NATURAL RESOURCES
Natural Resources Aim
6.1 The key aim of the Local Plan in relation to Natural Resources is:
“to safeguard natural resources and to promote recycling and energy saving.”
6.2 To further this aim, the Natural Resources objectives of the Local Plan are:
Objective
21: Recycling
To encourage
the re-use, collection, processing and storage of recyclable materials.
Objective
22: Energy Efficiency
To promote initiatives
in development, transport and building design that will reduce the consumption
of finite fuels, minerals and water and encourage a shift towards renewable
energy resources.
Objective
23: Pollution
To minimise pollution arising
from new development and to ensure that development which has the potential
to adversely affect the environment is located away from sensitive areas and
land uses.
Objective 24: Air Quality
To maximise air quality
standards through encouraging the development of beneficial land use activities
and preventing development that will unduly impact on air quality.
Objective 25: Water Resources
To ensure that new development proposals do not have an adverse
impact on the quality and quantity of groundwater and surface water reserves
and encourage proposals that will have a beneficial impact.
Objective 26: Land Drainage
To ensure that new development
proposals do not have an adverse impact on land drainage and flood plains.
Objective 27: Land
To make the best use of land.
Introduction
6.3 The effective protection of the environment and the prudent use of natural resources are two of the key objectives of the Government's approach to sustainable development. Whilst the influence of land use planning on the consumption of natural resources is limited, it has a vital role in the protection of the local environment and can contribute to the achievement of wider environmental protection goals.
6.4 A number of policies relating to the protection of natural resources are included in the Design chapter of the Local Plan, reflecting the importance of considering such issues as an integral part of the design process for developments. Energy conservation, water conservation and future recycling issues are covered under Policy D.6 (Resources). Issues relating to the recycling of existing on-site materials are covered by Policy D.8 (Materials recycling).
6.5 Other policies in the Plan in the Housing and Transport Sections, seek to make a contribution to reducing energy consumption through, for example, reducing the need to travel, and supporting more sustainable forms of movement.
Land Resources
6.6 In a relatively densely settled Country such as England, land is regarded as an important and essentially fixed asset. With the urbanisation of the Country during the 19th/20th Centuries, followed by pressures for suburban growth facilitated particularly since the Second World War by the growth in car ownership and use, substantial tracts of land have been developed.
6.7 Concerns over the long term sustainability of such an approach continuing, have led to the Government to adopt a policy to seek to re-use previously developed land wherever possible. Such an approach is considered beneficial not only from the point of view of conserving undeveloped land, but also ensuring that the renewal of older urban areas and sites that have reached the end of the economic life can be achieved, either by way of recycling the buildings or the land. This approach is reflected in the Worcestershire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 Policy SD.3 (Use of Previously Developed Land).
6.8 Within Wyre Forest District, the process of recycling previously developed or brownfield land and buildings has been ongoing during the last 15 years, with major sites such as Stourport-on-Severn Power Station, Rushock Trading Estate, Stourvale Works, Kidderminster, together with several former carpet factory sites, recycled for a variety of uses. Numerous other smaller scale sites have also been recycled during this period.
6.9 Having regard to the age profile of the existing development within the District, it is reasonable to assume that opportunities to recycle previously developed land will continue during the Plan period and beyond.
6.10 In order to maintain the impetus for such recycling to continue and to prevent the unnecessary loss of undeveloped or greenfield land, Policy NR.1 will be applied to all built development proposals, with the exception of agricultural development, or where the proposals are related to an outdoor use or activity.
6.11 Where it is necessary to utilise greenfield agricultural land, the provisions of Policy AG.1 will apply.
Development of Greenfield Land
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Policy NR.1 Proposals for built development on greenfield land will normally only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there are no suitable previously developed (brownfield) sites available. |
Contaminated Land
6.12 The District Council has produced a Contamination Land Inspection Strategy in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part 11A (as amended). The Strategy sets out the Council's proposed strategic approach to a five year inspection programme which will commence with Kidderminster followed by the other towns and villages. As well as producing a register of contaminated land, the programme will prioritise identified sites for further action based on a risk assessment approach.
