Sustainability Appraisal of potential site options community campus - potential site options . Sustainability Appraisal Report . October 2010

Melksham community campus - potential site options Sustainability Appraisal Report October 2010

Contents Executive summary List of abbreviations Page 1. Introduction 7 2. Melksham community campus 8 3. Sustainable development and sustainability appraisal 9 3.1 What is sustainable development? 9 3.2 What is sustainability appraisal? 10 4. Assessment methodology 11 4.1 Introduction 11 4.2 Sustainability appraisal stages 11 4.3 Sustainability Appraisal Stage A - scoping stage 11 4.4 Sustainability Appraisal Stage B – prediction of significant effects 13 4.5 What sites are being considered and why? 14 4.6 Methodology limitations 17 5. Melksham – key sustainability issues 18 6. Summary of assessment findings 20 6.1 Introduction 20 6.2 Site option 1 – North-east Melksham 21 6.3 Site option 2 – South-west Melksham 22 6.4 Site option 3 – Land at Woolmore Farm 24 6.5 Site option 4 – South Melksham site 26 6.6 Site option 5 – Split campus 28 7. Conclusions 31 Appendix 1 – Sustainability Appraisal Framework Appendix 2 – Site option appraisal matrices Appendix 3 – Melksham flood constraints map

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Executive summary Introduction Wiltshire Council is proposing the development of a community campus in Melksham, in order to co-locate a range of public services currently offered through a dispersed estate. A number of potential site options are being considered for the location of this campus facility, and it is important to look at the sustainability aspects of each site option to enable the most sustainable location to be identified. This can be achieved through the use of a tool known as ‘Sustainability Appraisal’ which looks at the social, economic and environmental implications of site options and assesses their relative sustainability impacts. Sustainability appraisal scoping Wiltshire Council published a Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report in April 2010 that followed an extensive public consultation exercise. The scoping report effectively acts as the evidence base for the sustainability appraisal, and culminates in a framework of sustainability objectives. These sustainability objectives are used in this report as the basis for site assessment. The scoping report and further information regarding the sustainability appraisal process are available on the council’s website at: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ldfsustainabilityappraisal.htm What sites are being considered? Five site options, large enough to accommodate a campus of 5.3 hectares, have been considered. These were selected following a review of potential sites, either in or adjoining the urban area of Melksham, that have previously been considered for development or promoted to Wiltshire Council by a third party. Four sites are edge-of-town but adjoining the urban area. The fifth option considers a split campus, whereby some facilities would be retained in Melksham town centre, with leisure facilities being located on an edge-of-town site. Site options are described in more detail in Section 4.5 of the main report. How are sites being assessed? Each of the five sites has been assessed against the 17 sustainability objectives developed during the scoping stage. This sustainability appraisal focuses on predicting the likely significant positive and negative effects of each site using an

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http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ldfsustainabilityappraisal.htm

evidence based approach; significance of effects is evaluated by considering a range of factors such as their probability, duration and frequency, and the value and vulnerability of the location under consideration. Further information regarding significant effects evaluation is contained within Section 4.4 of the main report. Key sustainability issues in Melksham Having a good knowledge of current issues affecting Melksham provides the basis for predicting and evaluating any effects that might arise from development of a community campus in a particular location. Key issues of particular relevance to this assessment are:

• Regeneration of Melksham town centre is urgently required and is considered a priority.

• Leisure facilities in Melksham are in need of improvement or replacement and a replacement for Christie Miller sports centre is urgently needed.

• The range and frequency of bus services in Melksham is relatively poor, the railway station is under-used and highway capacity around the town is limited.

• There is a desire to protect and enhance the historic setting of Melksham town centre and The Spa.

These issues are reflected throughout the sustainability appraisal. Summary of assessment findings The full assessment of each site is presented in Appendix 2 and summarised in Table 5 of the main report. Of the five sites assessed, there are considered to be no significant environmental constraints that would preclude a campus development at any location. There are some areas of flood risk associated with some options but adequate land is available at each site to accommodate the size of development proposed without adversely affecting these areas. It is considered that the most sustainable, and therefore preferred, location for a community campus is in the town centre. Option 5 considers retaining some facilities in the town centre but assumes that a large enough site to accommodate the leisure facilities proposed would not currently be available. A town centre location would meet national planning guidance which promotes the vitality and viability of town centres and would help regenerate an area considered to be in decline.

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A town centre location would also be the most accessible location by sustainable transport modes, thereby increasing accessibility and social inclusion for those who do not have access to a car, and giving more travel options to those who do. Of the four edge-of-town options, the most sustainable location is considered to be Option 3 (land at Woolmore farm). This site benefits from existing infrastructure already in place at Oak school, and new leisure facilities would compliment the existing sports pitches and changing facilities in place at the school. The West Wiltshire Leisure and Recreation Development Plan Document (adopted January 2009) also refers specifically to land at Woolmore Farm for provision of further grass pitch provision and replacement of the Christie Miller sports complex. Option 4 (south Melksham) is considered the second choice for new leisure facilities in an edge-of-town location. It is the closest site to the town centre and development here could make use of existing infrastructure associated with Bowerhill Industrial Estate, help to regenerate this area and promote new employment opportunities. Options 1 and 2 (North east Melksham and south west Melksham respectively) do not score well in sustainability terms due to their distance from the town centre and inaccessibility by public transport. These options are not recommended as potential sites for a community campus. Conclusions/recommendations The sustainability appraisal has recommended that a location within or near to Melksham town centre be sought to locate at least some of the proposed campus facilities being considered. This will aid future attempts to regenerate the town centre, increase footfall and help increase viability of town centre businesses. It will be important to further explore whether there are any suitable sites for a campus in the vicinity of the town centre. If there is not a suitable site, it will be necessary to demonstrate that any proposed site is the most sustainable location possible and is readily accessible by sustainable modes of transport. Of the edge-of-town options considered in this sustainability appraisal, the site at Woolmore farm is considered the most sustainable location for a campus due to potential links with the school and proximity to land identified for sports pitches. It is recommended that further research is undertaken to establish the extent of any effects on the town centre from relocating facilities to an edge-of-town site, and how this may affect future attempts to regenerate and revitalise the town centre. A new campus facility, in any location, is likely to be a major trip generator and all possibilities should be explored to provide access by a range of sustainable

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modes of transport, giving people a real choice and reducing the need to travel by private car. List of abbreviations used in this report AQMA Air Quality Management Area BAP Biodiversity Action Plan BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment MethodCHP Combined Heat and Power CLG Communities and Local Government CWS County Wildlife Site DPD Development Plan Document FZ Flood Zone GI Green Infrastructure Ha Hectare LDF Local Development Framework ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister PAS Planning Advisory Service PCT Primary Care Trust PDL Previously Developed Land PPS Planning Policy Statement SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SFRA Strategic Flood Risk Assessment SHLAA Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment SLA Special Landscape Area SuDS Sustainable Drainage Systems WHS World Heritage Site

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1. Introduction 1.1 Wiltshire Council is proposing the development of a community campus in

Melksham, in order to co-locate a range of public services currently offered through a dispersed estate.

1.2 Wiltshire Council currently owns land and several buildings in Melksham

which are used to provide different services including leisure, a library, a swimming pool and a youth centre, but many of these buildings have become increasingly expensive to run and maintain due to their age and condition.

1.3 A number of potential site options are being considered for the location of

this campus facility, and it is important to look at the sustainability aspects of each site option to enable the most sustainable location to be identified.

1.4 This can be done through the use of a tool known as ‘Sustainability

Appraisal’ which is widely used in town planning to assess planning policy and/or development site options for their social, environmental and economic sustainability implications. Carrying out a sustainability appraisal will assist in the selection of a suitable site for a campus. However, it is not a statutory requirement and the assessment has been undertaken within the wider spatial planning framework, helping to inform wider spatial planning recommendations.

1.5 This Sustainability Appraisal Report has been undertaken by a

sustainability officer within the spatial planning team at Wiltshire Council. The report details the findings of the assessment of sites in and around Melksham, and will form an integral part of any consideration of sites for a future campus facility in Melksham.

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2. Melksham community campus 2.1 The proposed community campus aims to provide services for the local community in one, easy-to-access location, making maximum and efficient use of the council’s buildings. The campus may include the following services and functions, although these would be confirmed during the planning, design and community consultation stages:

• Leisure centre – 25m swimming pool plus learner pool; 4-court sports hall; multi-activity rooms; fitness suite; wet and dry changing etc.

• Provision of land for running track (or other recreational use) adjacent to campus facilities

• Library including improved IT suite for internet access • Registrar • Reception for all campus services and offering advice on other council

services • Cafe facilities • Creche • Youth centre • Personal care rooms (e.g. for disabled people and their carers) • Hot desking space for community based council, police and health staff • Meeting rooms • Health care facilties e.g. GP surgeries, specialist clinics • 100 space car park

2.2 If the community campus were to contain all the above services, the size

of the facility (plus car park and circulation) would be approximately 5.3 hectares (Ha).

2.3 This sustainability appraisal will be looking at the sustainability

implications of site locations, not the range or mix of services and facilities proposed for inclusion. However, one of the options being considered in this sustainability appraisal report states that some services and facilities will be retained in a town centre location, with leisure facilities to be provided in an edge-of-town location if a large enough town centre site was not available; effectively, a split campus between two sites.

3. Sustainable development and sustainability appraisal

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3.1 What is sustainable development?

3.1.1 Sustainable development is the core principle underpinning planning. The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.

3.1.2 A widely used definition was drawn up by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987 as:

“development that meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 3.1.3 The UK government published a sustainable development strategy1 in

2005 which identified four priority areas for immediate action across the UK:

• Sustainable Consumption and Production • Climate Change and Energy • Natural Resource Protection and Environmental Enhancement • Sustainable Communities

3.1.4 Planning can facilitate and promote sustainable and inclusive development

by:

• making suitable land available for development in line with economic, social and environmental objectives

• contributing to sustainable economic development • protecting and enhancing the natural and historic environment • ensuring high quality development through good and inclusive design • ensuring that development supports existing communities

3.1.5 The concept of sustainable development is demonstrated clearly in the

following diagram:

Figure 1: Sustainable development diagram

1 Securing the future - delivering UK sustainable development strategy (HM Government, 2005)

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3.1.6 It is important that the location of a site for a community campus in

Melksham provides a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits and that consideration has been given to the inter-relationship between social inclusion, protection and enhancement of the environment, prudent use of natural resources and economic development; in effect, a balance between competing interests as shown in Figure 1.

3.2 What is sustainability appraisal? 3.2.1 Sustainability appraisal is a tool used mainly in planning to promote the

objectives of sustainable development within planning policy and development proposals. This is done by ensuring that sustainable development is treated in an integrated way in the preparation of development plans or when considering potential sites for development.

3.2.2 Sustainability appraisal was introduced formally in 2004 through the

Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act and is a mandatory assessment for certain types of development plan within the council’s Local Development Framework (LDF). In this case, the assessment of potential sites for a community campus in Melksham is not mandatory, but it is recognised that carrying out this work will provide useful information and evidence for making decisions on the future location of a campus.

3.2.3 The sustainability appraisal process incorporates the requirements of the

EU Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC, or ‘SEA Directive’, which requires an environmental assessment of certain types of plan that are likely to have significant environmental effects.

3.2.4 The assessment methodology is explained further in chapter 4. 4. Assessment methodology

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4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 The methodology for carrying out this sustainability appraisal is explained

in this section. The appraisal has been undertaken in accordance with national guidance published by the former Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM)2 and the Planning Advisory Service (PAS).

4.2 Sustainability appraisal stages 4.2.1 There are two key stages involved in the process of carrying out a

sustainability appraisal. This report represents stage B (as shown in Table 1), but the scoping stage (Stage A) is also relevant and further details are given below:

Table 1: Stages of Sustainability Appraisal

Stage A: Scoping - this stage establishes the context for the sustainability appraisal and involves: 1• Identifying other relevant plans and policies 2• Collecting baseline information 3• Identifying key sustainability issues and problems 4• Developing a set of assessment objectives 5• Consultation Stage B: Assessing the effects of policy/site options - this stage is represented by this report and assesses the significant effects of a number of alternative options and involves: 1• Predicting and evaluating the significant effects of potential sites 2• Considering ways of mitigating effects 3• Consultation on a Sustainability Appraisal Report

4.3 Sustainability Appraisal Stage A - scoping stage 4.3.1 Wiltshire Council published a Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report in

April 2010 that followed an extensive public consultation exercise. The report itself and further information is available on the council’s website at:

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ldfsustainabilityappraisal.htm

4.3.2 The scoping report effectively acts as the evidence base for the

sustainability appraisal, and culminates in a framework of sustainability objectives. These objectives are used as tests of sustainability or prompts for questions about sustainability and they can be used to compare the effects of alternatives.

