PLYMOUTH PLAN...8 ECONOMY 45 Status 45 Productivity&competitiveness 46 Business&enterprise 46 Knowledge,technology&innovation 47 Skills&learning 47 KeyCentres 47 Participation 47 Sustainablegrowth

PLYMOUTH PLANSustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

Planning Services September 2014

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for The Plymouth Plan5INTRODUCTION1

5What is Sustainability Appraisal and what should it achieve?6What is the Plymouth Plan?7What does Sustainability Appraisal involve?

9POLICIES, PLANS & PROGRAMMES REVIEWED:2

11BASELINE AND KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES3

11Introduction11Plymouth Overview

13NATURAL ENVIRONMENT4

13Biodiversity19Landscape protection19Accessible green space22Water quality23Air quality24Soils

27CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY5

27Current Climate Change Predictions29Carbon Emissions32Plymouth’s Renewable Energy resource32Energy security33Fuel Poverty

37POPULATION6

37Introduction37Ethnicity37Families and households37Growth and change

41HOUSING7

41Introduction41Housing growth and renewal41Incomes and house prices41Care housing41Affordable housing42Housing standards42New housing delivered42Future development

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Contents

45ECONOMY8

45Status46Productivity & competitiveness46Business & enterprise47Knowledge, technology & innovation47Skills & learning47Key Centres47Participation48Sustainable growth

49TRANSPORT9

49Introduction49Road travel49Air travel49Cycling49Workforce travel50Traffic50Road safety50Freight50Rail travel51Water travel

53WASTE10

53Waste tonnages and projections53Recycling statistics54New facilities

55HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT11

55Naval influences55Designated sites55Preservation and access

57EQUALITY & INCLUSION12

57Defining social exclusion57Deprivation59Participation in decision-making59Community cohesion60Community and Voluntary Sector

61HEALTH AND WELLBEING13

61Life expectancy61Health inequalities61Children’s social care need

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63LEARNING14

63School places63Investment in schools63School standards64Educational attainment64Further and Higher education64Inequalities

67CULTURE, RECREATION & LEISURE15

67Introduction67Culture and leisure67New sports developments

69SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK16

73APPENDIX 1: COMPLIANCE WITH SEA DIRECTIVE AND SA GUIDANCE17

75APPENDIX 2: RELEVANT POLICIES, PLANS & PROGRAMMES18

101APPENDIX 3: COMPLETING AND RECORDING THE ASSESSMENT19

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1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Planning Authorities are required to produce a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of a LocalPlan. This document is the Scoping Report for the Sustainability Appraisal of the PlymouthPlan. The Plymouth Plan will constitute a Local Plan and the first drafts will be published in2014.

1.2 This Scoping Report has been consulted upon in order to provide an opportunity forthose with an interest in the Plymouth Plan to make their views on the SA Scoping Reportand Framework known, prior to the first drafting of the Plymouth Plan and its formal submissionfor independent examination.

What is Sustainability Appraisal and what should it achieve?

1.3 It is necessary to appraise planning documents for sustainability as the policies andproposals they contain can have far reaching direct and indirect effects. Sustainability Appraisalis a process which is designed to ensure that possible significant environmental, social andeconomic effects of the Plymouth Plan are fully considered during the process of developingthe plan. By undertaking SA that incorporates national and local sustainable developmentobjectives, the quality of the Plymouth Plan should be improved.

1.4 This SA Scoping Report provides a statement about Plymouth, defining the state ofthe environment, existing constraints and problems as well as opportunities. This informationis used here to create a Sustainability Appraisal Framework which constitutes a tool for testingwhether the Local Plan’s objectives, policies and proposals will deliver sustainabledevelopment. The SA seeks to ensure that the full range of environmental, social andeconomic effects of the plan is considered during its formulation, and asks the followingquestions about these effects:

Could these effects be of special significance?Are there ways of reducing or mitigating adverse effects?Can any beneficial effects be further enhanced by positive planning?

1.5 Sustainability Appraisal is a mandatory requirement of the Planning and CompulsoryPurchase Act 2004 (section 19, 5a and 5b) for the production of all Development PlanDocuments. This SA will also fulfil the requirement for the Plymouth Plan to be assessed inline with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive (2001/42/EC).

1.6 Sustainability Appraisal is an iterative process which generates specific outputs atparticular stages. This document forms the first output and a key future output will be the SAReport which will describe which elements of the Plymouth Plan have been appraised andhow, and the likely significant sustainability effects of the implementation of the plan.

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Defining sustainability

1.7 In 1987 the Bruntland Commission defined sustainable development as 'meeting theneeds of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their ownneeds'. For the purposes of this SA scoping report we apply the term in relation to social,economic and environmental considerations. The SA framework will be used to assess towhat extent the policies, plans and proposals in the Plymouth Plan are socially, economicallyand environmentally sustainable.

What is the Plymouth Plan?

1.8 The Plymouth Plan will constitute a Local Plan, as defined by the National PlanningPolicy Framework in 2012. Local Plans set out the planning policies for the local authorityarea and are used to inform planning application decisions. The Plymouth Plan will set outa vision and path to improvement, providing strategic policies to guide future change andactions to deliver them. It will include both a ‘bottom up’ and ‘top down’ approach, so as toprovide a context for improving the city’s neighbourhoods as well as the city as a whole. Itwill set out how Plymouth’s potential for long term sustainable growth can be realised, focusingon the city’s key strategic priorities setting out how these can be delivered through a combinedapproach.

1.9 In preparing the Plymouth Plan there is an opportunity under the 2011 Localism Actto substantially consolidate a number of the Council’s current corporate strategies and plans,rationalising the current position and achieving savings. The intention is to develop oneoverarching strategic Plymouth Plan for the city, which will:

Be about both people and place, outward facing, outcome focused and providethe context for all other plans and the allocation of resources – the focus will be onwhat Plymouth will be like as a place to work, rest and play in and how the city andits services need to be configured to address the major quality of life issues thatare seen across the city;Provide an integrated approach for key areas such as the economy, education,health, housing, transport and communications, culture, the environment, socialinclusion, neighbourhoods, older people and children and set this within asub-regional context;Place sustainable development at the centre of the city’s agenda by: increasingefficiency of the transport network and providing greater choice of high quality andreliable modes of travel; responding and building resilience to the threat of climatechange and its impact on communities; and establishing the management andenhancement of green infrastructure and the marine environment as keycomponents of sustainable growth and quality of life;Enable a significant streamlining of the strategies that currently exist, with thosethat remain feeding into the Plan in a way that they both influence and are influencedby it – with the focus on operational delivery;

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Offer a single point of reference for articulating the city’s vision and long termdirection of travel, providing a framework to guide decisions on infrastructureinvestment and service priorities;Be supported by a shared source of evidence and information to assist demographicmodelling and scenario planning;Be produced in an inclusive and cooperative way with our partners and all otherstakeholders in the city and sub region, showing what cooperative public servicesmight look like in the future.

What does Sustainability Appraisal involve?

1.10 Plymouth City Council’s SA of the Plymouth Plan follows the stages set out in theNational Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) on strategic environmental assessment andsustainability appraisal.

1.11 These are:

Stage A: Scoping - Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline anddeciding on the scope of the appraisalStage B: Appraisal and Options - Developing and refining options and assessing effectsStage C: Reporting - Preparing the SA ReportStage D: Consulting on the draft plan and the SA Report and Local PlanStage E: Post-adoption reporting and monitoring.

1.12 This document comprises Stage A of the appraisal process, and is broken down intothe following chapters:

Chapter 2 summarises the plans and policies relevant to this scoping reportChapter 3 sets the context and baseline and identifies the key sustainability issues forPlymouthChapter 4 sets out the SA objectives in the form of an SA Framework. This frameworkwill be used to appraise the Plymouth Plan.

1.13 The geographical scope of the appraisal will extend beyond the boundaries of theCity's administrative area, for two reasons. First, the Plan making process will necessitatethe consideration of sites beyond the city boundary, such as at Sherford where developmentidentified in the existing core strategy is already underway. Second, the Habitats RegulationsAssessment must consider potential effects of the plan on Natura 2000 sites within a 15kmradius, and the sustainability appraisal will need to reflect and address any issues identifiedin the HRA.

1.14 Where relevant, potential sustainability impacts will be considered with reference tothe Plymouth Principle Urban Area (which includes parts of the urban area which extend intoSouth Hams District), Plymouth Travel To Work Area, the Plymouth Housing Market Area,and the wider sub-region (especially with regard to economic and transport issues).

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2 POLICIES, PLANS & PROGRAMMES REVIEWED:2.1 A review of relevant policies, plans and programmes has been undertaken in order toensure that the objectives of these wider documents are reflected in the SA process whereappropriate. Local, national and international policies, plans and programmes have beenreviewed. Their purpose, objectives, and implications for the Plymouth Plan are summarisedin Appendix 2 to ensure they are reflected where appropriate in the plan-making process atan early stage.

2.2 In the current Core Strategy the objectives of the plan are to achieve the vision set outin the Plymouth 2020 Partnership’s interim statement for 2006/07, namely to be “One ofEurope’s finest, most vibrant waterfront cities, where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyedby everyone.” Key objectives to achieving this vision are seen as:

Improving health and well-beingDeveloping a prosperous economyPromoting community safetyRaising educational achievementDeveloping an effective transport systemPromoting inclusive communitiesMaintaining a clean and sustainable environmentStimulating culture and leisure activities.

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3 BASELINE AND KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUESIntroduction

3.1 This chapter provides a baseline against which to identify current sustainability issuesrelevant to Plymouth. This identification of issues at an early stage is central to theSustainability Appraisal process, highlighting problems which could be addressed throughthe formulation of future LDF documents.

3.2 The baseline aims to present a city-wide & sub-regional overview of the sustainabilityissues. The baseline is linked, where applicable to the Plymouth Plan themes.

3.3 A separate Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) scoping report has been produced,which identifies a range of possible impacts on Natura 2000 sites within a 15 mile radius ofthe city boundary. These potential impacts will be assessed in more detail as the HRAprogresses.

Plymouth Overview

3.4 Plymouth is situated in the south west corner of Devon, between the rivers Plym andTamar - and at the head of one of the world’s largest and most spectacular natural harbours,Plymouth Sound (see Figure A). It is the second largest city in the South West after Bristol,and has the potential to become the economic hub of the far South West.

3.5 Plymouth’s superb natural setting shapes the city’s image and plays a major role in itsdevelopment. The city offers a high quality of life, but it experiences problems common tomany major urban areas. Its population is increasing and diversifying rapidly, bringing issuesof community cohesion. It has some significant pockets of deprivation and structural problemswith the economy. Much of the city’s fabric is in need of investment for renewal.

3.6 The City of Plymouth was dramatically reconstructed following the Second World War,based on the 1943 Abercrombie Plan. This provided for whole new communities as well asthe most complete post-War city centre in Britain. Demand increased for local communityfacilities, open space and industry, and new estates, mainly to the north of the city weredeveloped. Open spaces ran through the valleys with residential areas along the hillsides.The top of the slopes were used for industry, playing fields and schools. More recentlyexpansion has continued, also mainly to the north and east of the city.

3.7 Plymouth has grown to a city of over 256,000 people and ranks as the second largestsettlement in the South West of England, after Bristol. In addition, the city's travel to workarea is home to an additional circa 100,000 people. Combined, this amounts to over 5% ofthe SouthWest's total population. Plymouth plays a significant economic role in its sub-region,contributing Gross Value Added (GVA) of £4.3 billion in 2011 – 12% of the combined outputof Heart of the SouthWest and Cornwall (Local Economic Partnership (LEP) areas. It providescentral healthcare, cultural and leisure facilities; business, financial and retail services; railand sea transport hubs. GVA per head of £16,500, however, is far below the national average(£20,900) and closer to the North East of England average (£15,800) than the relatively moreprosperous SW (£19,100).

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3.8 Plymouth’s population grew at an average 0.68% per annum between 2000 and 2010- faster than the UK average of 0.56%. Plymouth has a high number of student-age youngadults, but is otherwise an ageing city with decreasing numbers of 30-44 year olds andincreasing numbers of over-60s. Growth is considered necessary to achieve a critical masscapable of supporting the city’s aspiration to become an economic hub of the far SouthWest.

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Figure A: Location Map of Plymouth

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4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENTThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: GREENER PLYMOUTH,GETTING AROUND and CITY PRIDE.

4.1 Plymouth has significant green and blue infrastructure providing a network ofmulti-functional spaces. These link the City with its rural and marine surrounding and supportthe natural and ecological processes that are integral to the health and quality of life for thecity’s future. This section describes the headline characteristics of that infrastructure and theissues that they face.

Biodiversity

4.2 The Plymouth sub region includes six sites recognised as having European significancefor their biodiversity value. Table 4 below lists the European sites that are within a 15kmradius of the city. The location of these sites is shown in Figure D.

Reasons for DesignationName of Site

Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time.Plymouth Sound & EstuariesSpecial Area of Conservation(SAC) Estuaries

Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide.

Large shallow inlets and bays

Atlantic Salt Meadows

Reefs

Shore dock

Allis shad

Internationally important populations of Avocet & Little EgretTamar Estuaries Complex SpecialProtection Area (SPA)

Northern Atlantic wet heath with Erica tetralixDartmoor SAC

European dry heath

Blanket bog

Old sessile oak woodlands Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles

Southern damselfly, Coenagrion mercuriale

Otter, Lutra lutra

Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

Old sessile oak woodlands Ilex and Blechnum in the British IslesSouth Dartmoor Woods SAC

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European dry heath

Shore dockBlackstone Point SAC

Inshore Upstanding ReefsStart Point to Plymouth

Offshore Upstanding ReefsSound & Eddystone cSAC

(Not yet designated but submittedto Europe as a European siteunder the Habitats Regulations)

Table 4

4.3 Habitat Regulations Assessments completed for Plymouth’s Local DevelopmentFramework (LDF)documents between 2005 and 2012 highlight the following potentiallysignificant adverse impacts on the designated features of these sites:

Water quality impacts at Plymouth Sound & Estuaries SAC, Tamar Estuaries ComplexSPA & Dartmoor SACRecreational disturbance impacts at South Dartmoor Woods SAC, Dartmoor SAC,Plymouth Sound & Estuaries & Tamar Estuaries Complex SPABiological Disturbance impacts from shore crab fishery & bait digging at Tamar EstuariesComplex SPAImpacts linked to water abstraction at Plymouth Sound & Estuaries SAC, Tamar EstuariesComplex SPA, Dartmoor SAC & South Dartmoor Woods SAC,Impacts linked to air quality changes at South Dartmoor Woods SAC & Dartmoor SACCumulative impacts of habitat loss associated with numerous small scale land claimevents within Plymouth Sound & Estuaries SAC & Tamar Estuaries Complex SPA

4.4 All the LDF documents have included mitigation and avoidance measures to ensurethese potential impacts are managed. The Plymouth Plan will need to consider these issuesalso.

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Sites of Special Scientific Interest

4.5 There are nine Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the city boundary, seeTable 5. The largest of these form part of the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries EuropeanMarine Site complex, the Plymouth Sound Shores and Cliffs SSSI and the Tamar-TavyEstuary SSSI. The total area of designated SSSI in the remaining 7 sites is relatively smallat 6.4 ha. These sites comprise geological features, neutral grassland, and hedgerowsupporting the Plymouth Pear. The smaller site found to be in a positive condition resultsfrom the appropriate management from the landowner. The negative condition of the othersites results from lack of appropriate management such as encroachment of ivy/scrub ongeological features and over-shading of Plymouth Pear trees by adjacent trees.

Reason [s]ConditonTypeSSSI Name

Favourable (August 2013)Neutral GrasslandBillacombe

Almost 100% cover ofvegetation obscuring therock face

Unfavourable declining (August2013)

GeologyFaraday Road

None givenUnfavourable recovering (August2013)

GeologyMount Wise

Shading from trees likelyto be adversely affectinggrowth and ability to

Unfavourable (August 2013)Plymouth PearPlymbridge Lane andEstover Road

sucker (the only means ofreproduction in thisspecies)

Favourable (August 2013)GeologyPlymouth Sound, Shoresand Cliffs

Rock face continues to beobscured by vegetation

Unfavourable (August 2013)GeologyRichmond Walk

Favourable (August 2013)Mudflats for winteringbirds

Tamar-Tavy Estuary

Nearly 100% of the rockface is obscured byvegetation

Unfavourable declining (August2013)

GeologyWallsend IndustrialEstate

None givenUnfavourable recovering (August2013)

Geology andcalcareous grassland

Western King

Table 5: Condition assessments for SSSI units in Plymouth.

4.6 Plymouth has a number of locally protected nature conservation sites. Seemap overleaf.

Local Nature Reserves

4.7 There are eight Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in Plymouth (see Figure D), providing179 hectares; equal to around 0.7 hectares of LNR per thousand of the population, fallingshort of Natural England’s target of 1ha/1000popn. Work to bring forward new LNRs atPlymstock Quarry, Radford Woods, Ham Woods and as part of the proposed Derriford

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Community Park will mean delivering 193 additional ha by 2021, delivering 1.4ha/1000popn.Reductions in public spending will continue to generate an issue for the establishment andmaintenance of these locally accessible natural spaces.

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County Wildlife Sites

4.8 Twenty-four County Wildlife Sites have been designated since 2005 (See Figure D).These sites cover a mix of habitat types, the most common being tidal estuaries, limestonegrasslands and woodlands. The number of these sites in positive management increasedfrom 21 % in 2008 to 71% in 2012/13. The main threats to the sites in positive managementare (i) lack of management regimes (ii) over intensive cutting regimes, and (iii) invasivespecies. In order to bring the remaining 29% into positive management third party landownership agreements are necessary. It is anticipated that three additional sites (12%) willbe brought into positive management as a result of the Plymstock Quarry development by2021.

Plymouth’s biodiversity network

4.9 Plymouth's biodiversity network (see Figure D) covers a significant area (circa 1,600ha) and includes a broad range of green space types and brownfield sites. It serves to protectthe function these spaces have as corridors or buffers to important nature conservationassets. The main threats to the network over the next 15 years are (i) direct developmentpressures causing fragmenting habitat connectivity, and (ii) indirect recreational pressureresulting from a growing population.

Key species

4.10 The land within, and waters around Plymouth support an impressive number of iconicand protected species of flora and fauna, including:

The Plymouth Pear treeFourteen species of bat including the rare BarbastelleBirds such as the Peregrine Falcon, Cirl Bunting, Avocet, Little Egret, Nightjar andSpoonbillOtterMarine species such as the Basking Shark, Seahorse, Pink Sea Fan, Allis Shad, Dolphinand PorpoiseReptiles such as the Common Lizard, Grass Snake and Slow WormSixteen Dragonflies/Damselflies and the very rare Horrid Ground-Weaver Spider whichis not known to exist anywhere else in the world.