6.13 One of the principal aims of the Strategy is to aid the effective re-development of land within the District. In the past, most contaminated land issues that have arisen on development sites have been dealt with as part of the planning process. Although the new Inspection Regime will undoubtedly lead to additional sites being identified and addressed, it is anticipated that planning controls will remain the primary mechanism for dealing with the redevelopment of contaminated land sites.
6.14 Accordingly, any proposals for development of land where contamination is known to exist or is suspected, must normally be accompanied by a detailed survey giving information on the extent of the contamination and what remedial action is necessary to facilitate its safe development. Where there is only a suspicion that the site might be contaminated, or where the evidence suggests that there may be only slight contamination, permission may be granted subject to a condition requiring the carrying out of a survey prior to the commencement of development, with any necessary remediation works to be implemented as part of the development.
6.15 The disturbance of contaminated land can mobilise pollutants and either cause first time pollution or worsen existing problems. Leaching and drainage from contaminated land sites can pose serious risks of major pollution to both rivers and groundwater resources, which can be exacerbated by disturbance through development. It is therefore important that the Environment Agency are contacted at the earliest possible opportunity when drawing up proposals for contaminated land.
Contaminated Land
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Policy NR.2 Applications for the development of land where contamination is known to exist or is suspected must normally be accompanied by a detailed survey identifying existing ground conditions and the remedial measures required to ensure safe development. Development will not be allowed where it will either cause or increase pollution of watercourses and groundwater resources, or where the fundamental ground conditions render a site unsuitable for the development proposed. |
| Where
remedial measures are required, any planning permission will be subject
to either conditions or a Planning Obligation setting out the action
to be carried out and the method of implementation. Developers will be required to confirm that the agreed remedial measures have been carried out. |
Development Adjacent to Landfill Sites
6.16 There are a number of former landfill sites within the District, which have been used for waste disposal. There is the potential for some of these sites to produce landfill derived gas which could give rise to health and safety considerations in relation to any proposals nearby for sensitive developments such as housing.
6.17 The District Council currently consults with the Environment Agency on proposals within 250 metres of a notified former landfill site and will continue to have regard to the advice received in determining applications.
Development Adjacent to Landfill Sites
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Policy NR.3 Proposals for development adjacent to landfill sites will only be permitted where it is demonstrated that there will be no risk to the safety of future occupiers of the development. |
Land Stability
6.18 Advice regarding Development on Unstable Land is set out in PPG14 and Annex 1 relating to Landslides. Fortunately, Wyre Forest District does not have a history of extensive underground mine workings. Open cast coal mining was undertaken in the west and north-western parts of the District and could give rise to ground condition problems for development in certain circumstances.
6.19 In a number of locations within the District's three towns, steep slopes and significant changes in levels occur. In Bewdley on the western Severn Valley slope there has been a history of minor ground stability issues. There are also small pockets of made-up ground within the existing urban areas.
6.20 In order to ensure the future safety and wellbeing of future users of developments and adjacent land, any proposals for built development must ensure that the fundamental ground conditions are suitable.
6.21 Proposals in areas of suspected slope instability or where it is suspected that there is made-up ground must be accompanied by appropriate supporting information that shows that the issue of land stability can be satisfactorily addressed.
Land Stability
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Policy NR.4 Development in areas of suspected ground instability or potential instability will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the site is stable or can be made so for the expected lifetime of the development, and that the development is unlikely to trigger landsliding or subsidence within or beyond the boundaries of the site. |
Land Drainage
6.22 Land Drainage issues are of considerable importance within the District with the rivers Severn and Stour each flowing through two of the District's three main towns. Both of these rivers are subject to periodic flooding. The principal cause of this flooding is excessive rainfall or snowmelt within a limited period, which overwhelms the drainage capacity of land. Climatic change is predicted to lead to increased intensity and duration of rainfall in the winter which could lead to an increase in the frequency of flooding events.
6.23 Floodplains provide naturally for the storage of floodwater. Any development within them that reduces the capacity of that storage facility or impedes the flow of water will increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
6.24 As a general principle new development should avoid areas liable to flooding in order to ensure that the development itself is not at risk from flooding, that other areas as a consequence are not exposed to similar risks endangering life and property, and that there is no risk of pollution of the watercourse during times of flood.