2 Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents (ODPM, 2005) A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (ODPM, 2005) Planning Advisory Service Sustainability Appraisal guidance (PAS, 2010)

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4.3.3 The objectives evolved from discussion of Wiltshire wide sustainability issues, but they are still relevant to a sites option appraisal in Melksham, and have therefore not been amended for this exercise. The objectives are grouped by sustainability theme as they appear in the scoping report (Table 2):

Table 2: Sustainability appraisal objectives

Sustainability theme

Sustainability appraisal objective

Biodiversity 1. Protect and enhance all biodiversity and geological features 2. Ensure the more efficient use of land and the use of suitably located previously developed land and buildings

Land and soil resources

3. Promote sustainable waste management solutions that encourage the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste 4. Use and manage water resources in a sustainable manner Water

resources and flood risk

5. Reduce the risk of flooding to existing developments and ensure there is no risk to new developments

Air quality and environmental pollution

6. Improve air quality throughout Wiltshire and minimise and/or mitigate against all sources of environmental pollution

Climatic factors

7. Minimise our impacts on climate change and reduce our vulnerability to future climate change effects

Historic environment

8. Protect, maintain and enhance the historic environment and archaeological assets

Landscapes 9. Protect and enhance the character and quality of Wiltshire’s rural and urban landscapes, maintaining and strengthening local distinctiveness and sense of place

Population and housing

10. Provide everyone with the opportunity to live in good quality, affordable housing, and ensure an appropriate mix of dwelling sizes, types and tenures within their communities

Healthy communities

11. Provide a safe and healthy environment in which to live

12. Reduce poverty and deprivation and promote more inclusive and self contained communities

Inclusive communities

13. Improve equality of access to, and engagement in local, high-quality community services and facilities

Education and skills

14. Raise educational attainment levels across the authority and provide opportunities for people to improve their workplace skills

Transport 15. Reduce the need to travel and promote more sustainable transport choices 16. Encourage a vibrant, diversified and sustainable economy based on efficient resource use and offering opportunities and prosperity for all

Economy and enterprise

17. Ensure adequate provision of high-quality employment land and diverse employment opportunities in appropriate locations to meet the needs of local businesses, a changing workforce and the environment

4.3.4 The full framework is presented in Appendix 1. This includes a series of

decision-aiding questions that help to clarify the key issues that should be thought about when considering each objective.

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4.4 Sustainability Appraisal Stage B – prediction of significant effects 4.4.1 The SEA Directive, introduced in paragraph 3.2.3, requires the

identification and evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the plan or policy, and ‘reasonable alternatives’. Sustainability appraisal, at this stage, offers a broader assessment of effects encompassing social, environmental and economic considerations.

4.4.2 Stage B sustainability appraisal (this report) concentrates on predicting

and evaluating the likely significant effects of locating a community campus at a number of different locations in Melksham, using the 17 objectives presented in Table 2. This enables a useful comparison to be made of sites and conclusions can then be given as to which sites are considered most sustainable.

4.4.3 Prediction and evaluation of likely significant effects involves identifying

what changes may occur to the sustainability baseline and describing these changes in terms of such things as their probability, duration and frequency, and may include secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects. The geographical area and population size will also be considered, as well as the value and vulnerability of certain areas.

4.4.4 Likely significant effects are labelled as being in one of six categories as

described in the following table: Table 3: Significant effects assessment

Significance Assessment

Description

++ Option would have a significant positive effect in its current form as it would help resolve an existing issue or maximise opportunities, leading to significant benefits. SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE

+ Option would have a positive effect. ? Effect of option is uncertain. 0 Option would have a neutral effect. - Option would have a negative effect. -- The option would have a significant negative effect as it would

substantially exacerbate existing problems with mitigation problematic. Exclusion of the option should be considered. SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE

Note: assessment of some objectives for a given option may be considered to be positive or negative but with some uncertainties, in which case a symbol such as +/? or -/? may be used.

4.4.5 Ultimately, the significance of an effect is a matter of judgement, and the

actual effects of a development in a given location may be different from those predicted. Sustainability appraisal gives an opinion on what effects may occur to help inform the decision-making process, and any information gaps or limitations will be noted.

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4.4.6 Assessment matrices for all site options are presented in Appendix 2. 4.5 What sites are being considered and why? 4.5.1 The project team carrying out this sustainability appraisal have been

asked to consider sites of at least 5.3ha in size, either in or adjoining the urban area of Melksham, that could accommodate the facilities described earlier in paragraph 2.1.

4.5.2 Information used to decide which site locations to include has been

obtained predominantly from the council’s Wiltshire 2026 consultation document, Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) and spatial planning officer knowledge of potential sites that have been promoted to the council. Sites have therefore not been considered in this assessment if they were:

• considered to be too small; • not within or adjoining the urban area of Melksham; • already allocated or proposed for housing or employment use; or • not put forward as part of the SHLAA or promoted to the council for

future development. 4.5.3 It was considered appropriate to also assess the option of a split campus,

consisting of one campus in a town centre location and one campus in an edge-of-town location. This was considered necessary because some of the services and facilities that would be relocated to a new campus are currently situated within Melksham town centre. This is a theoretical scenario that assumes that certain services/facilities such as the library and youth centre would be retained in the town centre.

4.5.4 The town centre option is based on an area of 400m radius from the

market place in Melksham. It assumes that a site would become available and that leisure uses requiring a much larger area of land, including the leisure centre and running track, would be located on an edge-of-town site.

4.5.5 The five options being considered are listed below and shown on the map

following:

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Table 4: Melksham community campus site options

Option number/name

Description of site Size (ha)

Why is this site being considered?

1. North East Melksham

Land north of Meadow Rd and south of Woodrow House farm, land east of Savernake Ave.

51.56 This site was considered as part of the Wiltshire 2026 strategic sites selection process for housing. It was not taken forward as a preferred location for housing.

2. South West Melksham

Land north and east of Berryfield Lane, land east of Semington rd, Townsend Farm, Westward Farm, land south of Berryfield, land north of Shails Lane

45.09 This site was considered as part of the Wiltshire 2026 strategic sites selection process for housing. It was not taken forward as a preferred location for housing.

3 Land at Woolmore Farm

Land at Woolmore farm adjacent to Oak school campus.

5.82 The adopted West Wiltshire District Council Leisure & Recreation DPD (2009) specifically mentions land at Woolmore Farm for potential replacement of Christie Miller sports complex, including sports field.

4 South Melksham Land south of western way. Land east of the A350, including golf course.

21.66 Part of this site was included in the Wiltshire 2026 consultation document as a preferred option for employment and housing, and therefore may not be available as a location for a campus. However, this site has also been promoted to the council for proposed leisure and retail development by a private organisation.

5 Split campus - retaining some services/facilities in the town centre

A split campus retaining some community facilities within 400m radius of Melksham market place, with leisure centre and associated facilities located on an edge-of-town site (if a suitably large enough site cannot be found in the town centre).

50.25 This is a theoretical option which would retain some services/facilities that are currently located in the town centre. It presumes that indoor/outdoor leisure facilities would be located on an edge-of-town site if a suitably large enough site could not be found in the town centre.

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Figure 2: Map of Melksham showing campus site options

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4.6 Methodology limitations 4.6.1 There are a number of limitations which should be borne in mind when

considering the results and conclusions of this assessment. 4.6.2 Sustainability appraisal is a tool for predicting potential significant effects.

The actual effects of a campus development may be different from those identified. Prediction of effects is made using an evidence based approach and the judgement of the officer(s) carrying out the appraisal. Quantitative predictions are often not practicable and can lead to a feeling of certainty regarding effects that is not appropriate.

4.6.3 Every attempt has been made to predict effects as accurately as possible

using the best available information. The actual details of a campus development are not known at this stage and many effects will depend on the size and location of the development, building design and construction, proximity to sensitive receptors such as wildlife sites, conservation areas, flood risk areas and watercourses, and the range of uses taking place.

4.6.4 In this assessment, where effects are uncertain or data is unavailable or

out-of-date, this has been stated.

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5. Melksham – key sustainability information 5.1 Obtaining baseline information and knowledge of the key sustainability

issues affecting Melksham provides the basis for predicting and evaluating effects of the proposed site options and thinking of mitigation measures that can help reduce any adverse effects.

5.2 The council’s spatial planning team produced a consultation document in

October 2009 entitled ‘Wiltshire 2026 – planning for Wiltshire’s future’. This document forms an early stage in the development of the Core Strategy which will eventually replace elements of the existing local plans which planning decisions are currently set against. Wiltshire 2026 contains a variety of up-to-date information on the key issues currently affecting Melksham, and this document was subject to a sustainability appraisal.

5.3 Key information and current issues from Wiltshire 2026, relevant to this

appraisal, include:

Employment • Melksham is identified as a strategic employment centre. It has a

strong employment base.

Retail/town centre regeneration • The town centre is in need of regeneration. The retail offer has

suffered in recent years, and the retail centre has moved away from the more attractive parts of the town centre. Town centre regeneration is a priority for the town.

• Melksham Town Council has an aspiration to prepare a Town Plan

which will play an important role in delivering town centre regeneration.

Housing • A high level of residential development is already proposed in

Melksham, including an urban extension of around 700 dwellings to the east of the town which already has consent.

Transport • Melksham railway station is under-used, with only a few trains stopping

at the town each day. • The range and frequency of bus services in Melksham is relatively

poor when compared with the services on offer in Westbury, Warminster and Bradford on Avon.

• The highway capacity around the town is limited.

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Environmental constraints • Melksham is relatively unconstrained in terms of biodiversity and

landscape designations that may restrict locations for development. • There are areas at risk of flooding due mainly to proximity to the river

Avon.

Wilts and Berks canal • The proposed restoration of the Wilts and Berks canal provides an

opportunity to promote tourism and regeneration within the town. Leisure • Leisure facilities in Melksham are in need of improvement or

replacement and a replacement for Christie Miller sports centre is urgently needed.

5.4 Both Wiltshire 2026 and associated sustainability appraisal went through a

widely publicised and wide-ranging consultation process from 30 October 2009 to 31 December 2009. An exhibition was held in Melksham town centre on 26 November 2009, as part of the Wiltshire 2026 consultation. The key issues for the Melksham community area, resulting from this consultation, were:

• Melksham town centre is in need of regeneration; • there is a need to improve existing infrastructure, facilities and

services; • development in Melksham should not be restricted because it is

identified as a market town rather than a strategically significant town; • support for economic growth in Melksham; • concern over number of houses proposed in Melksham; • objections to development between Melksham and Bowerhill; • desire to protect the historic setting of The Spa; • objections to employment development south of Berryfield.

5.5 It is important that all these issues are reflected in this sustainability

appraisal, and that they help to inform the evaluation of the likely effects of a community campus in Melksham.

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6. Summary of assessment findings 6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 Potential sites for a community campus in Melksham (Table 4, Figure 2)

have been assessed against a wide ranging set of sustainability objectives, as outlined in section 4.

6.1.2 The full assessment is presented in Appendix 2. This section provides a

summary of those effects considered likely to be significant and indicates which site option(s) are likely to be preferable for development of a new campus. Appendix 2 provides a discussion of some of the other minor effects that are likely and should be read for further details. A summary of assessment scores is shown below:

Table 5: Site options assessment summary

Sustainability objective

Site option 1 (North east)

Site option 2 (South west)

Site option 3 (Woolmore Farm)

Site option 4 (South Melksham)

Site option 5 (Split campus)

1. Biodiversity -/? -/? -/? -/? -/? 2. Land and soil - - - - +/? 3. Waste + + + + + 4. Water resources + + + + + 5. Flood risk -/? + + + + 6. Pollution --/? -/? -/? -/? +/? 7. Climate change 0 0 + + + 8. Historic 0/? 0/? +/? 0/? -/? 9. Landscapes -/? -/? 0/? -/? -/?

10. Housing 0 0 0 0 0 11. Health + + ++/? ++/? ++ 12. Poverty/ deprivation + + + + +/? 13. Community facilities +/? +/? +/? +/? ++/? 14. Education and skills +/? +/? ++/? +/? +/? 15. Transport --/? --/? -/? -/? +/? 16. Economy --/? --/? --/? --/? ++/?

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17. Employment -/? -/? -/? -/? ++/?

6.2 Site option 1 – North-east Melksham Significant positive effects 6.2.1 No significant positive effects are considered likely from a campus at this

site, mainly due to its location and distance from the town centre and relative inaccessibility by public transport. It is possible that this site could perform better against some objectives, depending on the design and construction of buildings, with high levels of energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy generation and inclusion of sustainable waste and water infrastructure.

6.2.2 There are few environmental constraints in terms of biodiversity, heritage

and landscape. There are flood constraints to the north and east of this option, but a campus development located adjacent to the existing urban area would avoid these areas of flood risk.

Significant negative effects

6.2.3 Air quality, transport - the north-east option scores particularly poorly

against objectives relating to air quality and transport due to its relative remoteness from the town centre and poor existing bus connectivity. This site is the furthest from the town centre of all five options and significant increases in traffic could be expected.

6.2.4 Access to a campus in the north of this site would be via Forest road and

Woodrow road, neither of which is suitable for significant increases in traffic. Forest road has traffic calming measures in place and a 20mph limit, and there would be significant amenity and air quality impacts on local residents.

