragement in relationto other town centre uses, coveringcommercial leisure and entertainment,community facilities and town centre relatedoffice uses (non-retail commercial A2 usesand B1 offices) in particular. In accordancewith Policy DP19, provided that anappropriate balance can be struck with therange of shopping and non-shopping uses,residential development will also besupported in the town centres, since this islikely to add to their vitality, and also improvesafety by ensuring a constant publicpresence.

5.6.17 The policy approach also extends to includeencouragement towards the location of B1offices within the Town Centre boundaries.Such developments will be supported on thetown centre development sites advancedunder Policy DP20. However, the marketdemands for modern offices may precludetown centre locations, particularly within thehistoric cores of Hambleton’s market towns,since the developments proposed are oftenlarge in scale and of modern design. Wheresuitable sites do not exist for the type ofoffice use proposed, locations on industrial or

employment land may be accepted, providedthat these are accessible by a choice ofmeans of transport, including publictransport, cycling and walking.

5.6.18 The policy indicates support for the range ofnon-shopping town centre uses within thedefined Town Centre boundaries, andincorporates the PPS6 requirement to seek asequential approach to locating such usesfirstly within the defined Town Centres,before looking to develop on the edge (oroutside) centres.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, and in its role assupporter of economic development andregeneration, together with its majorpartners, including Town and Parish Councils,and the Renaissance Market Town InitiativeTeams.

Policy Context (DP22)5.6.20 The policy context is provided by PPS6,

which addresses all town centre uses, andnot just retail.

Town centre shopping

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DP23 Major out of centre shopping proposals

DP23 Major shopping proposals in locationsoutside the Primary Retail Areasdesignated under Policy DP21, of morethan 500 m. sq. gross in size will not bepermitted, in order to protect the vitalityand viability of existing town centres,unless the proposal can be demonstratedto be acceptable under national planningpolicies contained in PPS6, and inparticular:

i. the need for the proposal, inquantitative and qualitative termsoutweighs other planningconsiderations; and

ii. there are no suitable viable andavailable sites both within or on theedge of the existing Primary RetailAreas, being flexible about format,scale, design and parking provision;and

iii. there would be no adverse impact uponthe vitality and viability of existingdesignated Primary Retail Areas; and

iv. the proposal would be accessible by achoice of means of transport (includingpublic transport, cycling and walking),and the local transport system iscapable of accommodating thepotential traffic implications.

Justification (DP23)5.6.21 Although most necessary guidance is

available from PPS6, a statement of the keylocal concerns is usefully contained in thisLDF (together with very clear cross-referencing to the guidance in PPS6). Theapproach adopted in this Policy reflects theconclusions of the recent Town CentresStudy.

5.6.22 It is also necessary for the Policy to establisha threshold for its operation. Reflecting theTown Centres Study, Policy DP23 addressesproposals for more than 500 m. sq. gross. Atthis level it will ensure that most discountstores are covered by the Policy, in view ofthe particular concerns over the potentialimpact of such stores on the vitality andviability of the Town Centres in Hambleton.Proposals outside Primary Retail Areaboundaries of less than this threshold will beaddressed by Policy DP24 following. In orderto be considered under this Policy, evidenceof the need for the proposal, and the extentto which alternative sites have beenconsidered, will need to be submitted by theapplicant. Should the development otherwiseprove acceptable, contributions under PolicyDP2 may be necessary, in particular tosecure adequate links to existing centres andthe areas served by the development.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and in particular Town and Parish Councils.

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sets a firm context for judging major retailingproposals. It establishes the sequentialapproach, which requires developers toconsider sites within Primary Retail Areas(and to consider varying the format ofretailing to allow such locations to bechosen), followed by edge of centre locations,and only in the absence of opportunities, andwhere a need can be demonstrated,accepting the possibility that of out of centreretailing might be acceptable. Primary RetailAreas are defined by Policy DP21.

DP24 Other retail issues

DP24 Proposals for small scale retaildevelopments will be permitted outsidethe Primary Retail Area boundariesdesignated in Policy DP21 where theseserve neighbourhoods and residentialareas (and including the development ofvillage shops), unless the development isof a scale and type which should belocated within the Primary Retail Areaboundaries, and might jeopardise thevitality and viability of that Primary RetailArea. Development proposals consideredunder this Policy would be below thethreshold of 500 m. sq. gross establishedfor major retailing by Policy DP23.

Other forms of specialist retailing,including farm shops, garden centres andsimilar outlets selling goods manufacturedon site, will be permitted where suchdevelopments would provide support forthe rural economy consistent with CorePolicies CP4 and CP15, and could notreasonably be expected to locate withinPrimary Retail Areas by reason of theproducts sold, or their links to other uses.Retail developments on employment areaswill not be permitted unless they aresmall-scale uses related to or an ancillarypart of a business use.

Justification (DP24)5.6.25 Retailing proposals take many different forms

– and in addition to the matters covered inthe other LDF Policies, there will be anumber of other issues that do not fit clearlywithin the categories identified.

5.6.26 These are basically of two types: retailingproposals in lower order facilities (eg. centresserving neighbourhoods and residentialareas, and making provision for local dailyshopping needs, or village shops), andspecialist retail operations such as farmshops or garden centres. In all cases PPS6provides a clear policy basis, and the intentof the LDF Core Policies is also clear andsupportive. Thus retail proposals that help tosustain the range of facilities available insettlements, particularly those identifiedthrough Policy CP4 as Service or SecondaryVillages, are supported through that Policy.Similarly, retail schemes that assist insupporting the rural economy, ruralregeneration and farm diversification are alsolikely to be supported through Policy CP15.

5.6.27 This Policy however identifies specific localconsiderations, for example the scale of suchdevelopments that would be acceptablewithin the context of a sustainable hierarchyof settlements, and that would be consistentwith the approach to securing ruralregeneration without supportingunsustainable dispersal of activities.

5.6.28 Guidance is also provided regarding thesuitability of retailing in other locations(outside the context of major retailing,covered by Policy DP23), for exampleresisting the loss of employment land forretailing purposes.

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this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and in particular Town andParish Councils.

Policy Context (DP24)5.6.30 The policy context is provided by PPS6.

Cross-reference should also be made toPolicy DP5 (community facilities), concerningthe policy approach towards securing theprovision and retention of village shops.

CP15 – RURAL REGENERATION5.7 Seeking to support and strengthen the rural

economy is naturally a very importantdimension within the LDF for Hambleton, andin particular to support rural diversification toaddress the decline in agriculture. The mainissues considered here relate to two keyaspects – rural employment generally andagriculture.

DP25 Rural employment

DP25 Employment development in locationsoutside Development Limits will besupported (and permission granted forsuch development, if also acceptable interms of other LDF policies), if all thefollowing apply:

i. it is small in scale;

ii. it comprises conversion and re-use orreplacement of existing rural buildingsof sound construction, or appropriateextensions of buildings or existing useswhich are otherwise acceptable interms of other LDF Policies;

iii. the development is not capable oflocation within a settlement withDevelopment Limits, by reason of thenature of the operation or the absenceof suitable sites;

iv. it is supported by an appropriatebusiness case which demonstrates thatsupport will be provided to the localeconomy, which in turn would helpsustain rural communities;

v. the development would not adverselyimpact on the economy of the ServiceCentres.

Where suitable developments can beidentified, support may be given to theprovision of workspace or incubator units(and permission granted for suchdevelopment, if also acceptable in termsof other LDF policies).

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Justification (DP25)5.7.1 Together with PPS7, Policy CP4 provides a

policy context for considering developmentproposals outside the defined hierarchy ofsettlements, and proposed Policy DP9 alsoprovides guidance on all forms ofdevelopment outside Development Limits.This Policy (DP25) focuses specifically onsupport for sustainable rural employment inHambleton. It provides further guidance onthe consideration of proposals that maysupport the rural economy, and in particularthereby provide economic and social benefitsfor the rural communities in locations outsideDevelopment Limits. Policy DP25 isconsistent with RSS Policy E7, which seeks tosupport the diversification and strengtheningof the rural economy.

5.7.2 PPS7 makes clear the main considerations toachieve sustainable development, and inparticular the focus that should be made ondefined service centres – ie. the approachadopted in this LDF. The need, nonetheless,to sustain rural employment throughout thecountryside is also recognised, and relevantconsiderations relating to accessibility andminimising environmental concerns areidentified. Local guidance specific toHambleton is identified which includesensuring that alternative sites are consideredinitially within the hierarchy of centres, whichis intended to provide a sustainable basis forthe future development of the District. Iflocations outside Development Limits areproposed (including extensions to existingoperations), the policy requiresdemonstration of the business case for thedevelopment, in order to establish thebenefits of the scheme in relation tosustaining local employment and the ruraleconomy, and conversely, for it to bedemonstrated that it would not adverselyimpact on the economy of the ServiceCentres. Reflecting these requirements, suchdevelopments are only likely to be acceptableif small in scale. The benefits could include

provision of local employment opportunities,scope to sell local produce, and provision ofservices to local communities. It will also beappropriate, if developments are acceptablein those terms, to pro-actively promoteworkspace or incubator units to assist therural economy and its diversification.

5.7.3 Any developments accepted under this Policywill naturally need to comply with otherrelevant LDF Policies, which in particular willinclude the importance of respectinglandscape quality (Policy DP30) and takingaccount of the interests of natureconservation (Policy DP31), and of achievingsustainable land management. Proposals willalso need to address the requirements ofPolicy DP3, which seeks to secure access bysustainable forms of transport to alldevelopments.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, and in its role assupporter of economic development andregeneration, together with its majorpartners, including Town and Parish Councils,and Yorkshire Forward.

Policy Context (DP25)5.7.5 The policy context is provided by RSS, and by

PPS7, which seeks to promote sustainableeconomic growth and diversification, andencourages LDFs to support ruralemployment creation by incorporatingpolicies that “facilitate healthy and diverseeconomic activity”. Policy CP4 also providesthe policy context for development outsideDevelopment Limits.

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DP26 Agricultural issues

DP26 Agriculture will be supported (andpermission granted for relateddevelopment, if also acceptable in termsof other LDF policies) by measures thatinclude:

i. encouraging farm diversification whichhelps to sustain the existingagricultural enterprise;

ii. promotion of sustainable forms ofagriculture which includeenvironmentally sensitive, organic, andlocally distinctive food production,together with its processing, marketingand retailing;

iii. support for integration of agriculturalactivities, including for slaughter,processing and packaging facilities on farms which serve clusters or co-operatives of producers;

iv. guiding the development (including thedesign and siting) of new agriculturalbuildings (including agriculturalworkers’ dwellings) to locations whichare sensitive to their environment.

Justification (DP26)5.7.6 Agriculture will continue to be an important

sector of the Hambleton economy, and inextent naturally one of the most significantland uses. PPS7 provides guidance on theways of supporting the changing nature ofagriculture, in order to make it morecompetitive, sustainable and environmentallyfriendly. This may well involve adaptation tonew markets and ways of operation, anddiversification of activities. Development ofagriculture will be supported in theserespects, provided that, in terms of other LDFPolicies, it represents sustainable practices ofland management, which respect theinterests of nature conservation (Policy DP31)and maintains or enhances the quality of thelandscape (DP30).

5.7.7 This Policy provides specific local guidancerelating to the Hambleton context. Thisinvolves the elaboration of the PPS7guidance in respect of these issues, to helpachieve more sustainable development, anddirect such activities to the leastenvironmentally sensitive areas. Proposals fordwellings for workers associated withagriculture are a common feature of the ruraleconomy in Hambleton, and whilst suchdevelopments will be supported (as CorePolicy CP4 indicates) because of theircontribution to this important local sector,careful consideration of their environmentalimplications will be necessary, in line withPolicy DP9 (development outsideDevelopment Limits).


this Policy will be farmers and otheragricultural sector operators andrepresentative bodies (whose needs mayinclude advancing specific developmentproposals which may need planningapproval); and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, and in its role assupporter of economic development, togetherwith other economic partners such asYorkshire Forward and the RegionalAssembly.


provides guidance in pursuit of theGovernment’s objective of promotingsustainable, diverse and adaptableagricultural sectors. RSS Policy ENV7supports farm diversification, and RSS PolicyE7 (see Policy DP25) also provides guidancein terms of the rural economy. Furtherguidance on farm diversification is alsoavailable from the Regional Assembly. PolicyDP26 operates in conjunction in particularwith Policy DP25, where farm diversificationinvolves non-agricultural employmentproposals.

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5.7.10 For tourism development the policy context isprovided by RSS (Policy E6, concerningsupport for sustainable tourism), by PPS7,and by the recently published guidance fromthe Department of Communities and LocalGovernment: “Good Practice Guide onPlanning for Tourism”, May 2006. The GoodPractice Guide offers guidance for supportingtourism for its economic significance, whilstaddressing its environmental impact. PPS7(2004) provides guidance that recogniseshow vital tourism can be to rural areas, andencourages LDFs to support rural tourismthrough planning policies, whilst recognisingthe need for appropriate controls overnumbers, forms and locations in sensitiveareas, and ensuring a close assessment ofthe sustainability of development proposals.Specific guidance is given on tourist andvisitor facilities, and tourist accommodation.The potential impacts of increasing tourismon the North York Moors Special Area forConservation (SAC) and Special ProtectionArea (SPA) also need to be addressed toensure that no adverse effects occur, as setout in Policy DP31. Site managementmeasures may need to be put in place tohelp prevent adverse impacts in these areas,including way marking and signage;alternative areas for dog walking andrecreation; restricting vehicle access andmanaging opening times/visitor areas andvegetation.

Supporting prosperous communities, advicefrom SA/SEA


Policy DP16� supporting links with Teesside, the North East

and York, and new business such as IT andcreative media which may help to retain theyounger population and help local communitiesto thrive and become more sustainable;

Policy DP17 � helping to guard against the loss of employment

land which could be damaging to the needs ofthe local economy;

Policy DP18� providing business support services and helping

to retain existing businesses, as well asimproving the number of new businesses in theDistrict. Providing specific support for smallbusinesses which are important to the District’slocal economy, and encouraging provision ofadvice, including on business planning,marketing and IT. This will enable Hambleton’seconomy to grow in a sustainable manner;

� supporting live-work units which would help tominimise unsustainable travel patterns;

Policy DP19� emphasising the sustainable re-development and

re-use of sites, rather then urban extensions, aswell as sustainable transport;

� outlining the most sustainable locations fordevelopment within the market towns;

Policies DP20, DP21, DP22 and DP24� aiming to sustain and enhance the character of

town centres through the control and location ofdevelopment;

� placing further emphasis on town centredevelopment and the vitality of urban centres.This will help in achieving the renaissance of themarket towns;

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Policy DP23� providing sustainable location criteria for major

shopping proposals out of centres, including therequirement for accessibility by public transport;

Policy DP24� striking a good balance between meeting the

needs of service and secondary villages andensuring the vitality and viability of markettowns;

Policy DP25� supporting deprived areas and disadvantaged

groups through the regeneration of rural areas;

Policy DP26� focusing on sustaining rural communities by

allowing an appropriate form and scale ofemployment development. An essentialcomponent is farm diversification which isafforded good support in this policy;

� supporting local supply chains throughpromoting processing and packaging on farmswhich serve clusters or co-operatives ofproducers.