6.25 In response to the increased frequency and severity of flooding events in recent years, the Government has issued a new Planning Policy Guidance Note (No. 25) on Development and Flood Risk. This seeks to reflect the increased importance that needs to be attached to these issues both nationally and locally in view of the recent serious flooding that has occurred along the River Severn.
6.26 As part of the collection and dissemination of information relating to flooding, the Environment Agency has published Indicative Floodplain maps. These give, for the District, an indication of the area, which could be affected by flood events on main rivers, based on 1% annual probability. Indicative areas relating to the Rivers Severn and Stour are shown on the Proposals Map. Details of other indicative floodplain areas around other main rivers such as Blakedown Brook and Hoo Brook, may be obtained from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk). It is important to recognise that these areas are only indicative and make no allowance for possible future increases arising from climate changes and may be subject to future revisions. The latest information can be obtained from the Environment Agency. Within the near future, the Environment Agency is expected to produce and publish maps indicating the outer flood area showing the likely extent of extreme floods with a 0.1% annual probability or less of occurrence.
6.27 As part of the Environment Agency's response to recent flooding events, a strategic study of the River Severn and flood protection options is being undertaken. For the River Stour in Kidderminster, a scheme to provide improved flood defences for the town centre and Crossley Park area has been approved and is expected to be implemented shortly.
River Stour, rear of Mill
Street, Kidderminster
6.28 Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 "Development and Flood Risk", introduces the precautionary principle as the approach to development in potential flood risk areas.
6.29 In addition PPG25 introduces the concept of a flood risk assessment being needed for sites potentially at risk from flooding or with possible surface water disposal problems. These should be produced prior to the submission of any planning application. The Environment Agency will give guidance on the need for and scope of any such assessments. Developers should note that where a flood risk assessment is not provided or is inadequate, that it may be considered as a reason for refusal of a planning application. Developments considered to be at higher risk e.g. hospitals, fire stations and emergency depots will need to have a flood risk assessment carried out if they are within the 0.1% probability floodplain.
6.30 Sites coming forward for development will be examined using a sequential test and risk based approach as set out in PPG25 (Paragraph 30 and Table 1).
6.31 One of the factors that has contributed to increased flood risks has been the expansion of built development and hard surfaced areas which has given rise to an increase in surface water run off leading to increased flow rates in streams and rivers. In order to reduce the risk from run off, developments should adopt Sustainable Drainage Systems and Policy D.7 sets out the relevant requirements.
Floodplains
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Policy NR.5 The precautionary principle will be applied to matters of flood risk. All proposals for development within the 1% annual probability floodplain or deemed to have an impact upon it, are required to provide a flood risk assessment. Sites for development within the 1% annual probability floodplain should have regard to the sequential test. Proposals will not normally be permitted in areas which are at risk of flooding or where other areas would be put at risk. Residential development isolated by a 1% annual probability flood must have secure pedestrian access. |
6.32 The need for access to all significant watercourses for maintenance works is an important requirement for the Environment Agency in order to ensure capacity is maintained , flood risks minimised and to protect and conserve nature conservation interests. Normally at least 8 metres on main rivers and 5 metres on other watercourses on each side of the watercourse will be required for maintenance and nature conservation reasons. The opening up of culverts can bring benefits for the alleviation of flooding, water quality and nature conservation and will be sought where feasible.
Development adjacent to Watercourses
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Policy NR.6 Development proposals adjacent to main rivers and other watercourses must ensure that suitable access is provided for maintenance. Proposals should also seek to:
Proposals involving the creation of new culverts will not be allowed. |
Groundwater Resource Protection
6.33 Groundwater resources are a vital component of the potable water supplies for the District. The Environment Agency has a duty under the Water Resources Act 1991 to monitor and protect the quality of groundwater and conserve its use for water resources. The Agency's approach to groundwater protection is set out in their document 'Policy and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater' (1998). This refers to the classification of the resources (major, minor or non-aquifer) and the designation of source protection zones around the catchments to public water supplies.