6.2.5 Access to this site may be better from the A3102 Sandridge road, making

use of highways infrastructure being put in place to cater for new housing to the east of Melksham and public transport services that would serve this development. A campus located adjacent to the A3102 may therefore require less highways infrastructure and result in less amenity issues for local residents.than if access was via Forest road and Woodrow road.

6.2.6 Economy - it is envisaged that there may be significant impacts for the

town centre from relocating a number of services and facilities to this site. Regeneration of the town centre is a recognised priority for the town and relocating facilities and services that currently attract people into the town centre could affect the viability of town centre businesses, particularly in the areas of retail and hospitality.

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Recommendations 6.2.7 It is recommended that this option is not considered for development of a

community campus due to its location, poor highway capacity and inaccessibility from the town centre by public transport.

6.2.8 Further research needs to be undertaken on the effects of relocating

services and facilities to an edge-of-town location on town centre regeneration and viability of town centre businesses. This has the potential to undermine any regeneration attempts for Melksham but also any potential benefits for the local economy of a community campus, in any location, need to be understood further. Consideration should be given to retaining some services and facilities, including the library, in the town centre to aid regeneration.

6.2.9 If a campus were to be built in this area, the most sustainable location

would potentially be the triangular site immediately north of the A3102 and adjacent to the existing residential area, as it may be possible to link it with the substantial housing development being built to the south, and its associated infrastructure. Any development would have to be accompanied by significant investment in public transport to mitigate the impacts of increases in car use to this area.

6.3 Site option 2 – South-west Melksham Significant positive effects 6.3.1 No significant positive effects are considered likely at this site. The

assessment has produced a very similar result to Option 1 – both options are relatively inaccessible from/to the town centre and there is poor existing highways infrastructure and public transport services to deal with a campus of this size.

6.3.2 However, despite the relative remoteness and inaccessibility from the

town centre of Option 2, access to a campus facility could be achieved more easily without having to go through residential areas, in contrast to Option 1.

6.3.3 It is possible that this site could perform better against some objectives,

depending on the design and construction of buildings, with high levels of energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy generation and inclusion of sustainable waste and water infrastructure.

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6.3.4 There are few environmental constraints associated with this option in terms of biodiversity, heritage and landscape, and this option has less flood constraints than Option 1. The proposed restoration of the Wilts and Berks Canal to the west of Melksham will provide recreational and tourism opportunities, and a community campus in this area may be able to link in with this project, with significant benefits.


6.3.5 Transport – this option covers a large area down to Berryfield and

beyond. Realistically, a campus development would need to be located in the north of this option close to the existing urban area of Melksham. There are poor public transport services to this location currently and significant investment would be required to create access to the A350 or Semington road. Melksham is noted as having poor highway capacity and any development here is likely to exacerbate existing capacity on this stretch of Western Way.

6.3.6 Unlike Option 1, access to a campus here would likely be via Western

Way and therefore car journeys would not have to be made through residential areas. This is the reason why a significant adverse effect has not been assigned against the environmental pollution objective. It is recognised that there may still be effects on nearby residential areas around Laburnum Drive and Hornbeam Crescent from standing traffic if the capacity of Western Way is not improved.

6.3.7 Economy - it is envisaged that there may be significant impacts for the


6.3.8 It is recognised that provision of a new leisure centre and library on one

campus may attract people into Melksham from further afield which may help the local economy, including the town centre. However, town centre regeneration is dependant on a range of other factors and this will require further research in order to fully understand the effects of removing services and facilities to an edge-of-town location.

Recommendations

6.3.9 This option scores marginally better than Option 1 but it is also not a

favoured location for the development of a community campus, due mainly to the lack of existing public transport, impacts on highway capacity and impacts on town centre regeneration.

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6.3.10 Further research needs to be undertaken on the effects of relocating

services and facilities to an edge-of-town location on town centre regeneration and viability of town centre businesses. This has the potential to undermine any regeneration attempts for Melksham but also any potential benefits for the local economy of a community campus, in any location, need to be understood further. Consideration should be given to retaining some services and facilities, including the library, in the town centre to aid regeneration.

6.3.11 If development were to take place here it should be located in close

proximity to the existing urban area of Melksham where safe access to the existing highway network can be made. Access onto the A350 would seem more appropriate than accessing via Semington road as a campus will be a major trip generator and, despite improvements to public transport, it is likely that the number of car trips will increase substantially.

6.3.12 Development in this area should be compatible with any future plans for

canal reinstatement. 6.4 Site option 3 – Land at Woolmore Farm Significant positive effects 6.4.1 Healthy communities – all options have been scored positively against

this objective because of the proposed provision of new sport, recreation and healthcare facilities, and the benefits this will have in encouraging increased participation in healthy activities and for reducing health inequalities.

6.4.2 Option 3 is seen as significantly positive because of its location next to the

new secondary school campus, encouraging active participation among the student population and taking advantage of the existing road infrastructure, public transport, walking and cycling network that have been greatly improved because of the school. There will also be benefits from locating a new leisure centre where there are existing sports pitches and changing facilities, reducing the need and expense of providing additional facilities.

6.4.3 Education and skills – all options were scored positively against this

objective because a community campus will provide information and assistance in one place to help people find out about skills and learning and participating in voluntary and community enterprises.

6.4.4 With option 3, possibilities will exist for creating strong links with the

secondary school because of its proximity which can not only improve the

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learning abilities of the students but also improve adult education accessibility and job related skills. Therefore this has been scored as a significant effect.

Significant negative effects 6.4.5 Economy - it is envisaged that there may be significant impacts for the


6.4.6 It is recognised that provision of a new leisure centre and library on one

campus may attract people into Melksham from further afield which may help the local economy, including the town centre. However, town centre regeneration is dependant on a range of other factors and this will require further research in order to fully understand the effects of removing services and facilities to an edge-of-town location.

Recommendations 6.4.7 This option has been assessed as having the potential for greater benefits

than the three other edge-of-town options, primarily because of the infrastructure investment that has already been made for Oak school eg highways, sports pitches etc. and the opportunities that exist to create strong links with the school to improve education and skills among the wider population.

6.4.8 It would seem appropriate to locate a new leisure centre where there are

existing facilities for outdoor sport and recreation, and the indoor facilities would compliment these. The West Wiltshire Leisure and Recreation Development Plan Document (DPD) - adopted in January 2009 - refers specifically to land at Woolmore Farm and states that the site “provides an opportunity for further grass pitch provision” and “will also provide replacement provision for the 4.5 hectare Christie Miller Sports Field, which is allocated for future employment provision”. It also states that “if the review of indoor provision recommends the replacement of the Christie Miller complex, there is space available to provide for this on this site”.

6.4.9 A community campus at this location next to the school site would be likely

to significantly increase traffic on the A365 and this would create amenity issues for local residents and safety issues for students. It is also likely that public transport services to the school are more frequent at specific periods in the morning and afternoon and the frequency of these services would need to be increased throughout the day.

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6.4.10 The sustainability appraisal has raised concerns about the effects of

relocating services and facilities out of the town centre. Further research needs to be undertaken on the effects of relocating services and facilities to an edge-of-town location on town centre regeneration and viability of town centre businesses. This has the potential to undermine any regeneration attempts for Melksham but also any potential benefits for the local economy of a community campus, in any location, need to be understood further.

6.4.11 However, redevelopment of Christie Miller, running track and golf course

sites for employment use would increase employment opportunities in Melksham and help in the regeneration of Bowerhill industrial estate.

6.4.12 This option is possibly the most sustainable location for a community

campus if a suitable site cannot be found nearer to the town centre. However, consideration should be given to retaining some services and facilities, including the library, in the town centre to aid regeneration.

6.5 Site option 4 – South Melksham Significant positive effects 6.5.1 Healthy communities – all options have been scored positively against

this objective because of the proposed provision of new sport, recreation and healthcare facilities, and the benefits this will have in encouraging increased participation in healthy activities and for reducing health inequalities.

6.5.2 This site is seen as being likely to provide significant benefits for health

and recreation because of its proximity to the town centre, relative to the other edge-of-town options, and opportunities to link in with existing infrastructure associated with Bowerhill industrial estate. There are existing public transport routes serving the industrial estate and Christie Miller and a new campus here could take advantage of these, increasing its accessibility.

6.5.3 A campus on part of this option would be nearer to the town centre than

the school site, but there are concerns that the campus could significantly add to the traffic driving through the industrial estate which does not have adequate road infrastructure, at present, to cope with such an increase. Location of the campus would need careful consideration.


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6.5.4 Option 4 has been assessed as being likely to lead to significant negative effects against sustainability objective 16, relating to the economy.

6.5.5 There are strong concerns regarding relocating services and facilities

away from the town centre and consequent impacts on town centre businesses and regeneration. However, it is possible that locating a campus in proximity to Bowerhill Industrial Estate could help with regeneration of that area and allow redevelopment of existing sites for employment use ie Christie Miller, golf course and running track . This would need further research which is not possible as part of the remit of this sustainability appraisal.

Recommendations 6.5.6 Part of this site is included in the council’s Wiltshire 2026 document as a

preferred option for housing and employment use, and therefore any consideration of this site for development of a campus would need to take that into account. Development of a campus here could take advantage of infrastructure provision for any future housing/employment development to the east of the site.

6.5.7 This option has performed reasonably strongly in the assessment with

likely significant negative effects against just one sustainability objective. Development here would ideally be located in the north of the site with highway access onto Western Way, taking advantage of existing public transport services (although significant new investment in highways infrastructure, public transport services and walking/cycling routes would be needed).

6.5.8 A campus facility in the northern part of this site would be closer to the

town centre than the other edge-of-town options (except possibly option 2) but would not have the benefits of Option 3 in being able to take advantage of existing highways and sports infrastructure that are in place for Oak school, as well as being able to form links with the school to benefit adult skills and learning.

6.5.9 The site is relatively unconstrained in environmental terms, although

consideration would need to be given to protecting and enhancing the golf course, or providing a similar facility (or better) in a more sustainable location.

6.5.10 Concerns have been expressed regarding possible coalescence with

Bowerhill. Development of a campus on this site could cause some coalescence with the industrial estate, although not with the residential area of Bowerhill. Site selection will be important to maintain the separate identity of Bowerhill.

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6.5.11 A community campus at this location, adjacent to Bowerhill Industrial

Estate, would be likely to significantly increase traffic on Western Way and may increase traffic travelling through the industrial estate. This would create amenity issues for local residents and users of the estate and a range of options to encourage travel by sustainable transport modes should be explored.

6.6 Site option 5 – split campus (retaining some services/facilities in the

town centre) Significant positive effects 6.6.1 Through the assessment, this option was found to have likely significant

positive effects against four of the sustainability objectives and would be the preferred option for the development of a community campus. At this stage, however, this is a theoretical option and a suitable, available site would need to be found in the town centre to accommodate some of the campus facilities proposed.

6.6.2 Healthy communities – a town centre location for provision of leisure and

healthcare facilities would be the most sustainable because these facilities would be more accessible to a wider number of people. Public transport services are clearly better in the town centre and this would allow better access for people who do not have access to a car and are reliant on public transport. Locating these facilities away from the town centre would not provide the same opportunities for participation and therefore reduced benefits for healthy living.

6.6.3 Locating new leisure and healthcare facilities in the town centre would

also help in regeneration by increasing vitality and viability of town centre businesses.

6.6.4 Community facilities – this objective is about improving the availability

and accessibility of key local facilities, and encouraging active involvement of local people in community activities. Locating such facilities in the town centre will increase accessibility and therefore involvement and participation of local people. This will aid town centre regeneration and reduce social exclusion.

6.6.5 This is the only option seen as likely to have significant positive affects

against this objective. Other options are positive because new community facilities are being provided, but the accessibility of a town centre site is key in the evaluation of significance.

6.6.6 Economy – retaining some services and facilities in the town centre, such

as the library and healthcare is seen as important for the future economic

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health of the town centre and for Melksham in the long term. Relocating these to an edge-of-town site will not help attract people into the town centre and may hinder long term regeneration aspirations.

6.6.7 National planning guidance (PPS4) promotes the vitality and viability of

town centres as important places for communities and requires new economic growth and development of main town centre uses to be focused in existing centres, with the aim of offering a wide range of services to communities.

6.6.8 PPS4 also requires local planning authorities to consider consolidating

and strengthening existing centres that are in decline, as is the case with Melksham, and to carry out a sequential assessment that includes a thorough assessment of all town centre options before out-of-centre sites are considered.

6.6.9 It is acknowledged that a new campus development located on an edge-

of-town site may still have economic benefits for the town if people from further afield are attracted into Melksham, when they might otherwise go elsewhere, and further research is required regarding the economic impacts for Melksham.

6.6.10 Employment – the argument has been put forward that retaining some

services and facilities in the town centre will aid town centre regeneration and increase the viability of town centre businesses. This is therefore likely to help maintain or increase the number of jobs in the town centre.

6.6.11 As previously stated, further research is needed as to the extent of any

benefits for Melksham overall. Reducing the number of premises may lead to a small number of direct job losses, but it is also likely that a new community campus could increase employment opportunities through increased participation levels and by attracting people into Melksham.