Business Support officer, Bedale

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6. Maintaining quality environments

6.1 The fourth Core Strategy theme is concernedwith environmental issues. A very wide rangeof environmental topics needs to beaddressed in the LDF. The approach taken inthe Core Strategy sticks to general principles,rather than be drawn into numerous mattersof detail.

6.2 Consequently, the Core Strategy contains only3 policies, which together address thefundamental areas:CP16 – Protecting and enhancing naturaland man-made assets - promotes initiatives which enhance naturaland man-made assets. Detrimental impactswill not be accepted;CP17 – Promoting high quality design - requires the achievement of high qualitydesign to be a priority in all development;CP18 – Prudent use of natural resources- ensures that development minimises the useof natural resources, and where possible usesrenewable energy sources, and re-uses wastematerials.

6.3 The same issues of detail versus generalprinciples are addressed in the detailedpolicies in the Development Policies DPD.There are a large number of issues, oftenquite different in nature, each of which couldbe suggested to be worthy of detailedguidance. In the former system, a largenumber of detailed environmental policieswas the result, and the Hambleton DistrictWide Local Plan was no exception. Under thenew system, and reflected in the followingPolicies, a key approach is to concentrate onidentifying and focusing on providingguidance for the main principles – whichoften are common, despite the disparatenature of the subject matter, withoutundermining the importance attached tothese issues. Also, a great deal of nationalpolicy guidance exists on these matters, forexample relating to conservation of built ornatural assets, or good design principles.

CP16 – PROTECTING AND ENHANCINGNATURAL AND MAN-MADE ASSETS

6.4 Hambleton contains a very wide range ofimportant natural and man-made assets,addressed by Policy CP16. The DevelopmentPolicies DPD defines which assets of theDistrict should be protected through the LDF.Although potentially very different, theapproach to protecting and enhancing theseassets is often very similar. Hence detailedguidance is presented which covers allconservation matters relating to the builtheritage under a single heading, and similarlyall matters relating to biodiversity or natureconservation. Archaeology and landscapematters raise more specific issues that arecovered by separate, more specific, guidance.

Bedale’s historic Leech House

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DP28 Conservation

DP28 Conservation of the historic heritage willbe ensured by:

i. preserving and enhancing ListedBuildings;

ii. identifying, protecting and enhancingConservation Areas;

iii. protecting and preserving HistoricBattlefields and Historic Parks andGardens;

iv. protecting and preserving any otherbuilt or landscape feature or use whichcontributes to the heritage of theDistrict.

Development within or affecting thefeature or its setting should seek topreserve or enhance all aspects thatcontribute to its character andappearance, in accordance with thenational legislation that designates thefeature, and in the case of a ConservationArea, any appraisal produced for thatArea. Permission will be granted, wherethis is consistent with the conservation ofthe feature, for its interpretation andpublic enjoyment, and developmentsrefused which could prejudice itsrestoration.

Particularly important considerations willinclude the position and massing of newdevelopment in relation to the particularfeature, and the materials and designutilised.

Justification (DP28)6.4.1 There is a wide range of conservation issues

and policy matters raised by developmentsconcerning Listed Buildings and inConservation Areas, as well as specialdesignations (eg. battlefields and historicparks).

6.4.2 Considerable national guidance exists,although commonly most development plans,including the preceding Hambleton DWLP,have included a large number of specificpolicies on each of many aspects. Theconcern in the LDF is to avoid repetition ofnational guidance, and to seek to identify thecommon principles of protection and supportfor enhancement which underlie theconservation of the particular aspect of thebuilt heritage, and which have need for localguidance. The relevant national guidance andcontext must be taken into account inrelation to each particular type of asset.

6.4.3 Consideration of development proposals willalso need to take into account the objectiveof securing the long term existence of thefeature. In this context, enabling developmentof a type or form not normally consideredacceptable in the particular location (site orbuildings), may be considered where all otheralternatives have been explored, and thedevelopment or use proposed is the onlypractical means of securing the sympatheticretention of the feature.

6.4.4 Although the need for locally specificvariations in guidance is very limited, giventhe wealth of national guidance containedeither within PPG15, or the legislationsurrounding the particular designation, insome cases local identification of the areasto which the policy approach applies needsto be undertaken by the LDF, by referencewithin this Policy, and designation on theProposals Map. Whilst the origination of thedesignation (eg. of a Conservation Area) willnot be in the LDF itself, it is necessary torepresent these assets on the Proposals Map,in order to help show relationships with otherpolicies.

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6.4.5 Some particular initiatives, eg. enhancementschemes or townscape improvement areas,represent local approaches which arespecifically supported within the LDF. Scopewill exist for SPD in due course, for examplein relation to Conservation Area Appraisalsand management plans, and guidance onissues such as Listed Building alterations.

The designations protected under this Policyare shown on the Proposals Map in Annex 5.

Listed Buildings (and their component parts)are too numerous to identify on the Map, butdetails are available from statutory records.


this Policy will be owners of heritage assetsand developers (advancing specificdevelopment proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils, together with conservation bodiesincluding local Civic Trusts, and EnglishHeritage.

Policy Context (DP28)6.4.7 The policy context is provided by RSS

(Policy ENV9, concerning the historicenvironment) and by PPG15, which covers all aspects of conserving the historic builtenvironment, and establishes theresponsibilities of the planning (including development plan) system.

DP29 Archaeology

DP29 The preservation or enhancement ofarchaeological remains and their settingswill be supported, taking account of thesignificance of the remains as follows:

i. in the case of Scheduled Monuments(shown on the Proposals Map) andother nationally importantarchaeological sites and their settings,by operating a presumption in favour oftheir preservation; and

ii. in the case of other remains of lessersignificance, development affecting thesite and its setting will only bepermitted where the need fordevelopment and other materialconsiderations outweigh theimportance of the remains. Suchremains should be preserved in situ.Where this is not justifiable or feasible,appropriate and satisfactoryarrangements will be required for theexcavation and recording of thearchaeological remains and thepublication of the results.

In areas of known or potentialarchaeological interest, an appropriateassessment and evaluation must besubmitted to accompany any development proposals.

Where appropriate, provision should bemade for interpretation and access ofremains in situ, and for realising tourismand cultural benefits where public accessis possible without detriment to the site.

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Justification (DP29)6.4.8 As in the case of Policy DP28, concerning the

built heritage of the District, there is a clearpolicy context provided by a PPG (in thiscase PPG16), and by the legislation thatdesignates particular sites.

6.4.9 For the District, the Historic EnvironmentRecord (HER) is maintained by NorthYorkshire County Council’s ArchaeologyService, and has details of all knownarchaeological remains. The CountyArchaeology Service is a key consultee, onthe existence of remains, and on theprocesses to be adopted for protection, andfor recording. The HER is not and never canbe a definitive record (indeed it is far fromcomplete for Hambleton), and thus theprocesses of investigation and recording willalways be important. Sites or remains maywell be discovered through time, perhaps asa consequence of development proposals orworks. This may particularly be the casewhere there are remains known elsewhere inthe locality, or known local historical interest,such as within Conservation Areas.

6.4.10 The need for locally specific variations inguidance is very limited, given the wealth ofnational guidance contained within PPG16.Apart from stating the main principles in thePolicy, reflecting PPG16’s guidance, theScheduled Monuments are shown on theProposals Map, referenced by this DP Policy.

Scheduled Monuments that are protectedunder this Policy are shown on the ProposalsMap in Annex 5. In each case the ProposalsMap indicates the area and site as designated.

6.4.11 Providing for interpretation and appropriateaccess (which secures the protection of theremains whilst allowing for public inspection)is an important objective, which may wellalso link with developing tourist potential.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation with the main archaeological consultees – theCounty Council’s Archaeology Service andEnglish Heritage.

Policy Context (DP29)6.4.13 The policy context is provided by PPG16,

which sets out how archaeological remainsshould be preserved and recorded, how thisshould be addressed through the planningsystem and the significance that should begiven in making planning decisions, when itmay be necessary to reconcile the need fordevelopment with the interests ofconservation.

Bedale Market Cross

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DP30 Protecting the character and appearance of the countryside

DP30 The openness, intrinsic character andquality of the District’s landscape will berespected and where possible enhanced.Development within the Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty shown on theProposals Map will be subject ofparticular controls, in accordance withnational planning policy, in order to securethe conservation of these importantlandscape assets. Throughout the District,the design and location of newdevelopment should take account oflandscape character and its surroundings,and not have a detrimental effect on theimmediate environment and on anyimportant long distance views.

The design of buildings, and theacceptability of development, will need totake full account of the nature anddistinctive qualities of the local landscape.The use of techniques such as landscapecharacter analysis to establish the localimportance, and the key features thatshould be protected and enhanced, will besupported.

Where possible opportunities should betaken to add appropriate character anddistinctiveness through the contribution ofnew landscape features, particularly tolandscapes which otherwise lack interest.

Justification (DP30)6.4.14 Best quality landscape is designated as an

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)– Hambleton includes parts of two AONBs(the Howardian Hills and a very small part ofthe Nidderdale AONB). Clear policy guidancefor the consideration of proposals in theseareas is provided by PPS7, and apart fromshowing the designation on the ProposalsMap (via this DPD policy), for clarity (to showthe area to which the national policy applies)and to show the relationship with other

areas, no additional guidance is provided inthe LDF in relation to AONBs.

The extents of the AONBs in Hambleton areshown on the Proposals Map in Annex 5.

6.4.15 PPS7 advises against the designation ofareas with lesser but still important localstatus, and recommends that a criteria-basedapproach is adopted, strongly counsellingagainst making “rigid local designations”.This is the approach that is adopted in thisDPD. As a consequence, any developmentwhich will have an impact on the landscapeshould address the intrinsic character of itssurroundings, and seek where possible toretain and strengthen the intrinsic characterof areas. This may include where appropriateencouraging development to locate in areasof poor quality landscape, particularly wherethere may be scope to enhance andreconstruct damaged landscapes, or addcharacter and interest. Landscape characteranalysis will be an important technique inmany circumstances, utilising detailed workalready undertaken within the District. Moredetailed guidance on landscape characterand its implications, developing this existingwork, will if appropriate be included in theLDF as SPD.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils, together with Natural England.

Policy Context (DP30)6.4.17 The policy context is provided by RSS (Policy

ENV10, which seeks to safeguard andenhance landscapes which contributedistinctive character to the region), and byPPS7, which describes the role whichdevelopment plans should take in relation tothe quality of the landscape.

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DP31 Protecting natural resources: biodiversity/nature conservation

DP31 Permission will not be granted fordevelopment which would causesignificant harm to sites and habitats ofnature conservation, geological orgeomorphological value, together withspecies that are protected or under threat.Support will be given (and permissiongranted for related development, if alsoacceptable in terms of other LDF policies)to the enhancement and increase innumber of sites and habitats of natureconservation value, and in particular tomeeting objectives identified in theproposals of the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Sites designated under national legislationare shown on the Proposals Map (Sites ofSpecial Scientific Interest - SSSIs, andLocal Nature Reserves - LNRs), and willbe protected under the terms of thatlegislation. Locally important sites arealso identified (Sites of Importance forNature Conservation – SINCs) and will beprotected and enhanced as appropriate totheir local importance. Outside the areasdesignated, the interests of natureconservation must be taken into account,in accordance with national guidance.

Any proposed development that couldhave an adverse effect on the integrity ofan international wildlife site (Natura 2000or Ramsar site) alone or in combinationwith other plans or projects will not bepermitted unless it can be demonstratedthat the legislative provisions to protectsuch sites can be fully met.

The restoration or creation of new habitatswill be supported (and permission grantedfor related development, if also acceptablein terms of other LDF policies) wherethese contribute to the Biodiversity ActionPlan, and to the targets, priorities andenhancement proposals of the RSS.

Justification (DP31)6.4.18 As is the case with other environmental

assets, national guidance provides a clearcontext for the relevant policy approach.

6.4.19 Development within the Plan area has thepotential to lead to adverse effects on theintegrity of Natura 2000 (Special Areas forConservation (SAC) and Special ProtectionAreas (SPA)) and Ramsar sites outside thePlan area boundary particularly in relation todisturbance, noise, water abstraction, waterand air quality, renewable energyinfrastructure and tourism and recreation.Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites enjoy statutoryprotection under European legislation andemerging national regulations. Any adverseimpacts on the integrity of such sites arisingfrom development proposals would need tobe properly addressed under this statutoryregime.

6.4.20 Protecting a hierarchy of sites of importancehas traditionally been a major focus ofdevelopment plans. As PPS9 indicates,national designations (eg. Local NatureReserves and Sites of Special ScientificInterest) should be shown on the ProposalsMap. This is achieved through this DPDPolicy, for clarity (to show the area to whichthe national policy applies) and to show therelationship with other areas, although localguidance is unnecessary to supplement thenational context.

6.4.21 Below the national level, as PPS9 alsoindicates, regional and local sites ofimportance should be identified with specificpolicy contexts, and designations are alsoshown on the Proposals Map. Policy DP31covers all these 3 categories. In theHambleton context the comparabledesignations below the national level areSites of Importance for Nature Conservation(SINCs) – a North Yorkshire County-wideapproach, designated in conjunction with theCounty Council and Natural England. TheSINCs will be kept under review, andadditional sites of nature conservation

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importance included within the list whenjustified by research through subsequentamendments to the LDF.