4.11 Terrestrial development can potentially impact on population and distribution of, inparticular; bats, otters, dormice, badgers, reptiles and nesting birds. Developments belowthe high water mark can potentially impact directly on population and distributions, andindirectly through recreational pressures on the following protected species: allis shad, avocet,little egret, basking shark, seahorse, pink sea fan, dolphin and porpoise.

4.12 The 2012/13 LDF Authorities Monitoring Report identifies that local wildlife protectionand enhancement has been functioning well in Plymouth, with 71% of Local Wildlife Sites inpositive management and in 2012/13, an 81% net biodiversity gain, and crucially no net lossof wildlife sites.

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Landscape protection

4.13 The character of Plymouth’s landscape reflects the historic development of the City.The city centre and waterfront evolved initially as three separate settlements which latercoalesced and expanded, creating a dense urban area south of the A38 with little greenspace. The area north of the A38 and east of the River Plym was largely undeveloped untilafter the SecondWorldWar, and these areas were developed in a more planned way, allowingmore generous provision of green space. Plymouth’s landscape character also reflects thecity’s location and topography. The Rivers Tamar and Plym and valleys are key features, asare the coast and hills – offering fantastic views across Plymouth Sound and out over thesurrounding countryside.

4.14 Plymouth is unique in being surrounded by a World Heritage Site, three Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); the Tamar Valley AONB, Cornwall AONB and SouthDevon AONB, and Dartmoor National Park. These areas are designated for their heritageand natural beauty value. In the case of the National Park and AONBs these values areexpressed as ‘special qualities’. All authorities have a duty to have regard to these specialqualities in the delivery of their own activities.

4.15 Plymouth’s Greenscape assessment (2000) identifies sites within the city boundaryof ‘citywide’ or ‘regional’ significance due to their landscape character. These sites includeThe Hoe, Plym Valley, Central Park, Saltram (Registered Park & Garden), and the networkof steep sided wooded valleys that characterise the north of the City. The primary threats tolandscape character in Plymouth relate to development along the foreshore and in prominentinland locations.

Accessible green space

4.16 Plymouth’s LDF designated 42% of the city as ‘greenscape’ - higher than averagefor a European city. Roughly 80% of this greenscape is accessible in the form of parks, publicgardens, Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) and play spaces. However Plymouth has seen adecline in the quality of many of its green spaces and has a shortage of green space in someparts of the city.

4.17 Plymouth’s Green Space Strategy 2008-2021(1) Identified the following key featuresof Plymouth’s accessible green space:

Plymouth has a wealth of natural green space – especially in the north of the cityMost of Plymouth’s LNRs are located in the north of the city, with none in the eastA concentration of parks and gardens in the south and east of the city, with only onepark (Butt Park) in the northA large number of ‘informal’ green spaces, especially in the north of the city.

4.18 Table 6 summarises the quantity and distribution of different types of accessible greenspaces in Plymouth which have been classified according to their primary function. Theseinclude 113 ha of playing pitches, 18 ha of allotments and 6 ha of play space.

1 Plymouth’s Green Space Strategy 2008-2021, PCC, January 2009.

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City (ha)Sub area (ha)Primary function

SouthNorthEast

420.21125.65178.25116.51Informal green space

42.3942.3900Cemetery/Churchyard

337.84170.944.62162.28Park/Garden

173.6638.99134.670Local Nature Reserve

499.8773.17289.16137.54Natural Green Space

1467.87451.14606.7410.03Total

Table 6: Accessible green space in Plymouth by primary function and sub-area.

4.19 Surveys in 2008 indicated Plymouth’s green spaces are generally of good or excellentquality. Over a third of all accessible green space has been rated as good while a third hasbeen rated as excellent. ‘Local’ green spaces tend to average lower quality scores than ‘city’green spaces, suggesting that they have received a lower priority in the past. The mainconcerns over quality are in relation to the fact that many green spaces are not as welcomingas they could be and are poorly marketed. Customer research has highlighted public concernsover issues of security and cleanliness.

4.20 Many of Plymouth's local green spaces and LNRs have suffered from a history ofunderinvestment, resulting in them being poorly visited by their local communities. Investmentthrough the Stepping Stones to Nature programme during 2008-13 brought physicalimprovements to six nature reserves (nearly 120 hectares) in Plymouth and 1 park. Twenty-twonew public rights of way were designated. Access to sites was improved including seating,signage, paths and play features.

4.21 Analysis of the distance that people have to walk to their nearest accessible greenspace against a target of having a green space within a 5 minute walk of where people liveor work shows that the south and west of the city as having significant areas of deficiency.

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4.22 To ensure that Plymouth’s growth agenda is matched by corresponding increases inthe quality and accessibility of its green space, the Plymouth Green Space Strategy identifiesthe following key outcomes to achieve:

Two new large, high quality, accessible green spaces will be delivered at Derriford andNorth Plymstock by 2021At least six green spaces will be managed to Green Flag Award standards by 2012Central Park’s facilities and amenities will be significantly improved by 2021Over 100 ha of green space will be designated as new LNRs by 2016All green spaces across the city will be at least ‘good’ according to an adopted city-widequality standard by 2023All new or enhanced green spaces will be designed to be accessible so that the wholecommunity can enjoy themAll green spaces will be more welcoming, safer, cleaner and more sustainable by 2023The number of neighbourhoods in the city where there is currently a deficiency of greenspace or play space will be reduced by 2023Play provision for all age groups will be enhanced, and play areas will be better integratedwith green spacesNew and enhanced green spaces and play spaces will be provided alongside newdevelopments in line with local quantity, quality and accessibility.

Water quality

4.23 The quality of coastal and estuarine waters in and around Plymouth is subject to theinfluence of the catchment areas of the Rivers Tamar and Plym as well as storm-water run-offfrom the urban area. The catchment of the city itself drains directly into a sensitive estuaryand therefore the effect of point-source discharges is significant. The source of diffuse pollutionis primarily upstream of Plymouth and outside its administrative area – primarily associatedwith agricultural landmanagement and historical mining activities. Pollution frommis-connectedfoul sewage pipes and combined storm overflows (CSOs) remains a problem.

4.24 In 2012 the Tamerton Foliot Stream and River Plym were classed as ‘moderate’ and‘good’ in relation to the standards set under theWater FrameWork Directive (WFD). Similarly,98% of the River Tamar has ‘good’ biological quality, although 16% is ‘at risk’ from diffusepollution.

4.25 There are two areas of statute that have a bearing on assessments of the water qualityin Plymouth’s coastal and river environments. These are:

The Bathing Water Directive:

Revisions to the Bathing Water Directive require water quality to be of a higher standardin order to protect the health of swimmers. The Bathing Water Directive requiresmonitoring of the level of bacteria associated with faecal pollution which can either befrom humans or animals.

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The Water Framework Directive:

The WFD requires all waters to meet certain targets for their ecological status whichincludes chemical and biological indicators. The Plymouth Plan will be required to includedetail on how WFD requirements will be met in the future, in light of the City’s growthprojections.

4.26 Plymouth has two designated bathing beaches on the Hoe. Between 1990 and 2007Environment Agency (EA) records show that the bathing water quality at Plymouth Hoeconsistently improved – from poor to excellent. However, during the last five years, whilsttypically classed as ‘good’, standards have shown considerable variation. In 2012 both bathingbeaches at East and West Hoe failed to meet the required standard. If Plymouth’s bathingwaters continue to periodically fail EU standards then it will be necessary to put up signs atthe Hoe advising the public against swimming. Without improvement, this could occur asearly as 2015. If the beaches continue to fail then in 2017 Plymouth would be required toclose its beaches and erect signs prohibiting bathing.

4.27 Plymouth’s beaches make up two out of the 42 that failed nationally, from a total of754 UK bathing beaches. The primary cause of failing bathing water quality is thought to becombined sewer networks overflowing during heavy rainfall events. The increased intensityof summer rainfall events experienced during the last few years, a pattern anticipated tocontinue due to climate change, has meant this is becoming an increasingly commonoccurrence. The miss-connection of sewer pipes into surface water drainage systems is alsothought to be a contributory factor.

4.28 Total household demand in the South West is about 461 Ml/d. Environment Agencyscenarios show that this could increase to 720 Ml/d, with a potential increase of 2-4% dueto climate change alone. An alternative scenario, which takes account of sustainablebehaviour, sees demand falling to 401 Ml/d. To achieve this, new homes need to be highlywater efficient, and existing housing stock would need to be retrofitted with appliances andfittings that use less water.

Air quality

4.29 Plymouth has declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) at Exeter Street,Mutley Plain, Royal Parade and Stoke Village. Crownhill on Tavistock Road will also bedeclared in the near future. All of the AQMAs have been declared because of high levels ofNitrogen dioxide (NO2), primarily from road transport emissions.

4.30 Once an AQMA is declared, an action plan is produced detailing the measures thatwill be used to reduce pollution levels in the AQMA and improve the air quality. The Council’sLocal Transport Plan (LTP), that covers the period to 2026, aims to tackle air pollution fromvehicles.

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4.31 On-going monitoring for nitrous oxide and other key pollutants continues at a numberof sites across the city in locations where people are exposed. Many of themonitoring locationsare situated close to busy roads or junctions. It is likely that more AQMAs will be declared inthe future whilst combustion engine vehicles continue to be the most prevalent form oftransportation.

4.32 As set out in the Draft Cleaner Vehicles Strategy, the City Council intends to providea publicly accessible charging network for electric vehicles that will grow in coverage andscale between 2013 and 2026. HeavyGovernment investment into electric vehicles is expectedto result in a far greater number of this type of low-emission vehicles being on the road inthe next ten years, which would provide some mitigation of the impact of growth on the city’sair quality.

Soils

4.33 Land is a scarce resource being put under pressure by the increasing demand fornew homes. Natural green space and agriculturally productive soils are non - renewableresources that can be threatened by this growth agenda. To ensure the use efficient use ofland, and to offset pressure on greenspace, land & soil resources, the government hasestablished the principle that priority should be given to the re use of previously developedsites (brownfield land). A national target has been set requiring that 60%22 of new housingshould be provided on previously-developed land and establishes a minimum density fornew housing developments.

4.34 Prioritising regeneration on brownfield sites throughout the city supports sustainabledevelopment objectives, in terms of the efficient use of land, but it can conflict with attemptsto conserve urban biodiversity. Many derelict brownfield sites have developed unique flora& fauna, and they often act as local concentrations of wildlife within any particularneighbourhood.

4.35 Whilst there are only a few small areas of agricultural land within the city boundary,the value of these soil resources may be indirectly affected by the city's growth agenda. Thefragmentation of blocks of land, and increasing urban fringe pressures on agriculturalenterprises within the city, may threaten the viability of farming in these areas. Withoutappropriate management, the quality of these resources are likely to degrade - and landscapequality and biodiversity could be threatened.

4.36 Plymouth and its surroundings have experienced intense industrial activity in manyareas from the 18th and 19th centuries, right through to the present day. The city's currentcommercial and economic status owes much to this industrial past. Past industrial activitywithin the city area has had a big impact over the years on the local environment. In particularit has left a legacy of potentially contaminated land at sites used for former industry, wastedisposal and also where previous excavations and low-lying areas have been in-filled. Incertain areas some risks stemming from past land use have needed to be addressed in orderto protect the health of people living and working in the surrounding area and/or theenvironment.

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Key Issues for the natural environment

Green and blue spaces require additional management as well as support for therole of communities in their ongoing maintenance.Positive management of nationally and locally important wildlife sites and thebiodiversity network is currently inconsistent.The supply of high quality, accessible natural spaces may not keep pace with theongoing demands of Plymouth's growth agenda.Recreation in green and blue spaces is at risk of becoming unsustainable, inparticular in the national parks and European marine site. This includes impactsassociated with transport and access.Bathing water quality is a key issue, with particular importance for leisure and tourismin Plymouth.Development should ensure that contamination of soils on brownfield land isremediated.

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5 CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGYThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: LIVING & HOUSING, GETTINGAROUND, GREENER PLYMOUTH and HEALTH & CARE.

Current Climate Change Predictions

5.1 The projections produced by the UK Climate Impacts Programme indicate the followingheadlines for predicted climate change in the south west (2), based on the medium emissionsscenario:

In the 2080sIn the 2050sIn the 2020sPotential change

3.1oC2.7oC+1.6oCIncrease in summermean temperature

Hotter summers

2.3oC2.1oC+1.3oCIncrease in meantemperature

Warmer winters

18%17%7%Change in winter meanprecipitation

Wetter winters

-20%-20%-8%Change in summermean precipitation

Drier summers

Table 7 : Projected climate change impacts in Plymouth

5.2 The following are the projections for sea level rise and storm events:

2085-21152055-20852025 - 20551990 - 2025

14.5mm11.5mm8.0mm3.5mmNet sea level rise (mm per year)

+30%+20%+10%+5%Rainfall Intensity

+20%+10%Peak River Flows

10%+5%Extreme Wave heights

Table 8: Projected sea level, wave and river flow changes (3)

Flood and erosion risk

5.3 Flooding from the sea, rivers and surface water is the most significant climate changeadaptation issue that Plymouth will need to address through its plans to 2031.

5.4 The shoreline management plan sets a hold the line policy for the Plymouth frontage.

2 http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/217683 EA, Climate change allowances for planners, 2013

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5.5 Plymouth's Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) explores our current andfuture flood risk and looks at how the challenges of flooding will change over the next 100years, taking account of climate change. This shows that areas most at risk from rising sealevels and increased river flows are:

Sutton Harbour/ BarbicanEmbankment Road/ LairaStonehouse Pool/ Richmond WalkMarsh MillsPlympton, adjacent to Tory Brook and Long BrookRoyal William YardMillbayParts of Devonport

5.6 Climate change will increase these risks as a result of higher sea levels and increasedintensity of storm events. In planning for Plymouth’s future the projections being used forsea level rise and storm events are shown in Table 8.

5.7 The LFRMS also explores the growing problem of surface water flooding, linked toincreased rainfall intensity and identifies which parts of the city are particularly vulnerable.

5.8 Flooding poses significant threats to property, both residential and business and tokey infrastructure. The LFRMS identifies properties at risk (see table below for residentialnumbers), and key transport and service at risk.

Catchments ranked according to fluvial and tidal flood risk

Percentage ofproperties inFlood Zone 3

ResidentialProperties inFlood Zone 3

ResidentialProperties

Flood Risk ManagementCatchment

Overall Rank

33.647140Royal William Yard1

3.62165978Sutton & Laira2

3.01133759Plympton Longbrook3

2.3642819Plym Valley4

1.31047773Marsh Mills5

1.3795973Plympton Tory Brook6

1.012512103Tamerton Lake7

0.87910308Pomphlett Lake8

0.7486646Dockyard9

0.3278364Stonehouse Creek10

0.11916459Hamoaze11

039228Crownhill12

001823Millbay & City Centre13

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Catchments ranked according to fluvial and tidal flood risk

Percentage ofproperties inFlood Zone 3

ResidentialProperties inFlood Zone 3

ResidentialProperties

Flood Risk ManagementCatchment

Overall Rank

001461Plympton Woodford14

009Saltram15

Table 5.1

5.9 The strategy identifies where strategic solutions are required to effectively reduce riskand where alignment of works between key agencies will deliver greatest benefit.

Carbon Emissions

5.10 In response to climate change the UK Government has set an ambitious, legallybinding target, to reduce carbon emissions by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050.Work undertakento understand the nature of Plymouth’s carbon emissions tells us that total carbon dioxideemissions in Plymouth in 2010 were 1,315kt, of which 36% are associated with homes, 40%with commercial and industrial activity, and 24% with transport.

5.11 Since 2005 Plymouth has reduced its overall carbon emissions by 11%, and whilstsome of this is due to direct action being taken, it is fair to assume a significant amount ofthis reduction is due both to the recession and to milder temperatures (5 out of the last 8winters have been significantly milder than average).

5.12 Other cities within Plymouth’s peer group have similar total emissions and a similarbreakdown by sector. Southampton, for example, had total emissions of 1173kt, which brokedown into 41% industry, 36% domestic, and 23% transport.

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Per CapitaPopulationTotal kt/CO2Road kt/CO2Domestic kt/CO2Industry kt/CO2Year

5.9248.21,473.67342.98522.75606.162005

5.9251.31,479.81347.41517.56613.082006

5.7254.41,459.74346.11495.08616.742007

5.5255.61,408.73335.49490.27579.302008

5.0256.71,281.18323.51442.03512.192009

5.258.71,315.20319.06471.03521.452010

Table 9: Plymouth’s carbon emissions 2005-2010

5.13 The emissions from dwellings in Plymouth are lower than the national average andmany other areas of the country primarily due to the mild SouthWest climate and the dominantuse of gas as heating fuel in Plymouth.

5.14 The city’s housing stock is characterised by a significant proportion of old, solid walland large terraced buildings. Some 30% of homes are pre 1919 and similarly some 30% areof the large terraced form. It is also notable that many of these older terraced dwellings arein the private rented sector, with some 50% of this sector being pre1919 dwellings. 15-30%of dwellings have no cavity wall insulation and 10% have no loft insulation. The averageStandard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating for all house types is 52 – similar to the nationalaverage. This suggests that there is a significant challenge in the city to reach the kind ofdwelling performance levels that are required to meet the Government’s carbon reductiontargets.

5.15 Non-domestic emissions comprise the largest element of Plymouth’s carbon footprint.These emissions are split roughly equally between the manufacturing and services sectors.Within manufacturing, ship building related industries dominate, followed by food processing.The services sector is dominated by retail, hotels and catering and the public sector (includingeducation). Ship building and the public sector are two sectors which are significantly higherin the mix of emissions than the national average. There would appear to be significant scopeto improve the performance of public sector buildings. End use of energy in these sectors isdominated by space heating, and low temperature heating and lighting. In the manufacturingsector, process and space heating use the greatest share of energy, in retail lighting is themajor component and in the rest of the services sector heating accounts for the greatestshare. Emissions from the manufacturing sector are concentrated within only about 50 keysites which could account for 30% of non-domestic emissions, whereas the service sectoris spread over some 6,000 sites. The main areas for non-domestic emissions in the city areconcentrated around the city centre, the East End, Derriford, Devonport and Roboroughindustrial area.

5.16 With the dominance of heat requirements in the energy mix and a number of key sitesin the city for industrial activity, there is a clear potential for heat sharing initiatives throughcombined heat and power (CHP) and district heating initiatives.

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5.17 Transport emissions are some 24% of the total and are lower than the national andSouth West per capita emission figures. Car traffic is the dominant source of emissionsaccounting for 68% of emissions, followed by vans at 14% and HGV’s at 11%. Being a citythe average travel distances are lower than the South West average, with 30% of emissionsbeing generated by trips under 5 miles. These short trips provide the potential for non-cartravel through walking, cycling and public transport. Some 38% of emissions are generatedby commuting and business related car trips, with a further 27% being generated from personaltrips and 13% related specifically to retail trips.