6.6.12 Redevelopment of Christie Miller, the running track and golf course sites

for employment use would increase employment opportunities in Melksham and help in the regeneration of Bowerhill industrial estate.


6.6.13 There are no significant negative effects considered likely through this

option. However, the location and design of any campus will need careful consideration to avoid adversely affecting the historic conservation area and setting of other listed buildings, and to avoid areas of flood risk associated with the river avon.

Recommendations

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6.6.14 Development of a split campus with some facilities retained in the town centre is the preferred option of the five assessed. Locating a campus in the town centre, retaining facilities such as the library and healthcare services, will contribute towards town centre regeneration by significantly increasing the vitality of the town centre, increasing footfall and creating new regeneration opportunities by releasing other sites for development eg the existing library site. This is seen as being essential for the long term economic health of Melksham.

6.6.15 Participation and active involvement in community activities, and the

dissemination of information is likely to be significantly higher where services and facilities are more accessible by sustainable transport modes.

6.6.16 National planning guidance (PPS 4) states that, where town centres are

recognised as being in decline, the local planning authority should consider the scope for consolidating and strengthening these centres by seeking to focus a wider range of services there, promoting the diversification of uses and improving the environment. Option 5 assumes that a large enough site would not be available for a new leisure centre in the town centre, but if a site became available that could accommodate community facilities and a leisure centre on one campus, this should be given serious consideration because of the social and economic benefits that may result.

6.6.17 Further research is needed to establish the extent of benefits that locating

a campus in the town centre could bring to Melksham as a whole, and if an edge-of-town campus is likely to be detrimental to regeneration. The sustainability appraisal can only predict effects at this stage, and a more detailed assessment would need to be carried out when details of site location, size, range of facilities, design etc are known.

6.6.18 Any development in the town centre would need to be particularly

sensitive to the historic conservation area and listed buildings in the wider town centre, and development could help enhance these buildings and increase tourism related benefits.

6.6.19 Consideration of the significant area of flood risk in the north and west of

the town centre associated with the river avon, and the river avon and Conigre Mead wildlife sites, is also required. Development should avoid areas of known flood risk and not be located where it would adversely affect designated biodiversity features.

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7. Conclusions 7.1 The sustainability appraisal has assessed five site options in Melksham –

four edge-of-town options on the edge of the urban area and a theoretical town centre option. Each site was assessed against 17 sustainability objectives and corresponding sustainability criteria that were developed during 2009 through a thorough and wide ranging public consultation exercise.

7.2 No significant environmental constraints were found that would preclude a

campus development at any of the options. There are some areas of flood risk associated with some options and some minor watercourses, but adequate land is available to accommodate the size of development proposed without adversely affecting these areas. Any development in the town centre should ensure the protection and enhancement of the conservation area and all other listed buildings.

7.3 A new campus facility, in any location, is likely to be a major trip generator

and all possibilities should be explored to provide access by sustainable transport modes, giving people a real choice and reducing the need to travel by private car.

7.4 New campus facilities are likely to lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions due to the closure of a number of older, less energy efficient buildings, and if campus design incorporates high levels of energy efficiency and that sustainable forms of energy and heat production/distribution are included in the development. The extent of any benefits will very much depend on the sustainability of design and effective measures to deal with the effects of car use and promotion of sustainable forms of transport.

7.5 Due to the absence of significant environmental constraints, this appraisal

has focused mainly on the predicted social and economic implications of the options and those likely to result in greater benefits for social inclusion and maintaining a healthy local economy.

7.6 The most sustainable, and therefore preferred option is Option 5, which

states that certain services and facilities, if not all, would be retained in a town centre location. This is a theoretical option at this stage and it is assumed that there is not currently an available site in the town centre large enough to accommodate a campus to include a leisure centre, swimming pool and running track. However, if a site were to become available in the town centre that is large enough for a campus facility

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incorporating the full range of leisure and community facilities, this should be seriously considered.

7.7 A town centre location would meet national planning guidance which

promotes the vitality and viability of town centres as important places for communities, and for new economic growth to be focused in existing centres, with the aim of offering a wide range of services to communities. This guidance also requires local planning authorities to consider consolidating and strengthening existing centres that are in decline, as is the case with Melksham, by carrying out a thorough assessment of all town centre options before out-of-centre sites are considered.

7.8 A campus development in the town centre would help regenerate the town

centre, a stated priority of the town council and Wiltshire Council, by attracting people who would then frequent other local businesses. This in turn would increase the vitality of the town centre, make businesses more viable and retain jobs. A town centre campus would also be the most accessible location by sustainable transport modes, including bus, rail, walking and cycling, thereby increasing accessibility for those who do not have access to a car, and giving more travel options to those who do.

7.9 The assessment considers that the most sustainable edge-of-town option

for developing a new leisure centre is Option 3 (land at Woolmore Farm). This site will benefit from existing infrastructure that is already in place for the secondary school, such as highways, sewerage, drainage and public transport. The new leisure centre facilities would also compliment the existing sports pitches and associated changing facilities already in place at the school.

7.10 The West Wiltshire Leisure and Recreation Development Plan Document

(DPD) - adopted in January 2009 - refers specifically to land at Woolmore Farm and states that the site “provides an opportunity for further grass pitch provision” and “will also provide replacement provision for the 4.5 hectare Christie Miller Sports Field”. It also states that “if the review of indoor provision recommends the replacement of the Christie Miller complex, there is space available to provide for this on this site”.

7.11 There will also be opportunities to develop strong links with the school for

increasing education and skill levels among local people. 7.12 It is likely that a campus in this location (as with options 1, 2 and 4) would

lead to a significant increase in traffic on surrounding roads, and the frequency of public transport services would need to increase significantly.

7.13 Option 4 (south Melksham) is considered the second choice for new

leisure facilities in an edge-of-town location. There are few environmental

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constraints, it is the closest site to the town centre and development here could make use of existing infrastructure associated with Bowerhill Industrial Estate. It may also help regenerate this area and attract new businesses. However, this site would not benefit from the educational links and existing sports facilities at Oak school.

7.14 Options 1 and 2 are not recommended as potential sites for a community

campus due to their distance from the town centre and inaccessibility by public transport. Option 1 could potentially be a more sustainable option if a campus was located off the A3102 and could link in with planned development to the east of Melksham. A community campus located at Option 2 could benefit from any future restoration of the Wilts & Berks canal and this would improve the sustainability of this option.

7.15 The sustainability appraisal considers it likely that moving services and

facilities out of the town centre will have a negative impact on future town centre regeneration and the future economic health of the town. It is recommended that further research is undertaken to establish the extent of any predicted effects on the town centre from relocating services and facilities to an edge-of-town site. That is beyond the scope of the sustainability appraisal at this stage but it will be important to establish what the effects might be before any decision is taken.

7.16 It will also be important to further explore whether there are any suitable

sites in the town centre that could accommodate one campus to include all proposed leisure and community facilities, or a split campus option, before edge-of-town options are considered.

Appendix 1 – Sustainability Appraisal Framework (amended October 2010) SA/SEA objective Proposed decision-aiding questions. Will the proposed campus site…? 1. Protect and enhance all biodiversity and geological features.

1. Protect and enhance priority habitats and species? 2. Protect and enhance international, national and locally designated biodiversity sites? 3. Avoid habitat fragmentation? 4. Contribute to the achievement of objectives and targets within local BAPs? 5. Result in greater community engagement with biodiversity? 6. Maintain the existing extent of ancient woodland? 7. Require protection and provision of green corridors and river corridors, with use of buffer strips, where necessary? 8. Aid in the delivery of a network of multifunctional Green Infrastructure? 9. Result in a net gain for the natural environment with each new development?

2. Ensure the more efficient use of land and the use of suitably located previously developed land and buildings.

1. Maximise densities in sustainable locations that have good access to local facilities, public transport links and key infrastructure? 2. Protect the best and most versatile agricultural land? 3. Protect and enhance soil quality? 4. Maximise reuse of Previously Developed Land where possible/appropriate? 5. Encourage remediation of contaminated land? 6. Maximise efficient use of land within town/city centres? 7. Avoid the loss of natural floodplain?

3. Promote sustainable waste management solutions that encourage the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste.

1. Reduce the amount of waste produced? 2. Help deliver sustainable development through driving waste management up the waste hierarchy, addressing waste as a resource and looking to disposal as the last option? 3. Ensure the design and layout of new development supports sustainable waste management? 4. Consider whether waste management solutions can provide a resource for generating heat and energy?

4. Use and manage water resources in a sustainable manner.

1. Take into account predicted future impacts of climate change, including water scarcity issues? 2. Ensure that essential water infrastructure is co-ordinated with all new development, including surface water and foul drainage? 3. Ensure the installation of water saving measures such as rainwater harvesting and water metering? 4. Promote provision of pollution prevention measures? 5. Protect, and where possible, improve surface, ground and drinking water quality?

5. Reduce the risk of flooding to existing developments and ensure there is no risk to new developments

1. Minimise the risk of flooding to people and property (new and existing development)? 2. Take into account the predicted future impacts of climate change in the location and design of development, ensuring that development can adapt to any future flood risk scenarios? 3. Protect and enhance the natural function of floodplains? 4. Ensure the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in appropriate circumstances?

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6. Improve air quality throughout Wiltshire and minimise and/or mitigate against all sources of environmental pollution.

1. Maintain and improve local air quality and help bring forward the removal of designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)? 2. Minimise and, where possible, improve on unacceptable levels of noise, light pollution, odour and vibration? 3. Minimise all forms of contamination to soils? 4. Mitigate the impacts on air quality from road transport? 5. Mitigate against uses that generate NO2 or other particulates?

7. Minimise our impacts on climate change and reduce our vulnerability to future climate change effects.

1. Minimise emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances? 2. Minimise the likely impacts of future development on climate change through appropriate adaptation? 3. Promote the development of local renewable and low carbon sources? 4. Promote energy efficiency in buildings and new development? 5. Minimise contributions to climate change through sustainable building practices? 6. Contribute to reducing emissions associated with the transport sector?

8. Protect, maintain and enhance the historic environment and archaeological assets.

1. Conserve and enhance features and areas of historical and cultural value, including Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Historic Parks & Gardens? 2. Protect, manage and present the Stonehenge and Avebury WHS in accordance with international obligations? 3. Ensure appropriate archaeological assessment prior to development 4. Promote sensitive re-use of historical buildings and buildings of significant local interest, where appropriate? 5. Improve and broaden access to, and understanding of, local heritage and historic sites? 6. Maintain and enhance the character and distinctiveness of settlements through high quality and appropriate design? 7. Promote heritage based sustainable tourism and regeneration?

9. Protect and enhance the character and quality of Wiltshire’s rural and urban landscapes, maintaining and strengthening local distinctiveness and sense of place.

1. Protect and enhance the landscape character and scenic quality of the countryside? 2. Conserve and enhance areas with landscape designations and take account of their management objectives? 3. Maintain and enhance the character and distinctiveness of settlements? 4. Deliver good quality design that reflects local character? 5. Protect and enhance natural landscapes within the urban area, including recreational open space and strategic green corridors? 6. Protect rights of way, open space and common land? 7. Aid in the delivery of a network of multifunctional Green Infrastructure? 8. Improve the quality and quantity of access to urban greenspace and the wider countryside for recreation?

10. Provide everyone with the opportunity to live in good quality,

1. Ensure adequate provision of land to meet housing needs? 2. Promote the use of sustainable building techniques, including use of sustainable building materials in

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affordable housing, and ensure an appropriate mix of dwelling sizes, types and tenures within their communities.

construction?

11. Provide a safe and healthy environment in which to live.

1. Provide for high quality, accessible healthcare facilities? 2. Promote design of buildings and spaces to reduce crime and the fear of crime? 3. Promote design of buildings and spaces to reduce obesity? 4. Address the causes of ill-health? 5. Encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce health inequalities? 6. Increase regular participation in sports /exercise? 7. Protect local rural communities and rural ways of life? 8. Encourage healthy workplaces? 9. Promote recreational and leisure opportunities in the countryside? 10. Incorporate a network of multifunctional Green Infrastructure within new developments, where appropriate?

12. Reduce poverty and deprivation and promote more inclusive and self contained communities.

1. Maximise opportunities for all members of society? 2. Maintain or enhance the quality of life of existing local residents? 3. Encourage active involvement of local people in the design of new developments? 4. Tackle the causes of poverty and deprivation? 5. Encourage and promote social cohesion and respect for other cultures and lifestyles? 6. Maximise opportunities within the most deprived areas? 7. Increase the ability of ‘Hard-to-Reach’ groups to influence decisions?

13. Improve equality of access to, and engagement in local, high-quality community services and facilities.

1. Improve the availability and accessibility of key local facilities, including healthcare, education, retail and leisure? 2. Promote the development of a range of high quality, accessible community, cultural and leisure facilities? 3. Encourage active involvement of local people in community activities? 4. Maintain and enhance rural facilities?

14. Raise educational attainment levels across the authority and provide opportunities for people to improve their workplace skills.