6.34 A large part of the District (including the town of Kidderminster) is underlain by the Sherwood Sandstone major aquifer and a substantial portion of this falls within the Source Protection Zones reflecting the presence of public water supply boreholes. The groundwater resource is particularly vulnerable around such borehole supplies to the effects of pollution and once polluted can be very difficult to rehabilitate. Pollution can take the form of a particular discharge or activity at a certain location or can be in the form of a diffuse long-term process. Redevelopment of industrial land, which has the potential to be contaminated, can also give rise to pollution concerns.
6.35 Land use planning has an important role to play in preventing developments, which would pose an unacceptable risk to local groundwater supplies. The District Council will have regard to the Environment Agency's 'Policy and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater' in determining applications.
Groundwater Resources
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Policy NR.7 Development which could pollute groundwater resources or prejudice the future use of those resources will not be permitted unless suitable mitigation measures are included as part of the proposals. |
Water Supply
6.36 Much of the public water supply for the District comes from groundwater abstraction. These groundwater reserves have no scope for further abstraction. Indeed, in parts of the District the Environment Agency is working with the water companies and other abstractors in order to reduce abstraction to sustainable rates and avoid long term adverse impact on wetlands and landscape and nature conservation interests.
6.37 Whilst overall within the West Midlands area there is sufficient available water resources, comprising rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources linked by the integrated distribution networks, it is important that major developments have regard to the provision of a sustainable supply of water. This will ensure that new demands can be met without detriment to the environment or to the supplies of existing consumers.
Water Supply
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Policy NR.8 Development will only be permitted where the existing water resources will not be compromised and where adequate water resources either already exist or will be provided in time to serve the development, without having an adverse impact on existing uses or sites of nature conservation importance. |
Foul Sewage Disposal
6.38 The Environment Agency seeks to ensure that the most environmentally effective means of disposal of foul sewage, contaminated surface water and trade effluents is used for any development. Wherever possible, sewage and trade effluents should be disposed of via a recognised water reclamation facility where capacity exists.
6.39 Where it is not feasible to connect to mains sewerage, any proposals should include a suitable package sewage treatment plant. If such a solution is not appropriate, then any proposals incorporating septic tanks must demonstrate that there will be no adverse impacts on the environment amenity and public health. In considering any proposals the Council will have regard to the advice in Circular 3/99, which requires details of any septic tanks to be submitted with an application.
Sewage Disposal
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Policy NR.9 All development must make satisfactory arrangements for foul sewage disposal. Proposals that do not make such arrangements will be refused. Where it is practicable to connect sites to existing main sewerage, development incorporating individual sewage treatment facilities will not be permitted. Where increased sewerage or sewage treatment capacity is required, development will not be allowed to be occupied in advance of completion of the improved facilities. |
Air Quality
6.40 Clean air is an essential component of a sustainable and healthy living environment. The Government in 1997 published a National Air Quality Strategy and a raft of guidance on 'Local Air Quality Management' for Local Authorities under the Environment Act 1995. The guidance confirmed that the land use planning system has an integral role to play in improving air quality.
6.41 The starting point for Local Authorities was the review and assessment of air quality in the local area. This was undertaken for the District and an Air Quality Management Study report was published in March 1998. This sought to identify those pollutants of particular concern for the District and to assess whether air quality objectives and standards were being met. Whilst the Study identified a number of local sources of pollutant emissions arising from industrial activities, the major local impacts on air quality were found to result from road traffic.
6.42 Pollution arising from road traffic emissions is predicted to decline over the next five years through exhaust system improvements to vehicles, although this could in part be negated by the continuing growth in road traffic volumes.
6.43 The Study identified several sites in the District (including A451 Stourport Road and the Horsefair, Kidderminster, and Welch Gate, Bewdley) where nitrogen dioxide levels exceeded national objectives and the District is now the subject of further, more detailed, monitoring and assessment.