5.18 Analysis of the above figures (4) indicates that the local strategic initiatives that canmost effectively support the national carbon reduction targets in Plymouth are:

Residential:

Insulation measures could save some 44kt CO2 annually by 2020.A focus should be on older and ‘hard to treat’ properties in the private rented sector.Updating boilers and fuel switching could generate a further 32kt CO2 annual saving.Working with the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligations will be an importantroute to leveraging funds for this area.Micro-generation options seem to have less potential than efficiency improvements, butworking to maximise the benefits from the feed-in tariff scheme (FiT) and the recentlyannounce Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) could generate some 11kt CO2 annualsavings.

Non-domestic:

As heat is a major component of non-domestic emissions the development of shared heatschemes through district heating and CHP can generate significant savings. Potential keyschemes that could be developed include:

District heating linked to the North Yard Energy from Waste (EfW) facilityA Derriford CHP and district heating schemeA Plymouth City Centre CHP and district heating schemeSmaller businesses will not be affected by these measures and so should be a targetarea for local activity. The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) and Climate ChangeAgreements (CCA) will be a strong driver of efficiency improvements in largernon-domestic usersThe Green Deal will be available to these smaller businesses and so leveraging fundsfor this sector should be explored along with its use for the residential sector.

Transport:

4 Analysis of Carbon Targets for Plymouth City Council: 2014, University of Exeter, Centrefor Energy and the Environment, February 2014

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National policy through key measures such as car CO2 emission standards and therenewable transport fuels obligation are expected to generate 56kt CO2 savings by 2020Key additional measures that could generate carbon savings are:

An electric vehicle programme generating 13kt CO2 savingsIncreased behavioural change activities (Smarter Choices) generating a further 13ktCO2 savingsA package of workplace parking levy and public transport investment potentiallysaving 14kt CO2.

Plymouth’s Renewable Energy resource

5.19 There have been a number of estimations of Plymouth's renewable energy resourcewhich describe the magnitude and, where relevant, the spatial distribution of renewableresources available to Plymouth. These resources include wind, biomass, energy-from-waste,landfill gas, anaerobic digestion, solar PV (5), solar thermal, district energy, hydro, marinepower and heat pumps. The 2007 report identifies a total potential renewable electricityresource of approximately 286MW and a total potential renewable heat resource of around472MW. It is also worth noting that there are:

Very limited opportunities for large scale wind powerSignificant opportunities for solar thermal and solar PV due to high rates of insolationPotential for widespread implementation of biomass energy, in the form of wood fuel,and the need to draw upon the resources of neighbouring authoritiesA number of areas around the city which could be suitable for district energy

5.20 Plymouth City Council is in the process of installing solar PV on the roofs of many ofits buildings. So far five buildings have had solar installations and more are planned.Additionally, PEC Renewables will be installing solar PV on between 10 and 20 schools,community buildings and businesses in summer 2014.

5.21 It is estimated that by 2031 local renewable energy could offset 15% of Plymouth'scurrent carbon emissions, assuming very aggressive uptake rates for a number oftechnologies. (6).

Energy security

5.22 In the UK, one third of all energy used is from oil, and 95% of transport is oil-fuelled.Energy costs have risen significantly in recent years. This trend is likely to continue as worldfossil fuel reserves decline. It affords an opportunity to facilitate changes in travel behaviour,

5 e.g. Plymouth Renewable Resource Assessment 2007. Wind resource assessment forthe South West Following SQW energy Methodology, Wardell Armstrong, July 2010.

6 Analysis of Carbon Targets for Plymouth City Council: 2014, University of Exeter, Centrefor Energy and the Environment, February 2014

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from private cars to a range of more sustainable transport options. It also intensifies the needto address fuel poverty in poorer families, and to improve the energy efficiency of buildingsin general.

5.23 Renewable and low carbon energy sources, as well as contributing less to our carbonemissions than fossil fuels, also help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. At the local levelthere are opportunities to promote a range of more efficient and low carbon/renewable energysystems.

Fuel Poverty

5.24 According to the most recent data available (2011) there are 13,712 fuel poorhouseholds in Plymouth, equating to 12.8% of all households in the city. The figures representa reduction on previous year’s totals, principally because 2011 was a very mild winter incomparison to the previous 3 years. Plymouth compares favourably to the rest of the SouthWest which averages 15.8%, and to the national level of 14.8%.

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FigureG:FuelPovertyinPlymouth2013

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5.25 There are two key reasons for Plymouth’s lower than average fuel poverty level. Thefirst is the mild climate the city experiences relative to the rest of the country, and the secondis the high percentage of households connected to the mains gas network – around 88%.Although the city has a large amount of hard to treat properties (approx. 31% of total stock)the majority use mains gas to heat their homes, which is currently one of the cheapest formsof energy. The relatively mild climate also means that a property’s heating system may beused less than it would in other parts of the country.

5.26 The current Energy Company Obligation (ECO) should see properties in Plymouthbecome more fuel poverty resilient over the next 3 to 4 years, particularly as it is targeted atthe hard to treat properties mentioned above. Based on current energy prices and currentlevels of fuel poverty we could expect a fall of around 3% over that time. However, outsideinfluences, such as climate and the economy, will also have an influence.

5.27 It is likely that energy prices will continue to rise as the UK seeks to address thesecurity of its energy supply. Longer term, the Department of Energy and Climate Changeestimates that energy bills will be around 15% higher in 2030 than current levels – pushingthe average bill to £1,516 per year (7). This will clearly have a negative effect on fuel poverty,increasing numbers as incomes fail to catch up with the basic levels of inflation.

Key Issues for climate change and energy

The UK Climate Impacts Programme predicts that Plymouth will have hotter anddrier summers, warmer and wetter winters. Areas with increasing risk of floodinghave also been identified.Levels of fuel poverty are likely to increase, due to the predicted continuation ofprices rises for gas and electricity.There is a need for local action to support emissions reduction towards a nationaltarget of 80% by 2050.Developments are needed in low and zero-carbon technologies, resource efficiencyand district heating schemes.Support is required for a modal shift towards low-carbon forms of travel.

7 Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills.DECC. March 2013

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6 POPULATIONThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan theme: LOCAL COMMUNITY

Introduction

6.1 In the 2011 census the population of Plymouth was 256,384(8), equivalent to 5% of theSouth West’s overall population. The age distribution of Plymouth’s population is consistentwith national trends. There are a higher than average number of 16-24 year olds (15.2%compared to 11.8%) attributable to the universities, although typically students do not remainin the city, as demonstrated by the lower than average number of 25-49 year olds (33.3%compared to 34.8%).

Ethnicity

6.2 Plymouth has a significantly higher than average proportion of ‘white British’ people:92.9% compared to the average for England which is 79.8%. The 7.1% black or minorityethnic (BME) include 2.7% ‘white other’, 0.5% ‘Chinese’, 0.5% ‘other Asian’ (2011 Census).At least 82 different languages are known to be spoken in the city, with most requestedtranslations being for Polish, Kurdish, Chinese and Arabic(9).

Families and households

6.3 In 2011, there were 59,616 families resident in Plymouth. 7.2% homes with dependentchildren are headed by a lone parent and 90.1% of those lone parent families are headedby a woman, both figures being consistent with the national average.

Growth and change

6.4 Plymouth’s population grew at an average 0.68% per annum between 2000 and 2010,faster than the UK average of 0.56%(10). Growth is considered necessary to achieve a criticalmass capable of supporting the city’s aspiration to become an economic hub of the farSouth-West. Birth trends have plateaued since 2010, whilst the proportion of the populationaged over-65, as well as those aged over-85, is currently rising and is predicted to rise further.An ageing population will put pressure on Plymouth’s public services, supported housingand adult social care.

6.5 As shown in Table 1, Plymouth’s age profile sits between that of Bristol and Poole(comparable settlements in the south west) – older than Bristol and younger than Poole. Thestudent-age group (20-24) in Plymouth is proportionally high, whilst the number of 30-44 yearolds decreased between 2001 and 2011. The proportion of baby-boomers' aged 60-64 hasgrown considerably, and the 45-59, 65-74 and 85-89 groups, plus those aged over 90, haveall also increased but to a lesser extent.

8 2011 Census: Usual resident population (local authorities), Dec 2012, ONS. Cited inKnowing Our Communities

9 Knowing Our Communities. Plymouth City Council. June 201310 Plymouth: An overview, PCC Economic Development, 2013. Page 3.

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Poole 2011Bristol 2011Plymouth 2011Plymouth 2001

5.7%6.9%6%5.5%0-4

5.2%5.4%5%6.1%5-9

5.4%5.1%5.3%6.7%10-14

5.9%6.3%6.9%6.9%15-19

5.5%10.4%9.5%7.2%20-24

5.9%9.5%7.4%6.2%25-29

19.5%22.2%19%22.2%30-44

19.9%16.5%18.7%18.5%45-59

6.7%4.7%5.9%4.8%60-64

9.9%6.5%8.6%8.3%65-74

7.2%4.5%5.5%5.7%75-84

2.1%1.4%1.4%1.3%85-89

1.2%0.7%0.8%0.7%90+

41.5 years37.2 yearsN/A38.5 yearsMean age in 2001

42.1 years36.5 years39 yearsN/AMean age in 2011

Table 1 : Age distributions taken from ONS 2011 Census data. Source: Author.

6.6 In 2011, 92.8% of people living in Plymouth were born in the UK, a drop from 95.7%in 2001. Compared to Bristol, which saw a 6.6% shift (from 91.8% born in the UK in 2001 to85.2% in 2011), Plymouth has a low proportion of residents born outside the UK, but that isrising slowly. Poole also has a consistently slightly lower proportion of residents born in theUK, dropping from 94.8% in 2001 to 91.8% in 2011. Plymouth’s Asylum Seeker populationis less than 200 people, making up less than 0.1% of the population(11).

6.7 Table 2 shows the percentage population change in relation to the wider region. Thedata shows Plymouth’s level of growth to be substantial, along with Cornwall, although notas high as growth levels in West Devon.

Population Change 2001 – 2011Total PopulationAuthority

2011 MYE (ONS)2001 MYE (ONS) % Change 2001 - 2011

6.8%33,800533,800500,000Cornwall

6.5%15,600256,600241,000Plymouth

2.1%1,70083,60081,900South Hams

11 KnowingOur Communities, Public Health Plymouth/Plymouth City Council Social InclusionUnit, updated June 2013.

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9.8%4,80053,70048,900West Devon

0.1%033,60033,600Dartmoor NationalPark

Table 2: Source: ONS 2013, cited in PCC SHMNA 2013.

6.8 The cause of population changes are multifaceted, defined by the Office of NationalStatistics (ONS) as either:

‘natural change’, the residual once deaths are detracted from births, or

‘migration’, the difference between the total people entering and leaving the authority.

6.9 Figure B shows Plymouth’s internal and international migration accounted for significantchange, particularly between 2003 and 2005. Change caused by migration has reduced,whilst natural change has increased.

6.10 The greatest increases in birthrate in recent years have been in the NW, SW and SEof the city, and now include growth in the NE, Central and Plympton localities. An increasedbirth rate impacts on demand for many essential services. Implications for primary schoolplaces are discussed in Chapter 7.

Figure B: Source: ONS mid-year estimates, Edge Analytics, 2013, cited in PCCSHMNA 2013

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Key issues for Plymouth’s population

Population growth has the potential to multiply negative effects on our environmentand carbon emissions through increased homes, transport and consumption.Plymouth’s ageing population will put pressure on support services.Increasing levels of internal out-migration may result in both social and economicsustainability issues, particularly where the proportion of the population of workingage is reducing.A critical mass is required in order to support the aspirations for the city.Growth in the city is arguably more sustainable than in more dispersed parts of thesub-region as it will improve the sustainability of key services, for example publictransport.

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7 HOUSINGThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: LIVING & HOUSING and CITYPRIDE.

Introduction

7.1 Good quality housing, both existing and new, in thriving communities, is essential toachieving Plymouth’s growth vision and key to delivering aspirations to grow to over 300,000people. It is essential to ensure that provision is made for an appropriate range, mix and typeof housing accommodation that relates to housing needs.

Housing growth and renewal

7.2 Plymouth has a clear vision for growth and has a current target of 33,000 homes,42,000 jobs and a population rise to over 300,000 by 2031. The city has a very good trackrecord of delivery: £1.7 Billion of development approved by Planning Committee since January2009; 1,269 new affordable homes and 342 empty private sector homes brought back intouse. There is a substantial estate renewal programme underway at North Prospect (thebiggest in South West) and also major regeneration programmes underway in Devonportand Millbay.

Incomes and house prices

7.3 Despite Plymouth having relatively cheaper house prices (compared to the rest of thehousing market area and most of the South West), many households are unable to affordtheir own home. Evidence from our Strategic Housing Market Needs Assessment 2013 detailsfull time median annual earnings for Plymouth residents are £23,600 compared to £26,500for the UK, and with almost 40% of households having an annual gross household incomebelow £20,000. Housing affordability remains a key issue with a lower quartile house costingapproximately 6.3 times the income of a household earning the lower quartile salary; anincome of £29,829 (with a 10% deposit) is required to be able to either purchase a lowerquartile house of £116,000 or afford the average market rent for a two bed property inPlymouth.

Care housing

7.4 The city has a growing, ageing and increasingly single population; with 27% identifiedwith some sort of disability and a dramatic 27% projected increase in the elderly populationby 2026. The provision of extra care housing, supported housing and lifetime homes willremain a priority to meet identified needs and support independent living.

Affordable housing

7.5 The demand for housing that is affordable far outstrips supply, the number of householdson the housing register now stands at over 10,000; with almost 3,000 identified as having ahigh priority need for housing. The housing register has seen a rise in the number of people

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in bed and breakfast accommodation, due to changes in government policy to introduce anunder-occupancy penalty, but there are limited properties available that are suitable to meettheir needs.

Housing standards

7.6 There are over 114,000 dwellings in Plymouth of which roughly 60% are owner occupied,20% privately rented and 20% social housing. The Private Sector Housing Stock Conditionsreport 2010 (12) set out the scale of poor housing across the city at that time, which detailed:

29,930 ‘non decent’ private sector dwellings (33.3%)18,800 private sector dwellings have Category 1 health and safety hazards (20.9%)Up to a further 5000+ social houses considered to be non-decent25,500 private sector dwellings occupied by vulnerable residents37.6% of non-decent private sector dwellings (9,500) are occupied by a vulnerableresident37% of the city’s 22,000 private rented dwellings are non-decent – the worst across alltenuresOf the 29,930 private sector dwellings, the estimated repair cost by non-decency reasonis £170 millionMajor improvements to Plymouth Community Homes housing stock since 2009 meansthat poor rental property standards are increasingly polarised in private rental properties.

New housing delivered

7.7 Between 2006 and 2012 a total of 4,517 net additional dwellings were added to thecity’s housing stock. This figure includes new housing developments, conversions, studentcluster flats and demolitions. A total of 1,737 affordable homes have been delivered whichrepresents 35% of all new homes delivered during that time.

Future development

7.8 As at July 2013 there were 4,238 dwellings with planning permission yet to startconstruction across 83 sites in Plymouth. The city therefore has considerable potential forfuture residential development, despite the impact of the recession, with the city’s 5-yearhousing land supply anticipated to yield some 5,536 new dwellings between 2014 and 2019.Large developments are underway at Plymstock Quarry, Derriford and Sherford, althoughmost of the Sherford homes will fall outside the Plymouth boundary, in South Hams. Thetrajectory for the following 10 years is estimated to yield a further 8,720 dwellings (net).

7.9 The Get Plymouth Building programme aims to accelerate housing delivery and inparticular bring forward greener and more affordable homes delivering over 2,000 homesand over 800 jobs in local construction and supply chains within the next 2-3 years by takingan innovative approach to housing and planning for homes.

12 Cited in 'Better Homes, Healthy Lives Delivery Plan 2012-2017. PCC

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Key Issues for housing

Affordability is a major issue for housing in Plymouth, relating to house prices butalso to rented properties.There is a need for more affordable homes in the city.The delivery of new homes needs to accelerate if targets are to be met.A third of private rented properties in Plymouth are classed as 'non decent'.

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8 ECONOMYThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: PROSPERITY &AFFORDABILITY, CITY PRIDE and ARTS & CULTURE.

Status

8.1 Plymouth is the second largest city in the South West region (after Bristol) with aresident population of 256,600 and a further 100,000 across its Travel-to-Work Area (TTWA).The city plays a significant economic role in its sub-region, contributing Gross Value Added(GVA) of £4.3 billion in 2011, amounting to 12% of the combined output of Heart of the SouthWest and Cornwall local economic partnership (LEP) areas. It provides central healthcare,cultural and leisure facilities; business, financial and retail services; rail and sea transporthubs. GVA per head of £16,500, however, is far below the national average (£20,900) andcloser to the North East of England average (£15,800) than the relatively more prosperousSW (£19,100).

8.2 In the period 2003-2007, the number of jobs in Plymouth TTWA increased at a rate inline with the ambitious Local Economic Strategy (LES) target (1,800 per annum), the largestgains being in public administration, education and health. The recession ended this progressin the short-term, with job numbers falling faster than nationally and returning to 2003 levels.

8.3 Plymouth’s economy continues to recover from the recession of 2008/9 against achallenging and volatile economic backdrop. Rates of unemployment, though falling, remainelevated (particularly youth and long-term) and incomes continue to be squeezed in realterms. The public sector was an important source of wealth creation in the run up to therecession but this is unlikely to continue. Future growth will need to be driven by the privatesector with a re-balancing of economic activity from domestic consumption to investmentand exports. Headline statistics (13) are:

GVA per head of £16,553 – 79.3% of the UK average valueA total of 6,855 VAT and/or PAYE enterprises in 2012102,600 employees in 2011, of which 76,700 (74.7%) were employed in the privatesector and 25,900 (25.3%) in the public sectorFull-time median annual earnings (residence based) of £23,995 in 2012 compared toSouth West (£25,038) and UK (£26,462).

8.4 The Plymouth LES characterised Plymouth as having a fragile economy, highlightingthe need to improve its economic performance by becomingmore competitive and diversifyingits economic base. It called for a more supportive culture for its business community andintellectual property, andmore opportunities for incumbent small andmedium sized companiesto flourish. It highlighted the significant challenge of ‘perceived peripherally’, proposing anumber of interventions to improve its connectivity with other core cities and regional urbancentres in Cornwall and Devon, and develop its branding through the marketing of its culturalassets and quality of life offer.