1. Provide and support high quality educational facilities? 2. Improve the skills and qualifications of young people? 3. Promote life-long learning that is accessible to all? 4. Support community enterprises and the voluntary sector? 5. Support the creation of flexible jobs to meet the changing needs of the population?

15. Reduce the need to travel and promote more sustainable transport choices.

1. Promote mixed-use developments that reduce the need to travel and reliance on the private car? 2. Increase uptake of sustainable travel choices ie public transport, walking and cycling? 3. Promote an integrated transport policy? 4. Promote car-share schemes and home or other forms of remote working?

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5. Promote the development of Park & Ride Schemes? 6. Improve the jobs/homes balance? 7. Reduce traffic volumes?

16. Encourage a vibrant, diversified and sustainable economy based on efficient resource use and offering opportunities and prosperity for all.

1. Direct appropriate retail, leisure and/or employment opportunities to town centre locations to aid urban regeneration? 2. Recognise the importance of the social and natural environment to the local economy? 3. Promote sustainable tourism and cultural opportunities?

17. Ensure adequate provision of high-quality employment land and diverse employment opportunities in appropriate locations to meet the needs of local businesses, a changing workforce and the environment.

1. Provide good quality employment opportunities for all sectors of the population? 2. Protect and enhance the vitality and viability of existing employment areas? 3. Provide a variety of employment land to meet all needs? 4. Provide employment in areas that are easily accessible by sustainable transport? 5. Recognise the importance of energy efficient employment and mixed-use proposals?

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Appendix 2 – site option assessments

Significance Assessment Description ++ SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE Option would have a major positive effect in its current form as it would resolve an existing issue and/or maximise opportunities

leading to significant benefits. + MINOR POSITIVE Option would have a minor positive effect. ? UNCERTAIN Effect of option is uncertain and further research/information may be required to assess. 0 NEUTRAL Option would have a neutral effect. - MINOR NEGATIVE Option would have a minor adverse effect. -- SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE The option would have a major adverse effect as it would substantially exacerbate existing problems and mitigation would be

problematic. Consider exclusion of option. Assessment of effect T = Temporary Scale (Short Term, ST; Medium Term, MT; Long Term, LT) R = Reversibility (Reversible, R; Irreversible, I) S = Spatial Scale (Area Specific, A; County Specific, C; Cross Border, B) L = Likelihood (Likely, L; Unlikely, U) Sig = Significance (see below)

Site Option 1 – North East Melksham Assessment of effects Sustainability

appraisal objective (see Appendix 1)

Potential nature of effects T R S L Sig

Justification and evidence Suggested mitigation and enhancement measures

1. Biodiversity Minor hedgerow loss/damage, watercourse deterioration. Disturbance to protected species. Some minor adverse effects overall.

MT I A L -/? This site is mostly grazing/pasture with hedgerow boundaries. A small watercourse borders the site to the north and east. Potential for some loss/damage of hedgerows and watercourse impacts depending on location of campus. Record of badgers – a protected species - to south-east of option and therefore potential for loss/disturbance to these species.

Campus development located next to the existing residential development would avoid impacts on watercourse. Valuable hedgerows and trees should be retained where possible. An ecological survey would need to be carried out to confirm existence of any protected species populations and to undertake appropriate mitigation. A campus site of 5.3Ha could easily be located to avoid most adverse impacts on biodiversity, especially in relation to

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There are no designated wildlife sites in proximity to this option and no areas of ancient woodland. Some veteran oak trees within field boundaries.

watercourses. Potential for Green Infrastructure provision and ecological features such as green roofs on buildings should be investigated.

2. Land and Soil Small loss of greenfield land. No loss of grade 1 or 2 agricultural land. Some minor adverse effects overall.

LT I A L - This entire site is greenfield agricultural land. No grade 1 or 2 agricultural land. Development at this site would lead to permanent loss but not considered ‘significant’ effect due to relatively small size of proposed campus building. There is no possibility of development on PDL at this site.

Reducing the footprint of the campus building by building on two floors will reduce loss of greenfield land. Development should avoid areas of flood risk and be compatible with any future plans for canal reinstatement.

3. Waste Management

Construction waste in short term. Likely reduction in other forms of waste in long term. Some minor positive effects overall.

ST/LT

R A L + There will be some short-term impacts from construction waste. A reduction in all other forms of waste is likely due to closure of other buildings/premises and co-location on one site.

A Site Waste Management Plan should be completed. Campus development should meet high BREEAM standards for construction and other forms of waste. Consideration should be given to use of materials with low embodied energy and use of recycled materials. Easily accessible facilities should be provided on-site for waste recycling/re-use.

4. Water Resources

Reduced water usage. Some minor positive effects overall.

LT R A L + Development of new campus and closure of older facilities can provide significant opportunities for water saving measures. New campus facilities can incorporate modern water efficiency measures into the design which older buildings will not have.

Development should consider installation of water saving measures such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling and meet high BREEAM standards. Location of development to avoid possible pollution to watercourses and have appropriate infrastructure in place to deal with foul and surface water.

5. Flood Risk Flood risk in western, northern and eastern parts of option. Some minor adverse

LT R A U -/? A sizeable proportion of this site is classified as flood zone 2 and 3, including functional floodplain, restricting land available for

Campus facility of 5.3Ha can easily be located away from areas of flood risk associated with River Avon and smaller watercourses. Surface Water Management Strategy may be required

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effects overall. development. Flooding likely if development were to be located in proximity to these areas. It is possible for a campus to be located away from these areas of flood risk.

to demonstrate equivalent to Greenfield runoff post development. An SFRA Level 2 may be required if development near or within FZ2 or FZ3. Appropriate use of SuDS should be considered. Location of campus on site off A3102, next to existing residential area would be preferred.

6. Air Quality and Environmental Pollution

Increase in air pollution and noise related to increased car use to this location. Significant effects.

MT R A L --/? A campus in this location, and with the range of services proposed, would be a major trip generator. Bus connectivity in this part of Melksham is currently poor (scored as 1 & 0 in Wiltshire Strategic Transport Assessment). Significant increase in car journeys, and associated pollution/amenity impacts, unless investment in public transport infrastructure. Forest road and Woodrow road currently not appropriate for significant increase in traffic use.

Strong measures would be needed to reduce possibility of major increase in car journeys. Improvements to bus frequency in this area and provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling routes. Possibility of linking public transport infrastructure with new east Melksham urban extension. Location of campus on site off A3102, next to existing residential area would be preferred, and this may reduce amenity effects on nearby residential areas. Significance of effects in this location dependant on effectiveness of measures to deal with car use.

7. Climatic Factors

Adverse effects from car use but benefits from provision of new facility replacing older premises. Neutral effects overall.

LT R B L 0 Site is remote from town centre with predicted increase in car trips leading to additional emissions. However, provision of a new facility replacing a number of older, less energy efficient buildings will reduce climate change impacts overall.

Strong measures promoting public transport, walking and cycling to mitigate against car use. New facility will be a high energy user and possibilities for low/zero carbon energy and heat production, including on-site renewables, should be investigated. Potential for development of CHP linking in with east Melksham urban extension should be investigated if this option progressed.

8. Historic No significant effects. LT I A L 0/? There are no area designations in proximity to this option, although there

A campus facility should be located and designed so as not to affect the setting of the

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Environment are four listed buildings in the area. Remains of a medieval settlement are located on part of the site. A campus site can be located so as not to cause adverse effects.

small number of listed buildings in the area. Location next to existing residential area would prevent adverse effects. An archaeological survey may be required and protection of the medieval settlement remains should be considered. Uncertainty of effects relates to any location/ design of the campus which is not known.

9. Rural and urban landscapes

Some minor adverse effects possible depending on design and location of campus.

LT R A L -/? There is a Special Landscape Area (SLA) approx 1km from the eastern part of this option. No adverse effects are likely but will depend on location and design of any facility. There are some public rights of way across and/or bordering this site and these should be protected.

Development should be located adjacent to existing residential area to reduce any impacts on the SLA. Design of buildings should be sensitive to this edge-of-town location between open countryside and a residential area. A detailed landscape assessment may be required to assess impacts and identify appropriate mitigation measures. Development should aid in the delivery of a GI network linking the urban and rural area.

10. Housing No housing proposed in this scheme. Neutral effect.

LT R A L 0 No housing proposed as part of this scheme. This appraisal looks at development of a community campus only therefore neutral effect.

Benefits could be achieved against this objective if housing was proposed or if campus development helped bring forward housing development elsewhere. This option could be explored further.

11. Healthy Communities

Provision of new sport and recreation facilities that will help increase physical activity. New healthcare facilities helping to reduce health inequalities. Some minor positive

LT R A L + New sport and recreational facilities in Melksham, to replace older facilities, should increase uptake of sport and lead to a healthier population. Christie Miller in urgent need of replacement. New healthcare facilities will improve provision in the town. However, a campus in this location is less accessible and may not result in

Provision of a campus in a location more accessible by public transport, walking and cycling would increase participation and fitness levels. A campus at this site should be located close to the existing residential area, with major infrastructure investment in public transport, walking and cycling routes to make it more accessible.

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effects overall. the same level of benefits as a more accessible facility.

12. Poverty and Deprivation

Increased participation, information provision and social cohesion. Some minor positive effects overall.

MT R A L + The campus will provide a range of services and facilities and provide information that will help improve social cohesion. Improved communication of information through one facility may also help improve social inclusion through an increased sense of belonging to Melksham and opportunities to meet new people.

Accessibility by public transport to a campus in this location would need to be significantly improved so as to increase participation by those who do not have a car. Provision of these services in the town centre may make them more accessible to people by public transport. Accessibility to the campus should be available to people from all social and ethnic backgrounds. Location of campus on site off A3102, next to existing residential area would be preferred.

13. Community Facilities

Benefits from provision of new facilities. Concerns over town centre regeneration therefore minor positive effects overall.

LT R A L +/? Provision of a high quality, purpose-built facility offering a range of services, including leisure and healthcare, will increase the involvement of local people in community activities. Information would also be available on other services in Melksham and those offered by the council.

Replacement of older leisure and community facilities in Melksham, such as Christie Miller sports centre, is desirable. However, there are significant concerns as to how development in this location will affect town centre regeneration and vitality. Also, viability of other town centre businesses and services may be adversely affected. If a campus were built in this location, retention of some services in the town centre eg the library, should be considered. Consideration of how people can access these facilities from all parts of Melksham by public transport will be needed.

14. Education and Skills

Benefits for skills and learning through provision of

LT R C L +/? Although education provision not included in campus brief, information will be made available on opportunities

Strong links should exist between the campus and new school campus to enhance learning and skills in the town.

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information. Some minor positive effects overall.

to increase skills and participate in voluntary and community enterprises. A new library would provide better facilities, including IT. Concerns over removing some services and facilities out of the town centre because of reduced accessibility to information on training opportunities.

Provision of new library may be better located within the town centre where there would be greater accessibility to a wider number of people.

15. Transport Likely significant increase in private car trips to this location. Significant adverse effects overall due to edge-of-town location.

MT R A L --/? The campus would be a major trip generator. Bus connectivity in this part of Melksham is currently poor (scored as 1 & 0 in Wiltshire Strategic Transport Assessment). Even with greater investment in public transport, majority of journeys likely to be by private car.

Significant investment would be required in public transport and highways infrastructure. Forest road is not really suitable for significant increases in traffic. Access from the A3102 may be required. There should be excellent public transport, walking and cycling links with the town centre.

16. Economy Relocation of services and facilities to an edge-of-town location likely to adversely affect town centre regeneration. Significant effects.

MT I C L --/? Directing services and facilities to town centre locations would draw people into the centre, helping to improve vitality and viability of retail and other businesses. Development of an edge-of-town campus would have the opposite effect and would be unlikely to aid regeneration – a priority for the town and stated in the Wiltshire LDF.

Consideration should be given to retaining some services and facilities in the town centre to aid regeneration. It is recognised that provision of a new leisure centre may attract people into Melksham from further afield which may help the local economy, including the town centre. However, town centre regeneration is dependant on a range of other factors that should be considered.

17. Employment Potential loss of jobs through reducing vitality and footfall in the town centre. Potential for job creation through

ST I A L -/? Development of one campus and closure of existing facilities may lead to a small number of job losses directly, and indirectly by making town centre businesses less viable. It is recognised, however, that a new

Consider the retention of some services and facilities in the town centre, such as the library. If new facilities, such as the leisure centre, are advertised more widely outside the local area, this could increase job opportunities both

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increased usage and town centre site redevelopment. Minor adverse effects overall.

facility may help increase participation and usage and could actually increase job opportunities. Relocation of Christie Miller, the running track and golf course

directly and indirectly by attracting people to Melksham. Further research is needed into the effect of an edge-of-town facility on town centre businesses.

Option 1 summary Environmental – there are few environmental constraints in this area. No biodiversity, landscape or heritage designations. Campus can be located in flood zone 1. Development should be sensitive to the rural location of this site. Potential air pollution from traffic, affecting local residents. Social – potential benefits are more limited due to location of site away from town centre. New leisure facilities may increase participation in healthy recreation and help attract people into the town. Significant transport constraints due to poor existing public transport services and highway capacity. Economic - significant impacts for town centre regeneration from relocating facilities out of the town centre that could affect viability of town centre businesses.