The following designations to be protectedunder this Policy are shown on the ProposalsMap in Annex 5:

– Sites of Special Scientific Interest – Local Nature Reserves – Sites of Importance for – Nature Conservation

6.4.22 In addition to protecting important sites, thisPolicy (as in the case of the HambletonDWLP policies) establishes general principlesapplicable to protecting natural resources.The Policy therefore reflects the broadapproach intended by PPS9, covering allaspects of biodiversity and geologicalinterest. In this respect it also provides agood opportunity to support the HambletonBiodiversity Action Plan more directly, byrecognising and supporting the specificspecies and habitat initiatives in that Plan. Asindicated by the Policy, the interests ofnature conservation will need to be takeninto account wherever such interests exist, orhave the potential to exist outside thedesignated sites, rivers and watercourses,and adjacent areas. Areas of ancientwoodland are likely to be particularlyimportant in this respect, as also will be theneed to take account of nature conservationinterest which has regenerated on brownfield(previously-developed) land. Referenceshould also be made to the natureconservation importance of links andcorridors between habitats: Policy DP39addresses this together with their importancefor recreation.


this Policy will be landowners and developers(advancing specific development proposalsor habitat/species conservation proposalswhich may require planning approval); theDistrict Council in its role as Local Planning

Authority, determining planning applicationsin consultation with local communities andTown and Parish Councils, and the BAPSteering Group; and local natureconservation and environmental bodies, bothas consultees by the District Council onplanning proposals, and as initiators ofproposals for conservation and habitatimprovement.


ENV8, which seeks to safeguard andenhance the biodiversity and geologicalheritage) and by PPS9 (Biodiversity andGeological Conservation). This PPS seeks toprovide a clearer focus on conserving,enhancing and restoring biological andgeological diversity.

CP17 – PROMOTING HIGH QUALITYDESIGN

6.5 Matters relating to design are now recognisedto be of fundamental importance to mostissues addressed by the LDF. Much nationalguidance or advice is now available, butrecognition of the local importance ofsecuring a high level of design quality meansthat detailed guidance is necessary, specific toHambleton, in the Development Policies DPD.

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DP32 General design

DP32 The design of all developments must be ofthe highest quality. Attention to the designquality of all development will beessential, and the submission of designstatements supporting and explaining thedesign components of all relevantproposals will be required.

Development proposals must seek toachieve creative, innovative andsustainable designs that take into accountlocal character and settings, and promotelocal identity and distinctiveness, andreflect the following principles:

use

i. development should seek to support thecreation of sustainable communities, thatrespect their local context. Mixed usedevelopments will be encouraged wherethe uses are complementary to each otherand to those in the existing community,and where the development is capable ofsupporting a range of services and publictransport;

ii. proposals should where possible promotea density and mix of uses which createsvitality and interest;

movement

iii. opportunities should be taken to createconnected layouts that provide choice,and improve access to facilities and publictransport;

iv. provision should be made for walking andcycling, including the provision of footpathlinks, cycleways and cycle parkingfacilities, in accordance with Policy DP3;

v. where the nature of development permits,a framework of connected spaces shouldbe developed that respects all users byoffering a safe attractive environment forall;

form

vi. proposals must respect local characterand distinctiveness (including that of thesurrounding landscape, in accordancewith Policy DP33) by enhancing itspositive attributes whilst mitigating itsnegative aspects;

vii. in terms of scale, volume and massing,development should result in built formsthat contribute positively to the townscapeor surrounding buildings, whilst respectingthe scale of spaces and buildings in thearea;

viii. development should relate to and respectany historic context of the site, includingplot patterns, street layout and block size(and taking account of the guidancecontained in Policy DP28);

ix. development should take everyopportunity to create good design thatrespects and safeguards key views,roofscapes, landmarks, and focal points;

x. development should pay due regard totraditional design and forms ofconstruction, and avoid the use ofinappropriate details;

xi. development should incorporate highquality building design and detailing, withparticular attention given to appropriatelydesigned elements;

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xii. sustainable forms of development shouldbe designed, incorporating sustainableenergy use (as indicated by Policy DP34),minimising waste production andproviding opportunities for recycling (asindicated by Policy DP36), and minimisingpollution. Developments should seek tominimise water use (including through theincorporation of grey-water recycling),and where possible include SustainableDrainage Systems (SUDS). Use or re-useof sustainable materials will beencouraged. Orientation and layout ofdevelopment should maximise thepotential for passive solar heating, takingaccount of the implications of solar heatgain;

space

xiii. proposals should create people-friendlyplaces that allow for necessary vehicularaccess;

xiv. places should be safe and secure, witheffective natural surveillance;

xv. well designed private and semi-privateopen space should be incorporated for allbuildings, appropriate to the designcharacter of the area;

xvi. opportunities should be taken to supportthe development of a varied network ofattractive, usable and safe publiclyaccessible spaces;

xvii. provision for parking should wherepossible be made in discreet but safelocations within the development;

xviii. design should seek to retain existingimportant species and habitats andmaximise opportunities for habitatenhancement, creation and management,in accordance with Policy DP31.

Justification (DP32)6.5.1 Much national guidance exists on design

(and is referenced in PPS1) – the most usefulperhaps being the recent Commission forArchitecture and the Built Environment(CABE) publication “Making design policywork”. This suggests a number of importantissues to take into account in developing apolicy approach in this DPD. Although designneeds to be considered as a cross-cuttingissue, many of the key considerations arebrought together under this Policy DP32.

6.5.2 The scope of design guidance set out aboveidentifies the importance of local characterand distinctiveness, and gives guidance onachieving sustainable development,appropriate scale and types of urban form,developments that mix uses, and betterconnections between users and moreinclusive access. Good design is essential inachieving truly sustainable development. Itneed not result in additional costs (forexample it should not render housingunaffordable), and in the longer term will paydividends.

6.5.3 Achieving safe designs, and resolvingpotential conflicts in design objectives, willmean that community liaison, and theinvolvement of the Police ArchitecturalLiaison Officer, will be importantconsiderations. Close liaison with the RoadSafety Partnership, which includes theHighways Authority and the enforcementagencies, will be essential on road safetymatters. There may well be scope in duecourse for SPD on these detailed designissues.

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this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and in particular Town andParish Councils and local Civic Trusts, theCounty Council as Local Highways Authority;the Hambleton Community Partnership; theRoad Safety and Community SafetyPartnerships and the Police.

6.5.5 The Government has indicated that designand access statements are required to besubmitted to accompany all planningapplications except householder, changes ofuse and engineering and mining operations.These need to explain how high qualitydesign and issues such as disabled accesshave been addressed in each proposal, tohelp Local Planning Authorities ensure newdevelopments are of a high quality. Suchdesign statements for developments inHambleton need to address the requirementsof Policy DP32.

6.5.6 Embedding design considerations requiresthat significant effort be applied to thedesign process. This involves theestablishment of expectations for the qualityof design in Hambleton. It suggests the needto use experienced designers, to develop andensure compliance with design codes, toconsider the design statements which arenow required to be submitted, and to makefull use of pre-application discussions.

6.5.7 The main considerations proposed are setout in the Policy, to establish benchmarks ofexpectations and set standards. In manycases however, SPD is a more appropriatevehicle to take forward some issues, and willbe considered in due course. This is the casewith detailed matters such as shop frontdesign or domestic extensions. Similarly theparticular importance of local considerationsmay best be addressed through local areaSPDs, such as Conservation Area Appraisals,or Village Design Statements, the preparationof which by local communities will continueto be encouraged.

Policy Context (DP32)6.5.8 The policy context is provided by PPS1, and

also CABE guidance “Making design policywork”. Cross-references to a number of LDFPolicies are included in Policy DP32, sincethe Policy seeks to draw together all relevantdesign matters. Issues concerned with thedesign of landscaping are addressed byPolicy DP33 following. RSS (Policy YH7) alsostresses the importance of achieving a highstandard of design that protects andenhances settlement diversity and character.

6.5.9 PPS1 affirms the clear principle that planningauthorities should plan positively (includingby means of policies within the LDF) for theachievement of high quality and inclusivedesign. It indicates the role of planning increating safe and accessible environments.Further advice on ‘designing out’ crime isavailable from ‘Safer Places – the PlanningSystem and Crime Prevention’ – ODPM 2004and the police initiative ‘Secured by Design’.Road safety is covered in PPG13 (whichplaces great emphasis on people being ableto travel safely whatever their chosen mode)and guidance from North Yorkshire CountyCouncil, as Highways Authority.

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DP33 Landscaping

DP33 Landscaping of new development must bean integrated part of the overall design,which complements and enhancesdevelopment, and:

i. creates a visually pleasant, sustainableand biodiversity-rich environment;

ii. provides for sustainable solutionsincluding the use of SustainableDrainage Systems (SUDS). Designsshould respond to the potentialimplications of climate change. The useof sustainable construction materialswill be encouraged;

iii. protects and enhances key landscapefeatures;

iv. creates new features and areas of openspace that reflect local landscapecharacter;

v. contributes to character, appearanceand sense of place;

vi. promotes a public realm which is richin identity, attractive and safe.

Justification (DP33)6.5.10 PPS1 and the CABE guidance “Making

design policy work” (see Policy DP32) stressthe importance of giving due consideration tolandscaping issues. Reflecting this priority,the LDF provides specific guidance onlandscaping through this Policy.

6.5.11 This Policy stresses particular local prioritiesconcerned with ensuring appropriatelandscaping for all developments. The CABEguide suggests the importance of policysupport for achieving landscaping whichprotects and enhances key landscapefeatures, and can take advantage of them,and that creates natural and sustainablefeatures which contribute to biodiversity, andin terms of public realm are rich in identity,and are attractive and safe. Such issues areaddressed by this Policy, and in this wayexpectations established.

6.5.12 Sustainability issues are also key ingredientsof this Policy. The scope to address andpromote the various alternative forms ofSustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS)should be addressed, as should othersustainability considerations, such asencouraging the re-use of water (eg. grey-water recycling) or water use minimisation.Designs should take account of theimplications of climate change throughspecies selection and by planting thatprovides for additional shade or winter solargain. The use of sustainable constructionmaterials will be encouraged. Considerationwill be given to providing further details (aswith other sustainability issues and detailedlandscaping matters generally, such asappropriate species) through the preparationof SPD in due course.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities and in particular Town andParish Councils and local Civic Trusts.


indicates the role that planning should havein maintaining and improving the localenvironment, including the use of positivepolicies on the incorporation of landscapingand provision of public space.

CP18 – PRUDENT USE OF NATURALRESOURCES

6.6 The prudent use of natural resources,promoting sustainable energy and theminimisation of waste are important mattersto be addressed in securing a sustainablefuture for the District. Although nationalguidance is comprehensive, as is RSS(containing policies and targets), the two

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areas of sustainable energy and treatment ofwaste are particularly important, and oftencomplex and contentious – and thus worthyof detailed policy consideration.For water resources, PPS12 provides a limitedcontext, but this area falls mainly within theresponsibility of the Environment Agency,which has prepared an Aquifer ProtectionPolicy, and designates GroundwaterProtection Zones. RSS Policy ENV2 providesguidance on safeguarding water resources,and RSS Policy ENV3 on maintaining highstandards of water quality.

DP34 Sustainable energy

DP34 Development proposals should minimiseenergy demand, improve energy efficiencyand promote energy generated fromrenewable resources, as part of anintegrated strategy.

For all developments above 1,000 m. sq. insize, or 10 or more residential units, thefollowing will be required:

i. developers must show that they haveaddressed sustainable energy issues,by reference to accredited assessmentschemes, and in the case ofcommercial developments mustundertake an energy use assessmentand consider the feasibility ofincorporating Combined Heat andPower (CHP) schemes;

ii. energy efficient measures must beincorporated which will provide at least10% of their energy requirements fromon-site renewable energy generation,or otherwise demonstrate similarenergy savings through designmeasures;

Developments will be promoted whichenable the provision of renewable energythrough environmentally acceptablesolutions, and support will be given toproposals that enable the District toachieve the RSS targets set for renewableenergy provision. Permission will begranted for related development, if alsoacceptable in terms of other LDF policies.Consideration of such proposals willinclude the cumulative implications takingaccount of other proposals and safetyissues (e.g. in relation to airfields).

Justification (DP34)6.6.1 A Study7 addressing the means of delivering

sustainable energy has recently beencompleted by consultants for a partnershipincluding the North Yorkshire Districts. Themain principles of the approach of PolicyDP34 reflect the recommendations of thatStudy. One of the main concerns is that theLDF should assist in the delivery of the“energy hierarchy”, which involves the use ofless energy by avoiding waste, by energyefficiency, by use of energy generated fromrenewable resources, and by using non-polluting sources of fuel where possible.

7 “Delivering Sustainable Energy in North Yorkshire – Recommended Planning Guidance” – Land Use Consultants and National Energy Foundation, October2005.

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6.6.2 The need to incorporate sustainable energyprinciples is a significant design consideration,as indicated by Policy DP32.xii. Recentchanges to the Building Regulations (Part L)will also have significant implications for thesematters, but this Policy provides furtherguidance through the LDF, concerning theneed for developers to address the scope forsustainable energy and make provision basedon detailed energy assessments, relating tocarbon production. For commercialdevelopments (offices, industry or retail) themain accredited energy assessment is the“BREEAM” scheme (Building ResearchEstablishment’s Environmental AssessmentMethod), and developments will be expectedto at least meet “very good” accreditationunder that scheme. For residentialdevelopments, either the “Eco-homes”, NHER(National Home Energy Rating) or SAP(Standard Assessment Procedure) ratingsshould be utilised, and developments similarlyshould at least achieve the equivalent of a“very good” rating from the Eco-homesscheme. The thresholds of scale ofdevelopment to which this aspect of the Policyapplies are based on the ODPM definition of“major” development, which is now beingwidely adopted by local authorities inadvancing benchmarks for addressingsustainable development through thesemeans. It should be noted that thesethresholds are minimum levels, andencouragement will be given to the approachbeing adopted for smaller scales ofdevelopment. Indeed it is increasinglybecoming cost-effective to incorporatesustainable energy measures even at the scaleof single dwellings – and such sustainabledesign measures will be encouraged by thisPolicy and by Policy DP32 (design).

6.6.3 In terms of renewable energy, PPS22 advisesthat RSS and LDFs should contain policiesdesigned to promote and encourage ratherthan restrict the development of renewableenergy resources. Local Planning Authorities

have an invaluable role to play in ensuringthat the UK targets can be met of 10% ofelectricity to be supplied by renewablesources by 2010, and 15% by 2015. The fullrange of energy sources should berecognised. Reflecting this guidance, thisPolicy sets criteria that will be used injudging proposals, and does not seek to ruleout all or a specific type of proposal. Allrenewable sources that are appropriate totheir location will be supported, includingthrough the recognition of the role that smallrenewable systems can make (eg. throughCombined Heat and Power, or solar energy),and hence the requirement on largedevelopments to make on-site provision.

6.6.4 The submitted RSS Policy ENV5 (which hasbeen developed based on a detailed region-wide study of renewable energy potential8)reflects PPS22 by setting challenging targetsat the regional level and for each sub-area. Inthe case of North Yorkshire, a target isproposed for achieving installed renewableenergy production of at least 209 MW (MegaWatts) by 2010. To achieve this, targets arethen provided for each authority, to helpinform delivery of the sub-regional target – inthe case of Hambleton, capacity for 40.2 MWby 2010 is required.