13 Source: ONS

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8.5 The LES recognised a number of key assets on which to build, most notably anoutstanding natural waterfront setting and a new and exciting physical vision for the citycentre (the Mackay Vision). These assets, together with a growing education infrastructureand established specialisms in advanced manufacturing, medical sciences, arts and creativeindustries, sustainability and environmental sciences, and marine sciences were viewed asproviding a good platform to achieve the city’s vision.

8.6 Plymouth University is perceived to be a key driver for the expansion of the city’sknowledge economy and a critical influence on the future economic prosperity of the city.The challenge is seen to be in how the city can scale up from this asset base, and providesimilar incubation and start up space located in close proximity to other centres of intellectualcapital.

8.7 The LES set out a number of critical success factors to track economic performanceover the period of implementation:

Productivity & competitiveness

8.8 For a city of its size and stature, Plymouth continues to punch below its weight ineconomic terms, signified by persistently low rates of productivity. The LES 2006 included aheadline aspirational target to eliminate by 2016: the GVA per head gap between Plymouthand the UK average. Always a challenging target, the city has seen this gap widen over timerather than narrow. GVA per head, a proxy measure of productivity, stands at 79% of thenational average (89% when the ‘London effect’ is taken into account). The per-head figureattributes output to the entire resident population and is, therefore, distorted by economicinactivity and commuting patterns. More encouragingly, GVA per hour is 92% and per job85% of the national average and there has been some improvement here.

8.9 Improving productivity remains a considerable challenge for the city and suggests acontinued focus on the so-called ‘drivers’: Enterprise, Innovation, Competition, Skills andInvestment.(14)

Business & enterprise

8.10 Enterprise is a key driver of productivity. In the form of new entrants to the marketplace, it increases competitive pressures and creates a necessary level of business churnto stimulate growth.

8.11 Currently, the city has amongst the lowest rates of business density and start-ups inthe country, ranking 61/64 and 56/64 in 2011(15). More positively, research(16) shows thatPlymouth ranked 46th best out of 324 local authorities in terms of proportion of “businesschampions”. These are defined as young, small but rapidly growing firms with directors thatshow entrepreneurial skill, appetite for business risk and real international outlook.

14 Plymouth’s Economic Review Issue 2 (June 2012), Economic Intelligence sub-group ofPlymouth Growth Board

15 Cities Outlook (2013) Centre for Cities16 BBC Local Growth research (2012) Experian

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Knowledge, technology & innovation

8.12 Knowledge and technology have become key drivers of economic growth across theUK, but the share of Plymouth jobs within the high technology sectors is significantly lowerthan national and regional averages (albeit with strong specialisation in higher education).The city ranked 43 out of 64 cities on the percentage of its labour force in knowledge-intensivesectors in 2013.

8.13 As a result of the wealth generated around concentrations of high tech, knowledgerich industries the LES views this as a significant constraint for Plymouth's economicdevelopment.

Skills & learning

8.14 High skill levels are a modern requirement for economic growth. Although seeingsome improvement in recent years, Plymouth remains below the national average and othercomparator cities on the proportion of its workforce qualified to NVQ4+ (degree levelequivalent). This suggests that although Plymouth's further and higher education sectors aresuccessfully drawing in students, there is a relatively low rate of retention in the city. Thisleaves the city less well placed than others to attract new technology and knowledge intensiveforms of investment, or take advantage of advances in business and management process.

8.15 The ‘knowledge-based’ value added economy of the future, however, needs a solidfoundation of people with basic skills who are able to make the most of rapid technologicaland process change. Therefore, the productive employment of all individuals across the skillschain is fundamental to long-term competitiveness.

Key Centres

8.16 Plymouth is a significant hub for the far South West, having an economic influencefar beyond its administrative boundaries. The concentration of businesses and people in asingle place creates a range of economic benefits, including larger and more diverse labourmarkets, knowledge spill-overs between businesses, and lower costs in terms of marketaccess.

8.17 A key priority for the city’s economy is to ensure the complementary and mutuallyreinforcing growth of its main economic centres. In particular the City Centre and Derriford.

Participation

8.18 High levels of deprivation within the city create significant barriers to economicparticipation. Within Plymouth, economic fortunes are mixed, as is the case with many largeurban areas. While there are pockets of relative wealth and prosperity, there are areas thatcontinue to fall behind, with a plethora of deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. Wardslocated in the city’s ‘western arc’ continue to experience the highest levels of deprivation asmeasured by the index of multiple deprivation (IMD) 2010. Parts of Devonport and St Peter& the Waterfront are acutely affected, falling into the most deprived 2% in the country. Thecontraction in the scale of the once thriving Navy and associated dockyard activity (reducedto a workforce of just 10,000) has been a significant contributory factor.

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8.19 Significant job creation initiatives are underway or in the pipeline, including 2,000 newjobs in the city's Plan for Jobs and almost 10,000 more expected across the peninsula throughthe Plymouth and Peninsula City Deal.

Sustainable growth

8.20 Sustainable economic growth requires a high degree of participation from within localcommunities and will 'therefore necessitate a particularly intensive effort to enable the mostdeprived communities to realise higher and more sustainable rates of economic activity' (17).The city's economic development needs to be supported by measures to address social andenvironmental causes of worklessness and the barriers to employment (low skills, or mismatchbetween skills and demand, low levels of confidence &motivation, disengaged young people).

8.21 The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change identifies that climate changecan be reviewed as a significant opportunity, but that there is a need for investment in therestructuring towards a low carbon economy.

Key Issues for economy

Low levels of productivity, enterprise and innovation.Perceived peripherality from other core cities in the South West and beyond.Dependence on public sector employment.Poor success to date in developing high-tech, knowledge-rich industries.High levels of worklessness, particularly in areas of high deprivation, requiringmeasure to tackle underlying socio-economic factors.

17 Plymouth LES, 2007

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9 TRANSPORTThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: GETTING AROUND, LOCALCOMMUNITY, LIVING & HOUSING, PROSPERITY & AFFORDABILITY and CITY PRIDE.

Introduction

9.1 Plymouth is a major hub on the strategic routes from London & the rest of the UK (andEurope) to Cornwall. These routes include the A38 Devon Expressway, the main rail links,and the commercial port. The city’s future prosperity depends, in part, on the continualimprovement of these vital links. It is also both socially and economically important to improvethe city’s links with its surrounding hinterland. Significant numbers travel into Plymouth fromthe surrounding towns for work, shopping, entertainment, healthcare and education.

Road travel

9.2 The main transport infrastructure in Plymouth is based on its roads. However, the A38creates something of a north-south split in the city, making cycle and foot travel from thenorthern suburbs difficult. The bounding of the city on three sides by water also concentratestransport movements to a 90 degree segment of the city and limits the options for non-vehicletransport, whilst creating potential for local water-based travel. Aside from some rail travel,mainly by those living outside the city boundary, the main alternative modes of transport inPlymouth are bus services, cycling and walking.

Air travel

9.3 Plymouth City Airport ceased to operate on 24th December 2011, following aNon-Viability Notice being served by Sutton Harbour Holdings. The long term future of theairport remains uncertain.

Cycling

9.4 Cycling has increased in Plymouth by around 50% in the last decade. Plymouth adoptedthe Strategic Cycle Network (SCN) in December 2009 and it was subsequently incorporatedinto Plymouth's Local Transport Plan in April 2011. It was developed by Plymouth City Councilworking closely with a range of cycling and other organisations. It is a city plan detailing thestrategic network of routes. This enables investment to be "joined up" across the city andacross different organisations to achieve a useful network to encourage more and safercycling.

Workforce travel

9.5 A relatively low percentage of people work from home - 6.97% of those in paidemployment, which is a slight increase on 2001 figures. The average for the South West is13.05%, and for England andWales 6.9%). Plymouth is reasonably self-contained, with 78%of people in employment and living in the city also working there. However, 12,800 commutefrom outside of Plymouth each day – 46% from Devon and 14% from Cornwall. 11% of theworkforce travel to work by bus, which is high relative to the South West (4.6%) and England

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and Wales (7.2%). 14.1% walk to work, 2.6% commute by bicycle and 61.3% by car or van.Bus patronage has stabilised at just over 20 million passenger journeys per annum for the3 years from 2009/10 to 2011/12. 61% of residents were satisfied with local bus services.

Traffic

9.6 In comparison to many other towns and cities Plymouth is relatively free of congestion,other than at peak periods on critical sections of the northern and eastern corridors. Areawide traffic has fluctuated in recent years, reaching a peak in 2006 of 741 million vehiclemiles within the Plymouth area, this declined to 702 million vehicle miles in 2010 but hasstarted to rise again reaching 710 million vehicle miles in 2012(18). Traffic speeds as well astraffic volume have an impact on quality of life, particularly in residential areas. In 2012 49%of cars and vans exceeded the 30mph speed limit on urban roads in the UK, whilst no specificdata is available for Plymouth there are no factors which would cause driver behaviour to bedifferent in this city.

Road safety

9.7 The number of ‘slight’ (non-serious) road casualties in Plymouth reduced from 1,072incidents in 2000 to 736 in 2012, a reduction of 31%. Similarly, the number of serious andfatal incidents reduced from 97 in 2000 to 61 in 2012, a reduction of 37%. However, therewas a spike in 2011 when the total reached 74 serious or fatal incidents, 14 of which werechildren. The number of child casualties dropped to two in 2012, the best figure recorded todate.

Freight

9.8 Freight services play an important part in the economy of the city. A limited amount offreight uses the railway network. Most goods arrive or depart by road and are moved aroundthe city in a similar fashion. In 2011 goods vehicles (light and heavy) made up around 14%of the traffic on the Plymouth road network.

Rail travel

9.9 Rail also plays a role in the urban public transport network. In addition to the mainrailway station, there are 5 inner-city stations, which provide a modest level of commuterservices for travellers living in South Devon, East Cornwall and the Tamar Valley. There isa trend of consistently high passenger growth on all railway lines in the SouthWest peninsulaover the past decade; 2012 saw many lines with around 10% growth. In the ten years up to2012 patronage grew by 94% across the far south west rail routes. Around 2 million peopletravel through Plymouth’s main station. However, patronage at the local stations, such asDevonport, is much lower, probably due to the low frequency of train services and the muchbetter offer (frequency of service) presented by the local bus services.

18 Traffic volumes, DfT 2013(https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/tra89-traffic-by-local-authority)

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Water travel

9.10 Plymouth Ferryport has daily passenger and freight services to Roscoff in France -and regular sailings to Santander in Spain. There is a domestic vehicle ferry link to Torpointin Cornwall, served by three chain-driven vessels and three passenger ferry links betweenMount Edgcumbe to Stonehouse, Royal William Yard to The Barbican and The Barbican toMount Batten. There is also a significant commercial port, handling a range of bulkcommodities, including oil and china clay. In 2012 the Port of Plymouth handled around 2.3million tonnes of freight. Plymouth has also become the base for a growing number of pleasureboats and marina-based craft.

Key Issues for transport

Barriers to walking and cycling in and around Plymouth.Issues associated with Plymouth's peripherality such as the quality of train serviceto London and the rest of the South West.Growth to the North and East of the city will put additional strain on the transportnetworks in those areas.

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10 WASTEThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: CITY PRIDE, LOCALCOMMUNITY and GREENER PLYMOUTH.

10.1 European and UK guidance and legislation require waste management authorities toestablish waste management strategies that divert waste from landfill in favour of moresustainable methods of management in accordance with the ‘waste hierarchy’ of reduce,reuse, recycle, recover and dispose.

10.2 Like most of the UK, Plymouth has been reliant upon the use of landfill as the primarymethod of waste disposal for many decades. Since the early 1960s, the city’s landfill site hasbeen at Chelson Meadow on the east side of the city. This reached the end of its operationallife and closed in March 2008.

Waste tonnages and projections

10.3 The waste infrastructure in the city will have to cope with an increased demand asthe city grows. Depending on levels of waste growth, population growth and the success ofwaste minimisation, by 2021 it is estimated that between 741,000 and 1,426,000 tonnes ofwaste could be generated within the city. Of the total predicted waste arisings, between141,000 and 153,000 tonnes will be local authority controlled municipal waste by 2021, ofwhich between 63,000 and 69,000 tonnes will be managed at the new energy from waste(EfW) facility. In the same period there will need to be further waste recovery capacity ofbetween 57,000 and 115,000 tonnes for commercial & industrial waste, with some of thisbeing absorbed by the new EfW facility. Since 2007 waste arisings per person have fallenyear on year and indications are that this trend has continued in 2013/14.

Recycling statistics

10.4 Since 2000 recycling rates across the UK have risen whilst rates of waste-to-landfillhave fallen. This trend has continued in 2012/13, although there is an observable ‘levellingout’ occurring on both fronts. In the South West, household recycling rates were 14.9% in2000/01, 31.4% in 2005/06 and 47.2% in 2011/12(19). These rates are consistently high incomparison to other regions, second only to Eastern England in recent years. In Plymouth,household recycling rates have improved in line with national trends, but are lower than theSouth West rates and also lower than South Hams: 22.2% in 2005/06 (South Hams recycled30.9% in 2005/06) and 32.8% in 2012/13 (South Hams recycled 53.9%)(20).

19 Local Authority Collected Waste Generation from 2000/01 to 2011/12 (England andregions data)

20 WasteDataFlow 2012/13.

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New facilities

10.5 The city’s challenge is to manage the waste produced by an expanding city andpopulation in a cost effective and sustainable way. An EfW scheme has now been procuredto recover value from residual waste currently being landfilled. The facility will be operationalfrom winter 2014 and will provide both heat and electricity to the HM Naval Base Devonportcomplex and will divert at least 97% of residual waste from landfill.

10.6 In September 2012 the Council introduced a pilot scheme for collection of glass bottlesand jars alongside other recyclables. This has led to the procurement of a new MaterialsRecycling Facility (MRF) which will also be able to sort glass. The contract is anticipated tobe in place in 2014 when residents across the city will be able to put glass bottles and jarsinto their recycling container.

Key Issues for waste

The need to develop opportunities for using waste as a resource.Minimisation is a key issue, although to a considerable extent the drivers of this arein national policy.Cross border waste movement and service provision.The facilitation and management of waste facilities in new housing and otherdevelopments.

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11 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENTThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: ARTS & CULTURE and CITYPRIDE.

Naval influences

11.1 While Plymouth’s origins lie in the medieval period, and it was an important and wellknown harbour in the 16th and 17th centuries, its development into the city that it has becomeis primarily down to the establishment of the Royal Dockyard in the 1690s. This requiredcontinuous growth and expansion to provide for an ever larger imperial navy and has left thecity with a particularly rich heritage of naval and other military sites and buildings as well asthe housing and communities that provided the workforce and support for the Dockyard.

11.2 This expansion and development continued throughout the 19th and into the 20th

century, and was then dramatically enhanced by reconstruction following the Second WorldWar, based on the 1943 Abercrombie Plan. This provided for whole new communities aswell as the most complete post-War city centre in Britain. Demand increased for localcommunity facilities, open space and industry. New estates, mainly to the north of the Citywere developed, including Ernesettle, Honicknowle, Whitleigh, Southway and Efford. Openspaces ran through the valleys with residential areas along the hillsides. The top of the slopeswere used for industry, playing fields and schools. More recently expansion has continued,mainly to the north of the city, at Eggbuckland, Belliver, Estover, Mainstone and Leighamand, in the east, at Chaddlewood and Yealmpstone Farm.

Designated sites

11.3 Within the city boundary there are 37 Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs), whichis high compared to Bristol which has 23 and Exeter which has 19. Most of the SAMs relateto historic defence, examples being the Palmerston Forts and Drake’s Island. There are also14 Conservation Areas, over 800 listed buildings (Bristol has over 4,500, Exeter has over1,800) such as the Prysten House, Merchants House and Esplanade. Additionally there aresix Registered Historic Parks and Gardens and the Coronation Protected Wreck.

11.4 The 2005 survey of all of Plymouth's buildings of historic or townscapemerit concludedthat there are 124 listed buildings or structures ‘at risk’, from a total of over 750. This comparespoorly to Bristol where only approximately 100, of a total of roughly 4,500, were classified‘at risk’. Of Plymouth’s 412 total ‘at risk’ buildings, 20 are SAMs - more than half of all SAMsin Plymouth - and the remaining 266 are buildings or structures considered to be of TownscapeMerit.

Preservation and access

11.5 It is clear that much of Plymouth’s character and identity have been shaped by itshistory, and it is therefore important to ensure that heritage sites, the historic environmentand the character of the city is protected and maintained for the future. Similarly, it is importantto make the most of opportunities to increase access to heritage sites and celebrate thehistoric environment.

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Key Issues for the historic environment

Plymouth has a higher than average number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments,more than half of which are considered to be at risk.The historic environment has an important role in establishing and maintaining localcharacter & distinctiveness and its role in the city's regeneration, leisure, recreation& tourism.The historic environment should be accessible, whilst ensuring access isappropriately managed to ensure assets are not eroded.Development and regeneration associated with the growth agenda will need toensure that the historic environment is maintained and protected from damageassociated with higher population densities as well as specific development projects.

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12 EQUALITY & INCLUSIONThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: LOCAL COMMUNITY,EDUCATION & LEARNING and CITY PRIDE.

Defining social exclusion

12.1 TheOxford English Dictionary defines social exclusion as ‘exclusion from the prevailingsocial system and its rights and privileges, typically as a result of poverty or the fact ofbelonging to a minority social group’.

12.2 The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) provides insight into a variety of socialcharacteristics of the City because the score combines and weights its components, whichare: income, employment, health deprivation and disability, education, skills and training,housing and access to services, crime and disorder and the living environment. Areas withworse IMD scores are likely to be areas where people suffer social exclusion.

12.3 The cost of living in the UK has risen significantly since the financial crash in 2008,which has compounded the financial exclusion of groups which were already marginalised.The Plymouth Fairness Commission was established in 2013, partly as a response to theeconomic crisis, to assess and tackle unfairness in the city. The Fairness Commission hascollated evidence from consultation across the city and has made recommendations to thecity’s leaders in spring 2014.

12.4 The work of The Fairness Commission is consistent with Plymouth City Council’sstatus as a cooperative council, which aims to include service users to a greater extent inservice design.

Deprivation

12.5 Parts of Plymouth experience high levels of deprivation as measured by the IMD, asshown in Figure C. In 2010 the City of Plymouth was ranked as having the 70thmost deprivedLower Super Output Areas (LSOAs - small neighbourhood units) in England out of 326districts, in terms of the extent of deprivation. In comparison, Bristol ranked 73rd, Swindon142nd, and Poole 177th. On the employment scale, one of the components of the overall index,Plymouth is ranked as the 45thmost deprived local authority, compared with Bristol 9th, Swindon108th, and Poole 161st.