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Site Option 2 – South West Melksham

Assessment of effects Sustainability appraisal objective (see Appendix 1)



1. Biodiversity Minor hedgerow loss/damage. Disturbance to protected species. Some minor adverse effects overall.

MT I A L -/? This site is mostly grazing/pasture with hedgerow boundaries. Potential for some loss/damage of hedgerows depending on location of campus. There is a small watercourse bordering the sewage works. Record of protected species, including great crested newt and pipistrelle bat species found within the southern part of this option. Potential for loss/disturbance of these species. The river Avon CWS is within 1km of the western site boundary but effects are not considered likely. No ancient woodland near to site.

Valuable hedgerows and trees should be retained where possible. An ecological survey would need to be carried out to confirm existence of any protected species populations and to undertake appropriate mitigation. There are a number of disused farm buildings which may contain bats. A campus site of 5.3Ha could easily be located to avoid most adverse impacts on biodiversity and should be located adjacent to the existing urban area. Potential for Green Infrastructure provision and ecological features such as green roofs on buildings should be investigated.

2. Land and Soil Small loss of greenfield land. Some loss of grade 1 agricultural land if campus located in west of site. Some minor adverse effects overall.

LT I A L - This entire site is greenfield agricultural land. Grade 1 agricultural land in western part of site. Development at this site would lead to permanent loss but not considered ‘significant’ effect due to relatively small size of proposed campus building. There is no possibility of development on PDL at this site.

Reducing the footprint of the campus building by building on two floors will reduce loss of greenfield land. Any development should avoid loss of Grade 1 agricultural land. Development should be compatible with any future plans for canal reinstatement. Location of campus adjacent to the existing urban area in the north would give better access to local facilities and public transport links.

3. Waste Management

Construction waste in short term. Likely reduction in other forms of waste in long term.

ST/LT

R A L + There will be some short-term impacts from construction waste. A reduction in all other forms of waste is likely due to closure of other buildings/premises and co-location on

A Site Waste Management Plan should be completed. Campus development should meet high BREEAM standards for construction and other forms of waste. Consideration should be given to use of

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Site Option 2 – South West Melksham Assessment of effects Sustainability




Some minor positive effects overall.

one site. materials with low embodied energy and use of recycled materials. Easily accessible facilities should be provided on-site for waste recycling/re-use.

4. Water Resources



Development should consider installation of water saving measures such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling and meet high BREEAM standards. Location of development to avoid possible pollution to watercourses and have appropriate infrastructure in place to deal with foul and surface water.

5. Flood Risk Buildings and outdoor facilities can all be located in FZ1. No significant effects.

LT R A L + Any development here can be located in FZ1. Surface water issues should be investigated.

SFRA Level 2 should not be required. A Surface Water Management Strategy may be required to demonstrate equivalent to Greenfield runoff post development. Appropriate use of SuDS should be considered.


Increase in air pollution and noise related to increased car use to this location.

MT R A L -/? A campus in this location, and with the range of services proposed, would be a major trip generator. Bus connectivity in this part of Melksham is currently poor (scored as 3 in Wiltshire Strategic Transport Assessment). Significant increase in car journeys unless investment in public transport infrastructure. Accessibility and amenity issues may not be as problematic as Option 1 as access off A350 or Semington road would not be through residential areas.

Strong measures would be needed to reduce possibility of major increase in car journeys. Improvements to bus frequency in this area and provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling routes. Infrastructure improvements to A350 and/or Semington road would be needed to deal with additional traffic. Significance of effects in this location dependant on effectiveness of measures to deal with car use.

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7. Climatic Factors

Adverse effects from car use but benefits from provision of new facility replacing older premises. Neutral effects overall.

LT R B L 0 Predicted increase in car trips leading to additional emissions. However, provision of a new facility replacing a number of older, less energy efficient buildings will lead to a reduction in climate change impacts overall compared with current situation.

Strong measures promoting public transport, walking and cycling to mitigate against car use. New facility will be a high energy user and possibilities for low/zero carbon energy and heat production, including on-site renewables, should be investigated. Potential for development of CHP linking in with residential areas and employment sites nearby should be investigated. Campus should meet high BREEAM standards for energy efficiency.

8. Historic Environment

No significant effects. LT I A L 0/? There are no area designations in proximity to this option. There is one listed building at Berryfields Cottages.

An archaeological survey may be required. Uncertainty of effects relates to any location/ design of the campus which is not known. Campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding rural area and residential area to the north.


Some minor adverse effects possible depending on design and location of campus.

LT R A L -/? There are no landscape designations in this area. There are some public rights of way across Boundary Farm and Westward Farm and these should be protected.

Campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding rural area. A campus development should be located adjacent to the existing urban area to avoid any coalescence issues with Berryfield. Development should aid in the delivery of a GI network linking the urban and rural area.





Provision of new sport and recreation facilities that will help

LT R A L + New sport and recreational facilities in Melksham, to replace older facilities, should increase uptake of sport and lead

Provision of a campus in a location more accessible by public transport, walking and cycling would increase participation and

47





increase physical activity. New healthcare facilities helping to reduce health inequalities. Some minor positive effects overall.

to a healthier population. Christie Miller in urgent need of replacement. New healthcare facilities will improve provision in the town. However, a campus in this location is less accessible and may not result in the same level of benefits as a more accessible facility.

fitness levels. A campus at this site should be located close to the existing residential area, with major infrastructure investment in public transport, walking and cycling routes to make it more accessible.




Accessibility by public transport to a campus in this location would need to be significantly improved so as to increase participation by those who do not have a car. Provision of these services in the town centre may make them more accessible to people by public transport. Accessibility to the campus should be available to people from all social and ethnic backgrounds. Location of campus adjacent to existing residential area would be preferred to improve accessibility.




Replacement of older leisure and community facilities in Melksham, such as Christie Miller sports centre, is desirable. However, there are significant concerns as to how development in this location will affect town centre regeneration and vitality. Also, viability of other town centre businesses and services may be adversely affected. If a campus were built in this location, retention of some services in the town centre eg the library, should be considered.

48





Consideration of how people can access these facilities from all parts of Melksham by public transport will be needed.


Benefits for skills and learning through provision of information. Some minor positive effects overall.

LT R C L +/? Although education provision not included in campus brief, information will be made available on opportunities to increase skills and participate in voluntary and community enterprises. A new library would provide better facilities, including IT. Concerns over removing some services and facilities out of the town centre because of reduced accessibility to information on training opportunities.

Strong links should exist between the campus and new school campus to enhance learning and skills in the town. Provision of new library may be better located within the town centre where there would be greater accessibility to a wider number of people.

15. Transport Likely significant increase in private car trips to this location. Significant adverse effects overall due to edge-of-town location.

MT R A L --/? The campus would be a major trip generator. Bus connectivity in this part of Melksham is currently poor (scored as 3 in Wiltshire Strategic Transport Assessment) but slightly better than Option 1. Even with greater investment in public transport, majority of journeys likely to be by private car.

Significant investment would be required in public transport and highways infrastructure. Potential accessibility implications for A350 and Semington road. There should be excellent public transport, walking and cycling links with the town centre.

16. Economy Relocation of services and facilities to an edge-of-town location likely to adversely affect town centre regeneration. Significant effects.

MT I C L --/? Directing services and facilities to town centre locations would draw people into the centre, helping to improve vitality and viability of retail and other businesses. Development of an edge-of-town campus would have the opposite effect and would be unlikely to aid regeneration – a priority for the town and stated in the Wiltshire LDF. There are uncertainties as to what extent

Consideration should be given to retaining some services and facilities in the town centre to aid regeneration. It is recognised that provision of a new leisure centre may attract people into Melksham from further afield which may help the local economy, including the town centre. However, town centre regeneration is dependant on a range of other factors that should be considered.

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a new leisure facility would attract people to Melksham from further afield. Further details would be required.

17. Employment Potential loss of jobs through reducing vitality and footfall in the town centre. Potential for job creation through increased usage and town centre site redevelopment. Minor adverse effects overall.

ST I A L -/? Development of one campus and closure of existing facilities may lead to a small number of job losses directly and indirectly by making town centre businesses less viable. It is recognised, however, that a new facility may help increase participation and usage and could actually increase job opportunities.

Consider the retention of some services and facilities in the town centre, such as the library. If new facilities, such as the leisure centre, are advertised more widely outside the local area, this could increase job opportunities both directly and indirectly by attracting people to Melksham. Further research is needed into the effect of an edge-of-town facility on town centre businesses.

Option 2 summary Environmental – there are few environmental constraints in this area. No biodiversity, landscape or heritage designations and site is wholly within flood zone 1. Development should be sensitive to the rural location of this site and potential for bats in disused farm buildings on site. Potential air pollution from traffic, affecting local residents. Social – potential benefits are more limited due to location of site away from town centre. New leisure facilities may increase participation in healthy recreation and help attract people into the town. Significant transport constraints due to poor existing public transport services and highway capacity. Economic - significant impacts for town centre regeneration from relocating facilities out of the town centre that could affect viability of town centre businesses.

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Site Option 3 – Land at Woolmore farm Assessment of effects Sustainability




1. Biodiversity Loss/damage to hedgerows and mature trees. Disturbance to protected species. Some minor adverse effects overall.

MT I A L -/? This site consists of one field of grazing/ pasture with hedgerow boundaries. Some mature trees in field boundary. Potential for some loss/damage of hedgerows/trees depending on location of campus. Record of protected species, including badger and slowworm in the vicinity and therefore potential for loss/disturbance. There are no biodiversity designations within proximity of this site and no ancient woodland.

Valuable hedgerows and trees should be retained where possible. An ecological survey would need to be carried out to confirm existence of any protected species populations and to undertake appropriate mitigation. Campus site of 5.3Ha should be located adjacent to the existing urban area. Potential for Green Infrastructure provision and ecological features such as green roofs on buildings should be investigated.


LT I A L - This entire site is greenfield agricultural land. Development at this site would lead to permanent loss but not considered ‘significant’ effect due to relatively small size of proposed campus building. No loss of grade 1 or 2 agricultural land There is no possibility of development on PDL at this site.

Reducing the footprint of the campus building by building on two floors will reduce loss of greenfield land. Development should be compatible with any future plans for canal reinstatement. Location of campus adjacent to the existing urban area in the north would give better access to local facilities and public transport links.

3. Waste Management


ST/LT



4. Water Resources

Reduced water usage. Some minor positive

LT R A L + Development of new campus and closure of older facilities can provide significant opportunities for water saving measures.

Development should consider installation of water saving measures such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling and

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effects overall. New campus facilities can incorporate modern water efficiency measures into the design which older buildings will not have.

meet high BREEAM standards. Location of development to avoid possible pollution to watercourses and have appropriate infrastructure in place to deal with foul and surface water.


LT R A L + Any development here can be located in FZ1. No part of this site is in flood zones 2 or 3. Surface water issues should be investigated and appropriate mitigation measures applied.



Increase in air pollution and noise related to increased car use to this location. Effects not considered significant as there are opportunities to make use of existing public transport services and walking/cycling routes.

MT R A L -/? A campus in this location, and with the range of services proposed, would be a major trip generator. However, this site is adjacent to the new secondary school campus and there are opportunities to improve public transport services in conjunction with the school, and make use of existing walking/cycling routes. Potential for increases in noise levels on adjacent residential areas.

Strong measures would be needed to reduce possibility of major increase in car journeys. Bus frequency in this area should be improved and further provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling routes. Highways improvements may not be required to any great degree as already in place. Significance of effects in this location dependant on effectiveness of measures to deal with car use.

7. Climatic Factors

Adverse effects from car use but benefits from provision of new facility replacing older premises. Some minor positive effects overall.

LT R B L + Predicted increase in car trips leading to additional emissions. However, provision of a new facility replacing a number of older, less energy efficient buildings will lead to a reduction in climate change impacts overall compared with current situation. Significant opportunities to link in with

Strong measures promoting public transport, walking and cycling to mitigate against car use. New facility will be a high energy user and possibilities for low/zero carbon energy and heat production, including on-site renewables, should be investigated. Potential for development of CHP linking in with residential areas and

52





new school campus in the generation of low carbon heat and electricity.

new school should be investigated. Campus should meet high BREEAM standards for energy efficiency.


No significant effects. Very few constraints.

LT I A L +/? There are no area designations in proximity to this option. There is one listed building within 0.5km at Old Loves Farm.

An archaeological survey may be required. Uncertainty of effects relates to any location/ design of the campus which is not known. Campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding area.


No landscape constraints.

LT R A L 0/? There are no landscape designations in this area. There are no public rights of way across or bordering this site.

Campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding rural area. Development should aid in the delivery of a GI network linking the urban and rural area.





Benefits for encouraging participation in sport, recreation and physical activity. Improved provision of healthcare facilities. Significant benefits envisaged.

LT R A L ++/?

