Environment DPDIssues and Options Consultation (31 January to 14 March 2011)

John Dixon

Spatial Planning Officer

The LDF

Environment DPD?

The Environment DPD is a key document, which will provide site-specific designations and guidance regarding the natural, historic and rural environment; adding more detail to the strategic policies, set out in the Core Strategy.

Issues and Options is the first stage of the consultation process.

• details issues affecting the natural, historic and rural environment of the Borough

• invites the public and stakeholders to make comments on which options they feel are most appropriate for dealing with these issues.

Content

Overarching approach to delivering green infrastructure and mitigating against and adapting to the affects of climate change.

THEME 1: Natural Environment – planning policies on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment

THEME 2: Historic Environment – policies on the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement, of the historic environment and heritage assets within the Borough.

THEME 3: Rural Environment – policies on rural character and diversification

THEME 4: Urban Open Space – policies on the strategic management of green spaces throughout the Borough

Overarching Approach: Green Infrastructure & Climate Change

Theme 1: Natural Environment

Protection and enhancement of sites

• Which sites?• What policy?• RSPB Salthome• Locations for the creation of new habitats• Ensuring development does not impact upon air and water quality

Theme 2: Historic Environment

Conservation and enhancement of the historic environment and heritage assets

• Designated Heritage Assets• Non-designated Assets• Route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (including its Yarm Branch)

• Historic Landscape Characterisation

Article 4 directions

Theme 3: Rural Environment

Managing development in the countryside

• Conversion and re-use of buildings• Replacement of buildings• Farm Diversification• Equine enterprises• Landscape Character Assessment and Capacity Study

Protection of the best and most versatile agricultural land

Theme 4: Urban Open Space

Identification of:

• provision to be protected• provision to be enhanced• areas in which new provision is required• opportunities for relocating provision

Consultation Period

The 6-week period is from 31 January to 14 March 2011

Document will be available at the following locations:

• Council Website• Libraries• Planning reception