6.6.5 A major key issue clearly will concern thescope to locate wind turbines (the currentmain source of renewable energy likely to berelevant to Hambleton), and the degree towhich the RSS target can be achieved withinthe environmental constraints that exist inHambleton. Clearly, this Policy is the vehiclefor responding to and implementing the RSSrequirement. As PPS22 advises, the LDF setsout criteria for establishing the nature andstrength of considerations that will need to betaken into account in judging whetherparticular proposals are acceptable. ReflectingPolicy DP30, in judging the acceptability of thesize, location and design of any proposals, theuse of landscape character assessment will beparticularly important. Wind energy

8 “Sub Regional Renewable Energy Assessment and Targets Study”, Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, 2004

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developments will also need to address theimpact on nature conservation (Policy DP31)and in particular ensure there are no potentialadverse effects on bird species for whichSpecial Protection Areas (SPA) and Ramsarsites are designated in adjacent areas.

6.6.6 The appropriateness of any location fordevelopment will need to take account ofsafety issues in relation to airfields, asrequired by Circular 01/03. In this context(and in relation to other forms ofdevelopment) the Proposals Map in Annex 5shows the consultation zones and thesafeguarded areas established in relation toall the aerodromes within or adjacent to theLDF area. In these areas certain planningapplications will be the subject ofconsultation with the aerodrome operatorand there may be restrictions on the heightor detailed design of buildings, or ondevelopment that might create a bird hazard.These safeguarded areas are neither theresponsibility nor the proposal of the LocalPlanning Authority.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority, determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, Town and Parish Councils,the Regional Assembly and the CountyCouncil.

Policy Context (DP34)6.6.8 The policy context is provided by PPS22, and

RSS (Policy ENV5).

DP36 Waste

DP36 Development and activities will beencouraged which support theminimisation of waste together with theefficient use of materials (and permissiongranted for related development, if alsoacceptable in terms of other LDF policies),and in particular assist in the delivery ofthe priorities of the waste hierarchy –which seeks first to promote the reductionof waste, followed by its re-use, thenrecycling and composting, followed byenergy recovery, before finally acceptingits disposal as a last resort.

Support will be given (and permissiongranted for related development, if alsoacceptable in terms of other LDF policies)for the provision of well-designedrecycling facilities and recycling collectionpoints, in locations accessible to allmembers of the communities that areserved.

Where appropriate, development mustmake appropriate provision for recyclingfacilities and the collection of waste.Development should provide for on-siterecycling, and seek to re-use buildingconstruction and demolition waste.

Justification (DP36)6.6.9 Responsibility for waste (and minerals)

planning matters remains with the CountyCouncil, who are charged to prepare aseparate LDF covering just these issues. TheHambleton LDF will need to relate closely tothe County Council’s Minerals and WasteDevelopment Framework (MWDF) – it willalso form part of the statutory DevelopmentPlan which applies to Hambleton.

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6.6.10 Preparation of the North Yorkshire MWDFinvolves the same rigorous processes ofconsultation as the Hambleton LDF, and thus will offer every opportunity for a closerelationship between the LDFs to beachieved. The North Yorkshire MWDF isbeing prepared to a timetable in parallel withthat of the Hambleton LDF. Consultation onPreferred Options for the Core Strategies andSite Allocations DPDs was undertaken in2007, and submission is due in 2008 withadoption expected by mid 2009.

6.6.11 In terms of the Hambleton LDF, this Policyprovides a single point of reference inrelation to the principles of the wastestrategy, to support and connect with theNorth Yorkshire MWDF, and to express thenational approach indicated in PPS10 inrelation to waste issues. PPS10 advises thatall planning authorities (with wasteresponsibilities or not) should consider theimpact of any development proposals on theachievement of the waste strategy, forexample supporting the appropriate locationof recycling facilities in new development,and the location of recycling collectionpoints. These need to be well-designed, interms of efficiency (and encouragement touse), located in sustainable locations(particularly town and village centres, whereuse can be associated with the purposes ofother trips). Reflecting the other Policies ofthe LDF, proposals should minimiseenvironmental and visual impact, and respectthe interests of nature conservation and thehistoric environment.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications, in consultation withlocal communities, Town and Parish Councils;the County Council as waste disposalauthority; and recycling groups and bodies.

Policy Context (DP36)6.6.13 The policy context is provided by PPS10, RSS

(Policy ENV12), North Yorkshire CountyCouncil policies and the emerging NorthYorkshire MWDF.

Maintaining quality environments, advice fromSA/SEA


Policies DP28, DP29 and DP30� providing specific guidance on the protection of

heritage, archaeological remains and landscapecharacter and interest in the District, andspecifically requires the consideration of theseelements in all proposals. This will deliverdevelopment that is sustainable and does notharm Hambleton’s valuable man-made assetsand its natural features;

Policy DP31� specifically covering the protection and

enhancement of biodiversity within the District;

Policy DP32� ensuring that the design of all proposals ensures

that development is sustainable;

Policy DP33� identifying the need for landscaping of new

proposals to contribute to the landscapecharacter and sense of place;

Policy DP34� encouraging renewable energy, beneficial to

efforts to minimise the effects of climate change;

Policy DP36� providing support for biodiversity and geology by

promoting more sustainable forms of wastemanagement.

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7.1 The fifth and final theme concerns a numberof matters that relate to important socialissues connected with ensuring thatcommunities are healthy and safe.

7.2 The Core Strategy includes 3 policies:CP19 – Recreational facilities andamenity open space- protects and enhances recreational andamenity assets;CP20 – Design and the reduction of crime- ensures that the design of all developmentpromotes safe living environments;CP21 – A safe response to natural andother forces- ensures that development and serviceprovision addresses the affects of natural andother forces (such as flooding, noise andpollution).

7.3 These three areas raise a number of differentissues. As with the previous theme, it isnecessary to concentrate on the identificationof main principles, rather than attempt toprovide policies for every issue or eventuality.It is also the case that many of the issuesraised here will if appropriate be dealt with indetail at a future date by SupplementaryPlanning Documents.

CP19 – RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ANDAMENITY OPEN SPACE

7.4 The importance of supporting recreationalactivities to the health and well-being of theDistrict’s communities is considerable, as isthe need to assist the objectives of the healthtrusts and the Community Plan towardsachieving healthy life styles. The location andprovision of built developments is consideredunder the sustainable communities theme,but the Core Strategy addresses outdoorrecreation under Policy CP19. Clearly a widerange of recreational activities exists, butcommon principles can be identified, andthus the range of issues is addressed underthree headings: open space, culture, sportand recreation; major outdoor recreation; andrecreational links.

7. Creating healthy and safe communities

Extending recreational amenities for young people

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Justification (DP37)7.4.1 The objectives of retaining, protecting and

enhancing open space provision raise anumber of issues, which means that aspecific policy is essential. The approachadopted by the LDF is to protect fromdevelopment all land that has an existingrecreational or open space use, and tosupport and enhance that use, and toencourage additional provision. The areasand uses in question will include land for

formal sport or active recreational use (withancillary spaces), eg. play areas, sportspitches, tennis courts, bowling greens andgolf courses; and also land used as openspace, both formally (eg. parks andallotments) and informally, as generalgreenspace which provides for publicamenity use.

7.4.2 In order to deliver an appropriate balancebetween new provision and the enhancementof existing provision the Council

DP37 Open space, sport and recreation

DP37 Support will be given to sport and recreational activities (and permission will be grantedfor related development, if also acceptable in terms of other LDF policies) by:i. retaining, protecting and enhancing all types of open space with an existing

recreational use;ii. securing additional provision to meet the following local quantity and accessibility

standards:

Accessibility

iii. requiring new housing developments to contribute towards the achievement of thelocal standards by reducing or preventing both quantitative and qualitative deficienciesin provision related to the development. Contributions will be dependent on increaseddemand resulting from the development.

Development which will result in the loss of public or private land with recreational valuewill not be permitted, unless it can be shown having regard to the local standards, that thesite is no longer needed, or is unlikely to be required in the future, or an alternative facilityof equivalent value is to be provided.

Type

Amenity greenspace - parks and gardens, village greens and amenity open space

Play areas for children – these are equipped play areas for children

Facilities for young people and teenagers – these range from youth shelters to skate parks and multi-use games areas

Outdoor sports facilities - includes grass pitches, tennis, bowls and golf courses

Allotment gardens

Quantity Standard

1.38 hectares per1000 population

1 facility per 1350 population

1 facility per 4000 population



Service Centres

15 minutes walk time



15 minutes drive time


Villages




15 minutes drive time


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commissioned an open space, sport andrecreation study based on the methodologyadvised in PPG17 and its Companion Guide.The study looked at issues of quantity, qualityand accessibility for five broad types of openspace and recommended standards for each,based on a local assessment of need.

7.4.3 PPG17 states that existing open space, sportand recreation facilities should not be builton unless an assessment has beenundertaken which has clearly shown theopen spaces to be surplus to requirements(including consideration for all functionsspaces can perform). Local consultationindicates that protecting the available openspaces in Hambleton is a key priority and nospaces should be lost. Furthermore, existingspaces will be placed under increasedpressure as the LDF housing figures arerealised.

7.4.4 The quantity standards have beendetermined from analysis of the existingquantity of provision, in light of localcommunity views as to its adequacy anddetails of levels and types of use. In eachinstance the standard has been set at orabove the current level of provision. Thisenables the Council to seek to addressparticular locational deficiencies and also tofocus on improvements to the quality of sitesacross Hambleton where sufficient accessibleopen space exists.

7.4.5 New housing developments place increaseddemand on existing open space, sport andrecreation facilities and the Council willexpect developers to include the requiredamount of formal and informal open spacewithin their developments. In instanceswhere there is sufficient of that type of openspace in the local area to meet the needs ofthe population, the Council may insteadexpect a developer contribution to enhancethe quality of existing open space in the area.The Council’s intention is that all of theDistrict’s open spaces should eventuallyachieve the quality visions (see below).

7.4.6 The Companion Guide to PPG17 suggeststhat catchment areas (ie accessibilitystandards) should be based on the distancethat 75% to 80% are willing to travel to openspaces. In some circumstances it may beappropriate to set separate accessibilitystandards for urban and rural areas giventhat residents in rural areas cannotrealistically expect to have the same level ofaccess to the full range of different types ofopen space, sport and recreation facilitiesnormally available in more densely populatedurban areas. As a consequence, separateaccessibility standards have been set foramenity greenspace given its broad natureand in recognition that large facilities inurban areas tend to attract users from awider area and to have a higher local profile.Whilst the catchment areas are the same inurban and rural areas for other types of openspace, the application of the standardsshould prioritise deficient areas that are inmore densely populated areas.

7.4.7 Two further documents will be prepared thatwill sit beneath Policy DP37 and give moredetailed guidance. Firstly, there will be SPDwhich will include detailed guidance onimplementation of the standards fordevelopment control purposes. The SPD willalso incorporate open space “quality visions”,based on community aspirations for eachtype of space, that will help pinpointinvestment priorities by benchmarking sitesagainst the appropriate vision.

7.4.8 Secondly there will be an open space, sportand recreation strategy, as advised by PPG17,using the standards to identify specificdeficiencies in order to inform priorities fornew provision and the enhancement ofexisting facilities.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications in consultation with

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local communities, and in its role offacilitating/funding the provision of newfacilities, Town and Parish Councils; sportsclubs and recreational bodies; and SportEngland.


Env11, which seeks to improve health,including by safeguarding and enhancingfacilities for sports and recreation), and byPPG17, which stresses the importance tohealth and quality of life of maintaining andwhere possible enhancing open spaces andsports and recreation facilities. It providesthe context for establishing local standardsof provision, maintaining and supplementingprovision, and considering proposals fordevelopment. Cross-reference should alsobe made to Policy DP5, concerning theprovision of community facilities.

DP38 Major outdoor recreation

DP38 Provision of appropriate forms of majoroutdoor recreation will be promoted whichmeet the needs of residents and users(and permission granted for relateddevelopment, if also acceptable in termsof other LDF policies), provided that allthe following apply:

i. the development is appropriate to itssetting and within the capacity of thelocal environment and infrastructure,and detrimental implications foramenity and the environment arereduced to an acceptable level;

ii. necessary mitigation measures areincluded;

iii. the development is accessible to allpotential users, including by non-carmodes;

iv. conflicts between different activitiescan be resolved (eg. by separation inspace or time).

Justification (DP38)7.4.11 This Policy addresses issues raised by a

number of disparate major recreationalactivities, including formal and informalrecreation, golf, equine developments, noisyand water sports. These tend to involve theuse of large areas of land, and/or attractsignificant numbers of participants orspectators. Whilst these activities are oftenvery different in their nature as far as theparticipants are concerned, and have indeedoften resulted in separate policy development(as was the case in the Hambleton DWLP), inplanning terms most of the issues raised aresimilar.

7.4.12 There is considerable potential for majoroutdoor recreation in Hambleton, because ofits essentially rural nature, and its goodgeneral accessibility. The essential issuesrevolve around promoting the activity (for

Healthy living – Hambleton Strollers

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reasons that include improved health,economic and tourism benefits, farmdiversification, rural regeneration, andimproved general quality of life), whilstattempting to secure sustainable forms ofdevelopment. This will require resolution ofpotential conflicts between recreation userscompeting for the use of same assets, andachieving access for all, and at the same timeensuring minimal environmentalconsequences (including impact onresidential amenity) – which thus involvessteering developments to the best locations.

7.4.13 The impact of the proposed development onthe landscape may well be an importantconsideration, and thus the quality of thelandscape will need to be considered,potentially through landscape characterassessment (see Policy DP30). It will beimportant also to take the interests of natureconservation into account, in accordancewith Policy DP31.

7.4.14 General guidance on these matters iscontained in PPG17 and PPS7. This DPDPolicy provides the opportunity to addresslocally important issues (eg. equinedevelopments).


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications in consultation withlocal communities, Town and Parish Councils;sports clubs and recreational bodies; andSport England.

Policy Context (DP38)7.4.16 The policy context is provided by PPG17 -

which advises on the principles that shouldbe taken into account in planning for majorrecreation proposals; and PPS7 - whichsupports sustainable leisure proposals aspotentially vital ingredients to many ruraleconomies.

DP39 Recreational links

DP39 The establishment and maintenance of anetwork of accessible, safe, high quality,open spaces will be promoted in andbetween urban and rural areas, whichprovides for and links recreationalactivities, and provides also links betweenuses such as residential, commercial andleisure. Permission will be granted forrelated development, if also acceptable interms of other LDF policies. Such linksshould provide for walking, cycling andhorse riding, and support natureconservation and the increase ofbiodiversity.