New sport and recreational facilities in Melksham, to replace older facilities, should increase uptake of sport and lead to a healthier population. Christie Miller is in urgent need of replacement. New healthcare facilities will improve provision in the town but would be more accessible in a town centre location. This site may be more accessible than options 1 and 2 because transport infrastructure/access is already in place. Benefits will depend on improvements in public transport services and their frequency/convenience to this location.

Locating these facilities next to the new school campus will help increase physical activity among the students. Significant effects are likely if there is increased accessibility and participation in the services and facilities on offer. Public transport services will need to be excellent to this location from all parts of the town to reduce unnecessary car journeys. Consideration needs to be given to the effects of a campus here on the local road network particularly as there will be two major trip generators in one location.

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Public transport to this location would need to be significantly improved so as to increase accessibility by those who do not have a car. Provision of these services in the town centre may make them more accessible to people by public transport. Campus facility unlikely to have significant effect on poverty and deprivation levels in Melksham, although improved access to information on council services, benefits etc will have benefits for people. Accessibility to the campus should be available to people from all social and ethnic backgrounds.



LT R A L +/? Provision of a high quality, purpose-built facility offering a range of services, including leisure and healthcare, will increase the involvement of local people in community activities. Information would also be available on other services in Melksham and those offered by the council. However, there are significant concerns as to how development in this location will affect town centre regeneration and vitality. Also, viability of other town centre businesses and services may be adversely affected.

Replacement of older leisure and community facilities in Melksham, such as Christie Miller sports centre, is desirable. However, there are significant concerns as to how development in this location will affect town centre regeneration and vitality. Also, viability of other town centre businesses and services may be adversely affected. If a campus were built in this location, retention of some services in the town centre eg the library, should be considered. Consideration of how people can access these facilities from all parts of Melksham by public transport will be needed.

54






Benefits for skills and learning through provision of information. Potential for strong links with secondary school. Significant benefits envisaged.

LT R C L ++/?

Although education provision not included in campus brief, information will be made available on opportunities to increase skills and participate in voluntary and community enterprises. A new library would provide better facilities, including IT, and there are possibilities for creating strong links with the secondary school to improve adult education accessibility and job related skills.

Strong links should be forged between the campus and new school campus to enhance learning and skills in the town. Provision of new library may be better located within the town centre where there would be greater accessibility to a wider number of people.

15. Transport Likely increase in private car trips to this location. Highway infrastructure already in place. Some minor adverse effects overall.

MT R A L -/? The campus would be a major trip generator and even with greater investment in public transport, majority of journeys likely to be by private car. Existing highways infrastructure is good because of the new school campus and opportunities to extend existing public transport services already in place.

Significant investment would be required to increase public transport services to this site. Potential accessibility implications for A365. There should be excellent public transport, walking and cycling links with the town centre.

16. Economy Relocation of services and facilities to an edge-of-town location likely to adversely affect town centre regeneration. Significant adverse effects.

MT I C L --/? Directing services and facilities to town centre locations would draw people into the centre, helping to improve vitality and viability of retail and other businesses. Development of an edge-of-town campus would have the opposite effect and would be unlikely to aid regeneration – a priority for the town and stated in the Wiltshire LDF. There are uncertainties as to what extent a new leisure facility would attract people to Melksham from further afield. Further details would be required.

Consideration should be given to retaining some services and facilities in the town centre to aid regeneration. It is recognised that provision of a new leisure centre may attract people into Melksham from further afield which may help the local economy, including the town centre. However, town centre regeneration is dependant on a range of other factors that should be considered. People should be attracted to the town centre by a range of services and facilities.

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Option 3 summary Environmental – there are few environmental constraints in this area. No biodiversity, landscape or heritage designations and site is wholly within flood zone 1. Development should be sensitive to the rural location of this site. Social – potential benefits are more limited due to location of site away from town centre. New leisure facilities may increase participation in healthy recreation and help attract people into the town. Significant opportunities to create linkages with secondary school and benefits from existing transport infrastructure. Economic - significant impacts for town centre regeneration from relocating facilities out of the town centre that could affect viability of town centre businesses.

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Site Option 4 – South Melksham Assessment of effects Sustainability

appraisal objective

Nature of effects T R S L Sig


1. Biodiversity Minor hedgerow loss/damage. Disturbance to protected species. No significant effects.

MT I A L -/? This site is grazing and arable adjacent to the A365. Golf course in southern part of option. Some hedgerow boundaries and mature trees. Potential for some loss/damage of hedgerows depending on location of campus. There is a record of badger and great crested newt – both protected species – within 0.5km of this site and therefore potential for loss/disturbance to these species. There are no biodiversity designations in proximity to this site and no ancient woodland.

Valuable hedgerows and trees should be retained where possible. An ecological survey would need to be carried out to confirm existence of any protected species populations and to undertake appropriate mitigation. A campus site of 5.3Ha could easily be located to avoid most adverse impacts on biodiversity and should be located adjacent to the existing urban area. Potential for Green Infrastructure provision and ecological features such as green roofs on buildings should be investigated.


LT I A L - Development at this site would lead to permanent loss of Greenfield land but not considered ‘significant’ effect due to relatively small size of proposed campus building. No loss of grade 1 or 2 agricultural land. There is no possibility of development on PDL at this site. Potential for adverse impacts on golf course, including loss of facility.

Reducing the footprint of the campus building by building on two floors will reduce loss of greenfield land. Location of campus adjacent to the existing urban area in the north would give better access to local facilities and public transport links. Golf course facility should be maintained/enhanced unless replacement with equivalent facility.

3. Waste Management


ST/LT



57


appraisal objective



4. Water Resources



Development should consider installation of water saving measures such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling and meet high BREEAM standards. Location of development to avoid possible pollution to any watercourses and have appropriate infrastructure in place to deal with foul and surface water.


LT R A L + Any development here can be located in FZ1. No part of this site is in flood zones 2 or 3. Surface water issues should be investigated and appropriate mitigation measures applied.



Some increase in air pollution related to increased car use to this location. Effects not considered significant. There are existing public transport services and walking/cycling routes serving Bowerhill Industrial Estate.

MT R A L -/? A campus in this location, and with the range of services proposed, would be a major trip generator. There are existing public transport services and walking/cycling routes serving Bowerhill Industrial Estate, but not currently adequate for this campus facility. Potential for increases in noise levels on adjacent residential areas in southern Melksham, although the campus unlikely to significantly increase noise levels of the industrial estate adjacent.

Strong measures would be needed to reduce possibility of major increase in car journeys. Bus frequency in this area should be improved and further provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling routes. Highways improvements and access onto A350/A365 would be significant. Significance of effects in this location dependant on effectiveness of measures to deal with car use.

7. Climatic Factors

Adverse effects from car use but benefits from provision of new facility replacing older premises.

LT R B L + Predicted increase in car trips leading to additional emissions. However, provision of a new facility replacing a number of older, less energy efficient buildings will lead to a reduction in climate change

Strong measures promoting public transport, walking and cycling to mitigate against car use. New facility will be a high energy user and possibilities for low/zero carbon energy and heat production,

58


appraisal objective



Some minor positive effects overall.

impacts overall compared with current situation. Significant opportunities to link in with Bowerhill Industrial Estate in the generation of low carbon heat and electricity, such as CHP.

including on-site renewables, should be investigated. Potential for development of CHP linking in with residential areas and Bowerhill Industrial Estate should be investigated. Campus should meet high BREEAM standards for energy efficiency.


No significant effects. LT I A L 0/? There are no area designations in proximity to this option. There are a number of listed buildings at The Spa, within 0.5km of this site, but significant effects are not considered likely.

An archaeological survey may be required. Uncertainty of effects relates to any location/ design of the campus which is not known. Campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding area and not adversely affect the setting of any listed buildings.


Coalescence issues with Bowerhill. Some minor adverse effects overall.

LT R A L -/? There are no landscape designations in this area. Public right of way running north-south up to the A365 should be protected. Concerns have been expressed over development in the gap between Melksham and Bowerhill, although the site under consideration here would avoid coalescence with the Bowerhill residential area.

Campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding rural area. Development should aid in the delivery of a GI network linking the urban and rural area. Further consideration should be given to concerns regarding coalescence between Melksham and Bowerhill.





Benefits for encouraging participation in sport, recreation and physical activity.

LT R A L ++/?

New sport and recreational facilities in Melksham, to replace older facilities, should increase uptake of sport and lead to a healthier population. Christie Miller is in urgent need of replacement.

Significant effects are likely if there is increased accessibility and participation in the services and facilities on offer. Protection of the golf course facility should be considered and this could be enhanced

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appraisal objective



Improved provision of healthcare facilities. Significant benefits envisaged.

New healthcare facilities will improve provision in the town and this site is closer to the town centre relative to options 1-3. This site could make use of existing infrastructure at Bowerhill Industrial Estate but new infrastructure/access investment would be required. Benefits will depend on improvements in public transport services and their frequency/ convenience to this location.

to increase participation levels. Public transport services will need to be excellent to this location from all parts of the town to reduce unnecessary car journeys. Consideration needs to be given to the effects of a campus here on the local road network particularly in relation to nearby residential areas and Bowerhill Industrial Estate.




Public transport to this location would need to be significantly improved so as to increase accessibility by those who do not have a car. Provision of these services in the town centre may make them more accessible to people by public transport. Campus facility unlikely to have significant effect on poverty and deprivation levels in Melksham, although improved access to information on council services, benefits etc will have benefits for people. Accessibility to the campus should be available to people from all social and ethnic backgrounds.




Replacement of older leisure and community facilities in Melksham, such as Christie Miller sports centre, is desirable. If a campus were built in this location, retention of some services in the town centre eg the library, should be considered. Consideration of how people can access these facilities from all parts of Melksham by

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appraisal objective



However, there are significant concerns as to how development in this location will affect town centre regeneration and vitality. Also, viability of other town centre businesses and services may be adversely affected.

public transport will be needed.


Benefits for skills and learning through provision of information. Some minor positive effects overall.

LT R C L +/? Although education provision not included in campus brief, information will be made available on opportunities to increase skills and participate in voluntary and community enterprises. A new library would provide better facilities, including IT. Concerns over removing some services and facilities out of the town centre because of reduced accessibility to information on training opportunities.

Strong links should exist between the campus and new school campus to enhance learning and skills in the town. Provision of new library may be better located within the town centre where there would be greater accessibility to a wider number of people.

15. Transport Likely significant increase in private car trips to this location. Adverse effects overall but opportunities to use existing public transport services to Bowerhill Industrial Estate.

MT R A L -/? The campus would be a major trip generator. Bus connectivity in this part of Melksham is currently poor (scored as 3 in Wiltshire Strategic Transport Assessment). There is existing highway access/infrastructure via Bowerhill Industrial Estate but this will need significant investment and there may be capacity issues on A350 and A365. Even with greater investment in public transport, majority of journeys likely to be by private car.

Significant investment would be required in public transport and highways infrastructure. Potential accessibility implications for A350 and A365. Opportunities to use and improve existing public transport services to Bowerhill Industrial Estate. There should be excellent public transport, walking and cycling links with the town centre.

16. Economy Relocation of services and facilities to an edge-of-town

MT I C L --/? Directing services and facilities to town centre locations would draw people into the centre, helping to improve vitality and

Consideration should be given to retaining some services and facilities in the town centre to aid regeneration.

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appraisal objective



location likely to adversely affect town centre regeneration. Significant effects.

viability of retail and other businesses. Development of an edge-of-town campus would have the opposite effect and would be unlikely to aid regeneration – a priority for the town and stated in the Wiltshire LDF. There are uncertainties as to what extent a new leisure facility would attract people to Melksham from further afield. Further details would be required.

It is recognised that provision of a new leisure centre may attract people into Melksham from further afield which may help the local economy, including the town centre. However, town centre regeneration is dependant on a range of other factors that should be considered. Further research is required to determine impacts.




Option 4 summary Environmental – there are few environmental constraints in this area. No biodiversity, landscape or heritage designations and site is wholly within flood zone 1. Social – potential benefits are more limited due to location of site away from town centre. New leisure facilities may increase participation in healthy recreation and help attract people into the town. Significant transport infrastructure may be required, although there are existing pubic transport services to Bowerhill Industrial Estate and accessibility may be significantly improved due to proximity to the industrial estate. Economic – significant impacts for town centre regeneration from relocating facilities out of the town centre that could affect viability of town centre businesses.

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Site Option 5 – A split campus (a site within 400m of Melksham town centre with leisure facilities located on an edge-of-town site). Overall assessment of effect (split campus)


Nature of effects

T R S L Sig


1. Biodiversity Town centre site – some minor effects depending on whether brownfield or greenfield site, and if in proximity to any watercourses. Edge-of-town site - Minor hedgerow loss/damage. Disturbance to protected species. No significant effects envisaged

MT I A L -/? Town centre site – likely to be less impacts from development if located on a brownfield site, although some brownfield sites can be high in biodiversity value. Potential adverse effects, including disturbance, if campus located near to River Avon (a county wildlife site) and Conigre Mead nature reserve, both in north west of option. Records of badgers and pipistrelle bats within this area Edge-of-town site - None of the edge-of-town sites have any biodiversity designations, but there are records of protected species either in or in proximity to all. Potential for loss and/or disturbance to species and loss/damage of hedgerows and mature trees.