12.6 Out of 32,482 LSOAs in England and Wales, Plymouth has five ranked in the bottom4% most deprived, including one LSOA (part of St Peter and the Waterfront) ranked in the1% most deprived. Indeed, the most deprived LSOA in Plymouth is also ranked the 5th mostdeprived of all 3,226 LSOAs in the South West.

12.7 There is a strong link between deprivation, health and life expectancy and a distinctcorrelation between lower life expectancy and higher rates of deprivation in Plymouth, whichare expressed more fully in the following chapter; Health and Wellbeing.

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FigureC:Indices

ofMultipleDeprivation2010

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Discrimination

12.8 The Equalities Act (2010) defines nine protected characteristics; age, disability, genderreassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion andbelief, sex and sexual orientation. It is against the law to discriminate against someone onaccount of these characteristics.

12.9 Discrimination in Plymouth is difficult to quantify, although some indication may begiven by looking at crime statistics for Devon and Cornwall, which showed a 20% drop inreported hate crime between 2010 and 2011 (from 875 to 715 cases), although reported hatecrimes returned to 2009 rates in 2012 (840 reports). The majority of hate crimes consistentlyrelate to racist incidents, ranging from the lowest; 77.7% racist incidents in 2012-13, to thehighest; 95.4% in 2011.

12.10 There was a sharp rise in disablist incidents reported to Devon & Cornwall Policein 2012-13, 59 incidents in 12 months, in comparison to just four in the previous year. Asurvey of people in Plymouth found that 22% of people with a disability had experiencedharassment in public because of their impairment. 90% of people with a learning disabilitysaid they had been bullied (subject to disablist hate crime or incident) during 2009. This highlevel in comparison to the reported crime figures may indicate a low level of reporting ofdisablist hate crime to the police.

12.11 In a survey of 75 Gypsies and Travellers conducted in 2013, 81% said that they hadbeen a victim of a racist incident, comment or attitude in the previous 12 months.

Participation in decision-making

12.12 In the 2010 parliamentary elections, 63.95% of Plymouth residents voted; a turnoutslightly below the UK average of 65.1%. Parliamentary and City Council election turnoutsare in decline, as they are nationally, the turnout for the city council’s 2012 elections beingjust 33%.

12.13 Community engagement efforts by the City Council are focused on the five mostdeprived areas of the city. Since 2011, 29 neighbourhoods have a voluntary NeighbourhoodLiaison Officer (NLO), tasked with hosting four ‘Have Your Say’ meetings each year. BetweenJuly 2010 and December 2012 there were 340 neighbourhood meetings across the city, withan average of 12 community members present at each.

12.14 The five neighbourhoods scoring highest on the IMD scale also have NeighbourhoodManagers and Wardens who coordinate a number of activities including ‘Have Your Say’meetings and other initiatives to enhance community engagement and cohesion.

Community cohesion

12.15 Measures of community cohesion show that Plymouth performs poorly comparedto other cities. Racism has often been a problem in the neighbourhoods which haveexperienced repeat difficulties with cohesion. Racial tensions are often associated with rapid

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or sudden demographic changes, although diversification in Plymouth has been slowcompared to other British cities (21). White British people made up 96.43% of Plymouth’spopulation in 2001 and 92.9% in 2011.

12.16 Poor cohesion in certain areas has also been attributed to high levels ofunemployment caused in part by the shift away from the city's manufacturing base.

12.17 According to the 2012 Listening Plymouth survey, 53% of people agreed that theirlocal area is a place where people from different ethnic backgrounds get on well together,while 58% strongly feel they belong to their local area, a slight increase from 55% in 2009.

Community and Voluntary Sector

12.18 Plymouth’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential servicesacross the city.

12.19 The Plymouth Octopus Project (POP) was commissioned in 2013 by Plymouth CityCouncil, and aims to increase resilience in Plymouth’s VCS through a collaborative approachwhich will unite different organisations and recognise their value. POP is working to putco-design, co-production and co-commissioning at the heart of how the sector works. POPhas identified around 550 active VCS groups in the city.

Key Issues for equality and inclusion

There are high levels of deprivation in areas of Plymouth, with some LSOAs rankingamong the most deprived in England.Participation in decision-making is falling in line with national trends, but there isspecific work ongoing to address this in the five most deprived neighbourhoods.Plymouth's community and voluntary sector plays a key role in delivering essentialservices and is undergoing development work at present.Health is a major contributor to measures of inequality in Plymouth.

21 Listening Plymouth Survey, 2012, based on National Indicator 1 for Community Cohesion

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13 HEALTH AND WELLBEINGThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: HEALTH & CARE, LOCALCOMMUNITY, LIVING & HOUSING and CITY PRIDE

Life expectancy

13.1 Plymouth performs significantly worse than the national average in 18 of the 32comparative health indicators reported in the annual 2013 Plymouth health profile.(22) Forexample, in 2009-11 life expectancy for men and women was 78.0 years and 82.1 yearsrespectively, significantly lower than the national averages of 78.9 and 82.9.

13.2 Over the last 10 years all-age all-cause mortality rates have fallen. Rates of earlydeath (persons aged under 75 years) from circulatory disease (heart disease and stroke)has also fallen over the same time period.(23) The current value is not significantly differentto the England average.

13.3 The early mortality rate from all cancers in Plymouth has remained relatively stablesince 2001, at approximately 120/100,000 population. The value for Plymouth in 2009-11was significantly worse than the England average.

Health inequalities

13.4 Across a range of indicators, health outcomes for people living in the most deprivedneighbourhoods are less positive than their more affluent neighbours. These indicators includeteenage pregnancy, smoking in pregnancy, low birth-weight births, breastfeeding at 6-8weeks, and childhood obesity levels.

13.5 Most noticeable are inequalities concerning life expectancy across the city. In 2009-11life expectancy in Devonport was just 72.2 years compared to 84.8 years in Widewell.(24)

The gap in life expectancy between these neighbourhoods is 12.6 years, a decrease fromthe 14.7 year gap seen in 2007-09.

13.6 The evidence of disparity is further highlighted by the seven times higher rates ofcancer deaths in under-75 year olds in Barne Barton Compared to Derriford West andCrownhill.

Children’s social care need

13.7 In Plymouth in 2011/12 there was a rate of 75.7 per 10,000 children that had becomepart of a child protection plan, compared to the national average of 46.0. The neighbourhoodswith the highest rates of child protection orders were Devonport and City Centre.(25)

22 Plymouth Health Profile, 2013, PHE . Accessed 14/11/1323 Trends in health inequalities in Plymouth, Jan 2013, Office of the Director of Public

Health, Plymouth City Council.24 Life expectancy in Plymouth Report, Jan 2013, Office of the Director of Public Health,

Plymouth City Council.25 Neighbourhood Profiles , Jan 2013. Accessed 14/11/13.

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13.8 The neighbourhoods with the highest rates of children classed as ‘in-need’ wereDevonport and Stonehouse. Rates of children-in-care also vary across the city. The highestrates were seen in the City Centre and Stonehouse neighbourhoods.

Key Issues for health and wellbeing

There is a significant disparity evident between the poorest and most affluentneighbourhoods of Plymouth across the majority of health and wellbeing indicators,life expectancy being perhaps the most profound.The people of Plymouth suffer from worse health than the national average on twothirds of indicators.Whilst early death rates have fallen nationally, people in Plymouth still have lowerlife expectancies than the national average.The rate of children subject to a child protection order in Plymouth is 40% higherthan the national average.

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14 LEARNINGThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan theme: EDUCATION & LEARNING

School places

14.1 Since 2007 primary school numbers have been steadily growing due to the increasedbirth rate. Primary school numbers are predicted to increase by 14% on 2009 numbers by2015. The greatest increases have been in the NW, SW and SE localities of the city and nowinclude growth in the North East and Central and Plympton localities. The total number ofPrimary school children in Plymouth is due to rise from 17,927 in January 2011 to 23,487 atits peak in January 2029, an increase of 31%. Secondary school numbers are currentlyfalling, but will start to increase from September 2016 and will reach capacity around 2023.

Investment in schools

14.2 A total of £13.6M has been invested as part of the Basic Need work since 2011 whichhas resulted in 1546 extra school places for Plymouth. An additional £8.4m has been allocatedrecently by Government through their targeted capital funding to build a two form entry primaryschool and to expand 3 further primary schools from 2015.

School standards

14.3 Primary school standards in Plymouth have considerably improved in the last fouryears, with the percentage of schools achieving Good or Outstanding rising from 62% to84%. This compares well to Bristol which achieved 45% Good or Outstanding in 2009, and76% in 2013, but performs slightly worse than Poole which achieved 70% in 2009 and 89%in 2013.

14.4 Plymouth’s secondary school performance has dropped by 7% since 2009, but stilloutperforms Bristol's schools for example: by 48% in 2009 and by 13% in 2013. Plymouth’ssecondary schools also consistently outperformed Poole, by 10% in 2009 and by 18% in2013, due to a drop in performance of Poole’s secondary schools.

Primary 2013Primary 2009Secondary 2013Secondary 2009

Inadequate 0%Inadequate 3%Inadequate 0%Inadequate 0%

Satisfactory 16%Satisfactory 35%Satisfactory 19%Satisfactory 13%

Good 69%Good 44%Good 56%Good 63%

Outstanding 15%Outstanding 18%Outstanding 25%Outstanding 25%

Table 3 : Plymouth’s Ofsted reports 2009 and 2013. Data available fromhttp://dataview.ofsted.gov.uk/

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Educational attainment

14.5 In 2010/11 numbers of children achieving a good level of understanding at the EarlyYears Foundation Stage in Plymouth were lower than the national and regional average(56% compared to a national and regional average of 59%), but in 2011/12 the percentagein Plymouth had risen to 61%, although the rates for England had also risen, to 64%.

14.6 In the academic year 2011-12, 79% of Key Stage 2 pupils achieved level 4 in bothEnglish and Mathematics, a rise which puts Plymouth in line with the average for England(26)

and showing an increase of almost 10% on the previous year. At Key Stage 4 in 2011-12,54.5% of students achieved 5 or more A*-C grades including Mathematics and English,compared to the overall rate for England of 58.8%(27). Unauthorised absences were belowthe national average for both Plymouth’s primary and secondary schools.

Further and Higher education

14.7 Plymouth has a high-quality further and higher education sector, which makes asubstantial contribution to teaching, learning, research and the local economy - achievingrecognition regionally, nationally and internationally. The University of Plymouth is one of thelargest in the UK, with 30,000 students. The sector also includes The University of St. Mark& St. John (Marjon), Plymouth College of Art, the Peninsula Medical School, Peninsula DentalSchool and the City College.

Inequalities

14.8 Within Plymouth there are clear attainment inequalities at all levels, from the EarlyYears Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Key Stage 4 and post 16 qualifications(28).

14.9 At the Early Years Foundation Stage, 2010/11 data shows there to be an achievementgap within Plymouth of 30.9 percentage points between the lowest achieving 20% of childrenand the median (middle) score. The gap is slightly higher than the regional average but lowerthan the national average. This gap has closed by 1.6% in 2012. The proportion of childrenreaching a good level of understanding is also lower in the more deprived areas, for examplethe lowest achievement levels are in Stonehouse (36%), Kings Tamerton & Weston Mill(40%), North Prospect (41%), East End (43%) and Morice Town (44%).

14.10 There are also inequalities in attainment at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4, particularlyinfluenced by poverty. Using free school meals as a proxy for poverty it is clear that thosechildren from deprived areas are disadvantaged in relation to attainment. The proportion ofchildren eligible for free school meals who achieved level 4 in Maths and English was in

26 National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 2 by Gender in England (Referencedby Location of Pupil Residence), 2012

27 Census, GCSE and Equivalent Results for Young People by Gender in England(Referenced by Location of Pupil Residence), 2011/2012

28 Plymouth Interim Report 2012

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2010/11 17% lower than those not eligible. At Key Stage 4 the proportion of eligible childrenachieving five A*-C grades at GCSE level was 32% lower than those pupils not eligible. Inrecent years these gaps have been narrowing.

Key Issues for Learning in Plymouth

As with all aspects of Plymouth’s social environment, levels of attainment are linkedto deprivation, with children frommore deprived areas performing worse on average.Future plans for learning in Plymouth should address this disparity.A predicted 14% increase in primary school places are needed on 2009 numbersby 2015.Plymouth’s schools perform at Ofsted inspection relative to the region, with primaryschools improving significantly in recent years.In particular, as with health indicators, the extent of lower attainment is very distinctivein a handful of neighbourhoods, which suggests that localised measures to supportthese pupils could make a particular difference.The higher education sector is large in Plymouth and is set to grow.

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15 CULTURE, RECREATION & LEISUREThis chapter relates to the following Plymouth Plan themes: ARTS & CULTURE, GREENERPLYMOUTH, LOCAL COMMUNITY, PROSPERITY & AFFORDABILITY and CITY PRIDE.

Introduction

15.1 Participation in culture and leisure are significant elements of the quality of life. Culturealso contributes to a sense of place and pride of place which strengthens existing communitiesand attracts incomers. It is therefore important that Plymouth provides an adequate level andrange of cultural and leisure facilities that meet the needs of its growing population, and ofthe wider aspirations of the sub-region.

Culture and leisure

15.2 Plymouth has many successful cultural and leisure attractions and venues, includingthe Theatre Royal, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth Pavilions, the NationalMarine Aquarium, the Mayflower Centre, the Barbican Theatre, Devonport Playhouse andMount Edgcumbe Country Park (Jointly managed with Cornwall County Council) - as wellas a number of more local cultural initiatives and leisure facilities such as The Soundhouseat Estover, the Music Zone in Devonport and the newly reopened Devonport Guildhall.

15.3 The Theatre Royal has been a major success in Plymouth. It is the largest regionalproducing theatre in the UK. A 2004 study on behalf of Arts Council England found TheTheatre Royal ranked third in terms of turnover, behind only the Royal National Theatre andRoyal Shakespeare Company.

15.4 Plymouth College of Art and Design, the University of Plymouth and Plymouth ArtsCentre have taken a leading role in promoting the arts within Plymouth. The city alsoincreasingly plays host to a programme of festivals and events(29).

15.5 Plymouth needs to improve the balance of evening and night-time activities and abetter distribution throughout the city. In some areas there are concentrations of pubs, barsand nightclubs, in particular along Union Street, around the Barbican Leisure Park, Barbicanand North Hill and Mutley Plain which have led to problems of excessive noise, litter andanti-social behaviour. These concentrations need to be managed carefully to achieve a betterbalance of activities and to avoid adding to existing problems.

New sports developments

15.6 The newly opened Plymouth Life Centre has provided a significant improvement tothe facility stock in the city and other planned projects such as the Sherford development,the new ice rink facility and improvements at Central Park will also provide for a previouslyidentified need for the local community.

29 Culture and recreation: opportunities for Plymouth. Plymouth Culture Board, 2011. Page19.

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Key Issues for culture, recreation and leisure

Plymouth's Theatre Royal is the largest regional producing theatre in the UK.An improved balance is needed in the locations of night-time venues like pubs andclubs which are currently clustered in certain areas.The Barbican, North Hill, Mutley Plain and Union Street all have problems associatedwith excessive noise, litter and anti-social behaviour associated with the night-timeeconomy.

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16 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK16.1 The SA Framework has been derived from the requirements of the SEA Directive andguidance from the UK Government on SEA for local plans. These sources have informedthe choice of sustainability objectives.

16.2 The specific local sustainability needs (as determined through development of thecurrent Core Strategy and related work) have informed the appraisal questions and indicators.

Appraisal QuestionsSA Objective

Will it promote a healthier lifestyle through access toleisure opportunities (e.g. walking/cycling)?

1. To improve health andreduce health inequalities

Will it improve access to health and social carefacilities, and to green and open space?

Will it ensure that land contamination or pollution donot pose unacceptable risks to health?

Will it make streets and public spaces safer for thecommunity?

2. To reduce crime and thefear of crime

Will it discourage anti-social behaviour?

Will it deliver homes to meet the needs of thepopulation in terms of quality and quantity?

3. To help provide access to asuitable mix of good qualityhousing

Will it promote improvement to the existing and futurehousing stock?

Will it provide sufficient affordable housing?

Will it reduce the numbers of people finding access tolocal services and facilities difficult? (e.g. local foodshops, post offices)

4. To improve access to arange of basic services andamenities in all the City’scommunities

Will it provide physical access for those withdisabilities?

Will it ensure the provision of education and trainingfacilities that meet local needs and that are accessibleto all?

5. To provide access toopportunities for educationand skills development

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Will it support skills and training development in thelocal community and will it contribute to meetingidentified skills shortages?

Will it support collaboration between educationalestablishments, businesses and industry?

Will it improve efficiency, competitiveness, vitality andadaptability of the local economy?

6. To support the growthpotential of businesssectors to provide jobs and

Will it encourage investment in businesses, people andinfrastructure for the long term?

encourage sustainableeconomic growth

Will it help diversify the economy?

Will it help to foster growth in priority economic sectors?

Will it meet the employment needs of local people?

Will it improve physical access to jobs through improvedlocation of sites and proximity to transport links?

Will it reduce vulnerability to climate change?7. To help develop a lowcarbon economy which will

Will it reduce or minimise greenhouse gas emissions?help to prepare the City forclimate change

Will it promote and enable growth in the greeneconomy?

Will it improve transport of goods/people by moresustainable means?

8. To reduce the need totravel, encouragealternatives to the car, and

Will it encourage walking, cycling and use of publictransport?

make best use of existingtransport infrastructure

Will it help to reduce traffic congestion and improveroad safety?

Will it reduce the need to travel?

Will it protect and enhance species, habitats, soils orgeologically important sites?

9. To protect and enhancebiological and geologicaldiversity

Will it improve connectivity of green infrastructure andthe natural environment ?

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Will it provide opportunities for habitat creation orrestoration and link existing habitats as part of thedevelopment process?

Will it ensure the sustainable management of naturalhabitats?

Will it protect and enhance designated andnon-designated landscape features?

10. To protect, enhance andimprove access to greenand blue spaces

Will it protect and enhance natural networks throughoutthe city?

Will it improve access to public open space?

Will it protect or enhance the special character andsetting of the city?

11. To protect and enhance thecultural heritage of the cityand sub-region

Will it promote or enhance local culture?

Will it protect or enhance designated andnon-designated heritage assets (including landscapes)and their setting?

Will it promote high quality design in context with itsurban and rural landscape?

12. To provide a high qualityurban environment usinghigh standards of design

Will it minimise light and noise pollution?

Will it minimise the demand for energy?13. To reduce energy demandand promote energy

Will it increase efficiency in the use of energy?generation from renewablesources

Will it help to increase the share of energy generatedfrom renewable sources?

Will it help to manage and minimise the risk of floodingand coastal erosion to existing and new developmentsand infrastructure?