6.44 Two Air Quality Management Areas have, been designated at Welch Gate, Bewdley and Horsefair, Kidderminster.
6.45 The issue of the impact of road traffic emissions has been considered as part of the Worcestershire Local Transport Plan and the concerns about the impact of high levels of traffic within the historic centres of Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley and the main radial routes in Kidderminster is acknowledged.
6.46 Policies within the housing and transport sections of the Local Plan are designed to reduce the need to travel by car and will, if successful, make a limited contribution to reducing the volume of traffic and hence emissions within the District. A specific policy (TR.13) to improve traffic conditions within the Horsefair area of Kidderminster may also assist in improving local air quality. Similarly, proposals for bus priority measures along Stourport Road could indirectly improve air quality through modal transfer.
6.47 With regard to Bewdley, there are no major housing sites proposed to the west of the town centre which could give rise to increased traffic levels in Welch Gate.
6.48 Aside from traffic emissions, specific development proposals can give rise to the release of harmful pollutants. Although, in certain instances proposed processes may be subject to control under non-planning legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act 1990, they may still be material to the determination of planning applications depending upon the impact on land uses and amenity. It is important to consider the impact of a development on local air quality arising from both the operational characteristics of the development and the associated traffic generation.
Air Quality
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Policy NR.10 Development proposals which will or could potentially give rise to air pollution will not normally be permitted unless adequate mitigation measures are included to ensure that any emissions will not cause harm to land use, including the effects on health and the natural and built environment. |
Noise Pollution
6.49 Noise can be considered a form of pollution which may have a significant effect on the environment, and on the quality of life enjoyed by people and communities. The impact of noise is a material consideration within the planning decision process and can involve detailed and highly technical assessments.
6.50 Detailed advice on Planning and Noise is given in Planning Policy Guidance Note No. 24 and the District Council will have regard to this advice where appropriate, in determining planning applications.
6.51 Significant noise levels can arise from major transport infrastructure such as roads and rail, industrial development, certain sports and leisure activities, as well as evening commercial leisure, and catering activities such as night-clubs, discos and fast food outlets.
6.52 An effective way to minimise adverse impact from noise emissions is to ensure that noise sensitive uses such as residential development, care homes, hotels, hospitals and schools are not located adjacent to significant noise sources. Similarly, it is important to protect existing sensitive uses from any new potentially significant noise sources. In certain instances, it may be possible to include suitable attenuation measures to reduce either the emission of noise at source or its impact on people within sensitive use buildings.
6.53 Parts of the rural areas of the District enjoy relative tranquillity with low levels of background noise. Many of these areas, including the Wyre Forest, are popular with visitors for quiet, outdoor recreational enjoyment and are very susceptible to noise intrusion. Also within the rural areas there are a substantial number of areas of importance to nature conservation where increased noise levels could have adverse impacts.
Noise Pollution
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Policy NR.11 Proposals for development that are likely to generate an adverse degree of disturbance from noise to nearby sensitive locations, uses or activities, will not be permitted unless the noise emitted from the development can be reduced to an accepted level through appropriate attenuation or other measures. Where noise sensitive uses are proposed near existing significant noise sources, these will only be permitted where the impact of the noise on the development would be reduced to an acceptable level through appropriate attenuation or other measures. |
Light Pollution
6.54 Properly designed and installed outdoor lighting can perform many useful functions improving security, access, safety and permitting evening outdoor sports activities. There has been a steady growth in outdoor lighting with the growth in economic activity and a move towards a more '24 hour' society.
6.55 With this growth has arisen greater public awareness that poorly designed and badly aimed lighting may have adverse effects both at the local environment level and also cumulatively across wider areas. Glare from bright or poorly aimed lights can cause dazzle with safety implications for motorists and other road users. Light spill can impinge directly on residential dwellings destroying the sense of privacy and interfering with people's ability to sleep. In the wider context there has been a gradual growth in the sky glow effect around towns and other settlements leading to a reduction in dark sky areas. This has had an urbanising effect on the parts of the rural areas of the District changing the night time character of these areas. Astronomers have also raised concerns regarding the increasing difficulty to observe the night sky as a result of light pollution.