Justification (DP39)7.4.17 As well as recreational facilities themselves,

the linkages between them are verysignificant. The development of a network ofspaces is increasingly being seen as animportant ingredient of promoting healthierliving. Networks from residential areas thatconnect with recreation sites and the opencountryside may well promote greaterrecreational activity. These networks shouldbe accessible as far as possible to all users(ie. pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders),and should link with and as appropriate formpart of the Public Rights of Way network. Ata strategic level, where possible the networksshould seek to utilise (and protect) existingfeatures such as stream banks, footpaths anddisused railway lines, and link into longerdistance routes (eg. the SUSTRANS cyclenetwork).

7.4.18 The concept of a network also relates veryclosely to the objective of wideningbiodiversity, and providing pathways forwildlife (flora and fauna) to communicateand disperse (see Policy DP31). In mostcases, the recreational and biodiversity useswould not conflict.

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7.4.19 This Policy establishes the importance ofdeveloping networks of spaces. In time, andthrough a subsequent review of the DPD, itcould potentially include designation (eg. ofgreen corridors, or new footpaths) on theProposals Map through this DP Policy.Implementation of this Policy will require co-ordination between environmental bodiesand developers, and may involvecontributions secured under Policy DP2.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications, in consultation withlocal communities, Town and Parish Councils;recreational and local environmental groups.

Policy Context (DP39)7.4.21 The policy context is provided by PPG17 -

which supports the development of networksof open spaces; and PPS9 - which similarlyencourages the establishment of networks ofnatural habitats, and stresses that these canbe achieved as part of the wider strategy forprotecting open spaces and access routes.The County Council’s adopted Rights of WayImprovement Plan (2007) is also an importantconsideration.

CP21 – SAFE RESPONSE TO NATURAL &OTHER FORCES

7.5 A number of different issues relating tonatural and other forces raise local issues ofinterpretation and the appropriate focus ofefforts. In conjunction with the designation ofsites and areas on the Proposals Map,detailed policy guidance is therefore includedrelating to hazardous or otherwiseenvironmentally sensitive activities, floodingand noise.

DP42 Hazardous and environmentally sensitive operations

DP42 The public, land uses and the environmentwill be protected from the actual orpotential effects of hazardous or otheractivities likely to be detrimental to publichealth or amenity.

Permission for potentially hazardous orpolluting activities will only be grantedwhere these are kept separate from otheruses likely to be sensitive, in order toprevent potential conflicts and inparticular to protect the health, safety andamenity of the general public.

Justification (DP42)7.5.1 A number of disparate activities, although

essential in themselves, raise environmentaland safety concerns. These relate to a rangeof activities, which can include installationsand pipelines. This may require theirsegregation or isolation, reflecting the natureof the process, such as sites subject ofHazardous Substances Consents (eg. themanufacture or storage of dangerouschemicals) or waste water treatment. It alsorequires that potentially sensitive activities(eg. housing) be protected by separation, anddirected away from the potentiallyproblematical activity.

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7.5.2 Many of the activities concerned are heavilycontrolled and prescribed through specificlegislation, and under the jurisdiction ofGovernment bodies such as the Health andSafety Executive and the EnvironmentAgency.

7.5.3 Rather than perpetuate a number of policies,each of which covers a specific activity, thisPolicy identifies common principles, andapplies local considerations where necessary.In most cases the establishment of theprinciple by the Policy will be sufficient forproposals to be dealt with satisfactorily, butin some cases the designation of areasconcerned on the Proposals Map isnecessary. This in particular relates to thedesignation of the location and protectedareas relating to hazardous establishments’activities, based on this DP Policy.

The areas of land relating to hazardousactivities are shown on the Proposals Map inAnnex 5.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications, in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils; and the Environment Agency andHealth and Safety Executive.

Policy Context (DP42)7.5.5 The policy context is provided in part by

PPS23, which addresses polluting activities,and advises how planning can preventharmful development and mitigate the impactof potentially polluting developments. It offersguidance on the factors that should be takeninto account (including in the preparation ofDPD policies).

DP43 Flooding and floodplains

DP43 Development proposals will not bepermitted where they would have anadverse effect on watercourses orincrease the risk of flooding elsewhere.

Development will only be permitted if ithas an acceptably low risk of beingaffected by flooding, assessed against theEnvironment Agency’s flood zone mapsand other local information, and where allnecessary mitigation measures on or off-site are provided.

To be considered for approval,development proposals advanced on landthat has any risk of flooding will need todemonstrate that the sequential andexceptions tests required by nationalguidance have been undertaken, ie. thatall sites with less potential for floodinghave been examined first, and if necessarya Flood Risk Assessment has beenundertaken.

Mitigation and relief measures will besupported which reduce the risk offlooding of existing development (andpermission granted for relateddevelopment, if also acceptable in termsof other LDF policies), and if necessarywill be required through developercontributions, in accordance with Policy DP2.

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Justification (DP43)7.5.6 Flooding issues clearly give rise to

considerable public concern, and there is awell-known history of serious flood events inthe District, which despite alleviation worksare forecast to worsen with the effects ofclimate change. The planning system needsto assist in the protection of existingdevelopments, and in ensuring that the riskof flooding of new developments is as low aspossible.

7.5.7 Because of the importance of these issues,Government guidance for the planningprocess, contained in PPS25, iscomprehensive. RSS also incorporatesguidance (Policy ENV1), and the EnvironmentAgency provides detailed information(including mapped information on flood riskand storage areas, which is kept up-to-dateas far as possible) and advice.

7.5.8 The role of a flooding policy in the LDF isthus potentially rather limited. PPS25establishes the main considerations, and afirm view on the need to take a sequentialapproach towards identifying and promotingdevelopment first in the areas of no or lowestrisk of flooding, and exploring all suchpotential before considering any areas wherethe risks of flooding might be greater. PPS25stresses the importance of undertaking floodrisk assessments, and taking these intoaccount in formulating the plan. This processhas commenced in Hambleton, with thepreparation of a Strategic Flood RiskAssessment (available from the Council’swebsite) during 2004/5 to assist in thepreparation of the LDF (and in particular helpwith the identification of sites which will beundertaken through the Allocations DPD).This approach will be taken into account inproposing sites for development within theAllocations DPD, and in determiningapplications for development in accordancewith all the policies in the LDF. The use ofplanning obligations (see Policy DP2) may benecessary to secure appropriate mitigation

works, or improve local infrastructure. Inaddition to mitigation measures,encouragement is given through otherPolicies (DP32 and DP33) to the use ofSustainable Drainage System (SUDS)techniques, which should help to reduce therisk and extent of flooding.

7.5.9 The LDF policy sets out a simple statement ofthe local position, within the national andregional context. No designations of specificareas are included on the Proposals Map (eg.functional floodplains or washlands), insteadthe latest version of the EnvironmentAgency’s flood zone maps should be used as technical support.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval); the District Council in its role asLocal Planning Authority determiningplanning applications, in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils; and the Environment Agency.

Policy Context (DP43)7.5.11 The policy context is provided by PPS25 and

by RSS (Policy ENV1). PPS25 provides aconsiderable body of guidance, which seeksto co-ordinate land-use planning and theoperational delivery of the flood defencestrategy. It advises how plans should regulateand control development, in particularensuring the sequential approach, anddepending on local circumstances indicatesthat areas may need to be identified wheredevelopment should be avoided because offlood risks.

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DP44 Very noisy activities

DP44 Noise sensitive development will not bepermitted in areas where potential forharmful noise levels is known to exist.

Development likely to generate harmfulnoise levels will be directed to appropriatelocations away from known noisesensitive locations.

Justification (DP44)7.5.12 At their most extreme, noisy activities are a

special category of uses that raise problemssimilar to those of the hazardous andenvironmentally sensitive operationsaddressed by Policy DP42. However, theirparticular nature and issues raised requiresseparate treatment. These very noisyactivities are considered under this Policy.Other activities and operations, such asindustrial production, entertainment andpublic houses, and certain recreational andsporting activities, also give rise on occasionto noise that is of public concern. Whilstpotentially disturbing, these are matters oflesser significance than those addressedprimarily under this policy – but areconsidered separately within the relevantDevelopment Policies, in particular PolicyDP1 concerning public amenity, and PolicyDP38 concerning major outdoor recreation.

7.5.13 The approach taken by this Policy, in relationto very noisy activities, therefore requires thatnoise generating development whereverpossible is steered away from noise sensitivedevelopment (eg. housing), and converselythat development is not permitted (or isacceptably sound insulated) in the vicinity ofestablished noise generating uses.

7.5.14 In Hambleton, particular issues are raised bynoise generated by the military airfields atRAF Leeming and Linton-on-Ouse. Theoperation of the policy in relation to thoseareas includes the designation on theProposals Map of noise exclusion, restrictionand insulation zones.

The areas of land concerned are shown on theProposals Map in Annex 5.

7.5.15 As well as taking account of noise issues, itshould also be recognised for completeness,as indicated in relation to Policy DP34(sustainable energy), that theappropriateness of any location fordevelopment will need to take account ofsafety issues in relation to airfields, asrequired by Circular 01/03. In this context theProposals Map shows the safeguarded areasestablished in relation to all the aerodromeswithin or adjacent to the LDF area. In theseareas, certain planning applications will bethe subject of consultation with theaerodrome operator and there may berestrictions on the height or detailed designof buildings, or on development that mightcreate a bird hazard. These safeguardedareas are neither the responsibility nor theproposal of the Local Planning Authority.


this Policy will be developers (advancingspecific development proposals for planningapproval), and the District Council in its roleas Local Planning Authority determiningplanning applications, in consultation withlocal communities and Town and ParishCouncils.

Policy Context (DP44)7.5.17 The policy context is provided by PPG24,

which advises on how the planning systemcan help minimise the adverse impact ofnoise, in particular by ensuring theseparation of noise-sensitive developmentand noise sources.

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7.5.18 Cross-reference should also be made toPolicy DP1 concerning public amenity, andPolicy DP38, which addresses major (andpotentially noisy) outdoor recreation.

Creating safe and healthy communities, advicefrom SA/SEA


Policy DP37� supporting the provision of accessible open

space and associated improvements to thehealth of the population;

Policies DP38 and DP39� incorporating recreational issues and ensuring

that future developments and associatedlandscaping are designed to complementexisting landscape and townscape quality. Thiswill support the overall health and amenity ofsustainable communities;

Policy DP42� considering sustainable locations in relation to

hazardous operations;

Policy DP43� providing a robust policy for managing the

effects of flood risk by ensuring development isprioritised to sustainable locations with low riskof flooding, and requiring mitigation and reliefmeasures where appropriate;

Policy DP44� considering sustainable locations with regard to

noise.

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Existing adopted DWLP Policy DP DPDPolicy DWLP Title Replacement Policy

NC4 Non-statutory Sites of Nature Conservation DP31Interest (SINCs)

BD5 Spaces of Townscape Importance DP10 & DP32PH5 Noise Sensitive Development around Military Aerodromes DP44G1 The York Green Belt Boundary DP9G5 Green Wedges DP10H12 Extensions to Dwellings DP1 & DP32H16 Public Outdoor Playing Space DP37

for New Residential DevelopmentH21 Affordable Housing for Local People DP15

on Rural Exception SitesH22 Gypsy Sites DP14EM5 Safeguarded Employment Areas DP17S6 Non-Retail Commercial Uses in Shopping Core Areas DP21SR1 Protection of Land of Recreational Value DP37

SAVED* POLICIES IN THE HAMBLETON DISTRICT WIDE LOCAL PLAN REPLACED BY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

ANNEX 1

The only remaining saved Local Plan policy (Policy L1 – Development Limits) will be replaced in theAllocations DPD.

*The policies in the Hambleton District Wide Local Plan as adopted in January 1999 expired on 27 September 2007 – except for 10 policies superseded by the Core Strategy (see Annex 2 of Core Strategy) on 3 April 2007 and the 13policies referred to above which were saved by the Secretary of State’s Direction issued on 17 September 2007.

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Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) and earlierPlanning Policy Guidance Notes(PPGs) set out the Government’s national policieson different aspects of land use Planning inEngland. They provide the national framework forplanning authorities to draw up their statutorydevelopment plans.

Current national policies are set out in the followingPPSs and PPGs:PPS1 Delivering Sustainable DevelopmentPPG2 Green BeltsPPS3 HousingPPG4 Industrial and Commercial Development

and Small FirmsPPG5 Simplified Planning ZonesPPS6 Planning for Town CentresPPS7 Sustainable Development in Rural AreasPPG8 TelecommunicationsPPS9 Biodiversity and Geological ConservationPPS10 Planning for Sustainable Waste

ManagementPPS11 Regional Spatial StrategiesPPS12 Local Development FrameworksPPG13 TransportPPG14 Development on Unstable LandPPG15 Planning and the Historic EnvironmentPPG16 Archaeology and PlanningPPG17 Planning for Open Space, Sport and

RecreationPPG18 Enforcing Planning ControlPPG19 Outdoor Advertisement ControlPPG20 Coastal PlanningPPS22 Renewable EnergyPPS23 Planning and Pollution ControlPPG24 Planning and NoisePPS25 Development and Flood Risk

Some PPGs are currently subject to revision and willin due course become PPSs.

All current PPGs and PPSs are available on theDepartment for Communities and LocalGovernment website at: www.communities.gov.ukand can be viewed at the Council’s offices.

NATIONAL PLANNING POLICIES

ANNEX 2

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1. A key requirement of the new planning systemis that Local Planning Authorities shouldinvolve the community from an early stage inpreparing Local Development Frameworks, inorder to achieve local ownership of andlegitimacy for the policies; this is known as“front loading”. Authorities should, thereafter,involve the community continuously, usingtechniques appropriate to the various parts ofthe community. How consultation is to beundertaken by Hambleton District Council isset out in the Statement of CommunityInvolvement.

2. The Council is committed to involving all theDistrict’s communities, including hard-to-reachgroups, in preparing the new Framework.

3. By “front loading”, it is hoped to achieveconsensus on essential issues early on. Whereconsensus is difficult to achieve, front-loadingstill allows participants to understand early oneach other’s positions and to try to negotiateagreed solutions. It is accepted though thatsome issues may well have to be resolvedthrough an independent examination.