14. To avoid development inareas of high flood risk andreduce vulnerability toflooding

Will it help to discourage inappropriate development inareas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion?

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Will it promote the wise use of land (minimisedevelopment on greenfield land)?Will it promote theuse of previously developed land?

15. To minimise resource useincluding greenfield land,minerals and water

Will it prevent pollution from contaminating the landand remediate any existing contamination?

Will it safeguard soil quality, including of the best andmost versatile agricultural land?

Will it safeguard mineral resources and encourage theirefficient use?

Will it increase efficiency in the use of raw materialsand promote recycling?

Will it conserve water resources and quality?

Will it improve the quality of rivers, the sea andgroundwaters?

Will it promote the re-use, recovery and recycling ofwaste ?

16. To reduce the amount ofwaste and pollution, and toincrease in order of priority,

Will it promote and increase resource efficiency?the proportion of wastereused, recycled andcomposted and recovered Will it minimise atmospheric pollution and enhance air

quality?

Table 16.1

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17 APPENDIX 1: COMPLIANCE WITH SEA DIRECTIVE AND SAGUIDANCE17.1 The following table comprises a list of the SEA Directive requirements which need tobe met within the Sustainability Appraisal process. The SEA requirements relate to theproduction of what is referred to in the Directive as an ‘Environmental Report’ for submissionin parallel to the final plan.

17.2 This report only relates to current stage of the Plymouth Plan's development. Someof the Directive's requirements have been (or will be) covered by other publications. Table11 will signpost the reader to different reports and chapters to demonstrate compliance.

Table 11: SEA Directive Compliance

SEA Requirements

Preparing an environmental report in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing theplan, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and geographical scope of the plan, areidentified, described and evaluated. The information requirements under Article 5 and Annex of the directive are:

A) An outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan, and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes

B) The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof withoutimplementation of the plan

C) The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected

D) Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan including, in particular, those relating toany areas of a particular environmental importance, such as designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and92/43/EEC

E) The environmental protection objectives, established at International, Community or National level, which arerelevant to the plan and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken intoaccount during its preparation

F) The likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, humanhealth, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural andinterrelationship between the above factors. These effects should include secondary archaeological heritage,landscape and the, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary, positive andnegative effects)

G) The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects onthe environment of implementing the plan

H) An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessmentwas undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered incompiling the required information

I) A description of measures envisaged concerning monitoring in accordance with Article 10

J) A non-technical summary of the information provided under the above headings

Consulting:

authorities with environmental responsibilities, when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the informationwhich must be included in the environmental report (Article 5.4)

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Table 11: SEA Directive Compliance

SEA Requirements

authorities with environmental responsibilities and the public, to give them an early and effective opportunitywithin appropriate time frames to express their opinion on the draft plan and the accompanying environmentalreport before the adoption of the plan (Article 6.1, 6.2)other EU Member States, where the implementation of the plan is likely to have significant effects on theenvironment in these countries (Article 7).

Taking the environment report and the results of the consultations into account in decision-making (Article 8).

Providing information on the decision:

When the plan is adopted, the public and any countries consulted under Article 7 must be informed and thefollowing made available to those so informed:

the plan as adopteda statement summarising how environmental considerations have been integrated into the plan and howthe environmental report of Article 5, the opinions expressed pursuant to Article 6 and the results ofconsultations entered into pursuant to Article 7 have been taken into account in accordance with Article 8,and the reasons for choosing the plan as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with;andthe measures decided concerning monitoring (Article 9).

Monitoring the significant environmental effects of the plan’s implementation (Article 10)

Table 17.1

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18APPENDIX 2: RELEVANTPOLICIES, PLANS&PROGRAMMES

INTERNATIONAL POLICIES, PLANS AND PROCEDURES

Implications for the Plans and theSEA/SA

Objectives/TargetsOverall Aim or Purpose ofDocument

EU Habitats Directive [Directive 92/43/EC]

Accept the primacy of natureconservation objectives, and clearlytake note of these designations insetting SEA objectives and definingoptions in the LDF.

Maintain or restore in a favourablecondition designated natural habitattypes and habitats of designatedspecies listed in Annexes I and IIrespectively of the Directive. If a

The Habitats Directive is a majorEuropean initiative that aims tocontribute towards protectingbiodiversity - the variety of life -through the conservation of natural

project compromising one of thesehabitats must proceed in spite of

habitats and wild plants and animals.Recognising that wildlife habitats are Requires compensatory measures

for negative conservation impacts ifdevelopment has to proceed ongrounds of human health and safety.

negative conservation impacts dueto it being in the public interest,compensatory measures must beprovided for.

under pressure from increasingdemands made on the environment,the Directive provides for the creationof a network of protected areasacross the European Union to beknown as ‘Natura 2000’ sites. This Linear structures such as

rivers/streams, hedgerows, fieldboundaries, ponds, etc., that enablemovement and migration of speciesshould be preserved.

network includes Special Areas ofConservation (SACs) and SpecialProtection Areas (SPAs), which, onland, are already Sites of SpecialScientific Interest (SSSIs).

Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change (as amended)

Ensure all reasonable opportunitiesare taken forward to

Achieve a reduction in anthropogenicCO2 levels to at least 5% below 1990levels by 2012. Considerafforestation and reforestation ascarbon sinks.

Signing up to the 1997 KyotoProtocol, 38 Countries (plus the EU)have committed to individual,legally-binding targets to limit orreduce their greenhouse gas

reduce citywide emissionsencourage low carbondevelopment which is energyefficientemissions. These add up to a total

cut in greenhouse-gas emissions of reduce reliance on private carsat least 5% from 1990 levels in thecommitment period 2008-2012. TheUK has committed to an 8%reduction (base year = 1990).

The EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds [Directive 2009/147/EEC]

The SEA considers the effects oflocal developments on Europeanprotected bird species as part of thescoping process.

Imposes duty on Member States tosustain populations of naturallyoccurring wild birds by sustainingareas of habitats in order to maintainpopulations at ecologically andscientifically sound levels.

The Birds Directive has created aprotection scheme for all of Europe'swild birds, identifying 194 speciesand sub-species (listed in Annex I)among them as particularlythreatened and in need of specialconservation measures. There are anumber of components to thisscheme. Within others, MemberStates are required to designateSpecial Protection Areas (SPAs) forthe 194 threatened species and allmigratory bird species. SPAs are

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scientifically identified areas criticalfor the survival of the targetedspecies, such as wetlands. Thedesignation of an area as a SPAgives it a high level of protection frompotentially damaging developments.

The Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro 1992 (as amended)

SEA should consider biodiversityimpacts within its objectives. It shouldtake a holistic view of ecosystemsrather than a focusing on ‘islands’ ofprotected species.

Article 6a

Requires each Contracting Party todevelop national strategies, plans orprogrammes for the conservation andsustainable use of biologicaldiversity.

One of three conventions emergingfrom the Rio Earth Summit in 1992,this Convention was agreed amongthe majority of the world'sgovernments and sets out theircommitments to maintaining theworld's biodiversity so to achieve amore sustainable economicdevelopment. The Conventionestablishes three main goals: theconservation of biological diversity,the sustainable use of itscomponents, and the fair andequitable sharing of the benefits fromthe use of genetic resources.

Water Framework Directive [2000/60/EC] and Groundwater Directive [2006/118/EC]

The Plymouth Plan will need to takeinto account issues identified in theriver basin management plan as

The Directive rewrites previous EUwater legislation into a newoverarching programme to deliver

This directive seeks to establish astrategic framework for action in thefield of water policy

needing action. These are likely tolong-term protection of the waterrelate to management of flooding anddrainage, and the modification ofwatercourses and other waterbodies.

environment and improve the qualityof all waters – and associatedhabitats. All water bodies, includingrivers, coasts, estuaries, lakes,man-made structures andgroundwater are included. RiverBasin Management Plans will identifyactions to achieve ‘good status’ allriver basins by 2015. Publicparticipation is a core requirement ofthe Directive and is fundamental tothe River Basin Management Plansprocess.

EC Air Quality Directive [2008/50/EC]

The location of new developmentsshould take into account anyemissions caused by new transportlinks (and new ‘need’ to travel), alongwith emissions from new industry.

Clarifies mandatory standards for airquality and sets limits and guidevalues for sulphur and nitrogendioxide, suspended particulates andlead in air.

This new Directive includes thefollowing key elements:

Themerging of most of existinglegislation into a singledirective (except for the fourthdaughter directive) with no

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SEA will include objectives for airquality.

change to existing air qualityobjectivesNew air quality objectives forPM2.5 (fine particles) includingthe limit value and exposurerelated objectives, exposureconcentration obligation andexposure reduction targetThe possibility to discountnatural sources of pollutionwhen assessing complianceagainst limit valuesThe possibility for timeextensions of three years(PM10) or up to five years(NO2, benzene) for complyingwith limit values, based onconditions and the assessmentby the European Commission.

The Johannesburg Declaration of Sustainable Development 2002

The Plymouth Plan should supportthe sustainability principles set out inthe 2008/2020 SustainableDevelopment Framework.

The National Sustainability Strategy'Securing the future' March 2005.

Undertakes to strengthen andimprove governance at all levels, forthe effective implementation ofnational sustainability using fiveguiding principles :

This declaration was signed at theWorld Summit on SustainableDevelopment, where the principlesof international commitment tosustainable development werereaffirmed, 30 years after theStockholm Summit and ten yearsafter the Stockholm Declaration of1992.

Living within environmentallimits.Ensuring a strong, healthy andjust society.Achieving a sustainableeconomy.Promoting good governance.Using sound scienceresponsibly.

Waste Framework Directive [2008/98/EC]

The Plymouth Plan should considerthese impacts when deciding onlocations for waste disposal or

The Directive introduces the "polluterpays principle" and the "extendedproducer responsibility". It

Sets the basic concepts anddefinitions related to wastemanagement, such as definitions of

processing. This would feed into SEAobjectives for noise, air, landscape,and biodiversity.

incorporates provisions on hazardouswaste and waste oils (old Directiveson hazardous waste and waste oils

waste, recycling, recovery. It explainswhen waste ceases to be waste andbecomes a secondary raw material

being repealed with the effect from12 December 2010), and includes

(so called end-of-waste criteria), andhow to distinguish between waste

two new recycling and recoveryand by-products. The Directive laystargets to be achieved by 2020: 50%down some basic waste

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management principles: it requiresthat waste be managed withoutendangering human health and

preparing for re-use and recycling ofcertain waste materials fromhouseholds and other origins similar

harming the environment, and in to households, and 70% preparingparticular without risk to water, air, for re-use, recycling and othersoil, plants or animals, without recovery of construction andcausing a nuisance through noise or demolition waste. The Directiveodours, and without adverselyaffecting the countryside or placesof special interest.

requires that Member States adoptwaste management plans and wasteprevention programmes.

Waste Policy Review 2011

Ensure that any appropriateprovisions are incorporated.

Part of the Government’scommitment to ensure a zero wasteeconomy. Findings published in June2011.

Included commitments to :

A grant funding scheme to incentivisewaste management.

The introduction of Recycling andWaste Services Commitments forlocal authorities – setting out theprinciples they will follow in deliveringwaste services to households andbusinesses.

Provision of technical support.

Scrapping unfair bin taxes and fines.

Introducing powers to deal withrepeat fly tipping and generalnuisance neighbours.

Bathing Water Directive [2006/7/EC]

The Plymouth Plan should aid inmainlining bathing water standardsthrough effective planning, some

The revised Directive poses anumber of challenges for Departmentof Environment Food and Rural

The objective of Bathing WaterDirective is to protect public healthand the environment from faecal

individual projects could possiblyAffairs (DEFRA), the EnvironmentAgency, local authorities and beachoperators.

pollution at bathing waters. TheDirective requires Member States toidentify popular bathing areas and

have a cumulative effect on waterquality, its impact on public healthand the implications for foreshoremanagement.This directive concerns the quality of

waters used for bathing.

monitor the bathing waters forindicators of microbiological pollutionthroughout the bathing season whichruns from May to September.Pollution of bathing water is caused The objective of the directive is to

safeguard public health.by unsatisfactory sewerage

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discharge and faecal pollution fromagricultural and/or urban run off afterheavy rain.

It aims to set more stringent waterquality standards based on variousbacterial and chemical indicators andalso puts a stronger emphasis onbeach management and publicinformation.

The revised Bathing Water Directiveentered into force on 24 March 2006.The overall objective of the revisedDirective remains the protection ofpublic health whilst bathing, but italso offers an opportunity to improvemanagement practices at bathingwaters and to standardise theinformation provided to bathersacross Europe.

Shellfish Water Directive [2006/113/EC]

The LDF should aid in maintainingquality of water for ShellfishProduction, development in the tidal,intertidal zone may affect shellfish.

The European Commission (EC)Shellfish Waters Directive(79/923/EEC) aims to protectshellfish populations by setting water

This directive concerns the quality ofshellfish waters and applies to thosecoastal and brackish watersdesignated by the Member States as

quality standards in areas whereneeding protection or improvementshellfish grow and reproduce. Thein order to support shellfish (bivalveDirective requires that certainand gasteropod molluscs) life andsubstances bemonitored in the watergrowth and thus to contribute to the

high quality of shellfish productsdirectly edible by man.The Directive has been amended by:Directive 91/692/EEC of 23December 1991.

in which the shellfish live. Thesesubstances can threaten the survivalof shellfish or inhibit their growth.

Food Safety (Fishery Products and Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Directive [91/492/EEC]

The Plymouth Plan should aid inmaintaining quality of water forShellfish Production.

Shellfish harvesting areas aremonitored for the suitability of theshellfish for human consumptionunder the European Commission(EC) Shellfish Hygiene Directive(91/492/EEC). Bivalve productionareas are classified according to thelevel of treatment they require priorto their sale. This information iscollected by local authorities andcompiled nationally by the FoodStandards Agency. Standards areset in terms of concentrations ofcoliform bacteria and Salmonella.Harvesting sites are classified fromA to C, where grade A sites requireno pre-treatment and grade C sitesrequire intensive purification.

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Directive [2006/44/EC] on the quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to supportfish life Freshwater Fish Directive 78/659/EEC

The Plymouth Plan should maintainwater quality for fish species andother aquatic habitats, Developments

The Directive identifies twocategories of water; those suitablefor:

The EC Freshwater Fish Directive(78/659/EEC) was adopted in 1978.It requires that certain designated

in freshwater catchmentsmay impacton water quality or cause pollutionincitements.

Salmonid fish (salmon and trout) -these are generally fast flowingstretches of river that have a highoxygen content and a low level ofnutrients.

stretches of water (rivers, lakes orreservoirs) meet quality standardsthat should enable fish to live orbreed in the designated water,although this will also depend onphysical conditions.

Cyprinid fish - these are slowerflowing waters, that often flowthrough lowlands.

The Directive sets different standardsfor salmonid and cyprinid waters. Inexceptional circumstances, such asstorms or droughts, derogations(waivers) may be granted for certainsubstances and the requiredstandards may be exceeded withoutthe stretch failing.

There are two types of standardswithin each water category:

Imperative (I) values - these arestandards that must be met if thestretch is to pass the Directive.Values have been set for dissolvedoxygen, pH, non-ionised ammonia,total ammonium, total residualchlorine, zinc and temperature.Guideline (G) values - these arequality standards that should beachieved where possible. Valueshave been set here for otherchemical parameters, such ascopper, biochemical oxygen demandand suspended solids.

Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration.

The Plymouth Plan should seek tolimit groundwater pollution througheffective planning.

Member States shall take necessarysteps to: (a) prevent the introductioninto groundwater of substances in list

The purpose of this Directive is toprevent the pollution of groundwaterby substances belonging to thefamilies and groups of substances inlists I or II in the Annex.

I; and (b) limit the introduction intogroundwater of substances in list IIso as to avoid pollution of this waterby these substances. By this

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Directive the protection ofgroundwater was taken out ofCouncil Directive 76/464/EEC onpollution caused by certaindangerous substances dischargedinto the aquatic environment of theCommunity.

Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EC

The Plymouth Plan should supportthe prevention of adverse effectsfrom waste water discharges,through effective policyimplementation.

This Directive concerns thecollection, treatment and dischargeof urban waste water and thetreatment and discharge of wastewater from certain industrial sectors.

This Directive concerns thecollection, treatment and dischargeof urban waste water and thetreatment and discharge of wastewater from certain industrial sectors.

The objective of the Directive is toIts aim is to protect the environmentfrom any adverse effects caused bythe discharge of such waters.

protect from the adverse effects ofthe above mentioned waste waterdischarges.

The Urban Waste Water TreatmentDirective was adopted by the EUCouncil of Ministers in May 1991.The Directive was passed intodomestic UK legislation in November1994.

Environment 2010: Our Future, Our Choice (EU Sixth Environment Action Programme)

At this stage the Thematic Strategiesfor the 7th Programme are in aconsultation and policy developmentphase so no specific requirementshave arisen from them.

Under the EAP framework, ThematicStrategies are being developed on:

Air quality, Soil Protection,Sustainable use of Pesticides,Marine Environment, Waste

7th Environmental Action Programme(EAP) has a revised focus :Protecting natural capital,encouraging more resourceefficiency and accelerating thetransition to the low-carbon economyare key features of the programme, It may, in due course, pick up on the

impact of low carbon economies,growth and jobs in addition to theprotection of the physicalenvironment.

Prevention andRecycling,Sustainable Use of NaturalResources,

Urban Environment.

which also seeks to tackleenvironmental causes of disease.The results should help stimulatesustainable growth and create newjobs to set the European Union on apath to becoming a better andhealthier place to live.

Table 18.1

NATIONAL POLICIES, PLANS AND PROCEDURES


Objective/ TargetsOverall Aim or Purpose ofDocument

National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF)

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Plans and decisions need to take thesustainability of local circumstancesin to account, so that they respond

A new presumption in favour ofsustainable development is now seenas the ‘golden thread’ running

The new Framework sets out theGovernment’s vision for planning andthe key policies and principles which

to the different opportunities forachieving sustainable developmentin different areas.

through the whole planning process.Using the Brundtland definition ofsustainable development, three

should underpin the planning system.It also sets out the Government’shigh level policy objectives for

dimensions – economic, social andenvironmental – are sought jointly

planning and sets a framework forspecific policies relating to travellersites and waste.

SEA should take account of theNPPF sections 6 to 16.and simultaneously through the

planning system based on the fiveguiding principles of the NationalStrategy for SustainableDevelopment Securing the Future :

Living within the planet’senvironmental limitsEnsuring a strong, health andjust societyAchieving a sustainableeconomyPromoting good governanceUsing sound scienceresponsibly.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

There is significant interactionbetween wildlife and different typesof land use. The SEA shouldconsider the effects of land use onbiodiversity.

Addresses the problem of speciesprotection and habitat loss by settingout the protection that is afforded towild animals and plants in Britain.