6.56 In addition to impacts on human activity, light pollution can also impact on wildlife and as a general principle, a precautionary approach to mitigation of lighting impacts should be followed near sites of high nature conservation importance or populations of protected species.
6.57 Whilst many domestic outdoor lighting installations may not require specific planning consent, lighting schemes for commercial developments and outdoor sports will normally require approval and the District Council will seek to ensure that adverse impacts are prevented or minimised.
6.58 In order to allow the proper assessment of proposals, planning applications must be accompanied by details of the light source including lantern details and a plan showing the lux spread around the light source in relation to the application site, adjoining land and buildings.
Light Pollution
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Policy NR.12 Proposals for development involving or likely to require external lighting shall include details of the lighting schemes which will be expected to demonstrate that:
Schemes involving lighting which are considered harmful to sensitive environments will be refused. |
High Voltage Power Lines
6.59 In view of the public concern regarding the possible adverse health effects arising from high voltage overhead power lines and associated electromagnetic fields, the District Council in considering development proposals in close proximity to such lines, will have regard to the most up to date advice published by the NRPB.
6.60 Any proposals for buildings or other structures directly beneath overhead high voltage power lines will need to demonstrate that they would not be prejudicial to the safety clearances and maintenance of such transmission lines. Advice on this issue will be sought from the National Grid Company.
Development adjacent to High Voltage Overhead Power Lines
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Policy NR.13 In determining proposals for development in close proximity to high voltage overhead power lines or electricity sub-stations, regard will be had to the environmental impact of the transmission line or sub-station, on the proposed development. Proposals for development beneath high voltage overhead power lines which would interfere with the safety clearances or operational maintenance of the transmission lines will not be allowed. |
Development Adjacent to Hazardous Establishments
6.61 Under the Development Plan Regulations, Local Planning Authorities are under a specific requirement to have regard to the need in the long term, to maintain appropriate distances between establishments and residential areas, areas of public use and areas of particular sensitivity or interest.
6.62 There are a number of existing hazardous installations within the District where quantities of dangerous substances are present. A system of Hazardous Substance consent controls exist to ensure that an assessment of the risk of an accident occurring and its consequences for people in the surrounding area and for the environment are properly considered. Policy E.7 deals with developments that require planning consent and involve hazardous substances. It will also be a material consideration in any separate Hazardous Substances consent application.
6.63 In addition to hazardous installations, other potentially dangerous sites within the District include, high-pressure gas pipelines and the ROXEL premises at Summerfield. Regard has been had to these sites when drawing up site-specific proposals within the Local Plan.
6.64
Where proposals for development come forward adjacent to any of these establishments
or pipelines, the District Council will consult with the Health and Safety
Executive and have regard to their advice in determining whether the future
users of the development would be likely to be exposed to unacceptable risks.
Development Adjacent to Hazardous Establishments
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Policy NR.14 Development near a hazardous establishment or pipeline will only be permitted if the safety of the future users or occupiers of the development will not be subject to an unacceptable risk arising from an accident involving the establishment or pipeline. |
Recycling Facilities
6.65 The recycling of various waste products is environmentally beneficial, can be profitable and is being increasingly seen as desirable by individuals and companies alike. In Wyre Forest District the desire to recycle waste has been manifested in the collection of recyclable products in specific places where people can go to deposit their waste. Most notably such collection points are bottle banks, can banks and paper banks. Other items are also collected for recycling at the Hoobrook Household Waste Site in Kidderminster, and the Bonemill Household Waste Site in Stourport-on-Severn.
6.66 Collection points for recyclable goods have several planning implications,
such as the effects of air or water pollution, the potential for smell or
noise to affect the environment and neighbouring uses; and visual and traffic
impacts.
6.67 Recycling facilities should be well located, for easy access and to encourage their use. Collection points must be well designed to prevent pollution, and to ensure that materials are kept within the containers. They should present a tidy appearance to the surrounding area.
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Policy NR.15 Proposals for the provision of recycling facilities must: i) be well related to residential areas or located at easily accessible sites; ii) not have an adverse impact on surrounding land uses (especially residential properties). Proposals for local community recycling schemes should be considered as part of new proposals for residential and commercial development. |