4. Extensive consultation on a range of LDFdocuments has already been undertaken bythe Council on several occasions – the KeyIssues (March/April 2003), the Core StrategyIssues and Options, (April/May 2005), CoreStrategy Preferred Options (July /August 2005)and the Statement of Community Involvementitself in December 2004, and April and July2005. These earlier consultations have providedvery useful inputs into the subsequent stagesof preparing the Local DevelopmentFramework for Hambleton. Regarding thisDevelopment Policies Development PlanDocument, two rounds of consultations havenow taken place - at the Issues and Optionsstage (September/October 2005) and thePreferred Options stage (January/February2006).

5. This Annex summarises the main responses tothe Development Policies Issues and Optionsand Preferred Options consultations, both ofwhich have contributed very significantly to theDevelopment Policies Submission Document. Abrief outline is given of the methodology usedin each case as well. Full reports on each ofthese consultations are available from theCouncil and may also be found on theCouncil’s website: www.hambleton.gov.uk

ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005

6. Consultation on the Development PoliciesIssues and Options under Regulation 25(1)was undertaken during September andOctober 2005. The consultation processconsisted of circulating an Issues and OptionsReport in paper and CD format to a list ofstakeholders and community organisations andasking questions about possible principles fordetailed policies to take forward theDevelopment Policies. Of the 260 organisationsand individuals to whom copies of the reportwere sent, 70 responded by answeringquestions about some or all of the 47 policyoptions, grouped under the five themes of theCore Strategy. The Development Policies,Issues and Options Report was also availableon the Council’s website. The document wasadvertised by Public Notice in localnewspapers.

Consultation responses – main points7. The results of this consultation had clear

implications for the selection of theDevelopment Policies Preferred Options andthe rejection of others. A summary of the mainissues raised is presented here and a fullerreport of the responses is set out in theDevelopment Policies Report on Issues andOptions Consultation. The issues are groupedunder the 5 themes adopted by the Council forthe Local Development Framework CoreStrategy and which follow very closely thethemes of the Hambleton Community Plan. Thepolicy numbers in brackets are those quoted inthe Issues and Options consultation document.

COMMUNITY VIEWS

ANNEX 3

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THEME 1: MEETING LOCALDEVELOPMENT NEEDS SUSTAINABLY

8. Protecting public amenity (DP1) was supportedby almost all respondents replying to thisquestion although opinions differed regardingthe level of detail and how much should be ina Supplementary Planning Document. Whilesecuring developer contributions (DP2) waspopular over all, the level of contribution andthe use to which it would be put wasunderstandably of concern to developers andtheir agents.

9. Site accessibility (DP3) was an issue for manyrespondents, a number of whom referredspecifically to the ongoing problems of accessin a large rural area. Access for all (DP4) waswell supported but several thought it wasalready dealt with under Building Regulations.

10. Reflecting previous consultations on the LocalDevelopment Framework, community facilities(DP5) were very important to mostrespondents who thought they should beprotected by planning policy. Public utilities(DP6) were likewise considered prerequisitesalthough not everyone felt the need to have a specific policy about them.Telecommunications and wind farms raisedsome concerns in terms of impact.

11. Development Limits (DP8 and DP9) and theform of settlements (DP10) engendered realinterest and much support too; however,objections were raised by some to both theconcept and boundaries of Green Wedges andother protected areas.

THEME 2: DEVELOPING A BALANCEDHOUSING MARKET

12. Although there was majority support for thephasing of housing (DP11), there weredifferent views about mechanisms andpriorities and some keen opposition from freemarketeers who thought the market knewbest. Brownfield housing targets (DP12) werenot without their critics either.

13. Meeting housing needs (Housing Mix DP13and Gypsies DP14) was generally favouredalthough the policy on gypsies and travellersless so for several reasons.

14. Affordable housing (DP15) was a key concernin the preparation of the Core Strategy stage,so was always likely to be in the DevelopmentPolicies consultations as well. Although amuch favoured policy, concerns wereexpressed by some respondents on thegrounds that the proposed policy was tooprescriptive and onerous.

THEME 3: SUPPORTING PROSPEROUSCOMMUNITIES

15. Employment development measures were ingeneral strongly supported across a range ofpolicies relating to the economy of the Districtand its many communities. The need for goodtransport infrastructure, for example (DP17),support for small and medium enterprises(DP19), and encouraging employment clusters(DP16) were for the most part welcomed.

16. Market towns and their town centres werewidely regarded as key elements of theDistrict’s economy and in need of regeneration(DP20). Yorkshire Forward in particular felt thatmore detail about market town regenerationprogrammes would assist their delivery.Achieving the right relationship of land uses inmarket towns was held to be very significantas well (DP21).

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17. Transport measures (DP22), including betterpublic and community transport, were also partof the regeneration of the market towns, neverforgetting adequate parking.

18. There was also general agreement fromrespondents about a series of further policiesaffecting town centres and their vitality andviability (DP23 - DP26); major out of centreshopping proposals (DP26) in particular wereto be resisted in line with PPS6 Town Centres.On the other hand, town centres shouldaccommodate not just retail but offices andother service uses too (DP 25). A policy onother retail and commercial issues (DP27)such as local centres and village shops metwith broad support especially as part of ruralregeneration.

19. Rural regeneration was always going to beimportant in ensuring prosperous communitiesin the District. Replies were generally much infavour of proposals for policies concerningrural employment (DP28) and agriculture (DP29). Regarding tourism (DP30), however, whilethere was support for a policy on it, tourismwas considered by some respondents toprovide seasonal, low paid and temporary jobs.

THEME 4: MAINTAINING A QUALITYENVIRONMENT

20. The Council produced a group of 4 policyoptions about protecting natural and man-made assets. Every reply about a policy onconservation of the built heritage (DP31) wasin agreement that there should be one. EnglishHeritage in particular argued that the LDFshould add to national guidance by including apolicy identifying local features to beconserved.

21. Regarding archaeology (DP32), just 2 repliesout of 19 did not support such a policy,arguing instead that national guidance wassufficient. A policy on protecting countryside(DP33) was also very popular with respondentswith only 3 being opposed, including theCountryside Agency. The Agency preferred acriteria based approach using landscapecharacter assessments and omitting nationaldesignations such as Areas of OutstandingNatural Beauty.

22. The last policy in this group was on bio-diversity (DP34). It was also very popular andattracted much support, partly because of theopportunity to support the HambletonBiodiversity Action Plan.

23. Two policy options dealt with design andlandscape matters; all 23 replies agreed with ageneral design policy (DP35) reflecting localcharacter, setting and distinctiveness,particularly if supported by a SupplementaryPlanning Document giving detailed guidance.

24. With respect to landscaping (DP36),respondents readily agreed that it is veryimportant in enhancing the public realm andan appropriate policy was therefore required.

25. Finally under this theme, policy options wereput forward about natural resources, includingwaste. It was not surprising that there wasstrong support for a policy regardingrenewable energy (DP37); however windturbines were controversial for somerespondents who remained very concernedabout their visual and wider environmentalimpact.

26. Although it was agreed that local rivers andlakes should be protected from harm andpollution, not all respondents accepted theneed for a specific policy (DP38) in the LDF inaddition to national planning guidance andother legislation.

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27. Regarding waste, most replies agreed thereshould be a waste policy (DP39) so long ascare was taken to avoid conflict with NorthYorkshire County Council and theirresponsibilities for minerals and wasteplanning matters.

THEME 5: CREATING HEALTHY AND SAFECOMMUNITIES

28. The final group of policy principles was to dowith issues such as recreation, crime andsafety, and hazardous operations. Open space,sport and recreation (DP40) was stronglysupported as a quality of life issue althoughthere was concern about using the NationalPlaying Fields Association standards ratherthan local ones.

29. There was also a real need for guidance onmajor outdoor recreation (DP41) according toall but one out of the respondents. Amongstthe reasons they gave for the policy were alimit to environmental capacity and conflictsbetween users.

30. Linking recreational areas (DP42) was widelysupported too; nearly every reply said theCouncil should have a policy promotinglinkages such as green corridors. It waspointed out however that better access couldsometimes be harmful to biodiversity unlessappropriate measures were taken.

31. Concerned about crime and public safety, mostrespondents felt the Local DevelopmentFramework should include a policy (DP43) todo with designing out crime even if the detailwas in a Supplementary Planning Document.

32. Road safety (DP44) was not unexpectedly amatter of importance to most respondents,particularly in small villages. Again thoughthere was a preference expressed by somethat a Supplementary Planning Documentshould set out the detail.

33. Only one of the replies thought that hazardousand environmentally sensitive operations(DP45) should not be shown on the ProposalsMap as part of the Local DevelopmentFramework. Several suggestions were madeabout including additional designations.

34. All the replies to a question about flooding andwashlands (DP46) favoured including aflooding policy although opinions differed as towhether it should be criteria or map based.

35. The last policy issue under the healthy andsafe communities theme was noise (DP47);once again every respondent who replied saidnoise was an important issue. Specific policieson noise sensitive development shouldtherefore be set out in the DevelopmentPolicies DPD, they said.

36. The last question in the Issues and OptionsConsultation Report asked if respondents hadany suggestions regarding policies or topicsnot covered by the Report. Several were putforward: the need for an Aged Persons Carepolicy; the Affordable Housing policy to takedesign issues on as well as affordability; thepossibility of policies conflicting; and lastly acriteria based policy for prisons.

CONCLUSIONS37. The consultations on the Development Policies

Issues and Options Report produced a widerange of responses, some of them conflictingwith each other although many were inagreement. Some of the responses were moreapplicable to the Allocations Development PlanDocument because they were very sitespecific. Some were to do with the CoreStrategy Policies which were consulted uponduring August and September 2005 and whichwere then finalised for submission in February2006. Others related to the Proposals Mapwhich had not been produced at the time.Nevertheless, all the responses wereconsidered.

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38. It was then the primary task at the PreferredOptions stage to develop a balanced approachwhich best reflected all the views expressedand reconciled conflicts as far as it waspossible to do so. The full Report on theDevelopment Policies Issues and OptionsConsultation details who was consulted andhow the various comments have beenaddressed in accordance with the LocalDevelopment Regulations.

DEVELOPMENT POLICIES PREFERREDOPTIONS CONSULTATION – JANUARY TOFEBRUARY 2006

39. In accordance with Regulation 26, consultationon the Development Policies Preferred Optionstook place during January and February 2006.The methods used were a combination ofprepared documents (Development PoliciesPreferred Options Report and Questionnaire);letters to statutory bodies including ParishCouncils and other organisations; pressnotices; and topic meetings. The PreferredOptions consultation was also publicised inFebruary 2006 in a feature on the LocalDevelopment Framework in the HambletonNews. (The Hambleton News is circulated to all37,000 or so addresses in the District). Finally,the report and questionnaire were also madeavailable on the Hambleton Council website.

40. Over 1,370 organisations and individuals werenotified by letter about the Preferred Optionsconsultation and the availability of thePreferred Options Report. Subsequently, 326copies of the report were sent to specific andgeneral consultation bodies and also toindividuals who had asked for a copy.

41. In total, 122 responses were made. Mostrespondents used only the Council’squestionnaire to reply; however, otherssubmitted detailed and lengthy writtenrepresentations either instead of or as well asthe questionnaire.

42. As in the previous consultations on the LocalDevelopment Framework, the Council waskeen to put forward different options to thecommunity but there was limited interest in orsupport for the alternatives.

43. A Schedule of Representations was compiled,listing each representation in reply to the 47questions in the questionnaire. Often therepresentation was “support”, “agree” or“disagree” with little or no indication as to thereasons; in these cases it was mostlyconsidered unnecessary for the Council tocomment and it would have been difficult todo so anyway. Where written representationswere made, these have been summarised bythe Council in the Schedule. The Scheduletherefore includes a brief comment on therepresentations and indicates the action theCouncil has taken in response.

44. The following paragraphs are a summaryanalysis of the representations of the 122individuals and organisations who replied. Thepolicy numbers in bold text are those quoted inthe Development Policies Preferred OptionsDocument.

THEME 1 – MEETING LOCALDEVELOPMENT NEEDS SUSTAINABLY

DP1 – Protecting Public Amenity45. Of the 122 respondents, 70 replied to this

question and almost all were in favour of thepolicy with only 8 objecting. This policy was re-named “Protecting Amenity” in theSubmission version.

DP2 - Securing Developer Contributions46. There was rather less support for this policy as

a quarter of all replies were opposed to theCouncil’s policy, generally agents anddevelopers. However, 75% of those who didreply supported the policy.

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DP3 – Site Accessibility47. Seventy-two replies were received about DP3;

19 of them objected but that still left over 50 infavour.

DP4 – Inclusive Access for All48. Although the majority of replies (54 out of 65)

were in agreement, 11 opposed this policy,often on the grounds that it was unreasonableor impractical to require every development toprovide Access for All. This policy was re-named “Access for all” in the Submissionversion.

DP5 – Community Facilities49. Of the 68 respondents who replied to this

question, 62 favoured this policy with only 6objecting to it. This very large support forcommunity facilities was entirely consistentwith previous consultations both on the CoreStrategy and the Development Policies Issuesand Options.

DP6 – Public Utilities50. Nine of the replies about DP6 Public Utilities

objected to it but again there was a substantialmajority (57) who agreed with the policy. Thispolicy was re-named “Utilities andinfrastructure” in the Submission version.

DP7 – Telecommunications51. Telecommunications proposals are often

controversial. It was hardly surprising thereforethat 57 out of 62 replies were in favour of DP7.The few objecting included those who wishedto identify areas which would not beconsidered suitable for telecommunicationsfacilities. In other words, they were notopposed to a policy as such, simply the form ofthe policy and how it applied to different partsof the District.

DP8 – Development Limits52. Again, there was wide support for this policy

with 63 out of the 74 responses being in favourof it. The remainder who objected were oftenagents or developers with interests in landwhich they wished to safeguard.

DP9 – Development Outside DevelopmentLimits

53. This policy was also likely to be opposed byland owners and developers with interests toprotect and that proved to be the case.Nevertheless, the majority of the 70respondents (56) favoured the policy. DP9includes in addition a specific reference to thepart of the York Green Belt which lies withinthe District. Green Belts generally attractwidespread support and the consultationresponses reflected this; 31 out of 34 repliesabout the York Green Belt thought it shouldcontinue to be protected.

DP10 – Form of Settlements54. Sixty out of the 76 replies about DP10 were in

agreement with it. Once more those objectingtended to have property interests which couldbe adversely affected in some way byrestricting development within or adjacent tosettlements. The policy makes particularreference to Green Wedges and Spaces ofTownscape Importance. Green Wedges wereobjected to by one third of the 47 respondentsreplying specifically about them, and again, notsurprisingly, most of them were land owners,developers or agents. Regarding the Spaces ofTownscape Importance, 27 replies were infavour of the policy with 9 objecting and 4requesting an amendment. This policy was re-named “Form and character of settlements” inthe Submission version.