The act implements the Conventionon the Conservation of EuropeanWildlife and Natural Habitats (the'Bern Convention') and the EuropeanUnion Directives on the Conservationof Wild Birds and Natural Habitats.

92009/147/EEC)

The Act is concerned with theprotection of wildlife and their habitat(countryside, national parks anddesignated protected areas).

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW)

Certain land uses and developmentmight hinder accessibility to opencountry and common land. The

Emphasises the public’s right ofaccess to open country and commonland, and gives additional protectionto SSSIs.

CRoW extends the public ability toenjoy the countryside whilst alsoproviding safeguards for landownersand occupiers. It creates a statutory Plymouth Plan should consider theseright of access to open country and issues which have relevance to SEA

objectives on human health,population, and severance.

registered common land, modernisesthe rights of way system, givesgreater protection to Sites of SpecialScientific Interest (SSSIs), providesbetter management arrangements

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for Areas of Outstanding NaturalBeauty (AONBs), and strengthenswildlife enforcement legislation.

UK post 2010 Biodiversity Framework (2012)

The Plymouth Plan should takeaccount of priority habitats andspecies in the Plymouth area, andintegrate their action plan objectiveswithin it, whenever possible.

It highlights a number of priorityhabitats and species with associatedaction plans.

Many of the tools developed underUK BAP remain of use, for example,background information about the

The original UK Biodiversity ActionPlan (BAP) was published inresponse to the requirements of theConvention on Biological Diversity(1992).

Published on 17 July 2012, the 'UKPost-2010 Biodiversity Framework'covers the period from 2011 to

lists of priority habitats and species,which can be found on the priority

2020. Most work which was species and habitats web-pages.previously carried out under the UK The lists of priority species andBAP is now focused in the countries. habitats agreed under UK BAP still

form the basis of much biodiversitywork in the countries.

The UK BAP partnership no longeroperates. Further information aboutthe country biodiversity strategiescan be found through thecountry-level biodiversity web-page.

Natural Environment White Paper (2010)

The Plan must take account of thepolicies and direction in this WhitePaper.

The key reforms for protecting andimproving our natural environmentare:

The Natural Environment WhitePaper identified a need to recognisethe value of nature across society,including by encouraging greaterlocal action to protect and improve • supporting Local Nature

Partnershipsthe natural environment. The WhitePaper also aims to create a greeneconomy in which economic growth • new Nature Improvement Areas in

response to the recommendationsset out in Making Space for Nature

and the health of natural resourcessustain each other and in whichmarkets, business and governmentbetter reflect the value of nature. • ecologically coherent planning

• piloting biodiversity offsets

The key reforms for growing agreen economy are:

• a new independent Natural CapitalCommittee

• inclusion of natural capital in ournational accounts

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• actions to support the creation ofnew markets for green goods andservices

• new support and guidance forbusinesses

The key reforms for reconnectingpeople and nature are:

• improving public health locally

• action to get more children learningoutdoors

• new Green Areas Designation

• help for everyone to ‘do the rightthing’

The key reforms for Internationaland EU Leadership are:

• strong implementation of theNagoya commitments on biodiversity

• a new intergovernmental platformfor biodiversity and ecosystemservices

• helping developing countries tovalue their ecosystems

• reform the Common Agriculturaland Common Fisheries Policies

• support for the EU Roadmap for aResource-Efficient Europe

England Biodiversity Strategy 2020 (2011)

The Plan must take account of thepolicies and direction in this strategy.

Outcome 1 – Habitats andecosystems on land (includingfreshwater environments)

The Strategy builds on the NaturalEnvironment White Paper, providinga comprehensive picture of howinternational and EU commitmentswill be implemented. By 2020 we will have put in place

measures so that biodiversity ismaintained and enhanced, furtherIt sets out the strategic direction for

biodiversity policy for the nextdecade.

degradation has been halted andwhere possible, restoration isunderway, helping deliver moreresilient and coherent ecologicalnetworks, healthy and

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well-functioning ecosystems, whichdeliver multiple benefits for wildlifeand people.

Outcome 2 – Marine habitats,ecosystems and fisheries

By 2020 we will have put in placemeasures so that biodiversity ismaintained, further degradation hasbeen halted and where possible,restoration is underway, helpingdeliver good environmental statusand our vision of clean, healthy, safeproductive and biologically diverseoceans and seas.

Outcome 3 – Species

By 2020, we will see an overallimprovement in the status of ourwildlife and will have preventedfurther human-induced extinctions ofknown threatened species.

Outcome 4 – People

By 2020, significantly more peoplewill be engaged in biodiversityissues, aware of its value and takingpositive action.

Making Space for Nature (2010)

The Plan should consider the issueshighlighted in this document.

There are five key approaches whichencompass these, and also takeaccount of the land around theecological network.

A review of England's wildlife sitesand the connections between them,with recommendations to helpachieve a healthy naturalenvironment that will allow plants andanimals to thrive. We need to:

(i) Improve the quality of current sitesby better habitat management.

(ii) Increase the size of currentwildlife sites.

(iii) Enhance connections between,or join up, sites, either throughphysical corridors, or through‘stepping stones’.

(iv) Create new sites.

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(v) Reduce the pressures on wildlifeby improving the wider environment,including through buffering wildlifesites.

National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949

Plan must take account of this Act,regarding designated landscapes.

The National Parks and Access tothe Countryside Act 1949 providedthe framework for the creation ofNational Parks and Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty. Section21 also provides local authorities withthe powers to declare Local NatureReserves.

‘Working with the Grain of Nature’: A Biodiversity Strategy for England (2011) DEFRA

The SEA aims to integratebiodiversity into local plans byhighlighting interaction between landuse and wildlife.

Ensures biodiversity considerationsare embedded in all main sectors ofeconomic activity and set targets for2010 to limit biodiversity loss. (It is

The Strategy seeks to ensurebiodiversity considerations becomeembedded in all main sectors ofpublic policy and sets out a

the principal means by which thegovernment will comply with dutiesunder section 74 of the CRoW Act).

programme for the next five years tomake the changes necessary toconserve, enhance and work with thegrain of nature and ecosystemsrather than against them. The 2007 England Biodiversity

Strategy: Towards Adaptation toClimate Change auments the originaldocument.

The UK Carbon Plan (2011)

The Plymouth Plan shouldencourage development ofrenewable energy facilities and alongwith the LTP, attempt to reduce theneed for long distance car travel.

Sets the direction for the reductionof emissions on a national scale, thereform of the energy market, newformats for generation through to2050 and the direction for a lowcarbon economy.

Sets out strategic direction for thefuture of energy in the UK under aseries of carbon budgets andcommitments to meeting EU targetsfor emission reduction.

The Energy Bill sets out proposalsfor energy generation and pricing.

The Plymouth Plan will now need toconsider the impact of planning anddevelopment on low carbon optionsfor both development and economicgrowth.

Air Quality Strategy: Working Together for Clean Air (2000) DETR

LDF should consider the location ofany Air Quality Management Areas,and the objectives for the eight mainair pollutants.

Sets objectives for eight main airpollutants to protect health.

The Strategy sets objectives for eightmain air pollutants to protect health.Performance against theseobjectives will be monitored wherepeople are regularly present andmight be exposed to air pollution.

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There are also two new objectives toprotect vegetation and ecosystems.These will be monitored away fromurban and industrial areas andmotorways.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010

The SEA should ensure that theprovisions of this Act are accountedfor.

Provides for local authorityresponsibilities to the managementof flood risk. Includes a requirementto use sustainable urban drainagesystems (SUDS) in certaindevelopments. Has implications forresource efficiency in terms of theuse of green infrastructure to avoidthe cost of flood damage.

The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future (2001)

The LDF could influence the historicenvironment in several ways,including the ambience of historicstructures and features.

The historic environment should beprotected and sustained for thebenefit of our own and futuregenerations.

Sets out the intention of theGovernment to protect the historicenvironment recognising its majorcontribution to the economy in ruraland deprived communities as well asin traditional economic centres. Also The SEA should include objectives

for Conservation Areas.states the need for new policies tofurther realise economic andeducational potential.

The Energy Act 2011

Ensure that the requirements of theAct are taken in to account.

Provides for key elements of theCoalition’s Programme forGovernment and aims for a stepchange in provision of energyefficiency measures to homes andbusinesses, makes improvements toenable and secure low carbonenergy supplies and fair competitionin energy markets. Provides forGreen Deal - a financing frameworkto enable energy efficientimprovements for households andnon-domestic properties funded bya charge on energy bills.

The Climate Change Act 2008

SEA should ensure that theprovisions of the Climate Change Actand related policies are accountedfor.

Sets legally binding targets forreducing carbon dioxide emissionswith the long term goal of an 80%reduction by 2050.

Created a framework for building theUK’s ability to adapt to climatechange.

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A new system of legally binding fiveyear “carbon budgets”, set at least15 years ahead, to provide clarity onthe UK’s pathway towards its keytargets. A new statutory body, theCommittee on Climate Change, toprovide independent expert adviceand guidance to Government onachieving its targets and stayingwithin its carbon budgets. Newpowers to enable the Government tomore easily implement policies to cutemissions. A new system of annualopen and transparent reporting toParliament.

A requirement for Government toreport at least every five years oncurrent and predicted impacts ofclimate change and on its proposalsand policy for adapting.

Established the mandatory CarbonReduction Commitment EnergyEfficiency Scheme (CRC) aimed atimproving energy efficiency andreducing emissions. Supports theintroduction of mandatory carbonaccounting for the top 100 LondonStock Exchange registeredcompanies.

Building a Greener Future: policy statement (2007) CLG

The Plymouth Plan should ensurethat development proposals andphasing will meet the 2016 target.

All new homes to be zero carbon by2016.

Improve energy/carbon performanceset in Building Regulations to achievezero carbon housing within 10 years.

Local Transport Act (2007)

Ensure that policies and proposalssupport sustainable transport modes.

Legislative proposals to supportGovernment efforts to tacklecongestion and improve publictransport.

Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) (as amended)

Plan must take account of Act whenconsidering marine and coastaldevelopment.

The Act creates a network of MarineConservation Zones to protect someof the UK's most important marinespecies and habitats and givesNatural England the ability to createa walking route around the coast ofEngland

The Marine and Coastal Access Act2009 constitute a MarineManagement Organisation (MMO) inEngland. It is the manager andregulator of England's marineenvironment and will deliver the keyactions set out by the Act.

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Table 18.2

LOCAL POLICIES, PLANS AND PROCEDURES

Implications for the Plansand the SEA/SA

Objective/TargetsOverall Aim or Purpose ofDocument

Plymouth Waste Development Plan

The WDP identifies anumber of essential siteswithin the city

Makes provision for Strategic WasteManagement Facilities

The Plan for waste managementfacilities

Plymouth Local Transport Plan

Transportation is central tothe achievement ofPlymouth’s growth. In

Support growth in terms of population andprosperity

To Plan for improvements to thetransport infrastructure and toencourage modal shifts to reducepollution and congestion. particular are the needs toTackling climate change by improving the

health of the community increase capacity in theroad network in certainlocations, and to achievemodal shift to moresustainable options.

Contributing to better safety and security

Promoting equality of opportunity

South Hams Development Plan

The main implications forthe Plymouth Plan is theallocation of land for the

Identifying key development sitesSetting out a vision for thesustainable development of theSouth Hams

development of the newSherford community, closeto Plymouth. Constructionhas commenced

Also important are theemployment developmentsites around the easternand northern periphery ofthe city

West Devon Development Plan

The allocation for 750homes of a site to the westof Tavistock. This will

Identifying key development sitesSetting out a vision for thesustainable development of WestDevon

almost certainly generateadditional vehiclemovements along the a386into northern Plymouth,which is already heavilyused especially at peaktimes.

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It is planned to reinstate arailway link between BereAlston and Tavistock,which would provide railaccess to Plymouth as analternative to roadtransport.

Devon Minerals Plan

Plymouth has historicallybeen a strategic port andrailhead for the shipment of

Identifying key extraction sitesManaging Devon’s Mineralresources

minerals which areconsented by the DevonMinerals Plan, especially ofchina clay. Whether thesefacilities for transhipmentrequire safeguardingshould be investigated.

Devon Waste Plan

The Plan makes provisionfor waste recycling and

Identifying sites for wastemanagement

energy facilities at Langageand Lee Moor, which aresome way outside the Cityboundary.

Devon Local Transport Plan

Coordination will berequired especially with

Identifying priorities in relation totransportation in Devon.

regard to trunk roads, raillinks, and demandmanagement options suchas car sharing schemes

Cornwall Local Transport Plan

Coordination will berequired especially with

Identifying priorities in relation totransportation in Cornwall.

regard to trunk roads, raillinks, and demandmanagement options suchas car sharing schemes

Dorset and South Devon Shoreline Management Plan (SMP)

The SMP recommends aHold the Line policy for the

Setting policy for coastal flood anderosion risk management

whole of Plymouth’s urbanand Dockyard frontage.

South West River Basin Management Plan

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All watercourses inPlymouth suffer from

Identifying action required to meetEU targets for ecological quality inall natural waterbodies. pollution, for example from

surface water drainageflushing hydrocarbons fromthe roads. The plan shouldensure that developmentsare designed so as toprogressively improvewater quality.

Tamar AONB Management Plan

There are many similarthemes and concerns asexpressed in the LDF,

Landscape Heritage, Biodiversity, NaturalResources, Landscape Management, LocalDistinctiveness, River Management and LeisureLandscapes.

Landscape Management

efforts could be made tosynchronise policy. Thereare synergies with the SEAobjectives.

Land Use Planning, Building and Infrastructure,Rural Policy and Structural Change, Influencingothers, The World Heritage Site.

AONB Proofing

Tamar Valley Cultural Identity Promotion,Encouragement and Engagement,Interpretation and Education.

Understanding and Awareness

Sustainable Communities, Creating aSustainable Landscape Economy, Long-termManagement Frameworks, Making aDifference.

Sustainable Management

Tamar Estuaries Management Plan 2013 - 2018

Consider sustainabilityissues in relation to coastaland estuarineenvironments.

Between 2013 - 2016, Tamar EstuariesConsultative Forum will be working on 5 keyobjectives as work focuses on delivering thestrategic elements of the new Plymouth Soundand Tamar Estuaries Management Plan2013-18.

This strategic document sets out aframework for delivering asustainably managed estuary andcoast, ensuring the resources of thearea are there for everyone, bothnow and in the future.

Delivering coordinated management;Monitoring and information managementto inform decision making;Supporting growth andmanaging climatechange impacts;Integrating water quality solutions for theEuropean Marine Site;Minimising recreational impacts.

Plymouth Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The Plymouth Plan willneed to consider flood riskin allocating land for

The strategy identifies risk areas, takes accountof the impact of climate change on future risk,and identified priority actions to manage risk.

The Plymouth Local Flood RiskManagement Strategy meets therequirements of the Flood andWater

development, and in howManagement Act 2010. It will ensurethat the risks of local flooding are developments areunderstood and expectations implemented. Sustainable

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Urban Drainage systems(SUDs) for example will bevital in managing futurerisk.

managed so that investment in riskmanagement can be prioritisedeffectively.

Dartmoor National Park Management Plan

Broadly compatible themeswith SEA framework, hasthe potential to becompatible with the LDF.

A management strategy for theNational Park with the following keythemes: Moorland landscapes,Farmed landscapes,Woodlands andtrees, Wetlands and rivers, Wildlifeand geological, Historic Builtenvironment, Archaeological andhistorical heritage and Customs andtraditions.

South Devon AONB Management Plan

There are many similarthemes and concerns asexpressed in the LDF,efforts could be made tosynchronise policy.

A document aimed at thepreservation and management ofthe AONB which addressed thefollowing themes: Coast & Estuaries,Nature Conservation, The HistoricEnvironment, Farming & Agriculture,Trees & Woodlands, CommunityWell-being & Involvement,Countryside Recreation & Access,Awareness &Communication, RuralEconomy&Regeneration, Transport& Highways, Planning &Development.

Plymouth Pedestrian Strategy 2001-2016

LDF to provide for designof safe cycle lanes andfootpaths which are

Minimising conflict between pedestrians andother road users, including cyclists.

Other relevant plans:

Community Strategy for Devonextensive practical to use.SEA to consider the

Providing footways, crossings and otherpedestrian facilities that are of a high qualitydesign and are well maintained. relative priority assigned to

vehicle traffic relative toother forms of transport.Improving pedestrian safety.

Reallocating road space to the pedestrian.

Addressing the accessibility needs of themobility and visually impaired.

Plymouth LDF Core Strategy 2006-2021

Sustainable developmentis at the heart of the CoreStrategy.

Strategic Objectives:Sets out a spatial planningframework for the long termdevelopment of the city. Provides

Delivering Plymouth's Strategic Role

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broad guidance on the scale anddistribution of development andprovision of supporting

Delivering the City VisionDelivering Sustainable LinkedCommunities

infrastructure. It contains high level Delivering the Quality Citypolicies and policies setting out Delivering Regenerationcriteria to be taken into account bythe Local Planning authority indetermining planning applications.

Delivering the Economic StrategyDelivering Adequate Shopping ProvisionDelivering Cultural/Leisure Facilities andthe evening/night-time economyDelivering Educational ImprovementsDelivering Adequate Housing SupplyDelivering a Sustainable EnvironmentDelivering Future Mineral ResourcesDelivering Sustainable WasteManagementDelivering Sustainable TransportDelivering Community Well-being.

North Plymstock Area Action Plan

Sustainable developmentis integral to the AAP.

Objectives:To create high quality, locallydistinctive and sustainablemixed-use neighbourhoods in North

1. To create a high quality sustainable newneighbourhood at Plymstock Quarry

Plymstock. The significant 2. To contribute to creating a neighbourhoodat Sherford that integrates effectively withthe wider Plymouth urban area

development focus in this area willprovide major new sustainableinfrastructure, particularly a High 3. To create an integrated sustainable

transport network including a High QualityQuality Public Transport (HQPT)system and facilities to support a Public Transport (HQPT) System servinghigh quality of life. Other new urban areas in the eastern corridordevelopment opportunities in the and the A38 Park and Ride, and improve

existing services in Plymstockarea will be coordinated to createsuccessful relationships between 4. To deliver a new countryside park which

will form a key recreational focus to thecity and region

different uses. Mineral reserves inthe area will be safeguarded to meetcurrent and future needs. The 5. To contribute towards local & regional

Biodiversity Action Plan targets for thecharacter of the area will be stronglyinfluenced by significant new restoration & recreation of priorityrecreational opportunities in the formof a countryside park, green spacelinks and sports facilities.