Valuable hedgerows and trees should be retained where possible. An ecological survey would need to be carried out to confirm existence of any protected species populations and to undertake appropriate mitigation. An appropriate buffer should be allowed for any development located near the river Avon and Conigre Mead reserve. The potential for Green Infrastructure provision should be investigated. Ecological features such as green roofs can also be incorporated into buildings and this could also be considered.

2. Land and Soil

Town centre site – significant benefits as likely to be located on brownfield site with good access to town centre services and facilities. Edge-of-town site - Reduced footprint and therefore reduced loss of agricultural land.

LT I A L +/? Town centre site – significant benefits against this objective if facilities developed on a brownfield site, especially if encouraging remediation of a contaminated site. Edge-of-town site - The leisure centre/swimming pool part of this campus would form the larger footprint and would be developed on a Greenfield site under any of the edge-of-town options.

Town centre site – any campus services/facilities should be developed on a brownfield site in close proximity to the town centre and within easy walking distance of public transport services. If possible, a wider range of campus facilities should be located in the town centre to enable greater access via town centre transport options and reduce Greenfield land use. Edge-of-town site - Reducing the footprint of the campus building by building on two floors will reduce loss of greenfield land. Greater benefits will be achieved if a brownfield site could be

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Nature of effects

T R S L Sig


developed on the edge of Melksham. 3. Waste Management


ST/LT

R A L + There will be some short-term impacts from construction waste. A reduction in all other forms of waste is likely due to closure of some buildings /premises and co-location on two sites if accessible recycling facilities are in place.

Site Waste Management Plans should be completed. Campus development should meet high BREEAM standards for construction and other forms of waste. Consideration should be given to use of materials with low embodied energy and use of recycled materials. Easily accessible facilities should be provided on-site for waste recycling/re-use.

4. Water Resources

Reduced water usage whether campus located on one site or two. Some minor positive effects overall.

LT R A L + Development of new campuses and closure of older facilities can provide significant opportunities for water saving measures. New campus facilities can incorporate modern water efficiency measures into the design which older buildings will not have.

Development should consider installation of water saving measures such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling and meet high BREEAM standards. Location of development to avoid possible pollution to any watercourses and have appropriate infrastructure in place to deal with foul and surface water.

5. Flood Risk Town centre site – flood risk if campus located in proximity to River Avon and other watercourses. Edge-of-town site – campus can be located in FZ1 on all edge-of-town options.

LT R A L + Town centre site – some flood risk associated with River Avon and some minor watercourses. FZ3b in south west of site adjacent to river. Majority of potential sites are located in FZ1. Edge-of-town site - Main flood constraints relate to Option 1. All options include possibility of locating campus within FZ1.

A campus development should avoid FZ 2 and 3 and this is possible on all options if located appropriately. A Surface Water Management Strategy may be required to demonstrate equivalent to Greenfield runoff post development and an SFRA Level 2 may be required if development near or within FZ2 or FZ3. Appropriate use of SuDS should be considered. Further information on exact location of campus required to assess flood risk further.

6. Air Quality and

Town centre site – increased accessibility by public transport/ reduced car use but

MT R A L +/? Town centre site – any town centre site likely to benefit from increased accessibility to bus and rail services. Effect of reducing car use although

Town centre site – measures to reduce private car journeys into the town centre. Convenient and safe walking and cycling routes and good access to bus and rail

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Nature of effects

T R S L Sig


Environmental Pollution

majority of journeys still likely by private car. Edge-of-town site - some increase in air pollution and noise related to increased car use to all sites

majority of journeys still likely by private car. Some noise and amenity impacts for nearby residential areas. Edge-of-town site – all sites less accessible by public transport and the leisure centre likely to be the major trip generator.

services should be a strong consideration. As many services as possible should be located in the town centre to avoid car use to edge-of-town locations. Edge-of-town site - strong measures would be needed to reduce possibility of major increase in car journeys. Bus frequency in all edge-of-town options should be improved and further provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling routes. Highways improvements and access would be significant. Significance of effects dependant on effectiveness of measures to deal with car use.

7. Climatic Factors

Benefits from provision of new facilities replacing older premises and better public transport accessibility in town centre. A split campus may result in more greenhouse gas emissions than one single campus, but minor positive effects overall compared to current situation.

LT R B L +/? Town centre site – the option of locating some facilities in the town centre will reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with car use due to accessibility to public transport. Edge-of-town site - provision of a new leisure centre replacing older, less energy efficient buildings (Christie Miller, Blue Pool etc.) will lead to a reduction in climate change impacts overall compared with current situation. Significant opportunities exist (depending on location) to link in with adjacent industrial and residential areas and school campus in the generation of low carbon heat and electricity, such as CHP.

Strong measures promoting public transport, walking and cycling to mitigate against car use. New facilities, especially the leisure centre, will be high energy users and possibilities for low/zero carbon energy and heat production, including on-site renewables, should be investigated. Potential for development of CHP linking in with residential/industrial areas and new school campus should also be investigated. Campuses should meet high BREEAM standards for energy efficiency. Possible that one single campus may produce less greenhouse gas emissions than two separate campuses.

8. Historic Town centre site – some potential adverse

LT R A L -/? Town centre site – there are a large number of listed buildings in the town

Town centre site – careful consideration should be given to the design and location

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Nature of effects

T R S L Sig


Environment effects regarding listed buildings and the conservation area, depending on design and location of campus. Edge-of-town site – No significant effects.

centre, concentrated on the High St, Bank St, Church Walk and Church St. There is a small conservation area in the north west of the town centre. Potential for new buildings to adversely affect the setting of these buildings depending on design and location. There are no other heritage designations in the town centre. Edge-of-town site – there are no area designations in proximity to any of the edge-of-town sites. A campus can be located to avoid impacts on the few listed buildings.

of a campus building so as not to adversely affect the conservation area and many listed buildings. It is possible that the area could be enhanced through sensitive design and make sensitive re-use of an existing listed building. It may be appropriate to locate a campus away from the conservation area. An archaeological survey may be required. Edge-of-town site - an archaeological survey may be required in all locations. Campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding area.


Town centre site – potential adverse effects on conservation area depending on design and location of campus. Edge-of-town site – very few landscape constraints depending on design and location of campus.

LT I A L -/? Town centre site – no landscape designations in this area but development could adversely affect the character of the conservation area and setting of listed buildings. Edge-of-town site – limited landscape constraints on all edge-of-town sites but a campus should be sensitive to the rural location and if possible be located next to the existing residential areas.

Town centre site – campus design should positively enhance the character of the town centre and any areas of recreational open space should be protected. Edge-of-town site – campus design should be in keeping with the surrounding rural area and any development should aid in the delivery of a GI network linking the urban and rural area.





Benefits for encouraging participation in sport,

LT R A L ++ Town centre site – significant benefits if new healthcare facilities are located in the town centre due to increased accessibility

Town centre site – the more services and facilities located in the town centre the better. Safe and convenient access to public

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Nature of effects

T R S L Sig


recreation and physical activity. Improved provision of healthcare facilities. Significant benefits envisaged.

to a greater number of people. Edge-of-town site – new sport and recreation facilities in Melksham will help increase active lifestyles and tackle issues such as obesity and health inequalities. Some concerns about accessibility of edge-of-town sites for people who don’t have access to a car and are reliant on public transport.

transport hubs and walking/cycling routes will be required. Edge-of-town site - significant effects are likely if there is increased accessibility and participation in the services and facilities on offer. Public transport services to any edge-of-town site will need to be significantly increased and there should be consideration of noise and amenity issues for local residents in proximity to a campus.


Increased participation, information provision and social cohesion. Greater benefits overall if greater range of services offered from town centre location.

MT R A L +/? New campus facilities offering a range of services and facilities will help improve social cohesion. Improved communication of information may also help improve social inclusion through an increased sense of belonging to Melksham and opportunities to meet new people. Accessibility is likely to be greater to significantly more people if more services offered from town centre location.

Town centre site – greater accessibility to a wider number of people is possible through a town centre site, especially to those reliant on public transport. Edge-of-town site - public transport to these locations would need to be significantly improved so as to increase accessibility by those who do not have a car. A campus facility unlikely to have significant effect on poverty and deprivation levels in Melksham, although improved access to information on council services, benefits etc will have benefits for people. Accessibility to the campus should be available to people from all social and ethnic backgrounds.


Benefits from provision of new facilities. Greater accessibility and therefore involvement if more

MT R A L ++/?

Town centre site – significant benefits due to greater public transport accessibility and availability. Edge-of-town site – significant benefits likely from provision of new facilities on

Any benefits will be significantly increased if more services/facilities are located in a town centre location. People will feel able to be more actively involved if accessible by more frequent public transport services. This will

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Nature of effects

T R S L Sig


services/facilities located in town centre.

one or two separate campuses. More people are likely to participate if some services offered through a town centre location.

also indirectly benefit other town centre leisure, community and retail facilities and aid in urban regeneration.


Town centre site – greater benefits due to better accessibility. Edge-of-town site – significant benefits but greater provision through town centre location should be considered.

LT R C L +/? Town centre site – greater access and information to learning and skills will result if made accessible to a wider number of people. More accessibility through a town centre location. Edge-of-town site – a new leisure facility will have few impacts against this objective. Some benefits if leisure centre located next to new school campus.

Strong links should exist between the campus and new school campus to enhance learning and skills in the town. Provision of new library may be better located within the town centre where there would be greater accessibility to a wider number of people. If one campus is to be provided, this objective may be best met through locating the campus next to the new school campus.

15. Transport Town centre site – less impacts due to greater public transport accessibility. Edge-of-town site – significant increase in car journeys with less public transport accessibility.

MT R A L +/? Town centre site – the town centre contains several bus services/connections and a train station (limited service) within walking distance. A campus located here will increase accessibility for a greater number of people, and reduce car journeys to edge-of-town sites. Edge-of-town site – would not benefit from the same level of public transport accessibility. Location of campus at options 3 or 4 would allow access to existing bus services and adequate infrastructure.

In order to take advantage of better public transport linkages in the town centre, as many services/facilities as possible should be located there. It is recognised that many people will still wish to access a campus by private car and therefore existing public transport, walking and cycling routes should be improved to avoid town centre traffic congestion.

16. Economy Town centre site – likely to benefit town centre regeneration and viability of existing businesses. Edge-of-town site -

LT R A L ++/?

Town centre site – it is a priority of the council to aid the regeneration of Melksham town centre. Identified as a key issue in planning consultation. Retaining some services and facilities in the town centre will aid this regeneration.

It is important that a new campus does not hinder town centre regeneration. Retaining some well used facilities such as the library (a new facility is likely to be better used) in the town centre will help attract people who will make use of other town centre

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Nature of effects

T R S L Sig


new leisure facility may increase employment directly and indirectly by attracting people to Melksham and increasing viability of local businesses.

Edge-of-town site – it is recognised that a new leisure centre and swimming pool is unlikely to be situated in the town centre due to its size. A new leisure centre and pool may attract people from outside Melksham and increase participation among local residents, which will benefit the local economy.

businesses. Further research required to assess any potential impacts. An edge-of-town leisure centre should have strong links by public transport to the town centre. A site that can benefit from existing public transport services, such as option 3, would be preferable.

17. Employment

Town centre site – likely to benefit town centre regeneration and viability of existing businesses, thereby retaining jobs in Melksham. Edge-of-town site – may adversely affect viability of town centre but potential for redevelopment of sites for employment use.

LT R A L ++/?

Town centre site – town centre regeneration is a priority and businesses and jobs should be retained and made more viable. Retaining more services and facilities in the town centre will help boost the number of jobs by increasing footfall in the centre, thereby increasing vitality and viability. Edge-of-town site – could hinder regeneration and cause job losses indirectly in the medium/long term. Relocation of leisure facilities would allow Christie Miller, running track and golf course sites to be redeveloped for employment use, helping to regenerate Bowerhill industrial estate.

Town centre site – some services and facilities should be retained in the town centre, including the library, healthcare facilities and information point. Further research is needed on the effects of a campus on town centre regeneration and job creation/losses. Edge-of-town site - an edge-of-town leisure centre should have strong links by public transport to the town centre. A site that can benefit from existing public transport services, such as option 3, would be preferable. Further research required to assess any potential impacts.

Option 5 summary Environmental – there are few environmental constraints in this area. Development should avoid impacts on the river Avon and Conigre Mead nature reserve, avoid areas of flood risk adjacent to the river Avon and be sensitive to the heritage importance of the town centre conservation area. Social – provision of new facilities in the town centre will increase accessibility to a range of services and information and help increase viability of town centre businesses. New leisure facilities may increase participation in healthy recreation and help attract people into the town. Economic – significant benefits for the local economy through a better likelihood of town centre regeneration, making local businesses more viable through increased footfall and therefore protecting jobs.

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Appendix 3 – Melksham flood constraints map

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