THEME 2: DEVELOPING A BALANCEDHOUSING MARKET

DP11 – Phasing of Housing55. Seventy-five respondents replied about the

phasing of housing policy; 55 of them were inagreement with the policy but 15 wereopposed and a further 5 wanted anamendment while agreeing with the principle.

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DP12 – Delivering Brownfield HousingTargets

56. Of the 69 replies about delivering brownfieldhousing targets, 55 were in support of theCouncil’s approach with12 objecting. Amongstthe issues raised were concerns that thereshould not be sub area totals as they would betoo restrictive, and also that Urban PotentialStudy sites should not be prioritised beforeothers. This policy was re-named “Deliveringhousing on ‘brownfield’ land” in theSubmission version.

DP13 – Achieving the Right Mix ofHousing

57. The responses to DP13 were almost identicalto DP12; 69 replies were received about DP13,of which the majority (55) were in favour. Anumber of agents and developers doubtedwhether the Local Development Frameworkshould be involved at all in determining themix of housing and argued that the marketknew best. This policy was re-named“Achieving and maintaining the right mix ofhousing” in the Submission version.

DP14 – Gypsies, Travellers and TravellingShow People

58. A total of 59 respondents replied to thequestion about the Council’s preferred policyfor Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling ShowPeople. Of the 59, some 37 were in agreementwith the Council although there was significantopposition to the policy. 20 respondentsdisagreed with the policy for various reasons,including a wish to identify sites specificallyrather than having a criteria based policy,doubts about the need for the policy and soon. This policy was re-named “Gypsies andtravellers’ sites” in the Submission version.

DP15 – Promoting Affordable Housing59. Regarding Affordable Housing, 75 replies were

received of which 56 were in favour and 2requested amendments.17 were in oppositionon several grounds, including the policy beingtoo prescriptive and inflexible, the proportionof affordable housing being too high andbecause the policy was not site specific. Thispolicy was re-named “Promoting andmaintaining affordable housing” in theSubmission version.

THEME 3: SUPPORTING PROSPEROUSCOMMUNITES

DP16 – Specific Measures to Assist theEconomy and Employment

60. There was little objection to this policy; only 7respondents opposed it although a further 4requested an amendment. The remaining 60were all in support of the policy and the list ofspecific measures to develop the localeconomy.

DP17 – Transport Investment whichSupports the Economy and Employment

61. Again there was very strong agreement withthis policy with 61 of the 69 replies being infavour of it. The policy was supported by amap showing major transport investmentschemes; when asked if they agreed with theroutes shown, only 31 answered the question,of whom 27 were in favour. Followingconsideration of the Preferred Optionsresponses, this policy was merged with DP16.

DP18 – Retention of Employment Sites62. This policy also attracted widespread support

with 60 out of 67 replies being in agreementwith it. This policy was re-numbered as DP17in the Submission version.

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DP19 – Support for Small and MediumEnterprises (SMEs)/Working from Home

63. There was even stronger support for thispolicy; 58 out of the 62 respondents whoanswered the question about this policyagreed with it. This policy was re-numberedDP18 and renamed “Support for smallbusinesses/working from home” in theSubmission version.

DP20 – Specific Measures to AssistMarket Town Regeneration

64. Market town regeneration was also clearly amatter of keen interest to respondents. 56 ofthe 65 replies were in favour of the Council’spolicy for the regeneration of the 5 MarketTowns, with only 5 in opposition. The remaining4 asked for an amendment to DP20. This policywas re-numbered DP19 in the Submissionversion.

DP21 – Relationship of Land Uses in theTown Centres of Market Towns

65. Yet again, there was almost unanimousagreement for this policy as only 2 of the 61replies were opposed to it, with 2 otherrespondents suggesting amendments.Following consideration of the PreferredOptions Responses, this policy was mergedwith DP20 and DP22 and re-numbered DP19to avoid duplication and overlap.

DP22 – Transport Measures in MarketTowns

66. There was just one objection out of 63responses demonstrating the very greatsupport for Market Towns and associatedpolicies including, in this case, transportmeasures. Following consideration of thePreferred Options Responses, this policy wasmerged with DP21 and DP20 and re-numberedDP19 to avoid duplication and overlap.

DP23 – Approach to Town CentreDevelopment

67. There was another high score for this policy;only 3 respondents said they objected to thispolicy as compared with 54 in agreement withit. DP23 also defines Town Centre boundarieswhich were depicted on a map as part of theconsultation. 30 respondents replied to asupplementary question about the TownCentre boundaries and 23 were in favour ofthe Council’s proposals with 6 against and 1reply suggesting an amendment. The 6objectors were mostly agents and developerswishing to safeguard their clients’ or their owninterest. This policy was re-numbered DP20 inthe Submission version.

DP24 - Support for Town Centre Shopping68. Having defined the Town Centre boundaries in

DP23, the Council then went on to developDP24 which addressed several issues includingthe boundary of the Primary Retail Areas, thescale and type of new retailing to be plannedfor and the balance between retail and non-retail uses. Of the 64 replies to this question, asubstantial majority (51) supported the policybut a significant number (11), objected to it. Inaddition, 2 respondents suggestedamendments. With regard to the boundary ofthe Primary Retail Areas in the 5 town centres,36 out of the 45 replies approved of the policybut 8 did not and one of the respondentssuggested an amendment. DP24 also definedshopping frontages which were shown on amap. All but 4 replies out of 40 agreed with theshopping frontage suggested by the Council.This policy was re-numbered DP21 in theSubmission version.

DP25 – Other Town Centre Uses69. The response to this policy was similarly very

positive; 54 out of the 58 replies agreed withDP25. This policy was re-numbered DP22 inthe Submission version.

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DP26 – Major Out of Centre ShoppingProposals

70. Replies about this policy were very largelysupportive with only 8 of the 59 beingopposed, particularly retailing interests whomay wish, at some stage, to develop outsidethe existing shopping centres. This policy wasre-numbered DP23 and re-named “Major outof centre shopping and leisure proposals” inthe Submission version.

DP27 – Other Retail (and Non-RetailCommercial) Issues

71. This policy provides the context for retailingproposals in the smaller shopping centres onthe one hand and specialist retail operationssuch as farm shops on the other. Of the 58responses, 52 supported the policy. This policywas re-numbered DP24 in the Submissionversion.

DP28 – Rural Employment72. Rural regeneration was always going to be a

key issue in the Hambleton Local DevelopmentFramework and employment is fundamental toregeneration. 54 replies favoured the policyand 9 did not, with a further 3 requesting anamendment. The opposition was mostlybecause of a stipulation that locations for ruralemployment should be accessible bysustainable transport. This policy was re-numbered DP25 in the Submission version.

DP29 – Agricultural Issues73. This policy too attracted wide support with

almost everyone agreeing with it – 3only 3 outof 60 replies were opposed to it. This policywas re-numbered DP26 in the Submissionversion.

DP30 – Tourism Issues74. Tourism is an important element to the

economy of Hambleton. Out of 64 responses,60 agreed with the proposed policy. This policywas re-numbered DP27 and re-named“Tourism” in the Submission version.

THEME 4: MAINTAINING A QUALITYENVIRONMENT

DP31 – Conservation75. The response to the question on the proposed

conservation policy was very supportive; of 64replies, just 2 objected although a further 5 didsuggest amendments. The policy also includeda map identifying conservation locations and inanswer to a question about the map, 31 replieswere given of which 27 were in favour of themap as it stood with only 3 actually against.This policy was re-numbered DP28 in theSubmission version.

DP32 – Archaeology76. There are a number of very important

archaeological remains in Hambleton District.DP32 recognises this and seeks to protectthem in line with national guidance. Supportfor this policy was overwhelming with only 1objection out of 60 replies. A number of thearchaeology locations protected by DP32 wereshown on a map (Historic Battlefields andScheduled Ancient Monuments). In responseto a question about the map, 33 replies weregiven and all but 4 were in favour of showingthe archaeology locations as depicted on themap. This policy was re-numbered DP29 in theSubmission version.

DP33 – Protecting the Character andAppearance of the Countryside

77. The community cherishes Hambleton’scountryside and this was clearly shown by theresponse to a question about DP33; only 1objection was received, as compared with 61in support. This policy was re-numbered DP30in the Submission version.

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DP34 – Protecting Natural Resources:Biodiversity/Nature Conservation

78. There was much the same strength of feelingfor the policy protecting natural resources; 66responses were made about the policy andonly 4 of them objected to it. A map in thePreferred Options Report indicated variousdesignations of nature conservationimportance. 30 replies were given to aquestion about the map and all but 3supported it. This policy was re-numberedDP31 in the Submission version.

DP35 – General Design79. The policy on design also attracted widespread

agreement; there were only 3 objections out of66 replies although a further 5 did actuallysuggest an amendment to the policy. Thispolicy was re-numbered DP32 in theSubmission version.

DP36 – Landscaping80. The Issues and Options Consultation had

revealed very considerable support for a policyon landscaping and the Preferred OptionsConsultation response was no different. Out of65 replies, there was only 1 objection. Thispolicy was re-numbered DP33 in theSubmission version.

DP37 – Sustainable Energy81. There were 71 replies to the question about

the policy on sustainable energy. Of these, 54agreed with the Council’s policy but 13objected and 4 suggested an amendment.However, the objectors in the main did notoppose the policy in principle, simply particularaspects of it, such as the size of developmentsaffected and the energy efficiency measures.This policy was re-numbered DP34 in theSubmission version.

DP38 – Water Resources82. The protection of the District’s water resources

including rivers and streams was always likelyto attract fulsome support and it did; only 6 outof 65 replies to the question on DP38 objectedto it. This policy was re-numbered DP35 in theSubmission version.

DP39 – Waste83. Similarly, because of the wider understanding

nowadays of waste issues it was no surprisethat a policy on waste was well supported; inthis case only 4 out of 66 replies were opposedto the policy although a further 3 suggestedamendments. This policy was re-numberedDP36 in the Submission version.

THEME 5: CREATING HEALTHY AND SAFECOMMUNITIES

DP40 – Open Space, Culture, Sport andRecreation

84. The proposed policy on Open Space, Culture,Sport and Recreation attracted considerablesupport, although one aspect of it, Public Art,was controversial for some respondents. Out of69 responses, 10 objected to DP40, often to dowith Public Art, and an additional 4 putforward an amendment. This policy was re-numbered DP37 in the Submission version andre-named “Open Space, Sport and Recreation”.

DP41 – Major Outdoor Recreation85. Major outdoor recreation events are obviously

popular but have significant planningimplications. Of the 63 replies to the questionabout DP41, only 3 objected to the policy. Thispolicy was re-numbered DP38 in theSubmission version.

DP42 – Recreational Links86. A network of high quality urban and rural open

spaces with appropriate footpath andbridleway links was clearly of interest to anumber of respondents. There were 65 repliesto a question about this policy and 51supported it, although 10 objected for variousreasons and a further 4 suggestedamendments. This policy was re-numberedDP39 in the Submission version.

DP43 – Designing Out Crime87. Designing out crime was also an issue that

was likely to attract considerable support. Itwas no surprise, therefore, that of the 63replies, 61 were in favour of the policy. Thispolicy was re-numbered DP40 in theSubmission version.

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DP44 – Road Safety88. Again, road safety is a concern throughout the

community. Of 64 replies only 4 objected to thepolicy and in some cases the objection wasalong the lines that road safety was best dealtwith by other means rather than planningpolicies. This policy was re-numbered DP41 inthe Submission version.

DP45 – Hazardous and EnvironmentallySensitive Operations

89. Hazardous and environmentally sensitiveoperations are obviously a concern toeveryone. The issue for some respondents,therefore, was only to do with whether thereshould be a policy in the Local DevelopmentFramework in addition to national guidance onthe subject. In the event, 7 replies out of 63objected to the policy but that still left a verylarge majority in favour. A map in the PreferredOptions Document indicated the locations ofsome hazardous installations, particularly pipelines. 31 respondents replied to a questionabout the map and 8 of them objected to it,generally because it was felt that a number ofhazardous installations had not been shownand they ought to be. This policy was re-numbered DP42 in the Submission version.

DP46 – Flooding and Washlands90. Because of the low lying nature of much of the

District and the history of flooding, a policyabout flooding and washlands was alwaysgoing to be of interest to consultees. 69 ofthem replied to the question about the policyand most (61) supported the policy. This policywas re-numbered DP43 and re-named“Flooding and floodplains” in the Submissionversion.

DP47 – Noise91. Society is increasingly aware of noise as an

environmental issue. 61 respondents answeredthis question and only 5 objected to DP47,again, sometimes because it was felt noise wasadequately covered by national guidance. Thispolicy was also accompanied by a mapshowing Noise Exclusion Zones at RAFLeeming and Linton-on-Ouse. In response to aquestion about the map, 30 replies werereceived of which 24 agreed with it. This policywas re-numbered DP44 and re-named “Verynoisy activities” in the Submission version.

OMISSIONS AND ADDITIONALCOMMENTS

92. Apart from questions concerning the 47Preferred Policy Options, consultees wereasked if they thought the Council had omittedany policies and also if they had any additionalcomments at this stage. The Schedule ofRepresentations therefore includes a sectionon both Omissions and Additional Comments,together with the Council’s response.

93. Altogether, 22 of the 122 respondents saidthere were omissions in the Preferred Optionsdocument, covering issues such asadvertisement hoardings, monitoring andimplementation, agricultural workers’ housing,residential villages for the elderly, the TeesValley Airport Safeguarding Zones,consultation with Parish Councils and theirresidents, traffic congestion in Northallertonand young people and crime. Light pollutionwas also mentioned by three respondents.

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94. Additional comments were made by 31 of the122 respondents, again dealing with a widerange of matters. Five respondents commentedabout Green Wedges and/or Spaces ofTownscape Importance. Four respondentscomplained about the document format, itslanguage and the quality of the maps; on theother hand, several were complimentary aboutthe Preferred Options document. Othercomments included removing references to theRegional Assembly and Yorkshire Forward;giving more weight to Parish Councilresponses; a criteria based policy for prisons;the importance of implementation; theduplication of policies regarding design andtown centres; classification of the villages; theimportance of economic development; and theomission of Conservation Area boundaries.Additional comments made by GovernmentOffice for Yorkshire and the Humber referredspecifically to the coverage of variousDevelopment Policies and whether they werein the right Development Plan Documents andthe need for clear outputs, targets andindicators. The Yorkshire and the HumberRegional Assembly said the DevelopmentPolicies Preferred Options conformed generallywith the Regional Spatial Strategy althoughfurther work was needed regarding housingmarkets and gypsy housing needs.