Biodiversity Action Plan habitats, throughrestoration works at Chelson Meadowand the management of the proposedCountryside Park

6. To provide a new high quality ‘easterngateway’ into the city, with a strong senseof place and local distinctivenessparticularly on key road & water frontages

7. To safeguard mineral reserves to meetcurrent and future needs of Plymouth andthe South West

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8. To safeguard future waste managementactivities in the area

9. To safeguard potential post 2016development options.

Devonport Area Action Plan (AAP)


Objectives:To re-create Devonport as a distinctplace in modern Plymouth, a vibrantself sustaining community; a place

New centre for DevonportImprove housing

of real quality, variety and interest, Providing employmentthe pride of residents, attractive tovisitors and a model of 21st centuryliving working and playing.

Providing services and facilitiesImproving transport and connectivityProtecting natural and built assets andpromoting high quality development.

Millbay and Stonehouse Area Action Plan


Objectives:To develop Millbay and Stonehouseas an attractive mixed-useneighbourhood that maximises its

To create a network of clearly identifiable,vibrant, well connected neighbourhoods

rich heritage, using the each with their own unique character andidentity, which fosters local prideredevelopment sites around the

water as a catalyst to further To promote positive mixed-useregeneration of disused and otherregeneration throughout the area.

This will lead to the creation of a under-used sites, including, whereappropriate, tall buildingsunique high quality environment

attractive to investors and newresidents and improving the qualityof life of the existing residents.

To create a quality Union Street with arange of uses that support thesurrounding communities and helps tolink together Millbay and StonehouseTo develop a stunning and high qualitywaterfront, where the public can enjoythe water and facilities located along thewater’s edgeTo create an attractive, vibrant andconvenient link between Millbay and theCity CentreTo provide positive connectionsthroughout the area and to neighbouringareas that are safe and convenient forpedestrians and cyclists and served byhigh quality public transport servicesTo capitalise on the historic assets of thearea such as the historic townscape andimportant historic buildingsTo provide a mix of uses in the area, withemployment opportunities and businessopportunities, local services, qualityprivate and affordable housing andattractive places to socialise

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To provide a new office quarter for thecity located in the area fromDerry’s Crossto Millbay waterfrontTo encourage new marine-basedemployment that will capitalise on theunique location and sustain and reinforcea long-established tradition ofwater-related jobsTo ensure that any development whichtakes place in Millbay and Stonehouseshould be designed to take into accountviews of the Sound which are animportant and stunning component of thecharacter of PlymouthTo ensure that any development thattakes place in Millbay and Stonehouse isdesigned to take into account views ofPlymouth Sound, which are an importantand stunning component of Plymouth’scharacter.

Derriford and Seaton AAP


The following strategic objectives are covered:Aims to deliver a diverse mix ofcommercial and community uses;secure prosperity by developing key Strategic Objective 1: Place Shapingemployment sites; provide a rangeof quality homes; create a new Strategic Objective 2: Delivering Jobs and

Servicesdistrict shopping centre; improvetransport connections; create astrong urban form with a high quality Strategic Objective 3: Delivering Homes and

Communitiesenvironment; enable public accessto and enjoyment of natural greenspaces; making Derriford the city'snorthern 'gateway'.

Strategic Objective 4: Delivering Shops andServices

Strategic Objective 5: Improving Connectivityand Permeability

Strategic Objective 6: Natural EnvironmentEnhancements

Central Park AAP


1. To create a landmark regional Life Centrecomplex of high quality design and innovativetechnology.

The plan was produced because ofthe need to substantially improvethe environmental qualities of thepark,

2. To create a park with desirable, high quality,vibrant spaces that can be used by the wholePlymouth community whilst also safeguardingits value as an important wildlife corridor.

improving both the recreational andsporting facilities that exist there andto create a premier park for thepeople of Plymouth to enjoy.

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3. To create a safe and well-connected parkwith its surrounding neighbourhoods and theCity Centre.

4. To provide high quality public andsustainable transport facilities serving the parkand new facilities.

5. To improve and strengthen the relationshipbetween the park and surrounding city in asustainable manner.

6. To improve the range and quality of publicfacilities available to park users.

City Centre and University AAP


Strategic Objective 1: Regional DestinationThis AAP puts in place a long termstrategy which will deliver a CityCentre worthy of one of Europe’s Strategic Objective 2: Placemakingfinest waterfront cities, by creatinga regional shopping and visitor Strategic Objective 3: Movement and

Accessibilitydestination; a sustainableneighbourhood in its own right wherepeople live, work and play; and an Strategic Objective 4: The West End – The

Market and Independent Districtenriched and diversified City Centrewhich both celebrates its past, andmoves forward into the 21st Centurywith new developments and uniqueattractions.

Strategic Objective 5 - The Core Retail District

Strategic Objective 6 - The Northern OfficeDistrict

Strategic Objective 7 - The Learning andCulture District

Strategic Objective 8 - The Leisure and CivicDistricts

Sutton Harbour AAP


Objective 1: To promote the positivemixed-use regeneration of disused orunder-used land and buildings, including whereappropriate, tall buildings.

To consolidate and develop theSutton Harbour area as an attractiveand sustainable mixed-use cityquarter creating a unique, highquality environment that will attractinvestment and new residents. Objective 2: To conserve and enhance the

special historic character of the Barbican,Bretonside and Coxside for future generations- capitalising on historic assets while respectingthe character of existing communities, uses,buildings and structures that make the areadistinctive.

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Objective 3: To create a safe, high-qualityenvironment, that capitalises on the waterfrontsetting. This should include a linked networkof attractive public spaces including a vibrant,publicly and visually accessible waterfront –

enlivened with entertainment, leisure andcultural uses without compromising theoperational needs and health and safetyrequirements of the statutory harbour authorityand other commercial waterside users.

Objective 4: To provide enhanced local centresfor the Barbican, Bretonside and Coxside withservices, activities and amenities that meet theneeds of local people, employees, businesses,visitors and the wider community.

Objective 5: To create a high-quality integratedmixed-use development to the east and westof Sutton Road, Coxside - including a mixtureof housing types and tenures, and opportunitiesto live, work, shop and socialise locally.

Objective 6: To ensure the area is easy to walkand cycle to and through–connecting effectivelyto surrounding neighbourhoods and the CityCentre, with excellent access to public transport(including the proposed eastern corridor HighQuality Public Transport link and improvedwater transport links).

Plymouth Local Economic Strategy 2006-2021: Review 2013-2014

The Plymouth Plan willneed to support thedelivery of this strategy and

The 2006 strategy has been revised andrefocused to maximise the opportunities arisingfrom Plymouth’s new brand strategy ‘Britain’sOcean City’. Six flagship interventions areidentified:

The review of the city’s LocalEconomic Strategy (LES), led by thePlymouth Growth Board, hasengaged a variety of stakeholdersto reflect on progress since 2006,enduring challenges and futuregrowth opportunities.

its flagship interventions,and help to focusPlymouth’s growth onincreasing the city’sOcean City Infrastructureproductivity and reducingeconomic reliance on thepublic sector.

Digital EconomyBusiness Growth and InvestmentLearning and Talent DevelopmentPeople, Communities and InstitutionsVisitor Economy and Culture

Underpinning these flagship interventions willbe a commitment to sustainable development.Cities that proactively respond to the businesschallenges and opportunities presented by theshift to a low carbon economy will be morecompetitive and resilient in the long term. The

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importance of making sure the opportunitiescreated by economic growth and developmentare shared fairly among the city’s residentpopulation is stressed.

Plymouth’s Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan

All the projects in the GIdelivery plan areassociated with social and

To deliver eight site-specific projects and sixthemed projects across the city.

Plymouth’s GI network will consistof a high quality network of greenand blue spaces that deliver the

environmental sustainabilitynatural services required to allowand some also supportsustainable economicgrowth.

the city and hinterland to growsustainably, and provide a goodquality of life for all.

The growth agenda will be utilisedas a positive mechanism forenhancing the areas outstandingnatural assets, and a coordinatedapproach to delivery will achieve ahealthy, functional and robustnatural environment that deliverssignificant environmental, social andeconomic benefits for current andfuture generations.

Housing Plan 2012-2017

Housing delivery isessential for social andeconomic sustainability.

Our Growing the City housing theme hasfour priority objectives;

The Housing Plan 2012 - 2017 setsout how partners across the city canwork towards this city vision for itshomes and communities over the Ensure new homes support Plymouth’s

growth, economic competitiveness andfuture prosperity,

next five years. It replaces fivecurrent separate strategies, andtogether with clear action focused Increase the supply, mix and quality of

new and affordable homes,delivery plans, will also meet the CityCouncil’s statutory strategyrequirements.

Deliver the physical regeneration ofpriority neighbourhoods,Bring empty homes back into use.

Our Better Homes, Healthy Lives theme hasfour priority objectives;

Target interventions to improve thestandard of private sector housing,Improve the management of privatesector housing,Adapt housing, so that older and disabledpeople can live independently in their ownhomes,Improve the energy efficiency of homes.

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Our Housing Choices, Better Solutionstheme has four priority objectives:

Prevent homelessness.End rough sleeping.Promote access to a range ofaccommodation options.Address the wider causes and impactsof homelessness.

Our Successful Communities theme hasfour priority objectives:

Effectively engage residents in priorityneighbourhoods.Tackle inequality in priorityneighbourhoods.Support our local communities throughmajor regeneration.Tackle anti-social behaviour, targetedharassment, and reduce significant harmfrom anti-social behaviour.

Plymouth’s Economic Review Issue 2, 2012

This report relates to thecurrent and futureeconomic sustainability ofPlymouth.

To present and analyse economic data forPlymouth.

This review takes a businessperspective while our next issue duelater in the year considers the labourmarket in more detail. It looks at thelatest data on Gross Value Added(GVA) and Business Demography,completing the picture for how therecession of 2008/9 affected thecity‟s economy. The final part of thereview presents a themed paper onthe notion of „EconomicRebalancing‟ – what it means forthe city of Plymouth and how wellpositioned it is to adapt to a neweconomic order.

Table 18.3

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19 APPENDIX 3: COMPLETING AND RECORDING THEASSESSMENT19.1 Ensure right hand page (odd number)Press A then F3 to create new Appendix. Restartpage numbering for eachIntroduction

19.2 In line with the ODPM (now CLG) Practical Guide to the SEADirective the assessmentprocess will seek to predict the significant environmental effects of the draft Plan. This isdone by identifying the likely changes to the baseline conditions as a result of implementingthe proposed plan (or reasonable alternative). These changes will be described (wherepossible) in terms of their geographic scale, the timescale over which they could occur,whether the effects would be temporary or permanent, positive or negative, likely or unlikely,frequent or rare. Where numerical information is not available, the assessment will be basedon professional judgement and with reference to relevant legislation, regulations and policy.More specifically, in undertaking the assessment, consideration will be given to:

baseline information including existing environmental problems and their evolution;the likely activities and potential effects arising from the interventions outlined in thePlan;the regulatory framework; andthe SEA objectives and guide questions.

19.3 Assessing the Environmental Effects of the draft Plan

19.4 Table 19.1 illustrates a draft of the SEA matrix developed to comprehensively meetthe requirements of the SEA Directive and record the assessment of the effects of the draftPlan. It contains the SEA objectives and questions presented in Section 16. The matrix alsoincludes the timescale of the effect and a commentary. These are briefly explained below:

Timing of Effect - Will the effect manifest itself in the short, medium or the long term?The short term is within the first ten years of the Plan, the medium term within the lifetimeof the Plan (i.e. to 25 years), and the longer term beyond this.Commentary - The commentary text within the matrix and summary text within thereport will identify possible mitigation measures associated with the proposals. Wherea score is indicated as ‘uncertain’ the commentary should identify ways in which thisuncertainty could be reduced, for example, through additional data collection or furtherconsultation with experts.Secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects, as well as the temporary/permanenceand likelihood of the effects are identified within the commentary:

Secondary or indirect effects are effects that are not a direct result of the Plan, but occurat distance from the direct impacts or as a result of a complex pathway. Examples of asecondary effect of the Plan could include changes in traffic flows on certain roads andincreases in air pollution in adjacent areas.Cumulative effects arise, for instance, where several developments each have insignificanteffects but together have a significant effect; or where several individual effects of Planare combined.

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Synergistic effects interact to produce a total effect greater than the sum of individualeffects. Significant synergistic effects often occur as habitats, resources or humancommunities get close to capacity. Examples are air and water pollution loadings orrecreational pressure.Temporary effects can occur for example during construction of a development. Whilstthese are generally short lived, theymay occur over several years with larger developmentschemes.

Geographical effects will be noted where the effect is likely to occur differentially within,for example different wards of the Plan area.

19.5 Table 19.1 Draft Assessment Matrix

Commentary/Explanation (toinclude secondary, cumulativeand synergistic effects)

TimescaleAssessmentQuestions

SA Objectives

LongTerm

MediumTerm

ShortTerm

Assessment of Effects:++++To protect andimprove the qualityand condition ofwater resources

Will the Planimpact on waterresources? A description of effects of the Plan

measure on the SA objective underconsideration will be provided here,with reasoning and justificationincluded.

Will developmentprotect and wherepossible improvethe quality of

Mitigation:surface water,groundwater andcoastal water? Measures to offset adverse effects

and enhance positive effects will beidentified.

Assumptions:

Any assumptions that haveunderpinned the assessment will behighlighted here.

Uncertainties:

Uncertainties encountered duringthe assessment will be noted:

Assessment of Effects:TBC

000To conserve andenhancebiodiversity

Will the Plan helpto protect andenhance

Mitigation:TBC

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Commentary/Explanation (toinclude secondary, cumulativeand synergistic effects)

TimescaleAssessmentQuestions

SA Objectives

LongTerm

MediumTerm

ShortTerm

Assumptions:TBC

designated sitesacross the Planarea and beyond?

Uncertainties:TBCWill the Plan

protect andenhance habitatsand speciesacross the Planarea and beyond?

Etc…………….???…………………3.……………………….etc.

?- --0++ +ScoreKey:

Scoreuncertain

Significantnegativeeffect

Minornegativeeffect

No overalleffect

Minorpositiveeffect

Significant

positiveeffect

NB: where more than one symbol is presented in a box it indicates that the SEA has found more thanone score for the category. Where the scores are both positive and negative, the boxes are deliberatelynot coloured. Where a box is coloured but also contains a ?, this indicates uncertainty over whether theeffect could be a minor or significant effect although a professional judgement is expressed in the colourused. A conclusion of uncertainty arises where there is insufficient evidence for expert judgement toconclude an effect.

S – short term (0 - 10 years), M – medium term (between 10 and 25 years) and L – long term (>25years)

Table 19.1

19.6 Each proposal that comes forward from Plan will be considered against each of theSEA objectives. This will be undertaken by the assessment team and will be informed bythe baseline data and evidence gathered as part of the Scoping Report. It will also be informedby expert judgement from various technical specialists including key stakeholders andconsultees.

19.7 Assessment of Strategy Alternatives

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19.8 Alternatives presented in the Plan will be assessed on an objective-by-objective basis.Table 19.2 sets out the proposed framework that will be used to record the findings of thisassessment. The first column describes the alternative whilst the second column summarisesthe expected effects on the SEA objective under consideration. The rationale for thisrelationship will be explained in more detail in the final column.

19.9 Table 19.2 Proposed Assessment Framework

Commentary

ScoreAlternative

Assessment of Effects:-1.

A description of effects of Alternative 1 on the SEA objectiveunder consideration will be provided here, with reasoning andjustification included.

Mitigation:

Measures to offset adverse effects and enhance positive effectswill be identified.

Assumptions:

Any assumptions that have underpinned the assessment willbe highlighted here.

Uncertainties:

Uncertainties encountered during the assessment will be noted.

Assessment of Effects:+2.


Mitigation:


Assumptions:

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Commentary

ScoreAlternative


Uncertainties:


Assessment of Effects:?3.


Mitigation:


Assumptions:


Uncertainties:


Summary

A brief summary of the effects of all the alternatives on the SEA objective under considerationwill be provided.

?Uncertaineffect

- -

Significantnegativeeffect

-

Minornegativeeffect

0

No overalleffect

+

Minor positiveeffect

+ +

Significant

positiveeffect

ScoreKey:

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Commentary

ScoreAlternative

NB: where more than one symbol is presented in a box it indicates that the SEA has foundmore than one score for the category. Where the scores are both positive and negative, theboxes are deliberately not coloured. Where a box is coloured but also contains a ?, thisindicates uncertainty over whether the effect could be a minor or significant effect althougha professional judgement is expressed in the colour used. A conclusion of uncertainty ariseswhere there is insufficient evidence for expert judgement to conclude an effect.

S – short term (0 - 10 years), M – medium term (between 10 and 25 years) and L – long term(>25 years)

Table 19.2

19.10 Note: This draft SEA matrix is for illustrative purposes only. The full matrix will befinalised after comments have been received on the SEA categories, objectives andassessment criteria.

19.11 Mitigation

19.12 Identifying effective mitigation measures will also be a fundamental part of the SEA.Box 19.1 provides information on types and examples of mitigation measures that might beproposed and includes an overview of the mitigation hierarchy. The mitigation hierarchy isbased on the principle that it is preferable to prevent the generation of an impact rather thancounteract its effects. It thus suggests that mitigation measures higher up the hierarchyshould be considered in preference to those further down the list.

Box 19.1 Mitigation Hierarchy and Example Measures

Mitigation measures should be consistent with the mitigation hierarchy (after DETR 1997(30)

and CLG 2006(31)):

Avoidance - making changes to a design (or potential location) to avoid adverse effectson an environmental feature. This is considered to be the most acceptable form ofmitigation.

30 Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1997)Mitigation Measuresin Environmental Statements. London: DETR

31 Department for Communities and Local Government (2006): Consultation Document -EIA: A guide to good practice and procedures. London: CLG

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Box 19.1 Mitigation Hierarchy and Example Measures

Reduction - where avoidance is not possible, adverse effects can be reduced throughsensitive environmental treatments/design.Compensation - where avoidance or reduction measures are not available, it may beappropriate to provide compensatory measures (e.g. an area of habitat that is unavoidablydamaged may be compensated for by recreating similar habitat elsewhere). It shouldbe noted that compensatory measures do not eliminate the original adverse effect, theymerely seek to offset it with a comparable positive one.Remediation - where adverse effects are unavoidable, management measures can beintroduced to limit their influence.Enhancement - where there are no negative impacts, but measures are adopted toachieve a positive move towards the sustainability objectives e.g. through innovativedesign.

Examples of how mitigation measures could be incorporated into Plan proposals couldinclude:

Preparation of sustainable travel plansDetailed sustainable design criteriaGreen infrastructure provision/habitat off-settingAir quality monitoringSite-specific measures

Table 19.3

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Plymouth Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping ReportPublished by Plymouth City CouncilSept 2014

CONTACTPlanning ServicesPlymouth City CouncilPlymouth PL1 2AATel: 01752 668000