CONCLUSION95. The results of the consultation on the

Development Policies Preferred Options are inline with those received at the previous Issuesand Options stage; in other words, thePreferred Options were supported by themajority of respondents. For example, policieson Market Town Regeneration, RuralRegeneration, Affordable Housing, QualityDesign and so on, all attracted wide supportfrom most respondents replying to thequestions, (bearing in mind that less than 50%of respondents actually replied to eachquestion). At the same time, there were clearlysome conflicting views between the differentrespondents, reflecting their particularinterests and responsibilities; for instance,where agents and land owners wished to seemore development and local residents did not.It is very much in the nature of the LocalDevelopment Framework process that suchconflicts are identified as early as possible andattempts are then made by the Local PlanningAuthority and the interested parties toreconcile the differences.

96. In preparing the Development PoliciesSubmission Document the Council has todemonstrate that not only has it undertakenappropriate consultation with the community inits widest sense, but that it has consideredrepresentations received and has taken theminto account. The Development Policies Pre-Submission Consultation Statement providesdetails of how that has been done and theaction taken by the Council in response, asrequired under the Local DevelopmentRegulations.

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MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION

ANNEX 4

Implementation 1. Ensuring that the intentions of the LDF are

delivered and correctly implemented is ofcourse a key concern, if the LDF’s vision andobjectives are to be secured. Throughout thisdocument the main delivery agents areidentified in relation to each Policy. Table 1which follows specifies the performancemeasures and targets which will be adopted tosecure the implementation of both the CoreStrategy and the supporting DevelopmentPolicies.

Monitoring Arrangements2. Preparation of any plan should never be seen

as a once and for all activity. It is essential tocheck that the plan is being implementedcorrectly, assess the outcomes that result, andcheck if these still remain as intended, and ascurrently desired. This requires a process ofcontinual monitoring, and the potential toreview the plan’s policies and proposals as andwhen necessary.

3. The new planning system places greatimportance on the process of continual planreview. The separation of the components ofthe LDF means that each part can be reviewedand amended individually – leading to a morerapid and responsive planning system. A keycomponent of this process is the requirementto produce an Annual Monitoring Report(AMR). Each year this will need to besubmitted to the Government by the end ofDecember, and relate to information up to theend of March of that year. This document willbe similar to the regular annual monitoringreports prepared for the Hambleton DistrictWide Local Plan, but in addition to assessingthe extent to which policies in localdevelopment documents are being achieved, itwill need to assess progress in preparing theplan documents themselves, in other wordsmonitor the achievement of the LocalDevelopment Scheme (see Core StrategyAnnex 1, para. 4).

Performance Indicators4. Progress towards any plan’s vision should be

measured against a number of “PerformanceIndicators”. The Government guidance onmonitoring LDFs1 advises that a structuredapproach to developing indicators is necessary,recognising their different types and purposes.This reflects the recommended approach ofestablishing objectives, defining policies,setting targets and measuring indicators.Contextual indicators should be monitored todescribe the social, environmental andeconomic background of the LDF, and providea basis for checking the continued relevanceof the LDF and its approach. These will beincluded within the Annual Monitoring Report.Output indicators should be identified tomeasure the performance of policies, bymeasuring quantifiable physical activities thatare directly related to, and are a consequenceof, the implementation of planning policies.Their selection needs to be guided by the keyspatial and sustainability objectives of the LDF.They are of three types: Core output indicators– which are identified by the Government, andmust be collected, in order to provide acomprehensive regional and national data set;local output indicators – which address mattersnot covered by the core indicators, but whichare important locally; and significant effectsindicators – which assess the significant social,environmental and economic effects ofpolicies, and are linked to the sustainabilityappraisal of the LDF, and will be developedthrough that analysis (see Core Strategy Annex1, paras. 13-14).

5. As the Government’s guidance indicates, thedevelopment of a monitoring framework will begradual and evolutionary, as the plan is putinto place, and as the spatial approach toplanning is developed. The set of indicatorscollected, with associated targets, should bekept short, to enable collection to be achieved,and to provide a simple but robust set ofmeasures of the plan’s performance. A set ofcore output and local output indicators in

1 “Local Development Framework Monitoring: A Good Practice Guide”, ODPM, March 2005

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relation to both the Core Strategy and thisDevelopment Policies DPD is shown in thefollowing Table 1. The assistance of theimplementation agents who will be involved indelivering the policies will be crucial incollecting and measuring performance. Targetsto measure performance against the indicatorsare also defined.

6. The indicators shown in the table are intendedto measure the key outcomes sought, andprovide a brief guide to overall progress. Asindicators for monitoring the Core Strategy andDevelopment Policies DPDs, they do notinclude monitoring information to be collectedin relation to the site specific allocations, whichwill be addressed through the AllocationsDPD. Each Development Plan Document willbe monitored individually, and the resultsbrought together in the Annual MonitoringReport. The involvement of partnerorganisations will be sought whereverappropriate. A close relationship will bemaintained with the monitoring process beingundertaken at the regional level, since therewill also be an annual monitor of the RSS,which will utilise the core output indicators inparticular.

1 “Local Development Framework Monitoring: A Good Practice Guide”, ODPM, March 2005

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Table 1 – Local Development Framework Monitoring

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PROPOSALS MAP(see separate document)

ANNEX 5

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HOUSING TRAJECTORIES

ANNEX 6

1. PPS12 para. 4.25 advises that where a DPDrelates to housing, “housing trajectories”should be produced, which will demonstratehow the plan will deliver (and is delivering)housing. PPS12 Annex B gives furtherguidance on how these trajectories should bepresented. Essentially the trajectorydemonstrates how much housing the planneeds to deliver each year, in comparison withpast and expected performance, in order toachieve the overall strategy for housingprovision. They provide the following generalcategories of information:

� past dwelling completions;� projected dwelling completions until the

end of the Plan period;� for comparison, the strategic provision

intended by the Policies of the plan (inthis case by Core Policies CP5 and CP5A).

2. Housing trajectories will be an importantelement of the Annual Monitoring Report.They enable the principle of “plan, monitor andmanage” to be put into practice, and thusprovide an essential element of the deliveryaspect for this key aspect of the LDF – theprovision of the required amount of housing.Thus the production and monitoring oftrajectories will be a major element ofimplementing the overall approach to phasing,proposed in Policy DP11, which in turn isdesigned to achieve the scale and distributionof housing proposed in Core Policies CP5 and CP5A.

3. In this Annex, the first housing trajectories arepresented. They indicate the starting point forthe delivery of the housing provision intendedby the LDF, taking account of completionsalready made (the plan period, to be consistentwith RSS, started in 2004).

4. The following tables provide the trajectories forthe District as a whole (Table 2), and for eachof the sub-areas for which separate housingfigures are proposed under Policy CP5A (Table3 – Bedale sub-area, Table 4 – Easingwoldsub-area, Table 5 – Northallerton sub-area,Table 6 – Stokesley sub-area, and Table 7 –Thirsk sub-area). Each Table is alsoaccompanied by a Graph, with the samenumbering, which illustrates visually the data in the tables.

5. The Tables each follow the same format.Annual housing figures are presented for eachyear, organised into the three phases adoptedin Core Policies CP5 and 5A. Rows numbered 1and 2 indicate gross actual or projectedcompletions, rows 3 and 4 indicate actual orprojected losses from the housing stock. Theresultant net actual or projected completionsare shown in rows 5 and 6. Row 7 calculatesthe cumulative net completions for the phaseand row 8 shows the corresponding annualaverage net completions for the same phase.Rows 9 and 10 indicate the annual andcumulative LDF targets for housing for eachphase (as set out in Core Policies CP5 andCP5A), representing the plan element in “plan,monitor and manage”. Row 11 calculates thenet difference between the cumulative LDFStrategy and the cumulative net completions,ie. the monitor element. Finally, row 12 showshow the annual average targets need to beadjusted as each phase progresses, taking into account past and projected completionrates within each phase, representing themanage step.

6. The state of play on these trajectories will becontinually monitored, and each year theAnnual Monitoring Report will provide updatedtrajectories, showing performance and theadjusted targets needed to ensure the overalllevels of provision for each phase of the LDFare achieved in line with the requirements ofPolicies CP5 and CP5A.

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TABLE 2 – District Housing Trajectory

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TABLE 3 – Bedale sub-area Housing Trajectory

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TABLE 4 – Easingwold sub-area Housing Trajectory

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TABLE 5 – Northallerton sub-area Housing Trajectory

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TABLE 6 – Stokesley sub-area Housing Trajectory

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TABLE 7 – Thirsk sub-area Housing Trajectory

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- accessibility The ability of everybody to go conveniently where they want.

- adoption The final confirmation of a Local Development Document as havingstatutory status by a Local Planning Authority.

- affordable housing Housing which meets the present and future needs of householdsunable to secure adequate housing at prices determined by the market.

- Allocations DPD The document within the Hambleton Local Development Framework thatwill contain site specific allocations. It will have the status of aDevelopment Plan Document.

AMR Annual Monitoring Annual report on the progress of preparing the Local Development Report Framework Reportand the extent to which policies are being achieved.

BAP Biodiversity Action A strategy prepared for a local area aimed at conserving biological Plan diversity. The Hambleton BAP was approved in 2002, and provides

specific action plan guidance on 11 habitats and 2 species.

- brownfield land brownfield land (also known as Previously Developed Land) is thatwhich is or was occupied by a permanent structure (excludingagricultural or forestry buildings), and associated fixed surfaceinfrastructure. The definition covers the curtilage of the development.Planning Policy Statement 3 “Housing” has a detailed definition inAnnex B. Opposite to greenfield land.

- Conservation Area Area of special architectural or historic interest, the character,appearance or setting of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

- Core Strategy The Local Development Framework document which sets out the long-term spatial vision for the local planning authority area, and the spatialobjectives and strategic policies to deliver that vision. The Core Strategywill have the status of a Development Plan Document.

- Community Action Community-led processes for identifying local needs and priorities, Plan prepared within the context of the Community Plan.

CP Community Plan The long term vision and action plan for Hambleton articulating theaspirations, needs and priorities of the local community – prepared bythe Local Strategic Partnership.

- Development Limits Development Limits identify the area within which developmentproposals would be acceptable, subject to complying with other policiescontained in the Development Plan. They seek to prevent developmentfrom gradually extending into the surrounding countryside.

- Development Plan The statutory Development Plan comprises the Regional Spatial Strategyand the Development Plan Documents contained in the LocalDevelopment Framework.

List of acronyms and technical terms used in this report. Items in italics each have a definition.

GLOSSARY

ANNEX 7

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DPD Development Plan A Local Development Document in the Local Development FrameworkDocument that forms part of the Statutory Development Plan.

- Development Policies The document within the Hambleton LDF which contains DPD detailed policies guiding particular forms of development. It will have the

status of a Development Plan Document.

- Green Belt An area of open land where strict planning controls apply in order, inparticular, to check the further growth of a large built-up area.Designated in a Development Plan. In Hambleton, there is a small areaof Green Belt in the south of the District, designed to check the growthof York and protect its historic form.

- greenfield land Land (or a defined site) which has never been built on before or wherethe remains of any structure or activity have blended into the landscapeover time (opposite of brownfield land). Applies to most land outside theDevelopment Limits.

- Housing Needs Study A study which assesses the future housing needs of the District, interms of the size, type and affordability of dwellings. The HambletonHousing Needs Study was published in November 2004.

- issues and options Document(s) produced during the early production stage ofthe preparation of Development Plan Documents and issued for consultation.

LDD Local Development The various individual documents (DPD, SCI, SPD) in the LDF.Document

LDF Local Development The overall name for the folder or portfolio of Local Development Framework Documents and the LDS and AMR.

LDS Local Development A public statement setting out which documents will make up the LDF,Scheme and when they will be produced over a three year period.

- Local Plan The plan produced under the former planning system by DistrictCouncils. The Hambleton District Wide Local Plan (and the NorthYorkshire Structure Plan) will be replaced by the RSS and LDF.

LSP Local Strategic The Hambleton LSP is a partnership of over 40 public and private Partnership organisations and community groups. One of its main tasks is to

prepare and implement the Community Plan.

LTP Local Transport Plan The transport strategy prepared by the local transport authority, ie.North Yorkshire County Council.

PPG Planning Policy Guidance produced by the Government on planning matters Guidance Notes (being replaced by PPSs).

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PPS Planning Policy Statements of National Planning Policy issued by the GovernmentStatements (to replace PPGs).

- Preferred Options Document(s) produced as part of the preparation of Development PlanDocuments, and issued for formal public participation. It shows thepreferred “direction” of a Development Plan Document.

- Proposals Map The adopted Proposals Map illustrates on a base map (reproduced froman Ordnance Survey map to a registered scale) all the policies containedin Development Plan Documents. It is thus site and location specific,unlike the Key Diagram. The Proposals Map will be revised each time anew Development Plan Document is prepared which has site specificpolicies or proposals, and will always reflect the up-to-date planningstrategy for the area.

RSS Regional Spatial The broad spatial strategy for the region prepared by the Yorkshire and Strategy Humber Regional Assembly, and forming part of the statutory

Development Plan.

SA Sustainability Identifies and evaluates the effects of the strategy or plan on social, Appraisal environmental and economic conditions.

SCI Statement of Document setting out how and when stakeholders and other Community interested parties will be consulted and involved in the preparation Involvement of the LDF (and in the consideration of individual planning applications).

SEA Strategic An assessment of the environmental effects of a plan or programme Environmental required by EU Directive 2001/42/EC. Combined with the Assessment Sustainability Appraisal.

- site specific Allocations of sites for specific or mixed uses or development, to be allocations contained in the Allocations DPD. Policies will identify any specific

requirements for individual proposals. The sites themselves will be shown on the Proposals Map.

SPD Supplementary Elaborates on policies or proposals in DPDs, and gives additionalPlanning Document guidance.

SPG Supplementary Provides guidance or development briefs to supplement policies and Planning Guidance proposals in a Local Plan (being replaced by SPD).

- Structure Plan The strategic plan produced under the former planning system by CountyCouncils. The North Yorkshire Structure Plan (and the Hambleton DistrictWide Local Plan will be replaced by the RSS and LDF).

The Act Planning and Puts in place the new statutory framework for preparing RSS and LDFs.CompulsoryPurchase Act 2004

The Regu- Town and Country The formal Government regulations that define how the LDF is produced.lations Planning (Local

Development) (England)Regulations 2004

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Hambleton District CouncilCivic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL6 2UU

Tel: 0845 1211 555 Fax: 01609 767228 E-mail: [email protected]

www.hambleton.gov.uk

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